The Classic newspaper Volume 7 Issue no. 1

Vol. 7, No.1, October, 1990

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75-40 Parsons Bouleva rd. Flushing, NY 11366

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

New build ing makes its mark on campus

by Sasha Antoszewski The official ground-breaking cere mony for the new Townsend Harris High School facility took place October 4 on the Queens College campus while studen ts unable to atten d celebrated back at the high school building.

Th e event, which also commemorated Founder 's Day and the 186th birthday of the original Townsend Harris High School , took place in a tent on the site of the future Queens College parking garage that must be built before actual construction of the new high school can begin. This is being done because the new building will displace the parking lot currently in use at the southwest comer of the campus on Melbourne Avenue and 149th Street.

Due to the limited space and budget provided by the sponsors' of the event, the new School Construction Authority, not all students,' teachers, and alumni were able to be invited to the ceremony.Workshops were held at the high school to makesure all students contributed in some way to the cele bration.

At the ceremony, freshmen and incoming sophomores recited the Ephebic Oath. Guest speakers included Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, Senator Leonard Stavisky, Superintendent of Queens High Schools Margaret Harrington, new Queens Borough Board of Education representative Carol Gresser, President of the Townsend Harris Alumni Association Morton Lisser, School Construction Authority head General Charles E. Williams, Senior Class President Addie Male, and Junior President of Archon Dien Taylor.

"This ground-breaking is an affirmation of public education....The school building will serve New York City well into the 21st Century," said Principal Malcolm Largmann in his opening remarks.

Dien Taylor, in his address to the students, said, " As we break ground for our new home, we must think about the futur e. It is our hope that this monument to humanity will enrich our city and help us to help others."

"This has really been a labor of lo ve," said Borough President Shulman.SenatorStavisky compared the struggle to obtain the building with the Israelites' search for the promised land as told in the Book of Exodus.

Assistant Principal Malcolm Rossman, reacting to the ceremony, said, "I think I now know what it's like for' a woman to give birth, with all the pain 'and frustration, to see something .so miraculous and wonderful be born."

The event was a culmination of student, faculty, alumni , and parental efforts to get the site and settle on a construction date. Both are now defi nite, after many public hearings and struggles with the neighborhood surrounding the Queens College campus. Actual construction is scheduled to commence this coming Sep- : tember and is supposed to be completed by March of 1994. According to Dr. Largmann, the possibility of future problems with the new building due to New York's financial troubles is slight.

"This is a great day for our community and students because this will be the most modem educational facility in our city," said General Williams.

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The new Townsend Harris will be the second high school built by the School Construction Authority, and will cost $70 million upon completion. The school will have seven floors, two of which will be below ground. The 170,OOO-scjuare-foot building will contairt 16 classrooms, a cafeteria, four computer rooms, two computer labs, a library, a med ia center.an art studio and classroom , two science labs, and a kitchen. Other features include an 8,OOO-square-foot main gymnasium and a 2,OOO-squarefoot auxiliary gym, a 500-seat auditorium, a communication workshop, an orchestra room, a speech workshop , a suite of administrative ' offices, and four teachers' lounges. It will accommodate 997 students, will be completely air-conditioned, and fully accessible to the handicapped.

The main entrance of the building will be located on Melbourne Avenue, in order to avoid traffic on 149th

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September 1984- Reopening of Townsend Harris High School.

December 1987- John Bowne protests use of their farmland .for new Townsend Harris.

February 1989- Townsend Harris protests further potential delay in design and construction as published irt the Board Of Education's Five-Year Capital Budget Plan.

July 1990- Board of Estimates approves construction of the site on the Queens College Campus.

October 1990- Ground-breaking ceremony.

Medieval Fair

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"I just hope the building is goirtg to be done by the time 1am a senior," said freshman Michael Bergman, The celebration held back at the high school featured a birthday cake, enrichment workshops irtstead of classes, and a photo collage made by students. Those-in the building filled out time capsule entry forms , wrote letters to alumni, and designed aTshirt with the "top 20 lies atTownsend Harris."

Sophomores Donna Weiss, Kalen and Kara Tubridy, and Helen Xanthakys created the T-shirt. Some lies listed were:

I didn't study for that test.

There's a rapid dismissal today.

It's only a minor change in your program.

There are a lot of boys in my class.

THHS AT Queens College.

Teacher: 'This willbe 'a fUn collateral."

Buy Ii ticket, everyone's going.

Students also thought of items to be irtc1uded in a time capsule that would reflect life in Townsend Harris. Some of the most common answers were: A copy of the Ephebic Oath.

Gym shirts.

Dance tickets.

A copy of The Classic.

Other answers included a picture of the cafetorium, suggested by sophomore Sharon Politis and Marni Sussman; M&M 's and Blowpops, suggested by sophomores Christine D' Andrea, Terez Czap, Kara Tubridy, and Isabel Cuervo; and a Gap bag , suggested by sophomores Veronika Zelinski and Stephanie Strajcher. To represent all collaterals, juniors Alona Bach, Dee Mike, Allison Liescheidt, Holly Sage, Carrie Spivack, and Amy Schwach suggested a copy of the "clipping thesis" be put in the capsule.

Murder staged to spark spirit

Landmark dates in struggle for new building

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DIRT flies as Principal Malcohn Largmann, Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, School Construction Authority head General Charles, E. Williams , Assemblywoman Nettie Meyerson,and Junior President of Archon Dien Taylor, "breakground" for the New Townsend Harris High School building sites on the Queens College Campus.

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History of

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by Jennifer Teodoro tered in a drawing to determine the "Who killed Dr. Largmann?" grand-prize winner. The grand-prize, This murder mystery will be solved described by Coordinator of Student on Spirit Day, October 31, when stu- Activities Lynne Greenfield as a" spec dents submit their solutions and a _ tacular holiday candy basket," will be grand-prize winner will be selected. . displayed in the lobby . . Participants will also determine the A student committee, comprised of site of the crime and the weapon used, members of the Student Leadership Clues will be posted in the lobby on class and Student Union officers, is orOctober 29,30,31. Only students in ganizing the investigation.

The Student Union is planning more costume will be permitted to give in solutions.Students who guess correctly "spirit" activites for the week of No in the three categories will receive a vember 12. These may include a pep gift certificate for a free item at the rally and a dance, and special theme Student Union store and will be en- . days are also being considered.

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Build spirit from within

Letters to the editor Upperclassmen sh ould've been involved in ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony was not only a landmark on the road leading towards our new building but was also a source of inspiration, for along with it came a surge of school spirit. school, that if it were not for them, from this event when itwas they who To the Editor: From the February 1989 rally at Jamaica High School to this summer's Today, the freshmen and incoming there probably wouldn't have been a worked so hard to see this dream fihearing at City Hall, Townsend Harris students have always felt comsophomores, along with other privi- ceremony to attend today. nally realized. All the attending stupelled to fight for a home on the Queens College Campus, even though, It was those who came before us who dents appreciated the honor of being leged guests, attended the groundmost likely, none of us will ever walk into it as high school students. It's breaking ceremony for the new wrote letters, lobbied, went to rallies, involved with the ceremony but, at the great that something like the new building can bring forth so much feeling Townsend Harris High School. I think and fought to build a school that was fit same time , most of us understood how from the student body. However, it's sad to 'say this is the only thing that that being a studentofTownsend Harris to house the students and faculty of frustrating it must have been for the really does the job for this generation of Townsend Harris students.

