The Classic newspaper Volume 5 Issue no. 4

Vol. S;No. 4, June 1989

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'T ownsend Harris High School .at Queens College • 7~-40 Parsons Blvd., 11366

Seniors graduate from school of excellence

by David Herszenhom . spoke out against the "pocketbook iti?

"To the class of 1989, I say GO politics" of today's society.

FOR IT!" exclaimed Assistant Michelle said that success today is Principal Malcolm Rossman in his "measured by the digits in one 's welcoming remarks to 200 gradu- . salary" and not by one 's accomates and a packed Colden Auditori- plishments.

Michelle praised the student um at the second Commencement Exercises of Townsend Harris activists in Beijin g, first mentiona topic which would be High School at Queens College , ing touched on by three more speakers June 22.

One graduate, Dr. Leonard Gold- after her .

Greetings came from Queens water, received his diploma a little late - by about 70 years . Dr. Gold- College President Shirley Strum water, a Professor Emeritus at Kenny who said, "We at Queens Duke University who holds de: College are very proud of you and grees from the University of Mich- to those of you who are coming to igan, New York University and Queens College , I will see you in Columbia University, was a mem- the fall."

Queens High Schools Superinber of the Townsend Harris class of 1918 but he was forced to drop tendent Samuel Kostman was out of school and never received scheduled to speak but was unable to attend for health reasons. Mr. his diploma.

Before handing Dr. Goldwater Rossman said, "One of our stronEXCELLE NCE AGAIN AND AGAIN: Principal Ma lcolm La rgman n cuts celebration cake in the library. his diploma, Principal Malcolm gest supporters, Queen s SuperinLargmann joked about having "th e tendent Samuel Kostman, has not young man's" disciplinary record been well and has been hospitalcleared by Dean Wanda Nix . ized. I would just like to wish

by David Herszenhom given lollipops. The studen ts also like to capture the spirit of a Upon receiving his diploma, Dr. him the best and thank him for ev"We knew all along that this received pens after Townsend Har- school. Our main purpose is to valGoldman turned to the audience eryth ing - we wish you the best, was a national School of ris was nam ed a State Finalis t in idate the information submitted in and said, "Well, it's about time. I Mr. Kostman, and we miss you."

Excellence," said Queens College the competition. A cake was pur- the application and get a feeling of A musical interlude was played President Shirley Strum Kenny at chased and a celebration was held what is behind the data." came all the way from North CaroFluent in Spanish, Mr. Margraduation exercises on June 22. for the staff in the school library. lina to be with you tonight so you by the Townsend Harris Concert know how important this is to me." Band under the direction of Con"It's good that the whole world The naming of Townsend tinez also inspected two school s in Walter Davis.

The Many honored guests attended ductor knows it.

Harris as a School of Excellence Puerto Rico, both of which were the almost three-hour graduation , Townsend Harris Ladies Chorus, United States Secretary of Ed- came after a long assessment pro- eventually named Schools, of Exucation Lauro F. Cavazos officially cess which entailed an extensive cellence. At one point during his proceedings including Queens Col- conducted by Helen Houdek, also named Townsend Harris one of written application, evaluation on a visit at Townsend Harris, Mr. Marlege President Shirley Strum performed three pieces.

In his address to the graduates, 218 schools recognized nationwide state level, national evaluation and tinez held a conversation, comKenny, Queens Borough President as Schools of Excellence in the on-site inspection by representa- pletely in Spanish, with junior Claire Shulman, Kings County Dr. Largmann said, "You are beauDepartment of Education's Sec- tives of the Department of Educa- Sonia Rivera, who explained the District Attorney Elizabeth tiful, the boys as well as the girls. I lack of drug problems in the ondary School Recognition pro- tion in Washington.

Holtzman and a representative envy the world upon which you are gram. . An application was sent to school. from Assemblywoman Nettie about to embark. You have always Mr. Ohlberg, a former AssoFollowing the announce- the State Education Department in Mayersohn's office . Many distin- been known as the 'second class...' ment, signs bearing the various November. In New York State ciate State Superintendent in Silver guished alumni were also present, you have profited from the misdefinitions of "excellence" ap- alone, 93 schools ' applied, and of Springs, Maryland, explained that including Joseph Rom, Charles takes we made the first time peared all over the building and a these, only 36 were named State after the inspectors ftle their rearound." ,Sigety and Henry Shereff. banner reading, "It takes excellent Finalists. A select few of the State ports , "a three-member panel in Dr. Largmann challenged the Dr. Robert Haan, the liaison students and staff t o make a school Finalists were chosen by the De- Washington makes the final decibetween Townsend Harris and graduates to examine their conof excellence," was posted above partment of Education in Washing- sion."

Queens College, in a speech focus- cepts of success to determine if "Our school is one of excelthe entrance to the general office. ton to be on-site visited. ing on the theme "it works," stated they are qualitative concepts or not because of SAT scores, lence In honor of the award, a speMr. Carlos Martinez and quantitative values.

He asked, "Are emphatically, "The collabo ration cial student celebration was Mr. Richard Ohlberg visited but because of creative teaching, between Townsend Harris and you successful because you echoed planned for June 13 but had to be Townsend Harris on April 5 and 6. an attitude of loyalty, and a spirit the teacher's views in class and Queens College works." cancelled due to inclement weath- In an interview with The Classic, to maintain standards of excelSalutatorian Michelle Carino, memorized texts or because you er. The celebration was postponed Mr. Martinez, an education re- lence ," said Dr. Largmann at grada national champion in Forensics, accepted academic challenge?" .. until next Founder's Day in No- searcher in the Connecticut State uation on June 22 .

He continued, "For four years vember, but students were all Education Department, said, "I you have journeyed together. You have been pioneers and perservHoltzman. "Dream a dream for the ered to reach your destina tion. You . on the threshold of an even bright- Anzel.

Kings -County District Attorney city, dream a dream for the country are not an entity to yourselves but er future." part of a very rich fabric. In a little Mrs. Susan Schiff and Mr. and former Congresswoman Eliza- and the world around you. We while, we will part. You will trav- Leon Smith were also honored by beth Holtzman addressed the Class look to you for the better brighter el away from Townsend Harris the Principal for their contributions of 1989. She said, "Congratula- world. Without you, without your but Townsend Harris will not leave to the P.T.A.. The alumni gave ten tions on your achievement. The idealism, your commitment, your you....You have been an unforget- awards to students for outstanding sky is the limit if you reach for it." energy, the job cannot be done." academic achievement in various Ms. Holtzm an became the third table class."

James Marina, winner of the Queens Borough President Claire subject areas, as well as for ser- speaker to mention protes ting stuShulman was . presented the vice.

Clementine Butts and dents in Beijing. "Students who do award to the Valedictorian given Founder's Award by Dr. Largmann Charles Puglisi , Co-presidents of not challenge society against injus- by the Clas s of 1938, concluded for her help in fmalizing plans for the P.T.A., presented the three an- tice have not learned their les- the graduati on speeches with his valedi ctory address. He said, "I the new Townsend Harris building. nual :p.T.A. awards. Four scholar- sons," she said. stand before you with mixed emoMrs. Shulman responded, "It really ships from the United Federation "Don't stop dreaming with a tions...sadness...appreciation...and has been a labor of love....Today of Teachers were awarded by Tcwnsend Harris High. School is . Union Representative Michael dream for yourself," continued Ms. excitement. "

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Harris celebrates excellence award

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The Classic

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June 1989

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Senior year conjures forth thoughts of girls in prom dresses, guys in what may be their first tuxedos, "Pomp and Circumstance" played in a crowded, hot auditorium as sentimental graduates file into place, and a whirl of parties. ,, Townsend Harris High School has more than its share of social events, with the prom, a PTA senior party, and the Field Day at Queens College most prominent on the agenda. Only twelve tickets for the Field Day were sold to seniors, while the PTA party suffered from low attendance. Such recreational activities are accompanied by a high cost which; when considered along with senior dues, poses a great burden for many graduates. ' , ' The senior trip is one example of an overpriced event. ,While it provided a great ' weekend for those. who participated, less ,than 50% of the senior class went. Such low attendance, also evident at events throughout June, cannot be attributed to a lack of school spirit among the seniors, but rather to the great expenses of senior year. If one attends all events, pays senior dues, and purchases the Crimson and Gold, these add up to $478.00, This does not include the costs of prom attire and other incidentals.

It would appear that Townsend Harris, with its small graduating class, attempts to do too much. Events tend to draw from each other. By competing for participation, the individual events tend to decrease the spirit and cohesiveness of the senior class, while placing tremendous financial burdens on seniors and their families.

In order to reduce the $100.00 senior dues, the Senior Council should institute a system of competitive bidding for commencement floral arrangements and printing.

Furthermore, the $1000.00 Senior Class Gift .to Townsend Harris High School would be far more economical and meaningful if the senior class purchased an item suggested

by Dr. Largmann. The gift is meant to serve the students of the ' school. A monetary contribution, instead, of providing a remembrance of the Class of 1989, becomes a matter of finance which places a burden on students who should be served by the educational system, rather than contributing to its budgetary needs. A senior class gift should be more significant than $1000.00 budgeted by the Board of Education.

At no time has the senior class, in its homeroom assembly on Wednesdays, been notified of or consulted on the budgeting of senior dues. Meanwhile, events are continually scheduled, items are ordered, and plans are made with reckless fury. The yearbook continues to accumulate a deficit.

Seniors face the price tag.

Townsend Harris seems to have adopted a budgetary method which provides the glamour of "sparing no expense" but, in falling into a money pit, has failed to realize that the resources of payment are not inexhaustible.

~ -30--- · To journalists,thirty means the end. I still remember, as a freshman, seeing "-30," in Mrs. Rubin's handwriting, writtenin red on the bottomof all stories. And so now, nine days beforegraduation,I pen my thirty column.

This may be the last newspaperI ever layout. It is a bittersweet thought.

It meansno last minute panics over empty spaceson pages. It ends my identity as Editor-in-Chiefor, as I was called as a sophomore, "M.E." (Managing Editor) of The Classic. h means that my personal life is no longer fair game for staff members.

But it also marks the end of four years of working with a great staff.

Please note that I didn't say an "efficient" staff. But I can't imagine working on the newspaper without all of your idiosyncracies, juniors, and I would also like to assure the younger staff members that, as you age, you will become just as eccentricas we are.

A patina of age has made it difficult to look back to freshmanyear, while Volume 2 of The Classic remains filed and intact, crystallizing our youth.

The newspaper, with its new look and changing staff, has mirroredthe changes in ourselves. As the paper has grown, we have matured.

The paper will continueto develop. I will not guide it in its course. As an alumnus, I will catch glimpses of The Classic every now and then, note the editor'sname, and wonder what he or she is like. Namesmentionedin articles will becomeless and less familiar. I will wince at overly-alliterative headlines and remember our blunders with an embarrassedsmile.

But I will rememberour triumphs with glowingpride. I will rememberthe talented, enthusiastic staff I had the opportunity to work with. To all of you who have worked on the newspaper, and to all current and future editors, thank you, good luck, and keep my name on the mailinglist.

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PTA's contributions unnoticed fo the Editor: As I read about our school's celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the United Nations' passage of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights in The Classic, I felt that the P.T.A.'s contributions to this event were ignored, Since the Classic's account of this event did not include the fact that the cele- . bration was conceived, co-sponsored and coordinated by the

P.T.A., I think that your report failed to tell the whole story.

In February, the P.T.A., in cooperation with Mr. Robert 000<1-, man and the Foreigrt Language Department, co -sponsored the International Buffet. Members of the P.T.A. worked long and hard before, during and after this event to ensure that it would be a success.

When" I read about the event in The Classic, I did not think that

your article reported how this event was brought from concept to reality.

Like members of any family, we need (and like) 10 know that we are appreciated and that our contributions to the school are valued.

Charles Puglisi Co - President Townsend Harris H.S. Parents and Teachers Association

Men protest First Amendment denial To The Editor: It's bad enough that we guys can't have any teams because there are so few of us. The girls get all the teams. Now, we can't wear hats, but the girls can. SEXISMl Everyone should be allowed to wear hats.

Let me outline what happened to me. I was walking down the stairs with a baseball cap on, and 'Ms. Nix was standing at the bottom of the stairs, and she told me to give her the hat. First, I took off the hat and joked around

saying, "Oh no, I don't have it on."

But fmally I had to give it to her .

The reason I had to give it to her was that the school has a rule that says girls can wear hats because they "go with the outfits," but boys can't.

First of all, that's a sexist statement. Second of all, that rule violates my civil rights under the First Amendment, freedom of expression. There is a sign in room 207 (the room in which the newspaper meets) that says, "We support freedom of expression:" I

have troub le believing this if I'm not allowed to wear a baseball hat expressing my favorite 'team , Even if I wasn't wearing a baseball hat, if I was just wearing a plain hat, I would still be expressing myself.

This is a sexist and discriminatory rule. It must be changed so that everyone is allowed to wear hats. Saying that no one can wear hats would be violating every one's civil rights, not just the men's.

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Charlie Redell

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Townsend Harris High School at,.Queens College 75-40 Parsons Blvd. flushing, New York 11366

David Herszenborn Editor-in-Chief Alicia Salmon; Jessica Wo hl News Ed itors Melody Keilbach Editorial Page Editor

Jane Cirigliano Managing Editor ScotlKarp Danle lle Steinmann Feature Editors Leon Jones Sports Editor

Renata Kobetls Senior Editor-in-Chief Hayley Thomas Senior Managing Editor Senior Con tribu ting Editors: Camille Gear , Eileen Gunn

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Staff: Sasha Antoszewski, Alexandra Beller, Jonathan Boltax, David Chan, Erica Crowley, Jordan Dressler, Justine Eisenstein, David Fischer , Ani Fleisig, Brett Freese, Heather Golin, Mariellen Gutwein, Lorraine Holland, Nuri Kodaman ,' Scott Kossove, Mary McCar·, thy, David Park, Jonathan Perry, Lisa Sanders, Ronnie Sussman .

Business Man ager: Jacqueline Berier

Alexandra Lntz Photography Editor

Jonathan P erry Assistant Sports Editor

Pho tog raphers: Ailin Chen . Elizabeth loewy.

E x ch a n ge

Edito r:Samantha

Gob ler

Adviser: Mrs . lisa Cowen Principa l: Dr : Malcolm Largmann

Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be placed in' Mrs .

Cowen's mailbox in the general office. The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters , letters must include name and official class.

Names will be withheld upon request .

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The Classic

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Boys request athletics

June 1989

.asking for a wodd-championship To the Editor: certainly deserve a chance.

As a fan of all sports, I feel I Insurance costs are high, I . team. They're asking for a shot at must respond to the article in the agree. Maybe a raffle would help doing what they like to do....

March 1989 issue of the Classic, " . the cause. Maybe the boys would I think that the talent that Mr. Altman explains lack of boys' pay the money themselves.

TownsendHarris possesses should There still is one more point be put on a field.... Everyone teams." Townsend Harris has no boys' basketball, football, or base- that Mr. Altman made that I have around here talks about school ball teams on the varsity or the jun- to .answer. There aren't enough spirit and how to get involved. ior varsity level, and I think it is a boys in Townsend Harris HS to Well, here's a pretty effective way disgrace. There are plenty of able- meet the needs of a team, and there of getting plentY of people on the bodied young men in this school wouldn't be enough to choose from field and in the stands cheering that are ready . to play for in order to make the powerhouse their team to victoIy. I hope to be Townsend Harris High School. world- championship team that ev- one of those people cheering for They just want a chance- to play eryone in their right mind hopes my team. That is, of course, if I'm their favorite sport. Sure, the com- for. So what'! There are enough to given the chance. petition from other schools will be choose from to make a half-decent fierce, but those willing to play team, so why not try'! They're ~ot George Reuter

Hooked on service signing up and being interviewed To The Editor: Responding to Mrs. Garcia's .and then thinking about those 50 Letter to the Editor in the March hours - they seemed like a lifetime. issue, I would like to relay my perAt first I spent about one and a sonal experience regarding service half hours with the residents, credit.

As a requirement for confirma- , wheeling them from place to place were wheelchair-bound), tion at my Lutheran church, each (most member of my class was required playing games with them, serving to perform 50 hours of community coffee, tea, etc., or just sitting with service during the two-year course. them or. talking. (Many residents Having helped care for my could not talk.).

From week to week, I found grandmother as well as an elderly friend of the family who had suf- myself looking forward to seeing fered a stroke, it seemed natural my elderly friends and I could tell that I would volunteer in the Fran- they were happy to see me. Being klin Park Nursing Home across the with them made me feel good and street from the church. I remember I spent as much time with them as

my schoolwork would pennit.

