The Wessex Wire (February 2014)

The Wessex Wire The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School

Vol. XLVI No. 4

West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, N.J.

Academic titles named for Class of 2014 Municipal Youth Guidance Group.

“I thought it would be really cool to have this recognition since I don’t play Seniors Emily D’Elia and Dan Kenny sports. Academics have always been my were named Valedictorian and Saluta- thing,” D’Elia said. torian, respectively, for the West Essex D’Elia will be attending the University of Pennsylvania as an engineering major Class of 2014.

During her junior year, D’Elia was the in the fall.

University of Pennsylvania book award “I know the academics [at college] will recipient. She was a ShopRite Star for be of a different caliber, but I am excited for the challenge,” she said. academics earlier in her senior year.

Throughout high school, she took 10 D’Elia would advise future students Advanced Placement classes and has to never give up on their goals. She also reminds students that it is important to earned a 4.89 GPA. “I am really happy and honored to able relax, see friends and not dwell on school work during the weekends. to represent our class,” D’Elia said.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Blanchard In addition to academics, D’Elia is “Don’t push yourself too hard but also involved in several extra curricular never give up because you never know activities. She is president of the Key until you try. If you work hard it will Club, plays the violin in the Chamber show,” D’Elia said.

Orchestra and is a part of the Roseland Senior Dan Kenny was given the title

by Andie Silverstein ’14 and Monica Onorata ’15

Photo by Andie Silverstein Seniors Dan Kenny and Emily D’Elia each have achieved high academic recognition after being named Salutatorian and Valedictorian, respectively.

of Salutatorian.

“It feels so rewarding that all my hard work has paid off. It was a really nice surprise because I really did not see it

coming. It is bittersweet though because I know others worked really hard and wanted it,” Kenny said.

SEE ACADEMIC TITLES PAGE 2

Middle school principal Mr. Montgomery to retire in April Upcoming

by Monica Krup ’14

Middle school principal David Montgomery is retiring on April 30 after working 27 years as a history teacher, five years as an assistant principal and the past eight years as middle school principal.

“It’s time, but I would love to stay,” Mr. Montgomery said.

Mr. Montgomery came to West Essex in 1974 at the age of 21 to be a high school Social Studies teacher and ended up staying for his entire career. He taught every available history course at the high school, including U.S. History, Macroeconomics and Sociology. He is also responsible for creating the Constitutional Law class offered at the high school. Some of his favorite memories include teaching throughout historic events like the 1979 Iranian hostage situation. Mr. Montgomery coached winter track and football during his time at West Essex; he also served as the assistant head coach for spring track.

“Mr. Montgomery is a great example of what it means to be a teacher. In every role he has been in, he has always been a

Inside This Issue:

6-8

Features

teacher, mentor and role model for the young people in his community. He will be missed,” former student of Mr. Montgomery and current history teacher Mr. Freda said.

“What I liked about him was that he always knew how to reassure me that my academics were not worth stressing over, and was more than helpful during my transition to middle school and my transition from there to the senior high,” sophomore Ryan Applewhite said.

“He always motivated us to pursue academics by telling a story about how students could graduate from school and work at the steel mill down the street

Mr. West Essex preview

Photo courtesy of Felisa Koock Mr. Montgomery discusses the history of the federal government. He was awarded the Outstanding Teachers Award from the University of Chicago in 1985.

9-10

Arts & Culture

when he was in high school. The steel mill is closed now and you can’t get a job without going to college, so he showed us the importance of higher education,” senior Steve Schmidt said.

Mr. Montgomery will be replaced by Supervisor of the Arts, Mr. Vee Popat.

After retiring, Mr. Montgomery plans to reside to his house on the beach in North Carolina and spend time with his family.

“I hope my legacy is genuine, that I cared about my kids and modeled for kids what to expect,” Montgomery said.

Monthly horoscopes, “Beyoncé” album review

Events

Feb. 28: Mr. West Essex March 1: WETech14 March 4-6: HSPAs March 15: Freshman Semi-Formal March 20-22: Spring musical “Guys and Dolls” March 23: Sophomore Tricky Tray March 25: “Music in Our Schools” concert

11-12 Sports

Winter sports review

February 2014

Academic titles

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “I did not expect it at all or have a goal towards it, but I just thought if I worked hard good things would come.

Sophomore year I really started caring and worked harder to get A minuses and not B pluses. I knew Salutatorian was close and that was my motivation.”

Kenny earned a 4.67 cumulative GPA and has taken seven Advanced Placement classes in his high school career.

Aside from school, Kenny is also a three

The Wessex Wire: News sport athlete, having participated in cross country, winter track and spring track. He also has many jobs outside of school.

“I caddy, dog walk, participate in jazz band and started snow removal business with Drew Kessler called the DK Squared,” Kenny said.

Kenny is off to Boston College in the fall where he will attend the Carroll School of Management and will be a part of the honors program at the school, which is only offered to 30-40 students in the incoming freshman class.

Masquers to perform ‘Guys and Dolls’

by Brianna Crummy ’16 The Masquers will perform “Guys and Dolls,” a musical which takes place in New York City during the 1950s. Eager to marry the man of her dreams, Show Girl Adelaide (Katie Aussenheimer ’16) is engaged to Nathan Detroit (Mitchell Epstein ’15). Nathan bets his friend Sky Materson (Cameron Perez ’14) to win over Adelaide’s missionary friend Sarah Brown (Jacquelin Thomas ’16). Sky and Sarah fall in love, but hesitate to marry due to their differing life careers.

“Only being a sophomore I am looking forward to being one of the leads and working with an amazing cast,”Aussenheimer said.

Performances will be held on March 20, 21 and 22 with the show beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee will be held on Saturday afternoon.

Students raise money for Progeria

Biology classes help patient’s family geria Research Foundation in 1999 to find a cause, treatment and cure.

During their unit on genetic diseas- Learning about this disease prompted es, all of Mrs. Careri’s biology classes these students to help a family whose watched the HBO documentary, “Life child suffered a recent death from According to Sam,” a film about a this disease.

“The students really related 15 year old boy named Sam Berns to Sam; watching him try out who was diagnosed with Photo at by 22 Sydelle Barreto for marching band, havProgeria months ing sleepovers with old. According to friends and buildPhoto courtesy of The National Huclassictrucks.com ing Legos,” Mrs. man Genome Careri said.

Research In Mrs. Careri’s stitute, “Proclasses collectgeria is an exed about $100 tremely rare to send into The genetic disProgeria Reease of childsearch Foundahood charaction and they also terized by dram ade homemade matic, premature cards for Sam’s family aging. The condiand friends. tion, which derives “It was a very inspirational its name from ‘geras,’ the Greek word for old age, is estimated movie. It made me feel really appreto affect one in four million newborns ciative for all that I have,” freshman Jaaffar Seddiki said. “It felt good to worldwide.”

