The Classic newspaper Volume 6 Issue no. 1

Vol. 6, No.1, Novembr

:Townsend Harris High School at Queens College • 75-40 Parsons Blvd. Flu3.hlng, NY 11366.

New chancellor to reform system Fernandez to assume post in early January :~1I~j.ii~l.i~~~~~1 ili~~1r~~i]~~mit.~tfmiitli~ !t11i~i~i~ i~1

NGOZI EFOBI and Lauren Calaccla, sophomores, lip syn ch at t he Founder's Day Dance. Page 4 I

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Mock election predicts mayoral results Dinkins defeats Giuliani by narrow margin lil_.~~• ••il~1ffi

David Dinkins' mayoral victory on November 7 mirrored his previous triumph in the Townsend Harris mock election on November 6.

He won the school election 54% to Rudolph Giuliani's 46%-, and similarly, the municipal election 50% to Giuliani's 48%.

The school-wide elec tion held in social studies classes landed Townsend Harris, which elected Michael Dukakis in last year's presidential mock election, once more in the Democr atic camp, with a 236 to 202 Dinki ns vic tory .

In addition to the school-wide mock elec tion, a mock debate was held in the library on November 2.

Students of varied Enrichments were invited to the mock debate, which was coordinated by Assistant Princ ipal Bernice Horowi tz.

Francesca M omplaisir portrayed <

David Dinkins and Alexia Caminos represented Rudy Giuliani.

After both candidates gave opening statements, they were ques tioned by panelists Christian Anderson, Ani Fleisig and Filomena Pace. Issues discussed included drugs, racial tension and the homeless .

Each representative was given three minutes to speak. They were then questioned for ten to fifteen minutes by student journalists who volunteered from history classes, . and later by members of the audi ence. , Ballots were distributed and tallied up both before and after the debate to see how influential the "candidates" were in changing the voters' minds. Prior to the mock debate, Dinkins won by a vote of 21-20 . After the debate, however, . the audience elected Rudolph

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Giuliani the winner by a margin of two votes.

Mrs. Horo witz said that the purpos e of the event was "to inform our students of the issues." She commented that the mayoral elec tion was "very important, because so much is happening in the city, with the homeless situation, drugs. .. and students should be aware." Though most students cannot yet vote, she expressed the hope they would "influence parents to go out and vote."

Mrs. Horowitz also emphasized the importance of young people having the right to vote at 18. "Up until the [26th] amendment was passed, young people were called upon to go to war, but we did not give them the right to vote. They should have this righ t, and for a long time, young peo ple were not represented," she said.

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tion in the 32 local school boards. , Joseph A. Fernandez, New 'In fact, during the past year, severYork' s new Schools' Chancellor, al such board members were inintends to rejuvenate the largest dicted on bribery charges.

Fernandez won national acclaim school system in the country with a detailed pl an for decentralization. as "an innovator and risk taker" He will assume office in earl y (The New York Times, 9/25/89).

In Miami, he not only left deci1990.

Principal M alcolm Largrnann an- sion-making to the school level, ticipates tha t To wnsend Harris will but also recrui ted help for the sysultimately be affected by VIe sys - tem from the bus iness communi ty temic changes pl anned by the new and headed a suce ssful effort to chancellor. "I assume they will af- acquire a $980 million bond issue fect every school in the city of to build 49 new school buil dings.

New York. A goo d leader makes Educators exp ect him to impl ehis effects felt for everybody ," said ment similar progr ams in N ew York.

Dr. Largrnann.

Most Board of Education mem"I think he will be involved in everything," Dr. Largmann stated. bers who selected Fern andez for "Th at's got to be his job. It [the the chancellorship expressed satischancellor's impact on Townsend faction with their choice and confi Harris] may not happen in the firs t dence in his ability . The adminisday or the first month or first six trator is well-aquaint ed with New months, but little by little, it will York Public Schools, h aving grown up in the city. h appen ."

Fernandez was a drop-out from Dr. Largrnann feels that the new chancellor "will be concerned the High School of Commerce in Harlem. However, he earned his about schools of excellence as we are because in the midst of all equivalency diploma while serving those problems that the city has, it in the Air Force. He has studied at must be gratifying for him to know Co lumbia University, the Universithat there are schools in the system ty of Miami, and Florida Atlantic University. He received a doctorate that are considered excellent."

Mr. Fernandez, form erly Super- from Nova University.

In 1963 . Fern andez entered the intendent of Dade County Schools Dade County school system in in the Miami area, says he would Florida as a math teacher. He was like to pattern New York City's appointed to the post of Superinschools system after the one he put tendent of Dade County Public into place in Miami. Under this Schools in 1987 and is currently system, important administrative serving in th at capacity. decisions are made by principals, The attitude of m any schoo l offi teachers and parents. cials in the country is expressed by "The decentralization plan in Los Angeles School SuperintenNew York City that's 20 or 21 den t Leonard Britton. When speakyears old doesn't deal with the kind ing of handling the nation's largest of dec entralization plan I'm talking school system , he said, "If anyabout, which is decentralization at body can do it, Joe can .':" the school level," the educator was Mr. Fernandez will begin his new reported as saying in The New post in January, repl acing Actin g York Times.

Chancellor Bern ard R. M eckl owThe 53-year-old Fern andez feels itz . Mr . Mecklowitz w as appoi nted that the city's public schools need after the sudden death of former an overhaul largely because the de chancellor Dr. Richar d Green las t centralization plan initiated in May. 1969 has been hindered by corrup-

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The Classic

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ditoriaJs November 1989

Keep the spark alive!

It has been half a decade since the opening of the "new" Townsend Harris High School. And, for the sixth time, the Ephebic Oath and Founder's Day has come and gone .

The "new" Townsend Harris is not so new any more. Es-. tablished as a National Secondary School of Excellence, now recognized as one of the top high schools in the country, unformed youth is no longer its prime characteristic.

Two classes have graduated and have made a mark. No longer will successes come as a surprise. No longer are we the underdog, fighting to the top and no longer are we a 40 to 1 longshot.

Townsend Harris is now the favored champion trying to keep the necessary balance to stay on top. Expectations . are high and success is no more surprising than a morning sunrise in the East.

But don't give up now . We're not a diamond in the rough , but we are far from a completed engagement ring.

Our carats are not yet counted and our value not fully appraised.

Students, teachers, administrators: Keep the spark alive!

Do not allow the flame to flicker and die.

At the forefront of American education, the "new" Townsend Harris may not be so new, but it is still one of the most innovative learning institutions in the world.

Many people at Townsend Harris would like to sit back and enjoy the ride for awhile. Though understandable, this cannot be tolerated.

Too many times we have asked, ourselves, "What's happening to Townsend Harris?"

And the answer is simple: Townsend Harris is growing and Townsend Harris is changing. Former accomplishments noted, the students as pioneers should forge ahead.

And teachers shou ld take renewed heart and continue to guide the way. .

The original sense of "newness" is gone, never to return, but the Townsend Harris adventure has barely begun.

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Letters to the Editor Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

To the Editor: I say bravol, bravo! to all of the staff and students of Townsend Harris High School. We have all done an excellent job of creating a school that is known as a school of excellence.

Despite all of the obstacles, including too many people in too small a place, we, working together and cooperating with

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everyone else, have been able to create a positive image and become a role model for other people.

I think that we have all truly obeyed the Ephebic Oath. I think that we will all leave our school no less but rather greater than ' we found it.

Keep Up The Good Work!

Lisa Anne Williams

So, you think Freshman feels welcome we have problems?

Townsend Harris students sometimes don't know how lucky they really are.

If you say this school is a utopia, they will reply with a barrage of complaints. However, four editors of The Classic discovered how special our school is in comparison to other New York City high schools.

We attended the New York City Scholastic Press Assosiation fall Journalism Conference at N.Y.U. We heard of the problems that other schools faced and were too embar. rassed to add our so-called "problems" to the discussion on controversial school issues.

The students referred to the uncontrollable violence in their schools . An editor at one school even received a death threat for an editorial he had written. It is true that an occasional knife has been brought to Townsend Harris.

However, the only victims were birthday cakes.

They explained that there was excessive drug use in their schools. At Townsend Harris, the most widespread addiction is not to cocaine, but to M&M's and Snickers . bars.

They complained that 20 securit y guards weren't enough to keep their schools safe. The bigges t worry of our security force is to ensure that n o one listens to a walkman in the building.

They revealed that some students in their schools were paying "surroga te test-takers" up to $1000 to take the infamous SAT for them and even receive d money-back guarantees that they would score at least a 1200. Some Townsend Harris students also pay big money for high scores on the SAT. However, this money goes to Princeton Review and Kaplan courses.

It may be true that Townsend Harris has its own share of . difficulties. Yet, they do not compare to the degree of problems that most other schools face . Townsend Harris isn't perfect. But it's as clo se as you can get.

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To the Editor: After coming from a very closeknit elementary school, I was shocked to find how welcoming a high school can be. Townsend Harris is truly a warm and caring school. My peers are fun, lively, and very kind. The teachers are.extremely concerned with the stu-

dents, not just the assignments.

The principal even takes time to get involved in what the students are learning. I believe that with an a~o~h~e of soch warmth and kindness, it's no wonder everyone has got some "Harris Spirit" and tries to do his best.

Melina D'Amico

To the Editor: Sometime during the second or third week of school, someone came around asking about guys who wanted to join boys' intramural basketball. When I signed the paper, it was almost totally filled with names, more than enough for a basketball team. I would like to know why there isn't a boys' basketball team when so many people signed up for intramurals.

Devin S. Gallagher Athletic Director Wanda Nix responds: "The boys have not supported interscholastic teams in the past. We do not feel that it ,is safe . for our male students to compete in many sports where the competition is larger and stronger. Our boys would be killed."

Styrofoam,trays pollute To the Editor: I will be brief, for this problem should have been resolved already.

The deterioration of the environment and the ozone layer is a problem that faces us all. However, our . school has not done everything in its power to help change this.

Our cafetorium uses styrofoam trays. Styrofoam is not biodegrad-

able so there is really nowhere to dispose of it. This, as many of you ' know, ruins the ozone layer. It is possible for our school to use plastic re-usable trays for breakfast and lunch. All we need is to get a petition going and pay five cents extra for breakfast and lunch. I am surprised by the lack of student interest in this matter. This could be a

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start to saving our environment and saving the world.

Aron ChizikEditor's Note: On November 10, paper trays suddenly appeared in the Townsend Harris cafetorium .