High School is really something to be Townsend Harris. That is why, al- upper classmen and graduates to have The first generation that came to the "new" ToWnsend Harris attended proud of. The freshmen and incoming though I was proud and honored to be worked so hard and then not be there to school under adverse conditions. These classes had no books, no desks, sophomores are part of a great tradi- involved in such a wonderful thing as witness what their work finally acfew chairs, and little of anything else. They took a chance by coming to tion that goes back to the time my sister the ground-breaking for ournew build- complished.

Townsend Harris. Back then it couldn't call itself a National School of was a member of the first graduating ing, I found it appalling that this year's .

Jessica Antoszewski Excellence; in fact, the school had yet to establish its reputation. Despite class in 1988, It occurred to me, as we sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as the lack of school supplies and difficult learning conditions, these stu- • were preparing for the ceremony in well as recent graduates, were excluded dents had tremendous school spirit, a pioneer spirit that was created from within themselves and within the walls of the "shoebox" we have now.

When the first few classes graduated, their fervor and love for their person to use it left a mess.

To the Editor: school left with them. At that time the students were a coherent group.

I would like to call to your attention I am sure I am not the only one who They worked with one another towards a common goal, bringing life to To the Editor: the condition of the bathrooms on the is disgusted by the conditions of the Townsend Harris and making it a school they enjoyed attending.

I have just received a copy of the first floor and in the basement. They bathrooms. I would like to know if this Now, most people just seem to care about making the grade and getting June issue and want to congratulate are a mess. I am pointing a "shame on is the way my wonderful comrades into a good college. The focus of students has been increasingly directed you on the quality of the newspaper as you" finger at my peers. I have wit- leave the bathroom at their homes. inwards. Working to benefit your education is understandable, but equally to content, excellence of the writing nessed several of them literally leav- Many of us like to call T.H.H.S. our important is having an enriching high school experience filled with and make-up, and the interesting mateing paper towels on the sink. Apart second home. So why don't we show memories ofyour class as a whole and not just your small group of friends.' rial you presented: I graduated in June from the towels allover the place, a little respect for each other and our- 1927 and ' was Changes must be made in order to revivify the school spirit that once editor ofour THH there is also a much a worse problem. selves, and put the towels in the waste Stadium (also our advertising man existed among Harrisites. ;Nowhere is it written that once in the new The toilets are continuously left un- basket and flush the toilets? building, Harrisiteswill suffuse it with school spirit. Freshmen and, ager) but our paper didn't bear comFelicia Fyffe flushed. It is very disturbing to go to incoming ,sophomores follow the lead of the upperclassmen. If the new , parison with The C lassie, a much betuse the bathroom and find that the last students see that nobody has school .spirit, they won'thave.any either. ter paper in every respect. a,s~ns~ of ,sch~l That is why it is imperative to work towards establishing .. ..

Robert A.Newburger, M.D. pride now so that we will have a tradition to pass on to those classes which will be in the new building.

To the Editor: " we were accepted right from the beginIt takes a lot of work to create school spirit and this work should be I'm a freshman and I just wanted to ning. Upper classmen served as our To the Editor, shared by each individual at Townsend Harris . What better way is th~rt;, I would like to write toyou about an tell y~)J how lu uch I appreciate the mentors, to help ~ get to know the to start than Halloween? In the past teachers and students have used sophomores ', "juniors' and seniors' school, and now they're our friends. issue very important to Townsend; Halloween as a chance to express their creativity and individuality by kindness, andgenerosityjowards the Ther~ was no "Freshman.Friday",and , Harr~s student~. Thing~ a:~ ~e~.? ,~ toi wearing something-out of the ordinary. Dressing in costume adds spice to new freshman class this year. the upper classmen don't tease and len nght outside of school. About a 'the day and gives us agood excuse to laugh atour teachers and classmates.

I am sure that we did not expect this make fun of the freshmen. week ago, two of my friends had theJ The more people participate, the more they enjoy themselves and the comkind of treatment. In other schools, the I'm sure I speak for all ninth graders, bus passes stolen. They were waiting radery that they sense in the air. ninth graders are like outcasts in the when I say, "Thank you Townsend for the Q25/34 (which almost everyIf everyone put in as much effort into building school spirit as was shown beginning. Towards the middle, the Harris." We will try our best to make body takes) when somebody ran by ~d grabbed a bus pass. Less than 20 when fighting for the new building, the apathy and self-involvement rest of the school usually gets used to this school proud. them. However, in Townsend Harris Anna Schinco minutes later, someone else just present in Townsend Harris would almost cease to exist. Right now, it's grabbed my other friend's pass and up to the student body and teachers to stop complaining and start ran. changing.

I think Townsend Harr is student!

To the Editor: wall to wall students, it was probably I am very happy that the construe- invented here. During the time we get should be warned of this...and water tion of Townsend Harris High School to our next class and at the end of the out for it.

Robyn Hermar We all know that the Townsend Harris senior year spent on the Queens at Queens College has been approved. day, you literally have to fight your College Campus is one of the greatest opportunities this school has to Everyone has worked hard to achieve way through the halls. When we have offer. We get free college credits, exposure to college life, and finally, a this goal and it is finally going to this new school, I believe that many of bit of freedom . At last those three years of collaterals, midterms, and finals happen. these faults will be corrected.

To the Editor : are all going to payoff. Unless, of course, seniors fail to take advantage I think that this new school will We are ecstatic that a new school First of all, I've got to say that th of this special opportunity. solve many problems that we face in facility will be constructed to solve the Kickoff Dance was the best dance I'v With a programas experimental as the senior "Bridge Year," there has our current school. Here, we have ven- exisiting problems we now encounter, ever been to. I danced so much that to be some drawbacks, One is our tendency to forget we're high school ' tilation problems. Some windows are All the rallying and petitioning was was sore for two days. I enjoyed ever seniors. Suddenly, we've been thrust in the middle of a college campus, not able to open so the rooms are stuffy. worth it since the construction of minute I was at the dance. I hope thr with no more principal, teachers, or adminstrators to watch our every Then, there are windows that are hard Townsend Harris High School at whoever had apart in making the dane move. We are truly in charge of our academic careers. But without any to close, making the room very cold. Queens College will be a reality. what it was gets the deserved credit. "guardians," seniors have been known to make mistakes, mistakes with Another problem in this school is the Warren Sabino _ Sandra Rodrigu long -term consequences. hallways. If there is such a thing as One of the most obvious is cutting. Seniors have been failed in individual classes for their outstanding absentee record . The guidance counselors say that more and more employers ask for high school as well as college records. They explained that a company won 't offer ajob to . ' . Sas ha AntoJ'Uwskl ; Jonathan Perry Senior Edltors-In-Chlef someone with so many absences, simply because it makes the person look Junicr Editor-in-Chicf: Jennifer Dubow Readttl arc ,inViltd 10 S1,bmit Ietl,," unreliable.

