The Wessex Wire The Student Newspaper of West Essex Regional High School
Vol. XLVII No. 3
West Essex High School, 65 West Greenbrook Road , North Caldwell, NJ
April 2008
West Essex Locked Down Because Of “Credible Threat” by Amanda Nichols ‘08
West Essex underwent a lockdown on Tuesday, March 11 due to what police deemed “a credible threat” to the safety of the students. The event culminated in the arrest of a sophomore who was charged with causing false public alarm and the risk of widespread injury, unlawful possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, and marijuana possession. Since the school’s five bomb scares last year things have been relatively quiet. That all changed, however, when Prinicipal Barbara Longo called a lockdown at the end of sixth period. “I would like to thank the entire student body for thinking on their feet,” Longo said in an address to the school on March 12. She did, however, note that not everyone took the threat as “seriously as they should have.” Police Chief Clark reiterated the seriousness of the events. “This is absolutely the most serious event I’ve ever had to deal with at
West Essex,” said Clark. “Everyone in this school needs to cooperate in order to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.” The police also made the students aware of the expense and effort that is needed when a threat of this kind is made. There were sixty police officers and about 10 police dogs stationed at west Essex today amounting to about $100,000. “[All of those officers and dogs] were here because kids kill kids,” Captain Dewart of the North Caldwell Police force said. “You should be thankful to the North Caldwell police and the police of the surrounding areas,” he added as the audience erupted in applause. The calm tone in the room changed, however, when the police opened the floor to questions from the student body. “The feeling from both the students and the police was rather defensive,” said Senior, Nick Vidovich. “I totally agree with everything the police SEE LOCKDOWN PAGE3
Local Bands Perform In Benefit Concert
show, entitled “The Fight Against by Alyson Roseman ‘10 Cancer,” took place last April at People crowded Fireman’s Hall Notre Dame Church. The $1,500 anxiously as the band was setting raised at that show went to a Soroka up. The lights shut off as the antici- family member who resided in the pation built and the crowd gathered Dominic Republic and was unable to around the set. Area of Nothing ap- pay for her breast cancer treatment. proached the stage, instruments in With the exchange rate, the money hand. Guitarist and vocalist Martin was enough to get her through most Gambichler advanced to the mic of the treatment. and, with a dedication to his sister, The inspiration for the second officially began the show. show came from the kids at West The Fight Against Cancer Round Essex, specifically Meghan Gam2 was the second benefit concert bichler, whose lives have been Soroka productions held. The first SEE BENEFIT CONCERT PAGE3
Inside This Issue:
2
News
Marhc Masterpieces Benefit Concert Scholarhsips
3
Feature
-Photo courtesy of Paul Rando David Drozjock watches on as his Knights prepare to win yet another title.
Drozjock Wins New Jersey Coach Of The Year Award by Ryan Logan-Magnusson‘08
Seasons come and go, seniors graduate, and new leaders emerge from the shadows. For the West Essex Knights varsity football team, the mainstay of the program over the past 21 seasons has been head coach David Drozjock. In his 11 years as the head football guru at West Essex, “Coach Droz” as he is affectionately known has managed to reach the State Finals six times, winning five, all of which have come in just the past seven years. Coach Drozjock’s efforts over the last decade have certainly not gone unnoticed around the community.
Interview with Greg Gadson Skylr Toastmasters
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Arts & Culture
Reviews of Chick Flix Spring Fashion Jack Johnson
In 2007, however, his peers around the state finally decided to recognize Drozjock as the finest high school football coach in the state as he earned the title of “Coach of the Year” as awarded by the New Jersey Coaches’ Association. “It’s a great feeling knowing that our program is one of the best in the state and has been recognized by other coaches,” said Drozjock. “We have great coaching staff at West Essex who really care about the players and have tremendous pride in what they do.” Although Drozjock feels the award is a result of the program’s efforts SEE DROZJOCK PAGE2
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Opinion
Principals or Police? Beating the System
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Artists Recreate Masterpieces by Andrew Cross ‘08
Eileen Dormer and her AP art Students are enjoying their own March Madness. That is, March Masterpiece Madness. On March 17, art students celebrated Youth Art Month in New Jersey and promoted the AP art history program through recreations. The students worked in groups as they attempted to recreate eight different masterpieces in chalk. The artists that the students chose from included Andrea Botticelli, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Rene Magritte and Peter Max. One participant, Annie Aery
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enjoyed working on her group’s masterpiece. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to recreate the painting in only three hours,” she said. Once every group finished, the students brought their work into the lunchroom and held teach-in sessions during school lunch periods for students and staff. “The kids worked extremely well and it’s nice when you get to that point where you really see the Masterpiece start to come together,” Dormer said. At the end of the day, the student body and administration were able to vote for which reproduction they SEE MASTERPIECE MADNESS PAGE3
-Photo courtesy of Andrew Cross ‘08 AP Art History students work on their masterpiece for the competition
First Graduating Class Donates Money by Kristin Kuscin ‘08
The West Essex class of 1962 is awarding two scholarships to two graduating seniors. Each scholarship is for $1,962, in honor of the class’s 45th reunion. They will be awarded on a financial need basis, although academic records, extracurricular activities, and community service will be looked at as well. The class of ’62 was the first graduating class of West Essex High
Drozjock
FROM PAGE 1
over the last seven seasons, he said this year’s team has had a different element than in years past. “I love this year’s team because of the 27 seniors who finished the year and were all unselfish and sacrificed so we could have the season we had,” he said. “We led the State in rushing yards, averaging over 300 yards per game, and broke a school record with seven shutouts on defense. We gave up only five TD’s all year. We had a great group of seniors this year who made the commitment to be champions.” Aside from earning numerous honors and state titles, Coach Droz has earned the respect and admiration of his players. “Coach Droz is a great coach and
School. During the first three years of their high school experience, the class of ’62 attended Grover Cleveland Middle School, which accepted students from five towns, Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Fairfield, Essex Fells and Roseland. “The school was so crowded that we were on ‘split sessions’,” said Bruce Vain, a member of the class of ’62. “The juniors and seniors went to school from 7:30 AM to noon, and the freshmen and sophomores went
from 12:15 PM to 5:00 PM.” It was for this reason that the towns decided to make two new schools: James Caldwell and West Essex. The construction at West Essex was not finished until their class’s senior year. “We started senior year in the new building with exposed wires in the hallways and a sea of mud surrounding us,” said Vain. “Nevertheless, we finally had a home we could call ours.” The class of ’62 started celebrating
their reunion on October 5, 2007, by attending the football game. The following day was filled with tours of the school and a dinner dance at the Madison Hotel in Convent Station. “Watching the faces of the attendees, it was like we had never been apart,” said Vain. “The same enthusiasm that created a new school 45 years earlier filled the room. There was such a positive response to the event that we have already started planning our 50th reunion.”
an amazing man,” said All-State fullback and linebacker Anthony Hayek, a four-year letterman. “He takes pride in the sport and everyone who steps on the field to play for him. His morals are second to none.” Coach Drozjock exemplifies the true values of teamwork, hard work, pride, and winning to the T, according to his players and assistant coaches. Being named Coach of the Year is just icing on the cake. “There’s no other coach in New Jersey who deserved it more, especially after the season he had this fall,” Hayek said. Offensive/defensive line coach and special teams coordinator Christopher Benacquista has been under Coach Drozjock’s tutelage since his high school days. “Coach Droz was my freshman baseball coach and my defensive coordinator when I played football here,” Benacquista said. “Ever since
then he has always taught people to treat players, coaches and opponents with respect. He demands the best from his players, and makes sure they are always well prepared.” Benacquista also pointed out that when talking to other coaches around the state they all commented on how well-prepared, physical, well-conditioned and sportsmanlike the West Essex players are. “It all starts at the top. The success we have achieved has begun and ended with what Coach Droz brings to the program.” Despite all the success Coach Drozjock has brought to West Essex over the past two decades, he now will take his shot at our neighbors across the river as he was named head coach of the New Jersey AllStar team at the NJ/NY All-Star Classic to be played at Rutgers Stadium on Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 p.m.
The success of a football team has a big impact on the community surrounding it. The impact of the community on the football team and more importantly, the head coach, usually goes unnoticed. “I would like to thank everyone at West Essex for all their support throughout the years,” Coach Droz said. “This year, the teachers got together and gave me a gift and a night out with my wife before I was even named Coach of the Year. That meant so much to me for my peers to recognize what we accomplished.” He added “West Essex is a great place to work. With football, I’ll never forget the players, coaches and all the incredible memories I have of each season. It’s been a great ride and now the challenge comes to next year’s players to keep it going. In the words of Coach Droz, “Back on the ball knuckleheads.”
April 2008
Benefit Concert
FROM PAGE 1
touched one way or another by cancer. Gambichler is a freshman who was diagnosed with T cell nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that arises in a type of white blood cell called the lymphocytes. “When they [doctors] found out she [had] cancer, it was in the final stage,” Martin Gambichler, Meghan’s older brother and a junior at West Essex stated. “If they didn’t find it, she would have died.” Meghan is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is feeling better. “She’s doing a lot better and is able to walk now,” Martin commented. Meghan had another disease prior to cancer that caused her blood count to be extremely low. This in turn affected her ability to walk.
Masterpiece Madness
FROM PAGE 2
felt was the best. The overall winner was The Ancient of Days, by William Blake. the reporduction was done by Michelle Lupo, Dayaamayi Kurimella, Chris Jung, Ashley Begega and Tara Shulman. In Second Place was The Great Wave, by Hosukai which was done by Deena Giandolfo, Melissa Taussi, Stephanie De Lillo, Fatime Meka, and Melissa Moschella. Finally, rounding off the ballot at third place was Venus Rising, by Sandro Botticelli. The reproduction was done by Robin Miller, Lauren Crooks, Giovanna Monaco, Michelle Di Fluri, Meredith Satz, and Alex Ceglarz. Still most just enjoyed viewing the recreations. “The Great Wave is not only a great painting but it’s soaked with skill,” added Senior art enthusiast John Autorino. Overall the art students felt that the experience was a good one. AP Art is a new class at the school and it’s introduction is being met with success and enjoyment from the students.