According to the kitchen staff. this occurred without any initiative from the school. . ~

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ScIIool al QaftIlS ~ t1MIIIII. New Yodl 11366

Senior Editor-in-Chief: Davi d Herszenhorn Jun ior Editor-in-Chief: J onathan Perr y Managing Editor: Craig Slutzkin News Editor: Erica Tsui Ed~orlal Page Editor: Mary McCarthy Features Editor: ~orraine Holland Ent~rtalnment Editor: Jodie Lasolt BUSiness Manager: Stephanie Wo~

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\ 10 =:~~redm::be plaad Assistant Managing Editor: Jordan M. Dresseler Mrs. e - ' I mailbox in the scoeraJ ofAssistant News Ednor: Elizabeth Loewy The CIaIil: _ !be riPI to Assistant Features Editor: Justine Eisentstein edit all Ieacn. Leucn mlllt include Associate Editor : Sa sha A nloszews k i

race.

Photography Editor: Elizabeth Loewy C ut r Operations: Alexandra Lutz omp e

offidaI daI. Nama wiD be withbdd UJlOIl Rquat. name md

Photographers:Ailin Chen, Elena Kowalsky, Toyea Wilson.

Business Staff: Jennifer Brusic. Dina DaOUd, Sag gie Eisenb erg, Artists: Pearl Chan, Carol Cheng, Susan Chew, Vinh Nguyn.

Sabrina Falcone , Miche le Goldstain , Falzad HOOS8in : Do.. ~n Jocl<bir , Senior Contributing Ed~ors : Jane Cirigliano, Melody Keilbach, Alicia Vaid Must ak. Lat a Nanor, Stacy Ro senbarg, Sl oph"",o S' ''l char.

Salmoni, Danielle Steinmann,Jessica Wohl. .

JUdy Vuong , Nocy Vuong , JalllCO Yee. . .. .

Principal: Malcolm Largmann Adviser: llee Cowen Staff: Nina Brooks, Andrew Carter, Elizabeth Daly, Kellie Drapkin, Jennifer DUbo~, Erica Eisenstein. ThereseFergu son, Arkady Frekhtman Jumoke Gamble, Maryellen Gutwein, Jodi Hunter, Alison Kell, Randi Korobe!nlk, Jac:quelln~ Loeb, Jennifer Mattucci, Dino Ravnic, Neftali Serrano, Jodi Shapiro, Josette Sprott, Jason Stern, Ronnie Sussman, Elizabeth Wellington, Tzachy Zaidman.

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The Classic

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Familiar faces change places ~~fl1_r._~it~w~~M~tii~t

students." Mr. Boulangercontinues English teacher Arthur Bou- to teach one course a semester. langer and Health Education teach- This term it's the Mass Media er Ellen Schwartz have stepped elective, but he's not yet sure what into new roles this year. Mr. Bou- . that class will be in the spring. langer, the former Enrichment CoTaking over as Enrichment Coorordinator, has replaced Program dinater is Health Education teacher Coordinator Sondra Eiseman, who Ellen Schwartz, who was on sableft Townsend Harris to become .batical leave last year. "I look forManager of Computer Operations ward to new challenges," she said. for the Roslyn School District. '1 thought that this was a job that I Mrs. Schwartz has taken over as was well suited for....1 wasn't sure Enrichment Coordinator. of what to expect. Right now I fmd Mr. Boulanger worked as Mrs. that there is a little more to do than Eiseman's assistant programmer I realized. It's just taking me longer for six months before assuming his to accomplish certain tasks benew position in late August. His cause it's all new," she said. basic responsibilities are to make Mrs. Eiseman is also finding sure that students receive accurate much that's new in Roslyn. "We programs and see that student actually have bells here!" she exrecords are kept timely and correct. claimed as she compared her Most important is for him to insure current job with her former one at that the Board of Education has ac- Townsend Harris. She also said cess to the school's records through that she now has a greater amount the mainstream computer. of responsibility.

When comparing his former and At Townsend Harris, her reports new positions, Mr. Boulanger said on students' grades, schedules, etc. that he had enjoyed being Enrich- were first sent to the Board of Edument Coordinator "because of the cation; from there, they were sent very nature of the job. I simply to state officials. However, at liked it better," he stated. "I be- Roslyn, she deals with the state dicame a teacher because I like to rectly. "I have more control here," work with kids. Enrichment put me she added. right in the middle of them." His Although she fmds her position decision to change positions was at Roslyn to be challenging and rebased on the financial benefits and warding, she still misses Townsend the school's need for his expertise. Harris. "I miss the kids, people , When performing his duties as . and staff at Townsend Harris terriProgram Coordinator, Mr. Bou- bly,' she said. "Here I have very langer often finds that students little contact with the kids. The stop becoming students; they be- first year at a new job is tough. I come numbers on a computer was happy at Townsend Harris, so screen. Being Program Chairman it was harder to make the decision "is like working with a Rubix to leave. To me, people are very Cube," he explained. "You move important, and Townsend Harris is the pieces till they fit, but you people." never recognize those pieces as

November 1989

APpel: Science Coordinator moves up : lItltf.::~f.&mtt*[:jM:tt:: ÂŽ1:m:~iJI~

Mrs. Susan Appel was named Assistant Principal of Science at Townsend Harris effective this fall.

She will also continue to teach biology, science research and the Westinghouse class.

Assistant Principal of Organization Malcolm Rossman described the promotion as "well deserved ."

Chemistry teacher Michael Anzel predicted that Mrs. Appel will do well in her role as Assistant Principal because "she understands what teachers have to put up with."

Mathematics Assistant Principal Harry Rattien said that Mrs. Appel's appointment "finally got her the recognition she deserves for the job that she has been doing for five years." Prior to her promotion, ~ . u Mrs . Appel had served as the Co- .§ ordinator of the Science Depart- ~ .D ment. ~ The new position has not altered it ---- -- ----- - .

Mrs. Appel's life that much. The IT'S OFFICIAL: Susan Appel is the new Assistant .changes are "very subtle," she said.

Principal of Science.

"I have more responsibility." Mrs. Appel said the best part of her new niques, and a physical science course. However, Mrs. Appel for which she had to go to another job is teaching because "it's very would not teach the new courses school and teach a class. Once she exciting to work with the students herself because she wants "to get got her license , Mrs. Appel had to and watch them grow." She also other members of the science staff go through two levels of interenjoys meeting with former stuinvolved" in them. views. While vacationing in Verdents and "realizing that you had mont last July, she received a To become an assistant principal, some sort of an impact." The worst Mrs. Appel first had to take 30 col- phone call from the Board of Edupart of the supervisory position, lege credits in Educational Leader- cation informing her that she had she said, is "the clerical work." ship in order to get her been chosen for the post over Mrs. Appel would like to intro. duce new electives, such as one on professional diploma:. She also had many other candidates.

Mrs. Appel is aIL original memthe ethics of science. "We'll have to participate in a 500-hour internship. She then took a New York ber of the Townsend Harris faculto make a lot of decisions in the future. Do we want nuclear energy? City Board of Education examina- ty. She described the staff as "very tion in order to receive the Assis- lively, very supportive - if you Do we want recombinant DNA? tant Principal's license. The exam have a problem, there is always We should be educated to make included parts on subject matter somqne to help you. " Previously , these decisions," she explained. (various sciences) and supervision. she was a teacher at Jamaica High Other possible offerings include There was also a test in teaching, School for ten years. laboratory biology, medical tech-

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OOILE GARCIA works with Beverly Leano, sopho more, during Enrichment.

person I have ever met," said "A good education is not just Susan Appel, Assistant Principal of books; a lot can be learned from / the Science Department. As Ardoing things for other people," chon adviser, "she's been very instated science teacher Odile Gar- volved in service ...and she orgacia, who believes in doing service nized this school's service profor its own sake and that "getting grams," added Mrs. Appel. involved is what counts."

Mrs. Garcia is also a biology To reward what they consider and chemistry teacher and works Mrs. Garcia's selfless dedication with various school clubs and orthroughout her six years at ganizations. Some of these include Townsend Harris, the supervisors Puffles, Students For the Preservaof each department of the school tion of the Earth, and Amnesty Inrecently nominated her for Queens ternational, Teacher of the Year in a unaniDespite all this, Mrs. Garcia mous decision. wishes she could accomplish even "I had no idea about it all," said more. "I really love what I do. I'm Mrs. Garcia. "I was very embar- sorry that I cannot do more and rassed and surprised [when I that I don't have enough strength," heard]." said Mrs. Garcia.

Principal Malcolm Largmann Mrs. Garcia began her Towntook no part in the nominating pro- send Harris career as a student cess, but did send out the letter of teacher the first year it opened. nomination to the Board of Educa- "She has grown so much . She's a tion. "I thought it was an excellent very creative teacher and a giving selection," commented Dr. Larg- person," said Mrs. Appel. mann.

"I think she cares a lot about "She deserved it more than anypeople, and she's devoted to the one else. She's the most unselfish causes in which she gets involved,"

said Sophomore Andrew Kazin.

Sophomore Shefali Patel agrees.

"She is a really nice person. I think she really cares about her students and teaching, and making sure they understand [the material]."

Dean Wanda Nix, who was last year's Queens Teacher of.the Year, thinks that being nominated "is an indication that the work that you do is recognized and appreciated.

It's a great honor, especially in this school where there are so many terrific teachers."

Mrs. Garcia agrees that "teachers [at Townsend Harris] are really dedicated and really care." She be- . lieves that if she left the school, it would run "perfectly fine" without her. "If I was not here, somebody else would [take my place]," she said.

Mrs. Appel sums up Mrs. Garcia's importance to this school by saying, "Many people could take over her job, but there is not one person who could."

The Classic

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FRANCIS AND THERESA FELICE, freshmen, show off their winning costumes at the Spirit Day Dance.

Haunted' Harris: School possessed by Halloween spirit 路was..

"Who is tha.t?路路.. i i'mtch overheard comment as students arrived at school on the morning of October 31. There was an ominous black figure haunting the front steps. A closer look brought you face to face with Batman. But underneath the mask was not Michael Keaton, but Thomas Sweetin, English teacher.

Mr. Sweetin was participating in Townsend Harris' sixth annual Spirit Day, sponsored by the Student Union. Students and faculty members came dressed up in costumes as if they were going trick or treating. "It's so much fun! I feel like a little kid," said junior Lisa Michitsh.

"It's a time when students are able to show their school spirit, which we really want to raise this year," explained Student Union

President Addie Male.

Heather Golin, Corresponding Secretary of the Student Government, said, "Spirit Day has two meanings. Not only is it spirit as in ghosts and Halloween, but ... the whole school gets together to share their spirit with one another."

The Halloween "spirit" was' in the air. Students saw people such as Indiana Jones, Elvira, and Rag- : gedy Andy sharing the same hallway. Two lepers roamed the classrooms, the brainstorm of sisters Kathie and Carol Cheng.