Managing Editor : Jordan M. Dressler 10 !be edit«. Letters .ho<,!<I toe pLacmin New. Editor: Randi Korobclnik Mn. CoMn'. 1lUU1lx>x in the ~I or"Senoritis" can also lead to a severe drop in grades. Seniors might find AssisL News Editor. Jennifer Mattucci flOe' The Oasic: r=rves the rig!;1 10 Feature Editor: JordanM. Dressler edit aD Iencn. Letters must includ~ it easy to procrastinate and not work as hard, but this too has caused Assist . Feature Editor. Tberese Ferguson name .aDd ofTlcial ct.,.. I'bmcs wm be problems. A graduate from the class of 1990 received a letter from witllbdd UJ'Oft request, Computer Operations: Dalhung Duong sports Edito<: NUli Kodaman As.iIl. sports Editor. Tuchy Zaidman Columbia Universtiy, the college the student was planning to attend, The Photognphy Editor: Elizabeth Loewy Art Editor: Pearl Chan student had already been accepted, but after receiving the final transcripts Blain".. Manager: Stephanie Wolf ExcIwJge Editor: Stcphmic Strajchcr , , and noticing a decrease in grades, the college wanted a letter from the PboIQgroahers : Lydia Brown, Ailin Chen, Christine Cheng, Ray Fink.lhddar (lackie) Hellman, Wendy Lck, Lindha Narvaez, Jennifer Negovenl, Corey Pale, Danielle student giving an explanation for the decline in performance. Unless the Tropea..Jessica Wong .

AWm: lanuary Angele., Carol Chang, susan Chew, Cannon Cbu, Bikkci Law, Vinh Nguyen, Timothy Nolan, Maria Skrepetos, Teresa Tsc student replied with a satisfactory excuse, the acceptance would have ~: Christine Benedetto, Claudia Busto, Eugene Chan, Joanne Douvogiarmis, Ouis~ Farrier, Adam Farran. Rishona Fleishman, Mattbew Giloff, Stacey Gluck., .

Zinalzracluhvili, Anastasia Kalamaru, Doug Klein. Cati!ha Marsh. Randi Miller. Ncftali Serrano, Jennifer Scrowtta, Ronnie Sussman. Donna Weiss. Pamela been withdrawn.

Yamamoto All ofthis isn't to put seniors down. In fact, they should be commended Cmtributing Senior Editor: Erica Tsui Busino.. Staff: Michel Alii.., Daren Bean, Moniqw:: Cole, Sabrina Falcone, Tracey Legat, Tanicdra McFadden, Tara Nal1l:r,lennifer Navana, Timothy Nolan, for their adjustment to the rigorous program Townsend Harris offers. But Marilyn Paulis, Nina reed, Roxanne Ryan, Jennifer Woog. Janice Yee they should avoid the temptation to cut classes and comers when no one Principol: Dr. Malcolm Largmann Advisor: lisa Cowen is keeping after them. Seniors should take advantage of the Bridge Year, and not waste all their previous hard work with carelessness. They also shouldn't forget that mistakes can coIlle back to haunt them.

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Alumnus praises Classic

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Awaiting arrival of desired new building

Seniors burning bridges

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Fight for new building proves successful Melbourne Avenue site was Ira field and will hold approximately 700

by Randi Korobelnik Ground-breaking Day on October 4 Palestin, a ninety-year-old retired at- automobiles. Mrs. Shulman said, "We ' marked the culmination of six years of torney and former member of the City have tried to mitigate as much as we extensive efforts to find a new home Council who is a Harris alumnus of the can the impact on the surrounding comfor Townsend Harris on the Queens class of 1915. munity." The building of the garage is State Supreme Court Justice Ken- expected to be completed before the College campus. Many obstacles had threatened the building's construction, neth Shorter, a 1930 graduate, spoke of construction of the high school begins including disagreement on proposed how he would never forget the names in 1992. locations. delayed scheduling and of his former classmates who sat in his In an interview with The Classic on design, and strong community protest. 'ro w during his third year Latin class. July 19, community member Tessie The final hurdle was overcome July Those names included Nobel Prize- Sehonfeld explained, "We oppose the 19 when the Board Of Estimate unani- winning Jonas Salk, who discovered building of the school because the area mously approved the Melbourne Ave- the polio vaccine, best-selling author i~ much too congested. We have about nue site at a City Hall public hearing. William Styron, famed actor of the eight schools in the radius of three Approximately seventy-fiveTownsend 1940's and 1950 ~s Cornell Wilde, and blocks and by putting another school Harris supporters including parents, Herman Wouk, author of War and there, the area will be further constaff members, students and alumni Remembrance. City Councilman gested and there will be fewer parking gathered at City Hall to fight a commu- Robert Dryfoos spoke on behalf of his spaces for the students and the memnity protest which threatened to delay late father who was a Townsend Harris bers of the community." ground-breaking at the projected graduate.

Jessica Wolff, a resident of a co-op At the Board of Estimate hearing, apartment complex across the street Queens College site. Waiting for Townsend Harris to come up on the opponents expressed concern about the from the site. addressed the members agenda, Principal Malcolm Largmann number of parking spots that would be of the board, asking how a construccommented. "We have faced so many lost in Queens College Parking Lot 6 if tion site could be placed at the edge of hurdles in the past that this is just the new building should find its home a "quiet community." She expressed another one wehave to overcome.

From. there. Queens Borough PresidentClaire concern about the additional noise that I ." ,. " . -,' dayone, 6bstaCl~~ have been placed in Shulman and the School Construction would plague the area and affect the our lpath'faiid w~;;';e always been able Authority assured members of the com- entire community. to thrive onihem. I expect us to pre- munity that any parking spaces lost Other community concerns included vail." due to the construction of the building increased air pollution from cons!!Uc~ Many speakers shared their feelings would be replaced with a two-story tion fumes and safety problems,.. pai~ throughout the two-hour public hear- parking garage. The garage will be ticularly for the children of Public ing. Among the proponents for the built on part of the college' s athletic School . 219 , located on.MainStreet be. .

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tween the Long Island Expressway and Melbourne Avenue.

According to The Daily News (October 1, 1990), representatives of the Board Of Education and The School Construction Authority met last month with residents of the community to resolve community concerns.

The lengthy battle for the new building can be dated back to December, 1987, when the original recommended site was protested by JohnBowne High School. The protests came following the announcement that farmland utilized by Bowne's Agriculture Education Program would be used for the new Townsend Harris. After three months of investigation. the current site at 149 Street and Melbourne Avenue was selected. .

Further problems surfaced in February, 1989, when a Capital Budget Plan issued by the Board Of Education threatened to again delay construction of the new Townsend Harris. The plan allegedly called for the design of the buildingto begin in 1992 with constructioncommencing in 1994; 'as opposed to the earlier promised 1989~1991'dates. At a ' ;:" public hearing on the Capital Budget Plan.Townsend Hams'stageda d~m-' oristrationto protest the delay. ~

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HundrCds of students who would never get to use the new building demonstrated at the hearing, which ended with an announcement by President Shulman that the delayed schedule published in the Five Year Plan did not apply to Townsend Harris .

The July 19.1990 Board Of Estimates hearing was held prior to a final vote on the site. The board did not address the issue until 8:00 P.M, five hours after most Townsend Harris supporters had arrived on the steps of City Hall. Despite the late hearing start and the 90-degree heat, speakers for Townsend Harris voiced optimism.

