The Classic newspaper Volume 3 Issue no. 4

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Vol. 3, No.4

March-April

March Pays Tribute to Women in History

B~' David Herszenhorn

The month of March has been declared Women in History month .

Its purpo se is to present important roles of women in history that have been downpl ayed by textboo ks.

Assistant Principal Bernice Horowitz said. "Textbooks have completely ignored roles of women in history , If you look in the American History textbook there is no mention of Abigail Adams: only new textbooks are beginning to show how important women have been in history ."

City Wide Essay Contest Recently , seven Townsend Harris students participated in an essay contest on Women in History which was sponsored by the New York City Board of Education. Two of the students, Aimee Majoros and Emily Zaslow , have been declared citywide winners . Mrs. Horowitz, who coordinated the essay contest for Townsend Harris commented, ' "The fact that we had as many students par-

tic ip ate as we d id shows an awareness, a positive awareness, of women in history . I think that wherever students are they should be aware of women in history ." Mrs .

Horowitz also explained that even when we think about women in history we focus only on famous peopie like Betsy Ross or Eleanor Roosevelt, not those involved in our everyday life, such as Our mothers .

Women Studied Science teacher Odile Garcia said, "Trn sure that people like Marie Curie influenced my life but the one who influenced me that most was my mother. ..

Students in History and English classes are being taught about women in history, a subject that receives very little attention from textbooks. Social Studies teacher Mary Carrajat said, "Women have played a major role in history but the roles have been sadly overlooked . " Mrs. Carrajat also said that in her American History classes she is'going over articles on reform movements as well as women in Nazi

Germany and how they affected Hitler. N inth grader Kr isti Rodenbeck responded, "1 admire all women in history because they have led to women's rights today."

Guest Speakers Mrs . Horowitz has also scheduled a speaker on Women in History during Enrichment sometime in late March. Mrs . Gwendolyn Hatcher is expected to talk to students about her role as a mother and as a lawyer.

Mrs . Horowitz has also been ask, ing teache rs to partake in Women in History month. She is now coordinating a forum discussion for teachers on " Women Who are Making History ." Science teacher Susan Appel, Guidance Counselor Sheila Orner and Librarian Valerie Billy are three of the faculty members who have already agreed to participate and many more are expected .

Mrs . Horowitz commented, "all of this is hopefully going to give us an added dimension to roles of Women in History ."

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LENNY DONGHIA

Alec Pollac and Irem Mas ir speak with coach Richard Russo at a practice meet of the Academic Olympics

team. They beat Bayside on March 25 and Bowne on Aprillst.

Academic Olympics Team Strives for Perfection

By Linda Facinelli Academic Olympics is a new enrichment this spring term for those interested in putting their knowledge to use, competively , in the academic area , The Academic Olympics is coordinated by Latin teacher Richard Russo. This is his first time coaching an Academic Olympic team and he enjoys the new experience. "I have a wonderful time at practice and enjoy coaching these gifted students ."

There are approximately twentyfive students currently on the

Academic Olympic team . The team members prepare by answering language arts, social studies, math, science and all inclusive questions.

The students get to choose the subject in which they excel and compete in these areas . During competitions there are five members to a team and a participant has up to ten seconds to answer the question.

This will be the first time that Harris will be participating in this type of competition, yet both the students and Mr. Russo feel they will do their best. As sophomore Raj Saxena

stated, "As students of Townsend Harris we experience many "firsts" for our school. Yet once we begin something we strive for that perfection."

Junior Darrin Fallik believes, "Through practice and competitions we will become more experienced.

Our strategies are improving and as a team we're pulling together and having a great time ."

The team won its first match against Cardozo High School 66-43 on March 18.

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RUSSELL DE CASTRO

Newsday's Helen Moore Sorvillo addresses Sheryl Rubin and Rhoda Weinstein's team ta ught class .

Newsday Observes Lesson on Power of the Press

By Heather Nash Newsday Educational Services Coordinator Helen Moore Sorvillo observed a team taught lesson on the free press and its effect on a fail' trial, on February 24.

The lesson, taught by Newspaper Advisor Sheryl Rubin and Debate Instructor Rhoda Weinstein, evoked an indepth discussion between The Classic staff and the Debate team on the power and responsibility of the press. One of the key issues raised was: is it possible to get a fair trial as promised by the sixth amendment, when the free press has the power to sway the public and possible jurors?

In order to point out the power the press has to present orily one side of an issue, and to sway the public, the students examined various Newsday articles on the racial attack in Howard Beach . A straight news piece, a feature, a photo essay , an analysis and an editorial were each analyzed for examples of fairness in presenting both sides .

The group concluded that through the use of headlines, quotations and

photographs, the media can sway the public, thus making it difficult to find an unbaised jury .

"I think we have the feelings we have now , not j ust fro m the newspaper, but fro m the radio and T .V. as well," said sophomore Esther Soffer.

Although both groups agreed that the media can somet imes present the facts in a biased manner, the importance of a free press was not overlooked .

"In every society , everybody has their own textbooks that they show to the students ," commented Classic reporter Hayley Thomas . "Not everybody has a free press, and since we do have one in the United States , we should take advantage it and use it. " After observing the discussi on, Ms. Sorvillo responded, "I really can't get over the amount of knowledg e and insight you have brought to this issue ."

Ms . Sorvillo's article about the lesson appeared in the New York Newsday on March 6. ,

Inside The Classic:

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Drama .. .. .. .... . Page 4 Winter Carnival .. . Page 5 Personalities. ... Pages 6Suicide Page 10 Girls' Track ..... Page 12

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THE CLASSIC

MARCH/APRIL 1987

EDITORIAL PA G E~iiiiiiiiiiiiiii Affirmative Action Evokes Classic .Enhances Family Concept

Negative _Reactions Affirmative action is becoming a euphemism for reverse discrimination. Why should race, religion or creed play such an important role in high school and college admissions and even job placements? To, day, standards are being bent somewhat to accommodate for new mandatory minority quotas or simply a school's desire to have a larger minority representation amongst its students.

The debate between excellence and equality flared up recently when the United States Supreme Court ruled that a judge may order employers to use racial quotas for promotions when evidence of past racial, discrimination was flagrant. Now is neither the time nor the place to undo past .injustices.

Affirmative action supposedly offers incentive to women and minorities with an economically or otherwise deprived background.

In reality, its effects are anything but affirmative. Those who are academical ly superior become despondent knowing that although another student's work is inferior to theirs they may be granted the position/acceptance simply to fill a quota for increase 'racial diversity.' And those minorities who really are working assiduously to get ahead and throw off the yoke of stereotypes are adamant ahout achieving success through merit, not through quotas that proffer special privileges on the basis of race.

Egalitarianism is in danger of being carried to unfair extremes with the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action. A student must be constantly encouraged to strive for his/her goals and a society's tolerance of mediocrity promotes a rejection of all standards in every aspect of our lives.

School For'um in Danger:

Suppressing Our Voice Censorship is the only tool more powerful than a free press. A Supreme Court decision determining the extent to which school authorities can censor student newspapers will be announced later this year. The Classic feels that if complete control over the student press is granted to school administrators, the papers will no longer serve as a forum for the students, but rather for the administration .

A student newspaper is an important aspect of every school community. In addition to expressing the students' views, it serves as learning block as well. Those who work on it learn how to independently run a paper, while gaining first hand journalistic experience. However, if the administration is allowed to intervene, some of this knowledge will be lost, and the students' voice will be sacrificed . ' In the 1969 case , Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme Court ruled that student newspapers may run independently unless the information printed "materially disrupts c1asswork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others." Therefore, unless the paper disrupts the school routine, it should not be tampered with by the administration.

Some might say that since a student paper is funded by the school, the administration should have the right to control what it prints.

However , this should not be the case. The administration should be able to advise the staff, but if the information printed is not harmful to the school community, the final say should be left to the students.

A loss of student contro l could result in declining interest in high school journalism, and possibly the close of many school papers.

Freedom of the press is just one of the rights promised to us in our democratic society. The students of America are also entitled to this right. After all, if the students' voice is not protected, there might not be a voice left to print. '

mitt Q!lassic mownstnb 3Jlarris 3Jlig4 &(4001 Editor- in-Chief: Heather Nash MANAGING EDITOR: Renata Kobetts NEWS EDITORS: Karen Greenberger, Holly Hatcher FEATURE EDITORS: Brad Mayer, Cheryl Schustack SPORTS EDITORS: Bernie Hyman, Lena Jones EDITORIAL PAGEEDITOR: MichelleGnyp Russell De Castro PH<YfOGRAPHY EDITOR: LAY-OUT EDITOR: DawnCabage,Gia Maika BUSINESS EDITORS: Sharon Bomzer, NanetteKung EXCHANGE EDITOR: Martha Douvogiannis ARTISTS: MichaelCabanos, Matthew Dominiani Mrs. Sheryl Rubin · FACULTY ADVISOR: PRINCIPAL: Dr. MalcolmLargmann STAFF: Corey Ackerman, Tammy Benjamin, Ji Yeon Choi, Leonard Donghia, · Linda Facinelli, Lisa Feintuch, David Fischer, Danielle Frons, Camille Gear, Eileen Gunn, David Herszenhorn, Melody Keilbach, Daniel Lew, Doris Sachs, · Mark Schwartz, Esther Soffer, Dorene Soo-Hoo, Hayley Thomas. !f'." :' ,"

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To the Editor: I' m writing to you concerning the article on Andrea Moore in the last issue of The Classic. The article was not only well written, but very informative.

There are a lot of special people here at Townsend Harris High School, and The Classic makes sure that these people are recognized . I think that having articles on our fellow students enhances the whole "family concept" of Townsend Harris.

The article about Andrea helped a lot of people understand Andrea better , as well as othe r people with handic aps. As a friend of Andrea's, as well as a sister of a person with Cerebral Palsy , I thank you for your article, and hope to learn more about other people in the issues to come .

Sincerel y, Tanya Odom

Coat Rule Receives Cold Review To the Editor: I wonder how much time it takes the administration to conjure up new rules . The latest states that a student may not carry his coat duri ng the day .