When, my first year was completed, I was curious. How many hours had I volunteered'! To my amazement, the number was 58 more than I would need.â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ No longer COWlting hams, I SIiIl volunteer each week at the nursing home, spending as much time as I can with my "little old" friends.

Mrs. Garcia is right. Get "hooked" on vohmteer work and experience one of the few "highs" in life that benefits everyone concerned.

Stephanie Wolf

No Bronx Science

Poor facilities . bring curtain down The show must go on.

For anyone involved in the performing arts, this is a general rule: no matter what, the show must go on. But sometimes the show simply can't go on. This is generally the case at Townsend Harris, where most shows just can't

gom 1be performing arts are suffering at .Townsend Harris because of a lack of facilities. The stage is too small and there is not enough room to seat an adequate audience.

1bere is no backstage and the acoustics are awful.

Once again the limited space that Townsend Harris is forced to live in is hurting the school, its programs and the students. When the new Townsend Harris High School building is built. the problem will be solved. But the students should not have to wait. The show must go on.

The talent already exists. The students and teachers. are doing wonders considering the present situation. Ms. Har- . riet Blechman and the Townsend Harris Players sneeessfully performed the play Harvey and Mr. Walter Davis and the Townsend Harris Concert and Stage Bands.along with Ms. Helen Houdek and the Townsend Harris Ladles Chorus. staged a spectacular Spring Concert.

Sadly. this is the limit to what Townsend Harris students can do under present conditions. There is no way to combine the drama and music programs. If the Concert Band was to work with the Townsend Harris Players, band members would fill almost one third of the seats in the audience. Thus. musicals ranging from "The Wizard of Oz" to "West Side Story" are impossible to perform. The stage is also too small for dance performances of any type.

There is too much potential to let it all go to waste. The :first step is to determine and coordinate student interests. .

The next step is provide for these interests through cooperative efforts with Queens College. If Queens College can provide teaching assistants to help in English classes, why can't student advisers be made available in the areas of the performing arts? This would be mutually beneficial to the college student, who would be provided with valuable experience. and the high school student, who would be provided with high-level instruction.

Queens College facilities may also provide an answer to the problem of inadequate space in the high school. Perhaps an arrangement could be made giving Townsend Harris easier access to all of the facilities that the college has to offer. Aside from Colden Auditiorium and the Little . Theater which even Townsend Harris must pay to rent, Queens College has two outdoor theaters which could be used by the high school.

As a Humanities high school, Townsend Harris has an obligation to provide its students with an opportunity for good experiences in the performing arts. Townsend Harris students know that even under adverse conditions, the show must go on and they are trying their best. It's up to the administrations of Townsend Harris and Queens Col. lege to help them out.

If so, this is the first I've heard of ed at some school called Townsend it. How has this parent come under Harris, to which I had applied for the impression that Bronx Science no apparent reason. I knew I would should be the role model for go to Bronx, where one could obTownsend Harris'! Because it is viously get the best education. .But soon I had decided to more famous'! Does this mean that every high school-aged kid in the . choose Townsend Harris. Yes, it is city should aspire to attend Bronx no Bronx Science. but only at Science because it sounds better Townsend Harris can a high school student get such a fIne education in when they tell people'! ' I was accepted at Bronx Science the Humanities, along with the full and Stuyvesant in ninth grade, range of advanced math and sciwhen I was still at my junior high ence programs on the same high school. I was thrilled, and I hardly level as those of any science high noticed that I had also been accept- school.

In closing, my response to that parent is: you were sorely mistaken when you said that Townsend Har. I ris is no Bronx Science. In reality. later fmding it where they had Bronx Science is no Townsend To the Editor: . dropped it. These stories and the Harris!

A letter recently appeared in The Classic about the theft of a trust they conveyed were a special N"maBrooks large sum of money from the attraction of our school. I hope that school store. As a member of the . future students can feel secure after Townsend Harris family, I agree hearing these reassuring stories as with everything the author said. It well.

If the aforementioned thievery is unfortunate that an article such .as that one had to be written . was just a petty game, hopefully Townsend Harris is a special the people involved will stop after school, and moral .as well as aca- reading The Classic. If that is not the case, perhaps this suggestion demic standards should be upheld.

Since 1961, Amnesty International has been writing love letters Townsend Harris is often re- will help. As Mrs. Garcia pointed out in a recent Letter-tothe-Edifor more than 150;000 men, women and children around the world. ferred to as a "special" school or a "school of excellence." Anyone tor, students are fmally learning to They're in prison or being tortured simply for what they said, believe can look at Townsend Harris and give freely of themselves. I'm sure or who they are. And that's criminal. honestly say that these titles ring that these students would be willa love letter today. Tell them you know and care. It could true. It is a shame that a few ing to help anyone with problems be the sweetest letter you've ever sent. thieves can degrade that reputation. so severe that they must resort to As people say, "A few bad apples stealing. The whole spirit of giving is reduced when someone feels can min the whole barrel."

When I first came to Townsend they must take in return. .Amnesty International Harris, I heard stories about people Stacy Rosenberg losing money in the hallway and

To the Editor: As a Townsend Harris student, I would like to address the statement made by a parent at the public hearing concerning delayed design and construction of the new Townsend Harris building. The parent stated, "I think the next five years should be used to make Townsend Harris live up to its promises .. .1 know Bronx Science; Townsend Harris is no Bronx Science."

Is Townsend Harris' objective to become "another Bronx Science"?

Thefts degrade standards .

Love Letters.

Write

Jt Write a letter, save a life.

<ij.:

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Duffy awarded full scholarship .

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by Alex Beller Townsend Harris senior Diane Duffy has received the Francis Scott Key scholarship to attend the University of Maryland. The schol arship includes full tuition and

After seeing the scholarship described in one of the University of Maryland's brochures in November, Diane applied for it by submit- _ ting two essays and a list of all of her academic and extra curricular achievements and awards. In March, she was notified that she was one of the 100 students chosen to be interviewed for the scholarship . She was one of the 40 students out of this 100 who were chosen for the actual scholarship.

The scholarship is good for four years, and the only stipulation is the maintenance of at least a 3.2 grade point average every year.

Diane applied to the University of Maryland "mainly as a safety school, " but once she received the scholarship, she looked into the schoo l more carefully. She discovered that the University boasted an outstanding broadcast journalism department, her intended major.

"The school's -close proximity to Capitol Hill makes the journalism department so great, and the internship program that I will be involved with is supposed to be fan- tastic,' she said. Between the scholarship and the excellent jourDiane Duffy. nalism department, Diane feels that room and board, as well as auto- the offer is "simply too good to matic placement in the honors pro- pass up," and she will be attending gram, the internship program, and the school in the fall. a seat on the President's ColoShe won first prize ($500) in the quium, a University group intend- Irish Oration Contest two months ed to discuss problems with the ago.

Archon sponsors urban adoption $700 raised for TH's children math and his favorite sport is baseby Elizabeth Lowey The Save-the-Children chapter ball.

The sophomore class is sponsorat Townsend Harris has coordinating Christina Hunter. She is nine ed a school-wide program where each class sponsors a different in- years old and lives with her family in a hotel that is being used as an ner-city child in need . emergency shelter. Christina atrun Save-the-Children is through Archon, the school service tends P.S. 15 where she is in the third grade. She likes math and honor society, and is headed by Junior Robin Bacigalupo. Archon - basketball along with working. adviser Odile Garcia noted that When she becomes an adult, ChrisSave- the-Children is run through tina would like to be a teacher. the. service organization because Archon "tries to find programs that Andre Jones is the six-year-old will benefi t as many different types sponsor child of the Junior class. of peop le as we can ."

He lives in Bedford Stuyvesant ,,<i,;y.rhere he goes to Emanuel # 1 Day -'!~are. He enjoys playing with his New York children toys and various games.

The senior class is sp-onsoring The organization decided that they would help needy children re- 13:year-old Sara Milan . Sara lives siding in New York City rather on Manhattan's Lower East Side than those living in impoverished where she attends P.S. 15. She is countries else where in the world . in the sixth grade and enjoys math.

Robin explained, "A lot of atten- Sara also likes playing with her tion is given to charities overseas. toys and dancing.

Many neglect the fact that there are The sponsorsh ips are done on a children in our own city that need rotating basis. "Next year , ~en help ."

The freshmen are sponso ring the seniors graduate, their child is 13-year -old Shurland LaC ailIe. He going to the incoming freshm an lives in Bed ford-Stuyves ant where Save-The-Children group," said -he is a sixth grade student at P.S. _ Robin.

So far, the group has raised over 304. Shurland's favori te subjec t is

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$700 for the children involved in the program. 87% of the money

Arista'Induction for first and second year members was held on April 10 at Colden Center.

The third annual Archon Induction was held at Townsend Harris on April 18.

Junior Jane Cirigliano is the New York State winner in the Executive Women International competition. She received a $500 prize and will compete in the semifinalist rounds in July. _Junior Debate Team members Ivan Bilaniuk and Esperanza Weng placed third and fourth in individual competitions sponsored by the National Catholic Forensics League.

Junior Jacqueline Michelle Berler was a second place winner in the Grand Knights of Pythias Oratory contest, held on April 15. Jacqueline delivered an extemporaneous speech on pride and self-respect.

She also won third place for an essay she wrote on the same topic.

Jacqueline attended the awards ceremony on June 10.

Senior Hayley Thomas won first prize in the New York City High School Playwriting Contest, which was sponsored by the Dramatists Guild. Her play, entitled "The Body Politik," will now receive a fully staged reading with professional actors . She attended the awards ceremony on June 5.

Sophomores Nuri Kodaman and Ani Flesig were gold medalists in the National Latin Exam Level I. Juniors Jeff Cohen, Pinar Kodaman, Jane Cirigliano and Alicia Salmoni received honors in the Level II National Latin Exam.

Senior Alec Pollak placed second in the New York Newsday Queens High Honors competition. He was chosen from out of 37 other finalists for his outstanding academic record and his dedication to community service. Alec will receive a scholarship for $1 ,500.

The Classic won first place in Typography and Layout and second place in Photography in the Newsday Journalism Awards competition.

An awards ceremony was held at the NYU Loeb Student Center on June 22. , Freshman Jennifer Thompson was awarded a plaque by the JFK Democratic Club for her essay on substance abuse. The award was presented at Borough Hall on June 27. _ Townsend Harris received a Second Place award for Community Service Involvement from Thomas Edison Vocational High School. Students working with Archon adviser Odile Garcia prepared the application and presentation for the award .

Fund raising will go directly towards the sponsored child, while the rest of the money will be used for projects such as training programs for children , community gardening, and creating job opportunities. , â&#x20AC;˘ The organization has done much fund raising. Students have been collecting change in cans. In addition, a bake sale and soda sales took place in the cafetorium.

H elp needed The group acknowledged their continuing need for help. Soph omore Maime Cheung asserted , "We need people to contribute money and their help in writing letters to their grade 's child."

Member Cheryl Malka asserted , "We have nothing to lose by donating our spare change, but the child we sponsor has everything to gain."

by Ani Fleisig Ten Townsend Harris students . received awards at the 51st annual Queens Borough Science Fair, held at John Bowne High School on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11.

Senior Cherryl Martin and juniors Ivan Bilaniuk and Pinar Kodaman were all first place winners.

Ivan and Cherryl were Queens Borough finalists and attended the New York Citywide Science Fair, held on April 10, 11, and 12.

Cherryl won a $100 savings bond from the Ne w York Legislative Commission on Sc ience and Technology. Ivan Bilanuik received both the Connecticut Valley Sup ply Company and the N ational Microb iologic al Soci ety award s. .

Other awards went to seniors Ma gi Magdi and Krystal Robinson, and junior Harald Kiel, who were second place winners. Fres hm an Nicole DeVitto and Soph omore Marc Pepe , who worked jointly on a project, and juniors Shari Grub er

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and Elissa Seldin, who also worked together, received honorable mentions.

Townsend Harris Science Chairman Susan Appel, who acted as a judge at the- Science Fair along with teachers Odile Garcia and Richard Tiffin, was very proud of the .winners. Mrs. Appel observed, "Our students.did a fme job'" Other judges at the fair included teachers, representatives from industry, doctors and other professionals. . . Winners were very pleased witt the resu lts of the judging. Cherry: Martin asserted, "As a result, I fee more confiden t about my scientific ability." Ivan, commenting on hi! success, said, "It is worth all the work and effort." Pinar said, "J didn ' t expec t to win . I was reallj surprised, but I am very happy!"

Mrs . Appel noted, "The partici pants tried something extra and WI something more than required They did a lot of work and it was ; lot of fun to talk to them."

The Classic

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Election '89:

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June 1989

Officers-elect propos'e improvements

by Sasha Antoszewski "I want to become the ears of the school, and try my best to get what the students want done," said sophomore Addie Male after being elected the sixth Student Union President in school elections.

Addie continued, "I want to make our daily life in Townsend Harris more enjoyable. I'd like to do things to raise morale and school spirit among students."

Also celebrating victory was junior Jill Grathwohl who was elected Senior President in a controversial race for the position.

Elections for Senior President were postponed until one week after the general elections following the suspension of a candidate. The student, who admitted drinking alcohol on the Junior trip to Boston, was forced to drop out of the race, opening a space on the ballot.

Jill, who had originally planned to run for Senior Vice-president, was convinced to run for President and won, defeating Krissy Ionta and Megan O 'Neil. Ruth Lerman defeated Darlene Shea in the race for Senior Vice-President.

Marsha Scipio emerged as next year's Junior Vice-president after defeating Kathy DiGangi and Jeanne Grathwohl, who split a specific voting block which they were both counting on.

Christina Tabaje triumphed in the race for Freshman/Sophomore Vice President, defeating Nikki Ioannou. Christina said, "Even

HAIL TO THE though it's a small school, there are a lot of things that need improvement. One major complaint is the deterioration of the school

ety of reasons. Kathy said, "I felt that I had a lot of experience in student governmen t and felt I was a well-rounded student who easily related to different kids."

Students who run for office must meet specific requirements.

Each student had to have fout teacher signatures, guidance approval, at least a 75 grade point average, a petition containing five student endorsements from each homeroom and the consent of Townsend Harris Dean, Wanda Nix, who first checked the prospective candidate's disciplinary record.

Other winners in the Townsend Harris Student Government elections were: Junior Treasurer Catisha Marsh, Corresponding Secretary Heather Golin, Recording Secretary Tracy Westcarr, Senior Liasion Eddie Chin, who won in an upset victory over Dan Shrage, and Senior Secretary Abby Miller. The At-Large Consult ative Council will consist of Keisha Bolden, Felice Brown, Yanique Fletcher, Rochelle Lee, Nikila Pai, Jason Weinstein, Molly Sage and permanent alternative Kathy DiGangi. Junior Consultative Council members will be Elizabeth Clendenin and AlexandraLutz.

Coordinator of Student Affairs Myron Moskowitz, who, due to a CHIEF: Student Union President-elect Addie Male. sabbatical will be replaced for one dances."

Commenting on So many students ran that a pri- year by Dr. Michael Manson, said Christina's victory, Addie said, mary election was held in order to "We have excellent hard-working "Christina is very energetic and a reduce the number of candidates. people. I look forward to a great Students choose to run for a vari- year next year." great asset to the board."

Manson takes the helm as COSA as

he can add Student Leadership to lished himself a good organizer that diverse list. American History at Townsend Harris. This year he and Economics are his favorites to planned two junior class trips, the teach because "they are the easiest first to Washington, D.C., and the to motivate the kids to learn second to Boston. "I see them as the learning tools to reinforce what about," he said.

In addition to teaching about we do in class," he explained. He it, Dr. Manson has done his part in is also the adviser of the Junior Dethe making of American History. bate Team, which prepares underHe is currently on Reserve duty in classmen for the senior team. "[Dethe U.S. Navy, and has been on ac- .bating ] is a good skill to have, to tive duty various times during his encourage speaking and organizaDr. Manson said, "I have had . life. Although he was involved in tional skills, and the art of persuaalmost every administrative job, the Korean War, the Cuban Block- sion," he said. .

