The Wessex Wire (November 2007)

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

Vol. XLVII No. 1

West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road , North Caldwell, NJ

New VPs Hoebee and Rotella Join West Essex Administration

by Amanda Nichols ‘08

Two new assistant principals have come to West Essex with new goals for the school and a positive direction intended for the student body.

“Every student is an important member of the community, and they should take pride in that community,” said Julia-Ann Hoebee, one of the school’s new Assistant Principals. “That’s the philosophy that myself and Mr. Rotella want to instill in the students of this school.”

Hoebee, along with Raymond Rotella, the other assistant principal, have agreed on this philosophy despite coming from two distinctly different backgrounds.

“I don’t come from a typical background,” said Rotella. “I started out as a police officer. Toward the end of my career I was placed as a school resource officer. This was my real motivation to become a school administrator. As a police officer I really was able to see young people in a negative way and [being placed in a school setting] gave me an op SEE NEW V.P.s PAGE3

bara Longo in her speech at the ceremony. “I can tell you that scheduling this year was a pleasure, seeing the students’ faces when they entered in September, to see ceilings everywhere, was a joy.”

Mrs. Longo is happy with the final product proclaiming “I love it.”

The most fascinating addition to her was the new lab rooms and classrooms. According to Longo, everything went North Caldwell mayor Mel Levine cuts the ribbon on October 13th with Board of Education smoothly with the new President Angela Gerken contractors and architects.

Lik e w i s e, f a cu lty me mb er s were thrilled with the results.

“I personally feel healthier,” joined faculty, staff and students said Mrs. Ford. “I hope that my

by Stephen Kinslow ‘09 of West Essex to celebrate the former student who said that the Kristin Kuscin ‘08 school, while under construction momentous occasion. and then no construction, took After five years, the construc- “Over the past few years we a toll on his soul, now has his tion in the senior high school have faced many difficulties, spirits lifted. w a s f i n a l l y c o m p l e t e d o v e r but as we stand here today, it is the summer. The building now proof that our sacrifices were SEE CONSTRUCTION PAGE3 showcases new humanities and not in vain,” said Principle Bar-

Construction Complete

science wings, a fully working cafeteria, a new library, and ceilings.

The new wings were opened to the public at the October 13 th ribbon cutting ceremony. Past and present board members

Sports Fest or Sports Bust?

to be better than ever because it is in the same week as spirit week and our fall teams are all doing well.”

At this year’s Sportsfest, student The student council has been foattendance was not as high as the cusing on getting more students to Student Council had hoped. Instead come this year. Besides the teams the turnout for this annual pep rally involved, however, almost no stuwas at an all time low. dents attended the event “Sportsfest is the biggest fundraiser “There were almost no students in of the year for the seniors,” said class the student section of Sportsfest this President Connor Leonard. “I felt year,” said Sophomore Andrew Thi that this year’s Sportsfest was going

by Andrew Cross ‘08

SEE SPORTS FEST PAGE3

Inside This Issue:

3

News

November 2007

Masquers Dodgeball Tournament of Bands

7

Feature

Sophomores Harry Potter College Q&A

Knights March to Victory in Tournament of Bands

by Victoria Gualtieri ‘09

TOB Championships came to West Essex After a season of football games, weekend and late night practices, and competitions this year’s marching band has shown incredible determination and talent in this year’s Tournament of Bands, winning the championships for their size on November 4.

Although all bands participate in their state’s Championships, which took place at West Essex for the first time, only the top twenty-five make it to the Atlantic Coast Championships (ACCs), hosted at Delaware State University on November 12.

12

Arts & Culture

Kanye vs. 50 Superbad Day in the Life of Models

West Essex achieved their highest score ever, a score of 91.65, at championships, as well as awards for best color guard and visual performance, and was named the chapter X group III champions qualifying them for ACCs. “This Championship win has a lot of meaning for the band,” said senior drum major Nick Vidovich.

“The West Essex Marching Knights have been second to Old Bridge High School for seven years and this year we were finally able to overcome them. We also broke a 90 for the first time” The band then went on to ACCs where they came in ninth place with SEE TOURNAMENT OF BANDSPAGE4

16

Opinion

O.J.: Guilty or innocent Letters to the Editor

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Boyd’s Students Learn About Genocide Through Survivors’ Accounts

the prime minister of Cambodia during the time of the Vietnam War. The Khmer Rouge ended up overthrowing the government and reconstructby Alyson Roseman ‘10 ing Cambodia. The plan was to eliminate any

un-communist characteristics of Cambodian Students of Jeff Boyd’s genocide class traveled society, people against the government, along to the Morris Museum and received firsthand ac- with educated citizens and turn the rest of the counts from two survivors of recent genocides in population into laborers in a farming coalition.

Rwanda and Cambodia on October 10, 2007 The government set this in motion by forcing The survivors, one from each country, dis- people from their homes, separating families, and cussed what it was like for them to live through killing anyone who didn’t cooperate or move out and survive genocide. “Just to hear what I knew quickly. Citizens who had intellectual jobs, such confirmed makes a big difference,” said Boyd in as teachers and doctors, were brutally murdered response to hearing the speakers. and many hospitals, temples, and universities The Cambodian genocide began when a civil were destroyed. Those who survived were put into war broke out between a communist group in work camps far away from their homes and were Cambodia, known as Khmer Rouge, and Lon Nol, forced to work for minimum provisions causing

Wildfires Started by 10-year-Old Boy

dering animals. The animals will stay there until a home is found for them or the fires stop when

by Steve Kinslow ‘09 reaching the ocean or stopped by the power of Hundreds of squares miles burned to the ground water. in California due to the numerous wildfires in the During the wildfires, the Chargers had to be area. Over half a million residents have been moved to Glendale Arizona, home of the Aridisplaced from their homes and possessions. All zona Cardinals. Being moved because of the air content from the smoke and fires, the Chargers of this because of one little match.

A boy playing with matches started the fires had to be moved away from home for nearly a in Southern California. His lone fire spread week. to 13 others taking 400,000 square miles with The wildfires have affected people all over the country who could it. The wild fires only watch helpdisplaced 513,000 lessly. “Hearing residents from San about the wildfires Diego areas. As of is really upsetting,” now, a total of three said Junior Lindsay have been killed and George. “It makes over 50 have been inme feel so helpjured during the batless knowing that tle against the fires. so many things are The fires all caused Firefighters fight to save house in Southern being destroyed -Photo courtesy of the 61 structures to burn New York Times California and there is nothing down, 21 of them being any one could do to stop it, homes.

The home owners and firefighters said the fires though, not for a lack of trying.” looked to be threatening and even worsened as To stop this horrible fire, a dozen Defense day two went by. The winds grew and the blaz- Department firefighting teams, with 12 engines, were already working the blazes, 11 helicopters ing fires seemed to be unstoppable.

“It was like Armageddon, it looked like the end equipped with water buckets to fight the fires, of the world,” said San Diego firefighter Mitch and many volunteers supplying the firefighters with food and water during the fight.

Mendler, as reported by CNN. Many of the fleeing residents went to Qual- Most of the time, these fires just take time to comm Stadium, home of the San Diego Char- stop, and its just nature taking its course. With gers, where volunteers happily handed out the high winds and high blazes, it’ s very dangerchairs, food and water. The evacuators were ous for people to even get close stop the fire. The just able to leave in time for the football game high winds kept the helicopters on the ground to be played at the stadium that Sunday against “Even with all the advances we have today, some natural disasters just need to take there course the Houston Texans.

But not only is Qualcomm Stadium taking in and nothing can stop them,” said George. fleeing people, it is also taking in hurt and won-

Page 2 many people to die from overwork, exhaustion, and starvation. The leaders eventually became paranoid and began killing people in the government under the slightest suspicions. In total, these killings amounted to over two million deaths from 1975-1979 which was about 25%-30% of the entire population.

“He [the Cambodian speaker] didn’t tell us about [his story] but rather the genocide as a whole.”

Bianca Calderone, a student from the field trip, said Senior Nick Malet, a genocide student, had strong feelings about the Cambodian conflict.

“The US government didn’t want to become involved because it was a civil war.”

Rwanda was composed of two social groups for 600 years: the Tutsis, who traditionally owned land, and the Hutu, who worked the land. Turmoil rose between these two peaceful groups when European colonists moved in and selected the Tutsis as the social group to be the educated and sophisticated members of their society. This influence caused the Tutsis to act more like European aristocrats and treated the Hutus more like peasants. This class difference, along with other European influences, such as the church, caused the Hutus to believe they were being oppressed.

Eventually a plan was devised known as “final solution” which called for the extermination of the Tutsis. The Hutus would kill Tutsis men, women, and children in schools and churches by hand, clubs or machetes. There was also an order sent out that the Hutus should hide the bodies under banana leaves in the country to shield from the cameras and media covering the mass murders.

Most people didn’t even look at this as genocide but rather a civil war or mass killings. In fact, after the killings, 2 million perpetrators (Hutus) fled over the border. Over thousands have been tried and in 2001, 400 people acquired death sentences while 125,000 prisoners were crammed into cells, waiting to be tried.

Some of the students that attended believed that the most memorable part was when the Rwanda survivor, David, said that he wasn’t allowed to go back home because he was a refugee. “I find it very strange and don’t understand the reason behind it [the refugee not being able to go home],” said Calderone.

Boyd, “one of the greatest teachers in school,” a student remarked, chose this particular field trip because he felt students should have the chance to hear from people who have survived recent genocides. In general, Boyd breaks up this “very difficult topic” by covering the Holocaust, Cambodian, Rwandan, and Armenian genocides in his semester course.

Please recycle this newspaper

November 2007

New V.P.s FROM PAGE 1

ortunity to see young people in a new light.”

Hoebee came to administration in a much more traditional manner.

“I was a physical education and health teacher for 21 years,” said Hoebee. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, even from a young age.

The leadership skills I needed to be an assistant principal came from coaching three varsity sports.”

Their varied backgrounds help them to succeed in a job as wide –ranging as assistant principal.

“Our job consists of a variety of management skills and organization of student activity,” said Rotella, “as well as the disciplinary aspects of

Construction FROM PAGE 1

I also think that this team of construction workers treated us with respect and care.”

Although most teachers are pleased with the outcome, there have been mixed responses from the student body.

“It’s nice to have ceilings, and the library looks amazing!” said Senior Rebecca Spano.

Junior Nick Bastianelli disagrees. “I am not happy at all. Walking from the gym to the science room … is crazy,” said Bastianelli.

Most students take a science lab out of gym which means that they have to walk from the complete opposite side of the school to the other in four minutes.

Although most of the construction is completely done, there are a few additions that need completion. Near the gym, there are new locker rooms, a dance studio and wrestling arena in the works. Mrs. Longo also said that security cameras will be set into position around the school. Since West Essex is the only school in the Iron Hills conference without cameras, she thought they are needed.

The sophomores and juniors are excited at the prospect that they might get to see the final results. “After being told that our class would be the first freshman class in the new wing, I never thought we would actually get to see it,” said Junior Mike Fiore.

Senior Christina Papare lla, however, is upset because she had to spend her high school years in an unfinished story.

“I’ll never get to see it compltetly finished,” she said.

Eric Miller has a more optimistic opinion; the senior is pleased with the results.

“Its’ taken a long time, but it was wirth it.”

The Wessex Wire our job.”

Surprisingly, the two principals don’t find discipline to be a dark cloud that ruins their job.

“It’s a matter of tailoring discipline to have a positive outcome,” said Hoebee. “It’s a matter of perspective. Students may think that what they’re doing is funny, but I try to help them understand the teacher’s perspective. Most of the time students truly don’t understand the bigger picture and the domino effect of what they’re doing,” she added.

Rotella believes that students will take discipline more easily if some of the practices at this school are changed slightly.

“Discipline was an area that needed to be expanded on at this school,” he said. “There were inconsistencies in punishments that students were receiving. We aim to fix that.”

Page 3 One of the issues that students had with past administration was that they were unavailable to the point that students didn’t even know who the assistant principals were.

“I like that they are always around and in the hallways,” said Senior Arielle Schneck. “It’s nice to know that they’re actually putting themselves into everyday West Essex life. I even saw them at the home opening football game.”

Students are also impressed with how efficiently the two are able to work together as a team.

“It’s seems like things are running more smoothly now that there are two assistant principals,” said Senior Jessica Quick. “I remember from previous years senior parking has been really complicated and students only got to park half the year. Now there is full year parking and it was an extremely simple and expedient process.”

Masquers to Deliver Triple Threat

the scenes,” said Lupo, on what she thought of the set up this year.

Vidovich’s play, Senior Year Survivor, is a satire Just as students are settling into the mundane based of the TV show “Survivor,” based in West routine of classes, West Essex Masquers is gearing Essex High School. The contestants are comprised up not just for a single fall show, but three. of a cast of sic, with Amanda Nichols as the show’s “Over the last 6 or 8 years, I have given students announcer. the opportunity to select and direct one act plays,” Mr. Boronow has been supervising practices said John Boronow, supervisor of the drama club. for the plays, which take place on every Thursday “It [allows them to be] on the other side of the pro- after school. He commented that he was “sold duction, and on their ideas” helps them when each of decide if them gave a this is the brief synopsis direction of their plays. they want This is to continue the third time in. “ we have done Seniors this, and I only N i c k Vi do it when I dovich, feel there are Michelle students who Lupo, and can handle it Joe Giordawell, and have no asked if had the experithey would ence needed,” be able to continued Bo-Photo courtesy of Amanda select, cast, Joe Giordano, Michelle Lupo, Nick Vidovich ronow. “That and manage was true in this case, so when they asked, after their own one act plays. They some thought, I agreed.” each choose a play from catalogs made available by Boronow initially showed some hesitation bethe school, including Pioneer Plays and Eldridge. cause once they were able to perform the plays at “Last year, Nick and I approached Mr. Boronow the high school again, he originally wanted to have about the opportunity,” said Lupo. “We had per- only one fall drama. formed in the student directed plays our freshman “This would have been difficult,” Boronow went year and thought it would be a great experience to on to say. “The majority of lighting equipment was direct.” moved up to the junior high. Also, the construction Giordano, who also brought his idea to the atten- on the high school affected the stage area. They tion of Mr. Boronow, describes his play, “Illinois added rooms backstage, and used the stage as a storJane and the Pyramid of Peril,” by Kevin Stone, as age area. It was necessary to the clean the entire stage a dramatic comedy. Taking place in the present day, and reassemble the lighting and sound equipment. the heroine Illinois Jane, played by senior Rosie “This is a great opportunity to involve many stuO’Conner, searches for a lost pyramid with her dents, and to give the student directors some experisidekick, Sid Knickerbock (Jesse Law Ascle). ence and insight,” said Boronow. “They are all doing Lupo’s play, entitled After Hours, written by Colo- a great job.” rado Tolston, is a comedy about mannequins coming The plays are going to be held at the Senior High, to life. They save their store from being robbed. on December 6, 7 and 8. Two plays are going to be “Everything is running smoothly with the plays- held each night, alternating between the three nights. that’s what happens when you have such a large The first show begins at 7 pm, and tickets will be group of enthusiastic people working on and behind made available at the door.

by Victoria Gualtieri ‘09

November 2007

Sports Fest FROM PAGE 1

erman. “When the band played to the student section there was literally no audience.”