Like Mr. Sweetin, teachers got into the act. John Hynes, history teacher, came into school as a bag lady. "Mr. Hynes took the prize," said junior Debbie Bonsaing. Science teachers Susan Appel and Odile Garcia came in as aluminum and chlorophyll, respectively. English teacher Debra Michlewitz was dressed up as Wolfgang Ama-

deus Mozart and played a tape of Ole composer's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for her classes. "The teachers' outfits are spectacular!" said Tracy White, a sophomore.

There was some disagreement on the amount of student participation. Sophomore La Shonda Fulmore commented, "It is wonderful . that so many people show their spirit for the school." Junior Brea Chiappa, however, was dissatisI fied. She said, '1 think everyone is too lazy to dress up."

Despite the lack of total participation, many people, students and teachers alike, declared Spirit Day to be a success. "It shows a warm and friendly atmosphere," said freshman Marjorie Charles. "I thought this was the best Spirit Day I've seen since I've been at Townsend Harris," said Michael Manson, Coordinator of Student Affairs.

Student involvement boosts Founder's day ;.I_i.~I\%~_lti Townsend Harris' sixth annual .Founder's Day celebration, held on October 26, featured a formal ceremony and student - planned dance at Queens College. The event also celebrated Harris' recognition as a National School of Excellence.

Students and faculty walked to Colden Auditorium after receiving a free brunch. At the college, the ceremony honoring Founder's Day featured some key speakers and several artistic presentations arranged by the student body.

Dr. Robert Haan, liaison between the high school and the college, welcomed the audience. Mrs. Clementine Butts, Co-President of the Parent - Teachers Association, described the trip to Washington that she had made with principal Malcolm Largmann and Queens Superintendent Samuel Kostman to accept Harris' "School of Excellence" award. "If I have ever felt very pompous or important, there is no occasion I felt it more so than then," she affirmed. .

Two graduates of the "old" Townsend Harris, Judge Bentley Kassal, class of '33, and Eugene Lang, class of '34, received "Life

Abby Shaffran, senior, and Susan Chew. junior, won the St. Jol the Divine Cathedral sculpture contest. Their sculptures, which we: created under the guidance of art teacher Antony Morales, will I bronzed and the school has received $300.

Shari Gruber, senior, led the Townsend Harris debate team to a vi4 tory in the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic Forensics League competitio at the intermediate level last month . She debated on whether the Uni ed States should value global concerns over its own national concern The debate team is coached by social studies teacher Rhoda Weir stein.

A ceremony to honor the recipients of the National Schools of Ex cellence award was held at the Board of Education Headquarters 0 October 19. Principal Malcolm Largmann accepted the plaque whicl is displayed in his office. Representatives of the faculty, students am parents also attended. .

The Phoenix received the top Medalist award in the Colurnbh Scholastic Press Association's annual competition for high school lit erary magazines. Senior Ben Kanstroom was the editor of the prize winning publication and Frank Polizzi is the adviser.

The Student Leadership class under the direction of Dr. Michael Manson visited the Queens Criminal Court on October 19. They visited an arrainment court and then observed a Supreme Court trial in session on a criminally negligent homicide case. Judge Buchter, who was presiding. is the father of senior Rachel Buchter. .

A joint Townsend Harris/Francis Lewis College fair.was held in the gym of Francis Lewis on October 26 from 7-9 P.M. 110 colleges were represented.

Andrew Garay, whose daughter Allison is a sophomore, talked to a group of Townsend Harris students on October 12 about Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish millionaire who helped Jews escaee from Nazi Germany. . ' .

An "Opera Adventure" presented by the NYC Opera. will take place during Enrichment on December 7. This is the second performance funded by a $2300 grant from Lincoln Center. The first, a guitar and flute duet, took place on December 4.

The Student Union is planning a ski trip from January 19-21. All classes can take pari.

Samantha Adamaitis won Honorable Mention in the New York Shelley Society's poetry contest. Her poem was on being a youth livingin Queens.

Tenth-grader La Shonda Fulmore's poem, "To Shed a Tear," was published in the November issue of Youth Christian Magazine.

The Classic won FirstPlace in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's annual contest critique for high school newspapers and International First Place in the Quill and Scroll annual competition for .high school newspapers. Quill and Scroll is international honorary society for high school journalists based at the University of Iowa, Renata Kobetts and David Herszenhorn were the editors.

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Achievement" awards for their also featured entertainment from contributions to society since their the student body . The concert band graduations. Judge Kassal, who played a medley of "Disney favorsits on the state Supreme Court, ites," including "The Mickey advised students to "rely upon ...

Mouse March," conducted . by .Michael Manson, Coordinator o. gut reaction" and to "do what your music teacher Walter Davis. The . dancers included Vicki Martin, basic goodness and instinct tells chorus, directed by Helen Houdak, Marie Haynes, Alysha Cassis, Lisa Student Affairs, believes that the you to do." Mr. Lang, a wellsang "Our World." Junior Erika Williams, Monica Argamonte, students enjoyed the day because Taryn Julius, Myriam Charles, and of their involvement. He stated known philanthropist, warned that Brown read her prize-winnin .

"When I spoke to the [Student] "we [should] never judge ourselves poem, "I," and Sydney Butts, se- Laarni Mateo.

Everyone headed to the Student Leadership class, I found that the on a comparative basis." Quoting nior, performed Mozart's "Fantasie Union building after the ceremony only complaint kids had ' was that the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Mr. Lang in D Minor" on the piano. declared, "Let your attitude deterDr. Largmann stressed how to attend the school-sponsored lunch was on the early side. There mine your altitude," and told stu"lucky we have been to be part of dance. Students were served cake ' were no usual complaints of dents that "the world is truly waitthe Townsend Harris experience," and milk, and they danced to music 'Boring' ...路 Th~re were no coming for you to make a difference. and added, "I must be the most for- provided by the disc jockey, junior plaints about the program."

Students agreed that student parJennifer Antoszewski, an alumna tunate principal in New York Raymond Pereira. from the first graduating class at The dance also featured a slide ticipation brought about an imCity." He said that while the the "new" Townsend Harris, school's academic standing is im- show about Townsend Harris life provement over previous Founder's pressive, "there are no statistics to and a lip-sync contest. SU Presi- Day ceremonies. "Lthought that it shared her feelings about what it was like to be a: student at measure our spirit and service to dent Addie Male narrated the slide was more interesting than last Townsend Harris. She later 'said, one another." . show and Carol Cheng, a junior, year's ceremony. The performanc"Speaking meant that I had a real Jill Grathwohl, President of the won the lip-sync competition by es were good, .. stated junior Grace opportunity to thank those people Senior class, formally inducted the performing to the song "We Are Chu. Jaclyn Thai, also a junior, added, who were a part of my life there. It freshmen and incoming sopho- the World." allowed me to let those people Many students had a large share "The musical presentation and the mores into the school by leading a know just how important they were in the preparation of this year's dance made the ceremony much recital of the Ephebic Oath. to me and to let them know that I To end the ceremony, several Founder's Day. Francesca Mom- more enjoyable. I must admit it appreciated them." chorus members performed a step- plaisir, Yanique Fletcher, Heather was better than last year." . Freshman Josephine Park comDr. Susanna W. Pflaum, Dean of dance to the school fight song. The Golin, Kathy DiGangi, Cristina the School of Education at Queens . dance was choreographed by Tabije, Julian Moore, Michelle mented, "It was interesting because College, told the student body, Francesca Momplaisir and Elaine Lockwood, and Byron Kirkland I learned a lot of nice and new "We are proud of you."

Campbell, with the assistance of comprised the Founder's Day stu- . things about the school."

The Founder's Day ceremony LeyaWilksand Julian Moore. The dent committee.

"I. ".

The Classic

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~~_~~_~_~~_Jore ig n featu res' November 1989

Russo returns from Italian odyssey "Fulfillment of a life's dream' r:.. . . .

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VEN!, VIOl, VICI. Although Latin and Greek teacher Richard Russo did not conquer Italy like Julius Caesar, he did capture the hearts of some its people.

"It was the fulfillment of a life's dream," said Mr. Russo, describing his trip to Italy, which brought him from the crowded streets of Rome to the isolated town of Bova.

Mr. Russo had won a $4500 grant from the Rockefeller foundation in June. This grant is awarded to foreign language teachers who want to learn a new language or increase their knowledge in the language they teach. Mr. Russo felt that this trip to Italy would help him teach the classical languages.

"I've taught the classical languages for twenty years without ever having seen Italy or Greece," Mr. Russo said. "I felt it was a real drawback." He said the trip gave him a greater sense of the classical world. "Now I've walked on the Appian Way, walked into a house at Herculanium, strolIed up the Decumanus of Pompeii," he said.

"Before, I was talking about experiences which were at best vicarious, but now I've actually experienced these things myself," Mr. Russo explained.

His itinerary included stops at Rome, Venice, Pompeii, and Sicily. However, he considered the journey to the town of Bova at the peak of a mountain to be the most exciting part of his trip.

Bova is an isolated town where the people speak a preserved form of Greek that dates back to ancient classical Greece. There he interviewed members 'of this community and recorded their speech.

"They were very surprised that someone would bother to make the trip," Mr. Russo said. "They were tickled pink that .someone would

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"The word 'party' does not exist in my vocabulary," said Vinh Nguyen, a freshman whose Vietnamese heritage represents only one of the many cultural backgrounds of Townsend Harris students. "[My parents] follow...traditions. In Vietnam, girls don't do anything but cook, clean, and do this and do that. If you're a boy, then you get to do whatever you want to do, because you're a boy and nothing's going to happen to you," she said. Vinh's parents don't . allow her to go to parties of any kind. She was even frightened to The CULTURE COLUMN will be a regular feature i" The Classic. The column seeks to inform readers about the rich cultural diversity that makes up the Townsend Harris community.

go to that much trouble to see them."

Mr. Russo also met many speakers of modem Greek in cities throughout Italy. This sparked a new interest for him. Although he teaches classical Greek, he has never learned modem Greek. "I wished I had been able to communicate with them better,' he said.

Mr. Russo plans to learn modem Greek in the near future.

Mr. Russo also wished he could have seen the Pope. "There is a saying, 'How can you go to Rome without seeing the Pope?' Well, I went and didn't get to see the Pope," he said. He then added, "But he didn't make an effort to see me either."

While in Rome, Mr. Russo encountered a problem with gypsies.

"There were a large number of gypsies to be found in the major cities of Italy," he stated. "They are particularly troublesome in Rome and you are constantly warned about pickpockets." During his stay in Rome, he had his wallet stolen on a crowded bus.

However, he said that "this was the only real difficulty of the trip."

Mr . Russo is now thiioo.ng of sponsoring a school trip to either Italy or Greece. "Last year, Mrs. Weinstein sponsored a trip to Russia," . he said. "With the heavy commitment to the classics in this school, it [a trip to Italy or Greece] would also have a certain attractiveness." He plans to talk to students about the idea and said the trip might take place during spring, break or next summer.