The Wessex Wire “I just wanted to raise the oppor- So Roka productions is a “DIY” tunity for anyone to show support or “Do-It-Yourself” company. “This for his/her friends and/or rela- could be accomplished by printing tives who have been diagnosed,” your own tickets, flyers, and doing Sophomore Ryan Soroka explained all of your own promotion,” Soroka says of the “DIY” guidelines. on his motivation for the show. The show took place at Fireman’s The company was created in 2004 Hall in North Caldwell on March 28. when Soroka and his band mate The tickets at the door were $10 and Frank wanted to create a show for all of the money from the show went their band “Agreements in August.” to the American Cancer Society for Soroka really enjoyed putting the research along with various people show together and has been doing it who currently can’t afford cancer ever since. So Roka productions has worked treatment. The bands that performed at the with many bands over the years show included The Dangerous Sum- including Amber Pacific, All Time mer, You, Me, & Everyone We Know, Low, and Suburban Legends. Exotic Aquatic, Area of Nothing, My Currently, the production company Aim is True, and Trees of Mandalay. manages The Dangerous Summer. These bands were chosen based on It also plans tours for various bands their “energetic, entertaining, and such as The Morning Light (Fearexciting” stage presence along with less Records), Socratic (Drive Thru their ability to connect with the audi- Records), Jet Lag Gemini (Doghouse Records), Holiday Parade, The Danence through the music. Some of the bands, such as The gerous Summer (Hopeless Records), Dangerous Summer, even gave out and Red Light Green Light. The latfree CDs with a newly recorded song est projects include booking summer to all those who donated extra money tours for the Exotic Aquatic and the Years Gone By. to the cause. Preparation for the show began So Roka productions will not be when a date was picked and a venue planning shows for Area of Nothing was secured. Then the process of anymore since the band is splitting. picking the perfect line up begins. The show at Fireman’s hall was Area Once it was in place, the process of Nothing’s last show together. of handing out flyers, putting up “[We] didn’t like the music anymore MySpace and Facebook bulletins, [and] needed a new start,” Martin hanging up posters and printing commented on his band’s split. newspaper ads take place up until The new start for Martin will be coming in the form of a new band the night of the show. “On the day of the show, the only called Running with Robbers. The stress occurs during the set up of all band premiered their music for the the equipment and lighting prior to first time after Area of Nothing’s last the show. From there, it is mostly set. smooth sailing,” Soroka commented.
-Photo courtesy of Eileen Dormer The winning masterpiece lays on the ground waiting for the final touches to be applied.
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Lockdown FROM PAGE 1
had to do, but I think the assembly got a little out of hand.” One student asked, “Why did the police never announce themselves when they walked into the room? Myself and the people around me were scared.” “The guns were safe,” Dewart replied in what Vidovich referred to as a very “hostile” tone. “The police didn’t put you in danger.” “How come we’ve never had a drill like this before?” asked Senior Robert Calabrese. “The people in the lunch room had no idea what to do.” The police responded by saying that something like this can never be 100% predicted an planned for, but some students feel that he completely missed the point of the question. “Rob was asking how come we’ve never had a lock down drill during lunch before,” Senior Jordan Entin Said. “The police thought he was trying to be surly.” The final question the police answered was one from Senior Nikki Berse. She asked, “How do we know we’re safe now.” She was given the response of basically “you’re never totally safe.” The general feeling after the assembly was that it didn’t really solve anything, but it nevertheless concluded with a request from Clark. “It has to stop today,” he said. “This is not what this high school is about. This is not what your teachers are about. This is not what most of you in the student body are about. Longo, however, had the final word on the subject. “I chose not to cancel after school activities that day because I didn’t want to ruin it for the 99.99% of you who are innocent,” she said. “If this continues, however, you will start to bear the brunt of it. There are so many good things going on in this school. Let’s keep it good.”
Please Recycle This Newspaper
February 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 4
W.E. Celebrates National Library Week in New Facilities by Matt Cohn ‘08
Ahhhhh it’s finally April. You know what that means, another month closer to summer, it gets warmer and warmer everyday, and spring break. Oh yeah, and also National Library Week. What could be better then national Library Week followed directly by a week off for spring break. And if this is your first time hearing that National Library Week is fast approaching, get out from under that rock you’ve been living under for the past couple weeks. April 14 through April 18 is observed nationally as National Library Week, and with our brand s p a n k i n g n e w l i b r a r y, w e ’ r e gonna party it up.
News Bytes 2008-2009 Baseball Season Begins The final seasons at two of baseball’s most
storied stadiums are officially underway. Yankees Stadium and Shea Stadium will both be knocked down at the completion of the 2008 baseball seasons. Yankees Stadium, considered by many to be the greatest baseball stadium of all time, will be hosting the 2008 All-Star game, on July 15. With the amount of people who will want to visit the stadiums for the final time, ticket prices will soar as the season gets deeper and deeper. The later in the season it is, the higher the ticket prices will most likely go.
Oceanographer Visits W.E.
Monday the 14th will be a poetry reading in the library throughout the day, in part to observe National Poetry Month, which also falls in the great month of April. Following Monday’s poetry will be performances by the West Essex Jazz band throughout the lunch periods f or staff and students. The real fun, however, starts Wednesday, with a Dance Dance Revolution contest. Wednesday will be the “Sweet 16,” which means the first 16 people to sign up for each lunch period. Each lunch period will have their own competition. To sign up, see Ms. Heinis for a permission slip. But before you get your hopes up, no, Ms. Heinis will not be participating. Thursday the contest will move
By Mark Walsh
Contribution By Matt Cohn and Evan Elberg
Presidential Election The 2008 Presidential Election will be held on November 4. Anyone who is 18 years old should register to vote as soon as possible. Any person who is 18 by the day of the election is eligible to vote. Every vote counts, so make your decisions wisely. Voting will be held in all four regional towns. New Jersey requires that citizens register at least 24 days before the election. Wrestling Loses its ‘Flair’
Dr. Robert Ballard, the man who discovered the infamous sunken ship the RMS Titanic, paid a visit to West Essex on March 31st. Dr. Ballard spoke to over 500 West Essex students about his discoveries and his research showing an impressive presentation in the Junior High auditorium on his incredible under water discoveries. Ballard answered several questions from students about his expeditions throughout his life. Along with his presentation he taught students an important life lesson, “Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams, as silly as they may be.”
Perhaps the greatest professional wrestler of our generation has finally decided to hang up his boots. The Nature Boy Ric Flair officially retired on March 30th at the Wrestlemania payper-view in Orlando, Florida. Flair wrestled his last match against Shawn Michaels at the event. The 16 time world champion has been a main event wrestler for over 36 years and wreslted for four major organizations. The Nature Boy will always be remembered for his outstanding in ring skills and his outrageous interviews. Though Flair has officially retired, no one will forget the Limousine ridin’, jet flyin’, kiss stealin’, wheelin’ dealing, son of a gun.
Navy Seal Wins Metal of Honor
Olympic Torch Faces Protests
When a grenade bounced off Michael Monsoor’s chest and fell to the floor near his fellow troops, Petty Officer 2nd Class Monsoor acted out of instinct. The Navy says he committed a selfless act -- jumping on the grenade and taking the full force of the blast. Monsoor was in a sniper position on a rooftop with two other SEALs when a grenade flew into his location bouncing off his chest and landing in an area where it would have killed or injured all three SEALs. The blast did not kill him right away; he hung on for 30 minutes. His two comrades also were wounded but survived. President Bush will present Monsoor’s parents with a posthumous Medal of Honor for their son at a White House ceremony.
The Olympic flame arrived in San Francisco on April 4th and was being kept in an undisclosed location before continuing an international torch relay that has been marked by passionate protests. The torch has made several stops in countries over the past couple of weeks. There have been numerous protests against having the Olympics in China due to their human rights record. Despite the protests organizers in China have said the international relay will continue despite the protests. The lighting of the torch is scheduled for August 8th in Beijing.
onto the Elite 8’s and the Final Four’s, and prizes will be awarded to the winners. On Friday, DDR will be open to play for anyone who wants to try. But the real champion will be participating on Friday, and that is Ms. Minchin, assistant librarian. Minchin is very modest however, and claims that she will, “probably fall on the floor and embarrass myself.” So anyone out there who thinks they have game,
send a challenge out to Minchin, but just make sure you don’t get served. Whether you want to dance or not, come on out to the library and support National Library Week and support our brand new library. “Come and watch if you don’t want to participate,” says Minchin. “If you can’t be in it, come support your friends, and overall just have a great time.”
DECA Competes State-Wide Junior Alana Goodman Wins Instructional Area Award by Brittany Lipari ‘08
West Essex DECA members, lead by marketing teacher Cathy Collins, competed at the DECA State Career Development Conference in Cherry Hill, Feb. 24 to Feb. 26. The students hoped to move on to further regional competitions and prove their advanced marketing and business knowledge. Although all West Essex DECA members competed earnestly and vigorously, Junior Alana Goodman came out as the shining star. Goodman received an Instructional Area Award for her test score in the Advertising Campaign event and was the only one who received a trophy from the fourteen members who represented West Essex. “I think the results were disappointing considering their preparations,” Collins said. Prior to the conference, the fourteen West Essex DECA members; Demetri Arvanites, Samantha Ascher, Simone Billeci, Jed Entin, Alyssa Francis, Tom Gasbarro, Alana Goodman, Alex Kolesnikov, Eric Miller, Tom Ponsart, Theresa Rodrigues, Dan Segal, Karan Shah, and Nick Vidovich, were assigned a project which consisted of creating a realistic business and also role playing as the business financer and representative. The students needed to explain his or her business and how the business was ran by presenting budgets, advertising and making the products the business projects appealing and desirable to the public in front of a judge at the DECA
conference. Upon arriving at the three hotels that hosted the DECA competitors, members took a one hundred question written test to certify their background knowledge of marketing and advertising. Other challenges included the students presenting his or her business in front of a judge and solving business problems after reading about it for the first time. Individual students were given thirty minutes to contemplate solutions to the problem before they presented their resolution to a judge. During the students’ presentations judges would score the competitor not only in the depth and accuracy of their solutions and calculations but the presentation itself in which they would look for eye contact, clear and precise verbal descriptions and explanations, and professional appearance of the student. During the student’s down time they were entertained by Skylr, the master hypnotist, a talent show, and a DECA presidential election in which members voted for the president and vice president of the DECA association. Down time also provided students with the opportunity to meet with other DECA teens and make new friends. “The DECA Trip was an awesome bonding experience, and it gave me the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends,” declared Senior Theresa Rodrigues, “I was able to learn a lot from it. It was so much fun!”
