The Wessex Wire (January 2009)

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

Vol. XLVIII No. 2

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

January 2009

New Superintendent Dime Makes a “Cent”sible Replacement

by Alyson Roseman ‘10

Photo courtesy of Mike Heller ‘11 Dr. Janice Dime joins the West Essex community as the new superintendent.

History in the Making: Students Show Split Support for Obama

by Brittany Berman‘11 and Kelly Mosser’11

The Berman family sat around their living room TV on Nov. 4, 2008, awaiting news of the presidential election.

As lifelong democrats, Mr. and Mrs. Berman hoped to see a change in government for the next four years. As the clock struck 11 P.M, the family’s house was filled with excitement and joy when Barack Obama was chosen to be the President Elect. To the Bermans, Obama brings new hope for the country and is the perfect man for the job.

At West Essex Senior High School, a mock election was held to find out the political views of the students.

Since most students who attend West Essex were not eligible to vote in the Inside This Issue:

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News

real election, they were given the chance to show their opinions.

“I think that having a mock election was a really good idea for our school because it gave students the opportunity to show their beliefs. If we did not have this election then most students’ views would go unnoticed and they would not be able to express how they feel. It is important for students to have a voice since it’s their country, and the new president will be in control for the next four years,” sophomore Shai Kartus said.

Fifty West Essex students were surveyed on their reaction to the outcome of the election. Students were asked if they were content with the results and if they thought

Lover of animals, gardening, and theater, Dr. Janice Dime has been serving as the interim superintendent since Oct. 13. “It’s like being a substitute teacher. Every district in New Jersey is required to have a superintendent,” Dr. Dime said.

Dr. Dime is currently in charge of the entire district and partakes in daily operations meant to sustain and improve the quality of education. “I think we have to make sure we‘re doing the best we can do academically,” Dr. Dime remarked.

The position of interim superintendent involves meeting with various faculty, parents, and council members. Dr. Dime must also report back to the board of education, the policy making body in any school district, which is a vital part in the hiring and evaluating of school employees.

“Dr. Dime is the consummate professional, whose thirty plus years of experience in education are being put to very good use at West Essex,” said Angela Gerken, a member of the Board of Education.

Dr. Dime was in retirement upon accepting the interim position. “[Having] missed the students and the faculty and the community, [I decided to return to education],” Dr. Dime said.

Since she has arrived at West Essex, Dr. Dime has felt “the contact with people [and the] opportunity to try and make real differences in the lives of students” is the most rewarding part of her job.

In making a difference in the

community, Dr. Dime is “learning everyday about the school” and attempting to restore the reputation of West Essex outside the campus.

“I believe that Dr. Dime brings with her many years of experience and that this experience is certain to move us [West Essex] forward,” Mrs. Danielle Shanley, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, said.

Dr. Dime is considering the establishment of a block schedule. A block schedule allows students to have a variation of classes each day, often skipping days, where periods would be extended to approximately sixty minutes.

To further this decision, she plans to resurrect a committee, with Principal Barbara Longo and students, to discuss the use of time and its possible rearrangement. Academic scores, including those of standardized tests and of specific colleges, will be yet another factor in the final decision.

She attained her bachelor and master’s degrees from Montclair State University and her doctorate in education administration and master’s from Columbia University.

Dr. Dime began her career in education as a French and Latin teacher at Palisades Park Junior and Senior High School.

A position opened for an administrator in the Bergen County office of the State Department of Education that Dr. Dime promptly accepted.

She later acquired the title of vice principal of Nyack High School.

Upon leaving Nyack, New York, Dr. Dime became the principal of

SEE HISTORY IN THE MAKINGPAGE3

Obama makes history Economic Crisis up close

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Future Music Sceep Feature A look back at Katrina

SEE NEW SUPERPAGE2

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Arts & Culture

Twilight Review Tenth Circle Review Fine Dining

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Opinion

Senior Privledges Juicy Campus No More Mister Nice Gay

January 2009

News

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Athletic Department Scores Macioci

by Jackie Martorana‘11

With a field hockey team ranked number four in the state and the football team ranked second in the county, Mr. Damion Macioci is scoring big as the Director of Athletics to a school that prides itself on athletic success.

“I bring energy and enthusiasm to the position, and look to continue to build upon the success of the district,” Macioci said.

Macioci is a new addition to the West Essex staff this year, replacing Mr. Robert Storm. “I’ve gotten a very warm welcome from students, staff, parents, and community members,” Macioci said.

Macioci has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Exercise Science from William Paterson University and a Master’s Degree in Arts from Montclair State University. He also received his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Thomas Edison State College with 43 credits above the requirement.

“I grew up playing lots of sports,”

Macioci said. “Entering the field of education, and working with kids, and now being in a leadership position are things I have always wanted to do.”

Prior to West Essex, Macioci was the athletic director and supervisor at Randolph High School for four years and an athletic trainer and teacher at Chatham High School for five years.

In addition, he worked for a year as an assistant trainer intern for the New York Giants professional football team.

“Coming in, I knew exactly what to expect, only because I’ve done it for four and a half years. But the work is often time-consuming, and trying to get to as many events as possible is tough,” Macioci said.

As well as attending athletic events, the job also consists of scheduling these events, hiring coaches and referees, organizing transportation, maintaining facilities, and purchasing equipment.

Macioci’s goals include having a new fitness center at the high school in the near future.

NJSIAA Realign School’s Conference

by Lacy Tell ‘11 and Sarah McGrath ‘11

Two suburban high school football teams refused to play their games in Newark this fall after a wave of drive-by-shootings in the city left two dead and one injured.

If the new realignment plan is put into action next year, West Essex will be traveling to many of the state’s inner city schools.

“I think it’s good for West Essex students to see inner city schools and neighborhoods,” junior Jenna Sackman, a varsity basketball player said.

West Essex had been traveling to these schools to compete and no one was in a dangerous situation.

The original realignment plan had West Essex playing multiple inner city schools, and currently, the school is playing one.

“I am not concerned; we have been traveling to Weequahic for the past 10 years, and we have felt very safe. We have been treated well there,” assistant football coach, Mr.

Christopher Benaquista said.

In addition, West Essex has sports teams which compete against a number of challenging schools in their conference. With the new sports realignment, they will be playing against different schools including Orange and Newark Central. However, some coaches and students are concerned that the competition will be a “step down” from what it has been in the past.

Sackman, for instance, is against the new conference. As a member of the West Essex Girls Basketball team, she believes that if more of the schools West Essex plays next year are inner city schools, well-known for their talented basketball teams, West Essex will have a tougher time succeeding.

Another issue with the realignment plan is the concern about mixing private schools with public schools. Private schools are allowed to recruit students to their school while public schools have to rely on pure luck and great coaching.

Photo courtesy of Brian Agostini ‘09 Mr. Damion Macioci, the new Director of Athletics, brings with him experience and enthusiasm.

“Private schools should be separated from the public as they recruit from our student athletes and have the ability to offer them things a public school cannot,” Ms. Jill Cosse, field hockey coach, said.

West Essex will be playing Morristown Beard in the new conference, a school known for its strength in sports. A parent, John O’Neill, with children attending both private and public school, said that private schools rarely recruit at this age, so mixing them will not make a huge difference.

The new plan is intended to save time, so students can play their sports and not worry about the amount of homework they have to complete.

Currently, the furthest opponent is Mendham, which is about forty-four minutes away. With the new conference, the furthest school, Chatham, will be thirty minutes away.

“Even if some of these schools are close in the new division, time-wise, there won’t be a great difference be-

cause they are only closer by a few minutes. With the rush hour traffic in the cities, it will take longer to get home,” junior Tommy Gasbarro said, a varsity soccer player and member of winter track.

New Superintendent From Page 1

North Hunterdon Regional High School before being recruited for assistant superintendent of personnel and curriculum in Englewood.

It was a year after this in which Dr. Dime first became an acting superintendent.

This promotion led to her most recent career in Paramus, where she stayed for twenty three years. Dr. Dime spent a decade as assistant superintendent before her thirteenyear run as superintendent.

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January 2009

Club Bytes By Alinoel Navia ‘09 Economic Crisis BOOK CLUB: In December, Book Club read and discussed the book “Marley and Me,” which came out in theaters during winter break. In mid-January, they will discuss “Nineteen Minutes.”

DECA: For the winter season, DECA conducted a coat drive and fundraised.

They were in charge of the “Candy Gram” sales during the holidays to assist the Rape Crisis Center. On Jan. 6, members participated in the DECA regional conference. Eleven of the thirty three students placed and will move on to the next level competition.

FBLA: FBLA met periodically to prepare for their competition on Jan. 7. This year, over 100 students joined the club. Of those 100 students, eleven students placed and are eligible to compete in the State Conference.

MATH LEAGUE: Their most recent Math League competition was hosted at West Essex High School. The team met twice a month to prepare for the Iron Hills Math League Competition. They hope to improve their line-up.

WE CARE: WE Care is creating a petition for recycling and holding bake sales to support their cause. They are working hard to make West Essex “Go Green.”

SPANISH CLUB: Spanish Club held a meeting in the restaurant “Mexicali Rose” in Montclair on Dec. 3. They discussed fundraising opportunities and planned their agenda for the year.

FIELD TRIPS: Fourteen juniors participated in this year’s Mock Trial. They went to Rutgers University Law School in Newark. They served as juries for a criminal case and a civil case.

History in the Making From Page 1

the outcome was expected. When the results were tallied, 54 percent were unhappy and disappointed with the outcome while 36 percent were happy and looking forward to the next four years.

“I am really excited about the future of our country. I think that Obama will bring good change. After eight years of the Bush campaign, it is time for a new fresh look on the problems going on in this country,” freshman Jordan Dickson said.

According to the survey, 10 percent had no opinions on the result of the election.

As predicted in our mock election, McCain has the popular majority at West Essex. Students who were part of this majority do not think that Obama will be able to handle his job.

“I am upset with the outcome of the election. I think that Barack Obama has no idea what he has gotten himself into,” sophomore Carlye Frost said. Students who have similar thoughts are disappointed and upset since they believed that McCain was best for the position.

“This election has made history, and our generation is living through

it. No matter what each individual believes, it is time for us to come back together and support our President Elect, Barack Obama,” sophomore Lacy Tell said.

Overall FBLA State winners: Jed Entin: 2nd Place Mr. FBLA Jacklyn Sayers: 9th Place Ms. FBLA Tom Gasbarro, Amanda Crooks, Mamadou Niang: 4th Place Entrepreneurship Regional FBLA Winners: Jackie Branco: 3rd Place Help Desk Jon Ciccone: 4th place Cyber Security Joe Stigliano: 6th Place Help Desk Ali Navia: 7th Place Business Communication Kara Tullman: 7th Place Word Processing I Jon Dainesi: 7th Place Intro to Parliamentary Procedure John Boutillier: 7th Place Intro to Business Justin Tetyevsky: 8th Place Intro to Business Casey Dipsey: 8th Place Word Processing II Brett Balter: 8th Place Intro to Technology Concepts Jake Handler: 8th Place Intro to Parliamentary Procedure

Hits Close to Home

2007, the average price people stated they were going to spend went down The Willowbrook Mall, approxi- 50 percent. Shoppers also stated mately ten minutes from the West that they are more willing to wait Essex campus, is a part of teen for sales, including a staggering 50 culture in the area. With roughly percent who will wait for items to go 200 stores, it’s a convenient place on sale prior to purchasing them. to find a job, shop, and eat during “For the first time ever, my parents the week. put a limit on how many things we Due to the economic recession get for Christmas. They want us that began in late 2007, over 14,000 to pitch in for everything,” junior stores are predicted, by money.aol. Bianca Calderone remarked on the com, to close. This encompasses impact the economy had on her major stores such as Sears, Ann holiday season.

Taylor, Limited Too, Pacsun, the Holiday shopping for this year may Disney store, and Starbucks—all have passed, but the effects of the of which have locations in the Wil- recession will prevail for months or lowbrook Mall. even years into students’ futures.

“I have noticed that stores are In a community where nearly all stucoming and going quite frequently dents enroll in college, students are and don’t usually stay for long. I facing rising tuition prices, in which think it’s because people don’t shop a hefty college fund is needed to save as much as money. they used “I can’t base my decision A college t o a n d solely on how prestigous a fund is usually are more created at birth m o n e y school is...I am focusing on and put into an conscious a practical cost instead.” account where n o w , ” it will flourish. freshman Plans such as Sara Jo Notte said.