Whether or not Mr.Russo takes some Townsend Harris students to the classical world, he has advice for everyone: "Don't wait until you're 47 to visit Italy for the first time,"

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Many students spent their extra change, not on snacks, but on the cause of democracy for the People's Republic of China during the lunch bands of October 3-5. The fund-raiser was organized by the Townsend Harris chapter of Amnesty International as a modified version of the world-wide organization's "Democracy for China: The October First Fast," Approximately $32 was raised in Townsend Harris as a result of Amnesty's request that instead of buying snacks, students donate their spare money to the drive.

Amnesty International will give all the money colIected in student dining halls around the world to the student movement for Chinese democracy. The leaders of this movement are young Chinese students enrolled at American universities.

Steven Lui, one of the Boston-area student leaders, said in a telephone interview that he and his group had conceived of the fundraiser as a response to the fortieth 'anniversary celebration of Communism in China. "We thought it

was more appropriate to fast than to celebrate, as a message to (Chinese leader) Deng Xiaoping,' he said. However; the Townsend Harris Amnesty chapter decided to colIect snack money instead of asking students to fast because, according to their adviser, Odile Garcia, "we wanted to do it in a way that's a little milder," The group also moved the drive from October I, which was a Sunday, to October 3-5 so that it would be held during the school week with adequate time to collect as much money as possible.

The university students arc working closely with Amnesty International on furthering their cause, due to common concerns over the current state of human rights in China, including widespread arrests and alleged torture of suspected student pro-democracy demonstrators. Mr. Lui said that Amnesty . was "very responsive to the idea of a fast. They endorsed it for us, and distributed it to over 36,000 points (mainly schools)," The money raised by Amnesty cannot be sent to China because it will endanger the recipients. "It

will be used for our student movement in exile, both here and abroad. It will help pay for communications such as our huge phone bills, visas, and to take care of Chinese students who are stuck here," he said. As a message to Townsend Harris students, Mr. Lui said, "The Chinese students 'need your help and support. We need American response more than ever, at a time when it has been slacking off," Carolyn Sprower, a junior and member of Amnesty, was responsible for the collection box during .sixth band on October 5. "I think this was a good idea," she said.

"We take for granted the freedoms that we have. We couldn't expect people to actually fast, but giving extra change was more reasonable."

She noted "a pretty good response" during the time she monitored the box, which was situated next to the snack table by the gym.

"Most people gave if they were asked," she said, "even though others just looked at the box and walked away. There wasn't a lot of money, but a lot of people were just giving their spare change."

Vietnamese traditions shape student's life go into the Founder's Day Dance on October 26, which all students were required to attend. "I wasn't supposed to go because, you know, it was a party," she said afterwards.

Vinh isn't allowed to go on dates or to have a boyfriend. She never gets together with her friends outside of school, and wherever she goes, someone her parents trust accompanies her. "Everywhere I go to the library, five blocks away someone drives me there," Vinh said. She added, "When I get married, my parents are going to choose my husband for me!" She said that although she does have

fun, she hasn't experienced alot of this occasion, Moon Cake,a baked the things American teenagers do. mixture -of egg and red bean, is "I don't mind...I guess I haven't had eaten with tea and a rice cake filled erioughof it to miss it," she said. with beef. "It's really delicious," Vinh's family has adapted.to the said Vinh. Annually, a contest is United States since the Vietnam held and money is awarded to winWar forced them to immigrate here . ners in categories such as art and fourteen years ago, They still cele- lantern making. brate traditional holidays, however, Vinh said that although most such as Lunar New Year. Accord- people in Vietnam are poor and ing to the Vietnamese calendar, live a simple life, they are happy. this holiday is celebrated on the Most people use bicycles to travel, fifteenth day of the eighth lunar but cars are a luxury owned only month of the year. It is customary by the very rich. Vietnam has its to walk through the streets carrying own famous singers and celebrities lanterns of many different shapes just like any other nation, and not while singing a special song. On everything was destroyed in the

.

war as her family feared would happen after they left.

Vinh admitted that most Americans would miss doing all the things she is not permitted to do.

However, she feels that being kept at home has given hermore time to study and improve academically.

In her opinion, students should care more about high' school.

"You11 have a good future that way," she said. Vinh has also grown accustomed to the strictness of her parents' rules. "I really don't mind it. I've lived it all my life!" she said.

Two worlds come together through German exchange :IIJJ!r.~* tk"t~.

Four Townsend Harris students returned from Cologne, West Germany on October 15. They left on September 26 to participate in the Board of Education's Young Diplomat Program .

Katie Bishop, senior; Gillian Born, junior; Megan O'Neal, senior; and Caroline Wong, senior, are the third-year German language students who went to Cologne . Their trip was the final step of the exchange program that began last May when four German students visited Townsend Harris and stayed in the girls' homes.

Some students noticed similarities between American and German life. Katie said, "At night we would do the same things there ' that we did here." Among those she mentioned was going to dubs and dancing. Gillian said that, like Americans, they "hang out in groups with the same interests and concerns. Most also have a close ring of friends." She added, "They werevery liberal-minded and more open ....They tell you all their problems."

Differences were also apparent to the students. Gillian, Caroline and Megan's hosts attend twelve-year schools. Most of the students in these schools go to work after graduation. Caroline said, "They don't learn very much. The classes were very rowdy ." Katie's host, Angela Krejci, goes to a five-year Gynmasium. This is for the students who want to attend the uni versity. "It was very hard," Katie said, "The kids are very serious, especially in her (Angela's) year (5th)."

When the German students were

in New York, they also saw differences between Harris and their schools. Megan said that Sabrina Maischak, her host, "was both shocked and amused by everything that went On in some classes. She was enjoying it. They would never act like that (so informally) in her school." Angela, with whom Katie corresponds, "was amazed at the amount of homework and tests I have. They have a system where you have a test only every few months in each subject," , said Katie. "She (Angela) also said we do nothing in class ," Katie added .

The process of being chosen to go to Cologne was fairly simple, according to Megan. She said her German teacher, Foreign Language Coordinator Robert Goodman, "just presented the program and said anyone who wanted to go should tell him. Originally, there were three slots, but they got one more. We had to fill out an application and write an essay on why we wanted to do this.... Also, we were not allowed to have gone to a German-speaking country before this."

The students generally felt well prepared for their trip. Gillian said, "My host family all agreed that I spoke very well. They also told me when I left that it (my German) had greatly improved after only two weeks! Keep in mind all this was said in German."

All the students plan to keep in touch with their hosts . Both Caro line and Katie said they would like to visit Germany again and will write often . Along with writing to Nicole, Gillian also intends to correspond with three of Nicole's friends.

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A personal view:

Japanese visit touches heart .'• •'lllBilltl.~Bl~ On September 16, L went to the airport to pick up a young girl from , Tokyo, Japan. All I knew of her came from her name, a picture, and a brief letter. As I stood beside twenty-three other New York high school students, all in the same situation as I was, I anxiously wondered what this Rie Taniura, who would be sharing my home and life for the next two weeks, was like .

And then Rie walked through the terminal.

It's strange to think back to that day: my worries, my excitement, my anticipation. It feels like that scene happened years iristead of only weeks ago. And somehow, between that time and now, a transition took place. Not gradually, but quickly, Rie Taniura became Rie, my good friend and sister, while Satoko and Peggy and Randy and Masazumi, people I had never heard of before, became my closest companions.

It's hard to relate exactly how this happened. The forty-eight of us in the Tokyo -New York Exchange Program just shared , so much - so many experiences. We were brought together by an intense schedule that had us meet

nearly every day, and during these gatherings, we learned a lot from each other. Stereotypes went down the drain as we got to know those wild Japanese boys and hear the secrets of those sweet young Japanese girls.

All the Japanese students were busy experiencing new things and we were with them to share their experiences. There was Rie's first bagel and Ryoko's embarrassment over her hostess' little brother kissing her goodnight. There was Hiro ka's first crush on an American boy. Even when Rie and I watched "Richie Rich" together, it made us closer.

There are so many stories that we share, some of them funny. For example, when Naobum i was play ing his harmonica in front of the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., some of the students made a sign on a bag that read,"HE LOST HIS TICKET HOME .

HELP!" Naobumi's baseball cap was on the ground for donations.

One man played along and gave five cents; another gave a box of raisins. Then a police officer escorted us all away .

Another time, Commissioner Sorenson from the United Nations

provide lunch I M~at the An: or two but the stared. me, as] laughed Ever Tokyo had to . cried . F family, couldn' thought Board 0 of us 4~ tightest became our mel It still also hal two we Rowem ers wer experiei never n Exchan! was a Ie had one with a whom I

Butts addresses U.N. after Zimbabwe trip·ti£• •{• •ffA\11~.

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MEMBERS OF UNIFEM In Zimbabwe perform a dance to welcome Samantha Butts and her companions.

United Nations Assoc iation, was created to inform high school stuWhile New York's mayora l candidates were feverishly winding up dents about what is going on in the last few days of their cam- Southern Africa .

According to Samantha, the conpaigns, senior Samantha Butts was conducting her own campaign, one test . successfully achieved this of teaching peop le the importance goal. "I think it taught us all a great of understanding both their own deal about what was going on in roots and the cultures of others . Sa- South Africa," she said. "It also mantha presented a speech about fulfilled its purpose because it alher recent trip to Zimbabwe at the lowed us to bring information back United Nations on October 31 as to share with other people in the part of the United Nations Associa- United States. I'll be doing some "tion's celebrat ion of the world or- more speaking later on this year, ganization's 44 th anniversary. Her and [Assistant Principal] Mrs. talk focused on what she saw the Horowitz invited me to speak United Nations organiza tions about my trip to some of the ninth doing to help out the peop le of .grade classes, so I think that that Zimbabwe. will helpto spread the information Samantha's visit to Zimbabwe, that I have acquired ." which lasted from August 14-31, Samantha was asked to speak at was the result of her essay, "What the United Nations by Hope MillApartheid Means to Me," which er, President of the New York won first place in a city-wide chapter of the United Nations AsApartheid Awareness contest. Two sociation and an organizer of the other first-place winners in the cat- contest. Samantha's audience was egories of performing and visual made up of members of UNICEF, arts were also awarded the trip to the United Nations Associati on, Zimbabwe. The contest, sponsored UNIFEM [United Nations Internain part by UNICEF [United tional Women's Organization], and Nations International Children's ' employees of the United Nations.

Emergency Fund] , For Our Chil- Other speakers included Ambassadren's Sake Foundation, and the dor Thomas R. Pickering, Penna-

nent Representative of the United t\l~N'm.!~ States to the United Nations. Am- *_,,,,,,,,,%.. ©w.;;m., bassador Pickering spoke on current issues such as U.S.-Russian 'a de relations.

