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January , 1988

Seniors Sweep Science Competition Levine Named Finalist; Three Others Semi-Finalists Westinghouse Winner To Washington

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U DG ES in the 47th Ann ua l Westinghouse Science Ta lent Sea rch' nam ed Dana Levine as .a final ist , . a nd th ree other senio rs as sem i-fina lists in the competiti on, Da na , Suman G upta, Te resa Laza r, an d Yasmin Qaz i were amon g the thr ee hu nd red , semifinalis ts chosen fro m ove r 1,339 na tio n-wide contesta nt s , T he fo ur winners com p leted a series o f exte nsive research , dat a ana lysis, and T he Per sonal Da ta Blank , a qu estionnaire on study attitudes and habits, before submitting the ir final projects .

As with the othe r twelve Harrisites who submitted pr oje cts, th e four received guid ance o n their research from the science resea rch a nd independent study classes.

Acco rding to Scien ce Coordi nato r Susan Appel, th ose wh o too k the scien ce research class learned how to writ e a scientific pap er, learne d abou t sta tistics a nd th eir uses, ' d iscov ered topics of int erest, a nd wo rked independently. T he in depe nde nt study class prov ided time d uring the day to wor k o n the p roject and to consult with teachers, in add ition to helping the Westingho use partici pants fill out the Pe rso nal Dat a Blank , a very complica ted que stionnai re .

T he partic ipa nt s wh o ch ose to do a nat ur al scien ce pr oj ect were Unlike Da na , who chose to do a ' also tea med with ment or s afsocial science project o n "The Ef - filia ted with out side co lleges, fects of Alliter atio n in Speec h on wh ile the soc ial science resear chers learned mo re about data or ganizathe Co gnitio n o f Children ," the tion and he lp fu l computer proother three sem i-finalist s d id research o n d ifferent as pects of gra ms at York College . na tura l science. T eresa 's project ;' "We were abl e to place the en titled , " Biologica l Mut a tion s of students in la bs based o n thei r Escherichia Coli to P ro d uc e wo rk and interes ts disp layed in the T ios inc Resist ance, Bio log ica l scie nce research cla ss. It was also M utagens Contri butin g there that th ey learned if they P ressure, " fell int o the Bacteria could ,hand le the inde pen dence ," Ma cro b ial Gene tics ' realm of said Mrs. Appel. " In the indepenscience, as d id Su man 's entry o n de nt study class, we worked close" Induced P lasmid Inser tion a nd ly with severalo f the students who Excisio n Accom pan ying Var iat were not in th e researc h class, St rai n Iso latio n an d Reversio n in sho wing them how to organize Staphyloccus aureaus ." Yasmin, data and write a scient ific paper."

Acco rd ing to th e three nat ura l who also chose t9 do a nat ur al scie nce project , resea rched "The science semi -fina lists, th e outside Effect 0 1" Gold T hioma late o n th e mento rs offered ,a great deal of Hea t Aggr egati o n o f Immu nog lu- su pport and guida nce . Yasmin , who concluded th a t G o ld bui n G ." " Co nsidering that it is our first thiomalate, the drug used to trea t attempt. it is a tremend ou s boost arthritis patient s, br oke down lm ,to o ur :nora le to have four win - munoglubulin G, which is th ought ne rs. " co m m en ted P ri nc ipa l to cause arthritis, received a grea t Malcolm Largma nn. "I a m ex- deal of help from Dr. Donald Gerber of the SUN Y Hea lth tre me ly proud and excited. '

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The Project

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Westingho'use winners Dana Levine, Yasmin Qaz i, Suman Gup ta and Teresa Laz~r share the thrill of IOf)' with advisor Susan Appel.

Sci ence Center at Broo klyn, as did memory decreases over time at a Teresa. wh o met with Dr. Irving fa ster rate with an a lliter ative H irch fie ld from St. Jo h n's story , th at he prefers a nd is able to Univ ersity three to fo ur times a understand mor e in an all iterat ive week during th e summer . Suman , story , and th at an alliterative story . w h o s tudied the bacte rial seems to be lo nger . various uni versities, while Dana resista nce to antibiotics, worked "It made me a lot more in- an d the other thirty -nine fin alists for over two years with Dr. Leslie terested in th e wa y child ren think will be eligible for up to $140,000 ' and the way we can help them, in Westinghouse Science ScholarLewis from York College .

"Dr. Lewis he lped me wo rk in sin ce I go t result s th at I didn 't ex- ships a nd Awards . that - he taught me those basic pect, " commented Da na . "It "I think that havi ng four semi techn iques that I a pplied to this helped me real ize that better fin alists is excellent , since 1 did n 't know what to expe ct," remarked project, " said Su man . " We work- teac hing leads to bett er stud ents."

All sixteen Westinghouse par - Mrs . Appel. "In the end it was ed side by side . " Dana, wh ose pr oj ect ent ailed ticipants learned a gr eat deal from bittersweet Leca use man y worvisiting first, seco nd , and th ird their resea rch . "It was rewardi ng, thw hile pr oj ects were over loo ked , grade classrooms to read them an but I also reali zed how m uch I and th at is ha rd to deal with. T he alliterative story and a regular one do n't know, an d how little we all most important thing is that the in order to test th e students' know a b o ut research , " said stu dents did their projects and gre w fr om th em ." memory, co nce pt ion, kn owledge Yasm in. "it 's just a drop in the Dana will mee t wit h the other and preference , received guidance bucket since we' re so far away fin alists in Washing to n, D .C. on from Mrs . Rho da W einstein and from findin g cur es."

Mrs. Appel. T hree out of four of The three semi -finalis ts will be February 25 for the five-day Dana's hypotheses p roved true r eco m mend ed for schola rship Science Talent Institute, whe re the when she concluded that a child's awards and admission to their top ten winners will be chosen .

reading them stories with and without alliteration. " My mother was great. A Westinghouse is an extraordinary ta sk, , and you have to be motivated for it. When you're up at 3 A .M .

"I reall y can't believe it ," reflected Townsend Ha rris' first working, you know you have to get up at 6 A .M ., and you still have Westinghouse finali st Dana Levine. " Thirty-nine geniuses a nd me!" schoolwork to do , you need someone there to encourage you." Dana Although she is am azed a t bein g one of the fort y winn ers chosen commented . " And that poor woman had to read endless first from 1,339 national -wide Westinghouse entries, the months Dan a drafts !" spent on resea rch , anal ysis, and writing are pro o f enough of her acAlthough her actual project has been completed, Dana still has co rnplishment , much to do before her five day trip to Washington D .C., where she Da na , who first thought of the idea for her project on "The will be interviewed by more judges, display her project to the public Alliteration in Speech on the Cognition of Children," when her for two days, and att end a banquet whe re the top ten winners will be younger brother came home from school reciting the alliteration announced . , "Sally sold seashells, " faced many challenges in gathering in forrna"I reall y have to ,know my project inside a nd out, and be able to tion fro m the elementary schoo l classes she visited . .rna ke people understand it on the spot. I also have to learn science , "I had to get the ch ildren's attention which was hard since young because you have to be knowledgeable on scientific topics, and I' m children generally hav e a short attention span and I was a stranger. I not a scien tist !" ' also had to work very hard to portray a friendly image ," Dana rec all - - Despite all the obstacles, hardwork and challenges Dana faced, she ed . "I made them feel important by telling them they were helping is glad that she completed the project. me out. " " T here was nobody who was more unlikely to win thi s than me . It Da na , however, found th e support from her family she needed to just goes to show that if you' re determined and you push yourself overcome the challenges she faced in interviewing these children after hard enough , you can do anything ." :i:~~"" ' ,:" ':,,*." :". '..' ~ , .'

