The Classic newspaper Volume 10 Issue no. 2

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Vol. 10, No.2, March 1994 • ..s

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Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

75-40 Parsons Boulevard. Flushing, NY 11366

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A CLASSIC ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: NATIONAL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATES TENTH YEAR

INSIDE: PULL-OUT SECTION In The Beginning••. A Look at 1984 FIRST ,F OUNDER 'S DAY Westinghouse Talent Search:

Zheng zooms to top 40; Magdi, May get semi-finalist honors

by Beth Mellow

Setting fire to the compe tition and not to the science lab, a Westinghouse Science Talent Search final ist and two semifinalists were produced from the same hallways

Harrisites 'call narrow and constricting.

Shimin Zheng, the only finalist from a Queens high school, traveled to Washington D.C. for the week of March 9-15, where she recieved a medal and a $1000 scholarship award. She and semi-finalists Sally Magdi and Alison Moy, all seniors, learned of their honors last month.

For her project, "Nan oscale Patterning On Silica," Shimin successfully attempted to reduce the time taken to produce microscopic intricate circuits which are used to store or process information in a computer.

The micro intricate circuits created by Shimin will increase the volume of information a computer can hold since the surface area of these intricate circuits is increased.

"A lot of research is being conducted to minimize the size of computers - to make them smaller and more efficient," she explained. "In order to minimize the size of the computer, we have to minimize the size of the integrated circuits." The technology developed by Shimin can facilitate the development of smalle r computers by enabling the integrated circuits to process and store more info rm atio n. According to Shimin, her method of using polymers,

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Westinghouse finalist Shimin Zheng describes her winning project. long chains of repeating molecular units, to maximize the- surface areas of silicon "can be applied to many, many areas." One "promising application" is to increase the surface area of silicon in solar cells so they can generate more electric power, and Shimin plans to do further research on this , possibility.

An early start Shimin gave birth to her brain child two years ago. "I've been working on this [project] since the second term of the tenth grade. Ms . Appel [Assistant Principal of Science] helped me to be placed in a tab at Queens College with a profe ssor [Dr. Miriam Rafailovich]. I got to know the professor while working on my 'SERe project [another science contest]," she said.

Contin ued on page 6

Handling Stress p.14

Referral Reform p.s

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The Classic

March1994 .

No referrals for rubber ducks Think twice before you use a rubber duck, a coconut, or a rock as your hall pass, Instead of going to the bathroom, you may find yourself in Dean Wanda Nix's office , earning a referral for carrying an "unofficial" pass, regardless of whether your subject teacher considers the object an appropriate permi t.

Although this policy has always been part of the Townsend Harris Code of Behavior, it has never been enforced. Several teachers, unaware ofthe established rule, have replaced the "official" Townsend Harris pass with other objects such as rubber ducks, coconuts, rocks, and wooden blocks.

However, now that the entire referral system is being reviewed, Ms. Nix has raised this issue before the referral committee as a problem that needs to be fixed.

According to Ms. Nix, several.students have been caught in the corridors using rocks, chemistry beakers, pieces of paper, and soda cans as hallway passes that were not "true" school passes. Recently, .she has witnessed more violations concerning passes than ever before, which she says contributes to a poor school tone. The referral committee has responded to Ms. Nix 's concerns and has agreed to assign a point value to the violation of carrying illegal passes.

As the policy stands, there is one legitimate hall pass, andthat is the small piece of heavy paper, this term green, featuring a blueprint of the school building. This has always been the case, according to Ms. Nix. She says that students should refuse to take a pass that is not an official one. Question: Wouldn't it be considered insubordination for a student to demand an official pass if the teacher is busy and has allowed the student to exit? After all, disobeying a teacher has always been considered a major offense, and will remain so under the referral system . (See "Referral Committee Makes History," p.5.) Banning alternative passes might place students in some awkward situations . In addition, if the rubber ducks, rocks, and other forms of passes are outlawed, Townsend Harris will lose something special. The alternative passes demonstrate our teachers' originality, and add a touch of humor to our serious curriculum. The inventive passes are a refreshing sight and shouldn't be banned from our humanities school.

There are ways we could keep the creative passes. By simply attaching a piece of the "official" school pass to a creative one, a coconut, for example, could be converted from illigitimate to official. Alternatively,' passes could be registered with Ms. Nix and validated with her signature. Either way, illegal passes could be easily spotted, confiscated, and the bearer of the pass punished in accordance with; the point system.

There is no reason why we should lose the imaginative passes . Don't take away our coconuts and rubber duckies!

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~J{;; Hats off for everyone No hats allowed! is the new policy that has been in effect since February I , ever since the administration decided to settle the arguments raised by students concerning male-female equality. Protesting that the former rule allowing girls but not boys to wear head gear in the school building was sexist and outdated, they had hoped all Harrisites would be granted the right to sport hats. Instead, the indoor wearing of hats has been banned for everyone .