Berns was the son of two doctors, help Sam’s family, and I’m glad we and his parents established The Pro- could help his campaign.”

by Amanda Uliano ’14

Page 2

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Freeman Junior tuba player Brian Gieger, junior basoon player Victoria Dominguez and sophomore basoon player Timothy Ruszala qualified for the Region I Band.

Music students qualify for regional ensembles

by Bryan Gallion ’15

Members of the orchestra, band and chorus auditioned to play and sing alongside other high school music students from the surrounding region on Jan. 4. These auditions are a requirement of all Honors music classes to try out for these reigonal groups.

Junior Michael Wang qualified for the North Jersey School Music Association Region I Orchestra for the third year in a row, earning a score of 274 out of a possible 300 points. Wang practiced before and after school on a daily basis to earn the audition’s fourth highest cello score, and he performed on Feb. 9 at Sparta High School.

“I auditioned because I wanted to experience being in a great orchestra and to work with these talented musicians again. It’s nice to know that my hard work paid off in the end,” Wang said.

From the band, junior Victoria Dominguez qualified to play the bassoon in the Symphonic Band, while junior Brian Gieger qualified to play the tuba in the Symphonic Band and sophomore Timothy Ruszala qualified to play the bassoon in the Wind Ensemble. The North Jersey School Music Association Region I Band performances were held on Jan. 26 at Randolph High School.

Freshman Adam Baran also quali-

fied to play the tuba in the NJSMA Junior Region Ninth Grade Band and will perform on March 23 at Sparta High School.

Gieger and Ruszala qualified to play in the New Jersey All-State band. Ruszala placed first out of all the bassoon players and played with the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, while Gieger placed fifth out of all the tuba players and played in the Symphonic Band. Their performances took place on Feb. 22 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Eight members of the chorus qualified to perform with the North Jersey School Music Association Region I Chorus, including seniors Geena Martorana and Cameron Perez; juniors Jenna Cecere, Christina Wan and Jen Kuscin; sophomores Chloe Blottman and Tess Dyer and freshman Elizabeth Schechter. Cecere, Wan, Dyer and Schechter performed with the North Jersey Regional Women’s Chorus, while Martorana, Perez, Kuscin and Blottman performed with the North Jersey Region I Honors Mixed Choir.

“We all tried our hardest in auditions to prove that we have a strong choir and a great choral director, Mrs. Rizzo,” Cecere said.

These singers joined other chorus students from northern New Jersey to perform on Jan. 25 at Morris Knolls High School.

Opinion

February 2014 Issue 4

The Wessex Wire Page 3

Editorial: Senior college visits

Senior year is the only time allotted for students to plan for the future before college. While applying to colleges and searching for jobs, students are continually bombarded by teachers stressing the importance of academic rigor.

Freshmen students enter high school attempting to manage high academic pressures in order to achieve a noteworthy transcript. That academic persistence reaches its peak senior year, and should coincide with an increased number of absences permitted. It is completely understandable for students to take some down time in order to mentally rejuvenate from strenuous work regarding college, AP classes and after school obligations.

Additionally, the administration allows only two absences per senior designated for college visits. However, many of us are applying to far more than two colleges, some as many as 10. Therefore, allocating only two absences is hampering the ability of students to make a final decision without having the opportunity to visit all of the universities to which they have applied. Many students intend on making extensive travel arrangements to visit schools, which may require more absences than expected.

It is far more manageable for the students to be given at least one more excused absence per college.

Seniors have worked hard and should not be so closely monitored as many have already reached adulthood. In culmination with working up to the standards that the school has implemented, students should not have the additional burden of a finite amount of absences.

The Wessex Wire The Official Student Newspaper of West Essex High School

A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Medalist Paper 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258

News Editors Annie Kluger ’14 Bryan Gallion ’15 Features Editors Jen Fabiano ’14 Helena Voltmer ’14

2013-2014 STAFF:

Editors-in-chief Victoria Agrifolio ’14 Nicolette DeVincenzo ’14 Geena Martorana ’14

Arts & Culture Editors Sydelle Barreto ’14 Jackie Gualtieri ’14

Opinion Editors Christine Laible ’14 Alec Molesworth ’14 Junior Editor Ben Lowenthal ’15

Photo Editors Nina Sisco ’14 Kevin Fox ’14

Sports Editors Nicolette Aktas ’14 Anna George ’14

Advertising Editors Jackie Renda ’14 Monica Onorata ’15

Copy Editors Monica Krup ’14 Nicole Lieb ’14

Research Editors Steph Pezzuti ’14 Dom Magliaro ’15

Adviser Ms. Lo

Managing Editor Andie Silverstein ’14 Art Director Sami Silverman ’14 Contributing Staff Bridget Delehanty ’14 Sofia Haramis ’14 Kaitlyn Struss ’14 Noah Eagle ’15 Luke Magliaro ’15 Rose Pezzuti ’15 Jordan Alworth ’16 Brianna Crummy ’16 Patrick Glenn ’16 Cartoonist Juan Gomez ’14 Publicity Editor Amanda Wolfson ’14

Wire Editorial Policy The national award winning Wessex Wire is published with supplemental updates to inform, educate and entertain the approximately 1045 students of West Essex High School, faculty and community. Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial board and do not always reflect the views of the adviser, staff, administration and/or board of education. Signed editorials reflect the view of the person whose name appears in the byline.

The Wire serves as a forum for the expression of ideas and opinions of students, staff and community members. We urge readers to write letters to the editor on pertinent matters of concern. Letters must be signed; however, anonymity will be granted if necessary upon request. Members of the editorial board reserve the right to edit all letters to the editor for length or libelous content.

Students, faculty or members of the community with an interesting experience or strong opinion on any subject are also encouraged to write or contact the Wire at thewessexwire@gmail.com.

Cartoon by Juan Gomez Midterms themselves cause students enough grief without the constant changes in format.

The unbearable stress of midterms

New format is not favorable among students

by Steph Pezzuti ’14

The preparation and overall experience before midterms is one of the most stressful times of the school year. Gathering notes, tests and study guides from the first half of the year and cramming them all into your brain is both nerve wracking and time consuming. The stress on your mind can slowly build as you memorize the information needed to do well.

Then students face the added stress brought by the constant change in the format of the midterm schedule. The schedule has changed from a period by period format into the subject format we see today. Many students double up on elective subjects such as AP Macroeconomics, AP European History and AP Government and Politics, creating schedule conflicts.

Two years ago, the midterm exam days were scheduled by periods. The nine periods were split up into three days consisting of three subjects each.