Seniors feel that the event needs to be better promoted in order to increase attendance.

“This year was weak compared to past years because non-athletes just didn’t show up,” said senior soccer player Dan Spinelli.

“It would be a more successful fundraiser if it was looked at as a bigger deal and promoted more.”

Upper classman also take issue with the idea that Sportsfest is mostly for junior high students.

“Younger students are more interested in going because they want to see who is actually a part of the Varsity Squads,” said Senior Erin Henke. “By the time students get older they are no longer interested in a pep rally on a Thursday night.

Upperclassmen think that if the dance were a more appealing feature of the evening the attendance issue would be helped.

“It seems as though they can only get junior high students to attend,” said Senior Alba Loconsole. “If the dance was just for high schoolers then maybe more of us would attend.”

Students Experience Medieval Art

by Ryan Logan-Magnusson ‘08 While museum field trips are old hat to most students, few get the opportunity to experience medieval art and architecture that is “unparalleled anywhere else in the United States,” according to Lynn Bailey, who organized a student field trip to the Cloisters museum.

Bailey, along with fellow English teacher Neil Fardin, organize a trip every year to The Cloisters, which holds The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of art and architecture from medieval Europe.

“The main reason for going on the trip is to learn more about medieval life in Europe,” said Bailey. “The Cloisters informs the students to have a better understanding of literature such as the Canterbury Tales.”

At the museum the students were given a guided tour around the premises to see actual

The Wessex Wire

Tournament of Bands FROM PAGE 1

group two, Old Bridge in group three, and Ramsey in group four. The visiting schools marked with the highest percussion were Matawan, Nutley, Old

Page 4 “We’ve already started practicing for the 2008 season,” said Batsch. “The actual practices began in May, with a summer band camp that took place for a week in August.”

Practices picked up again in the fall, on every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Occasionally, the band puts in extra time for a Sunday or Tuesday practice, which can occur if the original practice conflicts with a holiday. In addition to the numerous practices, the entire band marches at football games each week.

“Back in January,” continues Batsch. “The staff got together to choose the show-theme, music, and -Photo courtesy of Rita Molesworth how many

Top(from left) Jack Vidovich, Matt Dolph, David Grau, Jessica Quick, Jake Chusid, Joe Ricciardi. Middle (from left) Jenny Wang, Andy Christiana, Emily Albulescu, Tara Molesworth, Simone Belicci,Arielle Schneck, James Moy. Bottom (From left) Cassandra Natali, Nick Vidovich, Amanda Nichols, Jen Picariello.

Bridge, and Ramsey. “[The tournament] is like a sports conference for the bands competing,” said Frank Russell Batsch, director of bands at West Essex.

West Essex has been involved with the Tournament of Bands for the past few years. One of the largest competitive band organizations in the country, the Tournament of Bands provides many performance opportunities in field band, indoor guard, majorette, percussion and dance team, as well as comprehensive festivals with instrumental and choral events. Tournament of Bands, or TOB, has approximately 140 field band events, about 100 indoor events, and several comprehensive music festivals each year. On various Saturday nights in the fall, the TOB will have from anywhere from 12 to 18 field band competitions allowing hundreds of Marching Bands to participate in its competitive arena.

Preparations for this major event begin in the prior season.

kids would be marching. The music score is going to be all original this year.”

The theme this year, Life and Balance, is composed of three songs the band performs-Stress (previously titled “Incantation and Dance”), Relax (“Gabriel’s Oboe”), and Enjoy (“Minimally Speaking”).

Through October and the beginning of November, competitions take place on weekends. The bands travel to different schools to perform on football fields along with schools close to their size.

“As [the bands] perform, judges walk around them observing. Each of the judges focuses on various aspects of the presentation, including color guard, percussion, and the quality of music played, scoring them on a scale of 1 to 100. At the end, the judges pool their scores together to come up with a final score,” Art Nichols, secretary of West Essex Marching Boosters Association (WEMBA), said.

tapestries and artifacts from the original cloisters in Europe.

“It was awesome walking around there and learning about the intricacies of medieval art,” said Senior Andrew Pryor. It was fascinating how they created such remarkably advanced structures with what now would be considered primitive technology.”

Despite the invaluable educational experience of the Cloisters, students also found the trip to be very entertaining.

“I enjoyed the trip especially because we were given a lot of freedom and the tour was really

interesting,” said Senior Rosemary O’Connor.

“Even though it was raining, the gardens were absolutely beautiful. We also had a little picnic in the park across the street; I had a lot of fun.”

The trip is an annual occurrence for the students of Bailey and Fardin, and each year the students are equally pleased with the experience.

“I would definitely recommend students go on the trip next year,” added O’Connor. “The Cloisters contains actual pieces of art from the time periods that you would learn about in European history, so you really get an intricate understanding of what it's all about.”

November 2007

Fermunda Cheese Takes It All

The Wessex Wire

Page 5

by Dylan Cascino ‘09 Joseph Russo ‘09

On October 17, with the majority of the junior and sophomore classes taking the PSAT’s, the senior class needed incentive to come to school.

They found this incentive in the form of a dodgeball tournament.

The idea for the tournament came from teachers Andrea Mondadori and Dominick Linsalato.

Mondadori has run various school tournaments in the past, but decided that dodgeball would be most enthusiastically received. “I have been organizing dodgeball, volleyball and student/faculty basketball since I started at West Essex in 2001,” said Mondadori. “Over the past seven years working at West Essex, dodgeball seems to be the favorite.”

Ten teams entered the competition in hopes of achieving the ultimate satisfaction of becoming champions. Each team played in matching uniforms to add more color and excitement to the tournament.

Among the teams that participated were: Global Warming Isn’t Real, Pirates Booty, The Jagerbombs, The Whack Dragons, Team Fairfield, Team B, The Architexxx, Tony Danza’s Tap Dancing Pwnanza, and Victorious Secret. But after the final peg transpired, the only team left standing was Fermunda Cheese.

The winning team was comprised of seniors Anthony Romendetto, Jeff George, Cody D’alessandro, Cat Serpe, Chelsea Buehning, and Mike Agrifolio, all of whom have experience playing sports for West Essex. “If it wasn’t for winning the state championship at Giants Stadium last year, this would have been the greatest athletic moment of my life,” said Agrifolio.

Fermunda Cheese went undefeated in roundrobin play and triumphed over a formidable Victorious Secret team in the championship match. “We dominated every other team,” said a heartbroken Casey Connelly, a key cog in the Victorious Secret machine. “But when it came to playing Fermunda Cheese, we were the ones who were dominated.”

Evben though this minor setback, observers and fans believed the tournament was a great success.

“Watching the tournament was an amazing spectacle,” stated an enthusiastic Joe Rolli. “It was a grand display of fine athletic ability and sportsmanship.”

Despite the positive reviews the tournament has received, some believe that dodgeball has no place in school. Frank Firavanti is a fervent anti-dodgeball activist. “Dodgeball is a barbaric sport, and it has no place in the school atmosphere or anywhere for that matter,” said Firavanti, a member of team “Tony Danza’s Tap Dancing Pwnanza.”

For now, Fermunda Cheese can bask in the glory of their victory. But for some, the scars of losing might not be going away any time soon.

Cody D’alessandro (left) and Anthony Romendetto (right) ready to start the championchip game.

-Photo courtesy of Ryan Logan

Rosh Hashanah Downgraded to One Day

by Ben Sunshine ‘09

Student and faculty opinions were divided on the issue of religious holidays, as both the junior and senior high school students were forced to report to school for the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah, commonly known as the “Jewish New Year,” is one of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar. There is no work allowed on Rosh Hashanah, and most of the day is spent in the synagogue, the Jewish place of worship.

There is some disagreement among those who celebrate the holiday. Reformed Jews usually celebrate only the first day, while conservative and orthodox Jews celebrate both days. “I have never observed both days, but because there are people that observe both days it is the right thing to have the second day off in respect for those people,” said Spanish teacher Kirin Hart.

The issue of the length of observance with the three forms of the Jewish religion has obviously been a main source of conflict. “Not everyone celebrates the second day of Rosh Hashanah, which makes it more complex and problematic,” said history teacher Beth Vaknin.

Another point of contention involving the holiday is how the administration and faculty handled the students who were unable to attend school because of religious reasons. As per state regulations, students who did not attend were given an excused absence, provided the student bring in a note from parents stating that the student was Jewish. “It was also suggested [by the administration] that no homework should be assigned on the second day of Rosh Hashanah,” said English teacher Anna Morris.

These policies for the second day of Rosh Hashanah were not necessarily enforced strictly by the administration, however. “The second day was just like a normal day of school. There was no special attention given to myself and other Jewish students and there were basically no changes to the lesson plans,” said Junior Jared Laxer.

Some Jewish students were worried that they would fall behind on their schoolwork if they missed the second day. “I didn’t want to get behind on my work, so I came to school,” said Sophomore Alison Roseman.

Susan Sunshine, mother of a West Essex student, spoke with the superintendent of schools, Mario Cardinale, by telephone. “He said that he made the decision to keep school open the second day because he wanted to be consistent with all of the [elementary school] sending districts and because he needed other days to use for the rest of the year,” said Sunshine. She noted that only the Essex Fells and Fairfield sending districts were open on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

Some non-Jewish students also felt that a religious holiday as important as Rosh Hashanah should have both days off. “If we have multiple days off for Christmas, then the Jewish [students and faculty] should have off both days of Rosh Hashanah,” said Junior Kyle Kovats.

Faculty members have little power to affect the school calendar. According to social studies teacher Tony Janish, president of the teachers’ union, the Board of Education is given complete power by the state to schedule the calendar.

Still, many students and faculty felt satisfied with how the second day was treated by the administration. “They handled it fairly well, but a notice from the administration should have been issued as a reminder for the faculty,” said English teacher Marion Wychules.

In the interest of full disclosure, Susan Sunshine is the mother of writer Ben Sunshine.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 6

Meet the Candidates: An Inside Look of the Primary Race

by Jenel Conde ‘09

The 2008 election will be extremely unique. The candidates running for this position are usually white males; however this election includes a woman and a black man. Unlike any other election in the past, these candidates have a likely chance of becoming the next president. The following chart describes six candidates and their position on certain issues. The following information has been gathered from http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm.

Runner

Obama-D

Clinton-D

Edwards-D

Abortion Trust women to make own decisions on partialbrith abortions (Arp 2007)

Education Pay techers more money and treat them liek professionals (June 2007)

Protect a woen’s right to choose (May 2004)

Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade (Jun 2007)

Support Israel’s selfdefense; but distrusted by Israelis (Oct 2006)

Lift ban on stem cell research to cure devastating disease (Jun 2007)

Establish right to education from pre-school thru college (Jun 2007)

Engage in world affairs, including human rights (Oct 2000)

affordable health care (Jun 2007)

Videotape all capital punishment interrogations (Oct 2006)

Require electronic medical record for all federal healthcare (Mar 2007)

Increase America’s commitment against Global AIDS (Nov 2006)

Supports “Three Strikes” and more prison (Aug 1994)

Mandatory sentences have been too widely used (Jun 2007)

Overcome almost criminal indifference to Katrina rebuilding (Jun 2007)

Pay New Orleans residents to rebuild from Katrina (Jun2007)

Prepare better for next Hurricane Katrina(Aug 2007)

crimes justify the ultimate punishment (Oct 2006)

Government should not decide for women on partial-birth abortion (Apr 2007)

Meet with enemy leaders after diplomacy first (Jul 2007)

Lead international effort on economic development (Apr2007)

Exactly the same healthcare rights for same-sex couples (Aug 2007) End Bush’s tax cuts to pay for health care (Jun 2007)

Supports the death penalty (Jan 2004)

Put more responsibility on the lawyers, not the victims (Oct 2004)

Bring peace by sharing gift of freedom with Middle East (Jun 2007)

$15,000 tax credit for health savings accounts (Aug 2007)

Apply strict moral standards to lawbreakers (Jan2007)

Switch from employer decisions to individual choices (Jun 2007)

Crime cut in half inNYC (Dec 1999)

Keep health care promises to aging veterans (Nov 1999)

More death penalty;stricter sentencing (Jan 2000)

Higher taxes oncigarettes (Jan 2000)

More community policing (Jan 2000)

Insure 45 million uninsured with a free-market based system (Aug 2007) State universal coverage plan is national test case (Apr 2006)

Reform sentencing process; appeal too- lenient sentences (Sep 2002)

Ultimate decision by woman, her conscience & her doctor (Aug 2007)

Supports federal funding of embryonicstem cell research (May 2007) Abortion OK if raped;and no testing for rape (Jan 2000)

Romney-R

Crime Some heinous

Smartest strategic choice is peace (Nov1999)

Encourage adoptions; ban partialbirth abortion (May 2007)

McCain-R

Health Care Got tested for AiAIDS,with wife, in public, in Kenya (Jun 2007) Give people the choice to buy

Must safeguard Transfer tax constitutional cuts fromrich & rights including corporations to choice (Oct 2000)

Expand embryonic stem cell research (Jun 2004)

Giuliani-R

Foreign Policy Pay attention more in Africa (Jun 2007)

Following in Reagan’s footsteps in converting to pro-life (Aug 2007) Was effectively pro- choice until cloning changed his opinion (May 2007)

Make community colleges & public universities free (Sep 2007) Teach in public school that we embrace same-sex parents (Aug 2007)

Open schools on weekends for remedial catch-up (Jan 2001)

Improve schools by taking on the unions & special interests (Jan 2000)

Democracy is a long term goal, after building bedrock (Aug 2007)

Believes in evolutionbut sees the hand of God in nature (May 2007) Teach virtues in all schools (Dec 1999)

We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies (Aug 2004)

Schools can teach family values, but not religion or prayer (Aug 1994)

Encourage others to welcome democracy, without military (Aug2007)

Supports English immersion & abstinence education (May 2007)

Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe (Feb 2000)

Move Muslim world toward modernity so they reject extreme (Aug 2007)

One Strike, You’re Ours: lifetime GPS tracking (Jul 2007)

Environment Three months working on minority students recycling (Aug 1996)

Give Katrina contracts to locals (Jun 2007)

EPA must do better on mercury clean-up (Apr 2004)

EPA must do better on mercury clean- up (Apr 2004)

Make EPA into a Cabinet department (May 2002) Preserve and help our National Parks (Jan 2000)

Clean environment will be a campaign theme (Mar 2002)

November 2007 Issue 1

Feature

The Wessex Wire Page 7

Sophomores Embrace Change of Building

offers a welcomed alternative to the junior high.