Dr. Manson has taken only including dean, security coordina- ade in 1962, and the Vietnam War, tor, C.O.S.A., grade adviser, acting he doesn't feel that his experiences one year off in 33 years of teachchairman, and program chairman ." . are reflected in the classroom. ing. In 1984, he took. a sabbatical He was C.O.S.A. for ten years at "War is war, and teaching is teach- to write his doctoral thesis on Flushing High School where he ing," he said. "When you teach, what else? - secondary education-. taught from 1966 to 1988. He has you have to concentrate on the big Therefore he must understand why both an Assistant Principal's li- picture. There is no time for the Mr. Moskowitz chose to take a . cense, and a state Principal's li- nitty - gritty." sabbatical. "I will be delighted to cense.How~er,Dr.Mansoohas Dr. Manson said he decided take over [as C.O.S.A.] in Mr. no desire for administrative work , to come to Townsend Harris last Moskowitz's absence," he said, but '1 like to teach," he said. "Teach- year because he "needed a change he plans to give the job back as ing is what I like to do best. I enjoy of atmosphere." He added, "I was soon as Mr. Moskowitz returns, .

As for the next year, Dr. Manthe classes [too much to do admin- too long in the same place. Who ~ istrative work]." could help being attracted to son plans to be a passive C.O.S.A." ; ec... aDr. Manson has taught all Townsend Harris?" As a matter of I will act as a facilitator; it will be ... types of Social Studies classes, in- fact, his father was a 1924 alumnus [the students'] ideas, not mine. eluding American History, World of Townsend Harris. Now that he They will plan and do the labor," History, Participitory Democracy, is here, he is very happy. "I love it. he explained. He promises â&#x20AC;˘ and Economics. In addition, he has I feel like a brand new teacher though, that he will be on hand to .i / ~ f l If taught Physical Education, Photog- again," he said. make sure everything runs smoothFUTURE C.O..S.A.: Dr. Manso n hard at work preparing for next year. raphy, and even Latin. Next year, . Dr. Manson has already estab- ly.

by Danielle Steinmann He's got lots of experience.

Just one glance at his resume would prove that. Next year, Dr. Michael Manson , who has spent 33 years of his life as a teacher, will be making yet another addition to that resume. He will become the Coordinator of Student Activities (C.O.S.A.) in Mr. Myron Moskowitz's absence.

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J~ne 198!·~'1\nti.Apartheid

Contest:

Butts wins tripto Zimbabwe

. by Melody Keilbach "As a Black person, I feel that it's important to go to Africa because that's where our roots are and there's like a built-in kinship that we have with the Black people there," says junior Samantha Butts. , After winning a two-week trip to Zimbabwe, Samantha's feelings on Africa, and the injustices . towards Blacks in South Africa, have been strongly intensified. The trip was first prize in a city-wide Anti-Apartheid contest, sponsored in part by the Board of Education, the United Nations Association, and the For Our Children's Sake Foundation. Students entering this . contest had to write on one of two topics: How they think the problems .of Apartheid could be solved, or what Apartheid means to them. Samantha chose to write her essay on the second topic, Junior Johanna Lasker won second place in this contest for her poem "Appeal to Apartheid. " Johanna was rewarded with an internship to a New York City newspaper of her choice.

Samantha feels that the trip is just one of the rewards of having participated in such a contest, and feels that she has "learned a lot more about the situation in South Africa from attending the workshops and doing the research for my essay. I developed definite views about some of the policies in South Africa. Before I was Sort of ambivalent about whether or not we should impose sanctions on South Africa, but now I'm

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Excerpts from the winning pieces Appeal to apartheid . . Noah Webster defines Apartheid simply as racial segregation in South Africa.

P.W. Botha defines Apartheid as co-operative coexistence. 1 think that Apartheid is indefinable, How can the impact of genocide, separation, segregation, and misery be mocked with such inadequate words'! 1 do not intend to belittle the anguish of those who suffer in Southern Africa for 1 have heard the voices of agony in Pretoria, seen the faces of death in Sharpeville, and witnessed .the destruction of a people. 'I cannot define Apartheid. I can only express what it means to me.

Apart. Hate. These are the two words produced when the Afrikaans expression for separateness is pronounced correctly. Apartheid.

It is fitting that one should hear apart and hate from a word representing division and hostility. Apart from family and home, Africans are banished to ghettos with squalor on the threshold: images of hatred fill the land as well as the hearts of the African people.

The sounds of Apartheid extend far beyond those made when the word is pronounced. One can hear a fire roaring with bitterness as its flames are nourished with passbooks of Africans protesting discriminatory laws. As African miners excavate the rich mines of South Africa, one can hear them sing of liberation. Will they ever attain it'! In the bantustas (ghettos), mothers sing to their children in order to comfort the agony of malnutrition and disease. Songs of mourning are sung for the same children, many of whom die before they reach age five. ...In the days of Ancient Greece, legend stated that any man who looked at the face of the -mythological monster named Medusa was instantly turned to stone. Her hideousness was so extreme that looking at it was fatal. ,When I look at the face of Apartheid, I too see a monster. To look at this face is to see an institution whose only means of survival is human suffering. To look at it is to see men of fifty sharing prison cells with boys of seven. To look at it is to see troops of the South African occupation anny .parading the corpses of SWAPO (South West Africa's People's Organization) insurgents through a Namibian village. Humiliation, hatred, and death dominate the features of Apartheid's face. When I look at it, this is what 1 see and I doubt Medusa could have looked uglier....

SamanIba Buns.

How can an elegant dove console the bleeding hearts, The bleeding skin, the mourners of the dead? .

Metamorphisis rises only from within.

Within me I see a new sun rise.

Look with me and see shades of gray, Not black and white.

Be softened, soothed, by the hovering gray dove; But do not stop there.

Cast color-blind eyes .

Beyond the day my 16 year old friend Breathes free in Pretoria.

Pound the drum wings Until she too sees the sun rise; For it is bright, it is unbound, it is the future.

Yesterday and today thefuture has looked at you And laughed.

Pathetic apartheid, weep with me.

Not for your passing, Weep diamond tears For passionate people of gold.

Mine the new sunrise over the Cape of Good Hope.

-Johanna Lasker

definitely sure that they should be imposed ."

Attendance at the workshops which Samanth a mentions was required of all who entered this contest. The first workshop was held at the U.N., and the other at Washington Irving High School.

About eight people from Townsend Harris High School attended the workshops . .but only four actually entered the contest At the workshops , information was given about the contest, and South African diplomats and others associated with the contest were introduced to the students.

This group included musicians who had been to South Africa and were eager to share their experiences with the students in order to help to give them a background on the topic. The workshops were also geared · towards inspiring the students by talking about ,some of the things .going on now in South Africa and telling them about certain museums and exhibits in New York City which deal with South Africa.

The contest, which ' was available to all New York City high school students, brought about 75 participants. Samantha feels that, since most Townsend Harris students weren't aware of the contest, it should, in the future, be more publicized, This is the flISt year of the contest, and its sponsors hope to expand it. Next year it ~vill be available to Philadelphia students as well as those in New York.

Freedom Week commemorates 1964 activists

by Melody Keilbach Freedom Week was celebrated

by Queens College from May 7 13. This celebration commemorated the 25th Anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer and the memory of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, three young Civil Rights activists murdered during the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Project voter registration drive.

Andrew Goodman was a student at Queens College when he went to Mississippi, Michael Schwemer's wife graduated from Queens Col:" lege, and his brother was a Queen; College counselor and faculty member in 1964.

One of the events of Freedom Week was a conference on "Civil Rights and Journalism, then and Now," taking place on May 11 in the Equitable Building auditorium.

The conference focussed on both the role of the media in the events of Freedom Summer and on current challenges to journalists dealing with minority issues.

In her opening remarks about Freedom Summer, Queens College President, Shirley Strum Kenney, said, "Twenty five years later we

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'Twenty five years later we are certainly aware that the job is far from finished: The problem is not in the South; it exists all over.

While twenty five years ago we thought the issues were black and white, we realize that now the problems are far more fractionalized than that.'

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are certainly aware that the job is far from fmished. The problem is not in the South; it exists all over.

While twenty five years ago we thought the issues were black and white, we realize that now the problems are far more fractionalized than that." .

Civil Rights movement participants and journalists who covered the movement addressed the role of the press in the events of 1964 in the first of two panel discussions. In the second panel, leading contemporary journalists looked at the media's role in minority issues today.

Some panelists included Herb Kaplow, A.B.C. News correspondent and moderator of panel one, John Doar, lawyer and fonner Justice Department official as well as News hour, was the speaker' at a ~ .)

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panel address issues, problems, and solutions that apply more to today's world. According to panel member Ethyl L.Payne, "We know how to solve these problems; we just aren't willing to spend the money."

She claimed that if we invest money now, we will save money luncheon prepared for all who at- Raspberry said, 'The press...whose later, giving the example ofa distended the conference. reporters risked their lives some- advantaged child who is given the A South - North Freedom Cara- times for what was easily the big- same advantages, such as prevan, beginning on June 21 in Phila- gest story of the time, has every school, as affluent children. This delphia, Mississippi, stopping in reason to be proud of its role in child would Jw.ve much greater Washington, D.C. on June 23, and that time in America. If the media chances of doing well in school, culminating at the Cathedral of St, of the 50's and 60's is justifiably not getting pregnant as a teenager, Jolm the Divine on June 24, was proud , can we say the same of the and not becoming a criminal in the being organized by the Chaney- _ press of the late 1980's'!" future.

Charlayne Hunter - Gault, correGoodman-Schwemer Coalition.

Raspberry also added, "We've prosecuting attorney in the murder lost our obsession for justice, and spondent for the "MacNeil/Lehrer trial of three men, Richard Clur- saddest of all, no one seems to be News hour, was the speaker at a man, author of Beyond Malice: looking to recover it" luncheon prepared for all who atThe Media's Years of Later, referring to Raspberry's tended the conference.

Reckoning, and moderator of last remark, Bill Kovach, member "Contemporary Challenges" panel, of the "Media and the Civil Rights A South - North Freedom Caraand Ethyl Payne, columnist and Movement" panel, said; "I think van, beginning on June 21 in Philacommentator. that there are still people out there delphia, Mississippi, stopping in William. Raspberry, columnist who care. I agree that there doesn't Washington;D.C. on June 23, and far TIle WashingtOIl Post, gave one . seem to be any sense of outrage in culminating at the Cathedral of St of the keynote addresses. Speaking the COWl!rY, but I can't help but John the Divine on June 24, was being organized by the Chaneyof how minority problems are cur- hope that that will change. " rmdy dealt wilh by the press, The Contemporary Challenges Goodman-Schwerner Coalition.

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._ Inews/features June 1989

Seniors pay high 'costs of graduation .

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by Renata KobeUs Only Nmety-six seniors went on the Senior Trip to Busch Gudens and Colonial WJ1li8msburg. The Crlmsom and Gold has sold fewer boosten and buddy ads than last year. Only 12 tickets were bought by seniors for the seniorsponsored BarbequelFieJd Day, Springfest '89 (which was actually cancelled due to inclement weadter). Studmts like Nanette Kung did not attend some senior fimCtions . because they didn't '"really think it is necessary to do all those things" and feel that they can "make memories" on their own. with their

friends.

The senior trip 'cost was $250.00.

Prom tickets were $80.00 each. the pun:h.asing of which was accompanied by the additional prom expenses of attire. limousine. etc.

The Barbecue Field Day was $13 .00. and parents of seniors sponsored a party on June 3 for the graduating class. for which they asked a $15.00 donation from parents of graduating seniors. In addition. a smplus $5.00 which was to have been returned by the travel agency to senior trip participants who did not have the opponunity to visit the Baltimore Aquarium was contributed. with the unanimous consent of the trip participants. to the PTA for this

party.

These social event expenses are in addition to a $ 100.00 Senior Dues. The payment of these dues is required in order for a senior to get his SlUdent Union card on which serv ice credit is recorded, and to get his cap and gown . without which a senior cannot attend graduati on. Senior Dues were used to pay for commencement fac ility rental. alumni dues. and the $1000.00 cash senior class gift to Townsend Harris High School.

Many seniors share Justine Stem 's opinion that it seems as though they are being asked for more and more money. Justine also

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expesses the sentiment of seniors when she states. "I don't know where the money is going."

The breakdown of senior dues indicaJes that the bulk of funds are used for gt'lIduaIion services and maJerials. . Except for the schoolprovided commencement boutonnieres and corsages and the senior button. Townsend Harris seniors are provided with very few senior

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BOARD OF . EDUCATION

CITY OF NE~ YORK

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At Bayside High School. with a , gt'lIdualing class of 464. as op1. Crimson and ~ (final payment $20.00 $4,000.00 posed to Townsend Harris' 202. se2. Studeilt U'lial Fees $10.00 $2,000.00 nior dues stand at $75.00. This. $5.00 3.

Senior Class Gift to'T.H.H.S. $1,000.00 however. includes a $40.00 year$5.00 $1,000.00 ~. First J\l~/A1WMi. Contribution book, the literaJy magazine. the senior button. and the senior jersey. ~. J«YIt.'ll of Colden Aduitori\.lll for B1iccalaureate service and for QAilieilCelllellt Rehearsal · and as well as the required commence$10.00 Camencernent ~rcises $2,000.00 ment expenses.

6 . caps/Gowns for Q:imencement ~rcises $10.00 $2,000.00 Sharon Bomzer expresses a 7. Printing of ProcJr.YIIS for Baccalaureate and common concern in asking. "How Comencatent CeI1lDflies and of Invitationt> could $100.00 get so little? Are ~).2(WJ.OO iii':; 1'.i.,,;;,,,;,,,:,- f~ ew....iiCf'~.:..~t. ::::tc=~i=::; $lE.O~ they [the senior council] getting 8. 'l"assels for Baccalaureate service and the best deals?" Senior adviser Th$1.00 $200.00 CCmrencement Exercises Programs omas Sweetin explains that there is 9.

'T.H.H.S. Certificates (pilrctvJcnt, seals, no system of competitive bidding r.ilJrxlns, and C)l iCJraphy C05tsl $1.50 5300.00 because of a lack of time and man10. '1'. H. II. S. ..In-SChool" (Acadcmic, Athletic, and power for such research. Other SChool and Camunity Service) Certificates, students question the cash gift to Plaques, and Medals . $).00 $600.00 the hi gh school. $).50 11. cases for Diplanas and Senior Class Pictures $100.00 Mr. Sweetin has "no doubt we're 12. Floral Arrangerrents for Baccalaureate service not getting the least expensive" but $350.00 $1.75 and CClmcnccncnt EKcrcisc:s cites the use of rums such as Wil13. Boutalnieres and Corsaqes for liam Charles Printing for pro$5.00 $1,000.00 camenc:eront Exercises grams. etc.• and Keil Bros. for flo14. Rental of 4th Floor of S.U . Building ral arrangements, corsages, and for Reception and RefreshTents Followinq $10.00 $2,000 .00 Baccalaureate service boutonnieres. as being "excellent, reliable. and nearby." E.R. Moore, the Chicago-based cap and gown $20,350.00 $101.75 company. however. did give Townsend Harris a special deal, and is renting caps and gowns for $10.00. rather than their regular no t been able to pay the dues, Mr. ticket price of $13 .00 for the field of the C r imson an d Go ld become price of$ll.50.

Sweetin however, ind icated that day would just have covered the less expensive per person with a Mr. Sweetin compares the se- senior dues would be waived and outlay for food , favors and facili- larger graduating class . Mr. Sweetnior cash gift to his preference of a .that the school would step in if ties . in attributes the high costs in part gift certificate to a shirt or tie , and there were a real hardship case. to the small size of Townsend Harexpresses the belief tha t it is better Accord ing to the "Breakdown of ris' senior class, stating, "We could Mr. Sweetin exp lains th at, in to allow Dr. Largm ann to spend it order to dec rease student costs. the Senior Dues:' which is available hold endless bake sales" and then. as is needed or desired. facul ty has been asked to pay the from Mr . Sweetin upon request , se- acknowledging tha t students face Although not all students have full ticke t price for the field day" nior dues also barely cover the problem s meeting the costs of sepaid senior dues. there has not ye t and 50% of the prom ticket. The enumerated costs. Items such as nior year, shakes his head saying . been a case of a student who has Sen ior Council po ints out that the the rental of facilities and printing "There is no easy answer ."

Seminar students teach themselves

By Lorraine Holbind ''Why did Baldwin MIlle the book.

Go Tell It on the MCIUIIblinT Jada IDphomore Slutztin from his "leminar jourJW" whida conUlins his thoughts from the boot they IDe discussing. Townsend u.ms sophomcJft:a.

English teacher Thoma Swcdin, PlDfcssor LiIliIll Manc.da DPidlon IDd Teaching Assi. . . Eric SdmumD IDe BeaICd in a c:irdc • Cnig poIeI this question. The IlUdmts IDd fKll1ly leaden thrn lqin to wicc their opinions on this iauc IDd to 1IIiIC fiDtIa"

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of the Humanities seminarthey will attend at Queens Colleg e when they are Ia1ion. Quc:alS College Liaison Robell Hun and Professor Leo Walsh. along with teaching assistant John MeConnick, also participated in the semiDIII'lI held in the high school building.