529s, where parents are able to save Stores in frail financial situations money, grow in tax-free portfolios. will be forced to lay off employees These portfolios can be based on and join the ranks of those stores one of two things; the risk parents who have already closed. and relatives (investors) are willing A significant number of teens to take or the child’s age. The risk make up these employees and will option is affected completely by the certainly be, if they haven’t already stock market and as a result of the been, impacted by the economic recession, the 529 plans plummeted recession. Students who generate from $110.6 billion to $101.7 billion income from other means than retail in 2008. maybe impacted as well.

Despite the disappearance of 529 “I babysit less now, and I think it plans and other similar savings acis because people don’t go out as counts, the National Association of much,” junior Sarah Ganton said.

Student Financial Aid Administra Results of the recession on teen tion claim that the price of college jobs might not affect everyone, yet is still increasing and the ability for more mundane issues, such as holi- a family to afford college is decreasday shopping, were most certainly ing. This combination led towards impacted. the 5.5 percent increase per student “Most people, since they are of financial aid. struggling, weren’t concerned with “I can’t base my decision on where the luxuries of the holiday season,” I want to go solely on how prestisophomore Doug Overbeck said. gious a school is. I am focusing on The economic stimulus the holiday a practical cost instead. I don’t want season brought was significantly to run into financial problems from down this year. According to the student loans,” senior Alinoel Navia American research group from said.

by Alyson Roseman ‘10

January 2009

News

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Ban of Gay Marriage Causes an Uproar in California

by Geordy Boveroux ‘11

A man stood outside a Mormon church; in his hand, he held a sign: “You have two wives I want one husband.” This man was one of nearly 2000 gay rights activists protesting in California.

The protest was held at a Mormon church that pushed for California voters to pass Proposition 8, an appeal to ban on gay marriages. The appeal was officially passed and the California Constitution was amended.

California was not the only state to pass the appeal; Florida and Arizona passed Proposition 8 as well, making it more challenging for gay couples to get married in America.

“The government or any religious organization shouldn’t interfere with that personal of an affair,” junior Maxine Taylor said. “If two people

love each other enough, they should be allowed to get married. I do however believe it is a legally binding contract, but it should be shared with everyone.”

“The government has the right to say what kind of rights the citizens have,” freshman Melissa Blottman said. Blottman is against gay marriage as well, since “it’s against the Bible and the moral beliefs [she] was raised with.”

Homosexuals have responded to these types of beliefs by filing petitions stating that voters don’t have the authority to make such a drastic change in the Constitution and, the proposition should be revised and submitted to the state legislature if it were to be passed. “[The voters] should have a say but not a full say because they could be voting unconsciously,” Blottman said.

Met Provides First-Hand AP Experience

by Victoria Gualtieri ‘09

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was the destination of Eileen Dormer’s AP Art history class. Early in November, the students spent the day in this New York museum to visit artwork that they have been studying in class, as well as newer works and rotating exhibits. Chaperones Marion Wychules, Bill Wosilius, Colleen Gartland, and Maria Esteves accompanied Dormer and her two classes, consisting of around 48 students total.

“The Met was more interesting for me during this trip because I could actually identify the works,” said senior Kara Osman.

According to Dormer, the popular spots in the museum were Ancient art, Egyptian art, and the Greek and Roman section. These exhibits were all covered in class and the students “knew somewhat what they were looking at.” Others students were interested in photography and modern art, with a bias towards realism as opposed to the more abstract works.

Because of traveling time to and from the city, this trip lasted the whole day, and students were given an hour of time for lunch at the museum’s well stocked cafeteria. The

rest of the time was spent seeing works both familiar and unfamiliar, identifying some with the knowledge obtained from the past two months spent in their art history class.

This year, Dormer introduced a new assignment for the trip, consisting of students locating and gathering information on six pieces they have either studied in class or have previously researched on the museum’s website. Once they completed this task, the students were free to walk around the museum at their leisure. Upon returning home, they were asked to write a few pages on these items, as well as their overall experience at the museum.

“Last year, we had a scavenger hunt where students ran around looking for certain works, but it was too frantic. There was more focus on the competition and less on the actual artwork,” said Dormer. “That wasn’t what I intended. The point is not to see everything, but concentrate intensely on a few things each time you go.”

Overall, Dormer was satisfied with the way the trip went this year and hopes they continue to run as smoothly in the future. “Anytime I arrive back at a meeting place and everyone’s already there and waiting, it was a good trip!”

Many people campaigned for and against the proposition leading up to its election day. The campaigns between the two totaled almost $74 million, second only to the race for the White House in campaign funding.

After the votes were tallied, all precincts reported that the proposition had a 52 percent approval rating, enough for it to pass. “The yes on 8 campaign played advertisements that completely lied to voters,” Taylor said. “It scared voters into banning gay marriage.”

The passing of Proposition 8 abol-

ished a previous California Supreme Court decision dating back to June that stated that homosexuals do possess the right to get married.

“Proposition 8 is total bull,” said an anonymous student. “It’s tearing the country apart; and how can we still call ourselves the United States if we’re not even united?” This all may be true, as nearly everyone has an opinion on gay marriage. Some believe that they have the right to marry. While others say marriage is a holy matrimony that should be shared between one man and one woman.

News News Bytes Bytes

By Joe Russo ‘09 and Ben Sunshine’09

Madoff Unexpectedly Arrested for Fraud

Israeli Troops Invade Gaza Strip

Bernard Madoff, the former chairman of the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, was arrested on Dec. 11 by the FBI. The seventy year old Madoff was charged with a single count of securities fraud and an estimated $50 billion in losses.

Madoff’s scandal has been labeled as a “ponzi scheme,” since he paid unusually high returns to current investors from the money coming in from newer investors.

His operation had not been able to withstand the current economic crisis, which forced many of his clients to withdraw their money.

Illinois Politicians Charged for Conspiracy Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff were arrested for conspiracy charges. Through wiretapping, the government gathered enough evidence to charge both with a count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and a count of solicitation of bribery.

Israeli troops launched a ground attack on the Gaza Strip on Jan. 3. This was Athletic Departmen prompted by the failed attempts by airstrikes to stop rocket attacks on Israel. The Scores attack hasMacioci greatly angered the Palestinians and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. Israeli leaders expected the attack to be a lengthy one as the opposition refuses to end their strikes.

Israel employed thousands of reserves as back up for other possible Palestinian attacks. Many casualties where expected as Hamas is a very densely populated area.

Cholera Crisis Engulfs Zimbabwe Cholera outbreaks in Zimbabwe could lead to infections of up to 60,000 Zimbabweans. There have already been 600 killed and 14,000 have been infected in December alone. This is part of a larger humanitarian crisis, since half the country is without food or water.

Gays and Lesbians Make “Seniors” Spread Holiday The Senior Citizens Concert and a Statement

“Day without a Gay” took place on Dec 10 and was enacted throughout the country. The premise of the day was for all gay and lesbian Americans to not go to work or school and to boycott purchases. It was modeled after work stoppages by Latino immigrants.

Brunch was held on Dec 17. The day consisted of a brunch cooked

by Mrs. Caren Maw’s Food and Sport Nutrition class and a concert performed by Mr. Erik Fitzke’s concert band. The senior citizens came from nursing homes such as Sunrise and Careview.

January 2009 Issue 2

Feature

The Wessex Wire Page 5

Breaking In: Your Future In The Music Industry

by Lindsey Felcher ‘10

Four years ago Evan Rogers, a songwriter and producer, went on vacation with his wife to her home in Barbados. In what was more or less a favor, he auditioned a group of three 15-year-old Barbadian girls. Rogers wasn’t expecting anything too exciting, however, one of those three young girls would turn out to become one of the biggest artists in the world right now: Rihanna.

“I saw a star quality in her right away,” Rogers said of his first impression of Rihanna. He immediately flew the tall and gorgeous Barbadian to New York City to meet his partner Carl Sturken and begin recording songs. After about a year, Rihanna was ready for a record deal.

After being rejected by the first record label they brought her to, Sturken and Rogers took Rihanna to the famous Jay-Z and L.A. Reid of Def Jam Records. Rihanna sang and danced her heart out to the point where the record label would not

“My first taste of anything involving the music industry was in 7th grade when I put together a show with my friend Frank Riley to showcase our totally rad band, Agreement In August. Anyone who still listens to the CD, I salute you,” Soroka said.

He continued promoting shows and getting more involved with the local music scene. After creating his production company, it became a lot easier for him to meet people and get further into the actual music industry. “In 7th grade I also started my -photo courtesy of Lindsey Felcher own company called SO ROKA Productions. [In Producers and songwriters Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken offer up some advice and support to aspiring students on working in the reality] the company is me music industry. booking tours and running Many students at West Essex are shows.

Sounds legit, right?” allow her to leave the building.

“The rest,” Sturken said, “Is his- involved in the music department With West Essex alumni John and some have the desire to pursue a D’Esposito, Soroka was given an tory.”

Not every job in the music industry career in music. Junior Ryan Soroka opportunity to organize and run the comes that easily; they require a lot already has a head start on his future “Break Contest,” a battle for local bands to get the opportunity to play of dedication and passion to obtain. in the business. at Bamboozle 2009. Also this fall, the two of them worked together with a band from North Carolina called Mercy Mercedes. Soroka The 16 students who come to “Knowing that I can walk into booked their tours as well as regional Agudath Israel Temple, in West one kid’s life and make a differshows. Every year he has a charity Caldwell, spend two hours eating ence is my main motivation for show where all the profits go to a and talking to their tutors, playing participating in SCEEP,” sophospecific cause. games, being mentored, and ending more Sydney Karp said. Karp has “I hope to see where this industhe session with an art project. Mrs. been helping out with the program try takes me, but the ideal plan for Alison Frost, who started SCEEP of since 7th grade. myself is to make it out of West EsWest Essex six years ago, mentioned “I love the fact that some skills, sex, alive hopefully, and go to the that not only are the students learning not all educational, that the kids Steinhardt School at NYU to major new things about school and their tu- learn at SCEEP, they [will] keep in music business.” tors, but the tutors are learning new important to them--skills that we Another junior at West Essex, things about their students, the two take for granted.”

Courtney Searle, also hopes to find a of them forming a closer bond.

SCEEP not only touches the career in the industry. “I have always As head of SCEEP, Frost has the children’s hearts but it allows liked singing. I knew I wanted to do responsibility of keeping the chil- them to succeed in life. However, it for the rest of my life.” dren’s safety in mind. She canceled it also reaches out to the volunteers In school, Searle is a member of one of the group sessions due to a and gives them an opportunity to the SATB choir and participated in week of violence in their hometown give back to the community. No the school musical “Bye Bye Birdie” of Newark. Gangs were targeting matter how busy their schedules her freshman year. Outside of West little children on school buses and get with sports and schoolwork, Essex, Searle takes acting and dance she took the necessary step to keep the high school students manage classes at NJPAC, along with singthem from being on transportation to to voluteer their time and care for ing the SCEEP center so they weren’t in the kids once a week, making a

SCEEP: Kids Helping Kids

by Carlye Frost ‘11 and Erin Quinn ‘11

When the 3rd grade students of Newark participate in SCEEP, all their worries at home are forgotten. SCEEP, which stands for the Suburban Cultural Educational Enrichment Program, is held in many different towns across the United States. These students are able to come to a better neighborhood to be tutored by high school honor students who give their time and effort to help change a young child’s life.

“It gives me the best feeling in the world to know that I made an impact on at least one child’s life and I helped them graduate,” sophomore and second year SCEEP tutor Shai Kartus said.

“Also, the warm feeling will stay with me knowing that my SCEEP child will take with them what I the pathway of danger. taught them forever.”

difference, one student at a time.

SEE MUSIC PAGE 8

January 2009

Features

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Wessex Wire In Depth: Students West Essex Student Helps Out: Sees

by Shai Kartus ‘11 Many people viewed the coming Hurricane Katrina to be a brief inconvenience, but they were in for a shock. They were not aware that Hurricane Katrina would be one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the planet. It took only a true survivor to fight through this hurricane and stay tough until the end. Benita Scott of New Orleans, LA is such a survivor.

“The truth is I wasn’t strong. You see, we survived many hurricanes -Betsy, Camille, Ivan, George, [and many more]. The news of another one coming wasn’t very scary,” Benita Scott said.

When visiting my brother at Tulane College in New Orleans, my family took a trip to Mardi Gras World where the floats for the parade are made. A man by the name of Nate drove our bus around, and along the way he began to share with us the story of his Katrina experience.

Nate’s story really touched me and encouraged me to help the victims.

He handed me special coins from a past parade and pulled me aside to talk.