Samantha feels that her speech gave people "a deeper understand - - - - - ing of what was going on in Zim - ous associal babwe" because she was able to re- UNIFEM I port on what she had seen first- were makin hand. " People said that I was in- ing bees for spiring, probab ly because I' m so "Trickle Ul youn g and they 're not used to see- was shown ing young peo ple doing things like more effici this," she said. "I don't feel awk- used in the ward about it, because I've always saw the Un: been surrounded by young people tions helpiru who are doing very important pendent, giv things, especially since I've been support the "These proj going to Townsend Harris," Samantha traveled to Zimbabwe feeling t with the two other first-place gressing winners and Marsha Landa ss, of the lar Founder of the For Our Children's Africa, i They gav Sake Foundation."

She stayed in Hurare, the capital and admit of Zimbabwe, with a family of five were im People thl children, which she now refers to . ent set 0 as her second family. much mot In the course of their visit, Sado on deft mantha and her companion s toured the sites of many projects spon- mentcan 1 Sarnantl sored by the United Nations' vari-

The Classic

6 and 7 Novembe r 1989

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Goodman and Assistant Principal Bernice Horowitz .

"When you see your country The 24 exchange students lived with a person from another culture, with their 24 American hosts and it's a totally different experience. I followed a packed sight-seeing learned a lot about America," said schedule arranged by the Board of junior Melissa Paoloni, one' of the Education. Together, the group five' Townsend Harris students toured New ' York City, visited who hosted Japanese exchange stuBear Mountain and the West Point dents from September 16th to SepAcademy, and took a week-end tember 28. The five Harrisites will trip to Washington D.C. On days travel to Tokyo for two weeks in when no activities were planned, the spring as part of the Board of Education's Young Diplomats Pro- ' the Japanese students visited their hosts' schools and went to all their gram. classes. "Japanese ,teachers are Brian DeMaso and Mary Memore strict than the teachers here," ~ Carthy, juniors; Danielle Steinobserved Rie Taniura during a mann, senior; and Anthony Urbaites, sophomore, are the other press conference in Mary's journalism class. "In Japan, school is not Townsend Harris participants in for socializing, merely learning," the program. They were selected she said. on the basis of a recommendation The Harrisites were surprised from Japanese teacher Michael about how much they had in comRubin (now on leave), an essay mon with their visitors. The Japaand an interview. Nineteen other nese students listen to American New York City high school stumusic including such singers as dents were also chosen. The Paula Abdul and David Bowie.

Townsend Harris program was inThey enjoy shopping , sports, and stituted and organized by Foreign Language Coordinator Robert

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gombe refugee camp as the climax of her trip. "This camp consisted mostly of women and children who had been forced to flee their homes and loved ones because of the dangerous and oppressive system of Apartheid. I saw thousands of children who were warm and playful, and who did not hesitate to hold our hands as we walked to the refugee camp. They seem to have grown accustomed to life there and to have accepted it. This was the place where many of them had been born and raised and where many will probably spend a good part of their childhood . It is a sad thought that many of these children know the refugee camp as their only home, but the camp is infinitely safer than the bombed out homes they had left. These children and their families had drastically changed their lives because of the destructiveness and dehumanization of Apartheid."

Samantha also talked with doctors at rural hospitals and clinics and accompanied the First Lady of Zimbabwe as she examined newly opened ' child survival centers.

These centers a re the First Lady's pet project, and she hopes that they will help to reach her goals for better child care in the future. In addition, Samantha appeared on a local television news program, where she spoke about Apartheid.

According to Samantha, her trip "gave the people of Zimbabwe a part of American culture because before, it was just something they had seen in the movies and on television. They got to learn from my experiences. I also think that I gave them a part of Black American culture and showed them [how it .compared] ...to Black African culture."

Samantha's mother, Clementine Butts , sees a large change in Samantha since she returned from

American food. Katsura Fukushima, who stayed with Melissa, said she particularly likes pizza and ribs. It did not take Danielle long to find she had something in common with her guest, Ryoko Yoshida. "The thing that instantly bond ed us together," said Danielle, "was when she was unpacking her suitcase, I noticed we both used the same shampoo, only her bottles were in Japanese !"

Townsend Harris honored the visitors with a reception in the library on September 21. Japanese teacher Hiroko Muchnicki led her students in a song of welcome.

In an interview with The Classic, Mrs. Horowitz spoke of the importance of the exchange program for the school.

"Townsend Harris does not stop in Flushing," she said. "The whole thrust of a Humanities school is to have a global point of view."

Danielle Steinmann speaks with an air of nostalgia when she says, .

"I think I have a friend for life."

could stand to learn more about Zimbabwe. Mrs. Butts, who is Cotheir roots , especially Black President of the Townsend Harris P.T.A., said, "She knew intellectupeople, because over the years our ally that she was going to visit vilculture has been a focus of confulages in South Africa that were sion. Since Black people are albombed out. But when Samantha ways searching for their identities, was actually faced with the reality I ~nk if they go back to the beginof it, she came back and said, ning, which is Africa, they will 'Morn, I will never be the same, leair a lot about themselves." because I have seen people who Apartheid was abolished about have very little concretely , but stili ten years ago in Zimbabwe, but have such great spirit and will. I segregation is still fairly blatant will a lways know now that I must throughout the country. According help others to make this world a to Samantha, "Racial attitudes aren't different; there's a lot of hosbetter place to live.' She found out tility between the races [in Zimbathat the world is only going to be a bwe] just like there is here. It's the better place.if you help to make it racial balance ' that's different that way. Samantha's father and I Caucasians are the minori ty there, are very proud of her. She has such humility and such a beautiful sense and the majority here. White peoof caring for people . She's more ple [in Zimbabwe] probably feel mature and independent , and really threatened. I don't think it's knows how to make decisions on 'he brink of exploding, but it's more thoughtfully. She tells me kind of tragic." that people have to learn how to The Apartheid Awareness conhave more patience with things." test which Samantha won was the Samantha agrees that the experifirst of its kind, but its sponsors ence has changed her. "I saw a whole different side of myself in ' plan to continue it and expand it to include Philadelphia this year. Last learning about my African heritage year, the contest was only open to and how important it is in the lives of all Black American people," she .New York City high school students. explained. "I think that all people

Samantha was encouraged to participate in the contest by Assis.tan t Principal Bernice Horowitz. and her English teacher, Steven Mermelstein. Mr. Mermelstein also served as her mentor. There were about 75 students throughout the city who entered the competition, four of them coming from Townsend Harris. Senior Johanna Lasker came in second place and won an internship with any New York City newsp aper.

Because of her experience sin Zimbabwe, Samantha finds many people expect that her career plans will revolve around international affairs. "A lot of people think I should 'become a diplomat or go into diplomatic relations," she said, "but I 'm not sure if that's what I want to do. I've been mostly thinking about going into psychology or psychiatry at this point."

Saman tha, along with being an active member of the Black History Month Committee and Archon , is now looking into another essay writing contest, this one about Martin Luther King.

The Classic

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November 1989

Dead Milkmen stay alive f.i lL• •

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Nothing is sacred to the Dead Milkmen. They have written songs about almost every subject; from. hippies to conservatives, no one is safe from the barbs of vocalist Rodney Anonymous, bassist Dave "Lord Maniac'" Blood, drummer Dean Clean and guitarist Jasper "Joe Jack Talcum" Thread. Eight years and four albums later on Enigma Records (Big Lizard in My Backyard, Eat Your Paisley, Bucky Fellini, Beelzebubba), they're enjoying dance floor success. With an Acid House record, mixed by Don and David Was, of Was Not Was, "Smokin' Banana Peels" was an instant club hit.

The Milkmen were destined for success from the beginning, according to Jasper Thread. But just how did the Milkmen find each other? "Through the personals," says Jasper. "It (the ad) said 'Do you love punk rock music? Do you want to make a lot of noise?' That was in 1981." It turns out that they weren't strangers after all, "Rodney and I knew each other in high school, and Dean happened to be in another band... which by coincidence Rodney and I saw play at a

bar. We got fake I.D.'s and went society and its bizarre rituals like and saw them play -." parties, school, and dating.

So they got together and formed So what is this anti-dance band a band that played novelty-punk doing with a dance hit? Why did rock. Their unique brand of music they make a real dance record? got mixed reactions. Says Jasper, . Jasper laughs. "Good question," he "Some people would cover their says. "I don't know... Don and ears, others would dance around, David Was were given a tape of and some would throw pineapples the album...It [the remix] got away at us. I'd call it mixed." from my original idea of what the The Dead Milkmen's song lyrics dance mix was going to be entireare also mixed. They deal with a ly. I didn't intend for it to be wide range of topics like drug dance...I wanted it to be psychedelabuse, teen suicide and violence. ic and bizarre with backwards Sounds like every other band, things...I wanted to have fun in the right? No way. The Milkmen use studio with it." humor and sarcasm to put their So what fun is in the future for ·points across. "I think of myself as the Dead Milkmen? "Another rather conscious most of the time," album, another tour. Maybe a Jasper says, but he doesn't beat video release for the commercial people over the head with a "mes- market. Maybe," says Jasper. In sage." "That hurts; people don't the meanwhile, grab a copy of like to be told things they 'already Beelzebubba, and listen keenly. know," he says. The Milkmen's Then check out their back catasongs aren't all about serious top- logue and wait patiently for their ics, though. Many things ridicule next album.

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The Winter Concert, an annual celebration of the holiday season, will be held this year on December 21 at 7:30 P.M. in the cafetorium.

The program will feature musical pieces performed by the members of the Senior Concert Band, conducted by Walter Davis, and the Chorus, led by Helen Houdek.

The concert will . be, as Ms. Houdek described it, "an international event. " Traditional selections will be perfopned to represent the Jewish and Christian religions, but additional pieces have been chosen for variety. Francesca Momplaisir, a soloist from the Chorus, will be singing a Negro Spiritual, and Melanie Eichelbaum will sing "On My Own."

The Senior Concert Band, consisting of approximately fifty musicians who each have at least three years' experience, has been . practicing classical pieces and a '60's rock song for the performance. This will be the first concert they perform without freshmen members. "The band is now composed entirely of experienced players," said Mr. Davis. However, he hopes to include the Intermediate Band, the musicians who have played for less than three years, in the performance for the first time.

Admission is free for all students, parents, and faculty members. Mr. Davis and Ms. Houdek invite everyone to attend and celebrate the winter season.

Black Rain refreshes old theme 'i1~_lS1t1iTI~1~f$itl[~~~~illmW&~

In the world of action/adveritiire movies, the theme of a rebel cop who goes after a killer by himself is a common one. These types of movies are often low on plot but high on action and they are usually entertaining. At first glance, Black Rain, a new Paramount picture, seems to fit this description.