The penality for those who break this rule is detent ion. Does it really make a difference? Most students just carry their coats with them because they do not wish to get trampled when they are at their second floor lockers in the morning , when their firs t class is in the basement.

In additio n, a student' s coat can be very comforting when the school is so cold that the enti re class must huddle agai nst the radiator in or der to keep war m. I feel that as long as the student is attend ing school and is getting an educ ation , he should be able to wear whatever he feels com for table in.

Sincer ely, Lis a Satch ell

Pupil Approves Principal's Role of Honor To the Editor: I would like to commend those responsible for the Principal's Honor Roll. Many students work very hard for their grades but are unab le to maintain a 90 average. And, an 85 average in this school is almost equivalent to a 90 in another school.

The establishment of this honor roll gave the students who didn 't quite maintain a 90 average a sense of accomplishment. I should know because I was one of them .

Sincerely yours, . Rodea Ioa nnau ..1....'?·.•~\[ ;'

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Archaeology Admirer Seeks New Enrichment To the Editor: I have a deep interest in arch aeology. Since this school specializes in the humanit ies, perhaps as an enrichment choice, a professor who specializes in this area could come from Queens College to our school and teach the program.

I think it would be interesting for students to experience a knowledge of the past through archaeology.

Many archaeological excavations and museums could be visited. Students might be more enthusiastic if they

could actually visit these places. I myself have information concerning archaeological sites and museums, plus the addresses of other related organizations.

If this archaeology enrichment is taken under consideration, I am aware of the time , money, and planning involved in creating this program and I'd be glad to offer my assistance.

Sincerely, Brett Freese

Angry Parent Responds to Racist Incident Editor's note : The follow ing is an exce rpt fro m a letter written by a parent regarding our Ja nuary editorial , " Media Overpl ays Ho ward Beach Incident." Becau se of g reat lengt h, we can not pr int it in its entirety.

T o the Editor: I was appalled by the editorial, "Adding Flavor to the Facts: Media Overplays Howard Beach Incident" which appeared in your Jan uary issue . Although I agree that the mai nstream media often d istort and sensationalize in orde r to sell papers, in the case of the death of Mic hael Griffiths and the brutal beatings of his two companions by a gang, the media act ually came down on the side of racism by reporti ng that one of the victims was not " cooperati ng" in the invest igation . ..

Your editorial might have taken an honest look at our racist society, might have examined the historical roots of this racism, might have wondered why it is in the interest of the pr ivileged few to "divide and conquer " us with a racism which they impose on us - which we all inherit at birth. ..

I have been impressed by the academic standards at THHS, and by the quality of intellectual accomp lishment exhib itied by many of my daughter's classmates. Let's use those excellent tale nts to do some clear thinking about the ugly raci sm that keeps trying to separate us fro m our natural allies in the struggles for jus tice on this tiny plane t.

Peace, Edith M. Rees Mother of Megan O'Neal

Heavy Metal Fans Ignored at Social Functions To the Editor: Townsend Harris has been said to be "culturally enriching. " Yet there is one part of our culture which has not been represented . Because of this, a portion of the Townsend Harris popul ation has been isolated . I' m speaking of (you guessed it) Heavy Metal. At social function , the D.J .'s will only play New Wave, or even Rap . If the people who organize these

"mixers " want everyone to be happy, an area in the gym shoul d be designated for Slam -Dancing, or Moshing , The D .J . must be asked to playa variety of music. There is even the possibility that there could be portions of a music class set aside for the teaching of "why Heavy Metal is beneficial to society ."

Sincerely yours, J.J. Newman

Place Track Team in the Running To the Editor: It has come to my attention that the girls' track team is not receiving enough coverage and credit. They work as hard, and sometimes even harder than the other teams, and yet they do not receive adequate attention . Each member of the team is requ ired to give up her Satu rday s to

represent ou r school in track meets, and free time during the week to practice at John Bowne H.S.. They deserve a little recognition in the newspaper. After all, they are just as important as the volleyball and basketball teams .

Sincerely, ,'-': 1', · ' X ",: 1, Rosa Lin

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THE CLASSIC

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EDITORIAL PAGE'~iiiiiiiiiiiiiii Keeping the Doors Open:

Locked Library Limits Research Time

By Diane Duffy Keep the library open after school, please! Many students at Townsend Harris have insufficient time to complete their assignments; they need the library for research and study purposes. To comply with students' needs, the librarys hould be kept open for a few hours after school, each day.

By keeping the library open, many students who live far away from school and are not home in time to go to their own libraries will have a chance to finish their work. Although students are able to use the library during lunch bands, this does not give them enough time in the library .

Also, many student s work for members of the faculty at lunch time and do not have an opportunity to use the library's resources. This leaves them with no alternative but to go to their public libraries.

If the library were kept open, teachers who normally stay after school could supervise students.

Other students, who aren't as busy, could volunteer to offer some time to work in the library, and could receive service credit for doing so. This plan could be tested on a trial basis to see how the student body reacts to the idea and how well it works . . The students of Townsend Harris deserve to have the library kept open to assist them with their work and further their education. Keeping the library open would cause no disrup- . tion to the school and would probably be very successful.

For the good of the students at Townsend Harris , I ask of the administration, that the library be kept open after school, in order to alleviate the problem of appropriating research time.

Alumnus Lauds Humanities in Latin Townsend Harris is a school with an active Alumni Association .

The following is a letter fro m an alumnus , wh ich was orig inally written entirel y in Latin , and was translated by Latin teacher Richard Russo .

Ul vinus Dobsevage, THH ' 38 , To all new students says the most health.

Recently your paper The C lassic, I received and read . I am moved with great joy . Now afte r forty years finally wehave a huma nit ies school. It is for us in thes e changeable times to hold our nation, th e ship of state, on a di rect course .

The co urse of stud ies is for you to lea rn well . The study of ma th is of great impor tance . And then it is important to speak, to write and und e rstand ancient and modern lan guages. It is also importa nt to know the histo ry of-the world and of nat ions as we ll as anc ien t and modern science .

Always rem ember the follow ing: The Latin lan guage is the best to know. But it is necessary fo r us to study both ancient and modern languages for eight years so that you may always remember them.

In this way yo u would give help to your co untry in business in this country or outsi de . An d now I offer you a poem of a pres ent day poet who lives in Japan and als o teaches Latin .

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Collateral Stats Stun All

By Renata Kobetts through a science collateral, two ' Freshmen have grown wide-eyed social studies collaterals, two modern with shock, sophomores have groan- foreign language assignments, two ed under stress, and juniors have Latin collaterals, six English colthrown up their arms in frustration. laterals, two math collaterals, and, if How,many Harrisites are used to col- they are fortunate, two collaterals in laterals? The very word implies a' elective subjects. On the Queens Collengthy, drawn-out, unpleasant piece lege campus for the senior year, this . of wrinen work. To some, the writing .trend will most likely continue. seems endless.

Now, optimistically guessing that Freshmen at Townsend Harris are all collaterals are done and none assigned two math collaterals, one recycled, a student will write 77 colscience collateral, six English col- laterals before graduation. laterals, two foreign language colIt is safe to say that each collateral laterals, one art collateral, perhaps requires, on the average, 500 words. one music collateral, and two global This means that in four years, a stuhistory collaterals per school year . dent writes a total of 38,500 words Sophomores and juniors trudge in collaterals alone. If that energy

could be applied to a novel, Townsend Harris would dominate the bestseller list.

If words are, on the average, five letters long (over-looking the claim that Townsend Harris students may use longer words), one collateral will contain 2 ,500 letters. All 77 collaterals will contain 192,500. That is enough to go through the alphabet over 7403 times!

No, the writing is not endless. It may, however be a waste oftime. So many words and letters , written over four years, could be invested in a great novel, literary work, or perhaps a dictionary.

Inquiring Photographer How do you feel about the way President Reagan handled the Iran-Contra affair?

TACITUNITAS Cur latras humilis , cur ululas, ut frangi lem vide s exarsisse face m pallidior, seurola Ce rberi? priuignae laq ueo si pe reat Terra , silent io flerim, quae socium stiltitia est ar te Pro metheos. uatem nam prohiben t Pieri des noxia dice re et uolgi propo situm: uox hebeta ns usserit he rb ida prata et mulctra bourn . quod ui rea t rus Scythicum, deae iam reddent: faueas o re , Lyce, sis que pr ocul sacris; qu ae canta re nequis de lici as ad marernitius nstrum, nee tueris sidus aqu ae Cycladas , infimis etsi scuta uirum gu rg itibus mersa iacent. humi combussi t glacies ingenium , quae Stygios , tuum.

CENINIT KAL. IAN, A.V.C. MMDCCXL ARITUNEUS MIZ VNO If you are able to understand this poem, then you are probably good students of Latin. In January I'll be in Germany with cl assicists who like to speak as I wish in Latin. Last October I visited SUNY Binghamton where I took part in a Latin debate on William of Occain. I' ll be in Helsinki, the capi tal of Finland where I' ll make a Latin presentation . I am also the publisher and ed itor of HermeAmer ieanus, a Lat in magazine for school use. One day I' ll come to visit. Do well .•.in .all:..y our pursuits.

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LENNY DONGHIA

LENNY DONGHIA

" I don't think that Reagan has handled the Iran-Contra scandal at all. The American public still doesn't know what went on and who was involved. A president should be someone we can trust and someone who can trust us."

" I don't think the affair shoul have been exposed to the public : all."

"Blloku, Florence Watson .- -.. . " . . ..- Margaret "Heideiiry- --

" So many presidents have done things behind the nation' s back. He • .j,u,st gpt .Sill,lg\lt. "

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MARCHIAPRIL .l!

THE CLASSIC

PAGE 4

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NEWSBRIEFS Suman Gupta and Far ia Pereira each presented their research papers al Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at St. John' s Univers ity on M; 19. Both resea rched materi al at York College under the supervision of Leslie Lewis.