And The Winner Is...

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'Having f our semi fin alists is excellent. '

Inside " .

The ClaSSIC: Editorials '

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Harris Happ enings

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Leisure

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Chancellor

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Trac k

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Supreme Court Suppresses Student Voice The Classic has always felt that a school newspaper's role is that of a public forum whose responsibility is to address issues relevent and important to the student body. It was with the utmost regret that the staff received the ' news of the Supreme Court ruling on the Hazelwood case.

The majority decision of the .Court argues that a newspaper, an extension of the journalism class, is a part of the curriculum and therefore falls under the ju risdiction of the principal. A true educator, however, would want to encourage students' challenge of generally accepted precepts, and not be intimidated by welldeveloped , mature arguments . Townsend Harris, a humaniti es school whose emp hasis on the classics teaches students to respect the open, liberal atmosphere of the Schoo l of Athens and , similarly , should support student dissension and free thought. As a part of a journalism class, the newspaper must also teach students to consider the content of their writing. The Classic suppo rts Dr. Largman n's belief that responsible journalists under the guidance of an understanding advisor are able to tackle controversial issues with equity and fairness .

The Classic hopes to continue its outstanding relationship with the Townsend Harris admi nistration regardless of the Hazelwood decision. It is now a prin cipal's perogative to review and censor the paper. The ' Classic believes that its high standards of journalism will enable our principal to maintain our respectful and har monious relationship of both constructive opposition and prai se, but fears that other student journalists will find themselves in less com for table situatio ns as they are legally denied their right to freedom of the press.

Give Green 'A Chance It's not always easy being the'new kid on the block. It is even harder, as in the case with New York City's new school chancellor Dr . Richard Green, to take on a position filled with obstacles, and be publicly criticized. The Classic believes that since Dr. Green is a qualified educator and must already overcome many obstacles in the schools system, he should be welcomed into New York rather than criticized before he even arrives.

Claiming that he would be a puppet under Mayor Ed Koch, and th at he lacks the experience necessary to run the nation's largest school district , black activists and other op ponents criticized Dr. Green from the first day of his appointment. The Classic resent s th e implications of these activists since politics should not be an issue in the city's educ ati onal system, and since suchcomplaints are unsupported. As the Superintendent of Schools in Minne apolis, and th e president of The Council of the Great City Schools, an organization which repre sents over th ree million students , Dr. Green has familiarized himself with th e problems of urban cities and gained the valuable experience needed to run a large school district.

Such experience should be praised rather than denounced .

As a newcome r into a system in desperate need of cha nges, Dr. Green will need all the support he can get.

As chancellor he will face a serious lack of qualified teachers, poo r building cond itions, and a 31070 student dropout rate. At this point, a series of unsupported criticisms can only add to these problems, rather than help correct them. The Board of Education was confident eno ugh in Dr. Green's experiences to choose him from a .nationwide candidate search . The public should therefore feel equally as confident, and give Dr. Green a chance to prove himself to the best of his abilit ies.

Dr . Green is well qualified for his new position of New York City Schoo ls Chancellor, and could only bene fit from the pub lic's support. After all, if we sup port him now, he will support us when we truly need him .

January 1988

The Classic

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Hazelwood Decision Protects Privacy To the Editor : Contrary to popular belief and thought , I must agree with the Surpreme Court's decision in the Hazelwood Case. In this specific case, the printing of this particular article on teenage pregnancy and the children o f divorced parents would abuse the very First Amendment rights that the stude nts felt so stro ngly about protecting. A suit brought against. the schoo l by angry parents would do nothing to fur ther th e education o f the students or their respect' for the special position of the press in modern society. The

'different and one can only hope that individual principals will use discretion when confronted with a controversial issue so that the very students they are bound to educate will benefit.

Some say the decision sends the wrong message to the student press. I feel the opposite to be true. Had the court ruled for the students we would find principals afraid to regulate what often needs to be controlled . A student press ou t of control is much worse than a cont rolled stude nt press.

.press has the obligation to print articles that are controversial, but the student press in a taxpayer funded journalism class has no right to offend or shock whether it be in the name of exercising rights or not.

I do feel, however, that the decision is too broad and may tend to stifle student freedom and creativi ty. Political and social issues should be presented to students in an unbiased and ratiopal f orum in order for our natio n' s young to make matur e and, educated decisions . Each case is

Eric Wigginton

Case'..Violates Free Press To the Editor: I am writing in response to the article, "Press for Rights ," which a ppeared in the Oct ober 1November issue of The Classic.

Freedom of the press is an impor tant right for all Americans including younger peop le. Th at right is for all newspapers, big or small, from The New York Times to ou r own Classic. I stan d behind the stud ents who wrote The Spectrum, Hazelwood East Hig h School's newspaper.

Contest: Graphic Artis ts Needed: The Classic is sponson ng an editorial cartoon contest. Work sho uld be done in black ink on unlined paper and placed in Mrs. Rubin 's mailbox.

Winning cartoons will be printed and artists will . receive awards.

I praise those students for having th e guts to address controversial issues. I would expect The Classic to do the same and I hope that it will. These are the problems of the students, an d it would be of great help to discuss them . The principal shou ld not interfere with a school newspaper because it is a violation of the freedom o f the press . I would think, if anything, the principal should be interested in the se affairs an d pro ud of the students .

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Being able to write about these problems ' shows maturity and jounalism skills. I feel it is time that school papers , stop writing on ly about the lunch food and upcoming school events. It is time they go beyond the school and discuss the real world. So, to the studen ts of The Spectrum, good luck and keep up the good work.

They shoul d be a model for all of us. ...

Jonathan Perry

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Edlton in Chief . ... . ......• .... Heathe r Nash, Renata Kobetts Managing Edlton Cheryl Schustack, David Herszenhorn News Edlton Karen Green berger, Holly Hatcher Eileen Gunn Editorial Pqe Editor . . .... •..... . . .. . . . . .. . . . Michelle Gnyp Feat ure Edlto n Dawn Cabage, Brad Mayer, Camille Gear. Hayley Thomas Sports Editor , Lena Jones Business Edito r ; Nanette Kung P botopia pby Editor . . . . . . . •. . .. ... . . .... ... Russell DeCast ro Faculty ,Advisor Mrs. Sheryl Rubin Principii Dr. Malcolm Largmann Staff: Corey Ackerman, Jackie Berler, Donneiie Butler, Lisa Feintuch. David F ischer, Marissa Gluck, Samantha Gobler. Scott Karp, Melody Keilbach, Julia Kou, .Bricka Landsmann, Jodie Lasoff, Ruth Lerman, Mary McCarthy, Nikila Pai, ' David Richards, Kristi Rodenbeck, Michael Scheiman, Mark Schwartz, Abby Shafran, Esther Soffer, Danielle Steinmann, Steve Sussman, Aniita Unaranikar, Jessica Wohl.