Dr. Hun said that ~ is a possibility of mote seminars at the high school next year.

The lIeIJlinan IDe • chmge from the . usual high school teaching techniques.

-rhc IbJdents arc ullimatdy responsibIc fro their own education." said ProqucsbonL te.Jr Walsh. The inslIUctors encourThis is the fonDll for the IlegbUDug age the IbJdents to generate their own of a IICII1iMr dtlxz • Townsend u.ms questions and evaluate ideas through or at Queens College. One of the r.cuI- thought-provoking discussions. ty leaden or one of the IlUdmts wiD "It's • form of baining in indepenpose a question to the group IDd • dis- Clcnt thinking. They are discussing cussion will follow . "DIem is no IIim on · ideas whi ch arc enriching to them inthe boerd or systcmIDc dim:tion by stead of just being told facts:' declared

the teacher.

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This 1CIIICIla'. ei&flteen cIi.ffeftd classes • Townsend HIII'IishIId IeIIIinar-stylc c1aIIeI incorporated imo !heir cuniculum. This gave stDdmIs a flavor

The students wen: Uked to write an on a topic to the assigned boot IOd also a onc-paragmph critique of the seminar.

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Sophomore Lindha Narvez is look ing forward to more seminars in the future. "The seminars were a nice chang e from regular classea and I hope they occur more often and in more subjects," she stated. Junior Michelle Steven s said, "I think it was a great 0pportunity to get accu stomed to the

twClfth grade. "

1bere arc seven senior seminar classes which meet twice a week for ninety minutes at Quc:alS College. The ' classes are also team-taught bya .

Townsend Harris teacher. a college professor, and a Queens College Teaching Assistant Senior Darii Satterfield likes the freedom they give you. "In the seminar , you can voice your own opinions and not be wrong:' she stated.

Teaching Assistant John McCormick feels that students do not always take advantage of this freedom . "Tbe class doesn't always generate enough questions. TIley are either afraid or uninterested which maItes it difficult for

discussions : ' he said. If a discussion . isn't going well, one of the faculty leaders will ask questions or point out an area which hasn't been discussed.

In' each of the senior seminars, the student's main responsibility is to read the assigned book and participate in the discussions. Student s also write papers on their reading and sometimes give oral presentation s.

Professor Walsh feels that the great books of the Western traditi on which go over well in Queens College Honors classes lend themselves most easily to the senior seminar. Some works being discussed this semester were Hamlet by Shakespeare and Civilization and Its Discontents by Freud.

'Works that develop into the best discussions are those that include topics of a lot of conflict and controversy such as the role of greed and desire in human motivation;' said Professor Wal sh. "The better the discussions, the more fun everyone has," added John McConniclc.

Some subjects which the students

enjoy talking about most are love, freedom of choice. greed and cultural di fferences. ''There are certain favored topics but it real ly depends on the wort being discussed and the individual student:' said Professor Walsh .

The idea for the Humlinities seminar came from two parallel sources from the Honors Colloquium at C0lumbia University and from St. Johns at AlUlapolis. Ideas from Honors English at Queens College, including the use of the teaching assistant to help witli discussions, were also incorpomted into the seminar.

TIle senior seminars fulfill Townsend Hanis High School &glish requirements, the English Composition requirement for Queens College, and are worth three college credits.

After twoyears of the Humanities seminar being taught at Queens College, the instructors are very optimistic about its future. "It's working well and we have every intention of going on:' stated Professor Walsh.

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June 1989

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Classical scholar Richard Russo studies a text.

Buongiorno: -Russo wins grant for Italy trip

by Justine Eisenstein Greco-Roman.i-Italy will include A unique feature of his trip is Classical languages teacher Rivisiting ,s6me historical monu- that he will visit a living communiments dating from as early as the ty of Greek speakers in Southern chard Russo was awarded a $4500 fellowship grant from the Rock-trusean Period up until the time Italy and Sicily. He also will come efeller Foundation, which he' of the Byzantine Empire. Greco- in contact with a another commuuse for a trip to Italy this Roman Italy consists of "the mon- - nity where, even though Greek is Competition for the ant was uments and other cultural realities not spoken, "the Greek spiritual open to all high 001 foreign .that reflect its Greek and Roman culture is preserved in the form of language teachers. Entrants could past," he explained. the Byzantine Rite." propose either to learn a new lan"I've never been to the center of guage or to broaden and deepen the classical world," Mr. Russo Mr. Russo is very pleased that their knowledge of an already fa- noted, and he stressed that this he has received this grant. He acmiliar language and culture, "hands-on experience" will benefit knowledged, "It's the dream of a _Mr. Russo's eight-week tour of his teaching. lifetime.

by Jonathan Perry speaks ten languages, and is planIf he had lived in ancient times, ning on learning Albanian in the you may have found him sitting in _future. But when asked to name the' the Roman Senate chamber, or languages he already knows, Mr. walking the agora of Periclean Russo replied, "It's a state secret."

-Athens. But now, you can find Mr. He then added," I curse in all ten, Richard Russo, Latin and Greek so don't get me riled." teacher, iri the halls of Townsend A second interest of Mr. Russo Harris. almost took him away from a car"I am passionately committed to reer in teaching. "Opera's a big the classics," stated Mr. Russo. "I passion of mine," he stated. "The enjoy nothing more than teaching little time I have left is devoted to the classics." His interest began music." He is a trained opera singwhen he attended a Humanities er and was once told that he could high school, similar to Townsend have been a professional. "I lacked Harris, which was "terribly devot- the self-confidence to do it," said ed to Latin." Honor students also Mr. Russo. "You have to go for it learned Greek. "Only the finest in whatever you ,,:ant to do." schools teach Latin," said Mr. Mr. Russo's focus is still on the Russo. Referring to Townsend classics. He belongs to a Homeric Harris, he added, "A school like Academy. "We meet to read and -this is one of the oases in the desert discuss the texts of Homer's Iliad we live in." and Odyssey," explained Mr. However, he sees that nothing is Russo. ' The group has met for 'ever perfect, not even education at years, and when they are done with Townsend Harris. "People don't the two books, they go back and see the intercohesiveness of start over.

Religion plays a major role in things," he said. -Mr. Russo is particularly disturbed by "grade Mr. Russo's life. He is a priest of crunching.""Kids do anything to the .Melkite -Greek Catholic get a grade. The greatest colleges Church. "One's faith lies at the should be able to discern the think- heart of one's being," he said. ing student," he said.

Although it seems that every On a lighter note, Mr. Russo minute of Mr. Russo's day is acthinks there is one more tragic flaw counted for, he still has time to -in the education given at coach the Townsend Harris AcaTownsend Harris. "Unlike the demic Olympic team, which has Greek text which is state of the art, been borough champions for the the Latin textbook should be con- last two years. "I was So busy my sidered one of the factors that led first years here," he said. "Dr. to the fall of Rome," he said.

Largmann suggested it might be One Latin motto that Mr. Russo something I would be interested believes is "Homo sum nil humani in." After encouragement from a me alienum esse ptao:" This former Townsend Harris teacher means, "I am a human being and I Sheryl Rubin, Mr. Russo applied consider nothing human alien to for the job and became the coach. me." This is certainly true of Mr. Mr. Russo seems to have a very Russo, who has many interests and full and complex life, but his adhobbies. vice to others, taken from St.. AuLearning other languages is one gustin of Hippo, is simple: "Love of Mr. Russo's hobbies. He already God, and do what you wish.

Scholars confront classical ch-oice

By Craig Slutzkin "It was Greek to me," was how Casca described Cicero's speech in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Only a select few Townsend Harris students would have known what Cicero was talking about, because they have studied Ancient Greek, the language of the famous orator's speech, as their classical language.

The rest of the Townsend Harris sophomores and juniors would have been as puzzled as Casca, since they study Latin instead.

Ancient Greek speeeches will remain "Greek" to most of the - members of the class of '92 as well, since fewer than 10% chose to study Greek nex year.

In fact, so few originally selected Greek as their ancient language that the beginning level course was almost canceled for the fall of 1989. Jennifer Puglisi was one of the few students who planned on taking ancient Greek. She said that she wanted the language because "it's different" Mr. Richard; ~.th~, only.

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Greek teacher at Townsend Harris, visited the linguistics classes to recruit more students for first year Greek. After hearing him explain the advantages of studying Greek, enough freshmen changed their minds to permit the formation of a class. Mr. Russo pointed out that students who take Greek can read such authors as Aristophanes and Plato in their third semester of Greek, while those studying Latin have to wait until Latin 4 to read great literature, He said that he enjoys teaching Greek because "it's even more of an intriguing puzzle" than Latin, which he teaches as well. Devon Williams, after hearing Mr. Russo's speech, decided to choose Greek. "I know it will help me on the SATs as much as Latin, " he commented.

Presently in the 10th grade, there are 194 students of Latin, and only 30 who are learning Greek.

The statistics are almost identical for the 11 th grade, with Latin students numbering 172, and those electing Greek, 26. < 路 - _: , ~ .. ," ,' ,T . '

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Latin is the choice of the majority for various reasons. Junior Rachel Buchter said that "Latin is supposed to help you on the SATs." "Latin is easier," proclaimed sophomore Yanique Fletcher. "It enhances my knowledge," she added. Sophomore Kristina Landis also picked Latin. She commented, "More [English] words come from Latin than from Greek ." Junior Cheryl MaIka said, "Most people were taking [Latin], so I did." Freshman David Kucharsky chose Latin for his furore classical language because he believes, "it will help me with my English skills." Freshman David Spitzkoff said, "I chose Latin because I didn't want to learn a whole new alphabet" Gayle Zuckerman, a freshman, thought Latin, "is similar to English." Freshman Jennifer Gabriele wanted Latin for an unusual reason. She said that she sings Guns and Roses songs in Spanish, and "I want to sing them in Latin." Freshman Deidre Mike was'undecided for a while. She just wantedr, "the easi~ one. ~路 ,Junior

Thaddeus Ferguson and Mrs; Margaret Landry teach Latin.

Mrs. Landry believes that Latin "refmes your logical skills, and it tends to produce precision of expression." She enjoys teaching Latin because "it's fun to see the enthusiasm of today's students for a language that's in resurgence."

Mr. Ferguson considers the study of Latin, "an experience in linguistic awareness." He added, however, that "being able to study Latin and Greek is a privilege, not . a necessity." Mr. Ferguson regards the Latin language as "the cornerstone of Western civilization and culture," and fmds teaching Latin, "very fulfilling and challenging."

Junior Jeff Cohen not only takes Latin, but takes Greek as well. Jeff wanted to take both classical languages because "Latin and Greek, for hundreds of years, have been the foundation of our civilization."

He continued, "I think an educa-tion in the classics gives you a cerThere are three classical Ian- . lain atmosphere in your mind. It guage teachers at Townsend Har- gives me a critical, rational way of tiS.IIn addition to Mr: Russo, Mr-: looking at things," '

Tracy Revellino quoted Ovid: "Rident stolidi Latina verba," meaning, "Fools laugh at the Latin language."

Though Latin is generally the ' language of choice at Townsend Harris, ancient Greek has its defenders. Sophomore Grace Chan, who had previously taken a year of Latin, chose Greek because, "I wanted to read the New Testament in the original text, which is in .Greek." Also, her father had previously studied Greek. Sophomore Jackie Loeb's interests were aroused when she first saw the Greek alphabet. She said that then she "wanted to write in something unique." Sophomore Karen Lemmey also decided upon Greek because "supposedly, it's THE classical language." She continued, "I figured I knew many of the Latin roots from Spanish, so [if I took Greek], I would know the Greek roots."

The Classic

June 1989

Shulman addresses student leadership '

by Jane Cirigliano A low gasp of admiration swept through the audience as the speaker, Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, paused for their response.

The reason for the stir of excitement was Claire Shulman's announcement that her daughter will be a crew member on the October .

12th launch of the space shuttle Galileo. As one of the pioneering women astronauts, she will be a part of a mission that will send a probe to Jupiter.

Invited by Junior Jessica Wohl for her Student Leadership class , the Borough President spoke in Townsend Harris' library on March 2nd. Hon. Shulman explained how she rose from her job as a registered nurse with a Bachelor's degree to her position as Borough President. She said that she retired from nursing to raise her three children and then went on to perform "pro bono" work for the city and the Queens Civic Organization. From there, she became the chairperson and later the direc tor of the Planning Board of Northeast Queens. She continued to serve

Queens as Deputy Borough President until she was voted to replace the late Donald Manes as Borough President.

When she accepted the position , Hon. Shulman said that she wanted people to "understand that they can have faith and confidence in the government and to know I was not involved in any corruption with Donald Manes."

Asked whom she would endorse in the New York City mayoral race of 1989, the Borough President replied, "I will not take a position now....They are all good candi- . dates." She added that three people on the Board of Estimate have declared their candidacy , and she doesn't want to "lose programs for this borough" by alienating any of the Board's members. .

As to entering the mayoral race herself, she responded, "Absolutely not. I would have to give up my husband, children, and grandchildren ." She also placed 'the mayorship of New York City as the second hardes t job in the United States, next to the U.S. President's .

"Running the city of New York is a complicated and difficult job ....It

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Boroug h P resident Claire Shulman addresses the Student Leadership class. is a balancing act," she said.

On the subject of women leaders in government and sex discrimination, the Borough President acknowledged that "men don't give up power easily , especially to women." Being a successful mother and career woman, she declared, "I have the best of all possible worlds." However, she admits that younger women have a harder time, noting that they don't collect as much money for political campaigns and that they don't have the . same kind of freedom that men do

with their families . She maintained, "I have not really suffered from discrimination in that sense," but playfully suggested that "maybe men respect my age."

Borough President Shulman also reviewed the current status of the building project of the new Townsend Harris. She estimated that 18 months will be spent designing it, and the construction, starting in 1991, will take two years to complete. She explained the many tie-ups that the project has had, testifying that "nothing in

this city ever gets built easily ," and she outlined her role in forcing the city " to acknowledge that Townsend Harris must be built."

Concluding her lecture, the Borough President exclaimed, "I expeet to see all of you at groundbreaking with a shovel!"

Junior President Laura Joseph said afterwards, "I was very pleased that she's so determined to ensure that we are provided with a proper facility. I was impressed by her enthusiastic attitude about the future of our school."

Green's .death shocks students

Educators admire incomplete reforms

by Jane Cirigliano Hundreds of people attended the 'May 13 memorial service in Min- . neapolis for Dr. Richard R. Green, the Chancellor of New York City schools . The late Chancellor's death on May 10, at the age of 52, left the New York City school systern in confusion, and those who knew him in shock.

Problems Dr. Green's death, due to a severe asthma attack, has forced the city to confront a variety of serious problems that the Chancellor had pledged to tackle when he assumed the leadership of the school system only fourteen months ago. The city's first Black chancellor had accepted the task of rescuing a system fraught with the problems of

drug abuse, unfit buildings, corruption among school boards, ratial strife, and rampant crime.

Born in Arkansas and raised in Minneapolis, Dr. Green later became a distinguished educator and . first . .

Minneapolis' Black supenntendent. Because he lacked experience with the huge New York City school system , some people felt that he would be unable to deal with the myriad cases of drug abuse and violence in the city's schools.

that each public school develop a drug education program to be taught ¡in grades one through twelve.

autonomy in their classrooms, and he hoped to have teachers influence the decisions made by their principals. Responding to a long standing concern of . teachers, he Corrid S hiP made time-clock punching optionom or c 00 rogram al. In addi111on, the 1ate Ch ance11or .changed . policies that had been Dr. Green also helped to orches- hampering principals from effectrate the Corridor School Program tively dealing with violent stuthat fostered greater inter-school dents. cooperation. Distressed by corruption and mismanagement among , ., the 32 local school boards, Dr. Dr. Green made a difference Green sought to promote greater parental involvement on 'the Principal Dr. Largmann com Safer environment boards. He was dismayed when mented that "it took the Chancellor In order to create a safer envi- only 6% of the eligible voters a while to come to grips with the ronment for both teachers and stu- turned out for the local board elec- influence of politics and the media" in education. However, he dents, Dr. Green ordered the instal- tions last month.

During his tenure, Chancellor added, "I admire the fact that he lation of metal detectors in several high schools. Last fall, he set out to Green took steps to raise the pro- tried to take'on the problems of virid schools of the demoralizing and fessional status of teachers. He be- olence....He made an effort to get deadly drug epidemic. He insisted lieved that teachers need greater the rules changed."