Concert pianist Yana Stotland performed at Hunter College Assembly on March 22 .

The Mock Tr ial team has won the first three rounds in the statewide M Trial competition and is ready to enter round 4.

The Townsend Harris community celebrated Foreign Language W March 1-7 with various cultu ral and ethnic activities in subject classes special fore ign foods for lunch .

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Five students were winners in the Queens Borough Science Fair on Ma 13. Faria Pereira and Ivan Bilaniuk each gained second place recogn iti Jessica Wohl and Suman Gupta each received honorable mentions, and Rc Bacigalupo received a second place awa rd.

Debate coach Rhoda Weinstein discusses a controversial issue with team members. The team beat Fort Hamilton High School on l\!arch31. Each student won a S400 bond.

Debate Team Argues Controversial Issues

By Michele Carino Is affirmative action fair? Is an honest dictatorship bette r than a corrupt democracy? Members of the debate team , coached by Mrs. Rhoda Weinstein, discuss these and many other topics during the enrichment band .

Debate is not only a place to argue about contraversial issues, but "it (debate) is a vehicle for critical thinking ," as Mr s. Weinstein explains .

Teaching students to think is part of her philosophy of education, and the main reason why she began the team as an enrichment option three years ago . Mrs . Weinstein continually stresses the importanc e of examining "two sides of an issue" and making a decision "based on intellect, not emotion" as part of her aims for members of the team . She also feels "being able to defend an argument" will help students later on in college and in everyday situations of life .

The debate is team open to all who are willing to give personal time to researching topics, writing speeches, and perfecting forensic skills . Mrs. Weinstein adds that she looks for a certain "motivation , the desire to do it " in potent ial debators .

Debate does not only entail learning to think quickly and logically, but also applying these skills competitively against other schools. After just three years, Townsend Harr is has already established itself as a strong contender in formal debating , as in the Cathol ic Forensic League. On December 13, Suman Gupta won a medal and Michelle Drossman attained an honorable mention in this league's competition .

The team now aspires to win the Lincoln-Douglas Debate sponsored

by Chemical Bank and The Daily News, where team members can earn as much as $1,000 each plus an additional $10,000 for their school. Mrs.

Aimee Majoros and Emilie Zaslow were declared city-wide winners in 1987 Women in History Month Essay Contest sponsored by the New Y .

City Commission on the Status of Women.

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Weinstein remarks with an air of confidence, "We have a better chance of winning this year. The debators have another year of experience behind them ."

For those looking for a new challeng e and wanting to learn valuable thinking and speaking skills which are useful throughout one 's life, the Debate Team may be the place. As one three year team member, Te resa Lazaar, expla ins, " In the end, it is definitely worth all the time and energy ."

The Debate Te am completed and won at the first level against August Martin High School on March 17 in the Lincoln Douglas Competition sponsored by the Chemical Bank, the Daily News and the New York City, Board of Education. Each student won a $200 U.S . Savings Bond .

Townsend Harris will receive $ 100.

The second level competition is scheduled for March 31 .

Drama Students "Take It " in Production

The recently developed Archon society reviewed and evalua ted appl tions for future members. An induction ceremony is planned for May, a balloon launch in April for the entire school., .

Cheryl Martin and Cheryl Shustack each submitted math papers which w accepted for the first round of the Math Fair of Greater Metropolitan " York pre sentat ion at Pace University on March 8.

Faria Pereira"was awarded a scholarship from the International/Intercult Exchange program .

Eleven students will pres ent projects in Round 2 at the New York S Stude nt Energy Resea rch Compet ition in Albany on May 17-19 .

Six members of the Spectre Drug Prog ram discussed the components ; effects of drugs and drug abuse to students during history classes on March Forty juniors will go on a day trip to SUN Y Albany and Union Colle sponsored by Arista and the College Office , on April 4 .

Members of the school community took part in the MAA Math Exam . March 3. Vadim Rubinstein and Bernadette Van Huy both received an the highest score on the test.

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First and second year Latin students participated in the National Latin I am , held in the cafetorium during J Band on March 11.

Members of the Classic, yearbook, and literary magazine staffs, attend workshops at Columbia Univers ity on March 12.

Creative writing students, with teacher Frank Polizzi, participated in all-day workshop sponsored by the Young Playwrights Guild on Marcl and 16. Playwright Susan Fleischma~ directed the activities.

The first 'T ownsend Harris Career Day is planned for April 9 . Ninen speakers will participate in the three workshops dur ing the day .

The Townsend Harris SADD chapter will sponsor " A Day With The Me on May 3. One hundred seats are available for the afternoon game .

Freshman Mark Schwartz has won first place in the Queens Story Tell Contest.

Debate Team Advisor Rhoda Weinstein took 8 students to Holy Cross H School on March 21 to qualify as debaters in the New York State Forer League Competition to be held in Albany on April 10 and 11. Michelle Car won a first place medal in the novice division . In the intermediate divis Michelle Drossman received honorable mention, Teresa Lazar third pi ami Scott Siegel second place. At the varsity level, Hyun-su Yi, placed th and Sean Gralton second . .

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Model Congress Passes Bill of Success LENNY DONGHIA

Drama coach Harriette Blechman takes a break with the cast of "You Can't Take It With You."

By Renata Kobetts "You don 't know the people; their son is going to marry your daughterthey're absolutely crazy people ...you're overdressed, Ms . Harriette Blechman tells the Drama Enrichment, as they rehearse You Can't Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, a play which will be presented on May 7 and 8 in the Townsend Harris cafetorium.

The cast, which includes Dana Levine , Shanita Lawrence , Michelle Miller, David Stone, Paul Janicola, and Ivan Borodin under the direction of assistant direct or Wendy Nembherd, has devoted hours of rehearsals both after school and during

enrichment, working out the script, postioning themselves on the stage, and offering each other constructive criticism. Meanwhile, the cast is working out scenery, costumes and props with Mr. Anthony Morales, begging and borrowing for anyone who may own an easel, a fish tank, or rubber snakes. The play has been in production since October, when students first auditioned for parts .

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"It fun. " " "It's fun," said Steve Torres . " It's like being on a sports team . We're here all combi ning for one common effort - that effort being to put on the play 10 the best of our ability. We

fool around, like Ivan's doing [now].

We couldn't have a play if we were all so serious.' He added, "People who have never really been frie~ before are a little more friendly:We have to be together."

Ms . Blechman expressed her feeling that as students work on the play they gain "experience, a good time, [and] the joy of being part of an artistic endeavor."

The true spirit of this creative endeavor is perhaps summed up best

by Ms. Blechman. "They like to wo rk together. .. I'm hav ing a wonderful time whether we get it on stage or not. (And) no matter what, we go on stage on May 7 .

By Danlelle Frons Townsend Harris students participated in a Model Congress at McArthur High School in Levittown, Long Island on February 27 - 29 .

Led by President Steven Finkelstein and Harris College ' Advisor Howard Wagner's son Eric as Vice President. the Model Cong ress followed true Congressional procedures . Among the committees formed were a Government Operations team , a Judiciary team , and a Human and Civil Rights team. After receiving a packet contain ing journals , the Constitution, and different issues to debate, each committee elected a chairman and co-chairman.

A speaker from each group was also

chosen to either sponsor or denou i the bill before the committee WOI vote on itspassage, A dance was a sponsored by the Model Congress one of the evenings .

According to sophomore Roc Ioannou, an active participant in ~ weekend, the Model Congress v "a great opportunity to learn to sp in front of people and to understa our Congressional procedure. I gOI meet a great many new people 2 establish strong friendships ."

According to Rodea , the MOi Congress was beneficial in m~ ways . " The atmosphere was _ care free and we really didn't ~ pressured ," she added . :' Everyc there loved Townsend Harr isites

jMARCHI APRIL 1987

IPAGES

THE CLASSIC

Stepping in from the Cold:

Spirit Warms Winter .· Carnival

RUSSELL DE CA STRO ..

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GIA MALKA

Hyun-Suy, Abi Jones, Marc Malkin, and Heather Berman sport their fashions.

By Karen Greenberger Townsend Harris, its hallways embellished with Christmas trees, icicles, "snow, " and snowmen, hosted its first Winter Carnival sponsored by the PTA on the eve of February 18.

"Fortune Cookie," "Your Horoscope," and "Take My Picture," were among the many booths run by parents and students. "The booths were the most interesting part of the carnival, because they allowed the students to become actively involved," said Robyn Mendelsohn.

While guests were munching on fortune cookies and having their palms read, parents, faculty, and students were sweating it but in the gymnasium playing volleyball.

After cooling down from the rigorous activity in the gym, guests were entertained by thirteen students who modeled every aspect of dressat Townsend Harris, ranging from casual to evening wear. Chosen students served as judges for the show and announced their final results after a long and tedious decision; Rene Stewart, fourth runner-up; Oliver McIntosh, third, Crystal Clark, second, and social studies teacher Rhoda Weinstein, first place.

While awaiting the judges' decision, Yana Stotland playeding Chopin Preludes, No. I and No. 7, and Vandalyn Kennedy had the audience join her when she sang "Ebony and Ivory ." .'The most beautiful thing about this school is the spirit of it," commented P'I'A President Pauline DeMairo as she charied an Open meeting after the show. First on her list for gratitudes was Clementine Butts, the coordinator of the night's festivities.

During the night, Jules Kaufman raffled tickets for a future Knickerbocker game; Tony DeMario was the lucky winner.

At the conclusion of the meeting, desserts and beverages, prepared by the Assistant Principal Bernice H orowitz welcomes guests parents, were served , to Carnival.

Commented teacher Wanda Nix with a smile, "I thought the Winter Carnival produced a lot of good feeling!"

& Rene Stuart and Nicole Dittrick show off, THHS style , in a fashion sho w, as Abi J ones narrat es the show .

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Volunteers show their oriental culinary skills.

Danielle Frons and Alena Ratner display new sweatshirts. )

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PAGE 6

THE CLASSIC

Townsend Harris in the Spotlight:

H •••

MARCHIAPRIL 1987

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People each person has something special about him"

by Michele Carino "The big buildings are falling!"