April 2008 Issue 3
Feature
The Wessex Wire Page 5
Iraqi War Vet. Provides ‘Giant’ Inspiration Wessex Wire Exclusive Interview with Greg Gadson by Jenel Conde ‘09
In Glendale, Arizona on Feb. 3, a swarm of fans coated the University of Phoenix Stadium as the New York Giants were exactly one second away from securing their Superbowl XLII victory. Fans were temporarily led off the field as the ball was snapped down for the last time, and then stampeded on once again for the celebration. The Giants’ road to success was heavily influenced by Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Gadson, former Army football player at West Point. It is evident that the team’s turning point may have derived from Gadson’s motivation. While stationed in Baghdad, Gadson, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery Regiment in Iraq, lost both of his legs in an IED bomb accident. Playing football during his youth taught Gadson about “passion, dedication, and teamwork.” These important values may have led to Gadson’s career choice in the army. “Football was a driving force in my life when I was young,” said Gadson. “I had a morning paper route for a job so I could play football in High School. The lessons on the football field carried on to my professional life as an Army Officer. The soldiers in my battalion even called me ‘Coach.’” Gadson’s poignant accident has altered his life in various ways. “You take for granted your ability to walk or run anywhere you want to go,” Gadson explained. “Now I must consider so many things like distance, terrain, stairs, ramps and [other challenges].” Gadson‘s misfortune opened his eyes to the realization that you must live everyday to the fullest. “Life throws you many challenges and now I have to practice what I preach, rely on my faith, family and friends to have the courage to fight on.” Following Gadson’s affliction, Giants wide receiver coach and old teammate from Westpoint, Mike
straight games. Gadson was on the sideline with the Giants during their playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. He was also present at the Superbowl as an honorary co-captain for New York. When asked how he felt about the Giants win, Gadson said he was “very proud.” “Their victory was a true team effort and I’m grateful to have been a small part of their success,” he added. Gadson had an inspirational effect on the team. His rousing words had put New York in the right place at the right time with the right attitude. Many doubted the Giants in their matchup against the Patriots, yet the -Photo courtesy of Greg Gadson players had faith. Gadson would New York Honorary Co-Captains, Ex-Giant Harry Carson, Col. Greg give high school students similar Gadson and Jaelen Gadson, pose after the coin toss at Green Bay, advice that he gave such successful Wisconsin. athletes: “ALWAYS DO YOUR Sullivan, invited Gadson to watch have and ALWAYS do your best; you BEST NO MATTER WHAT. You the Giants take on the Washington never know if that could be your last never know the opportunities that Redskins. The Giants started off opportunity. Always fight for your will pass you by if you don’t do your their season at the bottom of the to- teammates; the team is always more best.” tem pole. Their record was a paltry important than any one individual.” As far as Gadson’s current fame 0-2, and they needed someone to The result? New York stunned the changing who he is, “more people ignite their squad. Gadson spoke to Redskins. Wide Receiver Plaxico recognize me and sometimes ask for the Giants right before their game Burress scored late in the fourth autographs; I’m still the same guy, against Washington. “[I told them quarter to secure the team’s vic- just a little shorter.” to] realize what opportunities you tory. The Giants went on to win six
Gas Prices Overwhelm Students gas budget. “It costs about $40 to fill up my tank and that’s with the low As gas prices continue to soar, est quality gas,” Senior Dave Quinn people continue to drive their SUV’s said. and trucks with no respect to this im- However, there are some ways perative issue. The Lundberg Survey, that all drivers, not only seniors, can which was released on March 23, reduce their driving. Drivers can car 2008, stated that prices reached an pool, use more public transportaall-time high of $3.26 per gallon of tion, and combine errands to reduce self-serve regular. This positive trend the amount of money spent at the does not seem to be stopping and gas pumps. prices are becoming extreme. High “The high gas prices force me to school juniors and seniors such as try and get rides with my friends those in West Essex are also being whenever I can,” said Senior Dan affected by the pricey gas. Segal. Many seniors now face limitations Senior Matt Osman is usually the to their driving by gas costs. one giving the rides to his friends. “They’re too high and it doesn’t “I guess offering rides comes with seem like they’re going down any having a car senior year, Osman said. time soon,” Senior Andrew Cross “And since many of my friends don’t said. have a car, I feel somewhat obligated Many seniors are limited to a strict to offer rides.” by Ben Sunshine ‘09
Furthermore, some juniors drive on their own with their provisional licenses. The gas prices have come as a shock to them as well. “The gas prices are ridiculous,” Junior Joe Russo said. “The gas companies are making more than they ever have and gas prices are still going up.” While some juniors and seniors cannot resist transportation by means of the car, others continue to use less expensive options. One can never go wrong with the good old bicycle for use in more of a local setting. “I still skateboard to my friends’ houses and to places close to my house,” said Junior Kyle Kovats. Some students are still trying to weigh their transportation options due to the gas prices. “It’s so expensive that I’ve recently considered purchasing a new bicycle,” said Junior Alan Jacobson.
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
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West Essex Alum Shares Coast Guard Expiriences Guard; I knew nothing about it so by Kristin Kuscin ‘08 Marietta Alessi ‘08
Lt.JG. Peter Lang of the U.S. Coast Guard visited Mr. Benacquista’s U.S History I classes in February. Lang, who graduated from West Essex in 2001, discussed his experiences as a member of the Coast Guard and showed videos he took on his ship. After the presentation, he agreed to sit down with the Wire for an interview. Wessex Wire: What made you decided to enter the Coast Guard? When did you decide to this? Mr. Peter Lang: I have always wanted to join the military. My first choice was to go to the Naval Academy, graduate, and become a Marine Corp Officer and fly jets or helicopters. However, I was told that my SATs were not high enough and not to bother applying. My uncle turned me to the Coast
I did some research and saw that I could still fly helicopters, if I so desired. Next thing I knew, I was recruited by the Coast Guard Academy football coach and was accepted to the Academy about a month later. WW: What was the Coast Guard Academy like? What kind of training did it involve? PL: The Coast Guard Academy was like any normal college during the day; it just did not have the party atmosphere. Everything was regimented and planned out for you (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner, speeches, formations, etc.). Before the academic year started, I had to attend an eight week boot camp held at the Academy. It was just like any normal boot camp; it instilled discipline and the notion that you are actually now in the military.
-Photo courtesy of Peter Lang
Peter Lang’s daily responsibilites include saving lives and keeping America’s waters safe from Terrorism.
WW: What is a typical day like for you? PL: A typical day for me starts at 0300 when I wake up for the 0400-0800 watch. I stand my watch then get some breakfast, either get a workout or a quick nap in, followed by my Executive Officer duties. I eat lunch around 1100, usually do a boarding or conducts training/drills, go back on watch around 1530 and, afterwards, finish up any last minute work for the day and try to get some sleep. WW: What is/are the biggest dangers of being on the open sea? PL: The biggest danger of being in the open sea is the sea itself. At any time, the weather can change; it can deteriorate rapidly and if you are not prepared for it, you could be in real danger. WW: What has been the most influential experience you’ve had as a member of the Coast Guard? PL: I have had a few experiences. My first was back in the summer of 2004 when I was on the USCGC VENTUROUS. We were patrolling the Mona Passage (body of water between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic) when we were tasked to a search and rescue case of an overturned migrant vessel. There was already a patrol boat on scene and they transferred around 15 migrants to us when we arrived, we continued the search and 48 hours later found a woman still alive and floating on a piece of wood in shark infested waters. My second would be the $57 million dollar cocaine bust that I was the lead boarding officer for in December 2006 onboard USCGC BEAR. It was a great feeling to know that you stopped that much drugs from hitting the streets of the United States. The third would be my entire experience in the North Arabian Gulf. Just to know that I am protecting the Iraqi people from being harassed by maritime criminals (pirates) and protecting the vital infrastructure that is so important to the Iraqi government overwhelms me with how much responsibility that the U.S. Coast Guard has in this war. WW: What are your thoughts as you prepare to start another tour? PL: A sense of excitement and curiosity. I do not currently know where I am being stationed. Most likely [I’ll be] in
Southern Florida where the missions (i.e. Search and Rescue, Migrant Interdiction and Law Enforcement/Counter Narcotics) are just as intense. I am very much looking forward to it especially since I will be the Commanding Officer of my own patrol boat at the age of 24. WW: What are your feelings about America’s involvement in the current wars? PL: In my opinion (not the Coast Guard’s or the United States militaries opinion), I feel that we are needed over in Iraq and Afghanistan. We need to ensure that these governments can stand on their own two feet before we pull our troops out. If the United States does not wait for that, then I feel that we will be fighting another war later on down the road. WW: What is your most memorable experience at West Essex? PL: My most memorable experience at West Essex was being a part of the football and basketball team. I like the feeling of being a part of team. WW: What are your plans for when you return home for good? PL: My plans are to relax and meet up with family and friends. WW: What advice can you give to students who wish to enlist in the armed services? PL: My advice would be to know what you are signing up for. Make sure that you research the different jobs that each branch of the military has to offer and what type of educational benefits that they can provide and to compare them to each of the different branches. If you want to be an officer, you will need to further your education at one of the military academies or go to a regular college and go through Officer Candidate School after graduation. The decision to join the military is yours and yours alone; do not let someone influence you if you do not want to join. You are signing a government contract that could range from four to six years, and it is hard to break that contract if you do not like being in the service. If you have any questions ask, you can never be afraid to ask a question that you do not know the answer to; there is no such thing as a stupid question.