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January 1988 .·.~·.·.~'N"",-'·.·.·.·.·~_""_·.·""~_·.·.·

The Classic

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Students Refrain From Pledge Recitation

By Danielle Steinm an n . _It is 9 a .m. and Mr. Rossman's

voice echoes thro ugh the school ann ouncing, "Please rise to honor ou r co untry."

To most students , saying the pledge 'of allegiance is something routine , something that has always been done, like brush ing one's teeth. To others, it is a seriou s statement about our coun try tha t it should be thought over car efu lly. Th e recitat ion of the pledge has become a source of quiet contro versy.

While many of her classmates are reciting the pledge, sophomore Jessica Wohl stands but remains silent. " I don't say the pledge ;;! because I don 't believe in the c :; words in the pledge." She feels ';" that by pledging her allegiance to i<' g the flag of the United States, she is :r. .., also saying that she will fight for . .; anything the country does and she states , "I don't think I would be "I don't believe the words of the fight ing for my own protection." pledge hold true. I do not feel I Ross Hartman also remains am treated equally under the quiet when the pledge is said . He law."

Erica Hay 103 feels that saying the pledge has too many religious implications. "I feel that the next step is religious lion, since not everyone believes in prayer in school," he predicts. God." This in turn could lead to Surprisingly, according to Col"religious rivalry," he says. lier's encyclopedia, the words Sophomore Jeff Cohen doesn't "under God" were not added to believe in the words, cit her . the pledge until 1954, sixty-two "None of it is true. 'One nation years after it was first used in under God,' is a religious assump- 1892. The original pledge was

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that everyone should say the pledge. "We' re privileged to live in this country, and saying the pledge shows that we believe in this count ry and what it sta nds for. I thin k ·if you lived any where else you 'd rea lize that you're lucky to live here. If you lived in Rus sia you wo u ld n' t have 'anything to pledge about, " Louis Ramos agrees. "I think it [saying the pledge) is a great idea . It makes me feel patriot ic, " he says.

Although students hold dif. ferent opi nions about this subject, the pledge of allegiance is still recited every morning. by junior Nicole Elias. She was asked to lead the pledge by her American ." cHistory teacher , Mr. Myron c s ." Moskowitz . "Someone has to cr V> take on the responsibility of sayg ;. ing thepledge, and I don't mind ~ 'f doing it," she says.

-3 ~ . However diverse the opinions' "I don't think it is necessary to ~ are about the recitation of the say it every morning. We know ~ pledge of allegiance, students still .-.....•:.-,'.';, that we are Americans . Why must "The pledge is good for American have the option to refrain from we constantly remind ourselves?" pride." reciting it. Jeff says, "It's a free Elizabeth Kim 113 Terrance Demaso 902 country: We'r.e free not to say it." written by Francis Bellamy, to be Scipio. "1 don't see anything used at the opening of the 1892 wrong with saying the pledge ."

World's Fair in Chicago.

Jessica does not advise saying Even though there are a select the pledge blindly, "they should few who do not say the pledge, think about the words before they most students just say it out of say them ." habit. "I just say it because we Junior Diane Duffy has thought have to," says freshman Marsha ' a bout the words, and she feels

Amnesty Wields Power of the Pen

By Danielle Steinmann A 26 year-old man is ' incarcerated in a Communist country'. He doesn't understand why he was taken away; however, he does expect to stay in prison a long time . He regrets not saying goodbye to his parents that morning .

His only hope is that he will be released by the power of the pen, and by Amnesty International.

Amnesty International is a world-wide organization that has . three goals: the ' release of prisoners of conscience, nonviolent people who have been suppressed for their beliefs or ethnic origin, fair and prompt trials for all political prisoners, and an end to torture and execution

everywhere. Each year, hundreds of prisoners all over the world are helped through the efforts of Amnesty International. .ln America, powers such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to protest the government are often taken for granted. By being active in Amnesty we can help preserve these basic human rights all over the world. Can you imagine being arrested for writing a poem a government official doesn't like?

It may sound farfetched, but in some countries it could happen.

It 's not as far away as we would like to think. If nothing is done, people will continue to be tor tured , executed, and suppressed

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for acting out on ' their human rights.

A new chapter of Amnesty International has been formed here at Townsend Harris. It is essential that we, as intellectually free students, help the members of this new enrichment in their quest for a better world. Ask a friend who is already in Amnesty how you can write letters, postcards, etc. to request the release of prisoners of conscience. Each letter is one step towards freedom for another human being.

It 's that simple . Think about it.

We can actually use the writing skills we have all acquired to benefit mankind . Amnesty International has the power of the pen, and so can you.

Students Fight To·Save The Earth To the Editor: Only the forces of man can distort the stable equilibrium of the Earth. Mankind has only realized this recently . Not only do the high officials and large powerful companies threaten the balance of nature , but it is every single individual from .the person who cleans the house with aerosols to people who.throw out foam containers from McDonalds to those who use refrigerators and air conditioners.

These products release a manmade chemical, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer, a part of the Earth's, atmosphere which blocks out the sun's deadly ultraviolet rays. If

the ozone is destroyed, the radia' tion would cause millions to die of skin cancer , and a weakening of the immune system would occur in humans, among many other problems.

After a while, a significant drop in ozone may perturb the Earth's present climatic conditions. Much of midwestern America may become a desert . Flooding will occur due to the warming of the oceans (ice caps may partially melt, the ocean water will expand due to the increase in average temperature). All life on Earth could die.

A treaty between nations with high CFC outputs has just been discussed . It is caIled the Montreal Accord. Its proposals willlead to

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.Perhaps that is what they mean by "liberty." Even if some students do not believe in everything this country stands for, they stilI have the right to stay silent while others pledge their allegiance to the flag of the United States .

Teachers Encourage ,Reagan Misconception .presidenr's term, the price ofgold To the Editor: I am .greatly annoyed about our soared more than $900. Now, student body's gross misconcep- more than 10 years later, under tion: a one sided view of our the Reagan administration,the President. But what frustrates me price of gold is only about $450.

He's a great diplomat who is' even more is how just about every teacher seems to take great doing his best to help promote pleasure in participating in, and democracy in Nicaragua , the even starting conversations with Phillippines , Afghanistan, exaggerations and lies, making Angola, and two years ago, aiding fun of Ronald Reagan. And as for relief in Ethiopia.