Ruth Kon desc ribed this as her greatest fear eight years ago , when she view ed the New Yor k C ity skyline for the first time. Only a day before . she was still living in her small home town in Israel. where the tallest edifice may have been two or thr ee sto ries high . Unable to speak a word of English. she had to adj ust to an entirely di fferent atmosphere in a . 'strange count ry," Ame rica .

Now. the curly-haired and brown eyed sixteen year old sits back and laugh s at the thought of being afraid of Ma nhattan, where she lives with her parents and elder brother. In fact, if anyone is-ever looking for Ruthie, the likelihood is that she is either shopping or enjoying a museum and a walk in the park .

The language barrier is another element of the past ; Ruthie has such a strong command of English that she is able to attend Townsend Harris , a

Ruth Ko n "sits back and laughs at the thought of being afraid of Manhattan. " high school which focuses on the humanities. Obviously, she has adjusted well to the ways of urban life.

However, living in New York has not made Ruthie forget her Jewish heritage. Her countenance becomes

very serious and thoughtful as she mentions the horror of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, which directly affected her family. She reads a great deal about that particular period in history , especially Elie Wiesel , the

Nobel Peace Prize winner.

At one point, she came close to rese arching a Westinghouse project, but she had become so emo tionally involved that she was for ced to stop.

"I don't understand how anyone cou ld be that cruel to so man y people,' explains Ruthie. Discussing this topi c with her really sho ws the other side of her, a side which reveals her maturity, ability to think independentIy, and her sensitiv ity to the world aro und her.

T hese special qua lities are also evident in the dreams she has for the future . She plans to attend Boston University or New York University because of their humanities ' programs . She has already decided that a deskjob is not for her. "If you 'have the same rout ine every day, you rniss out on new experiences ... you are too easily bored."

One of her greatest aspirations is

to be a judge, mai nly because "it is never the same twice. " She hope s to someday preside over the World Court, where she will settle dispu tes between the nations of the globe.

Ruthie, after expressing such lofty sentiments, then says in a sincere tone that she wants to have children.

She feels that " being able to bring life into th is world is the g reat est miracle." This, once again , only enforce s the mature image she projec ts, and it is easy to forget that this young wom an is only sixteen years old.

When asked how she views hersel f and other people she meets, she responds that " each per son has something special about them."

Ruthie Kon, a warm and caring person, who came here as an immigrant and whose future is as bright as the skyline she once feared, illustrates how true this statement is just by being herself.

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. . . "

by Joanne Muntzner Can a person be both an athlete and a classical mus ician? One may think this is impossilble, espe cially if that person attends Townsend Harris High School , a school with high academic standards . But Katie Cadette, a fourteen year old sophomore, is just that.

She is a dedicated tenn is playe r and has been competing in tournaments since she was ten years old.

Katie has been playing tenn is since she was " the size of the racket."

Because her fam ily played tennis often, Katie naturally became a -tennis player herself.

ing tenn is in college wit h the possibility of becoming a profess ional tennis player.

In addition to being a tennis player, Katie spends much of her time play ing the piano .

Katie has been playing the piano for over nine years . She has placed in the top ten percent in many com petitions in which she has participated .

But becoming this good has not been an easy task for Katie. She practices for two or more hours daily, in addition to doing all her school work .

Katie loves playing the piano and

Michele Carino smiles in school with her boyfriend Steven Torres.

She's Fifteerz, Successful And very Much In Love

By Hayley Thomas In the hall, two students round the corner, ho ldi ng hands. T here's nothing unusua l abo ut that. Love and school have always gone arm in arm .

What , or rather who, is unusual is the teenaged girl. She's fifteen, academically successful , happy, healthy and very muc h in love with her boyfirned, Steve n Torres . Her name is Michele. Mic hele Carino.

Michele is a mature young woman in control of herself and her destiny , She is. by her own definition , strong, amb itious, self-motiva ted, a perfectionist and a bit of an ove r-achiever.

But she is also war m, funny, witty, and surprisingly complicated. There is an air of confidence and self-worth abo ut her that momenta rily parts to sho w an unex pected vulne rability .

This vulnera bility is gone so quickly that one wonders if it is there to begin with.

"I think that educatio n offers a person the opportu nity to be the best that he can be," said Mic hele, who plans to go to college . She describes goi ng

to co llege as her life long dream . "I don' t know for sure ." What she does know is that college is definitely in her future and so is a certain young man .

There is a glow that one wears when one is in love. One only has to mention the name Steven and Michele could rival a firefly. Steven is such a part of her that she says, "If Steven ever left, I don't know how I would react. It would depe nd on the reason.

I know that I'd be hurt and possib ly angry. It wou ldn't be the same without him. I would lose a lot. He'd take a piece of me with him."

"Ui"re very protective of each other."

Such hones ty could open the door to doubts and fears, but Michele feels that he r relationship with Steven is based on trust, love, and mutual respect. She realizes that she and Steven will grow and cha nge and she is not afraid of these changes . . Michele has confidence that they can

.grow together and not apart because she says that they could never hurt each other on purpose. "We 're very protec tive of each other. T he only time we really get upset is when we think we've hurt each other. " Despite her close relationship with Steven, Michele remains an individual. She has her own interests and hobbies, one of which is collecting books . "Every book is like a mystery," she says as a way of explaining her interest in book collecting . Having them right there gives he r access to these mys te ries whenever she feels like it.

M ichele is an ardent Bruce Springsteen fan. She also enjoys Billy Joel. The music of these all-American musicians see ms appropriate for this Queens born , Queens ' bred young woman. Miche le is a daughter of America; one of the very best She has ever produced . With her unique blend . of toughness tempered by tenderness, Michele knows that she can climb the mou ntain of life and smi le with satisfaction at the summit.

.•• 4·~":';)G;..Y.i\SMIN SANTIAGO

Katie Cadette feels she has become "a well-rounded individual who knows how to make the most of her time."

She trains under the instruction of participating in competitions. As she her uncle on the Junior Development sits with her legs crossed, twirling her Team located in Lake Placid where hair, a meaningful expression comes she vacations every summer. Being over her otherwise smiling face as she on this team involves practicing five says thoughtfully, "Playing the piano hours a day , every day. means con veying my mus ical Katie believes that playing tennis message to people for their provides an outlet for stress and enjoyment. " anger. She admits that it takes a lot How does Katie find the time to do of work to get to the top in order to all this, as well as being a member taste the th rill of victory, but she of Arista? "It's not easy," she exloves it. claims, "It takes a lot of hard work Inspired by Tracy Austin, a profesand dedication to the point where I sional tennis player who had surgery have almost no free time. " She feels but came back to play again, Katie that she is lucky to be this talented expresses her thought, "Her desire because it has enabled her to become to play again just shows that ·if you "a well-rounded individual who like to do something that much, knows how to make the most of her nothing can stop you from doing it!" time. " Katie would like to continue play-

MARCHIAPRIL 1987

THE CLASSIC

PAGE 7

Behind The Books A Go-Getter Who Can Take On Everything

'~ASMIN SANTIAGO

·

Ann a Obsatz has a drive in her that makes her work and strive toward a goal until she achieves it.

by Rodea Ioannou From the tips of her dancing toes to the ends of her golden locks, Anna Obsatz, who sees herself as a " well-rounded" 14 year old, is an intelligent and cari ng person. Her one wish in life is to be happy with herself and whatever she does .

One of her goals is to go to Stanford where she believes she will fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer. She has wanted to go into law since her childhood year s. She looks up to the way her uncle, a lawyer , helps people in times of trouble. She would like

.

to follow in his footsteps and do the same. She adds with a little smile, "I also want the money."

She has a drive in her that makes her work and strive toward a goal until she obtains it. This , she says, has to do with the two most influential people in her life - her parents. Her mother was very unhappy as a teacher. She wanted something more challenging. Today, after a lot of hard work and patience, she is a manager of the computer department of a m otion picture company. Her father'was a man with a dream of owning his

own business . He didn 't give up until he made this dream a reality . Anna's big blue eyes light up with pride as she tells of her parents' achievements . She has hopes of working towards and fulfilling her own dreams in the same way.

There is a lighter side to Anna - that of a fun loving teenage girl of the "80 's." Behind that drive of hers is a girl who, like every other teenager of America , " loves a good time."

She loves to shop, and feels more comfortable in the company of her many friends.

Even though on the outside Anna is a go-getter who can take on everyone and everything in her path, there is also a very sensitive and sometimes very frightened person underneath this domineering exterior.

These fears she has sometimes make her think twice about being able to reach her goals .

One great fear of hers is to grow up and have no one. In short - to be alone . The way she deals with this and other fears is, " I talk them out so I can learn to face them - then I learn to overcome them before they build up and become too big to handle . I don' t just brush them aside."

"Feeling good is the only way to describe it"

by Bra d Mayer The holiday spiri t of caring and sharing ends for many with the coming of the New Year. However, people like Ian Madover bring this joy and help to the patients and staff of Deepdale Gene ral Hospital in Little Neck, Queens all year round .

Volunteering for three hours, one day a week, Ian describes his work as both "an educati onal and emotional experience which has had a tremendous impact on my present life."

Ian , who lives in Jamaica Estates , resides with his parents; his 19 year old brother attends SUNY Albany.

Mrs. Madover commented on her son' s good deeds, "I think the volunteer work at the hospital is a great . idea. Ian has reached new heights of responsibility and learned

feeling good about himself, Ian has learned how to admit and dismiss patients as well as do blood and urine tests. " Some feel that candystripping is just another way of making yourself look good on a college application, " says Ian. However, this samaritan prides himself on the fact that li~ is able to provide much needed help' for his communtiy and can do something worthwhi le for mankind in his spare time .

Ian recalls one heart warming episode where a sickly old lady, who was in the hospital for several weeks, became very depr essed because she had no friends or family to visit her.

Ian came to the rescue by striking up interesting weekly conversations with her and soon the lady and Ian became

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Ian Madover, volunteer at Deepdale General question on a test. a lot about how a hospital is run . I am proud to have such a lovely boy as my son."