I felt very special and I knew I could help him and his family; it was something I wanted to do. My cousin in New Orleans helped my family keep in touch with his. For a long time, we kept in touch by email and talked on the phone with him, his wife Benita, and their son David. I collected money and donated it to their family to help them rebuild their home, and my family also sent toys and clothing items last Christmas.

“I never imagined that Katrina would or even could do this much damage. Initially, we thought we were just going to have a little break from our everyday living and then go back to normal,” Benita Scott said. “Surprise! Surprise! No, this

isn’t what I thought my future would be like. But I thank God for a future, especially since my past is all but taken away.”

Few expected this hurricane to do so much damage, build barriers between families, erase tangible relics, and force hopeless people to have their lives torn away right before their eyes. As I listened to Benita and her family’s experience throughout her days following the hurricane, I had tears in my eyes.

Traveling in a group of twelve, including three seniors and young children, the Scott’s plan to move _-photo courtesy of http://www.gcard.cc/G-Cardholders.html more inland resulted in their A hurricane Katrina survivor surveys the damage three years later stay at the Hilton Hotel Riverside. This was a necessary move, her, so she knew her and her family cracked swimming pool leaking as their home was across the street were divinely protected. She admits still more water, and wall panels from a levee. They were on the 26th that she had to care for too many exposing pipes and wires. floor. Katrina came through some- people to worry about keeping faith Benita, however, believed “the time overnight and persisted into the in God. fact that a structure of that size and morning hours.

In her opinion, weathering the weight with a significantly weak “Why is it that scary things al- hurricane was the easy part. She ened foundation did not collapse is ways happen at night?” Benita Scott explains that her real challenges proof of divine protection.” said. have come and still continue after After leaving the hotel, her fam “As we stood in our hotel window the storm. The three days following ily returned back to their home in watching the effects of the strong the storm, they sat in a “hot, odor- Algiers. On the way they witnessed winds on our city, we could hear the ous cement box” that was their hotel an unbelievably heart-wrenching steel beams within the structure of room. They had to go without elec- view. the hotel squeaking and feel the hotel tricity and plumbing during this time, “Depressing doesn’t begin to swaying.” which meant no air-conditioning describe the scenes,” Benita Scott Benita began to experience an ex- during the hottest season, along with said.“But, nothing hurt me more treme case of motion sickness, but no food, water, toilets, or elevators. than what I saw when I drove up to that was the least of her problems. Remember, they were twenty-six our house.”

Over the P.A. system, someone an- floors from the ground.

The wind from the hurricane blew nounced that all hotel guests should The Hilton management gracious- off the roof of their home and the stay away from the windows and out ly set up a free “soup-line” for all of rain transformed their possessions of the stairwells because the eye of their guests. Benita and a few other to mold and mildew. Her house had the storm was passing overhead and adults from her family had to make been in her family since 1913. Her many feared flying debris. the walk down to the first floor sev- great-grandparents had raised her “It was at this time we [Nate and eral times a day, since the sick and grandmother and her siblings in Benita] both began to realize that Ka- elderly members of her family were the house. Seeing it now, in such a trina wasn’t going to be just another not able to do so themselves. ruined state, broke Benita’s heart. hurricane.”

Soon, all of the hotel guests were Almost all of her grandparent’s To calm down, Benita went on, asked to vacate because it was no furniture was soaked and could not she kept telling herself that God longer safe to stay in the contami- be salvaged. promised never to leave nor forsake nated hotel with flooded floors, a CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

January 2009

Features

Page 7

Explore The Katrina Aftermath Katrina Through The Eyes Of A Survivor

“And if losing most of my earthly possessions to Mother Nature wasn’t enough, thieves-vultures-tried to steal all that was left.”

The most difficult thing Benita had to deal with as a result of Hurricane Katrina was the separation of her family. Benita, her mother, and two

sisters, had spoken with each other every day for at least 51 years. She and her sisters emphasized the importance of such closeness between

Students Spend Spring Break Rebuilding Homes and Hopes

ing, which kept us all sane in the Mississippi heat. Without it, it may have been impossible to survive in that rough, dry weather that never seemed to fade away. Our schedule remained consistent throughout the week. We would get up bright and early around 8:00am and walk out into the cool morning air on our way to breakfast. The breakfast at the camp usually consisted of a pre-packaged meal, pastries, and some type of cereal. After breakfast we would get in line to make our lunches, the necessary fuel for the hard day of work we had lying ahead of us.

The line for lunch moved quite slowly as all the campers grabbed chips, sandwiches, and apples to stuff into their brown paper bags.

Our group would then head out to work on our homeowner’s brand new home. At work we spent most of our time spackling, sanding, and painting the brand new sheet rock that had been put up by the previous group. From time to time it was nice to see Gil helping out around the house. At 75, we didn’t expect him to work much, but he tried his best to help out.

While the amount of work we did had little effect on us, it did take a while to become accustomed to the Southern food served each night for dinner. Our spaghetti and meatballs are their jambalaya and rice. Some nights we were unable to determine exactly what we were eating. The watery chicken and vegetables didn’t cut it for us. Although Sonic is advertised in New Jersey all the time, I’m pretty sure that there aren’t any located in our state. In the South, however, they are everywhere. To get a break from the usual meal served at the camp, we were able to

enjoy Sonic about seven times that week, which was a delightful change of culinary pace.

Sonic was really different from the fast food joints up North. Instead of a drive-through, there was a drive-in.

We pulled up to Sonic for the first time and spent ten minutes trying to figure out how to order the food. After giving our order to the woman on the speaker, all we had to do was wait patiently in the car. Soon enough, a girl on roller skates made her way to the car and handed us our food.

Now, if we were comparing Sonic’s cuisine to home-cooked meals, it wouldn’t be that great. Compared to what the camp served, however, it was amazing.

My favorite part of the trip, aside from seeing the homeowner’s reaction to our hard work at the end of the week, was the trip to New Orleans. It is now one of my favorite cities. We spent the day walking in and out of shops and taking pictures with the various characters walking around the city. We ate at the Hard Rock Café and bought a few Mardi Gras necklaces and masks for the trip back. The city was incredible, full of life and color, which is truly amazing to see considering what its residents have been through.

The plane ride back to New Jersey was bittersweet. We were all extremely proud of what we had done, and yet we were looking forward to seeing our families again. We were going to miss the vibrant place we had called home for the last seven days. What I reflect on the most is the beautiful Southern coastline we gazed at each day, as well as the city of New Orleans. The trip was truly an amazing experience that I will always remember. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

by Brittany Jacobson ‘11 Hurricane Katrina shocked the nation when it hit the U.S. in 2005, ripping up and destroying the Southern Coastline. While the government struggled to clean the mess and aid those in need, a group of friends and I decided to help the cause in a hands-on way. Over spring break in April 2008, Lauren Beatty, Jessica McDonald, Chrissy Lovey, and I spent a week down in D’Iberville, Mississippi, building a home for a man who had lost everything nearly three years prior.

Our homeowner’s name was Gilbert. Just Gilbert. He never mentioned his last name and we just called him “Gil.” He was a healthy looking 75-year-old man who spent most of his time in his yard nurturing his garden. He loved showing all of us his fruit plants, which ranged from bananas to mulberries.

He took great pride in what he grew, a fact he mentioned to us at least twice a day.

He had lost absolutely everything in the hurricane, including his house and the possessions he kept inside it. We spent the whole week down in Mississippi building him a brand new home. Our group resided in a camp right at the heart of D ‘Iberville.

The “tents” where we slept each night were made primarily of wood with a plastic sheet covering the outside. The best part about our tent was the built-in air condition-

siblings and their own children.

“To have that kind of closeness reduced to maybe seeing each other on holidays...now that made me cry, and it still does,” Benita Scott said.

Such hardship is incomprehensible. When asked to sum the experience up in one word, Benita hesitated.

“Surreal,” she said. “There are some days I just want to wake-up.”

Benita added that she will never doubt the power of God for as long as she may live. “My faith reached that point where the rubber met the road and I had to make my decision.”

She in no way contributes her survival to luck.

“Luck couldn’t handle this,” Benita said. “I’m truly blessed.”

For someone who has suffered so much, this statement speaks volumes of her optimism. In 1996, Benita lost her only child, Valencia-Claire Leola. She has experienced unfathomable tribulations, instances from which not many would be able to recover. Benita is truly one of the most incredible women I have ever met.

Through difficult times, Benita turns not only to faith, but to music as well. A song that always keeps her striving to stay positive, never give up on her dreams, and just live her life is the singing duo, “Mary Mary.”

One particularly empowering line is, “I cried my last tear yesterday/Either you are going to trust Him or you may as well walk away.”

What I learned from Benita is that despite any and all adversity, your family will always stand by you. No matter what seemingly irreversible disaster comes your way, you can never lose faith in yourself.

“It is your attitude that will determine your altitude,” Benita said.

“Everyone will experience challenges in life. Having problems isn’t what makes or breaks you. It’s how you choose to cope with those problems that determines your success or failure.”

November 2008

Features

Page 8

Father’s Biggest Fear Also Greatest Source of Pride

by Jared Laxer ‘09 Every night, hundreds of thousands of Americans go to sleep fearing for the safety of loved ones fighting in Iraq. Biology teacher John Schneider, whose son John Lewis Schneider is stationed in Baghdad, is one of them.

Schneider spoke in short, concise sentences when describing his first emotions upon hearing the news that his son would be going overseas. “Fear and resignation. Abject terror. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. And pride. Pride is definitely in there.”

Anyone who has ever had Schneider in class knows how much he cares for his children. Whenever he can, he relates what he’s teaching to stories about his sons, whether it be a reference to one of many boy-scout trips with his youngest son, Alex, or a hockey game with the elder, John Lewis.

Schneider said that one of the more comforting aspects of having a son at war is that he knows his son isn’t in the thick of battle. John Lewis, is a “96B,” an intelligence analyst. He is required to “assemble

Music From Page 5

lessons and classes at the Papermill Playhouse during the summer. In her spare time, Searle writes her own songs and is in the process of recording an album.

Searle is determined to succeed, and is working hard to achieve this goal. “I plan on minoring in music and majoring in something else, just in case. I also plan on continuing recording, meeting people, and sending my music to different places.”

Sturken and Rogers broke into the industry quite differently. “When I was young I wanted to be a rock star and that’s usually where it starts.

And then as you get into it, you begin to see there are a lot of other things you can do. I never became a rock star but I have a great career,” Sturken said.

In high school, Sturken partici-

and collate information gathered in the field and pass it up the chain of command in a concise format.”

When he spoke of his son, Schneider smiled and chuckled, “He ain’t stupid. He got that from me.”

One could feel the pride emanating from Schneider’s glowing face. In fact, he might almost be jealous. “My biggest regret as an adult is that I didn’t serve my country,” Schneider said. “When I turned 18, we were just getting out of Vietnam, so the military was an unpopular option for a white kid from the suburbs.” -photo courtesy of Brian Agostini Schneider said that a com- The flag is signed by all the soldier’s in John Lewis Schneider’s unit “HHC50th bination of factors, including IBCT,” the Headquarters unit of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, part age, prevent him from serving of the New Jersey National Guard. as an adult.

“I talk to him every week or two. I experience in Iraq, he responded One of the comforts Schneider send him stuff at least once a week, with a less than optimistic point experiences is that he’s able to fre- usually more. Sometimes a package, of view. quently talk with his son. In fact, sometimes just a post-card.”

“It [the Obama administration] he used to be able to send instant- Schneider’s biggest fear is how the won’t change anything, except messages to John Lewis, and did situation of soldiers in Iraq will be perhaps make [the war in Iraq] so almost every night. Now, they handled once Barack Obama takes more dangerous,” Schneider said. can only talk through e-mails and office. When asked what he thought “Even if McCain had won the electelephone calls. of the Obama administration – “You tion, it would be more dangerous.

“He talks to his girlfriend every mean the Obamanation?” he chuck- Regardless, the enemy will try and day,” Schneider said with a grin. led – and how it will affect his sons test the new administration.” pated in choir, all the school musicals and was a member of a rock band.

He went off to college to study music and became professional soon after that. At that point, Sturken and Rogers had joined forces and the two of them played in a band and wrote songs. In addition, the two of them were studio session musicians where they played background for other people. Over time Sturken became a producer.

While Sturken participated in any musical activity possible, Rogers did the complete opposite. As a child, Rogers was always into music. He was a fan of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Prince. However, in high school, he was a percussionist in a band and didn’t give much thought to his future. But when his band’s lead singer dropped out, Rogers was there to take his place.

There, he met Sturken and the two of them formed a writing team, which continues today. They began to send out tapes of their songs and made a

lot of contact by being in New York City.