The Iran-Contra affai r is the those of us who know better, our only thing that hurt Reagan's repuarguments are merely ignored . tation , and on a false basis. Reagan Such insults include •'The man couldn 't have known what other acting as president" or, Reagan: officials were doing without them "I don't remember anything that teIling him! Haven 't Townsend has ever happened while I have Harris students heard of someone been in the White House ." doing something behind another's Reagan's one of the best back? I hope students and presidents this country has ever teachers of this school become as had. He has done wonders for the open minded to th is issue as they economy by curbing inflation. At are to so many others and wise up. one point during the previous Mark Jacknin

Classic Emphasizes

a CFC use reduction by 35%. But this is not enough to help ensure the safety of our planet. Already there is a hole in the ozone which cover the entire Antarctic To the Editor: . ' region. We need to totaIly end the As I read the newspapers and use of CFCs . We have to do other types of media I often hear something about the deteriorating the unpleasant things that are hapfoam containers that release pening in our society . I am all in favor of being aware of issues that : CFCs. Write letters to' your con- are presently displaying ' themgressmen, assemblymen, and up- selves in our society, but it is not coming presidential candidates. very uplifting to walk out on your Boycott the products which doorstep and see the morning releaseCFCs . Do something to paper with the headline , "Saturhelp bring a halt to a disaster day Night Bloodbath" and then which could bring an end to life as go in to eat breakfast.

Since we are America's next we know it. generation of adults, it is our duty Students for the Preservation to try to emphasize the positive . of the Earth aspects of our society no matter

PositiveAspects

how trivial they seem. The world at this time is in a state of utter confusion but it is our responsibility to create a semblance of order so that we can deter the . bleak destiny that is imminent.

For this reason I applaud The Classic in their effort to provoke awareness of certain issues by provoking its readers' interests in alleviating some of the present societal pressures. I think that other media should also follow this example so that citizens are not favored for the bad deeds they do but the good .

Felice Bowen

Page 4

The Classic

.Scliool.,Groups RelyH 'On M i nimum Funds

By Eileen Gunn Dance tickets, sweatshirts, and jackets are all bought in the name of school spirit, and any person who is slow in paying his Student Union dues is subject to ' haunting by the student government. In the midst of all this money shuffling, students are forced to stop and wonder where their money goes. , "Everything goes into ' the . general fund," explains COSA Myron Moskowitz, "then the studen t govern men t allocates everything as it sees fit." ,

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In September, the student government devises a budget based on the money received.from the city and a projection of what they should raise through dances, S.D:. . dues, and other 'means. As the money comes in, it is put .into a bank account kept by school treasurer Frank Polizzi. .

When an organization requests funding, school treasurer Corey These societies are the only ones Ackerman approves the allocation in the school that are completely r: based on the budget. The sports self-supporting. Assistance from program, having $3,300 allotted the Alumni has often been a savto it in September is the school's ing 'device since the school's biggest financial drain. establishment, providing equipIronically , although Harris is . ment and fund ing that the city day.

"The prom will last approx- one of the smallest public schools wasn't able to . Henry Hart Rice imately five hours, and there will in the city, there are circumstances recently established a $10,000 be a dinner, which will include ap- requiring it to do more fund rais- trust for students with financial petizers, unlimited ' soda, cof- ing tha n most. Publication of a . difficulties wishing to participate fee/tea, and cake," stated Casey. literary magazine or team in extracurricular activities.

Still, the maj ority of the "Of course there will also be lots ' uniforms cost as much for a of dancing with a DJ provided by school of 800 as it does for one of school's group s rely strongly on 3,000. The City gives each school t he gener al fund . Say s the hot el," adds Michelle, who' . $2.75 per student each year, often ' Moskowitz, "if everyone, every went on to explain, "We are 'still debat ing whether or not to have a putting Harris in a financial club and every team wanted to crunch . raise money it would be crazy. junior King and Queen ."

Arist a and Archon , the They couldn 't do it ." " Although we have been able to' lower the initial cost of the ticket two dollars already, there is still a great deal of work to be done. We really need the support of all the students in order to make Townsend Harri s' first junior prom a success," both Casey and Michele reinforce .

Other Assistance

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J"unior---Prom Plans Underway ' By Ruth Lerman "We are not trying to out-do the seniors," cheerfully 's t'ates Cassandra Hanley . Michelle Carino, her co-organizer adds , " We just want something to hold us together in our senior year," at the Queens College campus .

Mr. Arthur Boulanger, faculty advisor, and Casey and Michelle are in charge of the Townsend Harris first junior prom. After looking into five hotels, ' it was decided that the Marriott Hotel at La Guardia Airport best suited the school' s needs. The date has been set for May 13. " If all goes well with the fund -raising we have planned, the price of tickets will be a pp r ox ima t ely $30 per person," states Michelle. Casey

added, "The more money we raise the less expensive the ticket price will be."

In order to raise enough money, Michelle and Case y have developed many diffe rent fundraising activities. There are monthly bake sales, each with a different theme, that began with holiday cookies December and a successfu l cupcake sale in January. A .semi-monthly Student Newsletter is published , which includes a " personals" section.

Right before winter break , they had a mistletoe and candy cane sale. Students will also sell sweatshirts, T-shirts, key chains , mugs and other items with " Class of '89" designs. Tentatively scheduled fundraisers include a balloon

Pollak Wins Shakespeare Contest

Students Celebrate World Cultures

By Scott Kar p and 'Danielle Steinma nn Textbooks are not enough. In order to grasp the full flavor of the world's cultur es, one would have to visit , many nations.

Through Internationa l Night, the students of Townsend Harris were able to do just that without even leaving Flushing. ' The requirement for entrance into International Night was , a ' dish of ethnic food . There were foods representing many differen t cultures . " I think we had a good sampling of the ethnic diversity of Townsend Harris ," said 路Mr. Robert Goodman, Coordinator of Foreign Languages. There was everything from French crepes des pommes sautees to Jewish nood le pudding. ' Students and parents ' alike crowded into the cafetorium for a chance to sample the different foods prepared by their friends.

"The brownies were excellent,"

commented Lucia Grillo, "they made the whole thing worthwhile .

Oh, and 'the ' entertainment was good too ."

After most of the food was digested, students representing the language classes and their own ethnic groups put on a variety show. Through the universal act of dance, the real purpose of Interna tional Night was displayed.

Students of all cultures and backgrounds gathered on stage to dance to the music of Calypso and " La Bamba." " The way everyone pulled together showed the Townsend Harris spirit," encouraged Alejandra Garcia . ' Some pleasant surprises includ ed Mr. Richard Russo's Italian "Serenade," accompanied by Mrs. Joyce Provenzale and Alitia Salmoni. "I thought the best part was Mr. Russo singing with his powerful voice," said Rhonda Donn. Esperanza Wang's incredible dance from the Ucatan amaz-

ed the aud ience. "Esperanza dancing with a bott le on her head was quite impressive, " said Susan Chew.

In the Spanish , segment, the three genres of dance, music, and poetry came together in a musical recitat ion of the poem "Romance de la Luna, Luna " by Garcia Lorca, performed by Erika Landsman , James Marina, and Alejandra Garcia.

Of course, every performance was enjoyed by the audience, and they showed it through their roar ing app lause.

The performers enjoyed themselves as well. "It was a very self-fulfilling experience and I had a lot of fun doing it," said performer Paul Janicolla.

As Jessica Wohl said, "Not only is it a good idea because you learn about different cultures, you also learn things about your fellow students and teachers. I had a great time!"

Alec Pollac, winner of the schoolwide Shakespeare recitation contest is congratulated by drama teacher ' Harriette Blechmaim on

December 17. Alec read a passage from Richard 0/.