Michael Douglas plays Conklin, a rebel cop who, along with his partner (portrayed by Andy Garcia), brings a Japanese killer back to Japan. The killer escapes when they arrive, and they try to track him down, helped by a Japanese . detective who's played by Ken Takakura, What makes this movie different from the norm is the hero.

The hero is not a larger-than-life fighting machine, but a man who actually acts human, and who can

fall prey to greed, auger, love and hate. Michael Douglas does a good job portraying Conklin, and makes him seem almost real.

The movie, however, has its weaknesses. Conklin's sole romantic interest (played by Kate Capshaw) is a useless, conventional character. She gives some information to Conklin, but her involvement ends there. The killer is an interesting character, but the other criminals are stereotypical.

Despite these objections, this is an enjoyable. movie. There is not as much action in it as in other films of the same type, but enough to keep you satisfied . Though the plot is old, many of the characters are interesting, and the story still . works, despite the old theme. This is a should-see movie, but not a must-see.

New kids have few friends onTHe block iiijt;.111~_~~~;1~i~t~; They sing. They dance. They hold sell-out concerts at the Nassau Coliseum. They have had a Number One album. They have their own "900" phone line. And, according to Roiling Stone magazine, they have even approached Hanna-Barbera Cartoons to make a Saturday morning show based on themselves. Who are they? Individually, they are Joe McIntyre, Danny Wood, Jon Knight, Donnie Wahlberg, and Jordan Knight. Together, they are the New Kids On The Block, lovingly referred to by their adoring fans as simply "the New Kids." Their fans call them "cute," "hot," "adorable" and "really talented." Their critics call them "childish," "talentless,' and "mediocre," yet acknowledge . that they are possibly the most. popular group in a long time.

Contrary to their general popularity, however, the New Kids On The Block seem to be frowned upon by most Townsend Harris students. "They are a bunch of prepubescent-sounding teens who have no musical or vocal talent

whatsoever!" declares sophomore They are so hot!" she says. Tara Daniel Seltzer. He refers to the fact has pinned down one of the primathat the New Kids do not play the ry appeals of the New Kids On The instruments or write the songs on Block. Whether it is the tall, dark their album, Hangin' Tough. Amy and handsome Jordan Knight, or Toskas, also a sophomore, feels the boy-next-door .good . looks of that the New KidS' singing of other Joe McIntyre, most of the New people's songs makes them seem Kids' female fans admit that they unsubstantial. "I like their songs," like them simply because they conshe says, "but I think they're idiots. sider the boys to be physically atI'd like them if they'd write their tractive. own songs." Junior Dalia Lacks While the majority opinion in says, "They wear New Wave t- Townsend Harris seems to be that shirts, but they sing stupid pop the New Kids On The Block are songs." Freshmen Claudia Busto really nothing special, the group's and Aron Chizyk both "hate" New album continues to sell out across Kids On The Block. Jessica Pies- the country. And with four of the man, a junior, perhaps best sums five Kids out of school, we can exup the opinions of all of the New pect a new album in the near fuKids' detractors when she says, ture. The Kids have kept the fans "Ewwwwww!" satisfied with their EP Merry, While the group has lots of crit- .Merry Christmas. We will have to ics, it also has its Harris fans, some wait and see if the New Kids On only mildly entertained, others ob- The Block can make a bigger imsessed. "There is too much of a big pact on the student body of deal about them," says junior Deb- Townsend Harris. Until then, there bie Leibovitz, "but they are okay." are the videos, the album, the Melissa Paoloni, junior, agrees. "I phone line, and the boys themdon't think they are so bad, " she selves live in concert, making says. Sophomore Tara Rodriguez some shriek in delight and others is more enthusiastic. "I love them! cringe in disgust. ..

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The Classic

'9

eatures November 1989

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on animal experimentation. She deciphering system which will- take The: deadline is approaching. asks them to read and answer ques- a message and encode it into binaFourteen Townsend Harris seniors tions on passages about various ex- ry numbers. "I'm enjoying my only have until midnight, Decem- periments performed on animals. project. It's something I'm good at ber IS, to submit their Westing- Rhonda then compares -the stu- and I hope to work with computers . house projects. dents' responses. She is also ex-in the future," he said.

The Science Talent Search is a amining if society has influenced Other students participating in nation-wide scholarship contest' the students' attitudes towards ani- the Westinghouse competition are seniors Ayanna Barrow, Jermifer sponsored by the Westinghouse mal experimentation.

Corporation. The competition enHeidi Brody is studying younger Legat, Ivan Bilaniuk, Army Wohn, tails investigating a certain area of children by showing them a con- Darlene Shea and Susan Chiu. science and producing a scientific crete painting by Monet and an abMany of these seniors have been paper on the results. Last year, stract one by Paul Klee. She asks working on their projects since Townsend Harris had a semifinal- them what they see and what they their ' junior year when they took . . .

Iik " I ' rk' . ki . ist WI.rmer, Cherryl Martm. e. enjoy wo m~ WIth Ids SCIence Research class and IndeThISyear, Townsend Harris stu- : and hope to work WIth younger pendent Study. These electives dents are researching topics in so- children in the future," said Heidi. . gave them time to work on their cial science, biology, math and Alicia Salmoni is studying the projects with the help of Assistant computer science. The projects effects of parental socialization on Principal of Science, Susan Appel, range from examining the human sexual stereotyping among chil- who is the adviser for the Westingimpact on the environment to de- dren. She is examining if the way a house projects, and history teacher signing computer deciphering sys- child acts in situations involving Michael Manson, who conducts .terns. . sexual stereotypes is affected by the Social Science Research class.

The Westinghouse is "a great whether a child comes from a one Almost all of the students have a way to become acquainted with a or two-parent family. mentor to guide them with their field like social science," said SydMark Schwartz worked on his project. The mentor is usually a ney Butts. Sydney is examining project in the Botany Department professor who is doing research on whether racial differences affect at Michigan State University for the same topic or someone from a the concept of death in eight and seven weeks this summer. It deals research lab, hospital or clinic who nine-year-old children. "Besides with bacteria which cause a disease helps equip the students with the learning about behavioral .science, in plants called Aster Yellow Dis- samples and facilities needed to I've had practice cutting through , ease..Mark tried to detect the bac- work on their projects, "I meet my red tape and have learned how to teria by using a DNA probe. "The mentor every week to set up an better relate with other people," work is hard but the end result is agenda and goals, so it makes said Sydney. very satisfying," said Mark. things a whole lot easier," said Robin Bacigalupo is doing a corPinar Kodaman is mapping the Sydney. relational study, testing school exact location of a mutation on the "Completing a Westinghouse children to see if high mathemati- chromosome of various strains of project can really make you an excal anxiety makes for lower or E. coli bacteria. She is trying to pert in a certain field," saidPinar; higher mathematical creativity. "I find out why eighty percent of the "The project gives you handschose this because I knew I was in- mutations occur on a specific gene on experience in the area you are terested in creativity and children," when there are seven such genes studying, which can really help in said Robin. on the chromosome. the future," said Sydney. "I would Rhonda Dorm is talking to elev"The idea just came to me one definitely recommend for other enth-grade students from different day," said Harald Kiel, who is students to participate in Westinghigh schools about their feelings working on designing a computer house."

,C0 ntest Corner ,f.~1l iI1 :11!i~fi:f.~tiJl¥:ii!f1i~:~i.~iliIi.:lr.f.~ !w:[ir~i*fJifJi®.1*£%11®.1l iH\ll This is the first of a series of challenging problems that will appear in The Classic. The problems will be provided by Mathematics Assistant Principal Harry Rattien.

Do you play Tetris? Come compete in a Tetris contest on Friday, December 15 at 2:35 P.M. in room 015. There lis an entrance fee of 50 cents, and prizes will be awarded on two levels of expertise to the players who achieve the highest scores.

The contest is being sponsored by The Classic and the Mathematics Department. ~ ~ ';iIafUdatJ4 HANDBAGS WALLETS UMBRELLAS SPORTSWEAR

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Four students took a math competion. The sum of .the 221 ·02A HORACE HARDING BLVD. scores of Brutus and Dedalus (CORNER LLE. a SPRINGFIELD BLVDJ equalled the sum of the BAYSIDE. N.Y. 11364 scores of Aeneas and Caesar.

If the scores of Brutus and LEWIS GOULD PRES .

718·279·3600 EST. 1973 Caesar had been inter~ ......... . . - . ~.-. ~ ~ ~ , changed, then the sum of the EYE EXAMINATIONS CONTACT LENSES scores of Aeneas and Caesar would have exceeded the sum of the other two. Also, Dedalus's score exceeded the DR. MARC SAKOW sum of the scores of Brutus OPTOMETRIST and Caesar. From highest to lowest, determine the order . of finish of the four participants. (~o one had a nega71·04~ KISSENA 1!I0ULEVARO rive score.)

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JUNIORS ADDIE MALE and carolyn Sprower work together In Kissena Park, last month.

This wag part of a citywide cleanup and was sponsored in Townsend '

by Archon and Students forthe Preservation ofthe Earth.

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Smokers double their chances of Smokers from Townsend Harris contracting _the nation's number signed contracts promising to resist one killen heart disease. Cigarette cigarettes for a day on November smoking also increases the possi- , 16 - National Smokeout Day. They bility of hardening of the arteries, joined smokers across the country which may lead to a stroke.

Also explained in the report is in testing their will power.

Along with the smokers' con- why cigarettes present such 'a tracts, which were designed by threat to the user. The smoke itself students under the direction of contains over 4,000 chemicals; 401 Health Education teacher Ellen of these are poisons, and 43 are Schwartz, Adopt-a-Smoker con- carcinogens. Some of these include tracts provided by the American cyanide, carbon monoxide, formalCancer Association were handed dehyde, methanol, acetone, and tar. . out to those who wanted to help Nicotine, the highly addictive drug others quit. The Association also in cigarette smoke, was once used .supplied smokeout buttons and as an insecticide. Carbon monoxstickers. One button, which had a ide, found in automobile exhaust, picture of a bear, said, "Bear with is responsible for many suicides atme; I just quit smoking." tempted in locked garages while Since participants were permit- the car is left rurming. ted to remain anonymous, it is not Formaldehyde is a chemical often known how many people took part used as a preservative for dead in the smokeout. However, stu- frogs awaiting dissection. Methadents manning the balloon-decorat- nol, a wood alcohol, has been ed tables in the lobby and cafetori- found to cause blindness. It is used um reported a lot of interest in the as an additive in gasoline. Acetone event, which was organized by .is an ingredient in n~il polish reMrs. Schwartz and Physical mover. Tar, a conglomeration of Education teacher Keith Hanson. the solid particles in the smoke, In an anonymous .survey con- causes yellowish stains on the ducted by The Classic during En- smoker's teeth.

Despite the Surgeon General's richment on November 9, only 24 out of the 262 students polled said warnings and the exposed effects of cigarette smoking, three thouthey were smokers.