“Little by little people started giving us a shot,” Rogers said.

Though Rogers’ father was a college professor and his entire family went to college, Rogers was the rebel and decided to take a different path.

“There was no stopping me. There is that unstoppable drive to want to do something. I was definitely that way.”

Now, the two men are successful songwriters and producers. In addition to Rihanna, they have worked with NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Shontelle, Rod Stewart, Britney Spears, and Kelly Clarkson. They have their own production company called SRP Productions and have expanded their company to include artist management as well as forming their own record company which has a roster of five artists.

“Be yourself, don’t try and be like

someone else. Work at it all day long everyday and don’t give up. Also be a good people person. It’s really important,” said Sturken. For those high school students like Soroka and Searle, advice and guidance is always needed to help them get into the industry.

“You must make sure that you have an absolute passion for music and want to do this. It’s incredibly competitive and a difficult road to take. You have to be prepared to get put down and get back up, out of love for what you do in terms of music.

It’s got to be in your blood, a way of life,” according to Rogers.

“Listen to your heroes, and learn from the best....You got to have that ability to see that you’re not good enough and learn from it and from those who are better than you. Going to college is a good thing in general but there is not really any school that can teach you. Most of that tends to be in you. Mainly you got to have that drive.”

January 2009 Issue 2

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Arts

Culture

The Wessex Wire Page 9

Local Bagels: The Best of the Best

by Brittany Berman ‘11 Kelly Mosser ‘11

Kelly sat in Los Angeles eating a bagel from a shop in the airport.

Taking the first bite, she cringed at the rock-like texture of the poor West Coast excuse for a New Jersey masterpiece.

Brittany, despite her urge to throw it out the window of her car, forced down a bag e l from a local store o n Long Island.

T h e stale, dry circle of dough simply didn’t compare to the notorious ba-artwork by of Elliot Kartus gels of her home state.

We, having been slightly scarred by our nightmarish out-of-state bagel experiences, decided to embark on a journey to find the best bagels

I Am...?

by Nikki Maxman ‘11

Cher, Fergie, Rihanna, and Madonna have enough stardom and popularity to be recognized by only their first name. Eminem, Prince, Mimi and Hannah Montana are identified as their alter ego. Beyoncé, or Sasha Fierce, now has both. The singing, dancing, acting diva just produced her third solo album, I am…Sasha Fierce. This CD was intended to represent Beyoncé’s other side. A fiercer side, if you will.

“I am in a different place right now, and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. I have taken

in the surrounding West Essex area.

Our adventure began in Fairfield, where we picked up bagels from Hot Bagels in the Drug Fair Plaza and Dunkin Donuts. We then headed to 123 Bagels in Little Falls and then to Caldwell to sample Panera, Sam’s Bagels, Bagel Loft, and Manhattan Bagel.

The goal of our mission was to find the all around most satisfying plain bagel based on texture, flavor, a n d

the desire to go back for more.

After trying all seven bagels, the obvious winner for the best bagel was from Sam’s. It was the perfect blend of chewy and crispy, moist but not with the essence of having been soaked in ethanol like the Dunkin Donut’s bagel. Our love for the Sam’s bagel shined through when we felt obligated to finish even risks here. I am not afraid, and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world,” Beyonce said of her album.

The “Beyoncé” side is her soothing side. The hit single, If I Were a Boy, is on this disk. There is a Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Leona Lewis type of vibe to this half. On the “Fierce” side Beyonce shows her sensuality and aggression. It is her “bootylicious” side. The hit song on this side is “Singe Ladies.” However, many feel that this is way too similar to some of her other songs, such as “Crazy in Love.” Although this was very risky for someone so famous, she pulled it off. Beyonce managed to pull this album off and is continuing her success.

after having tried six other bagels.

Sam’s location on the Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne, however, may be a bit out of the way for some people.

A convenient alternative maybe Hot Bagels in Fairfield. We found their bagels to be quite tasty. For those who prefer a less doughy bagel, Hot Bagels is the place for you. With a good selection and overall satisfying bagels, Hot Bagels was awarded second place.

We were also fairly pleased with Panera and 123 Bagels. Though surely not the “best of the bunch,” both were of average taste and would be sure to satisfy any hungry person.

The bottom of our list consists of Dunkin’ Donuts, Manhattan Bagel, and Bagel Loft on Boomfield Ave. In terms of price, plain bagels range from $.80- $1.20. The best deal of the day was found at Dunkin’ Donuts, charging only $.96 for a bagel with cream cheese.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to satisfying a native New Jersey inhabitant. We hail from the state with the best bagels, and do not appreciate having seven respectable bagel stores within 10 minutes of our front door that can provide us with a bagel that a New Jersey outsider would only dream of.

Picoult Writes Another Must Read: “The Tenth Circle”

by Kelly Abbot ‘10

From the first page of the prologue until the last sentence of the 385th page, I never wanted to put “The Tenth Circle” down. Every time I begin a new Jodi Picoult novel, I am skeptical of whether or not my new book will be better than the last one.

However, time after time she proves me wrong.

“The Tenth Circle” explores difficult high school and family problems, which doubles the intensity.

It takes readers into the life of a teenager in dire circumstances and allows readers to explore a profound father-daugther relationship.

Trixie Stone thought she knew exactly what love was. That is, until she is date raped and her world is turned upside down. Now the boy she thought was the one for her could be the boy that will alter her life forever. Picoult writes Trixie as a straightforward high school girl who goes with the crowd. She is immediately a fan favorite. Readers will find themselves feeling sorry for her.

Her father, Daniel Stone, a calm, passive comic book artist and devoted husband, has a secret past that he has kept hidden from his family.

He was the only white boy in a na-

tive Eskimo village, and he was teased constantly for being different.

Daniel fought back; he stole, drank and became violent. Daniel finds himself struggling with his old self while trying to protect his daughter but not destroy his family and their future.

Jason Underhill, Trixie’s exboyfriend, has developed some evidence that he is innocent. Could this story be made up just to grab the attention of the most popular boy in school who broke her heart? Detective Bartholomy, the town’s local detective, believes she is lying, and will do anything to prove it, including digging into Mr. Stone’s past.

Jason Underhill is a very believable character. I found myself confused about whose side I was on.

There are so many twists and turns and just like the rest of her novels, the ending was very unpredictable.

One critic wrote, “Picoult must have set her keyboard on fire as she wrote.” The intensity grows greater and greater with every turn of the page.

“The Tenth Circle” is a novel that teenage girls can relate to; everyone feels like Trixie Stone at one time or another. Girls will not be disappointed, I promise. This book takes your breath away.

January 2009

Arts & Culture

Page 10

Welcome To Caldwell’s New Little Italy: Calandra’s Italian Village

by Shai Kartus ‘11 Sarah McGrath ‘11 Lacy Tell ‘11

Feeling the need to escape? Calandra’s Italian Village makes it seem as if you are sitting in the heart of an Italian villa. It is only one turn off of Caldwell’s busy Bloomfield Avenue.

Calandra’s is a large building with different sections including Il Vecchio Café, La Tavern, a bakery, a winery, a delicatessen, and a gelateria. It is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. including holidays. From the casual café to the upscale lounge and bar, it can appeal to families, large parties, and couples on a date.

We decided to travel to Il Vecchio Café on a Sunday morning. A lovely matride greeted us politely at the door and immediately showed us to the best table . Instantly, we felt comfortable and welcome by the

open, casual environment. Il Vecchio Café is a very large room surrounded by windows that allow natural light in and a nice view of the balcony seating.

The menu contained many Italian food options, which varied in price. Our waiter, Bobby, left a huge impact on our dining experience.

Right away he advised us on what we should order and answered every question. He also made sure our food was served quickly and kept checking on us to make sure we were okay with our drinks.

Bobby explained to us the specials and how chicken parmesan is the most favored dish among customers. Bobby’s personal favorite is the Italian hoagies because Calandra’s makes them thick, filling, and very delicious. He told us to pay attention to the specials since they change daily.

On our table was a warm serving of bread along with parmesan cheese

and olive oil. After sitting around the table, talking and viewing our surrounding dining environment, we began our meal with an appetizer of fried calamari. It was crispy, fresh, and seasoned very well. It was served as a large portion and enough to share with a large group or party.

Next, we decided to order a traditional Penne alla Vodka dish. It too was served as a large portion, but it could definitely work as a single meal. The pasta was a bit heavy on the sauce for our liking. However it was very delicious and carried a unique flavor.

Lastly from Il Vecchio Café, we ordered a thin-crust pizza to share. It was very soft and doughy, and we all agreed it was our favorite part of the meal. We absolutely recommend it because the bread was one-of-a kind.

There were many different types of pizza from Marghertia Napolitana, Tutto Carne, to Tre Formaggi Bianco.

Indie Darlings Take On New Venue In Montclair

by Dan Spada ‘09

After becoming one of most hyped indie acts of 2008 and touring most of the world, New York natives Vampire Weekend played to an ecstatic crowd of all ages at The Wellmont Theatre on Monday, Dec. 8.

Tucked away on Seymour Street off Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, The Wellmont was built in 1922 as a live theater and then later became a movie theater. Just a few months ago, The Rosen Group financed the renovation of the space, turning it into a new performing arts venue.

A liquor license, which usually runs from $250,000 to $1.5 million in Montclair, was purchased and now The Wellmont Theatre is on its way to becoming one of the most successful venues in New Jersey.

After playing an excess of small venues in New York City in 2007, Vampire Weekend, comprised of four Columbia graduates, began gaining popularity by word-ofmouth via blogs and their first network television appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman”.

XL Recordings released their debut

self-titled album on Jan 29, 2008, which received critical acclaim from well-known music critics. Soon after, they were named “The Year’s Best New Band” by Spin magazine. issue. In the beginning of the year, their second single, “A-Punk,” began to see radio-play stateside.

Vampire Weekend’s rapid climb to success may have some wondering whether they are deserving of the hype. After hearing them play their only album in its entirety, along with two new songs and a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” it is safe to say that these preppy white kids are the real deal.

Their entrance, complemented by Jay-Z’s “Roc Boys,” was epic and foreshadowed the rest of their mostly enjoyable performance. “Mansard Roof,” the opening song of their short set, exemplified what these boys do best – playing African pop influenced, unpretentious, indie rock.

Ezra Koenig vocals never become too serious and maintained a pleasant level of literacy. Vampire Weekend defines the genre of music they play as “Upper West Side Soweto.”

“M79” and “Cape Cod Kwassa

Kwassa” stood out as crowd-pleasers.

During the chorus of “One (Blake’s Got a New Face),” Koenig asked the audience to sing along and they willingly complied. While performing one of the new songs, “White Sky,” Koenig asked the crowd to just bop their heads while he showed off his sweet dance moves, comprised mostly of clapping his hands while leaning over and robot-like shiftshaping. Before playing the last song of the encore, “Walcott,” Koenig informed the audience of his love for New Jersey, providing the audience with incentive to sing a verse that goes “Walcott, all the way to New Jersey/All the way to the Garden State/Outta Cape Cod tonight.”

The members of Vampire Weekend played each song with an undeniable fervor, but the most poignant moment came when Wes Miles, lead singer of the opening act Ra Ra Riot, told of how he and Koenig saw Pi back when the Wellmont was a movie theater. Vampire Weekend, still in the process of growing up, now holds everyone in their grasp, awaiting the follow up to one of the best indie albums of 2008.

Chef Sergio, the head chef from Il Vecchio and La Tavern, was nice enough to have a seat at our table and speak to us about his past experiences. Growing up, he was raised into his family’s Italian restaurant business and recently began working at Calandra’s on his own.

“I work for that gratification. That instant gratification you get when you see a smile on someone’s face after taking a bite of your delicacies.

Also, it means so much when after a long day of hard work, a person decides to stop by and mention how much they enjoyed their meal,” Sergio said.

Our food came rather quickly because it was not very crowded or busy. If you are planning to go with a large group on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait from 45 minutes to an hour.

If you are looking for a different feel, as opposed to a casual, afternoon luncheon, you can dine at La Tavern for a bar and lounging cocktail experience. La Tavern creates a relaxed, romantic setting surrounded by dimmed lights, candles, and comfy couches. It holds more of an upscale bar feeling since it has many televisions available there to watch sports games.

To top off our delectable meal, we headed over to the Italian bakery.

We decided to create a dessert box filled with chocolate and vanilla dipped strawberries, fruit tarts, and cookies. The bakery was far less expensive than the restaurant, and the service was very fast. It is great for last minute party desserts or just a quick sweet treat “on the go.”