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REVIEW

The Couch Trip: Taking Laughs Lying Down

By Corey Ackerman Who is crazier, the psychiatrist or his patient? This question is asked numerous times throughout Michael Ritchie's new film The Couch Trip.

Dr. George Maitlin (Charles Grodin) is a rich California therapist who is in bad need of some time off. All that he needs now is a fill-in for his radio call-in show, Dan Aykroyd plays John Burns, a mental patient' who has escaped from an' institution, and now poses as Dr. Lawrence Baird, Maitlin's replacement. , Aykroyd's female partner on and off the screen is Donna Dixon. She I plays Laura Rollins, the psychiatrist who holds 'everything together.

When Burns hits the airwaves it's look out Dr. Ruth! Aykroyd takes control of The Couch Trip by using sight gags and jokes to keep the audience going. He shows his talents by eating a piece of candy and answering the telephone while wearing a straight jacket. Later, we find out what happens when someone gives narcotics to a swan. Akaroydis the only star of this film.

Walter Mathau is pleasant as a mental case, posing as a priest who wants to "save the plants;" but his 'character is not developed enough.

A strong bond is supposed to have formed between the' characters of Aykroyd andMatthau, but the audience cannot really feel this.

The Couch Trip is for those who want to laugh along with Dan Aykroyd. And be on the lookout for a cameo appearance by his buddy, Chevy -Chase. "

ID Groundhog Eliminates

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By Jessica Wohl When it comes to predicting the weather only the shadow knows, at least on February 2; Groundhog Day. "Groundhog Day, a tradition wonderful holiday, I believe it's important,'.' -s a y s Jessica Blumenfeld. Unfortunately not everyone knows about this holiday. "Where did Groundhog's Day come from?" asked Diana Ortiz. .

Groundhog Day, a tradition brought over by English and Ger man immigrants, was used by the farmers to predict the weather for the rest of the season. If the groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, that means winter will continue. If he doesn't see his shadow, that means spring is right around the corner. ' The farmers had total faith in the groundhog, and planted their crops around it's predictions.

Some people still feel this way today. "Groundhogs lire intellectual enough to know when the weather is going to change," said David Fischer.

Not everyone sees Groundhog Day as such a scientific subject. "I believe in it," Ruth Lerman said, '''it ' is a break from reality for all of us. Sometimes you have to put your faith in a Iittle creature."

The people interviewed did not all-givesuch serious answers. "It's a cute holiday. Groundhogs are cute, that is why.I believe," said Chevanniese Smith.

Other reasons for believing are more personal. "I believe in it because it's my uncle's birthday," said Sonia Rivera. . Many people don't believe at all. "I think it's useless," says Michelle Schiano, "it doesn't prove anything."

The doubts run deeper than disbelief though some are just confused about the basics. "Out of all the groundhogs in the world how do they know which one to pick?" wondered Lydia Hanft.

Whether one believes in it or not is one's own opinion. When one thinks about Groundhog Day, it all boils down to the question asked by Sera Congi , "Would you trust a groundhog?"

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Businesses Boom From School Community

By David Herszenhornand 3:00 P.M. anywhere from five school." According to Kal, about Don't most people look for" to twenty kids can be seen entering 70-75 students go into Triple A ward 't o school vacations? - Joe's Pizza. ' Charlie greets his ' Farms for a morning snack everyTeachers and 'studen ts have a ,. regulars as they get settled Tor the day. Sophomore, Scott Karp, said chance to relax, bus drivers don 't -.. " next three quarters of-an ho-ur. ' '' I usually stop in there before I "They are all right, a little bit come to school for a soda for have to deal with buses full of . noisy kids and the custodian noisy, they're good," said Charlie lunch." doesn't have to clean up after 600 about his customers from Townpaper-throwing teenagers. But send Harris. '''Sometimes twenty ~S Charlie Abraham doesn't like kids come in and two buy school vacations, neither does Ir- something, the rest sit here for rna Badillo, and Kal Farmand may nothing." ""They're very friendly Irma Badillo of Star Supereven go so far as to say he hates in there. Whenever we're in Wenthem . dy's they kick us out if some peo- market also enjoys having ple aren't eating. In the pizza students come into her place of place they let us stay there and business . "They buy a lot. They they even talk to us sometimes," are very nice students. The door is said Sophomore Melody open anytime they want to come Keilbach. Joe's Pizza has become in, for eleven hours the door is Although thei. feelings are not one of the favorite places of open for everybody." "I go in of the majority opinion they are students who just want to wind there every morning to buy juice still easily j usti fied; Charlie down. and a soda for my lunch. 1 prefer Abraham, Irma Badillo and Kal Star Supermarket to Triple A Farmand all run businesses on Farms because of their superior ' ~I Parsons Boulevard and , 75th service and their unparalled Avenue. To them a school vacacourtesy," said junior Jennifer tion means a lack of customers.

Appell.

Kal Farmand, on ' the other Five years ago these three No matter which store students business people didn 't. care hand, usually does most of his prefer or decide to patronize it is whether schools were opened or business with Harris students in obvious that Townsend Harris closed but in the past four years the morning as kids come into students are becoming an influenTownsend Harris has become part school. He said, "I like students tial part of the community and acof the Flushing community and its here. Personally, I think they are cording to Parsons Boulevard effect on the local area is easily very nice. I must say there are business people, the influence is seen. Somewhere between 2:30 some nice looking girls in that definitely positive .

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'Part of the Community'

Like Students Here'

Now Ear This: Boys Pierce Through Once Feminine Fashion

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By Scott Karp guys who do not opt to wear an They used to be worn only by earring seem to accept it. "I don't look good in an earring. Some rock stars, pirates, men of unusual people do. I have nothing against sexual persuation, and of course women. But now men of all ages it," allowed Paul Jannicola. and of all sexual preferences have Why are so many guys wearing taken to wearing earrings. Sur- earrings? "My friends have earrprisingly enough, this new trend ings and it's a very popular thing. has been widely accepted.

It's a fashion statement," explains "Guys with earrings are the Jerome Tomaselli who wears an greatest things! It makes any guy earring. Yet others choose not to look better," exclaims sophomore follow the crowd. , "I had one two years ago but I Diana Ortiz. Men with earrings seem to be encouraged the most took it out because it was becomamong teenage girls, even more , ing too much of a fad," explained than the men themselves. "It Senior Scott Siegel, who just makes a strong statement about recently got his -ear repierced, their individuality. It shows Yet some do it for other reasons. "It's not a political statethey're not afraid to do it no matmerit, it just looks good," said ter what people say," says Jennifer Weinberg.

Corey Ackerman. "I love pain, Even if there , is opposition ' that feeling in my brain," explainamong parents and other adults, ed Matt Dominianni who also had . there is certainly no doubt that it his ear pierced.

A big issue among teenager with is accepted among teenagers. Even

earrings is parental 'consent. "I'd earrings. "Even though my consider getting an earring if there boyfriend doesn't have one, I ' wasn't so much opposition in my think a long earring is-just about family," stated Alec Pollak . Yet the sexiest asset to a guy's warmany parents seem to be accepting drobe," claims Alina Ratner. "I it. "I did it to annoy my mother think guys look good in " small but it didn't," regrets freshman hoops. It depends on the guy," Max Schultz. Just based on the says Lisa Antinore. fact that so many teenage guys Just like girls sometimes 'o pt not have an earring, it would seem to wear an earring on a particular that many parents are going along day, some guys choose to do the same. "I sometimes forget to put with it.