The administration deserves our applause . They have taken a big step to adjust to changing views ofequality and acted fairly and efficiently in an attemptto settle a difficult issue which has been debated by Harrisites for years.

Now that the issue ofequality has been settled, many are discontented, feeling that the regulation against hats violates students' rights to express themselves.

Members of the student body use the argument that there is no established dress code in public schools, claiming that the administration is breaking a rule by restricting hatwear. However, jackets, a type of outdoor apparel, are also not allowed to be worn in classrooms during the school day. Hats fit in the same category of outdoor wear as jackets; therefore, the school's restrictions on the wearing of hats by students should simply be considered an extension of-this rule against jackets. Furthermore, limiting hatwear does not limit students' freedom to express themselves any more than does the restriction against jackets. Precisely because the school does n't have a dress code, we are given plenty of leeway to express ourselves through the clothes we wear.

The school has the right to limit the freedom of a student to wear what he or she wants when the clothes will in some way pose a danger or disrupt the normal activities of a school. Principal Malcolm Larg mann has pointed out that the hats worn by many students, particularly the baseball caps favored by many males, cover their faces and make it difficult for anyone to recognize who is entering the school buildi ng. He added that intruders could gain easy access to the school by wearing such a cap. The rule against hats thus protects the safety ofHarrisites. Hats also disrupt a normal classroom atmosphere by hiding a person's face and making it more difficult for a teacher to see if someone is paying attention.

A school is a place of learning; in order to maintain a proper atmosphere, rules need to be set. Townsend Harris' restriction of hats is just another one of the school's justified rules. Students should realize that it was established for an important reason: to promote a favorable school setting, and not to make students' lives unhappy.

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6Yig:h'::M ~~ €laSS1C ~.JiiIill%iIill&; Senior Editor: Jennifer Sorowitz

Town •• nd Harrl. High School at Queen. CoII.g.

75-40 Parson. Blvd.l'1ushlng, New York 11366

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Editor-in-Chief: Seth Cohen

Beth Mellow & Violetta Ostafin

Wendy Kemp & Kelly Villella

N. ... Editors

Gina Tufaro Lay-out Editor

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Diane Tuite S.nlor Contr lhutlng Ed itor

David Iankelevich Art Editor

Laura Hummel Exchang Editor

Fea ture Edltorl

Dionne Fraser Photog ra phy Editor

Sarah Tremml M.noglng Editor

Readers are inv ~ed to submit letters to the ed ~or. Letters should be placed in Ms .

Cowen's mailbox in the general oftice. The CI...lc reserves the rightt o ed~ all letters.

Letters must include name and official class.

Names will be w~ h he ld upon request.

News Staff - Erik Bloch, Mi chael Garbe r , Luiza Glrlee, Laura HWIlIDOI, Verm ica Lee, Vanes.. Monle., M ichael Munoz,

Violetta Ostafln,

Phylli> Pel, Sarah Tremml, Stace y W inkler - ' ,.~\

Feature Staff - Jessica Gusy, Beth Mattu cci, Cory Mc Crudcn. Fernando Moreno, Jennifer Pee, Roohni Ray, Ellen Schna bel , Amandx Schoen berg, Lawen Shuett, Rcm y Varghe.., Mxrci Welbe r, Boonie Yee

Sports Staff - Shanelle Abtm, Jan Katz , PhyJl i> Pe i, Jes.. Robinsm Photographers _Jenni fer Berssmin , Joanna Dresche r, Stefani. Heim , Lina Kim, V icki Levine, AndIe. Putemsk, Anna Artists _Erik Bloch, Jeshurun Breach, Daniel Ginger ich, Alvaro Ibarguen , Otto Petersen, Jenni fer Tam, Rena Varghe ..

Jyping.- Tar. BaI.bushka

Principal · Dr. Malcolm Largmann

Advisor - llsa Cowen

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;y The Classic .. March1994

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Anti-drugs ads have impact New SAT format comes

by Tracy Sanford You're at a party and having a great time when suddenly the majority's idea of fun becomes diseased. Somebody announc es that they have Marijuana. What feelings go through your mind and body? Is it a rush of excitement or a sick throbbing in the pit of your stomach? Television influences the lives of young Americans today, and the thoughts that go through your mind at the mere men tion of drugs, are the antidrug commercials that are featured on all major networks. • "This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?" Nope. No questions here. It might creep kids out a little, but it does get the message across. Then a commercial comes on where a little boy is despondent because his friends are disappearing. "Don't do drugs. Don't die and go away," he pleads. Young children watch ing this commercial have to be affected by its message.