For each period of the normal day, one would have to attend that session with the rest of his or her class. Teachers were able to proctor their own exams and students had the opportunity to ask the teacher questions. Students were excused from lunch and study periods.

This allowed students to sleep in or leave early and gave them extra time to study during the day when they did not have a midterm assigned during that period.

Last year the system changed. Each main subject was assigned a slot in the three days. Every science class, for example, had a midterm on the same day at the same time. This schedule

makes it much harder for teachers to help and watch over their students. It takes away the lunch periods and does not allow students to leave or come in late. Doubling up on elective subjects becomes an extreme inconvenience with this system. Students are forced to stay later on these days and must talk with the teachers personally to work out a schedule of their own. Students should not be penalized or overwhelmed for doubling up on elective subjects.

“Scheduling is difficult if you double up on a subject. You have to personally talk to the teacher and are left to figure out when to take it on your own,” junior Shannon Bertscha said.

One positive thing about this new system is that it helps to maintain academic integrity. All students are taking their subject exams at the same time. While the old system was still in place, one class could take the midterm and then tell the next class all about it.

“It was an administrative decision based on a higher level of test integrity,” Principal Mr. Suda said.

The system was enforced in order to reduce the number of cheating incidents.

“This system is more challenging to administratively organize, however, we believe it is more efficient,” Mr. Suda said.

The new format has certain advantages but the limitations can easily be seen. Some might yearn for the former schedule instead of this supposedly fairer format. Hopefully this format can decrease the amount of stress forced upon students in not only the short-term but in the long run. Midterms are stressful enough and having the cycle change year to year makes it even more nerve wracking.

February 2014

The Wessex Wire: Opinion

Page 4

Fans welcome in a new format of college football The NCAA makes the sport more fair with the College Football Playoffs

by Dom Magliaro ’15

This year’s college football National Champion, the Florida State Seminoles, is the last team to win the 16-year old Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Starting in the 2014 college football season, the NCAA has decided to change the postseason format to the College Football Playoffs (CFP), replacing Bowl games. The championships will be bid out to different cities each year with the 2015 Championship being played in Arlington, Texas. The 2016 game will be in Glendale, Ariz. and in 2017, Tampa, Fla. will host the championship game. The semifinals, which will be hosted by the Rose and Sugar Bowls on Jan. 1, 2015, will rotate between six BCS Bowls; Rose, Sugar, Orange, Fiesta, Cotton and Chick-fil-A, every year. The other four Bowls will host regular Bowl games as they did in the past.

Changing the postseason format will definitely earn praise from fans. The ben-

efit of changing the postseason format is to allow the “real” champion to be revealed.

Numerous fans dislike seeing teams that they know aren’t really the top contenders

Cartoon by Juan Gomez Fans and players alike will struggle to adjust to the new playoff scheduling next season.

Does it bother you?

but they ended up losing to Michigan State University in the BIG 10 Championship game. Now, with the new four-team playoff postseason, the four top teams in the nation will all have that equal opportunity.

A downside to the new format is that people can’t enjoy the long “Bowl Season” because there won’t be as many postseason games being played. People won’t have the opportunity to travel and watch these games and visit the great venues they have to offer. I personally like the Bowl games more than the CFP, but the playoffs give more of a chance to the “best” team at becoming the champion of college football.

While the new format should prove to be effective, I think it would have been an even better setup if there was an eight game playoff format. The top teams would get the chance to make their way to the championship game, and the fans will receive the longer season that they desire. Regardless of whether it is the Bowl games or the CFP, in the end there will always be a champion.

As told by a ginger who has a soul

by Amanda Wolfson ’14

by Ben Lowenthal ’15

Does it bother you that guys are expected to come up with creative ways to ask out their dates to prom?

I know, we’re not supposed to question the tradition, but it’s getting ridiculous at this point. We men are expected to set up an elaborate process involving flowers, signs, cakes and who knows what else people are using at this point. There are only so many ways to send someone the message “Will you go to prom with me?” and all the cool ways to do it have either been posted online or stolen by that kid in my English class. Coming up with an original idea is really not an easy process.

There are a lot of boxes that need to be checked off when planning a “promposal.” It has to be creative, sweet and thoughtful all at once. Not a simple task to execute.

On top of attempting to become the next Ryan Gosling from “The Notebook,” guys also have to deal with nerves. It’s already difficult enough to ask someone out on a date.

Now make that date for the biggest dance of the year and that’s a whole lot of jitters right there. I think that guys might be more comfortable just running head first into a wall. It takes a lot less planning, and you won’t need to change your underwear after

in the country play for the National Championship. Many people thought that the Ohio State University should have played for the National Championship this year

Photo by Christine Laible Never Indulge Your Accomplices To Inquire.

doing so.

Before my classmates start screaming for my head, you should know: I am not anti-prom. I think it is going to be a lot of fun and I am excited for it. But it is just a party. A “promposal” is just asking someone that you enjoy spending time with if they would like to spend some more time with you at a party with a bunch of your friends.

No balloons or confetti required. It should be simple. Sure, there are things people should do to make it special, but don’t go over the top.

For starters, face to face interaction is always a good thing. Read that line carefully, though. It says “face to face.” That means only two faces.

You don’t need to ask in front of other people. Asking someone to prom can be special without peers seeing it and saying how sweet and creative it is.

And certainly don’t do it in a newspaper article so the entire school can read it, like I’m about to do. Niyati, will you go to prom with me?

For decades upon decades, particular social groups have faced conflict, cruelty and adversity. Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the rights of African Americans and Jane Addams fought for the rights of women, but gingers are one particular group that has no mentor to stand up and speak on behalf of those who consistently receive unsettling ridicule.

The gingers; red headed, freckled, pale skinned individuals. We have been branded and tormented since birth.

People tend to shy away from gingers in the heat and migrate closer in the winter because our ginger locks seem to be a portable fireplace for those who make a mockery of the color. I grew up having my friends run in circles around me singing “gather around the campfire and sing our campfire song” or being called “Satan” for my flaming red appearance. Of course, I cannot avoid being associated with food as well. My parents were told I was a “carrot top” even before they were able to take their first glimpse of me.

I also get asked all the time if my hair is so orange because I love carrots or sweet potatoes or cheese doodles. My hair is orange because of genetics, not because I eat orange food. I don’t ask brunettes if their hair is brown because they eat a lot of chocolate.

I am glad the color of my hair amuses people, because I find the unique nicknames to be quite entertaining myself.

Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake, Carrot Top, Satan, Gingy and so many more have given my peers good laughs over the years. Clearly making up nicknames is much more fun than just calling me Amanda like a normal human being.

“The guys on the football team called me Big Red and I didn’t hate it actually,” junior Connor Osborn said.