There is also the matter of my earring back in once I take it which ear the earring is worn in. It out," explains Jeff Friedman. Yet is a widely held belief that men other guys don't agree with this who wear earrings in their right idea, "I wear an earring all the ' 'ears , are homosexuals. This,of time, no matter what," insists' course, isn't necessarily true. ~ "In Mike Scheiman.

England they baveit backwards," "Get one!" encourages Adam points out Leon.Kourounis.

Puglisi. This seems to sum up the The style of men's earrings is general opinion of guys wearing also deemed veryimportant. Most , ea r ri n g s among teenagers. .guys opt to wear a small stud. Yet , Whether this is just another fad, other guys have .taken to wearing or if it will catch on still remains to hoops .or other -assorted hanging beseen.

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J anu ary 1981

Green Takes Charge: Controversy Surrounds Appomtment '

By David Herszenhom Mi n n ea p o li s sc hoo ls superintenden t Richard R. Green will replace New York City Sch o ol s Ch a nce ll or Nathan Quinones .

Dr. Green was named after an informal Board of Education vote taken dur ing a meeting at the New Yor k Hilton on January 3, where according to Board President Robert F. Wagner, Jr., " a consensus" had been reached . The forma l vote was put off for three days so it could be taken at a , scheduled public meeting which is required by Board rules .

Competition Dr. Green was chosen over Dr. Bernard R. Gifford, a university education dean, who was preferred by the teachers' union and four borough presidents. Dr. Green was chosen mainly because he too k a failing school system and turned it around. In the New York Times President Wagner was also quoted as saying that Dr. Green has "impressive academic and administrative achievement."

Dr. Green has a doctorate in education from Harvard University and has been both a teacher and principal in Minneapolis. He is also president of The Council of the Grea t City Schools, which is made up of the heads of 44 urban school systems. This relieves some concern as to whether or not Dr. Green could run a school system with close to a million students.

President Wagner saw Dr. Green 's experience in running a major system just as important as ..:.-

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experience in New York .

The selec t io n of a new chancello r has been very con trover sial and highly politicized.

City Hall and President Wagner were in favor of Dr. Green but had to battle the Teachers' Union and fou r Borough Presidents who had preferred Dr. Giffor d. Dr. Giffo rd was quoted as saying, "I'm sorry the process became this politicized. " Black activist, lawyer C . Vernon Mason, who was in favor of a different candidate , said that he cannot sup port Dr. Green, who he believes will simply be a 'figurehead for Mayor Ed Koch. Board of Education members , Dr. Gwendolyn C. Baker who voted against Dr .

Green, said that she would have felt better if Dr. Gifford had been chosen .

Townsend Harris ' Principal Malcolm Largmann said, "He has to be given a chance . I am glad that he says he has high standards .

I think that is the only way to improve the system is to be deman ding of it. He seems to be a very direct take-over type of guy ."

Plans Dr. Green's plans for the New York City schools are not clear yet but he is showing caution. "I don't want to bring the Minneapolis story to the Big Apple."

He told New York Newsday, " I want to work closely with the.

Mayor or anyone else in New, York who wants to make the school system better. I think it's a special opportunity .given to few people. I have ultimate faith that I can make a difference, but I can't do it by myself-it must be a collective 'we.''' â&#x20AC;˘

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Enrichment Program Honors Dr. King Townsend Harri s choru s, under the leadersh ip of choir master David Briskin, presented Ii gospel program in hon or of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on J anu ary 21. President of Motown Record s, Cheryl Hill, also l! spok e on that day in recognition of King. '

Principal Given Power:

Supreme Court Opts For Censorship

By Renata Kobetts 'pro blem," said Dr. Largmann.

The Supreme Court ruled 5 to He explained, " It is the respon3, on January 13, that public , sibility of the advisor of the school officials have broad power newspaper to understand what the to censor school newspapers as policies for newspaper publication well as other school sponsored ex- are in the school." Mrs. Sheryl pressive activities if they interfere Rubin, faculty advisor of The in any way with the intentions of Classic, agreed, "It's not going to the pedagogical teaching staff. affect the publicaton of The The basis of this decision on 'the Classic; it will just make the Hazelwood Case was -that the stu- students more aware of the prindent newspaper is part of the jour- cipal's powers of censorship . As nalism curriculum, " and that yet, we haven't had any problems school officials have the right and in dealing with controversial responsibility to control cur- ' : issues. [But the decision] casts the riculum. It does not limit censor- spectre of the principal's sword." ship ' to Principal /Reynold's She, however , was unhappy about defense that.the right to privacy of the decision and worries about its certain students would be imping- ' effect on student journalism . ed upon. across the nation.

Dr . Largmann stresses that Reverses policy and responsibility have to Decision be taught to young journalists. " If students cannot accept these This decision , which reverses policies, perhaps they should not that of Tinker v . Des Moines, a be on the staff, " he added. case which defended students' freedom of expression, has caused Resp onsibility much concern in the political and educational community, as well as of Adviser within high , schools themselves .

Townsend Ha rris junior Julia Dr . Largmann believes that a Erlbaum stated, "If we allow bits principal's exercise of the new of our Constitution to be taken right is only j usti fi ed, if away from us, soon 'enough we ' someone 's rights "are being stepwill end up having no Constitu- ped on." In a school which has tional rights." Many students only one newspaper, this means question how and when the new representing both 'sides of an issue power will be exercised by their to avoid slanting the news. " I own pr incipal , Dr . . Malcolm have confidence in the faculty adLargmann. visor and kids," said the Prin" I don't really foresee it as a ,cipal. His only involvement would

come as a result of being askec about a controversial issue by th: advisor . If he were asked about ; story which, for example , ad ,vocated abortion or contraceptior without presenting another side tc the story, he would "very, verj strongly suggest that the other' side be represented in the article ir order to insure equity anc fairness. "

Greatest Concern Dr . Largmann' s greatest CO il' cern is that principals will now bl held responsible by the communi ty for the content of the newspaper, and this will pressun them to exercise rights of prioi restraint and censorship. ' The ,Supreme Court decision is based on three assertions intended to afford educators "greater control" over school, sponso red speech: the perogative of educators to control cur, riculum, the shielding of the au, dience from objectional viewpoints and sensitive topics , anc the school's need to disassociate itself from studen t expression. Dr Largmann finds special fault witt the last of the three , saying ' J don't believe that when people read The Classic they believe this is the voice of the principal. II they do , then they arer misinform, ;ed.. .I don't agree. with ever) , editorial [The Classic] publishes ."

state Inspects Harris Procedures .

By Renata Kobetts Townsend Harris students " faculty, and administration all braced up to the rigors of inspection for state certification, as Dr. Richard Crowley visited the school on' January 5th and 6th.

While Dr. Crowley' observed school procedures, many students asked, "Who is thatman?" or, "What is certification?" "Certified by .the state-for what?" asked junior Hana Lamb .