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 7
SKYLR HYPNOTIZES AUDIENCES ONCE AGAIN by Kelly Abbot ‘10
Skylr, master hypnotist, performed at West Essex High School on Thursday, Feb. 28 in the auditorium. Skylr’s annual show involves hypnotizing volunteers into strange, hilarious situations. The entire auditorium was filled with everyone from seventh graders experiencing their first Skylr show to seniors who were enjoying their last. Skylr’s show is highly anticipated by most students. “It’s my third favorite day of the year, after my birthday and Christmas,” sophomore Marin Schiffenhaus said. She “cracked up for the third year in a row.” Skylr’s show began with the hypnotized students on stage hysterically laughing as though they were watching a funny movie, and then
they all began to cry, believing that they were watching an incredibly sad movie. Skylr then made the students believe that every time he said the word “hypnosis” his clothing would disappear for a few moments. Sophomore Tom Black began to laugh uncontrollably. Junior Jack Skeels turned his chair completely around and buried his face in his hands. All of the girls were screaming. Later, Skylr began to toy with individual students. Sophomore Lauren Beatty, would leave out the number eight when counting, making her believe that she had eleven fingers. Junior Andy Maxman could not speak without saying the word “oompapa.” Junior Anders Aronson found himself with a terrible stutter, and he was unable to speak. Throughout the show, whenever
Skylr would say a certain word, members of the audience who were hypnotized would scream “start the show”; they didn’t realize what they were doing until Skylr screamed “awake”. Four junior boys thought they were on America’s Next Top Model and began to pose for the audience. Junior Martin Gambichler yelled at Skylr to “shut up” every few minutes. Skylr had Maxman walk back onto stage and give him his wallet numerous times. Aronson ran throughout the auditorium yelling, “I want my mommy!” Girls from their seats argued over how sexy they were, and Skeels announced that he was the Oscar Mayer Wiener. Skylr says that being hypnotized at his show is equal to a full night’s sleep.
“I went home and fell right asleep because I was so relaxed and calm,” Aronson said. He explained that while he was hypnotized, he was “trying to listen to [Skylr]”, then he got very calm and relaxed, and then all of a sudden he was “not able to speak and saw [Skylr’s] naked body.” Overall, the performance received mixed reviews from the student body. “The funniest moment was when the junior boys were acting out America’s Next Top Model,” Sophomore Sloane Serpe said. Sophomore Tom Martin had a different opinion, “He needs to change up his show and jokes,” he said. “He uses the same jokes every year. But for people who haven’t seen it yet, it’s still a great show.”
TOASTMASTERS COMES TO WEST ESSEX by Kelly Abbot ‘10
When students hear of the Toastmasters club, they may have images of a club whose members are experts in making toast. But the club has a much different, less food-oriented agenda. Toastmasters is an international organization with over 220,000 members in 11,300 clubs across 90 countries. The Toastmasters for Teens Gavel Club at West Essex High School is the first such club to be held in the high school. The main purpose of Toastmasters is to improve the communication skills of its members through interactive activities and to advance in public speaking. Members hope to become better at organizing and expressing their thoughts in a useful manner. “This club offers the ability to improve in communication and speech in a fun, participative manner that students will feel comfortable in because they are with their peers,” Co-President Chelsea Goodman said. “Communication is especially important during these years when school projects and
Toastmaster International Logo
also college interviews are coming up, but it is also essential in business and in life.” Chelsea and Alana Goodman are the founders and Co-Presidents of the Toastmasters for Teens Gavel Club at West Essex. Other officers include Vice President Andrew Heller, Treasurer Lindsay George, Secretary Alyssa Farkas and Ser-
geant at Arms Nikita Dolese. Advisors of the club are Kristin Fox and Lisa Verga. A major concern for the new club was whether or not people would join. But Chelsea Goodman was “extremely happy with the turnout of members.” The club has enough members “to form a substantial club, yet small enough to hold in a [single] classroom.”
A typical Toastmasters meeting includes debates on different topics, prepared speeches and discussions, and story and joke-telling. The members also hear from guest speakers who inform the members about the importance of communication and how becoming a better speaker has helped them through their lives. Despite being a first-year club, Toastmasters has been able to acquire some important guest speakers. The president and vicepresident of the Essex toastmasters spoke about the importance of expressing one’s thoughts and taught the students how to properly run a Toastmasters meeting. Chelsea Goodman believed that the meeting was fantastic. Members will begin their own debates shortly. Toastmasters will continue to hear from other adult Toastmasters and have members perform impromptus and tell stories. By the end of the year the students will be ready to give performed speeches. Chelsea Goodman hopes for the members to attend a field trip to an adult Toastmasters meeting soon.
April 2008 Issue 3
&
Arts
Culture
The Wessex Wire Page 8
Jack Johnson’s New Album ‘Not What You Thought Need’ song on the album that contains a couple of winners. byAndy Maxman ‘09
It has been three full years since Jack Johnson fans rejoiced to In Between Dreams, an album filled with his signature guitar-tapping, upbeat songs about happy, surfrelated topics. The album was also appropriately laced with nostalgic melodies, neither overpowering, nor boring. The change of pace between Dreams and Sleep Through The Static, his newest release, was unwelcomed in many instances by long-time Jack fans. His Feb. 5 release of Sleep did little more, in some cases, than put fans to sleep. Although there were a few memorable tracks, others were just recycled melodies and lyrics, barely able to be distinguished from one another. Maybe the fans weren’t ready for the change of pace. Jack pre-released a single, “If I Had Eyes”, which gave false hope to fans awaiting an album comparable to his last. “Eyes” is the only
any of the true “Jack” style, in my eyes. The song was available for download before the release of the album, and fans were severely disappointed when the songs other 13 tracks couldn’t match the upbeat nature of “Eyes.” For the most part, the rest of the album is comprised of instrumentally “naked” love songs, lacking any real excitement. Songs like “All At Once;” “Same Girl;” “What You Thought You Need;” “Adrift;” and “They Do, They Don’t” are all way too slow and sometimes too melodramatic to live up to the standards of Jack fans. Actually, “Adrift” just made me want to “adrift” to sleep and turn off the music: it was painfully boring. These five songs will bear no significance in the minds of Jack fans in future years, and Jack would be wise not to play these songs at concerts if he wants to receive any positive fan interaction. However, after listening to the album a few more times, I found
Songs like “Hope,” “Actually, “Adrift” just “Angel,” “Enemy,” and “Losing Keys” made me want to ‘adrift’ to are actually beautiful sleep.” songs. “Angel,” a love song written by Jack song on his last album was a great to his wife, reveals a deep side of song, this album seems weak. But, Jack, that, along with “While We nevertheless, there were at least Wait,” shows a side of Jack that ten good songs. That cannot be has rarely been shown before. said for almost any album. Then finally, a couple of songs Truthfully, Jack’s prior success r e m i n i s c e n t o f J a c k ’s o l d i e s has only masked his success on emerge. “Go On,” “Monsoon,” this album. And contrary to what and “Sleep Through The Static,” you may have inferred from the are also good songs. I give “Go beginning of this article, Sleep On” the dark horse award. If was a good album. Not great. Not there is any song on the album as good or as memorable as any of that may be played on the radio, his first three albums. But it was although Jack songs are almost good. Sadly, I do think it will rank never played, I think it will be fourth out of his four albums, but “Go On”. The song will make you it does beat the Curious George tap your foot. “Sleep through the soundtrack, if that even counts. Static” is memorable and catchy, In the end, there were a bunch of and “Monsoon” is another winner, good songs, but when I’m in the featuring the piano styling of Zack mood for some Jack, I’ll turn on Gill, the band’s newest member. one of his earlier CDs. And when Because Jack’s standards are so I feel like humming some Jack, high, the album comes off as a dis- I’ll hum a song from one of the appointment. Also, because every earlier albums, too.
Spring Ahead: Fashion Preview by Mara Alessi ‘08
It is time to rev up the intensity, turn the color saturation way high and get ready to be whisked away in flowing floral dresses and delicate nude drapings over a colored tee. Drawing from past spring trends and new trends of the winter, this spring the motto might as well be out with the new and in with the old. The major trends that follow the vision of designers Mark Jacobs and Anne Klein are floral patterns that resemble water colors. This pattern is reminiscent of the bold winter style of jewel tones (which are a mainstay on the runway for spring 2008). Pair a canary yellow blouse with a blurred pencil skirt to complete your transition from winter to spring. If you had your fill of color from last season, go bold in a different way- go blank. Noted designer
Michael Kors showed crisp looks of all white pantsuits in his Spring Fashion Show. Dolce and Gabbana also displayed white suits for men, however the color for men this season is cobalt blue and the style is more relaxed. As for structure, it does not matter if you are a guy or girl; both genders are hanging loose with hippie inspired floral tunics for men and women. Boys- finish your hippie look with a comfy pair of moccasins; ladies- lace up a pair of Grecian inspired sandals to reveal the goddess in you. My advice to those fashionisto’s and fashionista’s out there is to -Photo courtesy of www.style.com invest in one trendy piece this season (Guys- if you haven’t already Highligjhted pieces from Kika Ioannidou’s collection on display at Cyprus Fashion Week’s innaugeral show April 1, 2008. done so get a pair of moccasins the comfort of a croc and the style of don’t be afraid to be bold, layer with the rest of the outfit, use this article a GQ model, you can’t go wrong; a nude, white, or bright to get the as inspiration and go to your closet Ladies-purchase a floral sweater, look that shows you off best). As for
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 9
Mad for the Mad Dog and Mike byBen Sunshine ‘09
The Mike and the Mad Dog radio program, on WFAN New York, has been a constant in New York sports talk for almost twenty years. Their biting commentary and relaxed conversation can also be heard across the country through affiliate radio stations and on the WFAN website. The show is also currently broadcasted in Tampa, Florida and in Albany, New York. The duo has accumulated a loyal fan group in the tri-state area and reached out to sports fans across the country. Mike Francesa and Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo are considered to be two of the best sports analysts in America. As their twentieth anniversary approaches, Francesa and Russo continue their dominance of New York sports analysis.