“Although high school begins when you are a freshman, I feel like I’m starting as a sophomore because the high school atmosphere is different from the junior high,” said Samantha Notte. She believes the environment is “more mature” at the high school and it’s “very different from the junior high.”

Kaiser is also finding her way Photo courtesy of Jenel Conde around the high school’s serpentine Sophmores Marissa Conde, Amanda Kaiser, Sam Notte, Tess Shapiro and Monica Lombardo sit at lunch hallways comfortably; however, she

“I get a longer time to eat my is not sure that students can always

by Jenel Conde ‘07 lunch, but I can also do my home- make it on time to class.

It is 12:21 p.m., seventh period work without any interruptions,” “I know where all my classes are at West Essex High School and the said Amanda Kaiser. but there may not be enough time to cafeteria is jam-packed with students “Also, in the junior high you eat get to class since the new [science eager to eat their delectable lunches. lunch with your grade only. I like and humanities] wings were added,” Gathered at one of the tables is a that the lunches in the high school Kaiser said. group of sophomore girls thrilled to include tenth, eleventh, and twelfth Although it seems as if praise for finally have a forty-two minute lunch graders.” the high school is universal, not all in their schedules.

Some believe that the overall mood sophomores prefer the high school and atmosphere at the high school

over the junior high. Monica Lombardo takes a different view.

“I like the junior high better because it was easier for me to find my classes and I liked being the oldest in the school,” said Lombardo. Another student, Austin Leigh, has a class in the junior high this year and finds it difficult to make the commute.

“Walking to the junior high is annoying and makes me late to both my junior high class and the class I have afterward, here in the high school,” said Leigh.

As for whether or not new sophomores enjoy their classes, Angelo Agrifolio took a liking to the electives he has this year.

“My electives this year are Computer Graphics and Drafting II. I had Drafting I in the junior high last year but Computer Graphics is only offered in the high school. I like the diverse classes that the high school offers,” Agrifolio said.

Conscientious Objector Abandons War in Iraq

“Camilo”

on the street/And your eyes too big for the belly is weak /Will you not refuse this currency /Or is blood money just money to you/Is blood money just money to you

Twenty days in a concrete fallout/ What life have i to take your own / Oh my country won’t you call out / Doorbells are ringing with boxes of bones / And from another land’s war torn corners /To a prison cell in my own /Punish me for not taking your orders / But don’t lock me up for not leavin’ my home

Twenty days in a concrete fallout/ What life have to take your own/ Oh my country won’t you call out/ Doorbells are ringing with boxes of bones/ From another land’s war torn corners/ To a prison cell in my own /Punish me for not taking your orders /But don’t lock me up for/not leavin’ my home Camilo

by Andy Maxman ‘09

Twenty days in a concrete fallout What life have I to take your own Oh my country won’t you call out Doorbells are ringing with boxes of bones And from another land’s war torn corners To a prison cell in my own Punish me for not taking your orders But don’t lock me up for not leavin’ my home

These words, the chorus of the State Radio song “Camilo,” display the disdain felt by the band over what they view as the unfair punishment of Camilo Ernesto Mejía, a Staff Sergeant who was the first Iraq War veteran to file for conscientious objector status. Mejía, born in Nicaragua, spent six months on a tour of duty in Iraq.

Upon his return to the United States for a two week reprieve, he decided not to follow his orders to return to war.

In 2004, the US Military charged Mejía with desertion and sentenced him to a year in prison. Mejía peacefully turned

himself over to the Military. He was placed under court marshal; however, he claimed that he abandoned his duties to avoid the possibility of committing war crimes, such as the torture of the Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. His attorney, former United States Attorney General Ramsey Clark, stated that such a claim ensures his protection from the desertion charges under international law.

The court did not agree with this line of reasoning, however. He was convicted of desertion a nd sentenced to one year in prison. He served his time and was released on February 15, 2005.

Throughout his year in prison he gained support from people who heard his story and believed in his ideals. People who also opposed the Iraq War organized rallies and protests. Because of his courageous actions, he has become a symbol of the opposition to the Iraq War. Since his release from prison, Mejía has become vigilantly involved in speaking at anti-war rallies. In addition he has written a book entitled, Road from Ar Ramadi: The Private Rebellion of Staff Sergeant Mejía.

Camilo wrote in his new book: “I say

Woke him up with a barrel to his head / His eyes shut tight bracing for the blow / Resigning his life to the metal held / In another man’s hand

Your words just a bloody fallacy /A house of cards you painted white/ You tried to recreate Normandy But you made up the reason to fight /And now red oil is spillin’ down without any pride that I did my job as a soldier. I commanded an infantry squad in combat and we never failed to accomplish our mission. But those who called me a coward, without knowing it, are also right.

I was a coward not for leaving the war, but for having been a part of it in the first place. Refusing and resisting this war was my moral duty, a moral duty that called me to take a principled action. I failed to

From the album Us Against the Crown by State Radio fulfill my moral duty as a human being and instead I chose to fulfill my duty as a soldier. All because I was afraid. I was terrified, I did not want to stand up to the government and the army, I was afraid of punishment and humiliation. I went to war because at [that] moment I was a coward, and for that I apologize to my soldiers for not being the type of leader I should have been.”

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Potter Casts Spell For the Last Time liked the many plot twists.”

by Kristin Kuscin ‘08

On July 21st it finally happened: bookstores, malls and supermarkets worldwide were overfilled with fans anxiously waiting for the clock to strike midnight. They all had the same goal: to be the first people to get their hands on the newest and (supposedly) last book in the Harry Potter series.

For nine years, children and adults alike have been mesmerized by the whimsical adventures of Potter and his friends. As the series reaches its final book, it continues to thrive. The magnitude of the book’s success is largely the result of character development throughout the story.

“I think it’s been a success,” According to Senior Tara Shulman, “because the detailed storyline sucks you in and makes you want to read more.

The characters are all likeable and interesting, so you start to care about them and you want to know what’s going to happen to them.”

Science teacher Mrs. Jean Marie Zuhl also credits its success to the wide-spread hype of the series.

“There’s, to be sure, a brilliant public relations department at Scholastic,” said Zuhl. “They’ve created so much hype about each release that they whip their fans into frenzy for each book.”

Finally, after nine years, the Potter craze has been acknowledged by the staff at West Essex.

This year brought the introduction of a new summer reading criterian, in which each teacher chose a book for the list and book chats took place during the second week of school. Among other new books came the addition of Harry Potter, much to the delight of teachers and students.

“I was happy when I saw the book,” said Junior Brittany DiChiara. “I was going to read it anyway, so summer reading [this year] was actually something I wanted to do.”

Choosing Potter for the list was an obvious decision for Zuhl. “I chose it for summer reading not only because I’ve loved the books for years, but also because I knew there would be heavy student interest,” she said.

The seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows continued the trend of success, selling a total of 8.3 million copies in its first 24 hours on sale in the United States alone, according to Scholastic Inc.

“I really enjoyed the book,” said sophomore Ben Roth. “It was very fast paced,

action filled and adventurous. I -Photo courtesy of www.illiterarty.com

Page 8

What would you put in the 8th Harry Potter book?

However, there were a few disappointments

with the books ending.

“I thought she should have tied more loose ends,” “The 8th book would not have the protagonist as Roth said. “She left many things untouched, i.e. Harry or his friends, but from the eyes of Tom Ridde/Voldemort. The book would go into much Sirius’s death and the Arch into which he fell.”

There are, however, two questions that remain detail his childhood, his time at Hogwarts, his unanswered for Potter fans: what will Rowlings rise to power, and ultimately, his decline, fall, do next and what is next on the reading list now and death.” –Ben Roth

that the series is over?

“Rowlings said she’s writing a mystery next,” “If I was writing an 8th book I would write about said Zuhl, who read it in one of Rowling’s post- Harry, Hermione and Ron’s kids going to Hogpublication interviews. “I hope she does some- warts. I would write about adventures they would thing completely different, although I think a encounter. I also would include what all the old part of me hopes that she’ll pick up with the next characters were up to.” –Brittany DiChiara

generation.”

As far as what to read next, Zuhl has been “I wouldn’t have written an eighth book. To told that the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. milk the story and make it longer than it needs R. Tolkien can be compared to the sci-fi action to be would bring down the quality of the series. of the Potter series. However, she also believes Anyway, if there had to be an eighth book, Snape that Potter fans don’t have to follow a particular would be recognized as a hero, Harry would get genre because they’re fans of a particular writing to have a normal life and become an Auror like he style: a “clear and descriptive and suspenseful always wanted to, and we’d get to see the rebuildand surprising and humorous and deliberately ing of the wizarding world.” – Tara Shulman and meticulously written with a healthy mix of “I wouldn’t even attempt an 8th book, although realistic well developed characters.”

With the seventh book came the disappointing it’s tempting.” –Mrs. Zuhl truth that the Potter series has, in fact, come to a a Facebook group said it really well: ‘reading the close. Mixed emotions overwhelmed readers. last Harry Potter book was like destroying the “I feel really sad that it’s over, but I’m happy seventh Horcrux of my childhood.’” about the way it ended,” said Shulman. “The ending gave me a sense of closure. Someone on

Shave it or Not?

by Ryan Logan-Magnusson ‘08

Summers are a magical time. You spend three brainless months doing whatever you choose and times are good. Lots of things can happen over the course of a summer. Girls get tanner and become prettier; guys get taller and more buff. Few people, however, come back with a “caterpillar” attached to their upper lip.

Seniors this year think that the person who looks most different from last year has to be Dave Mascera. Mascera has been known for his outlandish antics since his early grammar school days.

Whether it’s dressing up like a Mexican bandito on Halloween, making heavy metal CD’s under the name “Raptor Jesus,” or growing peppers in his backyard, Mascera never ceases to amaze.

This year, he came in on the first day of school sporting arguably the most ferocious mustache on this side of the Mason-Dixon Line.

“Chris Miller originally proposed the idea to me,” said Mascera on his motivation for growing the mustache. “At first I wasn’t sure but as I pictured it in my mind, the only thought I had was, yes.”

According to Mascera, his mustache took about

three months to grow to his desired length, but about five months to gain its full maturity and take on the essence of a true mustache.

“It is possibly the most fantastic thing I have ever seen,” said Senior Joshua Sigler. “I envy him and one day hope to be able to grow a mustache as prominent as his.”

With all the buzz going on about his new ‘stache, the question now is, shave it or not?

After polling a random 50 seniors, the decision, earning 84 percent of the vote, as to whether or not their comrade should shave his coveted ‘stache, was a resounding no.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best himself,” said Senior Chris Jung. “To quote, ‘Talent for talents’ sake is a bauble and a show. Talent working with joy in the cause of universal truth lifts the possessor to new power as a benefactor.’ The bottom line,” says Jung, “is that Dave has a gift, the gift of the almighty mustache. Why waste it?”

Fellow beard-barer Frank Firavanti, a Senior by whom Mascera himself has been deemed a legend in the West Essex beard game, had his own thoughts on the subject. “I don’t see what the big deal is,” said Firavanti. “I have been growing beards of all shapes and sizes for like six years now. Then Dave comes along with a lip-llama SEE SHAVE IT OR NOT PAGE9

November 2007

Shave it or not (continued) and the whole school goes insane. Shaving it would be no great tragedy.”

Mascera too sees no great fault in shaving it. In fact, Mascera informed The Wire that at 4:52 p.m.

Halloween night, he shaved the ‘stache. When asked why, all he had to say was, “To see how fast I can grow it back.”

The over/under time limit set by Mascera is a staggering three weeks. Critics and fans alike are questioning whether Mascera has the audacity to grow at such an unruly pace.

“I may not be a legend like Frank ‘Frankie G.’ Firavanti,” confessed Mascera, “But I’ve been doing some pretty intense training and I’m confident that I’ll meet my own expectations.”

Famous Mustaches

-Photo courtesy of http://datinggoddess.files.wordpress.com

The Monopoly Guy One of the most famous character icons in American history also sports one of the nation’s greatest mustaches. The only question is; would you rock this ‘stache for $200?

-Photo courtesy of http://sports.blogue.canoe.com

Rollie Fingers One of the all-time great pitchers in baseball also had one of the most recognizable mustaches in the league. When it comes to awesome mustaches, Rollie truly is in a league of his own.

-Photo courtesy of www.librarising.com

Adolf Hitler He doesn’t possess one of the best legacies in modern history, but he certainly has one of the most memorable mustaches ever. Conspirators will tell you that it is not in fact his mustache, but ramifications of an un-groomed nasal cavity.

The Wessex Wire

Page 9

Your Ticket to College

cannot predict the decision that the colleges will make regarding your application. It is wise for It is early November and the lives of seniors students to apply to schools that they feel comfortare crazy; college brochures line their desks, able with and where they can envision themselves applications are scattered all around, and stress as a student. levels are high as they prepare to begin the process WW: Is it important to visit every school you apply of applying to college. They are in the height of to before you apply? collecting recommendations, checking for any MJC: Visiting the college campus is highly recsupplemental papers needed, and actually apply- ommended; it can give the student a realistic view ing to their schools of choice. In order to ease of college life there and whether or not they feel the confusion, guidance counselor Mrs. Mary Jo it’s a good match for them. High school students Callanan agreed to sit down with the Wire and are very busy, so visiting every college on your answer some frequently asked questions about list may be unrealistic, but it’s important to try applying to college. to visit as many as you can, so you can make an informed and educated decision about your Wessex Wire: Why is the application procedure future. so stressful?

WW: Should you submit recommendations, Mrs. Mary Jo SAT II, or essays to Callanan: I think schools that “recom“I think in general the application in general the apmend” but do not process is overwhelming and confusing plication process require them? for the students because they are is overwhelming MJC: If any piece chartering unknown territory and their and confusing of the application future depends on it.” for the students process is “recombecause they are mended”, students chartering unshould do their best known territory and their future depends on it. to provide that information. It is usually someSo obviously these things can cause stress and thing that they would really like to see and could a feeling of pressure. It’s a normal reaction. At help with the college’s decision to accept you. first, students aren’t sure what to do and in what WW: What is the best way to decide which teachorder [it needs to be done], who needs what, and ers to ask for recommendations? what forms to fill out, etc. But that’s what we MJC: The teachers you request letters of recomas guidance counselors are here for, to help you mendations from should be teachers who know through the process, and hopefully ease your you well on both an academic level as well as a stress a little bit. character level. You should ask teachers who you WW: What’s the most important thing to do when believe will best represent you to the colleges of applying? your choice.