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Almost all wei~ aware, however, of ' the amount of preparation and tension caused by the visit. ' '4 Assistant Principal <O rganization, Malcolm Rossman, .explained that several years a~? the State

Board of Regents established the certification system to insure consistency throughout the New York School System. Certification, which enables a school to issue regents endorsed diplomas, consists of two parts: the statistical abstract, which includes ' atten' dance, retention rate, and the percentage of students who pass the Regents Examinations; and compliance issues, which were passed by the New York State Legislature and entail a require-ment of ten fire drills per year, 'safety standards, and the course of study. A school must be recertified every five' years.

Dr. Crowley, a Long Island administrator who inspects specialized schools, w!'-s most impressed

with the students' programs, th intermixing between males anr females and students of differen grades and' ethnic backgrounds and the quality of instruction. HI was also impressed with Guidane Coordinator Sheila Orner's stu dent support programs and founc the school less stressful than he ex pected it to be.

Mr . Rossman explained that the great amounts of preparation for the state visit included Mrs. Orner's organization of files ,as well as an almost uninterrupted work span of five weeks on his part. Dr. Crowley's report is to be written 30 days after his visit and at that time will be carefully reviewed by the school administration.

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The Classic

January 1988 -

Executive Interns Embark on New Mission

By Holly Ha tcher Senior year has often been cited as the highligh t of a student's academic career. Although many students have packed away past anx ieties and made room for senioritis , I I seniors have embarked on a new mission in adv anced learning through the Executive Interns hip Program . '

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Intern s Lind a Faclnelli and Je nineKosak.

The Executive Internship Program add resses itself to those st udents who seek higher education in occupational related fields in which they are interested. The prog ram is designed so students can acquire skills and knowledge t hrou gh hands on exper ience . Intern Kimberly Har per hoped to achieve a firm bac kground of the judicials process through hands on experience at Rogovin and ' Golum law firm. Knowledge can be gained for some students throu gh actu al research and writing reports , while many still, demon str ate social interaction with others th rough nursing and educationa l fields , which include hospitals and schoo ls.

Thi s program is not geared towards any _pa rticular type of students , except those who ar e enthusi astic an d eager to learn.

Harper added that the headstart in th e program has made her "mo re awar e of care er choic es in th e future." It is well recommended that a student have a good att endance record, passin g grades, and a counselor' s reco mmend atio n .

The Executive Intern ship Program is open to senio r class memb ers who have com pleted th e majority of the requirements for graduation . Students who participate in the program work at a given site for a full semester of school. The students are able to choose what semester is preferab le to them. Some stud ent s wish to work in the fall term; so they can spend the latter part o f the year

with their friends in many of the senior activities, yet . other pro spective interns prefer to wait until the spring to work after all school work is completed.

Interns use their discretion in choosing work sites. The array of jobs available is tremendous .

There are 10 areas of internships available with a total of 58 subgroups combined . Some students seek traditional professions which may include working with doctors or lawyers, while fellow interns find work in television studios, social work, or business related fields .

Interviews

Weekly Meetings receive academic cred it, granted by the Executive Int ern ship Program , a department of the City as School. Meal sti pends and transportation passes are provided under most conditions and circumstances. The interns are not expected on ly to fulfill a satisfactory job but to learn an d develop new ideas as they cont inue with the program. "You don 't do it because you have to do it, you do ' it because you want to. It has taught me a lot about myself," continued Mendoza.

Several interns cited an increase Students are interviewed by the of maturity as a benefit of the proexecutive sponsor at a particular work site and later decide which gram. Near ly explained, " This insite is most appropriate to the ir in- ternship has helped me overcome dividual needs. "They're not in- my shyness that I had before and terviewing you, you're interview- is now preparing me fo r the outing them," commented Harper. side world. " Harper shares a Xavier Mendoza, satisfied with similar view, "My experience has his chosen work site, expressed , made me more pos itive about the "Everyone is very friendly . Even future in law. It has helped me to though I' m an intern they con- speak and write more efficiently ."

She continued, " I've lear ned how sider me a paralegal." ' Being treated as an equal is to deal with people in the business another positive reinforcement world an d have acq uired a sense cited by interns . Students report .of assurance in myself."

The transition of a high schoo l ' for a full day's work Mondays t h ro ugh T h ur sda ys a n d a re student to a full time emp loyee. schedu led to attend gro up con- was easy for some who had ferenc es with other interns for a prev io us job experiences. Interns half day . Law intern Sharon Nea - are often requested to ret urn at a Iy o ffered her recommenda tion o n summer 'post or full time job upon th e program, stating that it is completion of th e co urse. Thi s is somet hing o ut o f the basic routine th e pro gram's 16th year in which ' 'thousan ds of students have paro f school.

Durin g t he weekly Fri day ticipated. meetings, progress reports are discussed and developed; lectures, gr o u p act ivities, a n d g ues t speakers are also included in th e day's program . Th e first Friday in every mo nth is designa ted for the Int ern s include Carlin e Emile, students' return to their home scho ol. Th is ensures that the stu- Linda Facinelli, Kimberly Harper , Audrey Houston, Carolyn Innes, dent does not lose cont act with Jenni e Kosak, Suzanne Malin e, school activities, bulletins , and Sharon Nealy, Indira Pooran, friendships .

Altho ugh t he st ud ent s a re Yvon ne Thompson, and Karen Vandenburg. technically out of schoo l th ey do

Interns

Facing the Application Ordeal

By Cheryl Schustack The orde al of filling out a blank college application is on e most seniors are qui te familiar with by now. For most, the college application process is simply an an noyance. Begging teachers for recom mendations and spen ding great amounts of time in th e college office is nerve-racking, no doubt. Summing up one's life in t he space prov ided below , however, is quite a different sto ry.

"You have to advertise yourself, " stated Sonia Lee, revealing the real objective behind the pu rpose of th e essay, " You 're ' putt ing on a show for the admis sions board . If they've never seen that show before, then you're a step ahead of everybody else."

So how do all these original ideas start pouring in? "You have to do a little sou l-searching," offered Joanne Muntzner. "One time when J was taking a bath, .I

was just thinking about my life ex- ' I c;-= ~. . . periences an d trying to choose one ;i'.:;' u ~ \ l/ ~ !] , \ t hat I thought really expressed '::;1 ... me." <.' f " For some stu dents, finding the <, 'lilt ,' , right thin g to say was a harrowing 1 \but ul timately rewarding exI ' ..?--.:::::::0' perie nce. "I put it off for a long ./" time because I wanted it to be - -' perfect," reasoned Sharon Albert. ,L----"::= ~ "In the end I chose to write about a fami ly situation I've had to learn ,-c.LJj to dea l with for a very long time . ' ,' . ~ ~~: _.Writing it all down helped me to " -evalua te things . It was actually I I~' : pretty good therapy, " concluded Sharon positively. ' For some, the problem was not place or been edito r of some " it definitely all paid off." as much what to write , but when Fernandez.

Students waiting until April for publication.