Their opposing personalities complement each other perfectly. Francesa is considered to be more serious and business-like on air; Russo is energetic and entertaining. Russo is the one who introduces the show by emphatically saying “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, good afternoon everybody, how are you today?” Russo is also for persuading people to call the show by making bold and controversial statements. On the other hand, Francesca is more level-headed and usually backs up his explanations with facts. Francesa and Russo discuss and argue about the world of sports, with the most attention being paid to teams in New York. Baseball and football are the two most popular sports on the show. The Yankees and Mets have been perennial powers in recent history and the Giants and Jets
-Photo courtesy of www.nytimes.com Mike and the Mad Dog have been staples of New York sports broadcasting for the last twenty years.
are always must watch games. While Francesca and Russo are entertaining enough on their own, the show would be incomplete without the interviews and the callers. Mike and the Mad Dog usually have at least one live or over-the-phone interview every In his closing statement, Palahniuk day. Antonio Pierce, linebacker for had to decide between inflicting the New York Giants, did a weekly death upon his father’s murderer interview with Mike and the Mad byAlyson Roseman ‘11 or letting him spend the rest of his Dog this past football season. days in jail. This difficult decision It was December of 2000 when led Palahniuk to write about his Another interesting aspect of Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight views on the death penalty in the Mike and the Mad Dog is the live simulcast on the YES Network, Club, was required to create a 2002 novel Lullaby. closing sentiment expressing his Lullaby is a dark humored narra- the channel where all Yankees and grief at his father’s murder trial. tive that travels across the country Nets games can be seen. Therefore, Back in 1999, Palahniuk’s father with protagonist Carl Streator, a not only are the sounds of the show was shot and dragged into an middle aged widowed journalist, available, but the sights can also be apartment. After the victim died, who is assigned to write a feature on the shooter Dale Shackleford lit Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In ors to destroy all the copies of the the building on fire in an attempt each of the nurseries Streator visits, book. to hide the murder. However, he notices the same book: Poems The novel has a great deal of Shackleford was found guilty after and Rhymes: Around the World comical darkness with a mystery opened to page twenty seven. On that no one can put their finger on. Palahniuk spoke at the trial. the page a deadly African chant The theme is death and punishor “culling song” which eventu- ment of humans which provokes ally gets lodged in the perpetra- the reader to think about the contor’s head. Unbeknownst to the cept of a virus one can’t control; protagonist, Streator turns into an a deadly disease that no one can involuntary serial killer; using the stop; something that can be spread song as his murder weapon. through words or even thoughts. A news reporter realizes the situ The possibilities in Palahniuk ‘s ation and teams up with quirky Lullaby are endless and keep the real estate agent Helen Hoover reader enthralled until the end. Boyle, who sells haunted homes. Once again, Palahniuk’s bleak Boyle lost a son and husband to writing style portrays his views the song in years past. Boyle’s and frustrations with society beauassistant, a free-spirited Wiccan, tifully; repeating phrases such as Mona Sabbot, and her eccentric “These noiseaholics. These quieco-terroristic boyfriend Oyster, etaphobes” and “Sticks and stones Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com also join the gang in their endeav- may break your bones but words
This Book Surely Won’t Lull You To Sleep
enjoyed via the YES Network. One can experience the back-and-forth banter, altercations with callers, and hard-hitting interviews in person. It is definitely a godsend for Mike and the Mad Dog fans to enjoy their dosage of sports talk in another form. Possibly the most disregarded aspect of the show is the length. The standard running time of the show is 1:00p.m to 6:30p.m, a very long stretch for a radio program. However, Mike and Chris can make their listeners feel that no matter what point viewers turn their radios (or televisions) on, they will get sports news and analysis of the highest quality. will harm you” to emphasize a point. An audience sure to appreciate this witty, dark and thought provoking book would be any high school student who appreciates an excellent novel as well as adults of all ages. Palahniuk struggled with the decision of capital punishment in Shackleford’s trial and finally decided it was necessary. Shackleford was sentenced to death by the state of Idaho a month after the book was written. This choice reflects the plot which supports the view that certain deaths are necessary to keep from polluting the world. While the reader may disagree, Pahlaniuk writes with conviction and honesty that ensures an eye-opening read.
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 10
I Cannot Tell A Lie... This Show’s Terrible by Dylan Cascino ‘09
At the beginning of the new millennium, American television underwent a serious makeover. While most transformations in technology have been positive, transformations in content are becoming rather atrocious. The most notable case of poor programming is reality television. Even though some shows ( i . e . “ S u r v i v o r, ” “ A m e r i c a n Idol,” etc.) have gotten great reviews and grown immensely in popularity, reality T.V. has gradually drained the once intelligent minds of American people The newest prime example of pathetic television called the “ M o m e n t o f Tr u th ” h as n o w arrived via Fox Broadcasting Company and will inevitably lead to an increase in divorce statistics. Technically, “The Moment of Truth” is a game show, but it shares reality television’s lack
Fox continues its assault on American culture with host Mark Walberg’s “The Moment of Truth.”
of intelligence and relative pointlessness. Contestants are hooked up to a lie detector and are asked 50 questions about their personal life. Once the show begins, they are then asked 21 of the 50 questions on television and, sadly, in front of their loved ones. If you tell the truth (according to the polygraph results), you win some money and move on. One lie and your dreams of winning $500,000 are shattered into pieces. Examples
of questions might be as ked range from: “Have you ever stolen anything from a job,” to “Do fat people repulse you?” The basic concept of this show is from top to bottom horrific. If you tell the truth, obviously the truth will come out. If you tell a lie, the truth will come out anyway. This concept in theory gives the contestant literally no challenge in winning the grand prize. If you just simply tell the truth, not only will the truth be
See it Again?... Over My Dead Body by Brittany Lipari ‘08
Eva’s Longoria Parker’s (The Sentinel) highly anticipated big screen appearance since her AList celebrity status from ABC’s hit show “Desperate Housewives” was profoundly disappointing. The romantic comedy “Over Her Dead Body,” is a typical chick-flick in every sense; a predictable plot and over dramatic characters all on emotional roller coasters. Longoria plays Kate, a surprisingly modest role for Longoria, who in the film plays a drama driven vain bride-to-be who spends her “unfinished business” on earth harassing her ex-fiancés new girlfriend. Kate’s former fiancé, Henry, played by Paul Rudd (40 Year Old Virgin), begins to move on from the tragic death of his future wife when a one-time-session with a psychic blossoms into an unexpected romance. Henry’s sister Chloe, played by Lindsay Sloane, insists that Henry see a psychic in
hopes of receiving a message from his deceased bride-to-be that “it was okay to move on” after two years of mourning. However, when Ashley, the psychic played by Lake Bell, fails at contacting Kate at first, Chloe tries to sabotage the spiritual connection and pleads Ashley to read Kate’s journal and pretend that she has actually received messages from Kate’s ghost. Although Henry and Ashley continue to meet in order to discuss Kate they find themselves having dinner dates, buying presents for each other, and developing a romantic relationship. However, there’s one thing in their way; Kate’s incessant harassment of Ashley. When Ashley refuses to stop seeing Henry, Kate pulls all types of pranks to embarrass and agitate Ashley. Some of the more humorous pranks include Kate making an announcement, that only Ashley can hear, to evacuate the gym where Ashley is in the process of showering. Ashley runs frantically through
exposed anyhow but you will also win money. Watching people lie despite this reminds me of how so many people clearly lack either integrity or common sense. Of course, even if you are honest and tell the truth, polygraphs only have an estimated 61% accuracy rate, according to a 1997 survey of 421 psychologists. So you want to know the truth about “The Moment of Truth?” While even the best of this planet’s brightest minds might one day convene to come up with a redeeming value to this atrocity, there will never be a good reason for this show to have aired. It cannot be considered even slightly entertaining or insightful. There is no reason why a show this repugnant and morally -Photo courtesy of www.people.com bankrupt should be on network television, or anywhere. “The Moment of Truth” ranks as one of the worst examples of entertainment in history, and that is no lie.
“The movie just goes to prove that Longoria is incapable of being a diverse actress and can only fit the mold of the vain, shallow, drama queen who expects the world to be at her feet because of her beauty.” the gym half-naked while other members of the gym just giggle at her craziness. Furthermore, when Henry and Ashley try to have a romantic get away, Kate distracts Ashley through her intimate moments with Henry by singing and ranting on about non-romantic issues. Not to mention how Kate persistently makes Ashley look like a fool by talking to Ashley in public where it appears as if Ashley is yelling at herself. Kate ultimately prevails, leading to the predictable short-term demise of Ashley and Henry’s relationship. However, as predictable as the breakup, the eventual reunion could be seen coming for miles. However, perhaps it was the charm of Rudd
or the quirkiness of Bell that makes the movie tolerable and not a total waste of nine dollars. The movie just goes to prove that Longoria is incapable of being a diverse actress and can only fit the mold of the vain, shallow, drama queen who expects the world to be at her feet because of her beauty. Longoria does a spectacular job at playing the role of the sexy, supermodel with the sassy personality but she lacks any variety in her acting or appearance. The pranks that Kate pulls are amusing and arouse a few chuckles, but other than that, “Over Her Dead Body” was a total let down.