MJC: Be highly organized; it will help tremen- WW: If students don’t know what they want to dously and ease the confusion. I recommend major in, should they apply undecided or pick a using the Naviance website (https://connection. major that they are considering? naviance.com/fc/signin.php?hsid=westex) as a MJC: If a student is really unsure of what they resource for deadlines, admissions information, want to major in, it would be best to go in undecidscatter-gram graphs and access to the college ed. There are opportunities to research different website for application information. Recording majors within the college once you are there. all the necessary information for each college you WW: Exactly how important are SAT/ACT wish to apply to, perhaps in separate color coded scores? folders will aid in easing the process, as well as MJC: SAT and ACT scores are a piece in the using a checklist to help with staying on task. puzzle of the admissions process. College repreWW: How many schools should a student apply sentatives will consider the student’s transcript, to? standardized test scores, essay, recommendation MJC: We can’t give a number as to how many letters, activities/resumes, and any other honors schools a student should apply to; it depends on or awards that make the individual unique. All the student and their interests/choices. We do of these aspects provide an overall assessment of recommend anywhere from 5-8 applications as who the student is academically and personsufficient. ally. They look at all of these parts collecWW: How important is it to apply to a safety tively before accepting or denying a student school? applicant.

MJC: In this day and age, colleges are so com- WW: When is a good time for juniors to petitive that it’s very important to make sure you start getting prepared for the application have colleges on your list that are appropriate fits for you academically and socially. Truthfully we SEE TICKET TO COLLEGE PAGE12

by Kristin Kuscin ‘08

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

New Teacher Profiles

Anne Baney-Giampoala

by Dylan Cascino ‘09

Denise D’meo

by Jon Struss ‘09

Page 10

Tony Emering (not pictured)

by Joe Russo ‘09

At first glance, Anne Baney-Giampoala may be mistaken for another student, but she is actually in her tenth year as a teacher. The Rutgers grad spent her time in college double majoring in both English and Journalism.

Prior to West Essex, Baney-Giampoala split her first nine years of teaching in Franklin, NJ and Woodbury, NJ. Teaching at a school like West Essex is a change from her previous schools, and a culture shock, too, as her previous schools were very diverse. She is currently teaching English 11 Academic and CP, and Journalism 1, 2, and 3.

Denise D’meo comes to West Essex with college degrees from Rutgers University and Columbia University. She spent time teaching at Pascack Valley High School and Cedar Grove High School. According to D’meo, the main difference between her previous two schools and West Essex is that “West Essex is much bigger than [her previous schools].” While in school, D’meo spends her time teaching both Chemistry CP and Chemistry Honors, but when not at work D’meo enjoys hanging out with her friends, family, and dogs.

Tony Emering has extensive experience as a Student Assistance Counselor. His job is to assists students on a wide range of issues.

This Montclair State graduate previously worked at James Caldwell High School, giving him some measure of familiarity with the area. Emering is enthusiastic about helping others because his mother was always involved in various church activities. “The value of helping others was always a paramount for me,” said Emering. “My mother instilled in me that helping those who were less fortunate was very important.”

Kristen Cammarano

Christian Delmotte

Wendy Fink

by Ben Sunshine ‘09

Having grown up in West Caldwell, Kristen Cammarano was initially attracted to West Essex primarily because of the proximity to her childhood home and the new opportunities. Cammarano, or “Miss Cam,” as some students affectionately refer to her, currently teaches Geometry B and Algebra IIA. She received her education degree at Ramapo College and earned a bachelor of science in mathematics. During her free time, she enjoys preparing her lesson plans and watching television. In addition, she is a loyal Yankee fan and loves to attend games.

by Alyson Roseman ‘10

Christian Delmotte grew up in Bellville with five brothers and sisters. He was a self proclaimed band geek in high school, and has always loved music. He has a very eclectic taste including classical, hip hop, rock, and jazz. Delmotte also enjoys watching “Grey’s Anatomy.” .” Having ten nieces and nephews, family plays a huge role in the English inclusion teacher’s life. Delmotte went to school at Montclair State, Seton Hall, Thomas Edison, and Essex College. During his time there, he was on the school paper and started working with educationally and financially deprived students.

by Evan Roth ‘08

The new face that can be seen around the West Essex science department is that of Wendy Fink, who teaches Physics I CP and Conceptual Physics. Fink’s goal at West Essex is to help her students exceed their expectations in her class. Fink grew up in a suburb of Syracuse, New York and earned her BS in physics at SUNY Albany and her MS in engineering at NJIT. She worked in industry before becoming a teacher. Fink has three daughters, ages seven, 11, and 13. She spends most of her free time taking care of her daughters, but when she can find some free time she enjoys outdoor activities.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 11

Welcome to West Essex

Erin Kida

by Ryan Logan ‘08

Robyn Paglia

by Andrew Cross ‘08

Lisa Verga (not pictured)

by Evan Elberg ‘09

Guidance counselor Erin Kida came to West Essex because she thought it would be a “great opportunity” to come to a growing school that needed new guidance counselors. Kida received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Ramapo College and her Master’s from Centenary College. While most of her time is spent busily helping students with hectic schedules and college admissions, Kida hopes to eventually find more time to travel. In particular, she loves Europe and looks forward to visiting.

Robyn Paglia is a special education and English teacher. She teaches two strategy classes and in-class support in both English and Social Studies classes. Paglia has been teaching for five years and graduated from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, where she majored in Special Education and was the president of her class for all four years of school. She has been married for almost three years. She says her proudest moment as teacher came when one of her 8th graders thanked her for teaching him how to read.

Lisa Verga previously worked at East Orange Campus High School for three years teaching US History I and was the assistant coach for the varsity softball team. “I became a History teacher to prove to students that History is not boring. You just need an enthusiastic teacher that loves the subject.” said Verga. In her free time she is attending Montclair State to work on her master’s degree in counseling. On October, 12 2007 Verga got engaged to her boyfriend of three years who is currently a police officer for the NYPD.

Anna Morse

James Phillips (not pictured)

Raquel Williams (not pictured)

by Kelly Abbot ‘10

by Evan Elberg ‘09

by Kyle Kovats ‘09

Although one thinks of teachers as the person in front of the classroom, Anna Morse shares the role of teacher and learner. The new English teacher received her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Albany and her master’s degree at Butler University in Indiana. For two years, Morse high school for 11 years, most recently at Bloomfield High School.

The most memorable event in Ms. Morse’s life was watching her two sons grow up into men. She also has two grandchildren.

If you don’t know who James Phillips is, you most likely have seen him towering over all the sophomores, as he stands in at an impressive 6’8”. Phillips, the new freshmen boys’ basketball coach, is also a teacher in the math department. Phillips enjoys playing basketball and working out in his spare time. He previously worked at Booton High School as a basketball coach and as a teacher. He hopes to make a good impact with the new freshmen players that will one day be the future of the program.

Raquel Williams, West Essex’s newest Spanish teacher, uses techniques that aim to help students understand specific concepts, such as signs, audio tapes, and review games. Williams became a teacher because of her passion for language. In addition to Spanish and English, she can also speak Portuguese, and Yoruba, which is a dialect spoken in Africa. Williams always seeks to help, whether it’s coaching volleyball, going to foreign countries and teaching, or donating teaching supplies of hers to help educate those in poverty.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 12

Environmental Issues Plague North Caldwell be absorbed or for animals to live. One long

by Amanda Nichols ‘08

When North Caldwell was first settled in 1702 it was primarily a farm town, but since then the town has become the epitome of suburban sprawl, probably due to its close proximity to both New York City and Newark. Though the town is a great place to raise a family and boasts being the home of the Sopranos, North Caldwell has little to show for environmental conscientiousness. Since the evolution of this farming community into a suburb in the 50s and 60s, North Caldwell’s ecological footprint has grown larger and larger, with little being done to remedy the situation.

One of the major problems facing North Caldwell is the extremely small ratio of land to homes. Because the town is so highly developed, very little land is left for rain water to

that survey after survey shows that people are in time resident, Madie Koenig noticed, “a lot of favor of saving the environment. The problem wild animals wondering into [her] back yard is that a lot of people don’t know what to do. lately.” She also noted that the abundance of Resident Arielle Schneck is a perfect example. animals in her yard seemed to correspond with “When I found out that my appliances were the development of a hill and wood area in using energy while they were plugged in even North Caldwell that was previously untouched. if they were off, I made an effort to unplug the “The hill area was a big loss,” said Ben Alter, a toaster and my lap top when I finish using them. resident for It’s so easy and it makes me feel good that I’m 1 8 y e a r s doing something to help the environment,” she and an ex- explained. ecutive di- There are also quieter environmental problems r e c t o r o f festering in North Caldwell. Jonathan Nichols*, Green Faith a Graduate Student in Geo-Chemistry at Brown an environ- University observed an issue with a local pond, mental or- Walker’s pond. “Since I was a teenager, I’ve ganization that works with places of worship, been noticing the Eutrophisation of Walker’s “[environmentalists] in the town tried to fight it, pond. Eutrophisation occurs when a pond is but we lost in the end, and so did the environ- filled with excess nutrients, causing the plants ment of the town.” Alter also pointed out that to overgrow and slowly deplete the water in since the development of the hill area the town the pond. Basically, every time someone in has had two major floods and an increased oc- the town adds nutrients to their lawn, they are currence of residents meeting with dangerous also adding nutrients to the pond and soon it wild animals. “Usually the deer don’t bother won’t be a pond at all. It will just be a mass of me, but ever since my husband saw a fox in the weeds.” Nichols further explains that it’s ironic back yard I’ve been a little more wary of going that their lawns need all those nutrients because outside alone and when it’s not light out,” said if residents hadn’t brought in an invasive speKoenig, “If I had known that the development of cies of grass their lawns would probably grow that area would cause wild animals to be roam- a lot more easily. ing my

Despite many environ“If I had known that the development back yard mental pitfalls, this town can of that area would cause wild animals I think I boast a few environmental to be roaming my back yard I think wouldn’t triumphs. “Green Faith also I wouldn’t have been more active in have been works with colleges of relipreventing the construction.” more acgious affiliation,” said Alter, tive in “Caldwell College is a Cathopreventing the construction.” lic college so we worked to convince them to Alter also notes that a lack of environmental put solar panels on their buildings. Eventually education is another problem currently plaguing they agreed and now the Caldwell College camNorth Caldwell. “The rabbi at our temple likes pus is covered in solar panels.” Ben admits, to talk about a ladder of commitment when it however, that this is not enough. Though it’s a comes to how closely a person wants to follow great step in the right direction more people in the laws of Judaism,” said Alter, “What we try the town need to follow the college’s lead. “We to do at Green Faith is to get leaders of worship just have to continue to educate and eventually to propose similar plans for their congregants most people will be doing little things that can when it comes to their commitment to the envi- help save the environment,” said Alter. Even ronment.” Just as Koenig would have changed though suburban sprawl will probably always her actions if she had known the environmental be an environmental problem, hopefully North consequences of the development many oth- Caldwell will work to try and reverse some of ers in the town would probably make small the problems that their lifestyle creates for the adjustments to their behavior if they knew that environment. it would help the environment. Alter explains

“We just have to continue to educate and eventually most people will be doing little things that can help save the environment,”

Ticket to college

Continued from Page 9

process?

MJC: It’s never too early to start the college search process. The more research students do about colleges of interest, the better prepared they will be when the application process begins. Emphasis on the college search and creating a college list (those you wish to apply to) will occur around the spring of junior year. Students will do this with the help of their Guidance counselors. The actual application process will begin early senior year.

WW: What advise can you give students to avoid the stress?

MJC: M y a d v i c e t o s t u d e n t s t o t r y t o avoid the stress of the college process is to do plenty of research on colleges of interest. The more you know about the college the better. The Guidance department encourages students to visit colleges on tours or open houses, speak to students and faculty members on campus, use the internet to research colleges and utilize any other means of gathering information. This will help the student to know the ins and outs of the campus, and therefore confirm or deny the student’s interest.

November 2007 Issue 1

&

Arts

The Wessex Wire Page 13

Culture

Day in The Life of a Model

by Mara Alessi ‘08

Gorgeous gowns drape their size zero bodies, hundreds of dollars worth of jewelry sparkle on their ears, necks and wrists but what goes on inside those million dollar model heads? I was fortunate enough to meet models Marta Morilla and Tallyta Moura on the set of their fashion shoot at 153 West 27th street for designer Paula Varselona.

October 24th- 8 A.M and the Barbara Norman’s studio is all a buzz with preparations for the upcoming ten hour work day. The studio is modern deco with a vibrant red couch accented with silver and purple velvet throw pillows, and Norman Rockwell illustrations covering the canvas white walls of the penthouse. The laidback sounds of Lenny Kravitz loop in surround sound as Model Moura get her hair and make up done.

Moura, 21, relaxes in her bathrobe and sandals on a brown velvet footstool drinking her Starbucks as she reminisces on her life as a successful model. Never considered a “pretty girl,” Moura grew up in Brazil as “a tomboy always wearing t-shirts and jeans.” Moura recalls that her most prized possession was “a makeup kit with 101 different eye shadows” and that she “made a name” for herself by wearing a different shade each day to school.

She began modeling shirts and jeans at the age of 13 for her mother’s boutique in Brazil, but after the store went bankrupt she came to America. “[Modeling] is a lot different in Brazil than in America” notes Moura. “In Brazil there are classes for people who want to model: they teach you how to walk, talk, move and eat peoperly.”

In America, “the only way you learn is from the director yelling at you,” she adds with a laugh.

“When it comes to modeling, the more shoots the more clothes you wear and the more shows you do, the better,” said Moura. At 15, Moura looked for work as a model but found it difficult because she could not speak English, “I only knew how to say hi and bye, so I paid one of my neighbors to go with me to the agencies and translate for me,” Unfortunately, Moura was denied from most agencies because she could not speak English. After taking English classes in high school she had made huge strides. “[My English] is not perfect but, it’s getting better,” Moura says.

Once she mastered the language, Moura was ready to take the United States by storm. She did many bridal shoots in Georgia, after which her agency sent her to Miami. Moura put on twenty pounds in Miami to make herself curvier and

more appealing to agencies but unfortunately she would not get many calls because of her fair complexion. After nine months in Miami, she realized that there “really weren’t a lot of castings.” Moura moved to New York City where opportunities were more plentiful. She soon began doing lingerie photo shoots for $5000 and walking the runway for Valentino.

According to Moura all of her newfound luck in New York was because she was “pale, tall, skinny and had larger breasts.” After a long, strange journey, Moura has been in New York for a year and a half and has no desire to move anymore. “I love it here” she said.

WW: Morilla how did you learn your poses for your shots? Was it from experience?