"We are going to win. We are not the loudest voices but we have the greatest merit. This time merit will win out over loud voices." said alumnus Henry Shereff. Charles Puglisi, Co -President of the Parents-Teachers Association, said, "I think it is fitting and morally right for the students of Townsend Harris to have a building they can call their own. I 'think it's about- time that we start doingthings to support the fact that-the children are our future.": "I'Il be really happy when i see the new building built. This is what all the graduates have been waitingfor," commented 1988 'alufnna Julie Chan,

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Global History .classes turn back ti me

by Mat~ Gilgoff Plague-carrying rats â&#x20AC;˘.a witchcraft comedy, jugglers, jesters, and pheasant stew: all of these and more were part of the "educational" Townsend Harris Medieval Fair held in the library on October 17.

The fair was coordinated by Global History teachers Michael Manson, Paul Stessel, Mark Soffer, Assistant

Principal Bernice Horowitz. and librarian Valerie Billy. Students in the Global History 3 classes who are currently studying medieval times were required to prepare a presentation on such topics as medieval arts, architecture, religion, morals, food. clothing.jousting, chivalry and the deadly Bubonic plague, spread by rats during the 14th century.

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CARDBOARD cut-outtransforms studentto medieval princess.

"We can accomplish -in this fair a child from the medieval ~ra. odor in the library which was caused what we can'taccomplish in a week "The food was awesome. They had by the tarring of-the _TooLou'"ide, _ _ of classes, a genuine feeling for rice pudding, custard, egg noodles many students said they had a good medieval European life," said Dr. with cheese, oatmeal cookies, bistime. "It's a great fair because you Manson. cuits, and pita bread," said Anna can eat food, get married, joust, and American History teacher Nancy Laghezza, sophomore. "The baklavah have a juggler entertain you all at Leib was surprised at the variety of is delicious," stated self-designated once," explained sophomore Sohini displays at the fair. "All the projects, food critic of the fair, sophomore Chowdhurry. were imaginative, creative, and well Diana Stametelatos. done ....I didri' t know they gambled in Despite the temperature and the bad the Middle Ages," she said. For a fee of35 cents each, students could pose for Polaroid snapshots as they stood behind headless cardboard mannequins of a princess and a crusader.

"This project gave people a -way to remeber the fair forever," stated Stacey Hollander, sophomore.

Many forms of entertainment were presented at the fair, including chess, bobbing for apples, jousting, and juggling. as demonstrated by sophomore Matt Mandell. A few groups created their own board games such as "Meeting Of The Medieval Minds," which was inspired by Triv ial Pursuit and Parchese. In addition, a game dealing with the Crusades was designed with the map of Europe as its board.

One committee created a church setting with sophomore Chris Dudin dressed as a priest. He performed marriages, communions, and funerals. "The church protected the weak ,. and stood for peace and love, " said Father Chris.

Some students left their modem clothes behind and transformed their dress into that of medieval people.

Sophomore Donna Weiss was a merchant's wife, and wore a long gown with especially wide sleeves that were typical of the sleeve style of the time .

Other students dressed up in costumes JESTER entertains at Medieval Fair. of a medieval maiden, a jouster, and

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with Cerebral Palsy.

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Walkathons'spirit

the group proceeded to Kissena Park.

by Doug Klein The participants had option of hik"M ost of us were put on this earth ing either 8 or 20 kilometers, and spon, healthy. and it is only fair that we help sors paid per kilometer. After walking those who are less fortunate ," said aroundthepark,almosteveryonetravCaptain Lou Albano, profess ional eled back to the UCPQ building for a wrestler and television celebri ty, in an party where food and drinks, were exclusive interview with The Classic. served . Dry T -shirts and prizes were Mr. Albano w~ the chairman of the given to participants . Junior Pearl Chan walkathon fundraiser for victims of won a raffle and received a walkman.

Cerebral Palsy. The charity drive was FM radio station, ZIOO, (WHTZ) held on Saturday,'October 13, at 8:30 showed up and also gave out prizes.

A.M. "Even though it rained, I liked the People of all ages arrived at the walkathon because it showed that United Cerebral Palsy of Queens head- people really care about another perquarters in Jamaic a. Despite the turbu- son's difficulties," said sophomore lent weather, Townsend Harris stu- Karen Hsieh. Captain Lou expressed a dents came on their bicycles'andfeet to similar sentiment. "The fact that I am a partake in the event. "I am very im- TV celebrity does not give me the right pressed with the number of students to forge t about those whose lives are from our school who came. Freshmen. not as good," he said. Junior Lauren .' sO'p~omores, juniors.~d even seniors ,Caiaccia said,' 1 thought it was excit:~, :.a,ie:~~¥)'~:slUd: '~clIl?r(A4lQ.ser Odile ;'jng:becaus~w\< ac;tually got to seethe d;Irbia;: *h~~brg~ized ,th~·;;Vent' for '~pl~ ;J;e heli>e4:,i : ' -<'~ ;' Towm endi H arris.-Statiinir'from 'the " .'J , f '"'_ " ... " . ~ " , 0 -

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by Erica Tsui Four Townsend Harris seniors have achieved semifinalist standing in two nationalscholarship competitions.

Nina Brooks, Kristin Fassler, and Elizabeth Loewy are the only three students in Queens to receive semifinaliststatusintheNationalMeritScholarship Program. Felice Bowen also was awarded semifinalist standing in theNationalAchievementScholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students.

The winners all expressed surprise at learning about their achievement.

"A lot of times you fill out these appli-cations and you don't really think you are going to win, It doesn't hit you until you do," said Felice.

Elizabeth had forgotten about the competitionuntil she was notified. She explained, "I didn't think I'd get this far. I was shocked and amazed."

Regardless of their surprise, the semi-

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finalists appreciate their recognition and express their feelings openly.

"It's an honor," stated Elizabeth. "We were the only -three in Queens."

Kristin agreed. She said, "Now I'm excited . I want to find out who does win the scholarships. WhetherIdo or don't, I' ll still feel honored that I rece ived this recognition ."

Felice feels that this lionor gives her "an incentive to work harder and to do even better." She calls it "a good experience because in a way it boosts your self-confidence."

"I hope I am a finalist," Nina commented. After saying that it would help herincollege,shejokinglyadded,"And I'Il be able to ask my parents for anything I want ."

Dr. Paul Vicino, college adviser, commented on the winners' capabilities. He said, "They have very great academic ' abilities and potential. I ..

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Light shines for fighting world hunger

ton on September 27 . Dignitariesdedicated to the cause of ending hunger spoke andreceived awards at the ceremony . Speakers included General Olusegun Obasanjo, former .head of state of Nigeria, and Dr. Esther Asua Ocloo, the founder of the Hunger Projeet. The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, also spoke for ending world hunger.. as did Andrew Young, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.

The Hunger Project, which is a division of UNICEF, works to help decrease the world hunger problem through getting "people together to give money whichhelps in giving poor people opportunity," said Ingrid Lemmey. This aidesmany in -Africa, not only.to be fed, but to.improve their

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by Stephanie Strajcher and Jennifer Mattucci Starving children, domestic hunger, '~ and homelessness are Onlya few of the problems which students involved in Youth Ending Hunger (YEH) have taken steps to diminish. The Candlelight Vigil at the United Nations building on September 23 and the Africa Prize For Leadership For The Sustainable End Of Hunger on September 27 are two of the recent events in which Townsend Harris students have participated .