Opinion
April 2008 Issue 3
Letters to the Editor
Editorial
A scan of the gymnasium during any given period will reveal the same thing. A variety of students are wearing haphazardly put together gym outfits that have been in their lockers for a questionable amount of time. There are a collection of people taking volleyball, basketball, or handball almost unreasonably seriously and then a few sulking in the back occasionally sticking their hands into the air, on the off chance of batting it over the net, into the net, or past a goalie. It’s a common scene, a snippet of high school life, a snippet of our world. These are the type of scenes we witness every day. We move mechanically and predictably through our lives, but what many of us fail to realize and think about is what’s going on overseas. Every day as we move ourselves through math and science, history and English there are Americans not much older than us, some of them the same age as us witnessing horrible atrocities. For five years, we have been fighting our “war on terror” in the gulf coast. No matter what your political opinion it is hard to turn away from the horrible things that Americans are witnessing every day. For seniors, as long as you have been at West Essex the fighting has continued. As a staff we are asking that the student body realize the difference between supporting the war and supporting our troops. We are asking that when you don your gym clothes to play volley ball or take out your paint brushes in art class you stop, and think that this is not all there is. This is only our little world, where we’re safe when people all over the world are putting their lives on the line for our country.
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 Stephen 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 Advisor Anne Baney-Giampoala
Wire Editorial Policy
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, ‘08 Alyson Roseman, ‘10 Evan Roth, ‘08 Joseph Russo, ‘09 Jonathan Struss, ‘09 Ben Sunshine, ‘09 Nick Vidovich, ‘08
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.
Dear Editor, Although West Essex’s reputation has been damaged over the past few years with bomb threats, anthrax scares and terroristic threats, there are still many positive aspects. It’s hard to look beneath the media and to see past all the rumors. If the media were to focus on the great achievements West Essex students have accomplished over the years, many people would be surprised. At West Essex, students dedicate hours to improving themselves. It’s not the 5 days a week 8 hours a day that students are required to perform and achieve their goals set by teachers. It’s the time put in before the first day of school begins, it’s when the students have spent over 12 hours of their day at the school or going to extra-curricular activities. That’s where out school doesn’t get the media’s attention. That’s the same time when West Essex students became state champs year after year, and win first place in a band competition. We have students traveling to L.A to make it big, students on scholarships to do art, a couple of great plays the students put on. But then again, it’s hard to look the media and to see past the rumors here at West Essex. Sincerely, Breada Farrell, ‘09
The Wessex Wire Page 11 Dear Editor, Since the recent lockdown we encountered earlier on this month, we have lost the privilege of using all student bathrooms. This has caused different controversies with students. Although we understand the procedures that have to take place after a serious threat such as the lockdown, it takes away the class time and attention we need. The only bathroom open throughout the course of the day is the one by the cafeteria. This isn’t out of the way for classes that are located in the horseshoe, but the classes that take place in the math and science wing are on the complete opposite side of the school. After the construction that’s been taking place over the past two years with the school‘s new addition, it is necessary for us to have bathrooms near our classrooms. I think the strategy the teachers have been using with the sign out pads have been effective. They keep the classroom organized with how many students are leaving the room, where their destination is and the time they left and returned. I do not think that the school is going about it in the right way since the lockdown by taking away bathrooms from students. From the science wing to the lunchroom it is a long walk and takes away much needed time from the classroom. I think many students would agree with the conflict of fewer bathrooms. Michaela Schwartz, ‘09
APPLAUSE AND FLAWS
Applause -compiled by the Wire staff To the 2008 Major League Baseball season finally being underway To the weather getting nicer To the library, gotta love the library To seniors getting closer and closer to the end everyday To seniors still getting accepted to colleges To the New York Giants…still Super Bowl Champs To the bathrooms reopening...finally Flaws To the last seasons of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium To teachers who slam the parking lot doors in your face at 7:42:01 AM To the 10 absences rule of senior service being changed throughout the year from full day to per class To the SAT’s coming up for many juniors To every student at West Essex being treated as a criminal everytime they walk through the halls
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 12
How I Beat The System and Got into the College of My Dreams by Amanda Nichols ‘08
With the increasing pressure to get into the best colleges combined with the outrageous competition to be admitted to the nation’s top schools, high school seniors are taking the hardest classes possible to beef up their last push toward college acceptance. I too was lulled into the pressure to take a bajillion AP classes while still participating in a full load of extracurricular activities. I was nervous that if I didn’t take a full mélange of the hardest courses West Essex offered, there was no
way I would get into my college of choice. My gut told me just to take the classes that I was interested in—to challenge myself, but not to let the classes I’m traditionally weak in distract me from success in my other course work. My mind, however, was still stuck on my college application and nothing else. My decision was basically made for me when my short foray into the world of AP calculus was less than successful (to say the least). To begin with, math has never been my strong suit, but extenuating circumstances that forced the pace of the
class to be accelerIn fact when I called the admissions office at the ated turned what was college I will be attending in the fall to tell t already my most chal-hem that I dropped calculus the response I lenging course into a got was, “oh yeah I didn’t take calculus my near impossibility. Af-senior year either.” ter a marking period know? I still got into my choice colof a tutor and intense studying, I realized that the stress of lege. keeping up with an accelerated math Now don’t get me wrong I worked class was keeping me from fully im- hard throughout high school. I’ve mersing myself in my three other AP generally taken a full schedule of the classes. With math off my schedule hardest classes available and I only I was only left with the classes that shied away from math after reaching interest me: European History, En- the second highest level available to vironmental Science, English, and students (AB Calculus). The path I constitutional Law, and what do you chose, however, is one of being well “lop sided” as college admissions officers call it. No one or very few any student from wanting to mess people can be good at everything so around with threats. Not only that, I instead chose to be as good as posit has come to my attention that sible at one particular thing. they have arrested at least one of the I’ve always been particularly inbomb scarers from our high school terested in history and politics espelast year and that they made an arrest cially politics that have to do with the of one student for our most recent environment. After realizing this in lock down. Regardless of how the about ninth grade I focused a lot of police handled the situation, they my energy in these areas. I excelled have made arrests and I cannot think in journalism, history, and English of one person who would want to and I took a breadth of summer mess around with any such bomb programs to further my knowledge scares or gun threats. of the environment. Though my In the end, the student body and grades and achievements were only I have one request to the adminis- average in math and hard science, it tration of our school and that is to was obvious by my resume that I had give us back our freedoms. 99% of found something I loved and made it the school didn’t commit any crime my business to learn as much about and we don’t deserve the treatment it as possible. we have been getting from police, Not everyone can find out what faculty, and teachers. Give us back they love as early as I did. My adour bathrooms and give us back the vice, however, is to focus on what respect we deserve for having an you’re good at. My mom always almost perfect and worry-free school says, “If you’re doing something year. you love more often than not the rest will fall into place.” Keep taking the most challenging courses, destructive because the school is keep pushing towards the A even expecting us to be bad being that we in a subject you’re not comfortable have police in the school. with, and always stay open to new In January a West Essex junior things, but don’t let a sore “subject” parked in the parking lot where keep you from making the most out there were open spots. During third of the subjects that interest you. period he got called down to the of- I realize that from my perspective fice and had three cops waiting for it’s easy to preach taking the classes him threatening to tow his car if he that you love, but college admissions did not give ten legible reasons why officers are people too and they went he parked there. The student just through high school just like we are. simply said, “I really am not one to In fact when I called the admissions make excuses for my actions, but I office at the college I will be atfeel as if I did not harm anybody by tending in the fall to tell them that I parking there. I missed my bus and dropped calculus the response I got it was either skip school or drive was, “oh yeah I didn’t take calculus SEE Principals or Police PAGE 13 my senior year either.”
Locked Bathrooms Provide An Unfair Punishment by Andrew Cross ‘08
All of us know about the recent events involving the police and a certain threat allegedly done by “he who shall not be named,” our student body is still being punished for somebody else’s crime. Yes, that’s right; all of us students are being punished for the actions of one person. What is this punishment you ask, the closing and locking of seven bathroom facilities minus the one men’s and one women’s room in the cafeteria. If a valid suspect has been discovered than why are all the bathrooms still locked? The suspect has been removed from the school and is no longer a threat to our safety so let’s remove those locks and enjoy our facilities, especially those which have been recently constructed. There are multiple reasons why the bathrooms should be unlocked.