Calandra’s Italian Village offers foods to people of all ages and to those with various appetites. We recommend this Italian get-away for a simple luncheon or even a nice, romantic, Saturday evening date.

Chef Sergio dedicates his entire life to his restaurant and calls his work “a labor for love.”As mentioned before, Sergio loves nothing more than seeing a smile on his customers’ faces and knowing that they are satisfied; Sergio defiantly made three customers very happy on a Sunday afternoon, leaving them with huge smiles on their faces reflecting a long-lasting impression.

January 2009

Arts & Culture

“Twilight” : A Book With A Bite

by Lindsey Flecher ‘10

The “Twilight” series has stolen the hearts of many teenage girls and become one of the biggest phenomenons since the Harry Potter series.

If anyone walked through a high school cafeteria, he or she would most likely hear every lunch table of girls swooning over Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

The saga began in 2005 with the first novel of the series, “Twilight,”

by Stephenie Meyer. The book centers on the main character, Isabella Swan, and her forbidden infatuation with vampire Edward Cullen. It takes place in Forks, Washington, where rain is a constant occurrence and sunlight is very rare. It is a perfect location for a family of vampires.

Bella reluctantly moves to Forks to live with her father, Charlie, as a favor to her mother.

Bella was an outcast in her old home in Phoenix, Arizona and is surprised when she is the most talked about person in her new high school. As if moving to a new town and being the center of attention wasn’t enough, Bella is forced to sit next to Edward Cullen in biology class, who makes sure his hatred for her is known. She soon experiences another side of Edward, a protective and caring side. The more time Bella spends with Edward the more

dangerous it becomes and the more she questions who he really is.

Edward’s charm and stunning features have Bella weak in the knees. Edward, as well, falls for her ordinary personality but there is one problem; he thirsts for her blood.

The couple learns to deal with their differences and experience their lives together.

Once someone starts reading this novel he or she won’t be able to put it down, literally. Meyer’s plot is extremely creative, and her 500 page novel is very well-written. The book is on the lengthier side, but is a very quick read. Though the story is fictional, the reader can easily feel like vampires exist and relate to the characters as if they were real.

Meyer uses brilliant descriptions which allow the reader to easily picture what is taking place during the story. For example, Bella’s feelings toward her relationship with Edward were written beautifully, “Our relationship couldn’t continue to balance, as it did, on the point of a knife. We would fall off one edge or the other, depending entirely upon his decision, or his instincts. My decision was made, made before I’d ever consciously chosen, and I was committed to seeing it through.

Because there was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating,

than the thought of turning away from him. It was an impossibility.”

For the obsessed “Twilight” readers, the journey is not over. Meyer has also written three other novels continuing the vampire love story: “New Moon” “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn.” The rest of the “Twilight” series will cause the reader to be just as hooked. The other three books of the series are equally as captivating as “Twilight.” However, they were very different from “Twilight,” and the story really evolves and gets deeper into the fantasy. The finale of the series was very satisfying and left the reader happy with the outcome.

After finishing, the last novel of the series one will wish it wasn’t over.

-artwork by Stephen Kinslow

Teen Phenomenon Hits Big Screen

by Brittany Jacobsen ‘10

The commercial ads for the movie have been replaying on numerous channels for the past two months, and finally, “Twilight” has made its appearance on the big screen.

Based on Stephenie Meyer’s 2005 bestseller “Twilight”, this movie has made as much of an impact on teenage girls as the novel.

There’s action, romance, danger, and vampires in this modern Romeo and Juliet remake. It’s a girl and vampire love story with an unforgettable cast. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), are the two main characters who fall in love and must face the dangerous consequences that

result.

Bella, the new girl at her school, is having trouble getting used to her new home in Forks. When Bella is partnered with Edward in Biology class, they get to know each other.

Bella soon finds herself in love; Edward falls for Bella as well, but he also wants her blood. The members of Edward’s family are “vegetarian” vampires and only feed on animal blood. When a new group of vampires who don’t share the Cullen’s eating habits come into the area and threaten Bella’s life, it becomes Edward’s mission to protect her.

While the storyline and acting are entertaining, the special effects in the movie remain mediocre. The scene when Edward is running at

unimaginable speeds stuck out from the rest of the movie,owing to terrible effects. Pattinson’s stunning features and pale skin make him the perfect vampire. Stewart was the best choice for the part of Bella owing to her average appearance and great acting when it comes to playing the insecure new girl. Another great aspect of the movie was its humor.

There were numerous scenes where the audience couldn’t help but laugh.

Jasper Cullen’s wide-eyed hysterical expressions and Bella’s clumsiness certainly caused side-splitting laughter in the crowd. The movie didn’t have castles or coffins, but there wasn’t one moment when the film went dead even though the vampires already were.

Page 11

“Twlight” Book Vs. “Twlight” Movie

by Carlye Frost ‘11

Teens are raging about the new series, “Twilight,” by Stephenie Meyer. The story of Edward and Bella’s romance is like no vampire love tale written before. The book is aimed at young adults, but has the ability to satisfy both teenagers and adults.

This book is known to keep readers on their toes, wanting more of the action that is slowly being revealed.

Most teens who have read the book have been hooked on it and have not been able to put it down.

As the “Twilight” movie began its previews, it was the new hot topic; people couldn’t wait for it to come to theaters. People had low expectations, for nothing could compare to the outstanding book. There were mixed predictions on how the movie would turn out. Some believed that since the book was so amazing, the movie would be even more incredible because it now became visual.

Others believed that because the book was so well-written and interesting, the movie would never come close to comparing.

As a 15-year-old reading the book, I found it incredibly captivating. It was very interesting and relatable. I couldn’t wait for the movie to come out because I wanted to see what the director could do with this breathtaking writing.

I was one of the first in the theaters along with the hundreds of other teen girls awaiting Edward Cullen

and Bella Swan’s romantic hardship.

While watching the movie, I felt that it didn’t even compare to the book.

Things were mixed around and rushed. I also feel a lot of things were more clearly explained in the book and more visual when you could picture it in your head, and on screen, a lot of things were missed. Chunks of important parts of the book were not even mentioned in the movie.

Although there are mixed reviews comparing the movie and the book, having read the book, the movie was not at all well played out. As many have said, “Twilight” has such a spectacular plot that although the movie was astounding, the book was better.

January 2009

Oberst Changes Up Style With The Mystic Valley Band

by Sonia Aviv ‘11

Conor Oberst’s new self-titled album is a reintroduction and a rebirth to the singer/songwriter from his former Bright Eyes days. The CD also features the Mystic Valley Band playing alongside Oberst. Although it is great that he came out of his shell and introduced a new, livelier and “folk-ier” type of music, Conor’s days of being the juvenile and confused soul are missed.

Lyrically, the album does not excel compared to Oberst’s work in Bright Eyes. However, the last track “Milk Thistle” is a taste of the old Oberst days. It features the creative line “If I go to heaven I’ll be bored as hell.”

Even though he no longer sings completely of his depressed, dark and drugged days, the songwriter is still as great a poet as he always was.

When Oberst began releasing albums, he was not that talented of a singer at all. Some liked his raspy, whispery style of music while others were “turned off” by it. In this album however, he is actually pretty good vocally. In the songs “Cape Canaveral” and “Sausalito” he really proves that he can sing. Instrumentally, the album is satisfactory as well. It includes all the basic instruments like the guitar, piano and drums. The song “NYC-Gone Gone” begins with an outstanding guitar solo. “I Don’t Want to Die in the Hospital” also features an impressive piano solo.

The best part about the album overall is the fact that it is not all mechanics; it is Conor’s real voice singing and real instruments playing.

When the album was performed live, it sounded exactly like the actual CD itself. Conor’s voice wasn’t all technology like many of the artists voices are today. He sounded just as good live as he did on the CD. The album is real and genuine, and although different from what Conor Oberst normally produces, it is still a special CD that would be good for a road trip, a restaurant, or anywhere.

Arts & Culture

Page 12

Starbucks Outshines Dunkin’ Donuts

by Emily O’Neill ‘10 Celina DeLuca ‘11

Dunkin’ Donuts, founded in 1950, has established a reputation for fast and great coffee. About 15 years later Starbucks opened its doors to try and match the success of the Dunkin’ Donuts chain. Dunkin’ Donuts is currently the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chain with more than 8,000 stores worldwide. Starbucks has over 5,000 of its uniquely styled and comforting settings across the globe.

Dunkin’ Donuts is known for the cheap and quick cup of coffee and a donut to go. At Starbucks, because of the leisurely environment, expect a line at busy times of the day. Choose the coffee and scone of your choice, take a breather on the comfy couches and stay awhile.

Both Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have many selections of coffee.

Dunkin’ Donuts uses one type of coffee bean, and can be infused with a variety of different flavors such as raspberry, French vanilla, toasted almond or hazelnut. At Starbucks, there is a wide variety of beans from around the world. You can choose a from bean from Latin American,

Africa, Asia , or a Multi-Region Blend. Dunkin’ Donuts is the nation’s largest seller of regular nonflavored coffee. Does the assortment of exotic flavors at Starbucks affect their customer’s choice and sales?

Or, does America like the cheap grab and go feel of Dunkin’ Donuts?

If you aren’t a hard-core coffee fanatic, both Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have an assortment of other drinks from which to choose.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ choices are coolatas, hot/iced tea, hot chocolate, and an array of sugary lattes. Starbucks offers, frappuccinos, hot/iced tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and other drinks to fit exactly what you desire.

When the choice between these two coffee houses has to be made, Starbucks wins because of their variety.

Three different Coolatas can be made at Dunkin’ Donuts while 11 different types of coffee-based frappuccinos can be made at Starbucks not even counting the crème-based ones.

Hands down, Starbucks also serves a better hot chocolate. The “Swiss Miss in water” taste of Dunkin’ cannot compare to the creaminess of the milk and different types of chocolate of Starbucks.

Early Sunday morning, we trav-

eled to Dunkin’ Donuts for a quick breakfast before the Giants game.

We walked in and ordered a bagel with cream cheese, a blueberry muffin, a coffee, and a hot chocolate. We were out the door within five minutes with a breakfast for two, under $7.

After the game, we decided to go to Starbucks. Stepping in, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

We got on line and decided what we wanted. About five minutes had passed before we came to the register. Ordering two scones, a signature hot chocolate, and a gingersnap latte, our evening craving cost us about $10.

Statistics show that Starbucks is 20 percent more expensive than Dunkin’ Donuts. But, at Starbucks, you are paying for the great taste and the experience. The better flavor, variety, and “whatever-you-want” nature of Starbucks makes the 20 percent more worth it.

D unkin’ Donuts, although making great coffee, does not stand up to the overall effect Starbucks has on its customers. Starbucks invites you to connect to the world with free Wi-fi service or to just sit back and relax with the day’s paper. Whatever you want, Starbucks has, guaranteed.

not at all forced. The staff is friendly without being overbearing. They greet customers without that strained note which implies they’re being paid to say hello.

The quality of the Fine Grind’s menu is unsurpassed. The wide selection of tea, coffee, chai, and flavorings is broad enough to thrill any palate. An array of wraps and paninis are offered, most notably the Thanksgiving Sandwich. It is comprised of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, making it a nostalgically delicious dish.

Any of these items can be followed up by the Fine Grind’s signature stuffed cupcakes, which warrant a separate menu. Such desserts include the Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcake, which consists of smooth cheesecake enveloped by decadent chocolate cake and crowned with chocolate icing. Patrons can also choose from the Fine Grind’s own original line

of innovative drinks. The Blendesso frozen drinks, concoctions unique to the Fine Grind, are available as antioxidant fruit teas, luxurious frozen hot chocolates, and frozen espressos.

This includes the attention grabbing Birthday Blendesso, a creamy mixture of actual birthday cake and other tasty ingredients, topped with whipped cream and served in a giant martini glass.

While the prices may be considered high for some, they rival that of big corporate coffee chains, specifically Starbucks.

Unfortunately, it would be simple to drive right through Little Falls’ bustling Main St. without even noticing this modest retreat. There is a perilous left turn across Main St. to enter the parking lot. The Fine Grind remains a comfortable place where one can unwind with a book, laptop, date, or friend.

For A Fine Dine Attend Fine Grind

by Samira Paydar ‘09

For one consumed in a tumultuous daily routine, it is comforting to know that there is at least one place where it is possible to converse with sociable people, sip on an intricate blend of chai yerba mate, and truly relax. While it’s hard to believe, places like this do exist; the epitome of which being the Fine Grind Coffee Bar in Little Falls. With its personable staff, eclectic menu, and calmly warm atmosphere, the Fine Grind Coffee Bar is an essential haven.