Harriet Vamvouris, senior, Beverly Leano, junior..and IngridLemey, sophomore, as well as students from all over the world and about 70 .world leaders, attended the awards dinner for, the Africa Prize at the New York Hil-

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imagine they will do very well in the , SCIpIO. ,

·by Pearl Chan ,. fall.": ' ".j A deluge, of blue program-change ' Since teachers are not contractually slips flooded the halls of Townsend <bound to -teach more than 34 students, -~ Harris for weeks after the beginning of equalization aims to balance out the <\\\S ~, .the school year. Students and teachers number of students in each class. Nev"t'S~\~ alike have been wondering why there ertheless, there' are still too many stuSl'AN\S\\ S ,tro\N was such a profusion of confusion. dents in the school. Additional classes 'The reason why there seems to be cannot be created to solve the over:3~G6J'\AN so many program changes is that w e crowding problem due to the lack of .:3 .s\t.l~ S~! took in approximately 45 more stu- available classrooms. "Weare using dents than were in the building last the library four periods in the day, and year," explained Arthur Boulanger, the we are using the cafetor ium six periods Program Coordinator.Since then, about in the day," said Mr . Boulanger.

0 , 30 incoming students decided to go to Additional problems have occurred s: other schools or could no t come to because the computer scanner someTownsend Harris for other reasons. times misreads the prog ram bubHowever, since schedules are set up in , blesheets, resulting in incorrect level August based on the number of antici- placement. Although this occurs most pated attending students, programs often in math or language courses, have to be corrected in September based freshman Zhi Wang was accidentally on the actual number of students who advanced a level in Global History . decide to attend the school.

"When I got used to Global 3, they put "Summer school can affect the pro- me back into Global 1. I had to start gram changes . Even new ninth graders making new friends and catch up with • , and new tenth graders attend summer the one week of work that I missed. school,"said guidance counselor Susan And I almost failed the test today!" he Rotter. Ifthe school is not aware of the exclaimed. This type of program students' summer studies, they may be change happens to roughly 25 students placed in the wrong level classes in the in 200.

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colleges they attend and in their .careers."

The Merit scholarship programs assess competitors on the basis of the PSAT and SAT scores, and a require d essay the students write about them selves . Nationwide, there are 15,000' semifinalists who are competing for 6,000 scholarships. Winners will represent one- half of one-percent of all the seniors ineach state .

Commended students in the Merit program are Sherr i Anderson, Monika Bogal, Debra Bonsaing, Patricia Ceger, Mariss a Gluck, Jeanne Grathwohl , Jully Hong, Nuri Kodaman, Jodie Lasoff, Jacqueline Loeb, Mary M<: Carthy, Melissa Paolini, Lisa Spardel, and Tally Wiener.

Achievement Program participants commended to colleges are Alysha Cassis , Crystal Gant, Celena Green , France~ca Momplaisir, and Marsha

"I'm very impressed with the students in that they have adjusted very nicely to their new programs," Mrs .

Rotter commented. "When they do get a change, their concern is that they are going to miss work, but the teachers are pretty cooperative in helping them to adjust. They try to make the change less painfu l for the students."

Sophomore Erica Eisenstein complained, "Pr ogram changes are confusing . Just when you get used to a schedule, they change your teachers around and separate you from all your friends." Susan Cho, a junior, said, "I appreciate the fact that they try to do their best, but sometimes it gets frustrating because we have to miss days of classes even when w e 'r e in 'school.'

Because theprograms are mteiconnected, a change in one student's schedule can set off a chain reaction that will affect other students' schedules. Mr .

Boulanger compared the program changes to "one of those complicated Chinese puzzles . If you push one piece to make it fit, it sticks out on the other side."

future through setting up farms or suitable working conditions.

Ingrid said she became involved in the Hunger Project when she found out about it from biology teacher Odile Garcia at a Save The Children meeting. Mrs; Garcia said she was intro-

help those who. are less fortunate - children, candles' were lit. This was locally and in the world." , one of several summit meetings held in New York on th'etopic. Many digni"The facts about world taries attended the vigil, including h ' re'sad'and President George Bush. unger a "I think it is important issue besomeone-has to do cause we wanrio get the attention

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Martme Guerrier, and a senior, Enc Wiener, shared with us a videotape [put out by the Hunger Project] entitled 'Famine and Chronic Hunger: a life and death distinction.' St~dents volunteered after the viewing and joined the New York City-based

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"[Being involved in YEH is] a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. The facts about world hunger ate sad and someone has to do something about them," said Ingrid.

needed from world leaders and the general public," , ~aid Junio~ Student Government President Jeanie Reyes, who attended the vigil.

"If indeed the children are our future, and they are, we need to re-evaluate our priorities, our policies, our principles, so thatwe, all of us, have the same opportunity to 'grow,''' said Mrs.

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Freshman headdress sparks interest

by Therese Ferguson You've seen her in the hallway, that new girl wearing the white headdress.

You've probably wondered who she is, where she comes from, and why she wears the headdress. Well, you don't have to wonder anymore.

Her name is Maryum Khwaja. She is fourteen years old and a freshman at Townsend Harris.

Maryum, a Sunni Muslim, was born in America, but she and her family moved to Pakistan, her parents' homeland, when she was in the second grade.

They made the move, Maryum said, because her parents didn't want her to get any "bad influences, such as greed and disrespect for elders," from America. However, her father suffered severe allergies in Pakistan and was unable to work. So, in the seventh grade, Maryum and her family moved back to America.

Although it was much hotter in Pakistan, 'and America is more advanced technologicail Maryum' 'w as' more

Global History is taught.

In past years, both classmates and strangers have made fun of her cultural dress. Strangers still do.

"They call me names like Gandhi and Mother Teresa," she said. 'They make me angry because they don 't even understand why I wear it." Ma ryum says that she is glad when people ask her about her headdress because it gives her a chance to make them understand.

Maryum explained that her religion, Islam, requires her to wear the headdress, which is worn by females "to show a modest look. The headdress insures that a prospective mate loves me for my personality and not my looks," she said. "It also protects me from violence."

Maryum's religion also prohibits her from wearing shorts. At Townsend Harris, the physical education classes are required to wear shorts as part of their gym Uniform. Thanks to a parental note explaining the difficulty" Maryum is allowed to wear sweatpants.

Maryum follows the five pillars of Islam. The first pillar is saying the shahada, 'There is no God but the one God, and Mohammed is His prophet.'

The second pillar is sa/at, praying five .; times .a day. The third pillar is zakat, almsgiving.

The fourth pillar is fasting during

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comfortable in Pakistan. 'Th~ people there are my type," she said. 'There is no barrier there. Here, you can't really get as close to anyone."

So far, Maryum likes it at Townsend Harris . One of the main reasons is no one makes fun of her or calls her names here . She feels this is because many . different cultures are represented, and

the month of Ramadan. She refrains from all food and drink dur ing the daylight hours. 'This is done to show you how poor people feel and encourage you to help them ," Maryum explained.

"The day after the fast is over, God congratulates you on doing a good job by allowing you a day offestivities and feasting." This is a major holiday celebrated by Maryum.

The fifth pillar is Hajj, a pilgrimage • to Mecca. Maryum hasn't gone yet but she hopes to go soon.

Maryum doesn 't celebrate many Americanholidays. She does celebrate Thanksgiving by getting a turkey.

However, her family "doesn't really go into it," she said. There is also no emphasis on birthdays. 'This is because God said not to waste money," ~ 2 she explained. "There is usually a cake co." .. but it's really no big deal." :a >_1>.