Junior Allison Hagan said, "Dr. Green started programs that really made a difference. He wanted to do a lot for the students of New York City."

After a schoolwide moment of . silence to re flect on Dr. Green, Junior Rhonda Donn declared , "Dr. Green was a compassionate chancellor. He cared about the future of his students very much."

Dr. Largmann later stated, "I think that [his death] has been a very great tragedy." He explained that "there has to be continuity in a system such as ours. One can't make an impact in only fourteen months ....I think that it is unfair to pass judgment overnight."

Deputy Chancellor Bernard Mecklow itz will serve as Acting Chancellor until the selecting committee has appointed a successor to Dr. Green. ..

Professionals provide personal point of view

by Jodie Lasoff The third annual Townsend Harris High School Career Day took place on Monday, March 20, 1989. Representatives from various occupati ons visited the school during bands 2, 3, and 4 to expand students ' knowledge of the various careers open to them.

Sophomore Lisa Sparde1 said, "Career Day gave me some interersting occupational choices that I probably nl?:veli ~~~~l)\IlY~

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thought of otherwise." Junior Alina Ratnert agreed. "I felt that Career

even Townsend Harris alumni were used to obtain speakers. Mr

'Career Day enha nced my... awar eness' Day inhanced my personal awareness of the different careers out there and the many choices offered to young people ,. today."

Guidance counselor Mr. James Murray was in charge of organizing this event. Personal contacts, SV : Johns, Queens t College-nand -

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Murray said, was pleased with the day. However, there were unfortunately some problems."

Four guests, including an 88-yearold Townsend Harris alumnus from the class of 1916, never showed up. Also an unexpected gues t-showed up. so. ."We:puthim â&#x20AC;˘

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Fields such as biology, nursing, geology, pediatrics, law enforcement and engineering were discussed. Students asked questions about the various jobs. Teachers also participated. Chemistry teacher Dr. Michael Anzel asked the guests how he could get a real job .

Guidance Counselor Marilyn Blier went to several of the rooms to introduce the speakers .

Anaestheologist v Gayle' < h tlas'," ~

who was once an Eriglish major, was impressed with the school's Humanities emphasis. She had also gone to a school with a similar focus.

Gayle Zuckerman, a freshman, felt that, "Career Day has helped me to talk to a professional in the field that I Would like to chose as a career."

The speakers brought many students a refreshing way to fmd out about possible carrerS: :;>';' .1

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¡Have they been forgotten? ,byAlexandra Beller

'," A s a Hurnamties .. high :'.,

school, we deserve better perfor, JII.lIIlce facilities!" Anna Azrieli, a veteran actress at Townsend Harris, declared vehemently. "After all," she continued, "there's more , to education than Latin and Physics. The arts are an integral part of education and the only way to leaIll' about them is by experienciJig them fully." r Anna is not alone in her opinion. Many students at Townsend Harris have raised the same question: Have the performing arts been forgotten amidst the academics? Certainly, Townsend Harris has exhibited an exemplary academic record. Winning the honorary title of School of Excellence

There's no place for threepeople to do anything. Basically, we then have to put everybody in larger groups that may not be specifically what they want."

A

good example of this is Townsend Harris' lack of any Dance department, elective or Enrichment. "We have only one performance space, usually reserved for the play or Sing or the Talent Show," explained Mr. Boulanger." ~e also only have one gym, which cannot be divided and is overcrowded as it is. Therefore,' we had to put the dance Enrichment in a regular classroom.

Even with all of the desks pushed aside, there was simply no room to move . Also, they couldn't perform because the stage was taken up by

dience with limited size potential.

Alex Whitten, a Townsend Harris junior who yearns for a more spacious place to dance, said of the Talent Show, "It doesn't even come close to giving us a place to perform, One night a year.does not a performance program make." It may not be close enough, but it is the best that Townsend Harris students will get until the new building is ready .

Is it true that nothing will improve the perfonnance conditions at Townsend Harris until the school is at Queens College? Yes and no; The lack of facilities won't change until the school is moved to the college, That is true. Mr. Boulanger, who coordinates all of the performance activities, said, "Un-

Townsend Harris, student support is vital. Susan Chiu, a frequent audience member, said, "The fact that the audiences at Townsend Harris performances are usually close to capacity is an indication the students have faith in the performers," Anna Azrieli, who is one of the performers, does not share Susan's sanguine view of student support of the arts. "The students," she said, " have a great lack of interest because they know what we're up against and so they feel that Townsend Harris perfonnances can never be as good as those at some other high school." A lack of support from the students may not only manifest itself in audience turnout, but also in the limited interest in performing itself. "The students don't pet

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Dance, Karate, Body Building and a full time environmental enrichment, " Mr. Boulanger said, "Until that day though , we'll just have to continue to make do with what we've got."

With all of the technical difficulties to overcome, it sometimes seems wondrous that Townsend Harris puts on a single show all year. Ms. Blechman, and Mr. Davis have both f ound ways to compensate for the limitations inherent to the small building.

"We've adapted to what we have," explained Ms. Blechman. "Generally, we fmd really good plays, usually very funny , that don't require a lot of props and scene changes or anything really elaborate." Mr. Davis added, "It's very '

.T he limited space may be a problem for some, but others find it a blessing. Scenery artist Stephanie Helmeyer remarked that in Townsend Harris , "it is easier 'to draw the backdrop because there is about one-third th~ stage space that we usually have to"cover." As are. sult, artists f~d it ~asier to add more details anet$end a lot of time on each set Of course, things aren't always eliSy for the scenery makers either. Katen Lemmey, who also helps 'in' creating the "scenes behind the scenes," said that the one hard thing about making the sets is t~at they "have to , work while th~ Drama Club is practicing, so ipaking noise and using a lot of space is impossible."

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T he crime is that Townsend Harris students are bursting with potential but have few places to vent their talents. The culprit, as usual, is limited space. Townsend Harris' 29' x IS' x 15' stage is less than half of the average 65' x 45' x stage of most New York high sChools. Generally, high school auditori bo b k itonums ast a generous ac stage area, dressing rooms, an or-

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chestra pit or attic, and a prop/costume storage room. Townsend · Harris is devoid 0 f these 1uxunes.

• ~e audience space is incapable of • hosting the entire student body, not tQ, mention parents.

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ni~al problems translate into is no

sniall interest groups, no musicals, and less fulfilled potential. Enrichment coordinator Arthur Boulanger explained: "We have no room for small groups. To give somebody a room, there have to De thirty peaple interested in something. Because we can't have small groups, a lot of kids who have special talents don't get a chance to perform.

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A play in which the lead character is a six-foo t-tall invisible rab,bit may be a bit much for some folic:s to swallow. It must have Come as quite a shock to Broadway patrons back in 1944. Neverthe~ess, Harvey was a huge success .

Now some forty-five years later, the Townsend Harris High School Players proved once again that they can perform a classic with style and grace. Their production of this unusual comedy by Mary .Ghase was nothing short of out.standing, and as all great comedies should be, hysterically funny.

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r. The plot revolves around EI-wood P. Dowd , a sociable yet simple man whose closest relation is a ' ~'fictitious ," six-foot-tall, invisible -rabbit named Harvey. Unfortunate(ly.for Mr. Dowd, no one else is ,able to see his furry friend, a situation which has created a great deal ,~f turmoil among his family mem'bers, To his socialite sister, Veta LOuise Simmons, Elwood is a source of constant embarrassment, iand her daughter Myrtle Mae at,-I

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ways and we never could really warm up or have any space to move around." Despite the limitations, Dr. Largmann remarked that the administration "is trying to get Mrs . Agin to come back and teach dance again if she can work it into her schedule. "

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. h Mr W 1 USIC teac er " a ter Davis elaborated on the lack of space. "Because space is so limited, there's no place to practice. We don't have that luxury. There is no time during the day when a musician can go and rehearse. Wonderful music escapes us because we don't have' the space;", <

Since small interest groups are

impossible, students are forced to blend into the majority interests. In . other words, the closest a dancer may be able to come to the perfect Enrichment is aerobics. This is a loss for everyone, both the student whose potential goes untapped and seeing the performance. The Talent · Show, which was held this year in early June, is the one place where anyone in the school can "do their thing"- on a small stage for an au-

involved in the programs, more programs might be made available.

"It's up to the students," Mr. Boulanger explained. "If enough students want it, we can try to get it for them."

What can you expect when you attend a Townsend Harris per~? S ~ 1 d th rormancet orne lee ,as oes e Drama adviser, Ms. Harriet Blech"all f th -" man, th at 0 e perrormances h bee d d thev conti ave n goo an ey continue ' to be good." Sophomore Karen Lemney thinks that "the performances at Townsend Harris are just as good as those at any other , school." Mr. Davis, however, sees the limits of his facilities as a great hindrance to a good performance.

"Acoustics are horrible in the cafetorium and so our performances don't sound as good as they could," he said Whether you go expecting to see a good , bad or moderate show, don't ever go expecting to see a musical because, as Mr. Boulanger explained, "they simply cannot be done. This school can't be adapted for musicals. "

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pend upon more than just student support . Administrative support, too, is crucial. Most students and teachers feel that, as Sera Congi says, "there is no lack of administrative support." The arts, they agree, are not getting shortchanged compared to every other aspect of Townsend Harris; the effects of Townsend Harris' handicaps are just more apparent in the performance programs. Mr. Bou1 bo ed "Th dmi langer e a rat: e a inistration does as much as they can with what they've got. Townsend Harris is like that circus car where they keep trying to fit more and more clowns into the car. We have , all of the clowns that we can fit right now, at least until we get a bigger car...or a bigger building."

Everybody at Townsend Harris has grown accustomed to the excuse, "if only we had a bigger building ..." Many wonder: What will Townsend Harris' perfor- ' mance program be like in the new . building? "I would like to do a musical," said Ms . Blechman. "I ' .' would add about ten new Enrichments including Modem

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cumstances is very telling of llie f th d d f ul e stu ents an ac ty. nature 0 Dr. Largmann said, "We have learned to work under less than ideal conditions and it probably btings out the best in us. Considering how we do under adverse con ditions, it leads me to feel that we would mount spectacular performances if we had real facilities to work with."

T he performers themselves diisagree ab out the e ffiects 0 f the l' .tat' S C . imi Ions. era ongi, a T dH . id ownsen arns actress , sal , "Th 1 k f f ili all e ac 0 ac lues ows us to tr t h . concen a e on our c aracters ind fAn ' bili stea 0 props . actors a I ity depends upon how well he improvises, which we have certainly had to do." Her positive outlook is by no means shared by all of the performers. Liza Elkin, a fellow actress,said that, "in general, we are limited in what we cando, so we can't fulfill our potential." Anna Azrieli agreed with Liza. "We work less because the lack of facilities makes us feel as if we will never be as good as another school could be," she added. ' ,

facilities that the-Drama department faced did nothing to prevent them from putting on a top-notch performance. Faeing hardships has brought the performers together in . a very tightly bonded and determined group. When asked about how they had overcome the difficulties they faced in mounting this year's production of Harvey, the Drama Club decided to demonstrate instead of merely answering.

They fell into their own hair-raising renditi on of "America the Beautiful," complete with dissonant harmony and all. As the Drama Club hummed the last dying notes, Ms. Blechman stood up, and speaking for all of them, declared, "We're Americans; we settled the prairie; we can do anything!"

T ownsend Harris students can do more than just anything. The lack of space and facilities may be appalling, but determination and perseverance run deep in the school and, as Mr.Boulanger so wisely stated, "We shall overcome!"

Harvey lands smashing success tributes her own dimming social life to her uncle's peculiarities.

A t last Mrs.

Si~mons decides

to commit her clearly unstable

brother to an insane asylum. Trouble, however, arises as a result of several misunderstandings concerning Elwood, who is constantly escaping harm as if protected by some magical luck. Several amusing sub-plots arise as the staff of the asylum searches for Elwood when he is suddenly discovered to be missing. As the play reaches its climax, the characters begin to flirt with the idea that magical creatures known as "pookas" actually exist, and Dr. Chumley, a renowned psychiatrist, becomes convinced he is being followed by a six-foot-tall rabbit.

The truth is that ~lwood is actually the lead character, and the role seemed to be second nature to veteran Townsend Harris actor Paul Jannicola, who captured perfectly the charming, candid nature of Mr. Dowd. Liza Elkind played the snobbish Veta Louise Sirrimons with style and poise and her bratty

daughter, Myrtle Mae , was played to a tee by Anna Azrieli. Carol Cheng must be praised for herhigh society accent which was quite effective in her role as Mrs. Chauvenet.PiaAlexander was charming as Mrs. Simmons' other daughter, Sally Rae, and Alona Bach did a ' fine job as the maid.

The staff of the asylum was . quite amusing as the sexual tension between Dr. Lyman , played by 'Charlie Redell, and the flitatious nurse Kelly, played by Sera Congi, created some very funny moments.

Alec Pollak was dignified as the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Chumley, and Annette Artus gave a solid performance in'the role of his wife.

Some of the most hilarious one-liners in the play came from Josh Proujansky, who was quite amusing as Wilson, one of the asylum orderlies . Rodney Eric Lopez did a fine job as JUdge Gaffney and Donald Louie had some funny ad libs as the cab driver.

well cast and stands as another [me performance to add to her list of successful shows. One can be sure that Forensics teacher Arthur Boulanger had his share of input as As- ' sistant Director. Another aspect of the play that is deserving of high praise is the scenery, which was extremely well done, and the original set design proved to be effective for the scene changes. Natalie La Duca, Jerome Tomaselli, and Stephanie Helmeyer, who worked under the supervision of art teacher Anthony Morales. should be complimented for their dedication and great artistic ability. . H ar vey was definitely a standout among all past Towsend Harris productions. It certainly succeeded as a comedy, with the audience laughing throughout the entire play. Considering the limited stage facilities, it was very professionally done and all who were involved deserve a big round of applause.

Again to the credit of drama teacher and Director Harriette Blechman, Ha rvey was extremely

How did Harvey grab me? To borrow an ad lib by Donald Louie, ,"It grabbed me right there."

Rodney Lo pez, Charley Redell, Lisa Elkind and Paul Jannicola discuss the enigma of the invisible rabbit.

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June 1989

Ancient tale fizzles in Firebrand

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Ivan Borodin plays guitar at the Talent Show in June.

SING '89 finds queen and success "

by Jodie Lasoff Once upon a time At Townsend HarrisHigh A tale was toldof KingLargeman That madeall laughand cry.

His advisers set out across the land A suitable bride to find The result was a very funny tale Told by the cast of SING '89.

On Friday, June 2, SING's quest for excellence was fulfilled and the show kept audiences laughing throughout It began as Grandpa (Michael Detweiler) started to tell his granddaughter Paula (Gayle Faust) the tale of the quest the residents of Townsend Harris Castle undertook to fmd a queen for King Largeman (Jon Isler).

The King's three advisers were called upon to do this task. Dalia Lacks _as Mrs. Powerwitz, the power-hungry, forever dictionarycarrying history teacher, gave a truly great performance. Ms. Kicks, played by Deborah Sachs, was a sadistic gym teacher bent on physical torture. Josh Sipkin was brilliant as the bumbling, confused, yet loveable (and the name says it all) Mr. Lostman.

As the advisers broke up into groups with their mentees, they were directed by Mr. Stencil's (Ross Hartman) maps.

Oranges and Lemons:

Ms. Kicks, Mr. Cebrillo (Alli- Halpin, the bus pass lady. The part son Hollander) and Mr. Handsome was played with spirit by Danielle (Rodney Lopez) went to Palm Smith.

Springs, California, retirement One of the highlights of home of former gym teacher Mr. Lostman's trip was the encounter Allman, to fmd the most athletic with the M&M dealer (paul Jannigirl for the King. cola). Paul had the audience laugh- Allison's Cebrillo was overly ing as he tried to unsuccessfully concerned with his image, and she sell M&Ms to Deirdre Mike and played the part well. Rodney's per- Edward Good. He finally tried to formance as Handsome was very sell them to Lostman, resulting in funny and very good. His never- more laughter.

Jane Gorayeb was terriffic as ending argument with Kicks over whether excercise or good nutri- Babette, Lostman's love interest, tion are better for you, dramatized who tried to give him a quick eduin song, provided a good source of cation in the facts of life. Josh Proujansky was on the ball with amusement.

At the same time, Mrs. his performance as Mr. FrederickPowerwitz and her entourage head- son. Catisha Marsh displayed the ed to the Cloisters. Her group of feelings that the attendance lady Mr. 'Manischevitz (Erika Brown), must experience every day when Mr. Ketchup (Melissa Paoloni), no one is ready for her to collect and Mr. Couch (Dien Taylor), the attendance sheets. Now we searched for the most intelligent know why she wears sneakers with woman. Erika was delightful as a business suit.