Us gingers wonder: What makes our orange manes cause us to stick out like sore thumbs? Hear us loud and clear, we are regular people. We also have souls, contrary to popular belief. Since the infamous “South Park” episode “Ginger Kids” came out, our isolation from the rest of society grew swiftly and reassured the world that “gingers cannot be trusted.”

“We are too small of a population that we are considered a minority and a target for mockery,” junior Mia Cana said.

We can be trusted, we do have souls and our hair retains no actual flames. We can light up a room with our radiant locks and bright white skin. We have traits that are a bit peculiar such as freckles head to toe, but in reality we carry a uniqueness that everybody secretly strives to obtain. Although we are a rare breed, there is nothing to be afraid of. We fear you more than you fear us. Gingers are, in fact, people too.

February 2014

The Wessex Wire: Opinion

Page 5

One of the harshest realities in America

Human trafficking hits close to home when the Super Bowl comes to N.J.

by Helena Voltmer ’14

chandise. While the belief that more prostitutes would be brought to the Though the passage of the 14th metro area has been proven incorAmendment was designed to forbid rect, these traffickers have made their slavery within the United States over prostitutes more readily available. In 150 years ago, around 300,000 women, response to the media’s overly dramen and children within our borders matized promotion of the Super Bowl and 27 million people worldwide still being one of the largest trafficked suffer from this crippling system. To events in America, anti-human trafput that number into perspective, that ficking organizations have used the is the entire population of the states of large media coverage of human trafNew York and New Jersey, according ficking to their benefit. What remains to the Jewish Federation of Metrowest. true, however, is the great disparity Human trafficking, the sale of innocent between the thousands of dollars people for cheap labor and sex, has be- spent on a single Super Bowl ticket come the undeniable side story of this and the average price for a slave on Super Bowl season. today’s market, only $90, according These slaves, most under the age to the New Jersey Coalition Against of 18, are controlled by pimps, who Human Trafficking (NJCAHT). d e h u m a n i z e Photo courtesy of njhumantrafficking.org But there is them by notohope, as many riously tattoolocal organizaing bar codes tions have taken onto their vicup the cause to tims. Most of teach the signs the women and of illegal mischildren are conduct in reslured into this taurants, bars, modern day hotels and other slavery by the traffickers promising businesses in order to prevent human them a better life or even relatives who traffickers from making any profit. are looking for means of income. These The Jewish Federation of Metrowtraffickers force their victims to work est as well as the NJCAHT have been to pay off their debt, using underground working closely with the communities businesses, massage parlors and clubs near MetLife Stadium, preparing law to meet the demand of the customers. enforcement, residents and sports fans, N e w Yo r k r a n k s n u m b e r t w o making them aware of their surroundamong states behind California for ings and how to take action safely. trafficking due to New York City’s In order to raise awareness in the international ports, making it a local metro area, NJCAHT trained numerp r o b l e m f o r Photo courtesy of givingtuesday.org ous volunteers N e w J e r s e y, to go out to loaccording to cal motels to Humantrafhang up postfickingsearch. ers and pass out net. On a nasoaps with hottional level, line numbers as the Departwell as instruct ment of Justhe owners to tice calculatbe aware of ed that from their guests. As 2010 to 2011 a result of their alone, the incampaigning dustry showed and promotion a 10 percent growth in the U.S. with of awareness, the New York Police $32 billion made worldwide, prov- Department increased their watch for ing that human trafficking is not just trafficking and have been able to make something from the past, but also a 298 prostitution-related arrests even growing problem. before the Super Bowl took place.

Just 16 miles from West Essex, Though in school we learn that slavMetLife Stadium drew over 100,000 ery is supposed to be a thing of the past, visitors on Super Bowl Sunday and the events of major gatherings like the the large crowds allowed pimps to Super Bowl has truly brought human use this event to advertise their mer- trafficking to our own backyard.

Cartoon by Juan Gomez

Trafficking statistics: Compiled by Nicole Lieb ’14 and Jordan Alworth ’16

• One hundred thousand children are sold in the United States every year.

• Women make up 85 percent of human trafficking victims.

• Forty percent of forced labor victims are men.

• Forty-one percent of human trafficking victims are from the United States.

• Forty-six percent of human trafficking is prostitution.

• Fifty-percent of people trafficked into the United States are children.

• There are about 14,500 to 17,500 people trafficked into the United States every year.

• Every year there is an estimated total of 800,000 people trafficked worldwide.

• Thirteen percent of human trafficking victims are over 25.

• Forty-three percent of human trafficking victims fall into adult prostitution.

• Eighty-three percent of victims of human trafficking incidents in America have been identified as U.S. citizens.

Statistics courtesy of polarisproject.org, nytimes.com, cnn.com, womensfundingnetwork.org, victimsofcrime.org

February 2014

Page 6

The Wessex Wire: Features

Introducing the faces of the

Contestants reveal their secrets, talents and quirks

by Geena Martorana ’14

Twelve seniors will be going head-to-head to claim the official “Mr. West Essex” title on Feb. 28 in the high school auditorium, competing in categories such as Sleepwear, Formalwear and Talent. Only one man will emerge victorious. The contestants revealed their deepest secrets to the Wessex Wire as they geared up for the Mr. West Essex competition. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Gregory Charles “P90 Greg” Contaldi Jr. Role Model: Mr. Diliberto Favorite Pick Up Line: Can I follow you home? Cause my parents always told me to follow my dreams.

Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...” I cried for a week straight when I found out I was in Mr. West Essex. Tears of happiness, of course.

James William “Panz” Panzarino Jr.

Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like...!” a turtle

Favorite Thing About West Essex: Our principal looks like Superman. It’s pretty swag.

How would people describe you? Living large and taking charge ;) #FF

Mike “Chicken Legs” Dontas Role Model: Mr. Bettini

Hidden Talent: I can do pretty much anything at an astonishingly mediocre level.

Fill-in-the-blank: “Some thing no one would know about me is...” I wear women’s deodorant.

Cameron Patrick “Sando” Boeckel Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like...!” Oprah Favorite Thing About West Essex: Mr. Diliberto screaming how much time until the first bell in the morning.

Hidden Talent: Belly Dancing

John Thomas “Flip” Filipo Role Model: Fabio Favorite Musical Artis Beethoven

Favorite Pick Up Line: My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can’t hold it in.

Nick Travis

Favorite Song: “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion How would people describe you? Sassy and never trashy.

Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...” I can’t twerk, but I try to be like Miley Cyrus anyway.

Mr. West Essex competition

Salvatore Louis “Sal My Pal” Grasso

Andrew “Lord” Pappas

Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like...!”

George Clooney

Favorite Song: “She Bangs” by William Hung Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...” I’m an active Runscape / Club Penguin player.