It 's especially difto write it. " There wasn't enough For Step hanie Joseph, the most time in the day between writing discouraging part of the process ficult to make yourself to stand no tification of th eir acceptances papers, stu dying for exams, workwas realizing that "a million other out in a school like ours. I always are a bit less cheery about the proing and finding free time to relax. students are in Arista, Archon and had my doubts as to how strong cess as Se Ho Kang's philosophy is You can't rush the essay because on school teams. It seems what I had written was ." After a rather popular one : " It was an you have to really get into it for it everyone has - had a job at a being accepted early to Cornell experience I 'd never like ' to to sound real.Y .decided Veronica hospital, traveled to some exotic Unive rsity , ~tep.hanie decided that repeat. " i . , .. ... ::..~ ... .~ , .,

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The Classlc

Boys' Cross Country Runs To A Different Beat

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Track stars Yanique Fletcher, Lucy Kim and Angela Hall reflect the "positive attitude" of this year's Girls' Indoor Track Team. '

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Girls' Indoor Track Displays 'Brilliant Stars

By Donnelle Butler Speed, endurance, and dedication are the qualities which describe this year's Girls' Indoor Track Tream, The new additions have complemented the veterans, making the team more potent than ever. As junior member Martine Guerrier comments , "This year's team has a more positive attitude about the sport, and is very dedicated towards it."

"Relax, be calm, and concentrate," are ,.the only thoughts which go through Yanique Fletcher's mind before the gun goes off. A blessing in disguise , this freshman has set several records and is one-tenth of a second off ' the 400m record set by senior Meredith Ford.

Already one of the top freshman runners in the city, coach Joe Horn feels "she can be one of the best runners in New York State."

Competitive sports are nothing new to this talented athlete. ','I used to play basketball and football with my brother and his friends," Yanique comments.

She has also participated in the

Carnarsie Olympics where she captured several first and second place prizes, and also competes in the American Tennis Association Tournament.

When asked how they feel/ about her, most team members were in agreement. Annette Artus surmised , "She is really fast. By the time she gets older, she should really be good."

Another asset to the team is junior Lucy Kim. Kim, an all around athlete, has been placed in the top ten in nearly all of her races.

One of the top runriers in the city in her sophomore year, an injury cut her season short. This year she is making a great com- ' eback . "She is at a point in which she is better than in her sophomore year," comments coach Joe Horn.

Asked -if she has any plans for track in the future, she replied, "not really. I enjoy running and it keeps me in good shape." Kim continues to improve, and every season, she rises to a new plateau in her career.

Dedication and sacrifice are

words which characterize Angela Hall's career. Rain, snow, sickness, or injury cannot keep this junior from the track.

Sacrifice for one's sport is nothing new in' the Hall family .

Having two cousins in the Olympics, one for high jumping, the other for tennis, has taught Angela to make sacrifices in order to succeed .

Since she has begun running track, she was forced to give up her job and cut down on social activities. Hall does not mind though , because she wants to continue to run after she graduates, and feels that practice is the way to be a good competitor.

When asked how she began her track career., she replied, "I have tried various other sports but once I found track, it was the one for me."

These three runners are just a few of the many talented members of the team . There is no doubt that the team is craving for success this season . As it looks, and with all the talent it contains, it should achieve it.

Baldwin's Death Evokes Emotion Baldwin's "self imposed exile" in a member and part of the actual

By Janna Siegel The late James Baldwin was an his country, the writer as a teacher mourning and I was proud that I inspiration to a great many civil in French schools, and his work as had learned about him before he rights leaders and was instrumen- a spokesman for blacks in his was forgotten."

"James Baldwin's death was tal in raising social conscience in tribute.

Maya Angelou inspired the next really a blow to me," admitted the sixties to unprecedented heights. His funeral was declared generation of black writers "try to Junior Jeff Smith, who said he a celebration of the man's life and love each other, try to hold on to "admired the writer greatly." He was dedicated to the remembrance .each other," and "Go tell it on elaborated that, "His writings made me realize the beauty within of his courageous deeds and the mountain."

Literature of the Sixties teacher myself and of my people. I hope enlightening philosophies.

To the fifteen Townsend Harris Steve Mermelstein saw Baldwin as that with his death people will students and their teacher, Steve "a seminal figure in the civil rights understand the potency of his Mermelstein, who attended the movement." He is concerned that works, and have a greater respect funeral, however, Baldwin's death as a result of Baldwin's death, and knowledge of the black peoheld a more personal significance. "blacks and whites will be polariz- , pie."

For Melissa Pinket, the funeral Held at noon on December 8, ed. The sign:' very little awareness the service brought together about black and minority culture itself, in which even Baldwin's blacks and whites to hear musical beyond the images presented in wheelchair-bound mother was present, was emotional. In tributes, praise from friends, and the mess media."

To those who did not live reference to the powerful drum a recording of Baldwin singing through the turbulent '60s, but solo by Bataunde Olatunji Ensem"'Precious Lord."

Author Toni Morrison read such Baldwin books as The ble, the sophomore -commented remembered three gifts from Fire Next Time and Go Tell It on that, "I felt like my heart was be~ .

James Baldwin to herself and the the Mountain, the man presented ing sucked out."

James Baldwin was born in world. "(He) gave a language to a different image.

Said senior Tanya Odom who Harlem in 1925. His first book dwell in ... courage which (Baldwin) let us share .. . (and) "learned to care about James was Go rai芦 On The Mountain. tenderness so delicate that I Baldwin as a person" through He died in France on December 1, literature of the sixties, "I figure 1987 of stomach cancer. He was thought it could not last."

Emmanuele de Margerie, Am- about the person who I had buried at the Ferncliff Cemetery bassador of France, discussed studied in school. I felt as if I were in Ardsley, New York.

By Steve Sussman Now that the Boys' Cross Country Track team has been crowned Queens B Division Champions, Boys' Indoor Track is running to a different beat.

Since some of 'the Cross Country team members are also on the Indoor Track Team, they are more relaxed and are enj oying themselves after the glories of their achievement. After gutting out the fall season, they are cooling off during the winter months.

The Indoor Track Team has already had a chance to run at West Point: Sui-Kwon Lo, happy to have a chance to run at such a prestigious institution, said, "It feels great inside when all those people are cheering you on."

Track Team members agree that running is an ideal getaway from the everlasting pressures of an adolescent's life. "Track takes my mind off of my troubles and relaxes me," stated team member Oliver McIntosh. His teammate, ' Dan Shrage added, "After I've gotten started running, my legs go automatically and I forget about all of my problems."

The runners also agree that Mr. Davis is a great coach. This goes without saying, as he led them to their Queens Championship.

Shrage commented, "Mr. Davis is the driving force behind our team.

When we are ready to give up, he pushes us to keep us going."

Other members have similar sentiments . Keith Wilken ' added, "Mr. Davis trains us the best he can with his knowledge in track."

The Track Team is in good hands under the management of Jun Egawa, who has been working hard to help the team in whatever way she can. As McIntosh stated, "Jun is very inspirational when we are down on ourselves. " Having a relaxed atmosphere is important to having a winning team. "The Track Team has helped me to compete without the pressures of winning," said runner Barry Timmons .

The Indoor Track Team would love to repeat the outstanding performance of the Cross Country by becoming Queens Champs. As Timmons stated , "The Track Team's moving!"

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