It seems that coffee shops and cafés are either big corporate industries, or so self-righteously trendy and underground that the atmosphere is uncomfortable. It becomes difficult to breathe in such pretentious smog. The Fine Grind achieves, with sincerity, what these post-modern establishments pursue, but fail, to pull off. The ambiance is casual and

January 2009 Issue 2

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Editorial

December break is over and the winter winds are roaring

in, which signifies one thing in every high school student’s future: midterms. Nobody likes them, but West Essex tries to make it a little easier for us who don’t take tests well.

The National Honor Society holds three tutoring sessions before exams. The Wire can tell you from experience that these are helpful and definitely not a waste of time.

For seniors who have been accepted to college, remember that most colleges do keep track of your midterm and semester grades. Many universities will recind their acceptances if your grades have gone down. Senioritis is kicking in, but you need to keep a high-quality GPA and stick it out a little longer.

A silver lining remains through all this. In two weeks we will be halfway through the school year. With Spring around the corner, seniors will soon be off to college and underclassmen will be moving on up. Maintain a positive oulook and don’t be a slacker. By the end of the year, that 10 percent on your GPA can pay off.

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 (973) 228-1200 ext. 258 2007-2008 STAFF:

Managing Editor Andy Maxman, ‘09

Editor-in-chief Stephen Kinslow, ‘09

News Editors Alyson Roseman, ‘10 Ben Sunshine, ‘09

Features Editor Victoria Gualtieri, ‘09

Opinion Editors Joe Russo, ‘09

Sports Editor Jenel Conde, ‘09

Mark Walsh, ‘09 Arts and Culture Editor Kelly Abbot, ‘10

Copy Editor Samira Paydar ‘09 Advisor Anne Baney-Giampoala

Design Editor Elliot Kartus, ‘09

Wire Editorial Policy

The Wessex Wire Page 13

Staff Writers Kelly Abbot, ‘10 Sonia Aviv, ‘11 Matt Benavente, ‘09 Brittany Berman, ‘11 Geordy Boveroux ‘11 Dylan Cascino, ‘09 Jenel Conde, ‘09 Celina DeLuca ‘11 Evan Elberg, ‘09 Lindsey Felcher ‘10 Carlye Frost ‘10 Shai Kartus ‘11 Jared Laxer ‘09 Jackie Martorana ‘11 Nikki Maxman, ‘11 Sarah McGrath ‘11 Alinoel Navia, ‘09 Emily O’Neil, ‘10 Erin Quinn ‘11 Brittany Jacobson, ‘10 Mark Walsh, ‘09 Dan Spada, ‘09 Jonathan Struss, ‘09 Lacy Tell ‘11

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.

To the editor, While reading the last issue of the Wessex Wire, I was disturbed

by the lack of any representation of the West Essex cross-country team in the Sports section. Although I recognize that cross-country (and apparently girls volleyball which was equally represented in the sports section) often falls into the category of sports that ‘aren’t real.’ We runners work extremely hard throughout the season, dare I say harder than many of the other teams that enjoyed extensive coverage in the previous issue.

I would also like to mention that this year, the boy’s varsity crosscountry team had its best season on record, finishing 7th place in the state sectionals meet, an accomplishment that I feel is newsworthy.

After realizing that this omission is simply an oversight, I would like to ask for more extensive coverage in the future as the cross-country team already garners very little. I fear that some times, students and even administrators in West Essex become myopic, reveling in the exploits of the field hockey and football teams while giving very little reguards to other sports such as Girls Volleyball or Cross Country.

Sincerely, Owen Gantz ‘10

Dear Editors of The Wire: Throughout the month of December, the holiday season is filled with cheer, snow, and anticipation for the New Year. I find that Christian people focus on Christmas, and people who are not celebrating the holiday, try to separate themselves from that attitude.

A couple weeks ago, I got off the bus and was greeted by Santa Claus.

Not the actual Kris Kringle himself, but a teacher dressed as the man. I realized that Santa is the symbol of a Christian holiday. I figured out that kids who do not believe that Jesus is God’s son or do not celebrate Christmas probably have a problem with Santa’s presence at their public school.

I have been in the public school system my whole life so I am familiar with the typical holiday protocol. We make cards or crafts for the people we love, and in grades K-6 we celebrate a form of gift-giving that they called Secret Santa.

Now however, I am sensitive of the fact that not all kids believed in Santa Claus, and do not celebrate Christmas. After speaking to some Jewish friends of mine, my suspicions have been confirmed. Public schools must not be responsible to allow any sort of religious setting on school grounds.

This practice does not come from a place of malice, but in order for students to feel like their differences are appreciated, the school cannot be involved in anything that engages a religion. Similar to the way I have been sensitive to the music I play, schools must be conscious of their actions.

For next year’s holiday season, I propose no Santa, but instead the attitude of good will towards men and women and a happy, joyous season.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Storey ‘10

January 2009

Opinions

Page 14

The Inherent Inequality of “Separate but Equal” No More Mister Nice Gay

by Dan Spada‘09

Proposition 8 was the California state ballot that defined marriage in California as a union between a man and a woman. The “Yes on Prop 8” campaign was largely funded by both the ProtectMarriage.com organization and the Mormon Church whereas the “No on Prop 8” campaign was funded by the “Equality for All” and NoOnProp8.com organizations.

Was it the robo-calls that quoted now President-Elect Barack Obama saying that marriage is between a man and a woman? Or was it the millions of dollars contributed to the “Yes on Prop 8” campaign, informing the public that homosexuality would be taught to schoolchildren and that priests would be sent to jail if they refused perform gay weddings? Either way, the majority of California voted, by a mere 4% nonetheless, to revoke the rights of gays and lesbians once again on the

issue of same-sex marriages.

It is paramount to consider the number of times that the American majority has been wrong in the past when discussing Proposition 8. There was a time when Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps based upon their nationality, which was accepted by the majority of Americans because of the war hysteria of the time.

Americans saw Jim Crow laws pass and flourish in the 1800s and 1900s, only encouraging the mistreatment of African Americans.

Up until the last century women didn’t have the right to vote in the United States of America. With liberty and justice for all, right?

Now we are living in a time, which will be sure to pass us soon enough, when gays and lesbians are forced to protest for their own rights and overcome the inherent inequality of separate but equal rights.

Unlike marriages, civil unions are not respected state for state for all purposes. Although filing for a divorce is uncomplicated, a couple

-artwork courtesy of Elliot Kartus who would like to end a civil union would run into problems because civil unions are not recognized, or even respected, in every state.

Many federal benefits are lost with a civil union, such as the right to take leave from work to care for a family member, the right to sponsor a spouse for immigration purposes, and the right to the Social Security of your partner in case of death. If your partner was sick and dying in the hospital, it is understood that you would visit him. Well, homosexuals lose this benefit in a civil union because they are not

considered “family.”

-photo courtesy of Dylan Cascino The decision to rescind same-sex marriage in California is the first time in the history of the United States of America that an individual state constitution has been amended by a majority vote, stripping away the rights of a minority group. The “amendment” is, in fact, a “revision” and this requires the approval of two-thirds of each house of the California State Legislature.

One of the prominent arguments used by the proponents of Proposition 8 is that by allowing SEE PROP 8 PAGE 15

Economic Bailout Saves and Steals

by Alinoel Navia ‘09

Though I’m a child of the 90’s, I worshipped Madonna’s “Material Girl” stance when I was eight years old. Spending money was my favorite hobby; my parents would take me to a nearby Toys ‘R Us to purchase the newest fad or to Limited Too to get the latest fashion.

However, that phase was shortlived; I later became too engulfed in my materialism, and my parents finally laid down the line.

I never understood the value of money until the recent economic recession. I took an economics course, but I must confess that despite my efforts to retain the information, the most pertinent topics became bits of short-term memory cramming.

Yet I knew the economy had been

patently ailing for quite a while. I discovered that the cost of living steadily increased, my parents’ pension funds took a dive, and not many could foresee stability in their financial positions. I discovered the severity of this recession. Price fluctuations guarantee the economy is unstable. Auto companies are in trouble, real estate problems are constant, and banks are in jeopardy.

No wonder the government proposed a $700 billion bailout plan.

Then again, some people remain at the apex of spending. To all those AIG executives who received a hefty cut of a bailout: are you kidding me? From becoming close to collapsing, AIG executives had the nerve to spend $440,000 on spa vacations in California.

Researching this astonishing expenditure, I discovered that

$120,000 was spent on meals for the AIG execs for one week; $244 was spent on meals alone per person per day and that $244 is more than the average American family spends to feed themselves in a week. I was at a loss for words. $120,000 is enough to pay for a student’s tuition for a relatively expensive college education. It’s more than the average yearly income of most Americans, and these guys spent that much in a week.

AIG’s wanton expenses can be derived from an earlier bailout plan, $85 billion being funded by the tax money of hard-working American citizens, who are certainly struggling at this point in time.

Above all else, I hope the gov-

ernment’s proposed $700 billion bailout plan will fulfill its purpose to rescue and not provide luxury.

Though the $700 billion plan was originally intended for banks, marine manufacturers and other industries are knocking on Congressional doors to receive their slice of the bailout.

In 2009, the economic situation is predicted to become even more detrimental. I continue to be dazzled by Louis Vuitton handbags and Mazeratis, but my materialism has wound down; the future is uncertain. Spenders like those at AIG can be anywhere. Forget Madonna; I’m shifting my mindset from materialism to frugality.

January 2009

Opinions

Page 15

Juicycampus.com: Hopefully Not Coming to a College Near You

by Evan Elberg ‘09

Juicycampus.com is the new gossip web site surfacing on college campuses across the country. The web page was launched in August, 2007 by a 2005 graduate of Duke University, Matt Ivester. Ivester believes that his website is “pretty entertaining.”

The web site encourages college students to post mean-spirited and malicious gossip. Some true, some not true. But here’s the thing, the site is 100% anonymous. There is no registration, login, or e-mail addresses required to post a comment. And the site is completely unfiltered.

Juicycampus does not censor anything that is posted. Anyone can say anything about anyone. Students first and last names are used, and even where they live can be posted.

In fact, the site’s home page tag line is “C’mon, give us the juice.” Not long ago a female student at the University of Virginia contacted Juicycampus to ask that an incredibly mean and untrue post written about her be removed from the site.

Their reply was “no way.”

Juicycampus, like other gossip web sites, is protected by a 1996 law that protects the operators of web sites from being responsible for mean or untrue comments that someone might post their site. They are also protected by the First Amendment.

In October, 2008 only 60 schools were featured on the web site. Now more, than 500 colleges and universities are featured on Juicycampus.com.

The website receives one million visitors per month. According to the website’s creator, Juicycampus.com claims that their website is a place where students exercise their First Amendment rights and post comments about other students, campus fraternities, sororities, and any other organizations.

Even rude and juvenile comments are protected under freedom of speech. Topics include

anything from “Ugliest Girls or Guys on Campus,” “Hottest Girls or Guys on Campus” to “Worst Athletes on Campus.”

Even racial comments are posted. Those are the “nice” topics.

Most of the topics cannot be printed in this newspaper.

Threats however, are not protected the First Amendment.

Threats would be investigated by authorities.

Students on various college campuses are very upset with the site and find it to be extremely hurtful, especially the victims.

No one wants their looks or behavior at a recent party talked about openly on a web site.

Many college students are concerned about incriminating comments written on the site that might be viewed by potential employers. Student government leaders, college newspaper editors, and presidents of various campus clubs and organizations are getting involved by urging campus administrators to ban the site from their campus.

Even if colleges and universities feel that the implications for free speech and censorship are very significant, they also feel that if student’s sites are shut down, sites such as ratemyprofessors.com should be shut down also.

College administrators and student government presidents are urging students to ignore the website. Instead students are being urged to respect one another and not to use the site.

If Juicycampus.com is banned, another site will surface. Banning the site has been considered

by Yale, Duke, Princeton, and Harvard, but these colleges and universities believe that would be censorship and going against the First Amendment.

However, in November of 2008, Tennessee State University banned the site. The vice-president of student affairs said, “It does not fit with the legacy, spirit, and reputation of Tennes-

see State University.”

A professor at a midwest university said it best, “Anonymity removes accountability. People will say whatever’s on their mind if there’s not fear or recrimination.” I guess he means cowards

PROP 8 From Page 14

will post comments on this web site because they will never have to reveal who they are. Pathetic.

Man up, if you have something to say, don’t hide behind some lame anonymous web site.

is the same chance at a happy life, the American dream, and we are denying them this simple right.