Next, second graders interrupt your favorite T.V. show singing, "Drugs and alcohol are both the same! They make soup out ofyour brain!" Their melancholy voices almos t seem brainwashing, and those words hold firm in your mind-. Then there are those story-like commercials from The Partnership for a Drug-Free America These tear jerkers are about children who die because their parents haven't taught them about drugs.

Should little kids really be exposed to all of this? One might argue that the constant bombardment of death run on cartoon networks would frighten young children.

How can that possibly do any good?

Well, back to that party. You've been exposed to all of these commercials; the messages have been pounded over and over again into your brain. And what's the result? You' re scared. Is that bad? Well, maybe it's the children who are frightened who will just say "No!"

Letters to the Editor Carolling with Garcia To the Editor: After school on Friday, December 17, I went "carolling" at a local nursing home with Ms. Garcia and several students and faculty members of Townsend Harris High School.

I want everyone in the school community to know this and to understand what it means.

I, personally, found the experience very difficult. I hadn't been in a nursing home in many years, and I wasn't very good at smiling and singing in the midst of all that misery.

But I was filled with admiration and respect for the students who sang, the students who accompanied us on musical instruments, Ms. Appel, Mr. Lustig, Mr. Connelly, and especially, Ms. Garcia.

It seems clear that Ms. Garcia is the force behind us. As my voice broke, she greeted individual patients with a smile and a hand-made ornament (created by students, of course), bounding forth gregariously, energetic , cheerful, hiding her emotions, inspiring the rest of us.

And the students: how would they fare? I was worried about the effect this day would have on them. As we sang, we glanced at each other and kept on. (I understand Ms. Appel "debriefed" them on [the following] Monday; students expressed and shared their emotions.)

Every person in the Townsend Harris High School community and beyond should, first of all, know that kids and teachers do this, frequently. They deserve our support and our thanks. Also, every person should do this - any kind of charity work with people who need human contact - once in a while. To stop a minute. To remember. To realize what they've got, and what they're taking for granted. For a sense of perspective. And of course, to give.

So thank you Ms. Garcia, students, everyone who tried to share some cheer this year.

It's the least we can do.

Judy Biener, Coordinator of Student Affairs

School Service - an unfair policy To the Editor : I feel that it is unfair to require students to do community service to graduate with a Townsend Harris diploma. I understand that teachers would like students to help the community, but backing them into a wall is not the way to go about it Many students feel that they want to help out, but they shouldn't be required to do so.

As you well know, many of the clubs are ones which the community ends up benefiting from. Requirement to join changes the whole meaning of the word service. It makes it sound like people have to do it instead of wanting to do it. If you struggled for four years to pass the tests and do all the collaterals, then you should be rewarded with a Townsend Harris diploma whether or not you decided to join a club or team.

Furthermore, if a student is forced to do something which he/she did not want to do in the first place, his/her heart might not be in it. Then what is anyon e going to get out of it? Nothing!

Another problem with this situation is that students just might not have the time. Some of us live very far away and it may take a long time to travel from home to school and back again. They also have a lot of homework to do and tests to study for. If they joined an after-school or before-school activity, they might not be able to keep up with their

CIO$er to perfection

by Amanda Schoenberg As the calculator-clad juniors file into schools to take their SATs ibis spring, they may be slightly more confident than they were taking the PSATs last year. Why? The answer is the new and improved SAT. The new SAT will be focusing on critical thinking and not just measuring how much students have in their heads. Derek Bole, co-chair of the panel that reviewed the changes, says that the new focus will make for "a more versa tile set of tests." Indeed, the new SATs are a welcome sign of evolution from the typical standardized test.

The major upheaval of the SATs, as well as the PSATs, has included changing its name from Scholastic Aptitude Test to Scholastic Assessment Test. Both the math and verbal sections have been revamped, with impressive results, such as the removal of antonyms and a special grid-in section instead of multiple choice.

In the past, SATs have been criticized _as being biased toward wealthy, white males.

The SATs were also accused ofnot being an accurate indicator of how students will do in college, as they are meant to be. For these reasons, the new SAT was created. As Townsend Harris college adv isor Paul Vicino says , "They felt that they were

making it a more meaningful test that would be more useful to students , rather than just being a gate keeper that decides what colleges they will attend." And they have succeeded.

The questions have been carefully revised and made more general, in the hopes that they will not cater to one specific group . They are thought-provoking and the 15 seconds more per question will provide for well-thought-out answers. Since calculators will now be allowed, students will be able to concentrate on higher level thinking, rather than simple computation.

Does all this make the SATs easier now? Opinions vary on this question. However, the questio n is not really whether they are easier, but if they serve their purpose.

The real purpose of the SATs is to provide an accurate basis for entry into college, and to see how well students will do once they get there. The new SAT will do just this.