Manischevitz, a true "leader."

All the performers, those menKetchup's role was a small one, tioned above and those not, were but Melissa played -it to the utmost. great. SING '89 fulfilled their Dien was hysterical as a scatterquest. The show was terrific and brained Couch. Lisa Tovin, Kristen the set was spectacular. CongratuIglesias, and Hillary Goldrich were . lations to Ms. Lynn Greenfield, good as the three fmalists under Ms. Linda Mandell, Mr. David Powerwitz's scrutiny.

Briskin, Mr. Tony Morales, all the Lostman needed a bus pass to performers, writers, and artists. get to his destination, Main Street. The only trick now is to keep it up for SING '90.

For several years now, XTC has been hailed as the epitome of ..thinking man's pop." This trio from Swindon, England, was virtually unknown in the States until 1986, when their song "Dear God" got airplay on mainstream radio and MTV. Ironically, this song wasn't even intended ,for I release;

but was put on the b-side of "Grass," the first single from their 1986 album Skylarking. This gave XTC some well-deserved recognition.

Now, three years after "Dear God," comes XTC's second chance at cracking the top 40. This chance comes in the .form of "Mayor Of Simpleton," the first single from

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"".:11 Kristin Iglesias and Melissa Paoloni. seek a queen.

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Lemons. Singer/songwriter Andy Partridge tells the story of a man who" ...can't have been there when brains were handed 'round...," but he's confident that .....when their logic grows cold and all thinking gets done, you'll be warm in the arms of the Mayor of Simpleton..:' Bassist Colin Moulding plays an. intricate melody that weaves with

tars.

"Mayor" is not the only good song on this double album. In fact, every cut has something special about it. This album is in the psychedelic vein, like XTC's alter ego, the Dukes of Stratosphear. In fact, a lot of these tunes have Beatlesque vocals ("Hold Me Daddy"; "Chalkhills and Children"; rich irn-

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XTC tries for Top 40

by Jodi Shapiro

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the Trojan War as a result of

by Brett Freese lust for Helen, whom he kidm The Firebrand, (pocket!

The beautiful Helen of SPl $8.95 ), by Marion Zimmer Bradley, is a retelling of Homer's The though, is not the stone-r Illiad, as seen through the eyes of temptress she's reputed to be, b Kassandra, daughter of King Priam compassionate woman and and princess of ancient Troy. Kas- loving mother. Even so, the sandra is born with the "second tremely feministic slant in ' sight" but nobody believes her Firebrand becomes armoy prophecies after she is cursed by a rather than an enhancement t? " I wrathful immortal. Therefore, this book.

The Firebrand is Ms. BJ prophetess is unable to prevent the downfall of her ill-fated city of ley's failed attempt at trying to I ate a literary masterpiece whic Troy and its inhabitants.

The underlying theme of The based on a literary masterpii Firebrand concerns the struggle Partly due to the author's banal between matriarchal and patriar- of prose, the aura and ambianc - chal religions: the cult of the Earth legendary Troy is lost in this n Mother goddess is gradually being elization. The women -- no ma replaced by the worship of domi- how kind or valorous they may - nant male gods. Ms. Bradley ex- -are lackluster and undifferentis presses enmity towards this event to the point where the reader cc by portraying the men in her novel easily mistake one character as brutes, cowards, or rapists, and another; Ms. Bradley's portraya characterizes the women as either their male counterparts would fiercely independent, sympathetic, enough to give poor old Horm or ultimately more intelligent. For coronary. The Firebrand is example, Paris, Kassandra's twin type of novel that makes a pen brother and the "firebrand" of the wish. that writers would just le, story, proves to be the instigator of the classics alone.

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this Ahtheap"), and a bit of so commentary ("Here Comes PI1 dent Kill Again"; "Scarecrow P ple"), This album is upbeat, wi smart, and most of all, filled J some great songs that will k your spirits up and make you' XTC fan for life. Getting tl back catalogue is worth the tr

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Young ambassadors journey,to Japan 'longer have any need for military

by Mary MaCarthy ceremony.' I was confused but "Nihonni yokoso" (Welcome to agreed with whatever she was sayJapan) were the first words heard ing. I suppose she meant we didn't

by Diane Duffy, Johanna Lasker and Heidi Moon as their airplane have to be formal towards each landed in Tokyo and they began other anymore. I also think she wanted my laundry." their two-week adventure in the Although Johanna said, '1 was Land of the Rising Sun. having too much of a good time to The three Townsend Harris stulearn anything, "both Heidi and dents, who are all in a second year Japanese language class, were acDiane felt that, besides being a lot companied to Japan by 21 other of fun, visiting Japan was a learnNew York City high school stuing experience. dents. They first became' involved "I learned a lot more about the with the program late last spring way of life," explained Diane. 'W e when they were asked to try for the see Japan in a good light, and there Japanese exchange by filling out were a lot of great things there, but an application, writing an essay on life isn't as easy as it appears. They :- .'

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Ambassadors Diane Duffy and Johanna Lasker share umbrellas and a walk in the rain with their host don't have many of the comforts why they wanted to go to Japan, students. that we do. They live in close quar- . and later being interviewed. After they were chosen as one of the impression of school. "It wasn't as also amazed the Townsend Harris pointed to the toothbrushes and ters, traveling is a hassel, and they lucky two dozen students, the next strict as I thought it would be," she students. "Only the big cities had said, 'So the toothbrushes are sun- work very hard. We never saw step came last fall when they and stated. "Students talk during class any litter," said Heidi. "I lived in a shining' and asked if I understood. Mikka's father. By the time we their families hosted Japanese high and don't pay attention just like .pretty small town. It was really When I said I didn't, she repeated, woke up , he was gone and when school students from the Tokyo they do here." Heidi added, "When clean and orderly. When I compli- 'It's a fme day so the toothbrushes we went to bed, he hadn't come area. Finally it was April 12 and I think of Japanese schools, I think mented the students on how clean are sunshining.' Things were run- home yet He was very hardworktheir dreams of going to Japan be- of uniforms and everyone concen- their School was, they were very ning through my head, like 1 wish ing. And the trains were so crowdcame reality. trating and sitting up straight. But surprised. They thought it was my sister could hear this' or 1 wish ed, you wouldn't believe it. It's "What surprised me most about it's not like that. They have lots of dirty. Then I described American Johanna was standing here next to twenty times worse than New Japan was that, although I knew it afterschool activities that everyone schools, how they have graffiti on me.' I wanted to laugh hysterically York. It's not that easy a life."

"By going to Japan, I've now was a homogeneous society, I attends. I'm sure some do go home the walls and gum under the desks, but I knew I couldn't because 'her didn't know they would be shocked to study, and go to cram schools, and everybody was amazed." mother was trying so hard. Finally, decided what I want to do with my by me," said Diane. "You don't but it's not like all they do is Diane followed on the same line when she repeated it again, I just life," Heidi confided. '1 have a know what you're going to face. study." Cram schools are the Japa- of thought as she described the said 'Okay, okay.' A few days later, goal. I've always been interested in People are always looking at you; nese version of SAT prep courses. train stations. "There were these I told Mikka what had happened. international business and now I'm it's scary." However, this feeling of Diane also had a lot to say about arrows on the ground and when the She laughed because she knows certain that's what I want to do. I uniqueness was not felt as strongly the Japanese methods of teaching train stopped, its doors would be English very well. Then she went want to study in Japan. I can't wait

by Johanna and HeidL and the students' learning environ- lined up exactly with the arrows. to the dictionary and found that her to go back." Thinking back over "When I went to school no one ment. "Certain classes, I wonder The people would stand in two mother meant sterilization, instead their experiences, all three girls knew I was American," recalled how they could sit through every straight lines behind the arrows. . of sunshining. It seems that the sun had something special that they Heidi, a Korean-American. "On day. For 40 or 50 minutes, the When we were standing on line, I sterilizes the toothbrushes and wanted everyone to know.

"People should know that the the first day, I sat in the back and teacher would lecture without one wanted to push to the front but that's good for you."

One of Heidi's most memorable Japanese are willing and anxious to when the teachers would announce person raising his hand or talking. I Mikka, my hostess, told me that situations also had to do with the learn about us. And I think it's im there was an American student vis- don't know how much you can no, we had to wait" iting, everyone would look around learn that way. I'm not sure how Soon two weeks of adventures problem of understanding. "When portant that we do the same," and no one knew it was me. Since good a system it is. But one won- and new experiences had become I talked to my hostess' mother, we urged Diane. "They're. lot like us.

I'm Asian and I was at a public derful thing is the great pride thay two weeks of interesting, funny, would both sit there with our dic- We don't realize how much like school, where there are no uni- take in their school. Every morning and exciting stories to tell. Diane tionaries, her with her Japanese- . us."

Johanna ~d:'Japan is the best forms, there was no way to distin- . they sing the school song. And the was the first to jump right in with English dictionary, me with my grounds are beautifully taken care her most memorable one. "One day .English- Japanese dictionary, to try place. Everyone should go." guish me from anyone else."

Laughing, Heidi added, "The Caucasian Johanna wasn't both- of. The government knows how Mikka and I came home from and understand each other. One ered by looking different. "I was important the students will be to school. We were standing in the time .. saw her frantically looking teenagers are just like us. They just really well-prepared," she ex- society, .so they make the school bathroom and her mother said to through the dictionary for some- want to have fun."

In retrospect Johanna had to plained. "Everything was pretty very nice. This makes people want me in English, Today is a very thing, so I knew that she wanted to admit, "The worst part of the trip to go to school and to learn." fme day.'

I told her that yes, it was, much how I expected it." tell me something. Finally she The overall cleanliness of Japan it was a beautiful day. Then she came up to me and said, We no was coming home."

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Seniors reflect on Soviet insights

by Hayley Thomas For almost half a century, Americans and Soviets have regarded each other as inevitable enemies, separated by an "iron curtain" that allowed each country to speculate on how dastardly the other was. But in the last few years, encouraged by President Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union has opened the curtain, allowed democratic reforms and invited Americains to take a look at the Soviet Union.

In March, 1989, Senior Coordinator Rhoda Weinstein, Queens College Liason Robert Haan, and 18 Townsend Harris seniors accepted the invitation and embarked

on a 10-day journey through the "the clerks were rude. They didn't Soviet Union. The students en- seem to have any motivation or pacountered a lot of what they had tience," said Jessica. expected to fmd and much that .

Lani Muller suggested that they did not expect. the Soviet workers' lack of incentive on the job is compounded by "Through my visit to Russia, I national alcohol abuse. "The only observed that domestically, they lines we really saw were for bars. are a Third World country in so far People were willing to wait for as there is no food for people to food and liquor," said Lani. eat," noted Matthew Psichoulas.

Other students had different Jessica Harris said that though she and her friends went "shop- observations of the Soviet Union. ping" in Red Square, there was "As obvious as it sounds," said nothing to buy. Consequently, the Michelle Exposite, "Russians are Soviet Union has a large number no different from us. They search of friendly black marketeers eager for love, justice and happiness, just to get their hands on American like us." money. But in the state-run 'shops, Jessica was surprised ' that

most of the Soviets she met spoke English. The existence of numerous synagogues and cathedrals also surprised many who were taught that the Soviet Union was intolerant of organized religion. The students even witnessed the wedding of an interracial couple in Red Square.

They found the Soviet Union to be less race-conscious than the United States, though Lani pointed out that there was tension between the individual republics. But she explained that in Moscow, for example, there was no ethnic diversity - no Chinese or Italian restaurants or anything of that sort:

Jason Dineen commented on that fact "The people were nice and I had a good time, but the food was bad," he said.

"The most wonderful experience of our trip was visiting the country in a time of change," said Spenser Weltman, and many students were glad that glastnost provided the opportunity to visit the other "super power."

But though they valued and enjoyed getting to know the Soviet people and their country, most . agreed with James 'Marina, who said that the Soviet Union was "a .nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."

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Devoting time"e~ergy and effort:

Community service.teaches valuable lessons

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by Mary MaCarthy It's 5e"en AM. Saturday morning. Nothing is stiIrlng but b~ a ' few mailmen., and Patricia Cega-, Girl Scout leadrz in-training and community volWlteer, abeady, on ha' way to work. .

Patty is only one of the !Dally .

Townsend Harris students who dedicate much of their free time each week to helping people and giving something back to the COID- â&#x20AC;˘ munity that nurtured them.

"I always worked at the church," explained Patty. "Since I was about six or ei8ht. I helped out at SWlday school, set Up the coffee hoW', and . organized baking and rummage . sales."

Now Patty is doing that plus much more,' contributing two to three days a week to the Girl Scouts and all day Saturday to hel' church. Last semester alone, she did over 200 hours of community serv ice.

they look pretty."

While Patty, Johanna, and Happy all work withiri their COJD- ' munity, Elaine Yam chooses ' to wom. outside her n,eighborhood.

For a year and a -half, Elaine has been a volunteer at Flushing Hospital. Once a. week, she visits the hospital to help out the nurses and wom. with the babies and Y01mger children.

Elaine first got started in junior high school when her class visited the hospital once a month. When they asked for volunteers, she was only too happy to sign up with a group of friends.

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"I started out doing these things basically because no one else was doing them and it annoyed me that things were being left undone, Next thing I knew, I was organizer extraordinaire!' recalled Patty.

Not only does Johann a have an Johanna Laskar, another .

Townsend Harris volunteer, helps enjoyable time helping out in her out at a homeless shelter on neighborhood, but she also comes Roosevelt Island, where she lives. into contact with a lifestyle quite her ownI and learns A few times each month, she visits . different from . the shelter to make dinner, serve something from it everyday.

"Most people say th~re's us and food , and talk with the men staying then there's homeless people. But there .

"It makes me feel good. And it's they're the same as you are," stated a lot of fun!" Johanna admitted. '1 Johanna. "They want your friendlike talking with the people. These ship. They don't know where their homeless men and I can just sit and next meal's coming from, or where they'll sleep the following night. talk for hours."

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i=: That makes it an entirely different way of thinking. We always say we're going home; they don't even have a home. " Johanna is glad she works at the shelter. "I come home happy.

Happy and depressed , but more happy," she said .

Sophomore Happy Li is also glad she's a volunteer, and finds nothing extraordinary in doing service. "It's just part of life," she stated. "You see people need help ana

you help them .

In her own community, Happy enjoys doing favors for people.

Buying groceries and getting the mail for her elderly neighbors are jus t some of these daily contributions . If sOmething need s to .be done , Happy is glad to do it "At church we have these cardboard offering boxes," related Happy. "They didn't look very nice so I decided to decorate them with bright colors and ribb 'ms, Now

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"You get a satisfaction from helping people," explained Elaine.

"And the nurses are a lot of fun. I do have to sacrifice going out with my friends and having spare time to do miscellaneous things. But it is really all worth it when you see a sick little kid smile because of something you did or said."

Patty agrees with Elaine that community service isn't always easy. "It's a lot of work," she insis ted. "I don 't have time to go out with friends or to the movies. I even have to go to bed early because I have to get up early. But what I do makes me feel pretty good. Recently I was making palm crosses and the priest brings these to shut-ins. It makes me feel so good to know that they have these crosses."

"We don't realize how much we take for granted," observed Johanna. With that though t in mind, Happy said, "I think more people should get involved with community service."

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PTA contributes to Harris family Activities organized by dedicated members

by Lorraine Holland the teachers are really involved.

Teens are notorious for taking This year, appro xima tely 90% of advantage of their parents. It is rare , the faculty are dues-paying memfor a teen to thank his parents for bers. There are also a great number all the time and energy they give to of active members who are teachhim. Student members of the ers. The P.T.A. expresses its Townsend Harris family also thanks to them every year on sometimes forget to say thanks to Teacher Recognition Day. ' their big help - the Townsend Harris Parents and Teachers AssociaSchool functions tion.

The P.T.A . coordinates the ef"That is what makes Townsend forts of parents, teachers and administration to organize events Harris special....We can look to be which will help the sehool. Some supportive to each other like a primary goals of the P.T.A. arc to family," said Co- Chairperson further parent involvement in Clementine Butts.

Townsend Harris, and to foster Mrs. Butts feels that the P.T.A. communication between the par- is always helping in the many acents and teachers. "It is a parent tivities of Townsend Harris. 'We outreach group which enables staff are constantly looking to be into have liaisons with parents," said volved in all the school's functions Co-Chairperson of the P.T.A .', . and to bring as much help as Charles Puglisi. possible," said Mrs. Butts.