At the beginning of every history class my junior year, we discussed what my classmates and teacher believed to be important events going on in the world. One of those days my teacher mentioned that samesex marriages were finally being allowed in Massachusetts. She asked the students for opinions on the matter and mostly remained silent.

homosexuals to marry, we are re-defining the term marriage. In 1940, 31 out of the 48 states had laws that denied blacks the right to marry whites. Interracial marriage was termed miscegenation, and anti-miscengenation laws sometimes even outlawed sex between interracial couples. In 1967, 16 states still had laws keeping black people from marry“Do we still live in a society so closeding black minded that we deny the rights of a people. group of individuals to experience the Sadly, same highs and lows as the majority during of Americans?” the time of slavery marriages between two African- Then one of the males in the class Americans were not legally rec- said that they did not think gays ognized. should be able to marry because What is to be said about hetero- “it’s not natural.” Another chimed sexual marriage when, according in that he did not believe that they to Jennifer Baker of the Forest In- should not have this right because stitute of Professional Psychology, he didn’t like homosexuals.

50% percent of first marriages, It is this kind of discriminatory 67% of second and 74% of third behavior, tolerated by my fellow marriages end in divorce? What peers (even encouraged to a lesser is to be said about the gays and extent) but not by my history lesbians that, when the odds are teacher, that needs to be extricated completely stacked against them, from todays’ youth. are still struggling to acquire the Do we still live in a society that legal and basic human right that is so closed-minded that we deny has a 50/50% chance of succeed- the rights of a group of individuals ing? to experience the same highs and Now there are 18,000 marriages lows as the majority of Americans in question and millions of un- through a ceremony that has been happy gays protesting for their re-defined in the past? civil rights. I ask but one simple To quote the trailer of Milk, a film question – why? released in November about the Why do you care if two men first openly-gay man to be elected or two women get married? How to public office in California – “I does it affect you? All gays want know you’re angry. I’m angry!”

January 2009

Page 16

Opinions

Seniors, Are We That Big a Deal?

by Steve Kinslow ‘09

After finishing about three and a half years of high school, you would think that as seniors, we would acquire some kind of privileges. However, here at West Essex, it seems to be the exact opposite.

At nearby schools like James Caldwell and Verona high, seniors are allowed to go out for their lunch periods. In between a 40-45 minute span of time, they have to eat and be back at their next class on time otherwise this freedom will be taken away.

The administration trusts that the seniors will not abuse their opportunity and be back to school when they need to.

I feel that at West Essex, we can’t even be given the chance to do so mething like this. With

all the bomb scares and other

events that happen every day, why would we be offered this kind of opportunity? We have asked countless times to have the chance to go out to eat and we have always been shut down.

“I don’t know if it is a security matter or not but there is no harm in going out for lunch,” senior Nick Modrzynski said.

“Mr. Bonnet always checks the parking lot to make sure no one is missing and anything is better than what is served in our cafeteria.”

Additional privileges that most students have are their own parking spot. Sharing a spot with a friend just doesn’t cut it. I hear almost everyday about how people need to find rides home because their partner has a sport or needs to stay after for a club.

Everybody Just ‘Chill’

by Joe Russo ‘09

The job and real estate market are all in the toilet. We’re in a war that absolutely crippled the economy and put the national debt at a number that not even Bill Gates could pay off in 150 lifetimes. Most of the world hates us. And none of this is our fault.

Now, by ‘our’ I mean our generation, the generation that’s still in high school, going into college, already in college, or looking to start a career. We arguably are growing up in the worst economic condition this country has seen since the great depression and we could be the first generation to not surpass our parents’ wealth. My message to my peers: Don’t worry; we’re all in the

same boat.

Living in the towns we live in is a blessing and a curse at the same time. We can get whatever we really want, whenever we want it. On the downside, it makes it tougher for us to fend for ourselves in the real world and a lot of people might feel pressured to outdo our parents. I feel this pressure whenever my father tells me he wishes that I could do much better than he did. I can bet a lot of kids our age can completely relate to what I mean.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what your parents want of you, what your friends want of you, or what your peers want of you. It’s what you want, that really matters. I believe the greatest achievement in life is not exceeding others expectations, but exceeding your own.

It would be so much easier if every senior had their own spot so that these problems would never occur.

Plus, I don’t know if you

you could come in late to second period and not be marked tardy? Same with last period.

If you have an appointment

“Seniors should have a different policy than the underclassman do.” have been to a football game or not because it is impossible to park. These spots will help the community and the officers giving out tickets for illegal parking.

Also, it should be optional whether or not to attend first and last period studies. Say you had a late night doing homework or had some kind of family matter; how much easier would it be on you if

to schedule or just want to go home and get stuff done before sports or clubs, study is a great place to get a multitude of things done Seniors should have a different policy than the underclassman do. We are going off to college, why not try and make the last year flow easily then have major road blocks ahead of you.

APPLAUSE AND FLAWS

Applause

To the seniors who have been accepted into college To no bomb scares or lockdowns........so far To Wallace placing third in the Garden State Scholastic Press Association To reaching the halfway marker in the school year To all athletes that received post season awards To history being made with our first African-American president

Flaws

To midterms coming up To the poor officiating in the Football State Championship To yearbooks costing $150 To keeping the student body in school on Dec 19th To no heat on Monday mornings To not acknowledging Martin Luther King Day -compiled by the Wire Staff

January 2009

Sports

Page 17

Boys Hockey Enters New Conference with New Confidence In their scrimmage against Glen Rock, forward Jacobson, broke his wrist as a result of an open ice The West Essex ice knights decheck. He will be out until Februfeated Glen Rock, arguably the ary. toughest team in their division, In regards to the team as a on December 6, in their season whole, Giampapa believes they opener. All three senior captains have “more confidence this year contributed goals. Chris Shearin led the team with two goals and Chris Hill and Alan Jacobson contributed a goal each. Addiby Jon Struss ‘09 tional scorers include juniors Wes Bechler and John Fox. After the departure of head The team is led by fourteen coach Jay Benuvenuti prior to year coach Mike Giampapa. Gi- the 2007 season, there were ampapa explains that after eight many doubts floating around years of being in the top league about the West Essex Wresin the state, the league this year tling team and new coach Greg is slightly different. This year, the Ruggerio. Last season’s squad posted a respectable record, Knights are in the Red Division proving most nonbelievers very of the Northern Conference, after wrong. spending the last eight seasons in With three seniors lost to gradby Jenel Conde ‘09

and will be very competitive in this league.” He also commented on the “outstanding goaltending.”

Senior Scott Mekita starts in the net, but sophomore Owen Parr and freshmen Mike Cuzo and Tucker Noell all rotate into the varsity lineup and will see a great deal of

playing time this season.

Many games are played at Richard J. Codey Arena, formerly known as South Mountain Arena.

Practices take place during late hours, because ice time is limited.

Nevertheless, the team has started off with a solid record of 3-3-1.

Wrestlers Anticipate Success

the Red Division of the Central Conference. Giampapa believes “the change will give the players a psychological advantage.” This season, they will face teams such as Clifton, Montclair, Paramus Catholic, Ridgewood and Vernon.

uation, four new senior captains look to lead the Knights on their path to victory. Captains include Greg Ciampi (4x Varsity wrestler), Joe Michura (3x Varsity Wrestler), Andrew Valeriani (3x Varsity Wrestler), and Mike Droz (2x Varsity Wrestler).

Valeriani finished with the best

record on the team during last year’s season, posting a 28-11 record. Ciampi struggled with multiple injuries last year, yet he still managed to compile a 10-4 record. Both Valeriani and Ciampi have high hopes of making it to states this year.

“After training hard all offseason, I feel that Val and I have put ourselves in an excellent position to make it to the state tournament down in Atlantic City,” Ciampi said.

The past two years West Essex wrestler Sal Tobia qualified to wrestle in the tournament, but failed to place. The last time a West Essex wrestler placed in the state tournament was in 2006, when Matt Detroia placed 6th in New Jersey.

If this West Essex squad has any hopes of being as successful as last year’s team, head coach Ruggerio will have his work cut out.

“Coach Ruggerio is not only a great coach, but also a great guy with a lot of experience in wrestling,” Valeriani said. “As a wrestler, I really could not have asked for a better coach.”

With preseason in full effect, the wrestlers are counting down the days until the season opens up. At a recent scrimmage, Ciampi defeated last year’s 2nd place winner at the 145 lb. weight class.

“Things like this give our team a lot of hope. Hopefully we can just keep riding the momentum,” Droz said.

hopes for this year’s season.

“We have a lot more guys with a lot of promise, so this year’s team looks good,” Kahn said.

The girls’ team is lead by four senior Captains including Casey Boutillier, Sam Boyd-Dias, Jessica Kabrt and Megan Marsh. Boutillier thinks highly of the girls’ team.

The swimming program has had trouble in past years filling up the pool; not enough students were willing to join the team. This problem hurts a swim team because points are given out to fourth and fifth place participants. However this season looks different from

last.

“This year numbers are our strength,” Coach Taylor confirmed.

“We are finally able to fill each lane in our meets,” Boutillier said.

“We have a lot of great newcomers this year,” Kahn added.

Both teams have a lot of energy and work really well together. The difficult practice schedule and lengthy travel for meets and practices does not impair the West Essex swim team.

“The roster has 46 of the most dedicated swimmers I’ve ever met,” Coach Taylor said.

The boys and girls will continue their season facing many teams.

The boys’ team is looking to make a name for themselves.

On Dec. 9 the Knights swam against Parsippany High School.

According to Taylor the boys lost by very slim margins, while the girls were victorious again. The boys are currently 0-3 and the girls are 2-1.

“I hope we can continue to build the team into a sport that gets much more attention than it does right now. I’m sure some people are going to read this and for the first time find out that there is a West Essex Swim Team,” Taylor said.

Swim Team Staying Afloat

by Kelly Abbot ‘10

Despite a rough season last year, this year’s swim team started off with a bang. The girls won both of their meets for the first time in two years. The boys lost their first two meets, however only by a few points.

Both the boys and the girls are coached by West Essex graduate, Jake Taylor, who is currently in his second year as head coach. Taylor was a swimmer for West Essex from 1997-2000. The boys’ team is led by senior Captains Marc Aschoff and Ross Kahn who both have high

January 2009

Sports

The Stadium Shuts Its Doors

by Tyler Tomea ‘09

With the New York Yankees holding a 7-3 lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the 9th inning on Sept.

21, 2008, the lyrics of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” rang throughout Yankee Stadium.

The song, as Yankees fans know, symbolizes the entering of Mariano Rivera, the team’s closer and one of the best relief pitchers of all time. He needed only 11 pitches to retire three batters and preserve the Yankees win on this picturesque fall evening.

Not only was Rivera responsible for finishing this particular game, but he was also shouldered with the burden of closing out the historic Yankee Stadium the right way- with a win.

Located in the Bronx borough of New York City, Yankee Stadium,

which was built in 1923, has seen its share of historic moments and events. The stadium has witnessed records, such as Roger Maris’ breaking of the iconic Babe Ruth’s 34-year-old single season home run record.

It has also seen incredible moments, such as Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series and Aaron Boone’s walk-off home run in the 2003 League Championship Series to break the hearts of Red Sox fans and keep the curse alive, if only for just one more year.

Yankee Stadium has been home to inspirational moments, like Lou Gehrig’s unforgettable Fourth of July speech in 1939 and Jim Abbott’s improbable no-hitter in 1993.

Abbott, for those who don’t know, amazingly pitched a decade in the Major Leagues although he was born without a right hand. No other

Boys Basketball Looks to Repeat Last Year’s Success

by Steve Kinslow ‘09

Pump up your tune, get in the zone, and picture yourself hitting that jump shot. This is the mentality every player has on the West Essex basketball team during their pre-game: the mind of a winner.

Longtime Coach Mike Tierney, is going to have to battle through a tough schedule this season.

The varsity team was ranked 9th last year in Essex county and is looking to improve. Senior captains Evan Elberg and Tyler Tomea try to lead the knights this year to a promising season.

“We have a lot of underclassmen on the team this year,” Elberg said. “The talent is still all here but winning comes with experience and understanding which will be a real challenge for us this year.”

West Essex ended their season last year in melancholy fashion.

They lost a road game to Chatham in the second round of states by five points. The score was back and forth all game but the Cougars finished on top.

“It was disappointing to see the seniors go out like that,” two year varsity member Mike Tierney said. “The only thing we can do now is play our hearts out and hope for the best.”

West Essex opens up their season Dec. 19 against the Weequahic Indians. Weequahic finished 8th last year in Essex county, right above West Essex. They have made the state tournament six straight seasons and have always been a threat in the Iron Hills Conference.