First of all, there is a bathroom in almost every hallway which wolud clearly cuts back on students out of class learning time IF they were unlocked. Instead we are forced to journey all the way to the cafeteria to do your business. Another reason is because during lunch periods, the bathrooms are packed and cannot support the whole school body. Finally this one bathroom has had so much “ware and tare” over the past year and a half that many students are too grossed out to even use the bathroom. I personally would feel a lot more comfortable if knew I had the option to use the bathroom of my choice regardless if that may let down my safety that tiny bit. In many ways, our safety is at an all time high due to the valiant police force of North Caldwell. I feel the way they handled themselves on the gloomy day in March was so harsh that they pretty much scared
Principals or Police? Who Runs West Essex? by Kyle Kovats ‘09
Do you remember the last day you walked through the halls of West Essex and did not see the North Caldwell Police at one time or another? The police get called for every little thing that happens at West Essex even just a junior student’s car being parked in the parking lot. With the frequency of police in the school it really makes me pose the question, who really does run West Essex: the principals or the police? I started to notice this in the beginning of the year when slowly, yet
surely, police were becoming more present in our school. Soon enough it got to the point where The North Caldwell Police were now just regular faces in the hallway, and known on a name to name basis with the students. After a while students started to think that the idea of police in our school was not only discomforting, but a waste of our family’s tax money. Here we are in suburban Essex County, where four prestigious towns send students to a traditionally great school. If anything the police presence annoys kids and makes them feel that they should be more
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Page 13
Atmosphere of Fear Returns to West Essex
by Andy Maxman ‘09
I’m sorry I jinxed it. Really I am. I wrote this whole article saying how good everything was, saying how perfect we had been; that’s all over now. But I do feel that, in general, we have progressed in leaps and bounds - excuse the cliché. I do, however, have a few grievances I would like to air. How could anyone have been upset with the school? The school could not have handled that day any better. Honestly, I couldn’t have felt any safer, considering the circumstances. My classroom was well behaved, and my teacher knew at least enough to keep the class calm, prepared, and subdued. Never did any person in any position of authority panic unnecessarily. I was proud of our school - not for getting itself into that mess of a day, but for the way we got out of it. I remember coming home to my mom, who had called about 6 times and left me nine texts, wondering if I was okay. I didn’t really realize the significance of the event until the assembly the next morning. I can probably attribute that to the overall order throughout the school that day. It is not the police officers’ fault. How could anyone possibly point a finger at the police? Grow up, please. I wasn’t in the auditorium that day,
and I can’t say exactly what went on in there, but I can surely tell you that there was no reason to unleash any anger at the cops. Listen: there was a huge threat in the school; there could have been a kid with a gun or a bomb; if the police needed to use a little bit of roughness to save your life, suck it up. And to anyone who called out the police in the assembly – although it probably sounds trite because everyone else feels the same way – what were you doing? Do you really think a policeman would knowingly put you in danger? I wish I could remember some of the questions that were asked, although their stupidity is probably the reason they elude me. Also, I would like to say that I feel confident that this is the last bomb-scare/legitimate lockdown we are going to have. Now that that kid got caught, all the idiots who have been pulling these hoaxes will finally have some sense knocked into them. I hope for their sake that they wise up, because getting caught for pulling one of these jokes is the last thing any high-schooler should want. Believe me, it doesn’t send such a great message, nor does it bode well for the future. In this Columbine, Virginia Tech era, colleges are heavily inclined
Principals Or Police FROM PAGE 12
and park there.” Although in this situation the cops reasoned with the students and did not tow his car, it was a little out of order for the cops to be waiting for the student. The next incident that angered me was back in the beginning of March when the cops were once again called on a junior student for parking in an open spot in the parking lot. The police report read that in clear sight was a green leafy substance in the cup holder of the car. The student denied the allegation. Instead of the police just running the plates as they were suppose to do they decided to look into the car
and possibly make up what they saw in order to get a search warrant. If you are not familiar with the legal system it is really hard to get a search warrant so these police clearly had this planned out and went out of their way to try to get a student in trouble. There are many other controversial issues involving the police in our school, and these are just two small cases, there are many that we the student body still do not know about. Now, I leave it up to you the reader. Who do you think runs our school: the principals or the police?
not to accept a kid with any negative marks on a permanent transcript. It is a shame, because it really goes against both the “doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?” and “but I made a mistake and truly learned my lesson” policies. I am a firm believer in giving people second chances. Otherwise, what is the point of rehabilitative and correctional facilities? What is the point of learning a lesson. But not when the stakes are this high, and the crime was this serious, though. It takes a real absentminded person (believe me, I wish I could have used some profanities in that description)
not to realize the consequences of an action like this, and contrary to my second-chance policy, I am honestly a little worried of what this kind of person may do down the road. Crime is a slippery slope. Getting away with crime only makes that slope a lot steeper. Think about the power a kid feels when he can send the entire school into chaos with the writing of a few words on a bathroom door. It serves him damn well to be caught. And it sends a great message to any other kid wishing to play a similar joke: be careful, because your life is at risk; that feeling of power comes at a high price.
Does it bother you that... with Evan Elberg, ‘09
Does it bother you that when you walk through the halls of West Essex it feels like rush hour in Times Square? While the hallways packed and filled to capacity, but everyone has to get to class on time with everyone walking slowly and stopping in the middle of the halls to talk. There are only three grades of students in the school. I can’t, and don’t, want to imagine how crowded they will be when the new freshmen come down to the high school and crowd the halls and classes even more. There are not even any empty class rooms, how are they going to fit all these other students in the school? When my mother went to West Essex in the 1970’s there were many more school buildings since the freshmen were at the high school. Despite this, the hallways were not quite as crowded then. With the school’s current layout, the hallways are always mobbed and filled to capacity. At times in the halls you can’t even move and if you do you would inevitably step on the person in front of you, giving everyone flat tires. Don’t even bother stopping at your locker because you won’t have enough time to get from the Fairfield side of school back to the North Caldwell side of school. For only having three grades in the Senior High you would think that there would be sufficient room to maneuver and get around the halls of the school. Now, with another grade being added it’s only going to be more chaotic and crazy in the halls of West Essex. I feel like I’m driving through the lane against Tim Duncan and Josh Sigler; that’s how crowded it is. How can you manage getting through that? In the mornings when you walk through the horseshoe there are just groups of people hanging out in the corners and next to the lockers. Can you blame them? There is nowhere to go and chill out with your thoughts while you are still half asleep because of our extremely early morning start. Maybe next year we can add a second floor to the school (which should only take, oh five years) and then finally there can be room in the halls.
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
After finishing a promising season with a 15-9 record, the boys’ basketball team had proven to everyone that they belonged among the best teams in the state. Unfortunately, their season culminated with a heartbreaking loss to Chatham 61-53 in the quarterfinals of the North 2 Section 2 tournament. Despite the loss, what the 20072008 boys basketball team accomplished this season was extraordinary, especially in comparison with recent years. The Knights finished the season with 16 wins, 10 more than the previous season, and after finishing last season in eighth place in the Iron Hills Conference, the Knights moved up four spots to fourth, with a record of 12-7. “As a graduating senior, I can proudly say that we brought our program back to a level of respectability,” Senior Captain Chris Jung said. “It was truly a ‘rags to riches’ season.” Jung, along with Co-captain C.J.
Page 14 Balz anchored a senior class that will go down as arguably one of the best in recent memory. The rest of the seniors included the unstoppable backcourt tandem of Jeff George and Justin Lisa, along with forwards Josh Sigler and Rocco Carnevale. “We had a good group of senior leaders on the team,” Junior Guard Evan Elberg said. “Last year we concentrated more on individual play over team play. This year we had a team first mentality which led to our great success.” The 2007-2008 team will be remembered as a season of hope and good things to come in the future for a usually downtrodden program. It was the first time in five years that the basketball team made the state tournament. More importantly, their final win of the season came on the road against Hackettstown High School in the first round of the state playoffs 44-38. It was only the second playoff victory for the West Essex program in 45 years. “As a junior, I learned a lot from these seniors about how to lead a team and be successful at the same time,” Elberg said. “Next year, it’s our job to build on this season and accomplish even more.”
because of NFL sentence of the “Spygate” controversy. It could be worse in that they have the last pick of the first round, so it doesn’t really hurt them in anyway. With a 7-1 road record and a 10-6 overall record, the New York Giants looked like a threat in the playoffs. Upsetting Tampa Bay in Tampa, Cowboys in Dallas, and the Packers in Green bay, the giants were destined to beat the 18-0 Pats in the Super Bowl and become the champions of Super Bowl XLII. With the last pick of the first round, the Giants really don’t have much to improve on except for their secondary defense. Prospects like Dominique RodgersCromarty, (Cornerback, Tennessee St) or Junior1 Reggie (Cornerback, Oklahoma) have great awareness in the backfield and can make big
plays when needed. The Giants will be a large threat in the NFC with such a great road record and with the ring to back them up. Although I dislike the Giants very much, they will be a large threat next year in the 08-09 season. All of their talent will be returning along with probably the best defensive coordinator in the game, Steve Spagnuolo. Overall, last season was possibly the most entertaining football season of all time; Tom Brady breaking countless records and leading the Patriots to a perfect season, Brett Favre coming back after a horrible season to one of his greatest yet, and the New York Giants beating the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl. What a year, what a game, what excitement!
As NFL Draft Approaches, Basketball Teams look to Rebuild Review by Stephen Kinslow 09
With probably the most electrify-
Left Guard Alan Faneca, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, and Tight End Bubba Franks. After these transactions, the Jets are now looking to build the defensive line. Someone like Vernon Gholston (Defensive Tackle, Ohio State) or Sedrick Ellis (Defensive Tackle, USC) would be a great pickup for the defensive side of the game. Somehow and some way, the New England Patriots always find their ways to success. After a crazy season of spy gating and almost completing the impossible 19-0, the Patriots are still looking to rebuild.
ing football season yet; full of upsets and unbelievable athletic skill, the year continues on. On April 26th and 27th, the 2008 NFL draft will take place at the Radio City Musical Hall in Manhattan. The top pick is still to be determined and most likely won’t be known until draft day. Take a look at what I have come up with as the 2008 mock draft. With the first pick of the draft, the Miami Dolphins will have to draft a Quarterback to carry the team and turn around their 1-15 season. Matt Ryan, QB at Boston College, is an obvious pick for the Dolphins for that 1. Miami Dolphins-QB, Matt Ryan he fills the requirements that 2. St. Luis Rams-DT, Glenn Dorsey they lack. Next, will skip 3. Atlanta Falcons-DT, Sedrick Ellis a few picks and go to the Oak4. Oakland Raiders- RB, Darren McFadden land Raiders, probabaly going 5 Kansas City Chiefs- DE, Chris Long for the number one prospect in 6. New York Jets-DT, Vernon Gholston the draft, Darren McFadden. 7. New England Patriots-CB Mike Jenkins Coming off his best season yet 8. Baltimore Ravens-OT, Jake Long as a Running back at the Uni9. Cincinnati Bengals-OT, Ryan Clady versity of Arkansas, McFadden 10.New Orleans Saints-LB, Keith Rivers shows eye-popping numbers with Stephen Kinslow, ‘09 and will be a great one-two punch with JaMarcus the 7th draft pick of the Russell at his side. McFadden is Buying st sometimes compared to the Adrian 1 round from the San Francisco Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. 49er’s , gives them great creditably He has great bursts of speed and to improving their “old defense” with and explosive secondary runs up field hard like Peterson. Now for all the Jets fans at player. A Cornerback like Mike West Essex, this draft looks better Jenkins (South Florida) or Leodis than some of the past years, if you Mckelvin (Troy University) will be know what I mean. The offseason remarkable in the secondary and has been great for the New York provide top coverage. Jets (minus the fact that they didn’t More big talk for the Pats this resigning Jonathon Vilma) signing draft year is that they had to forfeit their original first round pick
Top Ten Draft Picks
by Dylan Cascino 09
April 2008
The Wessex Wire
Underclassmen Go Under Par by Ben Sunshine 08
Usually when you think of high school sports, you think of big crowds and parents cheering for their kid. In golf, it’s a different story, with only six kids playing at a time and no parents allowed watching. Although one would think that with no crowd and a big group of people watching the pressure would be let off. Junior Andrew Maxman, the team Captain says, “In golf, almost all of the pressure comes from yourself, anyway.