In her spare time, Maryum likes to ~ read mystery books. Her favorite author is Agatha Christie. She likes to'go __ shopping for books, food, and sweat,, ers. She also likes new ~a~e·'music. MARYUM AJA"sitS, ~earing't~e :headdress "w~ich1:Jas drawn Her favorite groups include J]2, and SO much attention. '

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Erasure. " , Maryum has already made ., friends at T'Ownsend Harris who un derstand about her religion and,don't put any social pressures on her. On~of . these friends, Janet Glaubman.rfeels

.Having.w ritten two volumes of poetrycollections, Evening Sky on a Iapanese Screen andA Bird in Flight, which were later published, English teacher Helen Rizzutocontinues to write along with teaching students at Townsend Harris High School and Hofstra University.

At Hofstra, she teaches her students how to write novels, poetry, shqrt stories and articles, as well as how to get them published. "I want my students to appreciate what is unique about themselves and learn the magic oflanguage," said Mrs. Rizzuto. She has been teaching for 25 years.

South America, Australia, Japan, China.Alaska, the Arctic and Europe.

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Mrs. Rizzuto started writing at the age of five for the famil y newspaper.

"I was taught ho w to read and write before I went to school," said Mrs .

Rizzuto. She has written articles for the New York Times, has appeared in national publications, and worked as an editor for a literary magazine based in California. When she is not writing or teaching, Mrs. Rizzuto enjoys classical music and ballet. She is also a serious student of the martial arts scriously.

ond grade at College Point and Woodhaven and the Townsend Harris senior humanities seminar at Queens College. "I want students to become aware of their unique contribution to their classmates as well as society," she said. In her spare time, Mrs . Wallace enjoys needlework and quilting and going to plays. Her favorite play is Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.

"I am determined to commit myself to education," said history teacher "The person I admire the most is a Nancy Leib. "I want to help students person who treats another with kind- achievetheirfullpotentials."Mrs. Leib ness," said Georgette Wallace, an- worked at August Martin High School other new English teacher. "I want in Rockaway before coming to students to act with kindness and hu- Townsend Harris. "Wherever I am, I manity towards each other." want students to have a better underA mother of two, Mrs. Wallace was standing of each other," she said. Most the PTA president of P.S. 62 for three of all, I want students to learn from years. She was then encouraged by the each other - not just from me." acting principal, Howard Becker, to Traveling around the world is one of teach English. She has taught the sec- Mrs. Leib's hobbies. She has visited

Ad el Kodama ni , the new Physics, Chemistry and Earth Science teacher, came to the United States to escape the civil war in Lebanonand continued his education here. He attended North Carolina State University and CUNY Graduate Center. "1 have a good background in Chemistry because I've worked with one of the best, Dr. N.L. ~ Yang, " said Mr. Kodamani. "Dr. Yang , gave me a chance to learn chemistry better and I hope to do the same for the students here."

Mr. Kodamani says he is impressed with the way Townsend Harris students function. "They are serious about getting a good education," he said.

'The students appreciate good teachers and they give me a chance to do my job." He worked at Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn for two years. His dream and goal is "to work with studentsfrommanydifferentbackgrounds and discuss with them the topics of ' science related to daily life." In his spare time, Mr. Kodamanienjoysrun-

Principal recognized nationally

by Adam Farron Dr. Largmann was recognized last spring by his peers as one of ten honorees in the 1990 "Principal of Leadership" special recognition program sponsored by the National Associa- , tions of Elementary and Secondary School Principals.

Most of the administrators eligible for this award were the principals of the 119 schools named National Schools of Excellence in 1989 by the

United States Department' of Education. The ability of a principal to motivate their staff, to encourage their students, school-communityrelations, and to institute special programs, were were factors considered by the contest committee. The list of candidates was cut to 80. Later, ten fmalists were named from public,schools of all grades across America, Dr. Largrnann was the o~y, prin~ipal from New York. The other principals repre~en~e~ Hawaii,

cellent resource person. She lives the -Islamic life. ,S he knows more about Islam than I do. She is a valuable contribution to my class."

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New faculty faces flU halls

by Pamela Y amamoto Along with each new school year comes a se t of' new teachers and a change in positions for some of the veteran faculty members. The new additions include Helen Rizzuto, Georgette Wallace, Nancy Leib, Adel Kodamani an4 Daniel,QI:yis.

withherwithoutbeinguncomfortable.'

I' m glad I mether because she is inter" ~t#J.g and ni~e. ~.:: " ,, ' .. • .: Pau(Stes'~el, Maryum's Global History teacher, said. i''Maryum is an ex-

Missouri,California,Texas, Nebraska, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma.

Dr. Largmannconsiders this achievement an honor for the entire school. "1 thank Townsend Harris' students and staff for their support in helping to establish traditions of excellence in academic and community concerns," said Dr. Largmann. "The continuing concern facing Townsend Harris is to insure that all new teachers and new stud~nts a.c~ept and reinforce

ning, mountain hiki!!g and doing research on differen t science topics .

New music teacher Daniel O rv is strives for perfection fro m his students in music. As an accordion pla yer and pianist, he learned that "s econd best does not survive in the music business."

"If you are musician, you must also be a perfectionist," said Mr. Orvis.

He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston with some musicians who are now famous.One such budding celebrity was Earl Klug, a wellknown jazz guitarist who has played with George Benson. In his spare time, Mr. Orvis likes to fish and play baseball.

Returning from sabbatical leave are history teacherMyron Moskowitz and Japanese teacher, Michael Rubin.

Changes in faculty positions include English teacher Lynne Greenfield as the new Coordinator of Student Activities, mathematics teacher Linda Mandell as the new treasurer, and history teacher Michael Manson as the acting dean: Dr. Manson is filling in for WandaNix. who is on leave this term.

Townsend Harris standards and tradi- put together ~ program focusing on the Humanities and emphasizing the tions.'

An integral partofa Townsend Harris Ephebic Oath," Commented Assistant student's life is the understanding and ' Principal Sheila Orner. "It was nice carryingoutof the principles embraced that Dr. Largmann received recogniby the Ephebic Oath. An aspect of the tion outside of New York City, so that oath Dr. Largmann considers most people across the country could learn significant is the promise to enhance about him and the job he is doing,"said the quality of school and community' Assistant Principal Malcolm Rossman.

"He has become a celebrity throughlife. t . ,"I t was Dr. Largrriann's vision and out the educational system." leadership that enabled the faculty tom.~_

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Pop music censorship debate spllts society

by Jordan M. Dressler The new Jane's Addiction album, Ritual de 10 Habitual, bears on its cover something that some call the scariest thin g to affect music in recent times and others call a blessing to parents and children alike . The item on the cover, however. was not designed by the group. It is a warning sticker bearing the words "Explicit Lyrics Parental Discretion Advised." And it is emblematic of the debate now raging in the United States over the censorship of popular music.

One of the major blows to the music industry's campaign for freedom of speech came when a court in Broward County. Florida recently ruled as obscene the 2 Live Crew's album. As Nasty As They Wanna Be. A recordstore owner was busted for selling the album. and the members of the rap group were arres ted for performing the banned ~ong~ at an "ad~lts only:' club.