"Feeling good all over is the only way to describe it, " says the 15 year old candystripper. "When I see the smile on a patient' s face after chatting or receive a hearty thank you from a doctor or nurse I know that I am doing the right thing ." Besides

close friends. As a token of their relationship, she knit him a handsome sweater which serves as an emotional reminder to his good deeds and special friendship .

Will this volunteer job have any effect on Ian's future plans and career goals? "Definitely," he says . "I've learned not only the technicalities of the medical world but how important

communication is." All of these skills will come in handy if he continues to pursue his lifelong dream to become an open heart surgeon.

So while others are sitting home watch ing T .V., Ian is happily d istributing magazines, flowers, and medication to the ill. With an outstretched hand of companionship, warmth and friendliness along with his outgoing personality, Ian has managed to heal and strengthen the hearts and souls of the people he touches .

YASM IN SANTIAGO

While working in a hospital, Mark Gilliam "got to know some of the patients really well, and was even close with some of them."

Closing The Generation Gap

by Sharon Dreyer Many teenager s have trouble relating to their grandparents because of such a large age difference. Mark Gilliam at one point felt that he could not relate to his grand parents either, but because of a summe r experience he was able to overcom e this problem.

In the summer of 1986, Mark applied for a job with Airport Opportunities, an opportunity program in which one is assigned to a paid job throughout the summer. He was placed in a veteran's hospital and his job was to take patients who were unable to go by themselves to different locations in the building. Most of the people he wheeled around were about 70 to 80 years of age. One he eve n said was close to 100.

At first he said he felt a little uncomfortable talking to them because he felt they really didn't have much in common with each other. But he soon overcame this. Every day he would come into the hospital and the workers would choose a card with a patient's name with whom they would work for that day . On a nice day he would take the patients out on the grounds or out on the field to play catch with them.

Even on his lunch hour Mark

would spend his time with the patients. Sometimes while he was playing pool, a patient would come into the recreation room , and to Mark's surp rise would just stand up and play like any other normal person. The patients never seemed to mind talking about their sicknesses, so Mark learned not to mind either.

Mark got to know some of the patients really well and was even close with some of them. He found himself coming to work in the morning and running to get a card with a certain person's name on it. " I ended up having favorites, " admitted Mark . By the end of the summer he no longer felt uncomfortable. He felt relaxed talking with elderly people. It was no longer a task tryi ng to think of what to say.

Mark gets along extremely well with his grandfather now. He feels he now has something in common with him and feels closer to him now than ever before . " I can talk to him and have a regular conversation without feeling awkward, " Mark explained.

His only regret was that at the end of the summer he had to leave the hospital, leaving many of the friends he made behind. " It was a fun job ," Mark concluded . He hopes that he wili be fortunate to get the opportunity to do it again next summer.

'... not all p eople are like Americans.

"

By Renata Kobetts "There are so many things I' ve done , that I've enjoyed doing and that's how I remember things. I don't really remember the bad things ."

And Lisa DeMairo remembers her trip to Japan last year as a part of the Japanes e-American exchange program very vividly. " It taught me that not all people are like Americans, and that we're very different- and that I'm not so proud to be an American." She noted that the Japanese are very disciplined, "They 're dedicated to pe ace and ve ry dedicated to everythin g [they do] ." " They have a sense of beauty that some Amercians just don 't bother to have . They don't really wear makeup . They 're tense, but they're more relaxed . I didn't get to know them because I was only there for two weeks," she observed . "Compared to Americans , they 're not as outspoken.. .they' re very quiet on the whole. " Lisa feels that her independence is very important, but sometimes causes problems because people are hurt when they find that she doesn' t trust them. Lisa admires independence in others as well. "I would have liked

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A participant in the Japanese exchange program, Lisa Demairo feels tha t her independence is very important. to meet Anne Boleyn because she was a very strong person . She didn't let Henry get the best of her until the very end, and she knew she didn't do anything wrong ." Lisa has a great deal of respect for her aunts, grandmother (who is going to school now), and mother. "They're older than me, but I grew up with them." She continues , "My mother has done so many things- it's unbelievable." Lisa speculated, "I wish I wasn't so ob-

noxious sometimes . I wish my tolerance level would be a little higher. I wish I was optimistic ."

While in Japan, Lisa feels she grew both emotionally and intellectually .

"I had to deal with people who are completely different from what I'm used to. It was different. It was a lear- . ning exper ience because you realize that people are different than you are and you realize that your way is not the only way ,"

THE CLASSIC

PAGE 8

.MARCHI APRIL 1987

iB reaking Rules at THHS:

.

.

Realizing the Importance of Regulations

By Hayley Thomas However, Malcolm Rossman, Rules are meant to be broken. Isn't Assistant Principal Organizat ion in that the old saying? At Townsend charge of security and discipline, Harris, as in a~!her schoql; rules ~.9oes" ~ee.,,~~e . i~portance Of, this are ignored, broken and forgotten; regulation, It IS 10 the students best but students don't seem to realize that interest that they be able to move school rules are important and are from class to class with the least there for a purpose. amount of stress and distraction A survey revealed which school possible. They can't do that when rules are broken most often and why. they have to side-step other students There are four school rules that a magoing the , wrong way,' ' explains jority of the students seem to feel are Rossman. useless, unimportant and unenforced.

Sophomore Vanessa Graham feels They are: the use of the designated that this regulation should be enforced up and down staircases during " because it presents an inconvepassage from one class to another , the nience if you have to dodge people ' usc of lockers only during designated ' on the stairs to get where you are times, the prohibition of eating in going. " class, and the prohibition of walkmen Rossman added that " it is too much in the school building. to hope that every student will remain safe when travelling in two-way traffie on a staircase that is too small to comfortably allow such traffi c.

Students don't se~m to realize ~?at."

Dean Wanda NIX agrees that safeMany Towns.end Harr is students ty is the most important factor in havfeel that it is ridiculous to have to ing the up and down staircase regulawalk the length of the hall just to get tion. It should be vigorously enforcto a class on the first floor directly it. " d and I d0 my best to enforce e orce It. below the previous class on the second floor. Therefore, a majority of'. them don' t. Students simply use the convenient staircase and in doing so, Both Rossman and Nix feel that the they break the ostensibly trivial use of lockers at designated times onschool rule. ly is important. "If students were To get from one class to another, allowed to go to their locker anytime according to Roberto Colon , "you they felt like it, class work would be have to go all the way around and interrupted," points out Ms. Nix. people are always late because of " The banging of locker doors this." presents a distraction to ongoing

Staircases

Lockers

classes. Locker visits tend to encourage congregation and that is an additional distraction to classes in p:~gress . In addition to that: locker VISItS take away from class time and they result in lateness. Most importantly, people at their lockers are block ing the already congested , hallways and that is the last thing we need. " Rossman concurs, saying, "The building is too crowded to allow students to use their lockersanytime . they like. It causes gridlock in the hall and its hard enough to get where you're going as it.is." .

But Matthew Psicoulas disagrees, saying that " sometimes you just forget a book and you just want to get it. You don't loiter there; you just get it fast."

locker. What is not permitted is the used." use of walkmen in class or in the "I feelthat eating in class shouldn't hallways.' A walkman is not apbe allowed," agrees Charlotte propriate in a class atmosphere and Neuhaus:,' 'because food brings it is distraction to both student and roaches . teacher." Warns Nix, "when I see a walkman outside of the locker, I take it away."

What happens to the student who Abi Jones says "people who come breaks the rules? Most of these rules from far away to get to school listen are not enforced rigidly and students to a walkman to have something to can get away with breaking them do during the ride. I don't see why sometimes. But when one is caught we can' t listen to our walkmen durhe/she is given a verbal warning . If ing lunch bands when we have the incident is repeated, there is a nothing to do."

As for the no food in class rule,_ written warning in the form of a referr al. If the incident recurs , there Rossman 'states, "food in class is a is then a letter home, detention, and distraction and it presents litter proif necessary , a parental confe rence. blems. It is not appropriate, although Chemistry teacher Michael Anzel there are exceptions . Between suggests "there are too many rules academic work and service duties, imposed on the students. They should many students don't have a set time have a say in rules that affect their to eat, so they grab a bite in class own comforts and which don't disturb whenver they can and I understand the school. Since they were selected USIC that. But the classroom is not the for their intelligence and maturity, I . place for food. We have a cafetorium What about not be109 allowed to f h " don't think that they should be treated . I d alkm . h or t at. like babies. If I was a kid, I wouldn't have food 10 C ass an w en 10 t e N ' . I d h " . . I ildi ?

B h N' d R IX cone u es t" at eatmg 10 c ass bUl mg. ot ossman like it either." . . IX an encourages vermm and filth. It s not realize that "with the amount of I b d b Social studies teacher Paul Stessel . peasant to e aroun ecause travelling studentsdo to get to school, d .h d ' I th . , comments that "the school rules are . . . stu ents eit er on t c ean up ell' havmg a walkman to pass the time 'IS, . . . important, reasonable and can be "N' ak f garbage or they throw It 10 contamers understan d able.

IX spe s or . d . dri . ' d argued on education grounds . " not equippe to contam nppmg so a Rossman as well as herself when she d fini h d b I I The school's rules are a constant I' cans an un lOIS e age says, "h t e ruIe about not aIowing . s. n some source of controversy between the ' f . cases, students who rruss . schi waIkman 10 00 IS more or secun. . lunch one student body and the administration.

IS excusable. hi I I ' day a week for lab, It ty purposes than anyt 109 e se. t IS As long as students dislike a rule, . . 0 f th e student to But those classrooms have the apat the discretion . they will disobey it. As long as there k the propnate garbage cans and those decIide whet her he wants to tae . are rules, administrators and faculty ' . h' lk . hi classrooms are clean after be109 chance 0 f 1eavmg IS wa man 10 IS , will continue to enforce them.