It’s such a mental game, just you and yourself out there, that it is really easy to psych yourself out.” Last year the Knights were runner up for Group 2. With the return of the second year golf coach, Tim Kistner, hopes are set high for the team. With no permanent seniors starting for the squad, underclassmen must step up and be ready to play in every match. Junior Jon Shankman, who is the number two golfer on the team, said, “As a junior it is a huge role stepping up, but it has to be done and I believe
Mets and Yankees Spring Training Review by Jon Struss 08
The New York Mets and the New York Yankees are both looking forward to positive and successful seasons. Both New York teams look to lead their respective divisions in hope of the World Series title. After the Mets historic collapse last September, the Mets needed a big move to get their fans buzzing again. They responded by bringing in Johan Santana, arguable the best pitcher in the Majors. The Mets gave Santana a six year deal worth 150 million, setting the largest contract in MLB history for a pitcher. After making it to the NLCS in 2006 and falling to the Cardinals in a rough seven game series, the Mets blew a 12 game lead in 21 games to end their 2007. Key players looking to represent the Mets are youngsters Jose Reyes (24), and David Wright (25). Their staff is bolstered by two-time Cy Young award winner Santana, along with two young guns John Maine and Oliver Perez. Experience comes in the arm of Pedro Martinez providing support to the young guys as well as the team itself. Coach Willy Randolph predicts this to be the year for the Mets. The Mets threw away almost all of their farm system in the Santana deal, and they believe the time to win is now or never. The current odds for the Mets to win the World Series are 5:2, top-
ping the league along with the 2007 World Series champs, the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees once again failed to win the World Series for the seventh straight year, leading to the resignation of beloved coach Joe Torre. George Steinbrenner, noted as the craziest owner in baseball, stepped down from his position and turned the power over to his sons Hank and Hal. For the first time in many years the Yankees proved to be conservative in the off season, although they resigned Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada. The Yankees are still regarded as having one of the best lineups in baseball with veterans Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Jorge Posada. The main question for the Yankees lies in their young and unproven pitching staff. The top of the rotation features Chien-Ming Wang alongside Andy Pettite. Rookie sensations Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are penciled in the three and four spots, followed by Mike Mussina. If the Yankees want to return to a perennial powerhouse, Hughes and Kennedy will have to perform at the top of their game. Both teams are strong and capable of winning the World Series if all of the pieces come together. As for now, we will have to wait until the season starts to see how the teams of New York fair against the rest of their respective leagues.
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Graham, and they have the potential to be awesome players in the future. that our team can do it.” We are hoping that they get good The team finished 8th in the state competitive experience this year and tournament last year and finished improve their swings, and they can with a final ranking of 13th in the be the stars in the future,” Maxman Star Ledger top 20. With mainly all said. juniors and freshmen in the starting The team might not be as competirotation, the team is looking to have tive this year as last year, but they do a good season and get great experi- plan on at least making some noise, ence under their belts. and representing West Essex well in “We have two freshmen coming the High School Golf community. up this year, Owen Parr and Jamie
Track Team Improves
Keegan, MikeAgrifolio, Momadeau Niang, by Joe Russo 08 andJaredRackitacki,runninganoutstanding race. Last year’s track team’s record was a dis- “We also have a great Weight Team,” says appointing 2-7, but that number isn’t a good Coach Droz. marker on how good the team really was. The Weight Team returns with Senior “We we’re 2-7 last year,” explains Coach starters Casey Connely, who returns from a Dave Drozjock, “but we were much more shoulder injury, in the javelin, Paul Rando in competitive in a lot of them. A couple of thediscus,andDanSilvermanintheshot-put. years ago we would lose some meets 100- Also returning are the dynamic duo of the 15,butlastyearweweregivingteamsagood Malet twins, Seniors Nick and Dan, who run.” Coach Droz de The track team scribesas“good,all wasapowerhouse around field guys in the 70’s when who could also West Essex was a run if we needed group 4 school. It them to.” The final used to be one of returning starter is the best programs Senior funny man in the state. In the Joe“RickingRorry 80’s the team was Pops” Rolli who still good, but not keeps the track near the powerteam loose with house they were a his Steven Seagal decadepreviously. impressions and In the 90’s, the slip his long javelin kept going. In the throws. new millennium, T h e Tr a c k Junior Mamadou Niang prepares arebuildingprocess for the meet. and Field team have started to occur, the a great outlook on largest leap in numbers occurring in the four the season. Coach Droz’s goal is to years since Droz has taken over. Since Droz go at least .500 and get more people has taken the helm, the track team has grown into states, a goal which looks quite to about 2½ times the size it was four years attainable. The team also has high ago. hopes for the future as much of the Two big accomplishments for the track squad is young. With all this sais, teamlastseasonwasplacing6th inthesummit the future of this program could be relays and winning another, thanks to Dan turning around in a new direction.
April 2008 Issue 3
Words From Wallace by Mark Walsh ‘09
There have been many NFL teams with off season needs this season. Where better for these teams to look for players than free agency? This year’s free agency period was successful for some teams and not so successful for others. There were many winners and losers in the free agency this off season; let’s start with the winners. The New England Patriots are considered winners because they re-signed there only unrestricted free agent Randy Moss. Moss led the NFL with a record breaking 23 touchdown catches last year. The Patriots locked down Moss for three years signing a contract worth 27 million dollars. The Patriots division rival, the New York Jets, also made a big splash in free agency. The Jets made improvements to their weak offensive line by signing seven-time pro bowl guard Allen Faneca to a five year contract worth 40 million dollars. The Jets also added some depth to their defensive line by trading a fifth round pick in the NFL draft to the Panthers for two time all pro defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. The Cleveland Browns were perhaps the biggest winners of all in free agency. They re-signed their young gay pro bowl quarterback Derek Anderson to a three year contract. The Browns general manager Phil Savage also gave Derek Anderson another Wide Receiver to throw to in Donte Stallworth from the Super Bowl runner up the New England Patriots. Cleveland signed Stallworth to a five year deal worth 35 million dollars. Cleveland also made improvements to their defense by trading for 2 time all pro defensive tackle Shaun Rogers from the Detroit Lions. The Oakland Raiders are also coming off a successful free agency. The Raiders made several new additions to their defensive backfield. The Raiders put their mack on their young all pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. They also added some
SPORTS
The Wessex Wire Page 16
Lacrosse Racks Up Gino’s by Kyle Kovats ‘09
Coming off of last year’s disappointing 3-13 record, which resulted in not making it to the state playoffs for the first time in recent memory, the 2008 West Essex Knights Boys Lacrosse team is looking to rebound and make some noise. “Last year’s team featured players that did not have too much strength or chemistry,” Junior Anders Aronson said. “It was more of an individual effort last year.” In hopes of turning the team around, the Knights stressed team unity in the off-season, making the point that internal division would not be the reason for failure this season. Unlike past seasons in which the captains were voted on during the first few weeks of practice, Coach Timothy Glenn decided he would appoint senior captains Chris Miller, Eric Miller, Cody D’alessandro, and Dan Spinelli, right before the summer to get the players in the weight room and grow together as a team throughout the fall and winter. “Last year we came into the season out of shape, and it was a real shock for us on the first day of how much we had to run; we even had a few kids throw-up,” Junior Anders Aronson said. “This year I do not think that we will have any kids throwing up due to our work ethic in the offseason that has really gotten us into the best shape that we could be in.” depth to their safety position by signing Gibril Wilson from the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants. Their biggest transaction was a trade for DeAngelo Hall. Hall a three time Pro Bowler is considered on of the best cover corners in the NFL. Oakland also added a primary target for second year quarterback Jamarcus Russell. The Raiders added free agent wide receiver Javon Walker, signing him
-Photo courtesy Mark Walsh WE LAX dominates Seton Hall Prep. in West Orange.
The Knights are prepared to fight their way back up in the rankings. They were top ten in the state in previous years and achieving this goal does not seem out of reach with the team’s returning six starters. “First things first though,” Miller said. “Although we definitely have the talent to make a run at a state championship, we’re setting the bar at making state playoffs right now, and the bar will just keep getting higher as the season goes on,” Before the season has even started, the Knights are dealing with their first taste of adversity
with two key starters suspended for the first two games. “This is a spot where underclassmen are really going to have to step it up and support the senior cast,” said Junior Jack Skeels. “We just got to do our thing out there and make it happen. Whether it is putting gino’s (goals) on the board on offense, or just simply d-twigging (throwing a stick check) opposing offenders we must come together and not let this get in our way,” The Knights look to pick up their first win of the season when they open up against Nutley High School Marauders on Saturday, April 5 at two o’clock on the home turf.
to a six year contract worth 55 million dollars. The Raiders look to improve on their 4-12 record in the 2007 season. The Detroit Lions were one of many losers in this year’s free agency. They traded away perhaps their best defensive player in Shaun Rogers. They also cut their leading rusher Kevin Jones. Jones led the Lions in rushing the past two seasons. The Lions made very little
off season moves to improve from their disappointing 7-9 record last season. Along with the NFL draft, free agency is the most exciting offseason period. It can really make or break a team’s year. This year’s offseason was very active and will make the 2008 season that much better.