Morilla: Yeah experience, you learn how to move to show your best features and hide your worst, I learned how to hide my mole.

WW: What do you prefer doing runway or photo shoots?

Morilla: Well I don’t do runway because I am too short. But I find that commercials are better. This weekend I am doing a commercial for Valle for $40,000, commercials like that don’t come often they are about one or two times a year.

WW: What was your favorite job you did as a model? Was it making thousands of dollars walking for Valentino?

Models Marta Morilla (left) photo courtesy of premeirmodelmanagement.com and Tallyta Moura (right) photo courtesy of idmodels.com

The Gorgeous and the Bad: Revealing the Ugly Side of Modeling with Tallyta Moura and Marta Morilla

Morilla: Oh no, Valentino only paid $150 and at that show I had to wear these heels that were very high and the dress was cut in the front but not in the back, the shoes got stuck on the dress. It was terrible I had to keep the dress from falling and train my face to keep calm. Nobody noticed thank god. My favorite job is to walk for the Parson’s student fashion show. It is the nicest show they give the models massages before the show and champagne to celebrate and make sure that we are comfortable and relaxed and they pay $1000.

The students do really nice work on the clothes. I really hope I am asked to do it again this year.

WW: What are the hours for a runway show?

Morilla: They’re long. Usually if there is a show at two the curtain call will be at ten. So the hours are like 8A.M. to 7P.M for two days straight.

WW: Is it hard modeling gowns?

Morilla: yeah they are very heavy and you can’t sit down in the dress.

Wessex Wire: Morilla what places has your modeling career taken you?

Designers often dress the models in a photo shoot in there sample size. Sample sizes vary among designers, so to make sure the garment looks perfect designers Morilla: London, Spain, Italy, Germany, Africa-I use tricks to mak e the clothes look fitted to the modlived there for four months and it had the best sunset els. Instead of using clips and pins Paula used paper in the world!-, and Miami in the winter season. I lived towels to stuff in the back of the models, “it works in London which was very cold and hardly any sun, really well for the garment because it naturally pulls everyone was pale. It was very similar to New York; the garment as a body would,” says Laura the stylist for the photo shoot. Moura likes the paper towel I would love to live there again. method more for the comfort, “the clips can really hurt.” Perhaps the clips will be revolutionized by the SEE PAGE 14

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 14

Voice and Heart as Big as His Waistline: “Big Luciano” Passes

by Mara Alessi ‘08

An incomparable talent, Luciano Pavarotti, the man who made people cheer for his high C, is now causing many tears for both the real and the pop culture world. Pavarotti passed away on September 6, 2007 in his hometown of Modena, Italy, he was a victim of pancreatic cancer. The real story, however, is not in his death but rather in his life, which he devoted to his music and to his country.

Signora Lucia Bazzarelli, the Italian Teacher at West Essex thought the death of Luciano Pavarotti was a very important part of “Italian culture” and showed clips of the funeral in all of her classes.

“I’ve always had Italian classical music and opera as a part of my curriculum,” Bazzarelli said.

Senior Jeremy Ciotola of Mrs. Bazzarelli A.P. Italian class recounts his experience of opera in her class, “We watched ‘La Boehm’ which was later made into the musical/movie “Rent.” That was the first time I ever really saw Luciano Pavarotti and I was really impressed by his strong voice.”

Pavarotti had an impact on generations around the world, according to Prime Minister Romano Prodi. The Prime Minister spoke on September 8 th at the Modena Cathedral in front of

50,000 family members, friends, and mourners.

Signora Bazzarelli translates to her students Prodi’s condolences, “First to Modena, the town where Luciano Pavarotti lived, second to Italy, and third to the world.”

Bazzarelli speculates that Luciano’s fame around the world, “Luciano was different from other tenors, and he was the first voice to hit a high C.” A high C is an extreme rarity among tenors, it is the most challenging note to hit, let alone sustain the way that Pavarotti was famous for Not only could he sing, but he’s a “great role model” for young kids according to Bazzarelli, who was greatly impressed with Pavarotti’s humanitarian work. Pavarotti has collaborated with many famous singers such as Michael Bolton, Bono, Mariah Carey, Sting, and Italian super stars Zucchero and Jovannoti as a part of a global organization called “ Pavarotti and Friends.” Pavarotti and Friends raises money for children in warring countries such as Bosnia, Liberia, Cambodia, Tibet, and Iraq by selling CD’s and having an annual concert in Pavarotti’s hometown Modena.

When Pavarotti was not helping better the world, he was helping the better the talent in the opera world. Pavarotti helped promote Andrea Boccelli after singing a duet with Pavarotti in his

international festival held in Modena, Boccelli’s career sky rocketed. He now sings internationally, and has done an award winning duet with Celine Dion entitled, “The Prayer.” However Mrs. Bazzarelli is firm in her opinion, “there will never be another Luciano Pavarotti.”

Pavarotti’s last performance was at the 2006 Olympics held in Italy. He sang the song that made him famous at the opening ceremony, Nessun Dorma (No One Sleeps). Bazzarelli calls this performance “real drama” in Italy. Befitting of Pavarotti and his goals, Pavarotti’s last word that he sang was “vincero” which translates to “I will win.”

Pavarotti is gone but not forgotten. “He will always live on” says Bazzarelli, who will forever embed into students minds at West Essex the greatness of Pavarotti. “It was a tremendous loss for the world of music.” However, she is grateful for the high quality recordings. Bazzarelli notes the technology we have these days makes it possible to memorialize him, but regardless his Bazzarelli says that his “presence will be missed.”

Continued form Page 19

Moura: No, I don’t mind it at all. Designers don’t give paper towel method, Moura would love that, “This is their clothes away. Sometimes if the models have a WW: Would you like to model your whole life? good relationship with the designer the [designer] will the first place I’ve seen it and I think it’s great!” give them a discount. But the way I see it, why would Moura: No I really wish I could go back to school. I a designer give away clothes for a discount when they could sell if for full price.

WW: What was the craziest thing you had to do in a casting call?

WW: As a model do you think you’re very consciMoura: Well, this wasn’t at the casting call; I had already got the job for this magazine spread. I get there and the woman asks me “are you flexible.” I said yeah I had been playing volleyball since I was seven years old and it was a good thing too. The woman had asked me to do all sorts of weird poses, trying to get me to look like “Madonna.” Madonna had been taking yoga for six or seven years, and she expected me to do this! It was weird. But in the end I saw the shots, and I have to say, those were the best shots. I was impressed.

Morilla (laughing): This is silly; at casting calls they sometimes put on music and ask you to dance. This one call I went to the person said, “…now think you’re a spider, [she crawls with her arms] and the chocolate is there [she points] go get the chocolate….. But be a spider.”

WW: Have you ever gotten any clothes from walking or shooting for a designer?

entious with trends?

Moura: No, I don’t notice trends really. I don’t really have too many friends that are models. Mainly because they are really bratty and, “oh my god I broke a nail” and I’m more of a tom boy.

WW: How tall are you? Do you wear heels?

Moura: I’m 5’11 and it’s good because my boyfriend is six feet tall. I love wearing heels, but I was never able to do it because I am so tall. So when I met my boyfriend the first present he bought me were heels.

Moura (left) and Morilla (right) on the set.

Photo courtesy of: Mara Alessi ‘08.

know I won’t be able to go to college but I would love WW: What is the latest trend you’ve seen on the my kids to go to college. My boyfriend really wants to runway? own a restaurant so I am thinking about taking classes and learning how to cook so I can help him.

Moura: Well I didn’t walk this dress, but, at the show that I was at there was this dress that zipped at the skirt, it was really cool. I think women would love it because it gives them two options.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 15

In Review: Entourage Season Four

by Matt Cohn ‘08 Mark Walsh ‘07

As the final episode of the beloved HBO Comedy Series “Entourage” came to a close on September 2nd, fans were left both happy and sad.

Happy that they were given another great season of Vinnie Chase and his entourage, but upset that his dream project, “Medellin,” was a huge bust at the Cannes Film Festival.

Although “Medellin” may have flopped, season four of Entourage did not.

“Entourage” follows up-andcoming actor Vincent Chase (Adrian Greiner), as he tries to succeed in Hollywood while having a good time with his posse. His crew includes his best friend and manager, Eric Murphy (Kevin Connolly).

Murphy tries to encourage Vince to make the right decisions for his career while clashing with agent Ari Gold, superbly played by Jeremy Piven. Vince is not the only actor in his family, as his personal chef and half brother, Johnny “Drama” Chase (Kevin Dillon) finally achieved stardom in his T.V. series hit “Five Towns.” Rounding out the crew is Vince’s childhood friend Turtle, (Jerry Ferrara) Vince’s gopher and chafer.

Adrian Greiner delivered a workmanlike performace, but was overshadowed by the Emmy nominated performances by Kevin Dillon and Jeremy Piven. Piven and Dillon made the show, and were the main reason for the show’s comedic success. Their witty lines and sharp

comedic timing made the show.

Jerry Ferrara gave a competent performance as Turtle.

The season started off with Vince and Eric purchasing their dream script “Medellin” for five million dollars, spending every last dollar they had. This project was one they have been trying to make for the past five years and were finally able to produce it. Throughout the season Vince, Ari, and Eric make decisions on what they will do with “Medellin,” and what they will do for Vince’s next project. Vince goes from flat broke to filthy rich by season’s end.

The season finale kicks off with the “Entourage” finally arriving in Cannes with the help of rap phenom, Kanye West. There is much speculation whether or not

“Medellin” is going to be a success.

The end of the episode is the much hyped screening of the movie. This is day that that Vince and the boys have been waiting for, for the past five years.

Unfortunately “Medellin” turns out to be a bust and the boys are left without an offer. The season ends with Vince and Eric’s longtime rival and friend Harvey Weingard (Maury Chakin), offering to by the movie for one dollar. Vincent Chase leaves the theatre with his crew, with confidence that Medellin will eventually become a masterpiece when Harvey is done with it. The ending of the show was sad for the group but was a solid conclusion to the season. The result will provide more hype to the season five premiere, which airs on June 5th, 2008.

whether it’s theater producers not liking your criticism or politicians not liking your criticism, you are not in journalism to be liked. You are in it to be honest and factual and serve the readers.

the Bush administration’s use of propaganda and other PR techniques to misrepresent the facts to Americans over the past five years.

Frank Rich: Where He’s Coming From

to deal with on a daily basis?

FR: The hardest thing is thinking Frank Rich, who has been a front- up the proper focus for a column-page columnist for the Sunday Arts it’s a balancing act. Second hardest & Leisure section of the New York is getting the mix right in writing it.

Times for three years, agreed to an interview with the Wessex Wire WW: How do you come up with to give his advice to high school the topics for each week’s column? students.

FR: A mixture of what’s in the

Wessex Wire: Once you realized news, my instinct about what’s that you wanted to go into jour- most significant in terms of where nalism, what steps did you take the news is going, my own ideas and passions. In some ways, at least pursue your career?

Frank Rich: Joined some friends with a weekly essay of the length in starting a very small (and short- I write, finding an idea that will lived) weekly newspaper in a small work is a matter of trying to look town. Started trying to sell article around corners and see a little bit into the future -- to guess where the ideas to magazines. conversation and debate are going.

WW: How and why did you On the other hand, sometimes you decide to make the transition have to change an idea at the very from theater critic to op-ed col- last minute if big news breaks. umnist?

WW: You were sometimes reFR: I was getting bored with the- ferred to as “the Butcher of ater criticism after 13 years and Broadway” during your time looking for new challenges. I had a theater critic. What advice done some political-cultural writ- would you give a young journaling in magazines and elsewhere, ist to deal with such criticism of and editors at the Times sug- their work? gested that I try column writing. FR: You have to remember your mission is to write for the readWW: What are some common ers of the paper, NOT to please problems or obstacles you have those you are writing about. So

by Amanda Nichols ‘08

WW: How do occurrences such as the Judy Miller issue affect WW: In one of your recent the publication? How do occurcolumns “How Hispanics are rences like that affect the profesBecoming the New Gays,” you sion of journalism? spoke of scapegoat issues that are FR: The various scandals at the being brought up to take atten- Times and elsewhere in recent tion away from the major issues. years have hurt the reputation What advice would you give a of journalism without question. young journalist who is trying to The only possible reaction is for bring attention to the real issue those of us who care about this and away from the “scapegoat” calling to go out and do a betissues? ter job with the hope that we can improve the record and regain FR: Decide what your passions are: that lost reputation over time.

What stories and issues do you care about most? Which do you think WW: How would you describe are truly important? Go out and the evolution of journalism over cover them as much as you can. the past forty years?

WW: What was your most significant story?

FR: I’m not sure. But I’d say the two issues I’ve felt more passionate about were a) the advent of AIDS and all its subsidiary effects, which were very visible to me and a frequent subject of my writing as a theater critic in the 1980s and b) dissecting

FR: Overall it’s more sophisticated, more far-flung in its interests and coverage, and better. The biggest developments, of course, have been the growth of, first, television news, then cable TV news, then the Internet -- there are more outlets than ever before and while the low end can be quite low (gossip, tabloid trash, etc), the high end is also very high.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Kan“Yay,” Fifty Spent

by Jeremiah Lim ‘08

Perhaps it is a referendum on the state of the rap industry when the story that recently gathered the most attention involved the SoundScan numbers of two of the genre’s biggest acts, rather than the quality of their music. 50 Cent nee Curtis Jackson has been a veritable sales juggernaut his entire commercial career- 2005’s The Massacre set a rap record with 1.4 Million sales in it s first week. His erstwhile rival, Kanye West has been no slouch either, with his sophomore effort Late Registration moving 904,000 units in its debut week.

But while West has expanded his musical palette since he first burst onto the scene in 2004, Jackson has only regressed. West has shown a remarkable versatility in his musical choices, veering from style to style as it suits him. On his debut, he mined obscure 70’s soul songs to fuel his sped-up samples, while he drafted pop producer Jon Brion to orchestrate delicate string arrangements on Registration. With his third superb effort, Graduation, West turns to the gothic Southern synthesizers that have been dominating the hip-hop landscape for the past five years.

Super‘rad’

by Ryan Logan-Magnusson ‘08

Comedic geniuses Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, screenwriters of Da Ali G Show, combined forces with the directors of The 40 Year Old Virgin to produce what is arguably one of the funniest movies in recent memory, Superbad.

Featuring relatively unknown, yet hilarious, actors Michael Cera (Arrested Development) and Jonah Hill (Accepted, The 40 Year Old Virgin), Superbad combines smart, quick-witted comedy with raw, mildly offensive “potty humor” to create the ultimate blend of modern comedy.