Penalties

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Slow Transportation Hinders Travel

By Ma rk Schwartz Many Townsend Harris students are having trouble getting to school on time. They attribute their lateness to the distance they have to travel each day and the problems they encoutner with the New York City transportation system. These students still choose to attend Townsend Harris when they could have gone to a closer and more convenient high school.

Most of the students who live in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan and the Bronx have to take both trains and buses to get to school. One student, Richard Jones of Staten Island remarked, "I have to take two trains, two buses, and a ferry to get to school each day." Michelle Panton of Brooklyn takes three trains and one bus each way and Jodi Shapiro, from the Bronx, takes three buses to get to and from school.

These students leave their homes in the wee hours of the morning, from 5:30-6:30 a.m., and still encounter difficulties . Richard Jones said that he has been late eight times this year even though he leaves his home in Staten Islandat 5:20 a.m. Studentsattribute their lateness to trains and buses that are slow, delayed or break down completely. There are long waiting lines for buses which often do not follow their schedule. These . delays peak in the winter and many

students find this inconvenience almost unbearable .

Students who must take more than one form of transportation to school, often wind up walking part of the way . Michelle Panton stated , " Sometimes I have to walk all the way from Main Street in Flushing to Townsend Harris." She would rather walk twenty blocks than wait thirty minutes for a bus. During the morning rush hour, buses are often crowded and do not make all the stops. By the time they arrive at school, many students are nervous and weary from their long journey.

Despite these problems, students still make their long trek to THHS every day. Many of them would rather spend more time travelling to a good, safe school then attending local high schools that they feel are academically and socially inferior.

The solution of a private bus service to school is presently veing considered by the administrat ion. Other high schools such as the Bronx High School of Science and Brooklyn Technical High School have this service for students living outside the borough in which the school is located. The cost of this service amounts to approximately onethousand dolalrs per year. Even though this solution is costly, most parents prefer the safety and convenience that the private buses offer.

~/t As Drummer Girl (Mary Stu art Mast erson ) and Keith (Eri c Stolz) leave school One af tern oon, Skinhead (Elias Kostens) insults Dru mmer Girl and Keith comes to her defense, in P ara mou nt P ictures' "Some Kind of Wo nd erful ."

Some Kind of Wonderful: • Hughes Creates New Fairytale she will not openly admit.

This love triangle makes for an engrossing story , dealing with love, hate, and jealousy from a teenage point of view. Although mostly serious , the film exhibits a sense of humor which adds to its enjoyment.

This is greatly made possible by the talented new cast of "Brat Packers. "

By Corey Ackerman A new " Brat Pack" has been born!

They are the stars of SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, the newest teenage fairytale from the pages of John Hughes, directed by Howard Deutch.

It is the story of Keith (Eric Stoltz), the boy who doesn' t quite fit in, falling in love with Amanda (Lea Thompson), the popular girl with great looks and ample admirers . All the while, Keith's tomboy friend Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), has a strong attraction for Keith which

Reworked Idea SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL is thoroughly enjoyable but is not flawless. When comparing it to other John Hughes' works, such as PRET,

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TY IN PINK and THE BREAKFAST CLUB, we see that it is unoriginal. It seems as though Hughes just keeps reworking used ideas. If he could make a film of the same quality and charm, but with a brand new storyline, it would be nearly perfect.

This film can be looked at as a copy of things past or as an individual experience. When viewed as a picture in itself, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL can be viewed again and again .

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. THE CLASSIC

PAGE 9

Scholarships Offer .Brig~t • Future to Funding Education

by Cheryl Schustack It can be extremely discouraging.

While the pressure is on for high grades and outstanding SAT results, some students are forced to give up hopes of getting into a competitive private college solely because of a . lack of funds for tuition. As costs at the most expensive schools skyrocket into the $20,000 range, fewer and fewer families can foot the bill . without some form of assistance.

However, in recent years, legislators have consistently cut student-aidprograms. As the national trend toward conservatism continues, more belt- ' tightening is inevitable. Isn't there a way out?

Winning Money for College (Peterson's Guides, $7.95) explores all the possibilities of attainingmoney through a variety of scholarship contests. Author Alan Deutschman, a Princeton University student, has himself won thousands of dollars for college in public speaking, academic performance and writing contests.

His informative, up-to-date guide covers the national competitions that are open to anyone with the skills and

background to enter and that allow the winners to attend the college of their choice.

But why think about it now? Now is the right time to begin the search.

Frequently these contests require a special entry applications or committments, and most of them are open to juniors.

The book covers more than 50 programs sponsoredby private organizations that provide millions of dollars in scholarship and cash awards to high school students on the basis of talent, ability and achievement. All the programs included allow the students who fill the basic eligibility requirementsto enter without having to wait to be nominated by someone else in order to initiate the application process .

For each contest, complete details of the awards as well as eligibility requirements, application deadlinesand rules, helpful hints and strategies and names of those to contact for further information and application forms are included. Some unusual advantageous features offered by Winning Money for College are sample winning

speeches and essays, first-hand advice from previous winners and suggestions and guidance from contest officials.

The contests covered can appeal to almost any highly motivated student.

Those with a flair for writing or speech may enter any of the twenty oratory, creative writing and journalism competitions. For scienceoriented students, there is a wide range of math, computers and engineering contests offered. Other competitions cater to those with special talents in the arts, outstanding achievements in leadership, citizenship and community services and exceptional business and vocational skills. The contests which deal with , the humanities and foreign languages may prove to make some Townsend Harris students winners.

The scholarship seeker needs three things to be successfulin the quest for college money: motivationand drive, information and the "competition edge . If one has the first quality, Winner Money for College can provide the advantage needed to be a winner.

Locker wrapping, now a traditional birthday surprise at Townsend Harris High School, includes balloons, bows, and birthday cards.

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Fools Flourish on April First

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RUSSEll DE CASTRO

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MARCHI APRIL 191I

THE CL~SfC

Suicide: The Final Cry For Help

Teenagers Take The Deatb Plunge

By Heather Bennan The feeling of depression may last . for a long time . When depression \ does last for a long time or when I many things go wrong all at once, some teenagers may suddenly feel that nothing can ever go right again.

They may even have thoughts of suicide. Teenage suicide has more than doubled in the last 30 years and adolescents are now committing suicide at an earlier age. Why is this ' happening?

The teenage years are extremely difficult ones. It is at this time that one is forced to confront his parents' values and ultimately reach his own identity. Teenagers want to be treated as adults but at the same time want limi ts and structure. These two feelings are often in opposition and create feelings of isolation, ang_er and worthlessness.

The stress of growing up and taking on more adult roles brings up thoughts of suicide for many.

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Whether in small doses or severe amounts . many students at-Townsend Harris suffe r from a similar syndrome called. " Parental Pressuritis."

This special syndrome afflicts those students with over-protec tive parents pressuring their children. to excel in school. in sports . to choose the right college/career or to change their choice of friends .

There are many ways " Parental Pressuritis" can occur. One way may be daily examination of schoolwork . Other are keeping close tabs on social life, or long doctrinal lectures on the facts of life . There might be punishment if the child did not accomplish what he was told. or the constant reminder of the great deeds one' s older brother or sister accomplished when they were the same age . Some parents drop little tidbits on what may be best.

"They drop little inputs on what college I should go to." said Karen Gr eenberger.

To relieve some of their tension. . some students go out with their friends, go to the movies, listen to the radio (turned on full blast). read horror stories. watch soap operas . go to sleep, exercise or go for long brisk walks.

However as some students handle the pressure superbly . some "wilt" under the stressful responsbility .

Eager to please their parents or not be undermined by their siblings, they unconsciously pressure themselves and may resort to alternatives .

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For example, some students settle into a state of depression or insecurity. "Turn the other cheek" is another technique students use to compensate for their emotions. Others tune out the droning voices of their parents as they give one of their lectures.

Some students develop a low self esteem. "I can't do it because I'm not smart enough," or "Without my friends, I'm a nobody, ., are familia r attitudes of these students . Yet other alte rnatives are drug abuse, and suicide

By Esther Soffer What does a Harrisite do if he's just failed a test, had a fight with his parents, or done something really stupid? He 's probably in a bad mood .

So, what does he do to cheer himself up when he feels so down?

Many Townsend Harris students feel that .because of life's everyday pressures and mini-traumas, good moods 'c an be destroyed almost instan taneously. Thus, most of them have found ways of dealing with their bad moods.

Wh at do students do to make themselves feel better when they have ' the blues? A very popular method of distraction is to go into one's room, shut the door, and listen to music . "I j ust slam the doo r to my room and listen to the radio to calm myself down," says sophomore Rachael Rojas. Yet, some people aren't satified with just listening to music .

Freshman Terri Cohen plays the piano to feel better. Sophomore Ian Madoverplays Beastie Boys songs on his accordian. ' Some students just can't sit still when they ' re upset. What do they do? ' "Well, then you go and work out a little ; exercise always makes you feel

Some advice offered by concerned students for their peers who cannot handle "Parental Pressuritis" are : " Go to your parents and talk to them about your problem, " offered Megan O'Neal.

"He should try to ignore the pressure and try to follow what she feels, not what his parents feel," advised Michele Drossman .

"Follow your own instincts and guidelines, and not be influenced by . your parents, " said Elizabeth Ronai.

Although at times some students feel their parents are being too harsh on them , they realize that their parents are really show ing their love and concern by giv ing them a little boost in the positive direct ion .

"My parents know I can live up to my potential. It shows that they really care about me and have a great interest in my progress at school. " said Karen Greenberger.

"They 're afraid I would be influenced by my friends in the wrong way," said Lana Khodosh.

When asked if in the future, they might exert some pressure in their children. the majority of the students said they probably would .

"I think everyone needs a little push .. .Without it, you may not do as well. " ·'said Karen Greenberger.

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better, " agree sophomores Vinnie Yun and Jeff Smith. Junior Vandalyn Kennedy seems to share their feelings about exercise . for she often gets the urge to rush down to her basement and attack a punching bag .