Favorite T.V. Show: “Drake and Josh”

t:

Favorite Pick Up Line: Did you know I’m in Mr. West Essex? Yes, I will date you.

Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...” My life dream is to look for Bigfoot.

How would people describe you? A younger version of Scott Disick.

Jan Carlos "SanSwag" Sanchez

ow

.

Page 7

The Wessex Wire: Features

February 2014

Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like...!” Drake (the rapper) or Robinson Cano Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...”

I’m a pretty decent singer.

Andrew Robert “Tets” Tetyevsky Favorite Color: Chartreuse Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like...!”

Willy Wonka Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...” a. I have six toenails on my right foot. b. I have a birthmark of a heart on my thigh. c. I can always use a good cry. d. I’m wearing three pairs of underwear right now.

Robert “Bobcat” Silano

Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like ...!” Josh Peck Role Model: Amanda Bynes Fill-in-the-blank: “Something no one would know about me is...”

I’m in the Illuminati.

Tyler “Tiller” Katz

Favorite Song: “Ojos Así” by Shakira Fill-in-the-blank: “Everyone says I look like ...!” a pumpkin / Ronald Weasley / any redhead Favorite Thing About West Essex: Mr. Woodworth’s mustache Photos by Nina Sisco and Sami Silverman

February 2014 Issue 4

Feature

The Wessex Wire Page 8

Students find their passions in unique sports Practice and hard work leads athletes to success

by Bridget Delehanty ’14 One factor that West Essex is known for is its large number of successful athletic teams. Those who pay attention to the sports here generally know who the football and lacrosse stars are, but there are also a number of unknown success stories of students who participate in sports not offered at school. Freshman Mark Yaroshevsky, sophomore Bennett Chamberlain and junior Joanna Zotti all dedicate an immense amount of time to biking, skiing and skating, respectively and love what they do.

Freshman Mark Yaroshevsky has been biking since he was little when his dad got him interested in the sport and has continued to race seriously since he was only nine years old. He practices six to seven days a week, not because he is told to by a coach, but simply because of his desire to be successful. He even practices inside during the winter, despite the fact that it bores him, but he knows that it needs to be done if he is going to do as well as he can all year round. While his best and favorite event is the one-hour race, he participates in races that range from 20 minutes to about two and a half hours. One factor that allows him to succeed during these long races is his mental toughness.

“You have to think through your races and know exactly what you’re going to do,” Yaroshevsky said.

Yaroshevsky has even traveled to places in Europe like France and most recently Belgium to race and practice.

He enjoys biking even more now than he did when he started and plans to continue for as long as he can.

Sophomore Bennett Chamberlain takes downhill skiing to another level with his giant slalom and slalom races. He has been skiing since he was three years old and racing since he was about 11. His dad used to run a racing program at Hidden Valley Mountain in New Jersey, which is where he has skied.

“I have always loved the fast pace of the sport and how competitive it is, but I like it even more now because

my technique is better and I fall less than I did when I started,” Chamberlain said.

Although it is fun, he puts in a ton of effort by practicing four times a week for up to six hours a day and working out on off days. Like Yaroshevsky, Chamberlain has also traveled around the world for his sport, including Chile where he went this past summer for two weeks after being scouted by coaches in New Jersey. Chamberlain loves skiing so much that nothing, not even the fear of inevitably falling and getting badly injured, will stop him from pursuing his sport.

Junior Joanna Zotti also excels in a sport that is not offered to everyone at West Essex. Zotti has been skating for about 11 years and has been competing since she was eight years old. She puts in a lot of effort practicing five days a week for anywhere from one to five hours. This work consists of either skating, doing ballet or simply working out to stay in shape. Zotti participates in team skating, figure skating and ice dancing, which is her favorite of the three. All of her hard work pays off at competitions where she places in the top half nearly every time. Zotti is also lucky and skilled enough to be able to travel all over the world for her sport. She’s been to numerous states and many countries including France, Germany, Finland and Austria with Team USA and everyone that is involved, including the team doctor and judges. Although she misses a lot of school because of it, Zotti loves the traveling that comes with being a serious skater.

“The best part of skating is the experience that comes with it—I love going everywhere as a competitor,” Zotti said.

Yaroshevsky, Chamberlain and Zotti, all serious year round athletes, have given their time and passion to their sport, allowing them to excel.

Their hard work and dedication has not only allowed them to compete in high level events all around the world, but it also has given them a unique experience and opportunity most students their age do not get to take advantage of.

Photos courtesy of Mark Yaroshevsky, Joanna Zotti and Bennett Chamberlain Clockwise from top: Athletes Yaroshevsky, Zotti and Chamberlain in their elements.

Taking on the classic career

by Sami Silverman ’14 High school students often look to jobs for guidance in money management and to learn responsibility in order to prepare them for their future jobs. Babysitting is one of the most common jobs for teenagers because it gives an individual a head start on understanding what it is like to be employed in the real world.

I have been consistently babysitting for the past two years. I knew the two children from summer camp and had a close relationship with the kids making babysitting a decently fun job. However, there are a few downsides to my situation. Both kids have serious allergies and cannot be in contact with numerous foods, animals or medications. I have to take certain precautions before the kids come in contact with anything.

Luckily, I have never encountered a situation when I needed to assist their medical needs. Because of all their specific requirements and the huge responsibility I have to take on when with them, I get paid very well, which makes the job worthwhile.

Not everyone has a babysitting job like mine; unfortunately, many students have had to deal with crazy kids, paranoid parents and lengthy hours.

“There have been times when the mom would leave a note for me saying to cook dinner, vacuum the first floor and do the laundry. I feel more like a nanny,” senior Jenna Dainesi said.

Senior Brielle Richardella babysits every Thursday after school for two rowdy kids who tend to act up.

“I’ve been attacked, bitten and screamed at. There have been times when I went home crying. It’s a lot to handle,” Richardella said.

On the other hand, babysitting has its perks. With many students headed to college within the next few years, having a job such as this one teaches a teenager how to be independent and responsible. Above all, unlike other jobs, babysitting is usually paid “under the table” or paid with cash.

Therefore, the income one will make has no deductions.

“I babysit almost every day. It gets pretty bad at times but it gives me something to do and it’s a good way to make money. I actually learn a lot from it,” senior Abby Lapone said.

February 2014 Issue 4

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Arts

Culture

The Wessex Wire Page 9

Pat’s picks: Academy Awards edition

Cartoon by Juan Gomez

by Patrick Glenn ’16

troubled woman struggling who falls from fortune to poverty and having to depend

As the Academy Awards are approach- on others for her livelihood. The film relies ing, it is time to select the best nominee in on Blanchett to deliver an exceptional performance, and she does in spades. each respective category.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o in “12 Years a Slave” “12 Years a Slave” stars high-caliber actors such as Chiwetel Ejoifor, Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender. However, it is newcomer Lupita Nyong’o who manages to distinguish herself in her performance as an abused slave.

Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club” This actor has gone through what very few actors manage to do, what some may call a “career renaissance,” by choosing more demanding roles that reveal his true acting prowess. In “Dallas Buyers Club,” he plays an AIDS victim-turned activist Best Actor in a Supporting Role: and makes the character’s struggles Jared Leto in “Dallas Buyers Club” come to life in a way that is so rarely After taking a brief hiatus from the silver- seen on screen. screen, Jared Leto displayed his finest acting capabilities in his dramatic return. Best Picture: Leto portrays an HIV positive transvestite “12 Years a Slave” in such a convincing way that he nearly Based on the 1853 memoir of the same disappears into the role. name, “12 Years a Slave” gives a graphic account of one man’s horrific journey Best Screenplay: from free man to slave in mid-19th century Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” United States. With a stellar ensemble Over the years, Woody Allen has written cast and masterful direction by Steve Mcgems such as “Annie Hall,” “Manhattan” Queen, this film definitely has the potential and the recent “Midnight in Paris,” which to sweep the Oscars. all had their own type of sappy, cynical humor. This year’s “Blue Jasmine” has Best Director: the characteristic Allen screenplay, but the Alfonso Cuarón for“Gravity” unique characters give the script an espe- Essentially an open-water movie in cially lively voice. space, “Gravity” required precise direction to be a success. Cuarón was able to make Best Actress in a Leading Role: this film a major technical achievement Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” through his artistic innovations and at “Blue Jasmine” tells the story of a tention to detail.

Madame Amethyst’s predictions Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan. 19):

Gemini (May 21-June 20):

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18):

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22):

In the upcoming month Capricorns will find an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. They will flawlessly present the project that has been stressing them out for weeks.

Be sure to wear plain white, symbolic of your element, air, on March 4 for a streak of good luck.

Pisces (Feb. 19- March 20):

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22):

Aries is in for a hard couple of weeks.

Expect spills, a tremendous work load and a pop quiz in the class you are barely getting a C in.

Social, school and extracurricular obligations will be too much for the normally composed Libra. Take a day off on March 10 when Pluto enters your house.

Taurus (April 20- May 20):

The determined energy of the Taurus will fade this month. If you want to turn this month around, ask out your paramour on March 17 when Venus, the planet of love, enters the Fourth House.

Cancer (June 21- July 22): Nyong’o’s breakout role as Patsey in “12 Years a Slave” proved her acting prowess to Hollywood and beyond. Now, off the silver screen, she’s known on the red carpet for her striking ensembles.

A new love will present itself on March 13, and if the Leo follows his heart, the relationship will sink faster than Jack on the Titanic.

Valentine’s Day may not have been fantastic for the Pisces but worry not! You may experience prolonged eye contact with a semi-attractive stranger in Panera on March 28. He or she will most likely be a Caldwell student.

Aries (March 21- April 19):

Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk

When Jupiter enters the Seventh House on March 15, talkative Geminis may find themselves in a sticky position when a teacher becomes frustrated with their constant chatter.

The Cancer should be sure to perform a good deed on March 3, otherwise Saturn will enter your house bringing bad karma with it.

Mid-month, try taking on a new route going to your fifth period class. This will help you avoid a massive traffic build up caused by a pack of freshmen who don’t understand proper hallway etiquette.

Libra (Sept. 23- Oct. 22):

Scorpio (Oct. 23- Nov. 22):

The Scorpio will feel an overwhelming sense of laziness this month. If you wish to feel a revival of your former strength during Phys. Ed., try wearing your gym clothes backwards this month.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21):

The Sagittarius should channel his inner ambition on March 24 when Jupiter enters your house. This will allow you to fight off the dreaded third marking period procrastination.

February 2014

The Wessex Wire: Arts & Culture

Page 10

‘Beyoncé’ is unexpected in more ways than one

by Jen Fabiano ’14

Queen B is back again. On Dec. 13, 2013, people around the world were surprised while casually scrolling through the iTunes store. The singer took a risky move and dropped her self-titled visual album without previously announcing its release to the public.

Review In an interview with ABC News, Beyoncé said that she wanted to release it as a whole so that people viewed it that way, not just as a single. She wanted her audience to receive the full experience and avoid what “gets between the music, the artist and the fans.” Beyoncé announced that this time around, she did not hold back whatsoever but fully included her personal experiences and

true style, which she felt necessary to exclude from her previous works.

Though many people believed this album would be toned down as she enters motherhood, she shocked everyone with some racy songs.

“Flawless,” an extraordinary song, enforces that all girls are beautiful, and should feel so, showcasing one of the main themes of the album. The song also imbues a sense of “girl power” and embraces the fact that women should not feel inferior to men. It shows the struggle and competition between women “not for jobs or accomplishments…but for the attention of men.”

Another of my favorites is the slow and lovely ballad, “Heaven.” The number has a melancholy tune and is allegedly about Beyoncé’s miscarriage. The lyrics “heaven couldn’t wait for you” along with the others, are so touching and heartfelt that a listener might even

be compelled to cry (by “compelled” I mean I cried my eyes out). This sad tune is rightfully followed by an equally slow but more uplifting song titled “Blue.” Featuring Blue Ivy, this work is obviously about Beyoncé’s daughter and how she was her miracle after the previously devastating events.

Some numbers were not as easy to connect to and enjoy as much as others.

For example, “Ghost” and “Jealous” were not on my list of favorites. “Ghost” is slow and has a robotic type beat. It lacks catchy lyrics and is hard to truly be enticed by it. “Jealous” was not as exciting either. It was unable to capture me with both the beat and the lyrics. It does make me curious though, as to who Beyoncé herself can be jealous of.

Not only was the audio phenomenal, but the album also came along with a visual track of 17 music videos, including an additional song called “Grown

Woman” not on the audio track. Unlike regular videos, the visual track is extremely well done and helps the fans relate to the songs that much more by seeing the context of the lyrics through Beyoncé’s eyes. The visual for “XO” shows Beyoncé enjoying a night at Coney Island along with a lively crowd of fans. The video matches perfectly as the catchy lines about young love are paired with scenes of couples under the bright boardwalk lights.