After theFlorida ruling.judges in Texas and South Carolina also ruled th~ album as obscene. " Although the members of the 2 Live 'Crew have since

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individuals who have succeeded in getting the 2 Live Crew banned in parts of the country.

Perhaps one of the most controverSial episodes in this story involved Irish songstress Sinead O'Connor.

O'Connor refused to perform at an Aug ust 24 concert at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel. New Jersey if the Star-Spangled Banner was played there. Specifically mentioning the plight of the 2 Live Crew, she said that she did not want her music to be associated with a country which submits its

young kids. The parental warning stickers are justly on these albums, and if the government has to take the records offtherackâ&#x20AC;˘...thenso be it," said Danny.

Senior Annette Artus makes a compromise between both arguments when , she says, "It's true that some songs arc too heavy to be heard by young children. and that's why the parental stickers are there. but it is wrong for the government to. take a record off the shelves because it is obscene. That's against the law." Many feel that the censorship of music is against the First Amendment, but others agree with the Broward County judge and deny that obscenity is protected by freedom of expression.

The debate is far from over. While the 2 Live Crew's album is banned in Florida, the group played to a standing ovation on the MTV Music Awards on September 6, showing that the band still has its suppo~~~r;:Thebattle lines are drawn for this 'w a'r' ~f ~ords~vcr censorship, and there will no doubt be songs written about it - if it is legal to do so.

artists to censorship. The national an~em was , not played and O'Connor performed. but the Arts Center subseher from ever perform. quently banned . ing there again, Local radio station WHTZrefused to play her music, while ~ .'

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Horrific historical happeninqs haunt Halloween

by Jennifer Sorowitz Every year at the end of October. strange changes occur in t.!le kids and teenagers of America. Around dusk. they discard their normal. everyday clothing for more colorful or perhaps fiendish garb. They leave their homes in search of the houses (jf strangers. which are decorated with sculpted orange vegetables. Ringing the doorbells, they present the residents with an ultimatum, and. in return, receive candy. All of these prac tices are in the name of Halloween. Where do these traditions come from?

Some Halloween customs have roots in ancient traditions. such as those of the Druids, who were members of an ancient religious order. The harvest festival of the Druids was celebrated on the eve ofOctober thirty -first. Celtic Druids of northern Britain would light fires in order to scare away the evil spirits of winter. This tradition is now expressed by placing lit candles in jacko-lanterns.

Another source for this practice can Since Townsend Harris opened. films seems to be a common tradition be found in Irish legend, and the cus- masquerading has become a tradition on Halloween, one which may last tom arrived in America with Irish im- here too, with students. teachers. and well into the night.

However, while these students are migrants. ,They told the story of an administrators coming to school in cosinnocently bobbing for apples (a tradi Irishman named Jack, a stingy drunk tume. Last year, science teachers Odile tion which dates from the Middle who was driven from heaven and hell . Garcia and Susan Appel dressed up as The Devil then gave him a lantern the elements chlorophyll and alumi- Ages), others are taking part in de made from a pumpkin. Jack suppos- num. complete with chemical formu- , structive crimes. For these people. Haledly still wanders the earth. lantern in las. while Global History teacher John loween is a time of "bombing" friends, hand. looking for a resting place.

Hynes pretended to be a bag lady. pedestrians, houses, or cars with eggs The name Halloweeen derives from Principal Malcolm Largmarm also got and shaving cream.

Monika Dabrowski, freshman, ad"Allhallows" and " Hallowmass," both into the spirit, wearing the mask of mits. "I like bombing all my friends." old names for All Saints' Day, the RoApollo.

"Every year one of my friends has a She also takes her brother and sister man Catholic feast day celebrated on costume party and some years we even trick-or-treating. "I will be throwing November 1. go trick-or treating." said freshman Hundreds of years ago, people who Vimi Govind. Other students have the / represented lost souls would dress in same idea. "I love to go trick-or-treatscary costumes and march through a village in order to escort the ghosts of , ing because I'm a kid at heart," said the deceased from the town. The more freshman Robyn Herman.

Ninth grader Siriboa Munroe spends grotesque the cos tume, the more effective this ritual was. This tradition has her holiday volunteering. "On Hal- , loween I go to my church and help out since been adopted by childrenin search for the Halloween party." she said. of candy and other goodies who masquerade as they go from house to house They have a haunted house and also watch horror movies. Viewing scary saying "trick or treat."

eggs at all people." said a junior boy who preferredlo remain anonyriious.

"I think that bombing is partly destructive. but it also puts adventure in the air." said Virni. "I would love to see the bombers get egged."

These pranksters may find their deeds funny, but others find that this ruins the spirit of the holiday. Alexis Joseph, a new student to the school, said,"I try not to get bombed with eggs on my way to school and .qn the way home."

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MApD declares: "Drunk Driving Kills!"

by Zina Izraelashvili drunk driving every 23 minutes. The lated tragedies from ever happening.

The library ,was filled with lively studentswere told that by the time they They assist victims and raise public students who ~ever expected to leave finished watching the video, about two awareness. "Ooh," was a typical rethe room with so much gloom. Alice lives would have been destroyed. sponse given by students when they Moscolo, a representative of MADD "Sentenced For Life" presented kids viewed dead victims their own age that (Mothers Against Drunk DriviI).g). ' speaking out on past experiences with were crushed to death in automobile caught everyone 's attention during alcohol and alcoholics. They have lost accidents .

Enrichment October 12 as soon as she frie nds and/or family or crippled themMADD insists on showing images as placed the video. "Sentenced ForLife," selv es for life either psychologically graphic as these to prove their point. into the VCR. The students were hit or physically.

Their point is that regretting what one with startling statistics about kids their "The film made me realize that any- does after the accident is not enough, own age who are getting killed each thing can happen to anyone." said one yet taking precautions necessary for day due to drunk driving. According viewer. the accident to nev er have occurred is: to the film, one life is destroyed due to MADD trie s to prevent alcohol-re-

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Girls' Varsity Volleyball dominates leaque

Boys' Varsity Bowling show promising future

by Neftali Serrano didn't work. The Hawks sent them to If there wereany doubts before, the showers, burying them with a 15-4

by Tzachy Zaidman there aren't any now. It's no secret that win for the set and game.

Mike Lorello, team captain and an-" "We were pretty good, but we the Harris Hawks are the team to beat chor bowler, unleashed a powerful in the Queens A division. Posting up a could've done better," said senior . hook that smashed into the pocket. A relatively easy 15-8, 15-4 win against Angie Lam : "Like most teams, they lone pin remained standing. The Boys' . Flushing High School, the Girls' Var- seem to play up to the caliber of their Bowling Team playoff hopes now sity Volleyball team continued their opponent," said new coach Diane hinged on a las t attempt by opponent domination of their division, extend- Plusch. She observed that you might John Adams . A strikeby Adams would ing their three -year winning streak to - see a great game or a very poorly give them a tie. The ball struck the 23 straight games . played game from the team on any pins. ibut the seven pin did not fall.

Although not as consistent as last given day. She said she is still looking , Now the ream still has a chance to year, the Girls ' Varsity Volleyball team for the zone in the middle, the zone of make the playoffs, as their record is has a 3-0 record, with victories over, consistent execution of basic skills , <, locked in at an even 4-4.

Cardozo, Bayside, and their most re- that they were locked into last year.

The Hawks are now on a three-game cent victim, Flushing High School.