Townsend Harris has one of the This year, the main theme of the few P.T.A.'s in the city in which . P.T.A. was "Human Rights." In

December, theP.T.A. and Archon held a joint celebration for the 40 th anniversary of the United Nations' passage of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the school cafetorium. The P.T.A'- provided desserts and beverages for the occasion.

The P.T.A. also has a large involvement in the annual Townsend Harris International Night, which is co-sponsored with Foreign Language Coordinator Robert Goodman and the Foreign Language Department Parents prepare food, decorate, and help serve the buffet of foods from around the world.

The P.T.A. also funds the event, supplying table cloths and decorations.

College Night, which is cosponsored with Francis Lewis High School, is another annual P.T.A. activity. Parents also help out at orientation for the incoming students.

In April, the P.T.A. met with the judges of the School of Excellence competition to give them the parents' view of the school. The representatives talked about their involvement in the schoo l and their feelin gs about Townsend Harris.

On April 27, the P.T .A. had an open meeting on the topic of "Adolescence, A Parental Challenge."

The director of family treatment center at Long Island Jewish Hospital, Mr. Bruce Goldman spoke about adolescence, substance abuse, and suicide. The Secretary of the P.T.A., Mrs. Susan Schiff, felt that the speaker gave her an understanding of the period of hostility bct.ween parents and adolescents as teens try to separate from their parents.

At its May 25th meeting, the P.T.A. presented a panel discussion on the college experience.

They talked about the pros and

cons of a liberal arts college educ ation .

Membership dues are collected in order to meet the financ ial needs of the P.T.A.. They sponsor many events including the senior party, the ' Arista .induction and the Founder's Da.,y~.ceremony. They also contribute money to such things as Enrichment activities, the audio-visual department, lab needs, the library and the mu sic department.

Every year at the Commencement exercises, the P.T.A. gives out three awards. "The Arlene Carroll Humanitarian Award for Excellence" is a $500 award given to a graduating student with outstanding school and community service. Two additional non-monetary awards are given to the students who demonstrated the most courageous effort and the greatest improvement.

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Harris honors Asian-J ewish heritages

by Ani R eisig Both Asian and Jewish cultures were celebrated on Thursday, May II, with a special presentation designed to create a better understanding of the two heritages, Coordinator of Student Activities Myron Moskowitz and twelve students organized the festivi ties.

Along with the presentation, an ethnic food sale was held. The money raised from the sale was used to buy four books about Asian and Jewish cultures, which were .then donated to the Townsend Harris library.

The presentation started with a karate demonstration. 'Health Education teacher Keith Hanson and guest, Lamont Jordan, both members of the United States Karate team, dressed in traditional karate robes and broke wood boards with their hands and feet.

Mr. P.H. Than, the first guest speaker, was born and raised in China. He discussed how his "Chinese background helped him to achieve in life." He explained, "In Asia, doing your very best is emphasized." He said that in America there is a "constant generation gap" and that "today's generation is losing their culture."

The second guest speaker was Freshman Zakia Farouq, who was eight years old when she came from Afghanistan to the United States with her family . She noted that her family still keeps the strong, traditional customs of her Muslim faith. She said, "I would not mind changing to the American customs, but I would defmitely teach my children all about the culture I grew up in, because I would not want it to be lost."

The last speaker was Sophomore Judy Luong, who was born in Vietnam. She came to Thailand in 1979, traveling in a small .fishing boat for three days. She lived in Thailand for six months, until her grandmother, a United States citizen, sponsored her family, thus enabling Judy to come to America.

Judy noted, "My family and I adapted to the American lifes"ll tyles." However, she added; "It's o hard to follow the old traditions in o / 0 . the U.S. because we're living in a of .\ > different culture.". !"

Judy felt that . Asian-Jewish ~ If week was a success. She said, "1 think that it was good because we COSA Myron MoskoWitz grades a paper. learned about each other. Most students don't know much about Asian people. They can't distin.guish the difference in nationalities." She explained, "For example, everyone in this schoo l would by Danielle Steinmann' Moskowitz teaches at a camp. "I manties: literature, history, maybe guess that I'm Chinese. They The walls of the dungeon are only have about ten days over the writing," he explained. He is would never guess I'm Vietnam- being dismantled, bit by bit. Each summer free," he said .' interested in writing about his ese," day, a few more pieces disappear.

Mr. Moskowitz decided to teaching, and the Jewish-American Sophomore Rochelle Lee em- Poems, posters, photographs, and take this break in the 1989-90 experience. phasized, "I hope we can establish essays are being taken-off the walls school year for various reasons . ''I have mixed feelings about a .tradition in which we celebrate of Mr. Myron Moskowitz's office, ''It's all very logical. My children leaving," says Mr. . Moskowitz as Asian-Jewish Heritage Weekevely commonly called the "dungeon" are at the right age. I wouldn't be he looks around at the students year." because of its size and windowless . able to afford it when they go to crammed into his tiny office. "Is it Many students were Surprised at walls. Each piece of paper is evi- college," he explains, referring to possible to fit any ffi2re people in . the coupling of the ;two heritages. dence of the love that the students the sabbatical. He also feels that here?" he asks sarcastically. "It However, Mr Moskowitz pointed feel for their Coordinator of Stu- his role as C.O.S .A. has been well . will feel strange not to be in here out, "The two cultures have much dent Activites. But Mr. Moskowitz established at the school. "I feel with them," he says sadly. "So in common and both stress hard must take everything home now that I've invested five years into . don't leave us Mosko! It's not fair," work and strong family ties." He because he will take a year-long this school, and everything is well a student cries out. "Whenever I added, "Israel is in Asia...and there sabbatical next year. organized," he said. He feels com- leave it would be sad. I do love this are remains of Jewish communities ''I want to come .. back re- fortable about giving the job to Dr. school. But it's good to get a new in both China and India. " freshed, gain a new perspective,' Michael Manson, history teacher, perspective, " he responds. He asMr. Moskowitz ended the pro- . said Mr. Moskowitz. He started for a year, because "he's a nice sures the student that he will return gram by thanking all those who teaching at age twenty-one, and guy, and is very well qualified," for her junior year. "There's no had helped to organize the ' Asian has never taken a sabbatical, al- according to Mr. Moskowitz. place I'd rather be. This is my Jewish Heritage presentation. He though he has been. eligible for During his sabbatical, Mr. home and I helped to build as asserted, "Townsend Harris is a some time. During the summer, Moskowitz will be taking courses much of this place as I could," he special place. We celebrate each when most teachers enjoy two at a college near his home. "I want says. 'Then he repeats, "I do love months out of the classroom, Mr. to take courses I enjoy in the Hu- this school." other just by being here."

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Mosko to take year off

Altman bids Harris farewell

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to use his athletic talents to build

by Kelly Drapkin up the sports and physical educa. Look out, Palm Desert. California! Here comes Don Altman, . tion department. He had taught at several other schools, including soon-to-be-retired gym teacher.

Mr. Altman will be heading Wingate High School in Brooklyn, out to his Palm Desert home on where he coached the boys' track July 10, ending his 32-year teach- team for 27 years.

When asked about his most ingcareer. memorable experience at Mr. Altman's desk drawers Townsend Harris, Mr. Altman reare cluttered with high school and plied, "The entire experience was memorable. Assisting in the develcoll~ememorabiliadocumenting his athletic achievements. Awards opment ofa successful athletic and articles adorned with his Rame program, from the single original and picture serve as reminders of I team to the present 20 teams, and his participation in football, bas- organizing the athletic dinner for ketball, baseball and soccer teams four years , have been my greatest throughout his high school and col- accomplishments." He also said lege years .

Mr. Altman came to that he felt good about contributing Townsend Harris in 1984~ ~I!ing !O the growth of a new school.

"I won't miss teaching, but I1l miss my relationships witll the students," explained Mr. Altman.

He plans to replace tuching with relaxation, golf, tennis , and getting in shape. From his home in Cali fornia, he intends to keep close ties with students. He says he will return to New York to be a part of future proms, athletic dinners, and graduations of former students.

Mr. Altman will depart with a "so long" and a resolution to "never eat M&M's again" after his retirement party, which will cost devoted friends and co-workers $50 ahead.

When asked who would succeed him upon his retirement, Mr.Altman exclaimed, "No one can take my place!"

features ea- ures

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June 1989

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Juniors explore twentieth century

Health Fair informs and educates

by Elizabeth Loewy The first Townsend Harris Health Fair was held in the school gymnasium on May 16, 1989. Students visited the fair during their lunch, gym or Health bands throughout the day.

The idea for the fair came from the Child Abuse Neglect Committee, chaired by Judy Biener. "We were first going to have a speaker just for this (child abuse), but later decided to encompass all health issues," she said. .

Many students found the fair ti very interesting and helpful. Soph-'i omore Geraldine Lloyd said, "I ~ thought it was a good idea. They ~ should have it every year, but in- Q crease the number of booths and ~ vary they subjects. They shoUld;:!! also split down the larger sub- ~ jects." Freshman Heather Lazziro a also enjoyed 'the fair, and com-,g mented that it "was informative Q" and educational."

GETTIN' HEALTHY: Health teacher Keith Hanson discusses Sports Some students received spe- Medicine with students at the first Health Fair. cific help at the fair. "Freshman . ing. She related, "It had interest- "fact that there were people there Jennifer Puglisi said, "I liked the ing facts and taught me things I who could answer students' quesbooth on alcohol and drugs." She . didn't know about smoking." tions. Ms. Biener thought that the Keith Hanson, health teacher fair helped raise awareness. "If explained, "It appealed to most. " teenagers and gave a realistic and presenter of the sports medi- you had a problem, once awareview." Heather Lazzaro also had a cine booth, found the fair to be a ness came you could try to solve a favorite booth, the one on smok- success. He credited this to the problem."

By Justine Eisenstein Leszczack's pictures of her grandIt .appeared to be a scene at a parents from the 1940s.

Another presentation was per.1920s. night club. In actuality, it was the opening number of the formed by juniors Anna Azrielli, first Townsend Harris Decades Ayanna Barrow and Alexandra Fair.

Beller, who danced the Charleston, The fair, which was an out- much to the delight of the audience growth of collaterals done for En- who clapped heartily when they glish 6 classes, took place on were finished. Musical selections Wednesday, May 29, in the cafeto- from the decades were played, inrium. eluding Glen Miller and Al JoOOn The presentation, which was songs. coordinated by English teachers Most agreed that the fair was a Lynne Greenfield and Steven Mer- success and "besides," said junior melstein and the English Depart- Allison Hollander, "it was the best ment, included exhibits on music, collateral we ever did." dance, clothing, and memorabilia I from the 1920s, '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s. Ms.Greenfield explained that it was "something that everyone would be interested in seeing and sharing in."

One of the presentations at the fair was a videotape made by students who had done their projects on the 1950s. It included a news program recapping all the important news events of that decade, such as Stalin's death, the climbing of Mt. Everest, and the Rosenberg spy scandal.

Other exhibits included stock market crash headlines from the '20s, a "Gone With the Wind" poster from the '30s, a poster of James Dean from the '50s and Flapper Beatles memorabilia from the '60s.

Also displayed were junior Renee

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Adolescent suicide:

Pressure pushesteens over the edge Depression manifests itself in major problems for today's teenagmany ways. For instance, if a ers, also play a significant role. teenager begins to isolate himself Feelings of depression and hope- .

Among teenagers, this despon- from his friends, family or activi- lessness are often spurred on by dent cry has been echoing more ties, this could be a sign of serious abuse of mind-altering drugs and and more frequently each year. depression. This is particularly alcohol, which can act as an exDesperation drives them to commit true if the teenager is usually an tremely powerful depressant. Irrasuicide, creating a very real prob- outgoing person. A lack of con- tional thoughts of suicide can stem centration, increased irritability or from this abuse. lem in today's society.

Suicides also tend to occur in behavior changes, appetite disorIn 1986, a total of 30,904 teenclusters.

In a Kansas survey taken ders, crying for no apparent reason, agers between the ages of 15-19 in 1984, 40% of those teenagers and thinking, writing or talking comniitted suicide. The rate of suicides for teenagers between the about death can also signify that who had attempted ·suicide had friends who had previously atages of 15-24 has risen 300% since the teenager is depressed. tempted suicide. Only 9.4% of the 1950. . did not know anyone In an article in PARENTS mag- teenagers Guidance counselor ' Sheila who had commited suicide before.

Orner said that this rise is due to azine, Joe Sanders, M.D., chairman the fact that "teenagers today have of the committe on adolescence of Societal glamorization of death more pressures on them to suc- the American Academy of Pediatceed. I think that there are a lot of rics, said, "The only clear, consis- has also beert cited as a factor that societal pressures - drugs, family tent factor [in teenage suicide) is may influence' teenage suicide. problems, higher divorce rates - depression, coupled with some "Heavy metal" music, violent telethat teenagers in previous years did triggering event.". When this oc- vision shows, and programs showsevere depression can result .ing death as a "romantic escape" not have." She added, "Teenagers now are more susceptible to and may lead to the actual suicide from conflict have all been critiattempt. cized for allegedly causing suicide stress."

The most frequently cited rea- ideation. .

The main cause of teenage suiSuicide attempts, whether suecide is considered to be severe de- son for suicide ideation are breakpression. If the depression esca- ups in either family or personal re- cessful or not, leave many lasting lates, it can lead to suicide ide- lationships, whether they occur scars, most significantly on the ation: thinking about suicide. This through death, divorce or disagree- family and friends of the suicidal in turn may lead to the planning of ments. youngster, "Survivor guilt" is the actual suicide attempt.

Drug and alcohol abuse, both ' often felt by the parents and

by Alicia Salmoni "I wish I'd never been born."

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friends of the individual. Mrs. Orner noted that the major effects of a teenage suicide are "devastation, anger, despair of not having noticed it, or not having been able to help. There are often feelings of self- incrimination...."

Feelings of rage and abandonment occupy -the minds and hearts of the family and friends of the suicide victim. Yet however devastating the suicide ' may be, the recovery process does ultimately occur. The four stages of denial, anger, and finally acceptance and resolution, will help to heal the pain.

It is important in this recovery period for those affected to express their feelings of depression, guilt, and anger: -Professional help is available and can often relieve some of the hurt caused by the sui·cide.

According to Mrs. Orner, school guidance counselors "are required to take action of any suspected suicide. We talk to students, try to allay some of their fears, try to encourage them to contact their parents." She added, "If they refuse, it is our responsi-

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bility...to get the parents to take the teenager to a psychiatrist or to a hospital. No professional should take a threat or innuendo of suicide lightly."

Guidance can also come from spiritual advisers such as a priest or a rabbi.

There are various hotlines available such as the Suicide (Save a life) service, the information line offered by the American Association of Suicidology and the Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-212-5322400, that can provide emergency counseling. ..

Mrs. Orner feels that a measure that may prevent teenage suicide is "making kids aware of the fact that there are people that they can talk to. I think that schools should be working with parents on being aware of their kids. School should teach coping skills, how to deal with crises or changes."

Junior Heidi Brody asserted, "What is important to remember is that suicide is not a real answer to your problems; it is only an escape from them. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary probleIIl.'"

The Classic

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Haan creates domination . by Jordan Dressler There's a war going on. It's being waged on a grand scale and many people are involved. But this war is not being fought on a battlefield, It 's being fought on a computer screen through, a game called Domination - The Struggle For Control of Renaissa nce Italy Beginning in 1494. . This new game is important to Townsend Harris students because it was written and developed by Dr. Robert L. Haan, the .Queens College Liaison to Townsend Harris.

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To fully understand the game, one must first know a little about the setting. Domination takes place in 1494, when Italy consisted of several major city - states and many smaller, weaker city - states.

The country was not unified, and so there were many attempts by ; France, Spain, and city - states within Italy to take over the land.

The goal of the game is to dominate as many city - states as possible. During a game, which can last for as long as a week, a player types different commands onto the computer. Players control such areas as Milan , Florence, Venice, and the Papacy . The winner of the game is the one who gains the most city - states through alliances, invasion, and betrayal. Domination is completely authentic in terms of actual occurrences, so a player can actually "rewrite" history!

Dr. Haan began developing the game several years ago to use in his History of Modem Europe class. Domination was originally a board game played jnclass to help students learn about the Italian Wars. "Then," Dr. Haan says, "I received a book on computer programming from a friend." What was once a simple board game soon became a complicated pastime. The game is still being changed and improved. A big step will be the introduction of graphics onto the computer screen. Computer fans will have to wait, though. It will be awhile until the public sees Domination in stores.