Superbad is one of the most talked about, most widely viewed,

50 Cent on the other hand, has taken to using the same in-house group of virtually unknown producers to supply his beats. Nearly all of them ape the style of post G-funk Dr. Dre- flaccid horns, poorly arranged strings, and overbearing, omnipresent keyboard riffs.

Lyrically, 50 has never been particularly proficienthe mumbles too much, he fails to annunciate clearly, and he usually stays in the same AB-AB rhyme scheme. But the savage wit and sly sense of humor that defined his early mix tape career is all but gone. The content of his songs have always trolled overly fa- -Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone miliar rap tropes- money, guns, and women. But Mr. Cent has usually delivered his raps with a top-of-theworld bravado and self-confidence that he lacks on Curtis. For most of the album, he sounds listless and tired- his heart clearly isn’t in rapping anymore, if it ever was.

“Follow My Lead” and “Come and Go” are merely attempts at re-

making his 2003 smash hit “In Da Club,” while the predictable Justin Timberlake collaboration “Ayo Technology” sounds about as seductive as date rape. “Curtis 187” does support a decent bassline, but “Man Down” cannot even muster any controversy or outrage, as its adolescent cop-killing fantasies are mostly muffled by Interscope’s censorship.

The lone exception is “I Get Money,” an effortless work of monolithic swagger that hearkens back to his older work. While the song doesn’t break any new ground thematically (it’s about the acquisition of currency, if you were wondering), the song is perfect for playing in the car.

Laced with swampy synthesizers and a deep bass line, 50 actually sounds like he’s having fun. Giggling like a little child about his recent Vitamin Water deal, he drops hilarious jewels like “I’m stanky rich,” and “have a baby by me/ be a millionaire/ I’ll cut the check before the kid comes/ who the f—k cares?” Still, it is the only

and by far one of the most quotable movies to hit the silver screen this summer with a cast of hilarious actors. Lifetime pals Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) are two of many high school seniors looking to have a “good time” before they head off to college orientations in the fall.

Seth, the louder, foul-mouthed, porn enthusiast, sets his sights on losing his virginity by the end of the summer and partying as much as possible. His best friend since grammar school, Evan, has the same intentions although he is more reserved and not as open to the wild lifestyle that Seth envisions.

The catalyst of the movie was everyone’s favorite character, McLovin (Christopher MintzPlasse). Fogell, as he is formally known, is the first one of his

buddies to get a fake I.D. and when Seth’s crush Becca (Emma Stone) asks Seth to get alcohol for her party, Fogell is called upon to purchase it.

Due to a robbery at the liquor store, two officers show up on the scene. Officer Slater (Bill Hader) and Officer Michaels (Seth Rogen) interrogate Fogell as to what has happened at the liquor store.

When Fogell is asked to show the cops his I.D., the cops are bedazzled at the thought of someone having a name as fantastic as “McLovin.” The cops offer to give McLovin a ride to where he is going, and on the way they stumble across countless sidesplitting endeavors that provide the backbone of the film.

Most critics will tell you that Superbad is crude, obnoxious,

Page 16 reprieve in what is largely an insipid, uninspired work.

Graduation is far from perfect but still shows a remarkable artistic growth for the always surprising West. At a slim 13 tracks and only one guest appearance, Graduation has a focused feel that his past two efforts lacked. West doesn’t have the smoothest flow, but he spends most of his time flexing his muscle as a producer. When he samples coke rapper Young Jeezy for the soulful “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and French house duo Daft Punk for the funky “Stronger,” it almost seems like he’s just showing off.

There is some filler- “Drunk and Hot Girls” is completely worthless, while “Barry Bonds” features an uncharacteristically lazy Lil Wayne verse. But at a slim 13 tracks and only one guest appearance, Graduation has a focused feel that his past two bloated effort s lacked.

The artists’ two clashing philosophies might give an insight as to why the much-hyped competition ended up being a slaughter. 50 Cent sees music as a means to an end, namely, making money. West sees making great music as an end in and of itself.

In their titanic struggle for the top Billboard slot, West prevailed by a comfortable margin. Perhaps that’s also a referendum on the state of the rap industry- and an encouraging one.

targeted towards one specific age group and comp letely inappropriate for the general movie going public. But that is what makes this movie a modern classic: its originality and disregard for what is basically accepted in society.

Superbad is without a doubt a product of the times. There are movies that are obscene and offensive, but they don’t quite do it with the pizzazz and sense of humor that the creators of Superbad did. While Knocked Up, which features a lot of the same cast members, is definitely a funnier movie; Superbad is fantastic and well worth seeing two or three times. Non-stop laughs and cutting edge humor will keep you gasping for breath for the entire two hours.

November 2007 Issue 1

Opinion

A disturbing trend once thought to be an anachronism has seemingly come back into vogue. The practice of noose-hanging- once a joyous community celebration for luminaries such as the Ku Klux Klan and assorted rednecks- has recently made a triumphant return to American public life. The noose sensation that’s gripping the nation can be seen in the infamous case of “The Jena Six,” an astounding three separate cases in Pittsburgh, and the hanging of a noose on the door of a respected African-American professor at Columbia University, among others.

While attempting to assign motivations to the perpetrators o f these incidents can be a dubious prospect, it is safe to assume noosehanging is an aggressive, even hostile act. Criminalizing symbols is unconstitutional- it is perfectly legal to wear a Nazi swastika, for instance. Some have cited the swastika (or other offensive symbols) in their characterization of the hangings as a harmless, if distasteful, prank. But a noose is far more than a statement or symbol, as it is an actual weapon that could theoretically constitute a threat. It signifies more than intent to offend; it signifies intent to kill. Noose-hangings are hate crimes and should be treated as such. In all the noxious brouhaha over the Don Imus incident, it is easy to forget that real racism still does exist in America. No American should ever have to live in fear because of skin color; stopping noose-related threats is merely one small step to ensuring that reality.

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

A Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown, Gold Medalist Paper 65 West Greenbrook Road, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 2007-2008 STAFF:

Managing Editors Matt Cohn, ‘08 Andy Maxman, ‘09 News Editors Steven Kinslow, ‘09 Mark Walsh, ‘09 Features Editor Kristin Kuscin, ‘08 Arts and Culture Editor Mara Alessi, ‘08 Design Editor Elliot Kartus, ‘09

Editors-in-chief Jeremiah Lim, ‘08 Amanda Nichols, ‘08 Opinion Editor Matt Cohn, ‘08

Sports Editor Jack Vidovich, ‘08 Copy Editor Andy Maxman, ‘09

Staff Writers Kelly Abbot, ‘10 Dylan Cascino, ‘09 Jenel Conde, ‘09 Andrew Cross, ‘08 Evan Elberg, ‘09 Victoria Gualtieri, ‘09 Kyle Kovats, ‘09 Brittany Lipari, ‘08 Ryan Logan-Magnusson, ‘09 Alyson Roseman, ‘10 Evan Roth, ‘08 Joseph Russo, ‘09 Jonathan Struss, ‘09 Ben Sunshine, ‘09

Advisor Anne Baney-Giampoala

Wire Editorial Policy

To the Editor: In a CNN poll released in mid-October, the question posed to adults nationwide was “Do you favor or oppose the U.S. war in Iraq?” Of the adults who responded 34% were in favor, 65% were opposed, and 1% was unsure. The numbers are clear, yet elected officials have chosen not to heed the public opinion. Confusing issues such as these are not confined to the upper echelon of politics, but are evident in our school as well.

In times when current national issues become more difficult to interpret, the importance of teaching democratic principles in school is of grave importance.

The best defense against ignorance in the political realm is school elections.

Since junior high, these elections have been correctly viewed as the popularity contests they are. At the high school level, however, as students mature and approach legal voting age, these elections were transformed from voting for the best looking or the best dressed to the one we feel will best achieve our goals.

The class of 2008 chose not to reelect our vice president and secretary for rea-

sons that need not be conveyed or rationalized to anyone as our votes are private.

No matter what our reasons, ultimately, the votes must stand. As young adults in the senior class, we assumed our voices counted, an assumption which we were apparently too quick to make.

The two voted from office were quickly reinstated without any explanation to all who voted as to why or how. Although they were given new positions and did not take those rightfully earned by others, the senior class should have then been given a chance to participate in the election process for the new openings. If 300 votes cannot effect change, how can we believe they will count in a national election? If our votes will not count, why vote at all?

This question is a dangerous one in an era of low voter turnout among the young.

Some students may not mind that their votes were disregarded, others may not even have voted, and more may feel that the matter at hand is not worth disputing.

Although the issue is just a senior election, it is still our election and our senior year, one we had hoped to make memorable with the help of those we believed best able to do so.

-Jordan Entin, ‘08

Dear Editor: It has come to my attention that some individuals believe that my appointment of two fundraising chairpersons for the Class of 2008 did not follow the guidelines for elections. Therefore, let me explain my reasoning and my decision.

Last year was my first year as Class of 2008 Advisor. With the fundraising that the class did during their junior year, it was difficult to get all the work done with just the class officers at the helm. I had asked for assistance from the members of the Class of 2008, but no one really offered his/her services.

At the end of last year, two members of the Class of 2008 came forward to ask what they could do to make the fundraising for the Class of 2008 more successful during their senior year. So, I appointed these two volunteers as “Fundraising Chairpersons.”

Furthermore, the Student Council Advisor appoints Ambassadors, so I took that fact and did something similar. In addition, I spoke directly with Principal Barbara Longo, who validated the fact that an advisor can appoint chairpersons as he/she sees fit.

These two chairpersons are not of-

ficers and do not have a vote in the decision making process; they just do the leg and grunt work. In fact, these two people worked diligently to help set up the “Sports Fest” fundraising activities such as finding the best prices, purchasing items, selling the T-shirts at the lunches, etc....

In my humble opinion, the hours that these two people, along with the class officers, spent working toward a goal for all the members of the Class of 2008 went above and beyond any of my expectations. These members of the Class of 2008 should be commended for their diligence, their effort, and for their success.

The only goal and objective of any person who works on behalf of the Class of 2008 is to make the activities for this class totally successful. The amount of work for each of these activities is overwhelming, so people are needed as volunteers to assist in each activity’s success.

If someone wants to assist with the process, then I welcome their help. My door is open.

Respectfully submitted, Marion J. Wychules Class of 2008 Advisor

Letters to the Editor

Editorial

The national award winning Wessex Wire is published with supplemental updates to inform, educate, and entertain the student body, faculty, and community. Unsigned editorials are the consensus opinion of the editorial board and do not always reflect the views of the advisor, 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 free 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.

The Wessex Wire Page 17

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 18

Goodbye “Atmosphere of Fear”

by Andy Maxman ‘09

Honestly, I can’t fully remember the feeling of being transported to the football field and being detained with no clue when we would be set free. But maybe that’s a good thing.

But what brought about such improvements?

New vice-principles? Maybe it wasn’t brought about, but maybe it got up and left. Class of 2007?

Personally, I am enjoying the safety of our school. We are no longer learning in an “Atmosphere of Fear”. No longer will we be mocked State-wide in newspapers and on TV. No longer will our distant relatives call asking why our school was on the news for suspensions, bomb scares, and drug busts. Hopefully, I am not speaking too soon, because I would really hate to jinx something.

Maybe it is because there aren’t people to check us in and out of the bathrooms. I am really a fan of not having to sign into the bath-

rooms. Actually, not signing in has been pretty liberating. I don’t feel like people are counting how long it takes me to go to the bathroom, and

I don’t have to waste time signing out of my classroom, signing into the bathroom, signing out of the bathroom, and then signing back into my classroom. Now we can all pee in peace.

Maybe it is because we finally seem to have buckled down and chosen a vice principle (or two). From the start of the 06-07 school year we have burned through four vice principals. That stat isn’t so flattering. However, the new VP tag-team seems, at least for the moment, to be working just fine. Ms. Hoebee and Mr. Rotella are, doing a great job. Truthfully, they haven’t had to prove themselves during any major ‘drop everything and get the [flip] out of the school’ incidents, but until one comes around – knock on wood – They are fitting in nicely.

Maybe it is because we bought a new guidance counselor whose job is to deal with all of

the troubled kids. Maybe these were the kinds of kids who perpetrated the bomb scares last year, and because they didn’t have a guidance counselor to turn to, they turned to the bathroom walls.

I just saw a story on the news about schools in ten Bergen County towns that were evacuated because of a note addressed to the mayor of Emerson, NJ which read: “All three schools will be blown out on Thursday, Sept. 20th at 11:30 a.m., with two other schools in nearby towns.” Over 12,000 kids were kept at home because of the note, which turned out, like all of the Wessex bomb scares, to be a false alarm.

It feels excellent not to be hearing West Essex’s name in the news. I think we have finally taken a step in the right direction. Mazel Tov. We have come so far from the days of bomb scares and drug busts. So, please, don’t mess it up.

Why I Love the Yankees

by Evan Elberg ‘09

Twenty- Six World Series Championships, enough said. How can you say that there is a better team than the New York Yankees?

They have more championship wins than any other team in professional sports. Twenty-Six World Championships, 39 AL pennant wins, and 15 East Divisional titles. The Bronx Bombers are the best team ever in any sport.

They have the most wins, the most and best fans, and the whole country behind them. The closest team to the Yankees with World Series wins is the St. Louis Cardinals with 10, 16 wins behind the Yankees, 16.

Just some names to throw out there for you: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly, Whitey Ford, Thurman Munson, and Reggie Jackson. Roger Maris, was part of the legendary chase of the single season home run record, previously set by the Babe. What other team has that many prestigious and great players?

Those are only the legends, there are future hall of famers wearing pin stripes right now. The Captain, Derek Jeter, who is famous by the “flip” where he came out of nowhere in a playoff game against the Oakland A’s and saved the season for the New York Yankees, and Roger Clemens, is arguably one of the greatest pitchers of all time. Alex Rodriguez, who had an MVP season in 2007, is the best player in the game today, hands down. Mariana Rivera dominates his position and field of play, with 443 career saves and wears the pinstripes astonishingly.

The franchise has just dominated the league since 1901. The records that the Yankee legends set or have broken are simply remarkable. With DiMaggio’s

hitting streak, The King’s home runs, Torre’s wins, Stengel’s 7 World Series Wins, Roger Maris single season home run record held longer than anyone ever had breaking Ruth’s 60 homeruns in one of the greatest home run chases with his teammate, the great Mickey Mantle. The M&M boys in 1961 put together one of the greatest years in all of baseball. They had a movie made about them called 61, produced by Billy Crystal.

The Bronx Bombers are not just a baseball team; their influence has permeated pop culture in many different ways. They had a TV show about them called, The Bronx Is Burning. A play called Damn

In addition to having the best team, they have an amazing atmosphere in the Bronx. Yankees Stadium is one of the greatest sporting arenas in the world.