Smoking is an issue not only sand teens start smoking each day. within this school, but is a national Many are influenced to start by issue as well, and the fight to re- friends. One Harris student admitstrict smoking in public facilities ted, "It was my best friend who got continues. Recently, the House me started. It Was passed on and the Senate voted to ban smok- through my friend like a chain reing on all commercial flights with- action." Another student claimed in the 48 continental states and all to "pickup the habit" from close flights to Hawaii and Alaska under friends in the fifth grade. 1he Sursix hours. Within Townsend Har- geon General reports' that 25% of ris, the staff recently voted to ban all high school seniors begin smoking before the sixth grade. smoking in the teachers' lounge To inform the public on the dangers of smoking, the Surgeon GenAlthough most teens are aware eral released a 1989 report entitled of the dangers of cigarette smok"Reducing the Health Consequen- ing, many don't consider quitting. ces of Smoking: 25 Years of "Maybe I'll quit when I'm married Progress." The report focuses on and have kids. I wouldn't want the long-term effects of cigarette them to start because of me, .. said smoking along with its status one Harris student. Another reamongst teenagers. marked, "I'm so sick of people anThe report states that nine out of noying me about smoking. I do it every ten lung cancer deaths are at- because I like it. It's as simple as tributed to cigarette smoking. that."

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The Classic

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Holy Trinity, the Japanese They are Maureen Gilrane, Irene Weekend School of New York , Marcus, Debra Michlewitz, Airoko Queens College, and Sacred Heart Muchiniki, Anthony Scarnati, and in Ireland. Now you can see them Pessel Semel, Townsend Harris ' right here in Townsend Harris. six new teachers.

New teachers join staf ties." Mrs . Muchnicki admitted that she was uncertain about what to expect when she accepted the job teaching at Townsend Harris, especially since the school is "filled with teenagers," but she says she is very pleased with the school and her new students. Her non-academic interests include car. pentry and gardening. '

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Ilene Marcus Ilene Marcus has been teaching Spanish for 22 years . She came here from Hillcrest High because she wanted to teach more motivated students. Ms. Marcus loves Townsend Harris so far and finds the students a "delight to teach."

She says that they are "warm, fun, and motivated." In her spare time, Debra Mlcklewitz Ms. Marcus likes to dance, ski, Debra Michlewitz has been play tennis, go to museums, and go teaching English for 16 years. She bike riding. came here from Jamaica High School because of Harris' reputation for academic excellence. "I was looking forward to talking about all the things I loved - music, art, and literature," she explained.

Ms. Michlewitz said she is having a very good time at Townsend Harris. She thinks the students are 'll "wonderful." Ms. Michlewitz likes ~ to swim, bake, go to the opera, play piano, ~d ~elp her eight- >.

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Pessl Semel, another new Social Studies teacher, has taught for twenty-one years, four of them in a public high school. Before coming to Harris, she was a lecturer for seventeen years at Queens College.

She loves teaching history,_ and cites as one of her favorite quotations the words of George Santayana: "Those who ignore the lessons of history are doomed to relive them!" Ms. Semel, who describes herself as a feminist, also enjoys playing bridge and listening to classical and Yiddish music. She offers this advice for the students at Townsend Harris: "Study hard, keep your goals in sight, don't allow anything to deter you, and make the world you inherit a better place for those who inherit it from you."

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Freshm an assemblies to familiarize new students with the nonac adem ic aspects of school life were held on October 6 and Novem ber 3 in the cafetorium during third band. This is the first Freshman class to attend an assemb ly to introduce them to Townsend Harris.

One half of the ninth grade attended the October 6th assembly and the other half went to the one on November 3.

"The purpose [was] to give them a sense of belonging. Hopefully,' they will open up their minds to all this school has to offer ," said Marsha Scipio, Junior Vice President, Student Union President Addie Male hopes that because of the assemblies, the freshmen "won't be . reluctant to be involved and to participate in school activities."

More assemblies will be held if the first two are considered successful. "We should keep having them. They are good things and they get the freshmen together," commented Word Processing teacher Judy Biener.

In his opening remarks on October G, Assistant Principal Malcolm Rossman said to the audience, "You are pioneers in assembly programs at Townsend Harris High School." Principal Malcolm Largmann spoke on the meaning of tradition as it related to Founder's Day and the ephebic oath, and he described his trip to Washington .

D.C. to receive the school's national award of excellence. He told the freshmen, "You are fortunate because you have the capacities to do the kind of work we expect you to do. " The principal concluded by saying, "Do well [and] strive."

Addie spoke of future school events such as the overnight . ski trip. She urged the new students to tell the student government their ideas and to ' participate in school functions and activities. Other speakers included Sophomore/Freshman Vice President ' Cristina Tabije, Secretary Heather Golin, and the Coordinator of Student Activities, Dr. Michael Manson. "The SU has one goal this

Hiroko Muchnleki is Townsend Harris' new Japanese teacher. She ~ 0. was born in Japan, and came to the United States twenty years later. In Maureen Gilrane the U.S., Mrs. Muchnicki acquired Maureen Gllrane, who teaches an undergraduate business degree chemistry, came to the United in accounting. Then she taught States from Ireland in the beginbusiness in a school near her home . ning of 1989. She finds the chem. W e, m estchester. When applying for istry curriculum here to be similar a temporary teaching license, she < ~ to what is taught in Irish high accidentally found out about ~ schools. "The only difference in Townsend Harris and was soonf school systems I can think of is

by Alison Keil asked to teach at our school. On Ii: that it is much more conservative Christian Andersen got to ride Saturdays, she also teaches at a Anthony SCarnati in Ireland," she said . "The pupils over .Flushing Meadows Park in a school for Japanese children living . in the United States. Comparing Anthony Searnati, a new So- speak out less," she explained. Last helicopter last month after he won the Japanese and American school cial Studies teacher, left his former spring, she taught "in a tough .' won first place in the "Future Park" systems, she said, "The curricu- position as an Assistant Principal Brooklyn neighborhood where the essay competition. The freshman, lum there is very much the same as at Holy Trinity because he wanted students are not as motivated as whose essay painted his vision of the curriculum in the United to go back to teaching. He said he they are here." Since that school Flushing Meadows Corona Park 25 States. The form of instruction is enjoys teaching here very much. : had so many problems, she fmds years from now, read his winning very different, though. In Japan, and praised the "terrific" students. Townsend Harris "quite refreshentry at an Awards Ceremony on ing." Noting the high potential of there is mass education with a When he's not busy grading paOctober 3. students in this school, she added, large quantity of students learning pers, he likes to go places with his N.Y.C. Parks and Recreation "The kids at Townsend Harris at one time. There is no extra room family and play with his children. .

Commissioner Henry J. Stem pre should realize how lucky they are. sented Christian with a plaque, and for children with special talent, nor Sometimes they take it for grantQueens Chamber of Commerce for children with certain difficuled." In her free time, Miss Gilrane Pres ident Dominick Ciampa enjoys Irish dancing, badminton, awarded him a $100 bond . basketball, camping, and swim~@I@t~i1ti~tft.tmi~f!Wj~~~~!lilm~[ji]~~jili~~f:t~ji1~t~~~~~~r~fi~ j~ili&~r*jN~~i1]~~il f~@.~l~ili~i ~~~~~~~ili~i~ii~f§~~f~: ~: In his .essay, "A Continuous ming.

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year--to keep the spirit alive," sa Cris tina.

Mu sic teacher Walter Davis gav backgro und information on 01 school's alma mater and the taught it to the students. "I enjoye the schoo l song. I like the rhythi of it," said Khurram Nasir.

The November 3 program WI mostly a repeat of the earlier a: sembly with one addition. Th Live Poetry Society Enrichmen directed by Debra Michlewit gave a short poetry reading. Th studen ts read from a script the created called "Suicidal Seal which is a compilation of stanza from several poems. They als read the poem "Money" by Riel ard Armour. Invited to the assem bly by Assistant Principal Bernie Horowitz, the group made the fir! presentation in what is planned t be a series on "Works in Progress.

Future assemblies will featur other ongoing school activi ties.

"I thought it was a terrific . . debut," said Ms. M ichlewin Freshman Tony Manza comment ed, "I learned about this new typ of poetry that I never knew about.'

Word Processing teacher Pamel Strudler said, "I thought the assem blies were effective because all 0 the freshmen received informatio: concerning service credit and othe school requirements which con fused previous freshmen. " Sopho more Jill Gaffney also thougI{ having a freshman assembly was , good idea. "When I was a fresh man," she said, "I was confuses about certain procedures, and thi assembly would have cleared i up."

Freshman Kenny Hom said th, assembly "helped me a little be cause I got to know a little bi more about the school and what i stands for." Khurram, however, die not. fmd it helpful. "I think the ori entation did most of it already. Al we did at the assembly was a re view of the orientation."

"It was a good opportunity to ge to know the representatives ane school officials," said freshrnai Donna Weiss.

Anderson flies over Flushing .

Mural of Many Countries," Christian describes a futuristic Flushing Meadow Park as "the concept of a generation who wanted to make a difference through equal rights, change and sensitivity."

"Queens Future Park," he wrote, "is a showcase to the world for the ingenuity and imagination of all people working together to ensure American free enterprise for all."

Christian says he would like to enter more contests if any that interest him come along. He felt that taking part in the "Future Park" competition was a good experi ence. "You get to meet a lot of people and you have the chance to write what you think," he said.

The Classic

111 ~

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Boys' soccer finishes disappointing S~~r!9w~e' within five minutes

:SMi..i_jll~irki:lfJlfli[ti{il@~:I:~l; The Townsend Harris Boys' Soccer Team anxiously filled up the car before every game, hoping to be on the road to another successful season. Yet their high hopes diminished as the season progressed.

They completed the season with no wins and eleven defeats.

"It was difficult to repeat last season," stated Junior Steven Durney. After compiling a 3-6-3 record in 1988, led by Cory Gingold, Oliver McIntosh, and George Eliou, the team was in a state of

and the Hawks lost hope. Edison went on to put the game away with a decisive 8-0 shut-out.

In' a rematch against Long Island City, which had beaten Townsend Harris 10-0 on opening day, something sparked the Hawks. They had their first legitimate scoring chance, a shot fifteen feet away by Jonathan Perry, which was saved by the L.I.C. goalie. L.I.C. had the ~ only two goals in the first half. ~ During half-time, the players were ~ enthusiastic . Sophomore Andrew ~ Lucano said, "I think we can win 1i ,

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couple of games., The Hawks best game was against Edison, the premier team in the league. For the first 30 minutes, the Hawks' defense played well, as the score remained deadlocked at 0-0. Suddenly, Edison

There were some positiv~ aspects of the team's season. Seniors Jon Boltax, Mark Ackerman and captain Eric Wiener played well, as did team MVP Jonathan Perry and Rookie of the Year, John Reynolds.