This album reveals the most of the “inner Beyoncé” so far. Her hidden side comes alive for a tremendous album and the unexpected release only made the surprise that much more exciting.

unable to go to one of Bieber’s concerts a that it would have more appropriately been glimpse of the real life experience. Having covered in a two-page magazine spread as personally been to one of his concerts dur- opposed to a two hour film, was that Bieber ing every single tour he has ever done, I can could not articulate himself.When asked if assure you that the real life “Believe” tour he’s ever experienced love, he said “yes.” concert is every bit as commercialized as He was then asked if he’s ever experienced it appears in the film. He really does wear heartbreak. He again said “yes” but then his sunglasses proceeded the entire time to explain despite the fact that love and that the shows heartbreak are generally in are the same dark stadiums exact thing at night, and “just, like, the music really the oppodoes play louder site.” What than his voice is even more Photo courtesy of fuse.tv to drown out questionable the fact that he Bieber is no longer a media darling. “Nonbeliebers” have than what he hasn’t stopped started a petition calling for the star’s deportation. was trying to touring for five say is why the years straight. So, to give some credit film makers chose to incorporate these where it is due, the film gives an accurate scenes that did nothing more than make impression of a Justin Bieber concert.

Bieber sound less than intelligent.

Spliced with the concert footage, the film The rest of the film showed Bieber with showed a sit down interview with Bieber in a little girl named Avalana, a huge fan who his living room. The topics discussed were had a rare disease. The story of how he befan favorites such as his recent backlash came close with her in her last few months against the media and his love life. The of life was touching, yet completely irrelonly problem with this interview, other than evant to the other topics being presented

except for the shameless self-promotion and exploitation of the child’s illness. He looked like a good guy but this was clearly only incorporated into the film to make up for the fact that he drives insanely fast through his neighborhood endangering himself and his neighbors and recently threatened to hit a photographer.

The only part of the film more pathetic than the attempt at restoring his career, was Bieber’s attempted facial hair present above his lip throughout the film. The very least he could have done is to try to restore his public image by shaving his face and pulling up his pants. Then, at any rate, although the film is incredibly boring, viewers would get to enjoy a few hours of looking at his face without trying to figure out whether that was dirt or peach fuzz under his nose.

Around the time the movie was released, Bieber announced his retirement from the industry just as he leaves fans with the impression from his film the he would never stop making music. But then again “Never Say Never.”

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Photo courtesy of geeky-gadgets.com

‘Believe’ that Bieber’s new movie is a major failure

by Annie Kluger ’14

The first time Justin Bieber let a film maker capture everything from the most public to the most intimate moments of his tour, there was an obvious point. It was a chance to show his journey from a young boy who loved to sing, to a YouTube sensation, to a teenage pop star whose life-sized cardboard cutout appears in the rooms of probably one in every 10 girls (including myself). “Never Say Never” showed an incredible story that would entertain even the most vehement Bieber hater. Yet the second film had the opposite effect, turning

Review even the biggest fan into a non- Belieber.

Everything one would want to know about Bieber’s life from birth to fame was already captured in a film so the need for a second documentary was questionable. For the star and his team, the goal of “Believe” was clear; it was a way to try to renew the reputation of the star who has been portrayed poorly in the media.

The film may also have been made with the additional intention to give fans who are

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

February 2014

The Wessex Wire: Sports Commentary

Page 11

Seattle wins but New Jersey loses

The Super Bowl provides limited economic success

by Nicolette Aktas ’14

As the Super Bowl surge made its way through the area, local businesses expected a soar in profit, set to help the economies of New York City and New Jersey.

The anticipation of the arrival of teams and fans from all over the country gave the hotel business the opportunity to flourish. Because so many fans arrived from both Colorado and Washington, they needed a place to stay, regardless of the price. The Hampton Inn in Carlstadt, N.J., located very close

to MetLife Stadium, commonly charges an average of $139 plus tax per night for their rooms yet found themselves charging around $600 plus tax per night, and selling out.

Although the initial wave of successful business rates excited the area, the end result was not nearly as impressive. According to the Star-Ledger the NFL pays absolutely nothing for their security. Therefore, New York and New Jersey were left to pay for the 700 state troopers patrolling the game, the National Guard who protected the perimeter of MetLife and the local police

officers. All of the groups listed are just from game day, which excludes security at the teams’ corresponding hotels, both in New Jersey, along with security for media day in Newark.

Ticket sales did not benefit the state, as the NFL bid contract forbids the host state from collecting sales tax on ticket sales. Therefore, there was absolutely no tax benefit to offset our costs.

Hotels and restaurants, “got almost no bounce compared to what they expected,” Mark Giangiulio, general manager of the Summit Hotel and chairman of the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging As-

sociation, told the Star-Ledger.

While the Super Bowl was expected to benefit New Jersey, it seemed as though the end result only harmed the already unstable economy. Just two days before the Super Bowl, the Bergen County bomb squad was called in as a white substance was found in letters. While the substance was proved to be harmless, the scene created chaos.

As Phoenix, Ariz. prepares for the big game next year, the state should not expect much economic benefits. After all, they only have the Grand Canyon.

Ask the Knights: What did you think of the Super Bowl?

Compiled by Bridget Delehanty ’14 and Monica Krup’14

“The Super Bowl was supposed to be one of the best ever but it turned out to be one of the worst.” -Marisa Racamato ’14

“I put on my Broncos jersey all pumped up and they lost. It was a huge let down. I turned it off after the first half.” -Joe Torter ’17

“The game was boring after the first quarter. It didn’t represent the teams very well at all.” -Emon Mirghahari ’15

Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks deliver forgetful Super Bowl

by Noah Eagle ’15

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the high powered Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. It was a shocking blowout which featured the booming offense of Denver against the formidable defense of Seattle. Malcolm Smith, a linebacker for the Seahawks was declared as the game’s Most Valuable Player. He was the first defensive player to win the award in the last 11 years.

The game showcased the Broncos offense that shattered the NFL record books the entire season. The Seahawks defense that frustrated teams just as much, was also self-proclaimed as the “Legion of Boom,” based on the Legion of Doom group of superheroes. Many experts expected the Broncos offense to come out on top prior to the start of the game.

Another major storyline leading into the big game was the constant rants of Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman. After defeating the San Francisco 49ers, Sherman absolutely exploded

during a postgame interview with FOX Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., makSports’ sideline reporter Erin Andrews. ing it the first NFL championship game Sherman instantly blew up all over to be held in the New York area since the news, especially Twitter. Fortu- the 1962 game between the Giants and nately for the Stanford graduate, he the Packers. While the weather was a had performed well all season and large concern going into the game, the made the game sealing play to send temperature was a mild 49 degrees at kickoff. his team The to the Sugame’s per Bowl.

The mastart was extremely jority of interestv i e w ing, as the ers were looking first offensive play forward resulted to his perin Peyton formance Photo courtesy of Paul Haramis Manning, in the big g a m e t o A view of the Super Bowl from the stands at MetLife Stadium. the quarterback of see if he the Broncos, could back fumbling the ball, leading to a Seup all the talk.