Even non sport fans get the chills when they enter “The House that Ruth Built.” The environment is just simply breathtaking. With the normal pre-game chants of the player’s names, the atmosphere involves the fans as well. Monument Park is located in the left field bullpen with plaques of all the Yankee greats.

Roger Clemens touches Babe Ruth’s plaque before every game for good luck; where else do you get that vibe?

The Yankees have beaten the home attendance 83 out of the last 87 years. Not only did they have the best home attendance they also had the best road attendance in each year from 2001-2007. The spirit of fans is symbolized by Freddy Schuman or known simply as just “Freddy.” For over 50 years, Freddy has gone to Yankees home games sporting a Yankees hat, a Yankees jersey with his name on the back, and a cake pan; with a shamrock painted on it inscribed with words of encouragement for the team. The saying changes every game, but always starts with “Freddy Sez.” Freddy carries around a metal spoon with him encouraging Yankees fans to bang the pan and make some noise for the Bronx Bombers. I myself have banged the pan, there’s nothing like it. The Yankees also have the “Bleacher Creatures” who are season ticket holders in section 39, in the right field bleachers.

They are notorious for ripping on the opposing team’s fans and the other team’s right fielder.

Yankees, and movies such as; The Babe, Pride of The Yankees are the best team ever to play the game. the Yankees, and many more. The owner of the New There is no one better and there never will be. The York Yankees, George Steinbrenner is not only the Pinstripes own the sport and the professional league most famous owner ever; he also appeared in the hit playing surface and they always will forever and series Seinfield. ever.

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 19

Does West Essex need a stricter dress code?

thirty-two because chances are he won’t y e a r ’s f i r s t f a s h i o n p o l i c e w a r r a n t s a r e drafted. Perhaps this phenomenon of not even know what you’re talking about.

S o u n d t h e a l a r m s ! N o , n o t f o r f i r e N o w l e t ’s t a l k a b o u t t w o i m p o r t a n t w e a r i n g c l o t h e s t o s c h o o l w i l l c h a n g e d ri l l s o r “ e m e rgency” bom b scares, b ut words used constantly by designers that w i t h t h e i n d e f i n i t e w i n t e r w e a t h e r, b u t for the damaging and demeaning plague a r e v e r y i m p o r t a n t t o o u r l i f e s t y l e a s th e n a g a in , th e r e a r e a lw a y s th o s e w h o t h a t s w e e p s t h e closets of most, not all, teenagers at West Essex: the concept of wear the short shorts and the short skirts s o p h o m o r e s a n d juniors at West Essex. “fit” versus the concept of “tailored.” complemented with regular or ankle size T h e N o r t h C a l dwell Police may have a The se a r e impor ta nt points tha t should U G G b o o ts . Re g a r d le s s , I w ill b e r o a ms t r o n g p r e s e n c e around theses halls but b e a d h e r e d t o e v e r y d a y, b u t a s h i g h in g th e h a lls lo o k in g f o r imp r o v e me n ts t h e F a sh i o n P o l ice do not. school students they are most effective o n th e c u tth r o a t r u n w a y o f th e We s t E s I d o n ’t u n d e r s t a n d t h i s t r e n d o f t r y - for events such as: family functions, col- s e x h a l l w a y s . i n g t o g e t a w a y w ith w earing the least le ge inte r vie ws, job inte r vie ws, e tc . amount of clothes possible. The only Fit is the way the r a t i o n a l e f o r t his garment falls on “I love individuality and expressing yourself, cheap looking one ’s body. but please if you want to be expressive, style is that the There should be no make sure you do it in a tasteful manner. sophomores are hugging, scrunchEmbrace your body type, don’t suffocate it” acting out against ing, tightening, l a s t y e a r ’s j u n i or bulging zippers or h i g h “ d r e s s c o d e , ” w h i c h I b e l i e v e buttons ANYWHERE; it means it doesn’t should be implemented down at the high fit. Move on. There will be other jeans Cuff longer jeans and keep it fass ch o o l . that will fit you and give you the skinny tened sewing a button to the seam At the junior high, girls are not al- jean look without the mortal combat line abut three and a quarter inches l o wed t o w e a r spaghetti straps, shor ts be twe e n you a nd your pa nt’s buttons in up from the ankle, than on the inside n o t a b i d i n g b y the “hands dow n” me a - the mor ning. of the pant sew a loop at the hemline s urem e n t , o r e v e n sandals. When the 9 t h Tailored clothing has to do with the fit so no one can see it and than flip, cuff g r a d e r s g r a d u a t ed from the junior high, of the garment and makes the person’s and secure the bottom of the pant to the button. It’s just one of the options t h e y w e r e r e a d y to shock and awe the o v e r a l l a p p e a r a n c e l o o k f i n i s h e d a n d that Designer Marc Jacobs use in his u p p e r c l a s s m a n w i t h w h a t t h e y h a d t o clean. There should be no fringed jeans, collection and it’s not that difficult to f l a u n t , b u t i n all honesty, most of the and by “finged” I mean the unintentional do, so scrounge for a pair of buttons seniors find it shocking and more aw-ful fringed bell bottom pattern that one gets and look better tomorrow t h an a w e - so m e . by dragging their jeans everywhere. I get Tube tops, tank tops, short shorts, short i t , w e ’ r e i n h i g h s c h o o l , a n d s t u d e n t s dresses (with no shirts underneath), and don’t hem and don’t go APPLAUSE AND FLAWS l o t s o f b r a s ( n o te undergarments are a to the tailor. If getting n e c e s s i t y N O T a n a c c e s s o r y ) a r e j u s t a t a i l o r i s n o t a n o p - Applause s o m e o f t h e f a s h i o n f a u x p a s o n t h e tion for you and your To the sweet new wings runway, I mean hallways, of West Essex. w a r d r o b e , j u s t m a k e To the great new cafeteria I s i t n o t h a r d e nough to concentrate on sma r t de c isions. Cuff- To the seniors who have finished sending out all their applications t h e S p a n i sh A merican War or the sub- ing your je a ns or a dd- To two three day weeks in November j u n c t i v e t e n s e s ? Imagine, now, having ing be lts to c inc h your To the science wing doors being open in the mornings t o wo r r y i f m y shorts too short? Is my w a i s t b r i n g i n t h e f i t To West Essex Marching Knights for getting the highest score t h o n g o u t ? I s my stomach showing? If of the garment without ever at Tournament of Bands - 91.65 it isn’t, could I borrow your hair tie and s p e n d i n g m o n e y o n a Billy Mensch - National Hispanic Scholar award winner To Matt Baney for committing his time to the layout t i e my sh i r t ? I s he looking at m e? Why ta ilor. i s n’t h e l o o k i n g at me?

It baffles me that First and foremost he should be studying some students get away Flaws for the class, as should you, and second- w ith o u tf its th at ev en To only having one day off for Rosh Hashanah l y i f h e i s s t a r i ng at you it’s most likely t h e e m p l o y e e s w o r k - To teachers who tell students “to run” to class if they can’t make b e c a u s e t h e r e ’s s o m e t h i n g d i s t r a c t i n g . i n g o n t h e b o a r d w a l k it from the science wing P e r h a p s i t ’s t h e tiny clothes that are fit w o u l d s h u d d e r a t . I f To being late for the 7:42 homeroom bell at 7:39 for the first three weeks of school f o r a t r e n d y c a bbage patch doll. you wear such clothes I l o v e i n d i v i d u a l i t y a n d e x p r e s s i n g to sc hool, I c a n’t e ve n To three zeros in gym resulting in a failure Sportsfest - costing 20 bucks and forcing athletes to go y o u rse l f , b u t p lease if you w ant to be f a t h o m w h a t c l o t h e s Sportsfest – overall e x p r e s s i v e , m a k e s u r e y o u d o i t i n a you we a r on the we e kTo Mendham kids who hit girls t a s t e f u l m a n n e r. E m b r a c e y o u r b o d y end! I know the outfits type, don’t suffocate it! Know what size a r e d e s i g n e d t o d r u m work s f o r y o u , and trust m e, he won’t u p d i s c u s s i o n . We l l , care if you’re a size twenty-seven or attention is paid; the

by Mara Alessi ‘08

Do IT Yourself: Be Your Own Tailor

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Page 20

O.J. Simpson: Guilty or Not Guilty

by Matt Cohn ‘08 Andy Maxman ‘09

Co-written by one of the minds who brought you last year’s “Tupac: Dead or Alive” we bring you “O.J.: Guilty or Not Guilty?” In this article, we will provide you with a factual, unbiased presentation of the truth, and nothing but the truth. And for the symbolic icing of the cake, we will publish our final verdict for the entire world to see.

We will only tell you a few details of his recent debacle. He broke into a hotel room accompanied by a couple of gun wielding thugs screaming “get the f--- up. Get the f--- up.” O.J. is charged with conspiracy to commit a crime; conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit robbery; and first-degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon. One of the victims suffered a major heart attack; he is in critical condition at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Now let’s go back to 1994. The date is June 12. The time is just before midnight. Nicole Brown (ex-wife of O.J.) and Ronald Goldman (“friend” of Brown) are found stabbed to death, lying on the ground in a pool of blood, outside of Brown’s home. The Simpson kids are asleep upstairs, unaware of the massive crime that just went down.

“O.J. was black. Doesn’t mean O.J. was black and guilty.”

On June 17th, O.J.’s lawyers said that he was going to turn himself into police at 11 A.M. After he failed to show up, a friend of his, Robert Kardashian, read a letter from O.J. to the media in which he apologized to all his friends and family.

After much confusion, a cop spotted a White Ford Bronco, belonging to Simpson’s friend who was thought to be involved in the murder, traveling on Interstate 405. As cops approached the Bronco, Al Cowlings, Simpson’s friend, was shouting that Simpson had a gun to his head. The officer then backed off and a slow-speed chase began. NBC had been broadcasting the NBA Finals live, but cut to the slow-speed chase. As America watched, Cowlings, driving the car, pulled into O.J.’s estate, and after an hour of negotiations, O.J. agreed to surrender. To this, though, no substantial evidence that Simpson ever held a gun to Cowlings’s head has been found.

GUILTY The People:

Senior Ben Isaac firmly believes that O.J. was guilty. He says that “back in ‘94” O.J. didn’t even try to hide the evidence, paraphrasing O.J.’s words as, “Here is what I did, who cares.” Isaac is also one of many who believe that O.J.’s acquittal can be attributed to race. “O.J. is not much to be obsessed about. He was just another rich guy who got away with everything like all the whites. But because he was black people take notice.”

Mr. Robert Bonnett also believes that O.J. was guilty. Over the summer of ’94 Bonnett became “addicted to everything that was going on.”

Bonnett stated, “had I been on the jury I definitely would have voted guilty. I don’t understand how they could have deliberated for such a short time. This makes me think that race may have played a part.”

NOT GUILTY The People:

There are, however, many who believe that O.J. was innocent. “O.J. wasn’t let off because he was black: he was suspected because he was black. He definitely didn’t do anything wrong,” says Scott McDonald.

Billy Mensch also thinks that O.J. wasn’t guilty. “The Juice was the best college football player of all time. Because of that, he’s gotta be innocent.”

“Listen: O.J. was a great person, with a great heart. He was just unfairly connected with this crime. You can’t doubt the court system, the jury deliberated and found him innocent. End of story,” Chris Shearin said.

“O.J. didn’t do it. The glove didn’t fit.

Come on,” said Jack Skeels.

THE VERDICTS

Cohn: After countless hours of research and many sleepless nights I feel I finally have accumulated enough knowledge of the O.J. case to make my own verdict.

Innocent.

There are numerous facts that were presented to the jury in the case, many of which seem questionable, and look as if O.J. really was not involved in the deaths of Goldman and Brown.

There was a DNA analysis of bloody socks found in O.J.’s bedroom which proved to be Brown’s, the only thing was that the blood on the socks had the same identical shape on each side.

Leading medical examiner Dr. Henry Lee of the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory testified in court that most likely someone intentionally placed the blood on the socks while they were on the floor of OJ Simpsons’ bedroom. Lee also noted the collection procedure of the socks was inappropriate and caused contamination.

The famous glove found outside of Brown’s home which many claimed to be O.J.’s was soaked in blood, the only problem was that there were no drops of blood anywhere around the glove and no blood anywhere in the surrounding area of where the glove was found.

Los Angeles Police Detective Phillip Vanatter had taken a blood sample of O.J. but did not bring the sample back to the police department right away, which is illegal. Instead he kept the vile of blood on him for over eight hours, and there was also a little amount of the blood missing then what was originally taken to sample. Is it just me, or does this seem a little sketchy?

The man who found all of the major evidence- the bloody glove, the bloody socks, and blood in O.J.’s car- was a man named Mark Fuhrman, a detective with the LAPD. Fuhrman admitted to committing perjury and his integrity was later questioned.

To me, this looks like a corrupt police department trying to find a superstar guilty for a crime he didn’t do. Every man is innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt, especially if you’re the Juice.

Maxman: When O.J. was acquitted, although I wasn’t yet old enough to understand, the world stopped spinning. Much of the general American public just couldn’t believe it. They really thought he was guilty. Racism?

Ignorance?

What could make people think The Juice actually did it? Truthfully, it is a mix of a lack of faith in the courts, and a “black and white” picture painted by the media.

The United States judicial system did its job. O.J. was cross examined. O.J. was defended. The Jury heard the case from both sides.

The trial lasted 133 days. Every piece of evidence was presented; every

argument made; every witness heard. I find it hard to believe that anyone could question the court system. Sure juries have made mistakes before, but please, the glove didn’t fit.

O.J. was black. Doesn’t mean O.J. was black and guilty. O.J. was rich.

Doesn’t mean O.J. was rich and guilty.

O.J. Simpson smirks during his trial -Photo courtesy of www.annanicolecoverup. com

Your friend may have told you O.J. was guilty. Doesn’t necessarily mean your friend was right.

When you think about O.J.’s guilt, think not about the image painted by the media. Think about O.J.’s long and thorough trial, through nine months during which the prosecution presented the best evidence they could assemble. Think about the not guilty verdict by a fair and evenly chosen jury. The media, and not the U.S. judicial system, convicted O.J. of murder; and this seems to be the most influential factor among the public’s view of O.J. He was black. Seemingly at a disadvantage, no? O.J. wasn’t a rich man who bought his freedom. He was a rich black man who bought a fair trial, in which his innocence was proven and firmly established. Please, take your head out of the clouds, and ask yourself, “how can I not trust the decision of the courts over my own partial and highly influenced knowledge of the case?”

Contrary to whatever you think you knew, you now need to understand that in a court of law there must be substantiated evidence provided and supported beyond a reasonable doubt.

Whatever compromised evidence they found against O.J. was obviously not clear enough to prove him guilty.