A test group that consists of Townsend Harris students has been playing the game for some time now. It has been through them that Dr. Haan has gotten most of his feedback about Domination. They are aware of the fact that the game will not be in competition with the Nintendo game. Junior David Rozsa, who always plays Spain; is . not worried. He asserted, "If it is marketed, Domination will be very successful." With Dr. Haan as writer and a group of Townsend Harris students as the test group, anything is possible.

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Pow! Bam! Zowie!

Batmania swoops through Harris halls

by Jordan Dressler old and alcoholic Batman returning He's or, posters. He's on t-shirts. from retirement fifty years into the .He's on notebooks, He's even on violent and crime ridden future. tatoos. Who is this mysterious per- The critical and commericial sucson? Is it a famous rock star? No. cess of the novel proved that the Is it a famous literary character? world was ready for a tougher, Not quite. It's Batman, the Dark- meaner Batman . night Detective, the Caped CrusadThis new Batman. however. er, that Guy with the Pointy Ears. does not compare in meaness with The bat-phenomenon is defini tely the evil and manical Joker, played present in the halls of Townsend by Jack Nicholson in the new film.

Harris. The excitement wiil ex- Missing from Batman is Robin. plode at the end of this month The directors say that he is being when the long awaited Batman saved for a sequel. motion picture makes its debut at a What does this all mean to theatre near you. But what is the Townsend Harris students? Apsecret behind Batman's success? parently, it means a lot. Dozens of To find out one must know some students own t-shirts with either bat-history.

Batman, the Joker, or the famous The character of Batman was bat-signal emblazioned on the created in 1939 by Bob Kane for chest. Pins are also popular with D.C. comics. Bruce Wayne was an the students, who wear them on evorphan who witnessed his parents' erything from notebooks and bookmurder by a mugger. Hoping to bags to shorts. stop crime, Wayne adopted the Why the Batmania? "It's cool. I identity of Batman. The Batman think the colors of the shirts are of fifty years ago was a dark, grim nice," freshman Daniel Loewy said character who was quite violent, referring to the dark blues.ipurples but the success of this Batman was and blacks that set the mood fot' limited to the comic books. How- the upcoming film. Others, however in the mid 1960's , there was ever, disagree. "It's a fad. It will something of a bat-renaissance. Bat- . eventually die out, " declares freshman was reborn on the television man Brett Levinson, "but I am screen in a campy, humorous, and going to the movie." Plans like sometimes satirical show on ABC. these will probably make Batman Batmania was rampant all over the one of the summer's bok office country. Along with his trusty blockbusters. A full-page adversidekick Robin, Batman defeated tisement for the film in the New his arch-enemy, the Joker, in mil- York Times on Sunday; June 11 lions of homes nationwide. The was a popular topic of discussion visual effects Of "POW!", "ZAM!", in school the next day. and "ZOWIE!" are still rememBatman has been around for bered today. The movie Batman more than 50 years, but he has of this year, however is very dif- never been more popular than he is today. Many Townsend Harris ferent from this TV version.

• In the movie, Batman, portrayed students participate in this batmaby Michael Keaton, is once again a nia, while others shy away from it.

Either way, Batman and his popugrim and violent creature of the night. The recapturing of the origi- larity are around for the time nal flavor is a continuation ofa being, and only time will tell if the mood created in a novel a few phenomenon will continue. Until years back, entitled "The Dark next year, same bat-time, same batKnight Returns". It portrayed an channel!

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Tbe Classic

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June 1989

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The Classic

Girls' swimming captures championship

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Swimmers take the plunge.

The Girls'Swim Team captured the Queens Division Two Championship this season.

The Hawks, led by Stephanie Cherry, Sera Congi, Caroline Wong, and Debbie Benik, compiled a record of 8-2 during the regular season. ' The team lost to Bronx Science in the first round of the City Championship Playoffs.

Girls' softball breaks even

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June 1989

Young girls track shows potential

Senior Cassandra runs in relay at a Queens developmental meet. least popular Sport in the school, events. , " ,

by Lena Jones Rising stars, broken records, and Efobi, whom HO!Il deems tc be One of the reasons Coach Hom award-winning performances dis- one of the top freshman runners in gives is thatit is "the most difficult tinguished the Girls' Outdoor the city, set school records in the sport to train and compete in" beTrack season. This year, the 100 and 400 meter hurdles, and cause unlike team Sports, you canHawks have won trophies and two will be running in those events in not rely on teammates. Also, Hom runners qualified for the City , the City Championships. She also points out that unlike tennis or volwon a trophy in the 800 meter run. leyball, track and field isn't a Championships. . Hollander also qualified for the "country club" sport.

At one point during the season, the Hawks were probably the best City Championships in the 100 and ' in their division in the 100 and 400 400 meter hurdles but will not be However, Girls' Cross Country, meter hurdles, according to their able to run because of a hairline the strongest of the track seasons, coach, Joe Hom. Freshman Ngozi fracture in her foot. is growing in popularity. For the Efobi, a newcomer to the track last two years, that team has finteam, won two trophies in the 100 Since the team had a lot of ninth ished in fifth place and made the A meter hurdles and one in the 400 and tenth-graders, Coach Hom City Championships.

Hom meter hurdles. Junior Allison Hol- feels it will "probably develop into projects that next season's team lander has also distinguished her- a very competitive team" if they will have over 35 members and self in the 100 and 400 meter hur- return next year. could move into the top three in ' dies, winning trophies in both Right now, track and field is the Queens.

Opposing viewpoints: Columnists debate interleague competition

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Junior Angelica Roma stands on first base after hitting a single.

The Girls' Softball Team placed fourth in their diviTheir season sion, finishing with a record of 7-7., ended on a positive note when they won a double-header against Queens VocationaL During the second game, Leah Mauro, the team's usual shortstop, pitched a shutout.

Most of the players will probably return to the team next year since the majority are underclassmen. Only four players, Mauro, Phonekeo Sarang, Cannelina Pagano, and Justine Stem are graduating, and some promising new players, such as Freshman Lauren Ciaccia, will fill in their spots next season.

Boys' volleyball explains losing record "Inconsistency" and "not coming together until the end of the season" are the reasons Captain Oliver McIntosh gives for the Boys' Volleyball Teams' losing record.

The Hawks finished the season with two wins and six losses, placing fourth in their division.

One of the highlights of their season was their victory over Flushing. However, the Hawks' most memorable moment was their late-season victory against Aviation right before that team was to compete in the playoffs.

The subways were packed for Darryl Strawberry, Orel Hershiser, the exhibition series between the or Tony Gwynn.

Mets and Yankees. Both stadiums As of now. each league has a were sold out ' and the city was different rule concerning the ninth alive with the excitement of Spot in the batting order. Inter"friendly" competition. Imagine league games would allow Nationthe reaction if the games were al League clubs to try the designated hitter and American League played during the regular season. . competition Clubs to give the pitchers a chance , Interleague throughout the nation would add to hit. more to our national pastime. BeThe major professional leagues sides the World Series atmosphere of football, basketball and hockey of a Mets versus Yankees game, all have interleague or interconferthe Cubs and the White Sox would ence play. Last season's Jets versus collide in an intra-Chicago series, Giants game was a big success, Texas would enjoy an Astros ver- drawing a large crowd and stirring sus Rangers showdown, and the a lot of excitement. Why shouldn't Cardinalsversus the Royals would baseball be the same? be an anticipated Missouri matchInterleague action would be a up. California clashes would in- major plus for baseball, creating a clude games between cross-bay ri- national epidemic of baseball vals Oakland and San Francisco , fever.-- Jonathan Perry and a Dodger versus Angels game would feature the glitz of HollyAs Red Auerbach said, "If it wood.

These rivalries would add inter- ain't broke, don't fix it." For almost est to a long 162 game season, of 100 years, baseball has been our which many games seem unimpor- national pastime. Now baseball libtant Although some people think erals actually want to remodel the there are already good rivalries, league system. Would interleague such as the Mets and the Cardinals, play really benefit baseball? I how can these games be special doubt it. when they meet eighteen times Of course interleague play each season? would create new rivalries, such as -Interleague action would also the Yanks versus the Mets, but allow fans to see players from the soon, these games would become other league.

Now, National as routine as a grounder to shortLeague fans miss the talent of Jose stop. For example, Ranger-IslandCanseco, Roger Clemons, and Don 'ers and Knicks-Nets games are enMattingly, and the fans of the joyable, but not extraordinary.

American League don't get to see There are already great rivalries

like the Mets versus the Cardinals and the Yanks versus the Red Sox. Interleague action would simply diminish the glamour and magnitude of a potential World Series match up. Let the Mets and Yankees meet in the Fall Classic, not the dog days of summer.

Interleague games would not give fans a better idea of the great teams. Two years ago, the Atlanta Braves won the majority of the games against the Mets. Does that make the Braves a better team?

The best team 'is the one that wins the World Series. That's all that counts.

Why should baseball copy the other sports and go to interleague play? The present system makes baseball unique. The , American League and the National League have developed their own ia'entity and their different styles create an even bigger rivalry. They should only meet two times-during the All-Star Game and the World Series.

The only reason owners are proposing to reorganize the leagues is to save' travel expenses. For instance, during the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers play eighteen games against the Atlanta Braves since they are in the same division. However, they are 3060 miles apart.

But the fans don't care. Baseball owners sure "ain't broke." Keep baseball the way it is.

-- Nuri Kodaman

June 198'

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by David Chan' The Boy's Tennis Team continued its winning ways, finishing the season with a 10-0 record. The Hawks earned first place in their ~ division and competed in the City e -g Championship Playoffs. â&#x20AC;˘ t: "Our Boys' Tennis Team has been strong for the last couple of ~ is years," former Boys' Tennis Team Senior Cassadnra H anley and Kasandra Robinson wait on the sidelines before a game at FliIshing Coach Michael Anzel said . This Meadows. was the second consecutive year _~tIl~Wks were undefeated durmg the regular season. In their first game and victory, which was ( the second half, the Hawks' offense teammates, since ~y came so against Jamaica, the doubles team

by Lena Jones \ The whis tle blew and the Hawks improved but neither team scored close to victory. consisting of Rajiv Saxena and and the game went into overtime. silently walked to the sidelines "It's over for us ," a disheartened David Richards was defeattd. but "Let's go Harris!" a spectator Esther Soffer said as,she sat on the in the second game between those with faces as gloomy as the cloudy sky .

While their opponents, yelled as the Hawks took their po- grass with her knees against her two teams, Corey Ackerm an and Bronx Science, celebrated in the sitions on the field. The Hawks chest. She, .like several other se- Scott Kossove, who moved up to background, Hawks coach Wanda certainly did "go" in the first ten niors, was faced with the grim re- first doubles, avenged the earlier Nix tried to cheer them up by re- minu tes of the twenty-minute over- ality that this was the last game of loss by defeating their opponents time. 'After toughening their de- the season and their high school 8-3. minding them what a great season they had had. Yet, even her enfense and offense, Hawk Aimee soccer careers .

The Hawks ' other victories couraging words couldn't dispel Kazan scored the first goal of the Guerrier feels the team "played were against teams from John the overall feeling of sadness they game, putting them aheadI-O. really hard this year," especially Adams, Far Rockaw ay, Beach However, this lead was lost in since this season was the last time Channel, and VanBuren. had after their loss in the first the second ten minutes. Afte r the many of the starters would play on round of the playoffs.

Bronx Science played a very . Hawks scored, Science penetrated a team. The Hawks' hard work did aggressive game, keeping the ,ball their defense and scored two goals. ' pay off since they compiled a 5-2in Harris territory for mos t of the While diving to save the second 1 reco rd and captured second place first half. However, Hawk goal ie goal , Ramos hit her head on the in their division. ' Chris Ramos kept them from scor- ground and got a minor ' concusAlthough this season and loss ing with several diving saves. symbolized the end to many of the sion.

"You're playing like you're "We should have won this one ," Hawks, Guerrier sees -it as a conafraid of them ... You've got to play Martine Guerrier said as she tinuation. "I'll always be a Harris them hard, " coach Nix said to the walked towards the sidelines. That Hawk," she said , with a Hawks during half- time. During feeling was shared by most of her smile.

Girls' soccer season ends an era

This year's team, like year's, was also eliminated ir playoffs. In the first round, F. Hills defeated the Hawks, win the match 3-2.

The Saxena and Riel doubles team won its match and Ronnie Sussman won: match 10-4. Unfortunately fo: Hawks, the other doubles t Scott Kossove and Jon New lost 10-5 and David Klienm ar Steve Sussman lost their Sll matc hes .

"They were a tough te Richards said about their FI Hills opponents. "Overall, played poorly," he added.

Klienm an, also disappoi about the defeat , felt that we J have gone all the way."

The Hawks' Coach , James Murray, said , "It W l tough match for us and our pla didn' t play well. We had a ! season..and I'm look ing fOTWaI next year."

Girls' tennis advances to playoff

Jr. varsity softball routs opponents

by Jonathan Perry .. Their season began with a five run rally in the first inning and the scoring never stopped. By the end, the Girls' JuniorV arsity Softball Team outseored their opponents 72- 13 and finished in first place with a record of 3-0.

"We ran, hit, stole, batted, and fielded well. We did everything right to win," said sophomore Joy Joseph. "It's too bad we had only three games because we're on a roll," said Sophomore Lisa Spardel.

Helped by the pitching performances of Joy Joseph and Holly

Sage and Stacy Helmeyer defense, the team won their first game against Bryant, 19-4. "That game showed that we were the team to beat," said sophomore Alexandra Lutz. "It gave us tremendous confidence ."

complete game and Lisa Spardel led the offense with a homerun.

Everyone contributed in their 33-3 win. "It was a great way to end the season," said sophomore Cynthia Wong. "It was like this season repeated last year's success."

Mr. Keith Hanson coached the In the second game, Joy Joseph's two- run homer and freshman Bev - team to their undefeated season. erly Leano's solo shot led the team- - "He's a great coach and one of the to victory against Hillcrest, 20-6. many reasons for our success," Holly Sage pitched a complete said Wong.

- Lisa Spardel summed up the game to get her second win .

However, the biggest blowout season by saying, "We enjoyed playing every game. The season came in game three against Newtown. Meme Chung pitched a was a lot of fun."

Boys' outdoor starts well

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by David Park The Boys' Track team got off on the right foot, faring well against the competition at the first two meets this season.

At the fustQueens devclopmental meet, the Hawks upset Newtown in the 4 x 400 meter relay.

They won even though lead runner Devon Williams, wasn 't read y when the referee blew the whistle.

"I felt cheated at first, but it didn't bother me or the team," he said . The team also pl aced fourth in the 4 x 800 meter race.

The team also did well in their

second meet.

Junior Mark Schwartz finis hed the mile run in 6:17 desp ite his not having had a decent warm- up.

Freshm an David Spitzkoff and junior Fred Ceraso followed, running in the 400 meter dash. Spi tzkoff finished in 1:13 and Ceraso in 1:06, edging man y experienced runn ers from other schools.

Shot putters also showed improvement. Freshman Dav id Kucharsky threw the shot 26 feet, and freshman Joshua Kamens broke the 20 foot barrier for the first

time.

However, the highlight of the meet was the exciting four-man distance relay, led by junior Dan Shrage, Williams, and anchorman, sophomore Eric Weiner.

The Hawks were edged out by Flushing High School for third place. "We ran a good race, and we could've won. I think we'll do better. ne xt meet," said Weiner.

Reflecting on this season.Coach Wal ter Davis said, "The team will be doing much better in the futur e, with more training in endurance.

Senior Tami Hared

by Scott Kossove "We tried our best," Emily Krietman sadly said after a heartbreaking loss to Bronx Science in the second round of the City Championship Tennis Playoffs.

In the ftrst round of the playoffs, they faced Roosevelt and won 3-2, with Tami Hared, Alina Ratner, and Jacki Loeb leading the way.

'In the second round, they met Bronx Science who defeated Harris with a 5-0 victory. "It was a sad loss bec ause I wanted to see the seniors go out in style," Kim stated.

Thi s year, the Girls' Tennis Team came into the season with a tough act to follow. Despite losing some key players last season, the team compiled an 8-2 record and took second place in their division. ,

Junior Ann Kim stated, "There a lot of team spirit. We did l: than we thought we would do.

Anzel did"a great job."

The team was led by sen Tami Hared at first singles, F Cadette at second sing les, Randi Tannenbaum and N Elias at first doubles.

The team had tw~ tough 1< to arch rival Cardozo. In matches, the score was 4-1, ftrst single Tami Hared win each of her matches.

Although they didn't make the top, the team is still prou their performance. Emily K man summed up their year by ing, "It was a season of hard VI ing and dedication which paii with not only a good record, also a lot of fun."