Anothe r very popular combination of things to do to feel better is to make a mad dash to the refrigerator and then go to sleep after having devoured its contents. Freshman Ursula Garry and Junior Jeanine Kosak both agree that when they're feeling awful about something they "eat absolutely everything in sight" and then , because they feel guilty, they go to sleep .

Some students try and find a more creative way of dealing with life's dissatisfactions. Those who feel a need to write , write when they're upset. "It really lets you get your feelings out about what's bothering you, and then you don 't feel so bad" says sophomore Krys tal Robinson.

Junior Jason Cuadrado utilizes his tale nt for dra wing as an outlet for negative feelings.

Others feel however , that expressing their feeling s to someone else is a more effective way of dealing with a bad mood . Freshman Diana Ortiz

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calls her best friend; sophomoi Danielle Regan and j unio r Margan Heidenry talk to their pets . " Y OU ' I voicing your opinions to someon who cares and it helps that they': listening even if they don't tal back, .. says Margaret.

It might seem silly, but some JJCCl pie actually feel better if they buck! down and clean. Freshman Meliss Pincket feels "cleaning allows you II take your frustrations out on tb mess, and you end up feelinl happier. " Bernard Vigilance does somethinj certa inly unique . UIf I'm in a reall j bad mood I'll go and climb a tree am ju st sit there and think. I am able tc sort out my feelings and I end up feel ing much better."

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his or her life rather tban talking 1 a friend to help relieve the hopele: feelings. People consider suici< when they think living is too p;linfu Many teenagers who contempllIi suicide are loners who have probIen gaining or maintaining They may lack the social suppo needed to help them work out the prob lems . Such teenagers may III have a positive self image_ This Iat: of confidence and self esteem wi often cause them to feel hopeles ' People who consider suicide are ofu very critical ofthemsehles. 1bey 1m often feel guilty and wortbless. Whc: teenagers begin to have Degative fee ings like these, they may feel ei treme Iy depressed.

Teenage suicide is a JR!jorproblel in our society today. 1be only WlI society can help prevent these dead is to let adolescen ts know that th( will always be able to find SODteOI to talk to and to confide in; let the! know people care about them 3JI want to listen and help,

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friends and to feel attractive are very strong. Having a boyfriend -or girlfriend may take on great importance. The growth or the breakup of such a friendship may be quite stressful. Pressures to do well in school, sports and other activities also increase. Teenagers also undergo physical changes that they may not understand. Trying to handle all these changes at once can be very stressful and disappointing.

The stress of loss may be very painful and lead teenagers to consider suicide. The death of a close relative .or the divorce of parents can be very depressing and damaging. Some teenagers are not able to cope with the memories that the experience will leave behind . Suicide often becomes their escape when they feel deep depression or feelings of isolation.

Any form of stress may drive a teenager to kill himself. A feeling of sadness , worthlessness, helplessness, or isolation often becomes to difficult to handle. A teenager will often end

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THE CLASSIC

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Dealing with the .

Motivated • ing Student

Special Schools .Offer Solutions

By Joanne Mu ntzne r Time and time again at Townsend Harris, students hear - "you're special." What does it actually mean? , The i ntellectually gifted student has special needs that need to be met and fulfilled.

The extraordinary talent of the gifted student is usually discovered in ear ly elementary. school years by various testing criteria and performance in the classroom. It is the responsbility of educators to give every student equal opportunity to discove r and develop his unique potential. Guidance Coordinator Sheila Orner agrees with this "Talent must be nurtured and developed by the right kinds of teachers in order to be translated into outstanding accomplishment. " Exactly who are these teachers and how should they teach? Mrs. Orner comments, "I think that any good teacher can teach these very bright and highly motivated students, but a creative progr am is needed to broaden their academic horizons and expand their intellects."

Myron Moskowitz, Coordinator of Student Affairs, gives a different perspective on the nature of the acelerated student. " I'm not sure what gifted means , but I love work-

in a challenging environ~ent where the warmth generated by hard work is surpassed by the warmth of feeling among students and faculty .

This is the essence of a true humanities environment. " There are many specialized schools in New York City for the intellectually gifted students, many of which offer programs that encourage individual research work, providing leeway to investigate their interests and encouraging ' them to think for themselves . Three well-established high schools for the gifted are Stuyvesant High School, the Bronx High School of Science, and Hunter College High School.

A sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science, Justine Mattera, expressed how she feels about the quality of education she is receiving.

"I feel that my needs to be enriched are being fulfilled by the challenging curriculum my school offers. ' The highly competitive atmosphere makes me work hard to excel."

The new Townsend Harr is High . School also offers independent study and science research courses, as well as required enrichment prog ram and a highly structured humanitiesoriented curriculum . Th is enables students to develop abilities that will enab le them to function effectively

and efficiently in their world .

There's no doubt, according to a four-year intensive study conducted

by John Hildebrand, Newsdayeducation writer, that the gifted student does need a specialized creative pro- . gram every hour of every day of the school year in order to develop his inteleect . Mrs. Orner expresses her view of the ideal program. "It should teach them to be giving and caring people so that all mankind can profit from their giftedness and talents. It should help them to understand and accept others and their opinions. And most important of all, it should help them to understand and accept themselves. 'J

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RUSSELL DE CASTRO

Proud Bowl for Breath Participants receive their shirts with Ellen Schwartz and Principal MalcolmLargmann.

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Once the talent of the gifted student is discovered, encouraged, nurtured, and developed , not only is a more knowledgeable individual produced, but, as Mrs. Orne r says, "one who is ftlled with determination to succeed in a world where many do not."

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Having It All: Mixing A Social Life With School

By E ileen Gunn It' s seven thirty on a Sunday night.

Susan Harrisite has just opened her math book to begin studying for a unit test she has on Monday. Her thoughts on the Pythagorean theorem are interrupted by a phone call; it's her boyfr iend. He' s been working all week-end and has persuaded his boss to let him off early tonight so he may visit her. She wants to see him, but her math book is sitting there, glaring...

One of the biggest teen problems is ba lancing social life with schoolwor k. At Har ris the students receive endless assignments and have a driving desire to do the best they can. Creating this balance is especially difficult and often frustrating.

Health teacher Ellen Schwartz explained that many kids "get carri ed away by the romance and lose interest in work, school, etc . All they want to do is be together. " Guidance Counselor Paul Vicino agrees , " Someone who is a prospect for a good college away from home may decide not to go to be with a boyfriend or girlfr iend ."

Most students readily admit that when they are seeing someone, their grades slip noticeably . ' 'I'm always talking to my girlfr iend on the phone when I should be doing my homewo rk , " con fessed Ada m Pugliusi. . Although they realize that relationships may threaten their grades and schoolwork , teen s co nti nue to become involved in romant ic relationships . Why? One reason is support . The students put tremendous pressures on themselves and the frequent competition among classmates intensifies that friction. In an attempt to be encouraging, parents and teachers unwittingly add to the stress .

A partner gives the understanding reassura nce needed without being overbearing or suffocating.

Another reason is simple alleviation. "If I spend a few hours alone with my boyfrie nd on the weekend , it' s like an escape ," Vanessa Brennan explained. "You need to completely forget about everyt hing once in a while and have fun. Othe rwise you burn out. "

Students Reveal Secrets 10 Successful Study

By JiYeon Ch oi Study, by definition is the application of the mind to acqui re knowledge , as by read ing, investigating, etc. Many adolescents in Townsend Ha r r is, a rigorous academic high school vary their study habits according to their needs.

Unlike junior high school, where a bright pupil might achieve high grades just by sitting in class, high schools give students more challenges and hardships. "The amount of school work here is double the amount I had in junior high. Plus the teachers here grade lower and all subject teachers give collate rals at once, and they're due at the same time," said freshman Carol Arana.

Most freshmen encounter the problem of adjusting to their high school environment because they gradually developed poor study habits in their junior high schools; their grades didn'treflect their mimimal effort . In Iiigh 'schc:id(s they 'a'd}ust'thei'r gears'

to handle the pressu res and Island every day to school , a total of days, Tuesdays, and Thurs days. She sometimes feel exhausted. But I drink expectations. four ~ou~s. To ma~y people the gets home at 7 o'clock at night and coffee and start stuyding ."

Many cur rent sophomores and travel~ng IS ex~racurncu!ar enough, completes her school work . Her Joanne, like nearly all the students jun iors have gone through an evolubut Rlchar~ still do~s hIS chores at grades remain high and her secret is interviewed, adm itted that she does that she doesn't procrastinate, and stay up late if she has a lot to study . tionary change in applying the mind home and IS an actl:e member of to a subject to remain astute students.

Boys Scouts of Amenca. Esther, on study at the last minute . "I go over Like swimming , she takes school class work from each subject every very ser iously . Her s~imming and Esthe r Soffer, a sophomore said, the. o~~er ha~d, ~nds ex~~acurricular "Before.I came to Townsend Harris , acnvines a bit dlf~cult . After th.ree day. Whenever I have a question , I her school work have a symbiotic I'd go shopping , talk on the hours of phY~lcally exhausting ask that teacher immediately. I budget relationship. Swimming prov ides the telephone, and have a super-active volleyball practice I e~pect to rest. my time this way and by the day extra energy she needs to be more attentive in class and her school work social life. Then I needed to sacrifice Then I look at the tune and the before a test I've minimized the time I need to study," she revealed. helps her concentrate better druing some leisure time, like the telephone amount of homeworks ~o do a~d tests and going out, to do my personal best to study for. At times It was Another student, known for her swimming competitions. frustrating. " . physical stamina and athletic abil ity . All the students said they study at school."