The overall anticipation leading into ahawks’ safety. Seattle did not look back the game was extremely high, most from there as the original two points specifically from the people of New sparked a run of 36 unanswered points.

Jersey. The game occurred at MetLife This was a clear shock, as many pre-

dicted Denver would be the high scoring team, as their offense set numerous records throughout the season.

The halftime show was a bright spot of the event, as Bruno Mars rocked the stage alongside the always entertaining Red Hot Chili Peppers. Mars performed numerous hits such as “Treasure” and “Locked Out of Heaven,” while the Red Hot Chili Peppers stuck with classics like “Give it Away.”

As the game came to a close, Seattle continued to dominate through the final whistle, forcing four turnovers overall, helping to destroy the idea of the Denver offense being “unstoppable.” While the game was not what most had hoped, Super Bowl XLVIII was the most viewed TV event in history with 11.5 million viewers, according to the Los Angeles Times. Fortunately, the weather held up and New Jersey’s reputation as a host was improved. However, it is difficult to see another Super Bowl being held in the Metropolitan area soon after the constant worrying about weather and terrible quality of the game.

Graphic courtesy of greengold4ever.podbean.com

February 2014 Issue 4

The Wessex Wire Page 12

The youngest competing with the oldest Freshmen Liam Fost and Ellen Olsson contribute to varsity squads

by Anna George ’14

player in the defensive zone,” senior captain Nick Paranzine said.

Fost has managed to keep a positive Liam Fost Coming in as a freshman Liam Fost attitude while playing tough teams and tried out for the boys’ varsity soccer even scored his first varsity hockey goal team in the beginning of the summer. against Montclair Kimberly Academy.

Fost has assisted three goals this He succeeded in making the team and exceeded his teammate’s expectations. hockey season and plans to run track “The last thing you want to be do- in the spring. ing as a senior is losing [in a drill] to a freshman and I came pretty close a few times,” senior soccer captain Drew Kessler said.

Fost is known for his speed both on the field and the ice. As the winter approached he secured himself a spot on the varsity hockey team as well. He has been playing hockey since he was five years old and continues to play for the school team and his club team, the Montclair Blues.

As a freshman he has managed to earn a significant amount of playing time and respect from his captains.

Photo courtesy of Carly Menendez “Liam is a great skater and although he Liam Fost ended his freshmen hockey isn’t the biggest player he makes a big season with one goal and three assists. difference. He is also an extremely smart

Ellen Olsson Ellen Olsson, a freshman, began swimming when she was just three years old and at age nine she began swimming competitively.

Ellen swims for the school’s swim team, the “Aqua Knights,” and for the Cougar Aquatic team.

For the Aqua Knights, Olsson’s main event is the 100m butterfly.

She also swims the 200m freestyle and the 400m freestyle relay. For her club team, the races that she swims always vary.

Although being young can be intimidating for some, Olsson thrives off of the competition and enjoys the company of her teammates.

“I love swimming with all the upperclassmen because they are all so nice and they push me to swim as fast as I can,” Olsson said.

She has also impressed the upperclassmen on the swim team.

“I heard from some of the other swimmers that there were really good freshmen coming in this year, Ellen

being one, but I never expected her or them to be as good as they are,” senior captain Caroline Fiore said.

As the state run begins, Olsson’s relay time qualified. She will be swimming against other relay teams on March 1 and March 2. Her team consists of senior Meghan Trewhella and freshmen Maddie Gemma and Taylor Cirillo. Their qualifying time was 3:47.91.

Photo courtesy of Phil Ecco Olsson and the lady Aquaknights entered states for the first time ever this season.

Winter sports wrap up: winter season in review

by Sofia Haramis ’14, Kaitlyn Struss ’14, Dominic Magliaro ’15, Luke Magliaro ’15 and Rose Pezzuti ’15

Girls’ & Boys’ Fencing

Boys’ Swimming

Girls’ Swimming

Boys’ Basketball

The girls’ team finished 18th out of 50 teams in the Santelli tournament. They ended the season with a record of 4-12, while the boys were 6-10.In the Cetrulo tournament, the boys’ team came in 18th out of 50 teams. Rich DeVivo was the winner of the freshman foil and sophomore Lawrence Zhang placed second in the freshman/sophomore tournament.

The boys’ swim team will be attending states this weekend March 1 for the first time in school history. Relay team senior John Alscher, junior Tim Barth and sophomores Cameron Ruddy and Nabeel Siraj will be competeing in the 200 yard relay. Coached by Jake Taylor and Ms. Henderson, the swim team ended with a record of 7-7. Barth broke numerous records this season, including the conference 200IM record.

The girls’ swim team will be attending states as the relay team consiting of Meghan Trewhella, Taylor Cirillo, Ellen Olsson and Madison Gemma will be competing in the 400 yard freestyle relay and 200 yard medley relay. The girls finished the season with a 4-9 record.

Senior captains Matt Thies and Kevin Fox lead the team through the regular season, along with high scoring juniors Gary Lombardi and John Agolia. The boys have a winning record of 11-9, so far. The team recently defeated Summit, with a 45-34 win and Lombardi scored 23 points. They are looking forward to their next game against Barringer on March 3.

Girls’ Basketball

Wrestling

Led by senior captains Steph Pezzuti, Karyn Towey and Jenna Salluce, the girls’ basketball team has a record of 15-5 thus far. The team had a successful 46-38 win over Columbia in the first round of the Essex County Tournament, although they suffered a loss to Shabazz in the quarterfinals.

The team plays its final regular season game on March 3.

With a season record of 8-11, the West Essex Wrestling team sends five players to regions tonight. Marc McDonald won districts for the weight class of 195. Freshmen Chris Zaccaria and Marco Macrino, sophomores Matt Jones and Thomas Tabatneck, junior Jaxon Panico and senior captain Matt Dignazio placed in districts, advancing them to regions. The team also placed 6th in the Essex County tournament.

Boys’ & Girls’ Track Both the boys’ and girls’ track teams succeeded in sending players to the Group II Championships. For the girls, junior captain Alexa Alhout along with juniors Melissa Zyla, Kayla Torter and Theresa Murray advanced for the 4x400 and senior Claudia Olszewski advanced for polevault. Senior captain Dean McDonald advanced in pole vault as junior captain Farukh Bhatti advanced in the 55 meter run. McDonald took second in the Group 2 championships with a height of 14’00” and advanced to the Meet of Champions which will take place on March 1.

Ice Hockey The hockey team finished its season Feb. 17, losing to VGR 4-0 in the first round of Cup playoffs. The team went 6-10-5 and had big wins against teams including Sparta and Fairlawn. “It’s really quite surreal that four years has gone by so fast. I really couldn’t have imagined spending these four years with any other group of guys,” senior captain Aron Augustitus said.