Witnesses placed evidence, called O.J. the n word, and lied on the stand.

Reporters and journalists biased their stories according to their preexisting notion that O.J. was guilty. O.J. started with an uneven playing field because he was black.

Nonetheless, the glove didn’t fit; and if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.

November 2007 Issue 1

Sports

The Wessex Wire Page 21

Lady Knights Dominate Their Way Through Field Hockey Season

by Victoria Gualtieri

After an undefeated season, the West Essex varsity girls’ field hockey team is proud to announce that they are state champions for their third consecutive year.

The team became the official Essex County Champions after beating Montclair on October 31, and is currently ranked second in the state.

The state championship game, which took place on November 11 against Camden Catholic, was one of the most “nerve-wrecking” ones of the season.

It remained scoreless until nearly the end of the first half, when Camden Catholic scored off a stroke. With about two minutes left in the half, senior captain Sam Serpe scored two quick goals, both off of penalty corners, advancing West Essex 2 to 1. Mid-way through the second half, the other senior captain, Giovanna Monaco, made another goal off of a corner. West Essex held Camden Catholic for the rest of the half. With a score of 3 to 1, the team won and was awarded the title of state champions.

Unfortunately, West Essex lost the qualifying game for Tournament of Champions on November 14. Shawnee, their opponent, won with a score of 2 to 1.

Despite the loss, head coach Jill Cosse thinks that the team made tremendous strides thanks to the guidance of the team’s seniors, who have played in four state finals and won the last three.

“The team this year was gifted with a lot of

upperclassmen,” said Cosse. “These girls bring big game against Oak Knoll. Simmons, originally boundless enthusiasm and talent. Our captains, scheduled for a two week leave at the beginning Sam Serpe, Cara Silverman, Jen Silverstein and of November, missed very little time. She had Giovanna Monaco offered both leadership and friendship to all the kids on the team and did a fantastic job.”

A great deal of the team’s skill and determination is the result of the team’s intense practice sessions. Preseason began August 13, and the team had an average of six practices a week, each ranging from two to three hours.

“Our team improved every day this year,” Senior Captain Giovanna Monaco weaves through Chatham’s line. said Silverman. “There -Photo courtesy of Milestone was always a new lesson that we learned, and we took it with us through- her daughter, Nicole Patricia, on Wednesday, Noout the rest of the season. We played really well vember 7. Simmons was recovered enough to be back on the sidelines for the team’s game against together and connected as a team.”

This year the team was given one additional Camden Catholic. obstacle to overcome: the absence of Cosse in the “[These inconveniences] have certainly been a challenge for the girls,” Cosse said. “It forces early part of the season.

Both she and assistant coach Diane Simmons them to look in themselves a bit more than they entered the season pregnant. In mid-September, normally would have for demonstrations of leadCosse left on maternity leave, and her daughter, ership.”

Adelaide, was born on September 19. Cosse In spite of the rotation of coaches, the varsity returned early in October, in time for the team’s teams’ playing has not faded at all compared with previous seasons.

“We stayed strong throughout all of our games this season,” said Silverman.

Cosse agreed, adding that she thinks the team was “challenged enough to break through to the next level,” adding that “it was necessary for the team to change completely” from the team that began the season.

“It takes sacrifice and determination to become one with each teammate so that you know [everyone’s] strengths and weaknesses and have the ability to push them to make them stronger,” continued Cosse. “This team just has something so special; they just genuinely care about each other not just as teammates but as friends. That has been the secret to what makes them stand apart from everyone else when the pressure builds on the field.”

Cara Silverman, Breada Farrell, and Sam Serpe struggle for the ball

-Photo courtesy of Milestone

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Knights Clinch First Confrence Title in Six Years Hayek leads the team in rushing with 656 yards on 80 carries. Quarterback Anthony Romandetto has thrown for 461 yards and four touchdowns.

With a well fought victory over the Chatham Senior two way tackle Anthony Bower is third on High School Cougars, the West Essex Knights the team with 22 tackles and leads an offensive football team clinched their first Iron Hills Con- line that has helped produce 34 rushing touchference title since 2001. On November 2nd the downs as a team. Rounding out the captains is Knights defeated Chatham High School 21-0 on Senior Wide Receiver/Free Safety Mike Agrifolio who leads the Knights with 1197 all purpose Senior Night. yards.

The Knights started of the season 6-0 while only surrendering 13 total points. The Knights were only an extra point away from being undefeated.

In a 7-6 loss to Hanover Park High School, kicker Ryan Logan missed a game tying extra point with 1:52 remaining to lose the game for the Knights.

“I had been kicking pretty well up to that point, with the tough conditions and the extreme pressure the kick seemed reasonable to make,” Kicker Senior quaterback Anthony Romandetto hands Ryan Logan said. “I guess I got too cute with it, the ball off to Senior running back Andrew we were still able to win our conference and make our way into the playoffs.”

Cross.

The Knights closed out the regular season with

-Photo courtesy of Milestone “It was a big win for us against a tough team,” two consecutive win and clinched home field Head Coach Dave Drozjock said.” The Knights advantage for the NJSIAA playoffs. finished the regular season 8-1 and earned a first Their first playoff game against Madison reround bye in the NJSIAA North 2 Group 2 State sulted in an absolute 40-6 slaughter despite the pouring rain and blaring lightning alarm.

Playoffs.

A large part of their success is due to their pun- At the time of this publishing, the Knights have ishing defense. The Knights amazingly outscored only one opponent left to conquer- Hanover Park, their opponents 270-20, averaging 30 points per the only team to have bested them so far this seagame while only allowing an unbelievable 2.2 son. If the team wins, they can play to win their points per game. “This defense is the best I have fifth NJSIAA North 2 Group 2 state championship in seven years. coached in some time,” Drozjock added.

“We really think we can beat [HP} and go on The Knights are lead by four senior captains who have guided them to the Conference Cham- to another state championship,” said Senior pionship. Senior Fullback/Linebacker Anthony running back Andrew Cross.

by Mark Walsh ‘09

Girls’ Volleyball Draw On Underclassmen

by Jack Vidovich ‘08

The 2007 Lady Knights varsity volleyball team, instructed by head coach Andrea Mondadori and assistant coach William Humes, had a successful year with a record of 14-11 despite their hard conference.

The two senior captains, Jacqueline Nasisi and Megan Toumanios, helped lead the team throughout the season . “They did a great job,” said Mondadori.

The volleyball team’s conference contains Chatam, who won the Group 2 Conference, and Mendham, who lost the Group 3 Conference in the final round.

Mondadori also attributes their success to the team’s two “junior middle hitters,” Katie Flynn and Colleen Caprio. Flynn and Caprio had a

combined 60 blocks, 166 kills, 131 serve points, and 40 aces. “[Katie and Colleen] were both major assets to the team,” said Nasisi. “Next year’s team will be lucky to have them.”

The team, despite the skill of its senior leaders, still consisted of a young majority. “We had five starting underclassmen and only one starting senior,” said Flynn. The team however, did not view the team’s youth as a bad thing.

“The young team has potential [for next year],” said an optimistic Mondadori. “[The underclassmen] are going to do really well,” noted Toumanios, “because we had a very young varsity team and only one starting position is being replaced.”

Page 22

Fall Sports Recap Football

W L T

West Essex Knights

8 1 0

Morris Hills Scarlet Knights

8 1 0

Mendham Null

7 2 0

Parsippany Hills Vikings

6 3 0

Hanover Park Hornets

5 4 0

Chatham Cougars

5 4 0

Weequahic Indians

3 6 0

Summit Hilltoppers

2 7 0

Dover Tigers

1 8 0

Parsippany Red Hawks

0 9 0

Field Hockey

W

L

T

West Essex Knights

19 0

1

Summit Hilltoppers

10 7

2

Chatham Cougars

9

7

2

Parsippany Red Hawks

5

11 0

Morris Hills Scarlet Knights

3

12 0

Parsippany Hills Vikings

0

16 1

Girls Soccer

W

L

T

Summit Hilltoppers

18

3

0

Chatham Cougars

14

5

0

Mendham Lady Minutemen

14

4

0

Hanover Park Hornets

10

9

0

Parsippany Red Hawks

10

11

0

West Essex Knights

9

8

1

Parsippany Hills Vikings

6

11

1

Morris Hills Scarlet Knights

5

14

1

Dover Tigers

0

16

1

Girls Volleyball

W

L

T

Chatham Cougars

23 1

0

West Essex Knights

15 10

0

Mendham Null

15 4

0

Parsippany Hills Vikings

9

13

0

Parsippany Red Hawks

9

12

0

Hanover Park Hornets

5

19

0

Summit Hilltoppers

4

16

0

Boys Soccer

W

L

T

Morris Hills Scarlet Knights

17 5

0

Chatham Cougars

17 2

0

Parsippany Hills Vikings

12 8

0

Parsippany Red Hawks

11

10

0

Summit Hilltoppers

10 10

0

Dover Tigers

7

12

1

Hanover Park Hornets

2

14

0

Weequahic Indians

2

15

0

November 2007

The Wessex Wire

Words From Wallace

Page 23

Boys’ Soccer Embraces Growth

by Mark Walsh ‘09

by Jenel Conde ‘09 Over the past year the NFL and the NFL Players Association have been under intense scrutiny from the fans and media over various issues. There have been several complaints from people about the disciplinary policy, This year’s varsity soccer team, coached by Mike Giampapa, ended their benefits for former players, and other weighty issues. The NFL needs to season abruptly after a defeat against Hackettstown. The squad, ranked do a better job handling all of the problems with which they have been Number 6 in Essex County, displayed “heart” and “determination” throughout the season according to Senior Captain Marc Cifelli. given over the past year. th On September 9 during a game between the New England Patriots and “I am very happy with the way my teammates worked this season,” said the New York Jets, a Patriots video assistant was caught by NFL security Cifelli. “They all worked very hard and I feel like they did that for me and filming the Jets coaching staff. The video assistant was filming the Jets their fellow seniors.”

The team began their prestaff and “stealing” their defensive signals. What the Patriots did was not season in the heat of the summer on illegal according to any rules and the punishment handed down to them August 18th. They endured threewas extremely overdone. The Patriots were fined 250,000 dollars and a-day practices, five days a week. under the circumstances they make the playoffs, they will be stripped of a Based on this practice schedule, the first round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Even worse, head coach Bill team did not finish too shabby with Belichick was fined a record $500,000 by the NFL. a record of 13-8. Chosen as captains Why were the Patriots punished? There is no written rule, so they should this year were seniors Marc Cifelli have been given a legal warning by the NFL before they were punished. and Gio Montes.

The NFL made a terrible decision in punishing the patriots. This issue

“These two have earned the however, is only one of many problems the NFL has been faced with. position as captains this year because Another headline that has been giving the NFL a huge problem is the they showed the most leadership in Michael Vick dog fighting trial. Vick was indicted on misdemeanor charges the preseason,” said Giampapa. in July and pleaded guilty to the charges in August. The NFL has suspended

Cifelli, the team’s leading Senior Tom Ponsart manuvers the ball Vick indefinitely, and he will not be reinstated until his sentencing. goal scorer with fourteen goals, read The NFL has handled this situation better than others though. As opposed around his confused opponent.

-Photo courtesy of Milestone ily accepted this position yet he felt to other disciplinary issues, the NFL gave Vick what he deserved. If the it was “a lot of pressure.”

NFL could handle other situations like the Vick case, there would be less “My teammates looked to me to score the goals, lead the team, calm them controversy. The NFL needs to step back and make sure that players are down, and keep everyone focused and determined,” said Cifelli. “Also my deserving of punishments they receive. Since the Michael Vick incident, coach, Mr. G., expected a lot from me, but this really didn’t bother me. It the NFL has been just as harsh to other players as they were to Vick, even actually made me play better and made me work harder.”

Aside from hard work put forth by the entire team, the boys also got along though they might not have deserved it.

Recently two NFL superstars were issued severe suspensions that they really well. did not deserve. With no prior warnings Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver “The team feels like my second family,” said Montes. “With the passion Chris Henry, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and imme- and heart that stays on the field, I feel great to be part of this team.” diately suspended eight games the NFL. Henry appealed the suspension, The team has pasta dinners before every game during which the team gathbut it was upheld. This penalty was way over the top and Chris Henry did ers, eats and bonds together. They also prayed before every game.

The squad consisted of a colossal thirty players. Seventeen of these was not deserving of this.

A similar situation occurred with Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam players, John Autorino, Marc Cifelli, Casey Connelly, Felipe Souza, Ray “Pac-Man” Jones. Jones was arrested several times in the past year, for Gantz, David Grau, Jeff Kayzerman, Alex Kolesnikov, Chris Miller, Gio Montes, Tom Ponsart, AJ Rees, Jason Rosengart, Evan Roth, Alex Rupple, several different incidents. Though the year long suspension was in acDan Segal, and Dan Spinelli, are seniors. The remaining thirteen players cordance with his actions the NFL and the Tennessee Titans are not letting are juniors and sophomores; there were no freshmen on the squad this year. him try and pursue a professional wrestling career. Taking away what he Juniors include Brian Agostini, Dan Bozzone, Michael Fede, Steve Kinslow, loves to do best is bad enough, but not letting him work after they took Jack Skeels, David Steinfeld, Joey Taylor, and Zack Vitencz. Sophomores away his salary, is dead wrong. include Tom Black, Tom Gasbarro, Jared Koval, Tom Martin, and Jimmy The NFL has had their share of problems, but the NFL Players Associa- Phillips. tion also has problems of their own. The NFL Players Association has had Some big games West Essex experienced this season were against Chatham problems with retired players arguing about their health benefits. There have and Morris Hills. During an intense home game against Chatham, the boys been several complaints from retired players that they have not received ended regulation tied at 1-1. The game went into overtime and the score proper benefits from their former employer. Many former players have remained the same. In double overtime, putting everything on the line, the not been given health benefits from the NFL, after taking serious “pound- team lost in a 2-1 deficient. In the Morris Hills game, the team was down ings” day in and day out every day of their career. The head of the NFL 1-0. They fought back from their deficient and scored two goals, one from players association Gene Upshaw needs to do a better job taking care of Skeels and another from Cifelli, winning 2-1. his former players, who made a lot of money for this league.

During the team’s last game in Hackettstown, Cifelli received a red card The NFL is a wonderful organization, which provides entertainment for and was ejected from the game for fighting. Fans, supposedly from both fans every Sunday and Monday night. After all of their success on the field, teams, charged the field. Soccer mom Mrs. Kinslow believes it was “the they need to do a better job handling some of their off-field issues. If the worst officiated game” she’s ever witnessed. Despite the outcome of this NFL could manage to solve these issues, they could reestablish themselves game, player Stevie Kinslow believes his team “stayed fairly composed.” as the front running sports league in America.