“Weequahic always comes out strong and it would be a huge boost to the start of our season if we could come out with a victory,” Tomea said.

The knights will play six quick games before their holiday tournament. Every year they are a contender in the event and hopefully they are seeded well.

“We made the finals two years in a row and have come up short both times,” Elberg said. “This year, we hope that the third time is the charm.”

team can say three Popes have held mass at their stadium.

“In my opinion, after Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium is the greatest and most historic sports venue to ever exist,” senior Chris Hardy said.

The New York Yankees were not always the only tenants of Yankee Stadium, as they are now. The stadium, which was home to the New York Giants from 1956-1973, saw the Giants capture the 1956 NFL Championship.

It also hosted the 1958 NFL Championship, a game in which the Baltimore Colts defeated the Giants in what is recognized as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The New York Cosmos, a former soccer franchise, called Yankee Stadium home for two years in the 1970’s.

One of the most impactful events that Yankee Stadium -photo courtesy of bore Jenelwitness Condeto was not a baseball game but, rather, a boxing match. African-American Joe Louis was one of the greatest boxers in American history, compiling a record of 69-3 with over 50 knockouts during his career.

Max Schmeling, a German boxer who at one time was the World Heavyweight Champion, was a talented and lauded boxer in his own right.

Although it was later found out that he was never a supporter of the Nazi regime, Schmelling came to the United States representing Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany. His defeat of Louis in their first encounter, which took place in 1936, was seen as a great triumph for Germany and Nazism. The rematch between the two in June of 1938 carried much more weight than a typical fight.

The highly anticipated rematch was widely broadcast by radio across the world. Americans turned to Louis, hoping that he would be able to preserve American ideals, while Hitler was confident that a Schmeling victory would prove, again, the superiority of Nazi Germany.

A determined and motivated Louis knocked Schmeling down not once, not twice, but an impressive three times in the first round before referee Arthur Donovan called the fight. While Hitler was disgraced

by Schmeling’s showing, Louis became a hero in the United States.

Louis’ hands didn’t just knock out

Page 18 Schmeling in the summer of 1938, they knocked out Nazism, Hitler, and the forces of evil.

Without a doubt, though, this monument is most famous for being the home of the 26-time World Champion New York Yankees. Like Duke Basketball, Notre Dame Football, and the Dallas Cowboys, the Yankees evoke strong feelings of love and hate from their respective fans and detractors.

They are an iconic team in the world of sports and, appropriately, they play in this most renowned stadium.

A total of 34 players who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame have, at one time, called Yankee Stadium their home.

Legends of the game from Ruth to Gehrig to DiMaggio to Mantle have taken the field at the Stadium.

Along with being able to celebrate 26 World Championships, the House That Ruth Built can recognize 39 American League pennants and 15 division titles.

Fans of most teams hope to see a few championships in their lifetime.

Yankees fans expect to see multiple championships in a decade.

“As the Yankees continued to win, the mystique of Yankee Stadium continued to grow,” noted senior Steven Boltuch.

The baseball gods allowed Yankee Stadium to close its doors the right way. Derek Jeter, winner of four World Series Titles, was the home team’s last batter.

The aforementioned Rivera threw the game’s final pitch. Andy Pettitte, winner of countless playoff games for the Yankees, was the starting pitcher, and Alex Rodriguez finished the game hitless with two runners left on base.

The front office staff is scheduled to vacate Yankee Stadium in the winter of 2009. A stadium bearing the same name is set to open across the street and will be the home field of the New York Yankees for years and years to come.

“As a Red Sox fan, I have a natural hatred towards the Yankees. However, even I must admit that it is sad to see such a significant stadium close,” said senior Mike Fiore.

When a Red Sox fan gives a compliment to something associated with the Yankees, you know that something is very special.

January 2009

Sports

Page 19

Football Team Loses In Bid For Looking Back: Fall Third Straight Championship

by Geordy Boveroux ‘11

The West Essex Knights marched

onto the field at Rutgers looking for the first ever three-peat in West Essex Football history. They entered at an undefeated 11-0, another feat never accomplished by any football team from West Essex, as well as the last Iron Hills-Hills Division champs because of the realignment next year. On the opposite sideline was Jefferson at an impressive 10-1, coming off of a huge win against a previously undefeated River Dell and looking for their first state championship in over twenty years.

West Essex was without one of their feature running backs, Jon

Struss, but had been dealing with his loss since Lodi and felt confident with their backfield. Unfortunately, not everything went as planned as the Knights fell to Jefferson 21-6.

Head Coach David Drozjock said simply, “Things just didn’t go our way.”

“We’re obviously very disappointed,” said senior co-captain Joe Russo, “And it’s not really in the way we played. We all feel, seniors to sophomores to some coaches, that an opportunity to do something that has never been done for West Essex Football was taken away from us.”

Drozjock was still proud of his team. “I felt good about the effort they put in. No matter what the score they never stopped fighting.” He was also affected by the loss saying,

“I don’t know how to describe how I felt. It’s hard because you put so much hard work into the season and to come up short, it hurts.”

Drozjock, however, does not consider the season a failure. “We had an outstanding season, we won the conference and went undefeated for the first time ever, there’s nothing to redeem.”

After the game, he had some words to say to the team. “I told them I was proud of them for what they accomplished this year. I was proud they won the last Iron Hills Conference Championship, and they had some big wins like beating Mendham in overtime. It just hurts having such a great season and losing the last game and it’ll be awhile for that to go away.”

Seniors Lead Field Hockey to Four Rings

Sports Recap

by Jenel Conde ‘09

Girls Soccer 10-7-2 Placed 4th overall in the Iron Hills Conference.

“This is truly one of the most competitive group of athletes I have ever coached; no one can question their work ethic or heart. A tremendous group of seniors led this group by setting the tone early in preseason and carrying it through to the very end.” – Coach Bryan McNaught Boys Soccer 6-10 Leading Scorer: Stevie Kinslow, with 9 goals. Coach Michael Giampapa

Girls Volleyball 16-9 The volleyball team made it to the second round She and Gianna D’urso, are the to their victory over Bishop Eu- of states. “We went the farthest the

by Dylan Cascino ‘09 only players who have been on all stace. volleyball program has ever gone in If two is a party, and three is a four championship teams.

Against Bishop Eustace, the the history of the program.” – Coach crowd, then what does that make Other seniors who have won Knights were held scoreless Andrea Mondadori

four?

Perhaps the answer lies within the West Essex Field Hockey team, as they capped off their 2008 season with a win over Bishop Eustace on Nov. 16 in the NJSIAA Group 2 State Championship. This win gave the program their fourth straight title in the past four years.

This is the first time in school history in which the Knights’ have won four straight state championships. The Knights’ previous best streak was when they won three straight in the late 90s’. The 2008 championship is the Knights’ 14th title in school history.

“This season we had to overcome a lot of obstacles and adversity,” senior Alison Cassera said.

“Because of us winning (the state championship) it made it worth something.”

Cassera led a senior class that will be known as possibly one of the best in school history.

multiple state championships on the team include Breada Farrell, Noell Gomez, Michelle Hagel, Annie Mecca (3), and Jenel Conde (2).

The Knights went 5-0 in state tournament play, winning against Hackettstown, Newton, and eventually Madison to win the North 1 section championship.

In the group semifinals, they defeated Johnson, leading them

through the first half, but erupted in the second half for three goals, capping a 21-1-1 season with a 3-0 win.

The Knights concluded their season when they were defeated in the Tournament of Champions semifinal against eventual champion Eastern. Despite the loss, the success the Knights achieved this season is still remarkable.

Field hockey 21-2-1 Leading Scorer: Mid Atlantic All American, Gia Nappi, with 19 goals Leading Assists: Alison Cassera, with 22 assists. Essex County Champions.

Iron Hills Champions. North I Group II State Champions. 4-Peat Group II State Champions. Coach Jill Cosse Football 11-1 “This is the first time in the history of West Essex that the football team has gone undefeated in the regular season.” – Coach David Droz.

Cross Country 4-5 Placed 10th in the county. Placed 7th in the state sectionals. Coach Leon Samuels Girls Tennis 11-8 “Pretty good for a team with two returning starters.

We also made it to the semifinals of the state section losing to the eventual sectional champ, Parsippany, by a 3-2 score (third set tiebreak loss at second doubles). A great season for a very young team.” – Coach Barbara Bruchac

January 2009 Issue 2 Words

From Wallace

by Mark Walsh ‘09

The 2008-09 NFL Playoffs have been a wild ride so far. We have seen two teams that nobody thought would still be alive and we will get to see two division rivals meeting in a championship game for the first time in ten years.

The Wild Card games this postseason were anything but uneventful.

The NFC saw the Arizona Cardinals defeat the favored Atlanta Falcons in a game which few thought the Cardinals would win. With constant pressure on rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and an unstoppable passing game the Cardinals won handily.

The sixth seed Philadelphia Eagles defeated the NFC North Divisional Champions Minnesota Vikings 2617 in a game where Eagles Quarterback never put the ball in harms way to lead his team to an easy win.

The AFC Wild Card games saw the Baltimore Ravens dominate the Miami Dolphins with a strong defense led by All Pro linebacker Ray Lewis and ball hawking safety Ed Reed.

The second game was an overtime thriller that saw the San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts behind the legs of running back Darren Sproles, who scored two touchdowns including the game winner in overtime.

The divisional playoff weekend showed two more upsets that were unexpected. The Arizona Cardinals, who had not won a game on the Eastern Time Zone this year, shocked the Carolina Panthers defeating them 33-13 in a game that Arizona controlled from the start.

The other NFC game showed the Eagles upset the New York Giants 23-11 at Giants Stadium. This game showed the Giants get out coached on both sides of the ball which ultimately led to their early playoff exit.

The San Diego Chargers playoff run came to a sudden end this weekend in Pittsburg. The Steelers

The Wessex Wire Page 20

Cassera Makes Millenium Shot

said. ship by veterans Gianna D’Urso and Though Cassera is the leader of the Colleen Caprio.

After four seasons as the star of the Knights, she is surrounded by a solid “Scoring 1000 points is an unbelievable accomplishment, but my West Essex Girl’s Basketball team, team that is always assisting her.

“I would not have been able to acteams success comes first and winsenior captain Alison Cassera has complish what I have if not for my ning a State Championship is my made history. With nine points in the teammates,” Cassera said. number one goal,” Cassera said.

Lady Knights’ 63-61 overtime win over Weequahic, Cassera is now the Along with Cassera the Knights The West Essex Girls Basketball second girl in West Essex history to are powered by Juniors Jennifer team led by Alison Cassera looks score over 1000 points in a career. Weissbach and Jenna Sackman. The to continue their success en route to “Alison has been a top contributor Knights are also given senior leader- their first state title.

to this team for four years and a great

leader,” Head Coach Tom Kenny said.

Cassera has led the Knights to a 7-1 record this season and hopes to keep up her team’s success.

“Though my individual accomplishments are special, nothing comes before my team,” Cassera said.

The Knights opened up the regular season with five consecutive wins averaging 57.6 points per game.

The Knights were able to win the West Essex Holiday Tournament with a 59-40 win over rival Caldwell.

Cassera finished with 15 points while junior Jennifer Weissbach finished with 21 to go along with being named tournament MVP. “I am really proud of how well they have played this early in the season,” Kenny said.

Scoring 1,000 points is one of many accomplishments Cassera has achieved on the basketball court.

Cassera has gained a tremendous amount of support from her teammates and coaches.

-photo courtesy of Stephen Kinslow “It certainly is a tremendous achievement to score 1,000 points, Senior Captain Alison Cassera practices her free and I am very proud of her,” Kenny throws in the gym. dominated the Chargers throughout The AFC and NFC Championship Game was the third win for the the whole game earning their way games were competitive matchups Pittsburg Steelers over the Baltiinto the AFC Championship Game. that made great football to watch. more Ravens this season.

The Baltimore Raven rode their mo- The NFC Championship saw the After a long season, Super Bowl mentums to another upset win over Cardinals jump out to a 24-6 half- XLIII finally has its matchup: the high powered offense of the Cardithe top seed Tennessee Titans. time lead over the Eagles.

The AFC Championship After a late rally that gave the nals verse the NFLs best defense in Game will be the third game between Eagles a 25-24 lead, the Cardinals the Pittsburg Steelers. these two teams this season, look scored a late touchdown to propel

forward to a physical matchup and to propel them into their first Super a low scoring game.

Bowl. The AFC Championship

by Mark Walsh ‘09