Yet some students, who came to Yet E~ther IS not the only one who is a junior, Joanne Muntzner . Joanne more for harder subjects and that Townsend Harris claim their study feels t~IS way. Many students d.o swims two hours a day, six days a some of their habits never changed, complal~ about the pressu~e that IS week at St. Joh n's University. Last such as listening to music and wathabits hardly changed. Richard Jones, a junior, claims, "I've been present in school and their homes year she won first place in the 100 ching television. The difference is going to bed at 10:30 every night. I everyday; but they feel that the work breast at the public school Athletic that they've curtailed such pleasureLeague championships . Even if there . filled activities . Most are aware that find it useless to stay up studying for and their demandin~ sc~ed~l~s help midterms when I can't concentrate make them responsible individuals, are five tests the next day, swimmtheir subjec ts will become harder as the next morning." This brings up the One of the top ranked students in ing is a must for her. "Swimming and they advance into higher grades . But other exercises increase the energy these students are not worried question of how students handle . th~ 11th ~rade, ~uman Gupt~, along pressures of tests, collaterals, and exWIth Fana Pereira, works WIth Prolevel and relieve the "stress from because they know they will be betfess?r Leslie Lewis at York College school, but not many people believe ter trained for the colleges in their tracurricular activities. ~Richard trave ls.to and from Staten .,.. QI) .independent jesearch ..?Il. Non~ -.~t .• .I.A!~~ admt~6\:er).~thak·I·~ ·~ -, fi.tJ.ltr.e••~ ., ~ •• 'A.~v•. .. ~,"~.

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MARCHI APRIL 1987

THE CLASSIC

--------SPORTS Girls': Track Sprints Through First Official Season

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By Daniel Lew Joe Horn has coached Townsend Harris ' girls track team through its first official season .

The season began on December 12, at the Kickoff Classic held at Pratt Institute. The team's middle distance runner, Lucy Kim, raised many eyebrows in the sophomore 1000m.

She registered a time of 3:32.60, placing her in 18th.

Harris entered 12 runners in the 300m dash, a combination of speed and endurance. Lynda Bernard crossed the tape with a time of 51.40, ranking in the top third among the varsity 300m runners. Lucy Kim and Kay Kourunis also ranked in the top quarter of the'sophomore 300m with the times of 52.40 and 54.50 .

On January 19, the Townsend Harris runners competed in the Martin Luther King Games . The freshman SSm dash was glittered with Abby Schfran's time of 08.70 seconds. The Junior SSm dash featured Meredith Forde, 7.90, Naomi Korn, 8.50, and Elizabeth Ronai, with a time of7.70.

Lucy Kim sparkled in the sophomore 600m run with a time of 1:56.40 which won her a 5th place medal.

Naomi Korn finished the junior 6qOm run with a time of2:06.50. Lucy Kim wasn't finished for the day because before it ended, she won a 3rd place medal in the lOoom run, coming in at 3:33.90.

On February IS, the runners held

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By Daniel Lew VARSITY TEAMS: GIRLS'SOCCER: COACH : Wanda Nix APPX . # GAMES: 11 GIRLS 'SOFTBALL: COACH: Stanley Shurgin APPX. # GAMES: 17 and 2 exhibition GIRLS 'SWIMMING: COACH: James Jordan APPX. # Meets: /0 COMMENTS: Last year 's record: 6-4 BOYS' TENNIS: COACH: Ellen Schwartz APPX. # Games: 10 COMMENTS : Finished first place with an 8-2 record last season.

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A participant in th e Bo ys' In tramural Bas ketball program jumps fo r a shot .

Sixers Take Intramurals

By Bernie Hyman " Swish!" The crowd's silence ended ubruptly . The spectators, who were gathered at the Boys' Intramural Basketball Tournament Championship game , on March 12, swarmed the gym floor and hoisted Barry Timmons onto their shoulders. Timmons had sunk the winning free throw.

After five overt ime periods, the Sixers were crowned the champions.

The Celtics and Sixers entered the playoffs with a 3-3 record . They defeated the top seeded teams to earn the right to play in the final game .

The Sixers were tied for last place at one point in the season , but then they caught fire. Philippe Hogu, a member of the winning team, said '' 'We just earned it, after losing to Kevin (the Celtics) in the regular season, we got ourselves together and played . tough."

S p o r t s PrevieW": Spring 1987

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their 5th meet at Pratt Institute. Karen ; aspiration of becoming a professional â&#x20AC;˘ 1 Wells, Lucy Kim, Doreen Odorn . . athlete, she uses sports "to become and Rosa Lin all competed in the , a well rounded individual and to break the normal routine of school. " 200m dash. The four runners came Lucy ranks in the top twenty of the in with the combined average time of city's 100m runners and as stated by 34.05. M ichelle Drossman and coach Joe Horn , "has the potential Elizabeth Ronai ran the 100m dash to be one of the city's best." and averaged 16.70.

One of the other athletes in track February 28 , the On Freshman/Sophomore City Cham- and field is HectorQuintero. Hector runs the 400m and 600m with the pionships were held at Pratt Institute.

Lucy Kim once again dazzled the times of 55.9 for the 4oom, and I:32. 00 for the 600m . He hopes to crowd by taking a 3rd place medal in reduce his 400m time to 52.00 and the l OOOm run. Her outstanding time of 3:26.50 places her among the ci- his 600m time to I :26.00 . Hector wants to attend a sports oriented colty's ten runne rs in the lOoom run.

In the freshman 300m dash, Allison lege with a good track and field pro, Hollander set the school record with gram . He thrives on pressure and uses it to complete those few final the time of 50.4. Robinson, later broke that record with a time of 49 . I. meter s. Hector has some very sound Abby Shafran then came in withthe advice for anyone interested in track , and field. "Track involves dedication time of 52.4. All three placed in the and you have to love it. You either city's top twenty among reshman win for yourself or you lose for runners. yourself. " Many of the runners are in their Townsend Harris also has several first year of competition, including freshmen on track and field team ; Lucy Kim, who had been competing Abby Shafran runs the 300m and with runners with more exper ience.

Kim, has played for two seasons on 400m run and works with the basic the volleyball team and was a track strategy , "I start towards the end and slowly advance when others member on this year's indoor track team. Lucy has won top place medals burn out." Abby, has learned many in the loo0m run although she has aspects of track and field through trial had little previous experience. She and error, and has an understanding has registered a time of 3:26.50 in the of her limitations . As for coach Joe Horn's feelings, "Abby has the lOoom and hopes to reduce her time potential to be one of the best." to 3:20.00.

Although Lucy doesn't have any

GIRLS' TENNIS: COACH: Don Altman APPX. # Games: 12 GIRLS ' OUTDOOR TRACK: COACH: Joe Hom APPx. # Meets: 5 development meets and 6 official meets BOYS'VOLLEYBALL: COACH: Mike Anzel APPX. # Games: 10 JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS' SOFTBALL: COACH: Malcolm Rossman APPX. # Games: 10 All of this information is pre-season and is subject to change.

Athletic Director Don Altman reminds all students that signed medical and parental consent is required for all team members.

Is It An Invasion Of Privacy?

By Bernard Hyman For just a moment, refer to the basketball player in this story as John Smith, a 22 year old college student.

One morning, John woke up and realized he was a millionaire . Who would give that up?

One may argue that losing the ' money isn't important since it doesn't guarantee happiness . This argument can be easily nullified when John lost his dream, his money, and his life.

Is there a moral to this story?

Yes . Len Bias snorted his dream away. Many people know the story of Bias. They expected that story to discourage teenagers from taking drugs but the problem still exists .

Bias died of a cocaine overdose only one day after being picked by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the draft. Was it necessary for Bias

to get high articially?

Now, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Basketball Association are attempting to do something about the problem.

This year the NCAA introduced drug testing during tournament time .

Seven players on each of the thirtytwo winning teams in the first round will have to take mandatory drug tests. This system was expected to root out those athletes using illegal drugs. Aren't athletes supposed to set the pace for young America?

The testing procedure has its problems. The players had to produce a urine sample directly after the game, at which time they were dehydrated.

This made it hard for them to provide a sufficient sample. Mark Jackson, a senior at St. John's University, had to drink six soft drinks before he

could produce the required amount.

He later became ill. Although the system has its faults, it intent is to deal with an even greater problem .

Will this do the trick?

Not necessarily . Len Bias isn't the only tale of concern. What about Gary Mac Laine and Lloyd Daniels?

MacLaine recently had his story published in Sports Illustrated.

Opinion MacLaine was a member of the 1985 championship team from Villanova, and he admitted having used drugs , during that tournament. Lloyd Daniels is in a different situation. He denies involvemenet with drugs but yet he is only educated on the sixth grade level. Is it really the job of America's athletes to be role models?

The NCAA believes so. The

association has tried to help many athletes stay on track so they could lead a good life. Lloyd Daniels was given many chances . He was to enter the collegiate level without even obtaining a high school diploma but he was arrested at a drug house . This could have cost him his career. The verdict isn't in on him yet. Don't athletes have a constitutional right to privacy? .That right is revoked when it is for the security of the nation . If it is harmful to others it is illegal. The drug testing is a good idea in order to fulfill the pupose. It is with good intent that the NCAA has opted to test its players. Is this all that can be done? No, but for now it's plenty.

There may be problems along with , way but they're petty compared to the effects of drug abuse in this nation.

Over 100 Townsend Hard students gathe red for this event Michae i McDermott, junior clas president, felt that "the tournamer is a great way to boost school spirit.'

Each team entered in the tou rn a ment played six games or more . M! Wanda Nix refereed all the game and contributed her time after schoc to supervise the activity. The Mot Valuable Players of each team wer awarded trophies as well as were th first and second place teams . Th players are once again looking towar next year to play in the tournamen Sean Davis concluded, "There may t}, other victories but no victory ~ ever match this one."

Boys' Tennis Season Begins

By Lena Jones The Boys' Tennis team has startec spr ing training, hoping to repeat tlu successful season they had last year The Boys' Tennis team of1986 hal a 7-0 record which took them to th. city championship .

Last year's success earned the tean the right to advance from the B division to the A-division. Th r means the team will be facing toughe competition and will have to worl harder to get as far or further thai they got last year. Ellen Schwartz who took over for their former coacl Michael Anzel, said she was "verimpressed with the guys who cam out (to the tryouts)", and "know they' will do well in competition.'

Can the team match last year's ac complishments with their new coach

Classic Coming Attractions: Career DayApril 9 Spring Concert May 13 Sing May 27-28