Boys' track energized by late wins

. "Over _ I• • i+;11~r.~li~1iil1rii1fJ~1 the hills and through the woods," the Boys' Cross Country team, coached by Keith Hanson, ran to a 2-3 finish.

The team 's two wins came against-Beach Channel, 33-21, and Andrew Jackson. They ended the season with a 36-24 loss to Grover Cleveland. , "We had a bad start, but got better as the season went on," said junior Daniel Parle The team plans to start practice early for next year's season. They will first meet - in June, and then begin training in 'August. David Park thinks that the idea is good. "I think we will be a better team next year."

"We need all the help we can get, but I don't think it will make a difference," commented Richard Heise.

The first meet for the Townsend Harris Hawks was against Francis Lewis. They lost 44-18. "We were trounced," stated Coach Keith Hanson. Harris was led by Daniel Shrage (21:55), who finished third overall. Next came David , Park (23:35), eighth, and Eric Chan (23:52), tenth. "It's not a disap-

pointing loss because the team is inexperienced," said Eric.

Townsend Harris' second meet was against John Bowne . The Hawks lost 35-22. The first four finishers for the Hawks were Mark Robinson (19:32), second overall; Daniel Shrage (21:52), fourth; David Park (23:58), eighth; and Richard Heise (24:56), tenth.

Commenting on Richard Heise, who cut three minutes off his original time, Mr. Hanson said, "He's a big surprise." .

The team had four runners from last year's team--Mark Robinson, Daniel Shrage, Mark Schwartz, and Daniel Park. Richard Heise, David Park, Eric Chan, Kee Auyeung, Andrew Kou, and Dwayne Kunzruk, were the newcomers .

Mark Robinson and Daniel Shrage were the leaders of the team. "They're' very strong and have the fire in them," said Mr. Hanson.

The team is looking forward to next season. "We're...optimistic, " said Eric Chan. Coach Hanson said, "I expect a better season next year."

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Take your mark, Get set, Go: The Girls' Cross-Country track team, coached by Joseph Hom, got off to a fast start this season and continued to a strong third-place finish in Queens.

Early in the season, the track team finished third overall in the 1.5 mile run at Van Cortland Park in the PSAL group run on September 27. The team then finished in first place in an October 4 developmental meet at Cunningham Park.

These showings were indicative of what was yet to come.

The backbone of the team all year has been the crop of advanced freshmen runners who were making significant contributions and breaking records at each meet.

Townsend Harris fmished third in the October 25 Queens Freshman Champs meet at Cunningham Park.

Four girls won trophies in the 1 1(2 mile run. They were Marjorie and Myriam Charles, Ingrid Lemmey, and Nia Simmons. Nia finished second, losing by a foot, and running a time of 10:49, which is the fastest time in the school's history.

On October 28th in the N.Y.C. Invitational, the girls once again distinguished themselves in the 3.1 mile run. Nia Simmons finished second overall, winning a medallion.

During the Queens Champs meet on November 1 at Cunningham Park, the team unexpectedly finished in third place 'out of all the Varsity teams in the borough.

Fazeela Alli and Ingrid Lemmey broke school records 'in the 3.1 mile run and received trophies. Nia Simmons finished in third place in all of Queens. She ran a time of

22:30, breaking the previous record by 2.5 minutes.

The girls' track team closed out the season creating more optimism for next year. In the N.Y.C. Freshman Champs, they finished in seventh place out of 60 teams in the city. Nia Simmons finished in fifth place out of all the freshman runners competing. She won a medal for her efforts and a hug from her coach.

Coach Hom feels that entering next season, his team has a chance to finish in the top 15 teams in all of New York City. He said, "We have excellent prospects for the future. After a year of competeing at such a high level, we've seen who's got it and who doesn't. My track team will be among the top teams in Queens for years to come."

Freshmen find challenges in varsity sports • •Ij_.~Jml~~I~r{~i~lffif:I~I~®j:

While adjusting to the unfamiliarity of a new school and Townsend Harris' demanding curriculum, freshmen athletes, it would seem, are already facing considerable responsibilities without striving to excel on a highly competitive sports team. However, some freshmen who have chosen not to wait an extra year or two before trying out for the Varsity have proven to be very successful players.

Nguzi Efobi, currently a sophomore, was a member of the Varsity Track Team as a freshman and is now recognized in New York City as a top runner. When Nguzi chose to play Varsity Basketball last year, she had never played in an organized basketball game, but soon advanced to center position.

"I played center with another girl who was leaving the team," she said. "They knew I was going to take her place, so the team and the coach were really supportive and . helped me with my foul shots."

Similarly, sophomore Ramon Serrano had never been involved in an organized volleyball game when he joined the Varsity Volleyball Team as a freshman. At the

end of the season, Ramon was chosen as Rookie Of The Year. "I'd definitely do it again," he said.

Despite the success of freshmen in Varsity Sports, few have shown up for tryouts in the past few years.

According to Dean Wanda Nix, , who coaches Varsity Volleyball, several factors contribute to their reluctance to join. "Varsity practice is basically every day," Ms. Nix said. "They play more games, it's more intensive, the competition is greater, the pressure is greater.

It's a lot of work." Lawrence Ceraulo, who has coached Girl's Varsity Basketball, Boy's Varsity Bowlirtg and Varsity Softball, said that along with the time-consuming nature of Varsity sports, "freshmen are intimidated by the strength and size of older players with more experience." .

Some freshmen find it easier to play on the less competitive Junior Varsity level. Freshman Donna Weiss said, "I'd rather be on Junior Varsity than Varsity, because Varsity is too intense and Junior Varsity gives you more of an opportunity to improve in your abilities."

The coaches agree that less experienced players would be better off

getting the extra experience and instruction that they would receive on the J.V. level, and gaining at least one season of practiee before trying out for the varsity team.

In the case of Nguzi and Ramon, the intense environment of their teams provided the incentive for them to reach their full potential as athletes. They, faced pressure to play better because they were younger, and the fact that the coaches expected a lot of work forced them to increase their effort.

"When the coach yelled at me, I . concentrated more on what I was doing," said Ramon. Other team members, as well as the coaches, were supportive of both 'freshmen and helped improve their skills.

"Coaches like freshmen because they have a chance to really devel op them," said Ms. Nix. "It's actually a disadvantage if a team has no freshmen players," agreed Mr. Ceraulo. He looks for determination, ability, and physical advantages, such as height or strength, in anyone who chooses to try out. Ms. Nix is more concerned with an athlete's desire and potential. "Anyone who really wants it badly enough gets to 00 a good ' player," she said.

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sportsr~.'i~~~~~~===~=~~~=::::Girls' varsity volleyball competes in championship

COACH WANDA NIX confers with the Girls' Varsity Volleyball team before a game.

Girls' bowling starts off we ll :~~Ii~lBll~I.li~liillii~~fili~~ji*1ii~f The Girls' Bowling Team hit the scene for the 1989 season with high expectations, but felt a letdown as the season drew to a close. The team, coached by Ellen Schwartz, finished 5-3, third place in their division. They had hoped to repeat last year's successful 8-2 season.

The team recorded their five wins by defeating Forest Hills and Thomas Edison twice, and Francis Lewis once.

"Although we didn't make the playoffs, 1 still consider this a successful season. We were cohesive,

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li;IIII"g wlMi~~~:~Ei~~I!:i;'I, "Let's Go Hawks!"echoed through the Townsend Harris gym as the Girls' Volleyball team trounced Martin Van Buren H.S. 15-1 and 15-3 on their way to a 10o regular season record. But it didn't stop there. The team went on to defeat Bergtraum High School in Round I of the playoffs, before losing a tough game to the eventual city champions, John F. Kennedy High School.

The team swept both sets in their playoff match against Bergtraum High, 15-12 and 15-4, Playing with more confidence as the game progressed. "We were all nervous , since it was our first playoff game as a team," Junior

supportive, and more improved as a team," said Mrs. Schwartz, who did not coach last season because she was on sabbatical. "I missed :mI11irtg.J1'_j1)f:i~\11J@l¥¥~il~lli; bowler Mike "The Strikernan" the close contact with the team's The Townsend Harris Boys' Lorello, a sophomore who bowled personnel. 1 love being the coach!" Bowling team, coached by Larry a 209, was perhaps inspired by the The dream of an undefeated sea- Ceraulo, finished the season with free hamburger dinner the coach son ended on October 10, as Hill- one win in ten games. Yet they are .offered .to any bowler who crest High School, the divison optimistic about the future, since achieved a 200 or better game durchampions, edged Harris by twenty every member should return next ing competition. Mike stated, "I'm pins. The team was led by sopho- season with a year of experience always hungry after bowling and mores Shameka Brown, Amy under his belt. with a big incentive like this, 1 tend Schwach, Alison D'Amico, and The team's high point of the sea- to bowl even better."

Beverlie Leano. son was a 3-0 victory against John In fact, Lorello finished iheseaAlthough their season was not as Adams High School. Their match son strongly and was named the impressive as they had expected, against Hillcrest was close, but the btist bowler in the city . He scored a Alison exclaimed, "We had fun!"

A-team was edged by 7 pins, Star 614 in a three-game series, with a

ing many holes to fill. "No one e, pected anything from this team stated Ms. Nix. Yet, the girls ove came their weaknesses, adhering I Ms. Nix's motto, "Anybody thr works hard stands a chance Looking ahead towards the 199 season, the team will miss senk Kristen Rodenbeck, the leadin hitter on ~he team. "We lose a ke player," Ms. Nix said. "ThaI going to be a big void to fill . However, o nl y two other membei will graduate, leaving the team re atively in tact.

Yanique Fletcher, r\' ''1 '.:~ling 0 the season, sal, id "L'~ he goes 01 And nex t year wer WI will WIn wi th h . hin." c ampions 11'.

Boys bowl for burgers

DRIVING SCHOOL

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Wailani Sung said.

According to their coach, Ms. Wanda Nix, it was inexperience which proved to be the deciding factor in the game against John F. Kennedy, their only loss of the season. Harris lost the first set 15-4, but were able to bounce back to win the second set 15-12. The .third set marked the end of their season, as they were outscored 157. Team member Yanique Fletcher said, "We were the better team, but we were really nervous. We were off." .

The Hawks were not considered a very good team at the start, of the season. Although .last year s .team " had made II to the quarterfmals, thirteen members graduated, leav-

single game high of 238. The j team is also led by Tzachy Zaf man and Danny Conlisk. Freshrru Damian Young, a C-team bowli gave his team a boost this seas! by getting scores as high as 1~ and 148.

"All we need is consistency fro our bowlers," remarked Coal Ceraulo, who expects a much mo successful team next year. Tzacl boldly commented, "We are a tei. on the way up. Other teams bett beware."

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