Playing with a 6-2 offense, which inwinning streak, thanks to a critical The Hawks played sloppily during the volves two setters and three frontline tournament game win against Van first set as they searched for some spikers, the Hawks do not have the Buren. This is the first time in team rhythm. After gaining that rhythm late height advantage they enjoyed lastyear . history that a tie-breaking victory and in the first set, they soon lost it again and must utilize more offensive playa Van Buren defeat has occured. The when the Flushing Red Devils called ers to vary their offense, an offense catalyst of this streak can be considtime out with the score at 9-3. The Red which surrounds setter and captain Raered Harri s' A and B team's clean Devils managed five more points , but chel Ruisi. To offset the height loss, sweep of Hillcrest in game six. the Hawk 's now rely on quickness on Harris still took the set 15-8.

"We started a little slow after our In the'secondset, Hams took charge the floor. This is a strateg y which may first win by losing the nex t three , but with excellent serving from senior take time to learn. we knew we were better than that, and - Despite their inconsistency, the Wailani Sung, who ended the game we began bowling like it. Noone wants with 13 service points, including seven Hawks are still the ' Oakland A's' of a repeat of the last two years,~o one," straight. Most of Flushing's points their division. "I definitely expect to said Mike with a grinafter Harris' came after Harris, with the game in win the Queens division," said Coach second tie-breaking victory against hand, made seve ral substitutions . Plusch, butshe hesitated to say that the Adams.

Again , the Red Devils tried to disrup t team would get past their quarterfinal After last year's disappointing sea Harris ' rhythm by calling a time-out finishofias tyear.Shedidsaythattheir son; this year the team has put it towith the score at 6,-1. This time, it chances were good . gether . Leading an A-team to be reck:

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"Now that we're making the clutch spares and strikes in the critical nin th and tenth frames , our reco rd is only

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"We can't start thinking of the playoffs yet," said Ronnie. We mus t take the next two, ~ame by game . If we don' t, we 'll get tossed out of here . The playofffactor, though, is in the back of our minds. It's the biggest of incentives and we want it bad ."

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Nia Simmons, sophomore, fimshed second in this ra<;e which consisted of ~ 54 runners from various schools. In1a ed7th gnid Lemmey, sop h omore, p c; Niki Ioannu, junior, finished 14th; and Tracey Librie, junior, followed, plac. . mg 15th. Competitors included runners from Queens high schools such as . .

Forest Hills , Jamacia, and VanBuren.

Since this first' race, Nia has placed first in two other 1.5 mile runs held on October 3 and October 10 at Cunningham Park. For the 2.5 mile race at Van Cortlandt, Park on October 6, Nia placed third overall.

Practices, coached by mathematics \

teacher Joseph Horn, take place four times a week and alway s start with a run to Queens- College. Once at the college, the 27-member team parti cipates in numerous runs around the campus. "As ~e year goes on, practices get easier and easier," stated team member Carrie Hess, sophomore.

The season has just begun with 7 scheduled mee ts remaining. According to Carr ie, "The team is very optimistic." Mr. Horn, who has coached the team for six-consecutive years , thinks that this year 's group has very good potential. "I feel that we still have a chance to finish in the top three for the Queens Championship," stated Mr. Horn. He also think that the "freshmen and sophomore teams haee a chance to finish in the top three of the .Queens Championship."

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8

Girls' Swimming Makes Waves

by Ronnie Sussman " The Girls' Swim Team defeated Bayside High School on October 12, winning the 4 x 100 relay and causing Bayside's first loss in adual-meet in 18 years. This third victory of the season, following the wins of Far Rockaway and Grover Cleveland, is the team's greatest accomplishment this year.

Corning off on 9-0 record last season, the team, along with their coach, James Jordan, has high expectations for this season.

Lori Ann Hom, Jennifer Cheswick, . Lauren Wigo, and Nicole Kissag com pleted the Bayside relay in' 4:31.2 to help lead their team to a47-39 victory.

Wigo won the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, Kissag won the 100 breaststroke and 500 freestyle, and Cheswick won the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.

Photo by Kalen TUbridy l £

LORI ANN HORN and LISAYING await their tum in a swmming relay . .

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"This was the first time in my 10 years ofcoaching that we've had a shot at Bayside,' said Coach Jordan toNewsday. "But the final relay was the key...we'dbecndisqualifiedinourfirst . relay and if we had blown that one, they would have won the meet."

They team was also successful at the Relay Camival. They won 8 out of 12 gold med als.

"We have a good future ahead of us," said sophomore team member Johanna Plavin. Although thirteen players graduated last ye ~, there are a lot of stars to replace them , includ ing Jennifer, Nicole, Lauren, and Kalen Tubridy.

"We are going to win the Borough Championship," said junior Debbie Benik, expressing the team 's newfound confidence.

II

Boys' Track runs .out of steam

by Doug Klein TheBoys' Cross-Country Track team started off on the right "track" October 4 with an easy win over Long Island City, but lost their second meet October 9 to Martin VanBuren.

Van Buren defeated Harris in a 3.1 mile race through the woods in Cunningham Park. Van Buren was obvi ously too hot for Townsend Han-is to handle, with many of their runner~ appearing to be twice the size of the Harris athletes! "I just don 't underI

stand how they're in our division," said Coach Keith Hanson.

Despite their defeat, the team's morale remained high. "It was hard but it was worth it VanBuren was excellent and it made it tougher to do well," said exhausted freshman David Eber.

"It was all right, butI'm disappointed.

We trained very hard to beat them," said captain David Park. 'There will be other times and there will be other races forus to win. We should all thank the coach for giving us the inspiration

to do our best," he added.

In their first match at Cunningham Park , the Harris team showed little difficulty in manhandling Long Island City. Led by David, who placed second overall, the team included many freshmen who were participating in their first official meet. "I'm surprised at how well we did," said Dave . .

The team endured a rigorous training program leading up to their inaugural event, often practicing four to five times a week.

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by Ronnie Sussman The Girls' Varsity Bowling Team defeated Hillcrest, their biggest competition last year, by a score of 612431 in their first game of the season on I October 9.

"We have a good, strong, consistent team and I think we will be a challenge to our competition," said team rnember Alison D'Amico . After a 6-2 record last year, there is a lot of enthusiasm this fall.

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by Doug Klein "It was a heartbreaking loss," said Robin Rothstein, coach of the Girls' N Volleyball Team, "but they played very well," she added.

The team lost to John Bowne, 16-14, 8-15, 15-13, as they saw their record drop to 1-2. "It was a cluse game, and we almost pulled it off. !'vereally seen a lot of improvement from last year's team. Ms. Rothstein really knows what she's talking about," said sophomore Donna Weiss, the team captain.

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"We have the confidence and skill that should pull us through the clutch situations to help lead to another suecessful season," said coach Ellen Schwartz.

Top team players include juniors Shameka Brown, Alison D'Amico, Beverlie Leano, and Amy Schwach..

Brown had a game with a score of184. ' "We havethe talent and are going to win it all," said Amy.

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In their previous game, Townsend Harris defeated Jamaica to claim their first victory of the season. "With hard work, we could definitely get second [place]," said Mary Martin, freshman.

The team had a difficult time in their first game, as they struggled against and lost to Cardozo. Yet they all remained confident. ..

"J have a great, young team, and with hard work and dedication, we should have a great season," said Ms. Rothstein .

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