Although the SATs are far from the perfect system, they now include more of what they should have always included. The new Scholastic Assessment Testis not the simple standardized test that it once was. It is now a much fairer and more accurate test. What could possibly be next... ...interesting reading passages?

schoolwork.

So maybe this school should take one last look at the service credit requirement and think about what they're doing; then decide whether it is truly fair.

If rv Nicole Bruno

Hat ban diminishes rights of all To the Editor: Contrary to what the leaders of the school believe, true equality is not a product of the abolition ofrights. This is why it came as such a shock to me that, while attending a Student Senate meeting, I learned ofa new rule that was to go into effect on the first day ofthe spring term. It seems that all students, including the previously exempt girls, are no longer allowed to wear hats. I very much blame this on incompetence on the part of the Student Union, but was equally as disturbed to find out the rationale for this abolition of privilege in the eyes of the administration, and most discouraging, some students. Aside from the security issue, a valid but exaggerated concern, there was also the issue of equality.

Some may contend that allowing only certain students the privilege of wearing hats reflects a double standard and thus makes us all somewhat less equal. I, however, see it differently. Equality is based on the proposition of rights for everyone, not on that of no rights for anyone. The well-being of us all is subject to our collective rights, not our individual rights or lack of them . The fact is that we are all students and the denial of any privilege is a loss to all of us. We must sometimes allow a mild amount of inequality to exist so as to enable us to enjoy as many rights as possible. We must see the right of girls to wear hats not through the lens of spite and contempt for the male segment of the population, but alternately through that ofenhancing and enriching the entire student body.

Jesse Strauss

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Focussing on negative in educa.tion To the Editor: I' m writing in response to the editorial that appeared in the November, 1993Classic entitled "Open letter to our new mayor." In this article you state that the media focuses too much on the negative side of the educational system and should focus more on the positive side....

Focusing on the negative will hopefully persuade someone to take action to help these under-educated kids. While the good schools deserve recognition, it is far more important to . help the underachieving schools than to give the achieving schools a pat on the back.

It is essential to remember that we live in a city where many schools are plagued by illiterate and underachieving students; fortunately our school is free of such things. Being one of the few schools without these problems, as well as being a school for the humanities, we should be appreciative of how lucky we are, and be more concerned with helping these students and less concerned with ourselves.

Joseph Gerbasi

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• The Classic March 1994

Conines indicates change in condom policy

by Laura Hummel

Filing into third band classes, students saw their normal subject aims replaced with questions and statements concerning condoms and AIDS prevention on February 4. This lesson was mandated by Schools Chancellor Ramon C. Cortines as part of his new parental opt-out program , which allows parents to prohibit their children from obtaining condoms in school.

The opt-out program "pro vides parents with the opportunity to discuss these issues (HIV and condoms) with their children and help them in making these importantdecisions," wrote Mr.Cortines in a letter sent to all parents of high school students to inform them about the program, and to explain all changes made pertaining to condom availability. In addition to stating his reasons for favoring parental invol vement, Mr. Cortines enclosed a tear-off

for parents who do not wish their children to receive condoms in school. These parents are to send this form to their child's high school principal in an envelope marked "confidential" before August 30, 1994 As in the original condom availability program, confidentiality is assured. Students who wish to obtain condoms are now required to give their OSIS number.

The admin istrator, who has a list of these numbers, will simp ly check to ensure that the student isn't prohibited from participation in the program. "There are no names, just numbers," said Harry Rattie n, Ass istant Princip al of Mathematics and Physical Education. The only parents who will not be allowed to exclude their children from receiving condoms, according to Mr. Cortines' letter, are those of "students who are 18 or older, who are or who have been

parents don't know you're having sex and they send in the form saying you can't receive condoms, they might be killing you."

"I think you should talk to your parents about sex," said an anonymousjunior. "I think that opt-out is right because your parents have the right to know what's going on in their child's life. They made you and they want the best for.you," Whether they agree or disagree with the program, most feel that it won' t acc omplish as mu ch as Cortines wan ts it to. "Ifa kid wants a condom, he or she will get a condom," remarked health and gym teacher Keith Hanson. "As it is pleasing to most who were inter- now, I have students coming in for c ondoms for someone e lse." viewed.

"Condoms.condoms, condo ms ! Themis Millas believes that "it Why should my parents be able to de fea ts the w ho le purpose. " stop me from getting condoms?" Themis is referring to the original as ked an anonymous junior. availability program , appro ved in "Yeah, I don' t think it' s right," 1991, which allowed any student agreed juniorHolliePena. "Ifyour in grades 9- 12 to receiveacondom. married, who areparents, or who are entitled under law ~' give consent forthemselves. " The idea thattheir parents are able to decide ifthey can acquire condoms is agreeable to some Townsend Harrisstudents,but dis-

"I think that parents who wanted opt-out don't understand how the program works. No one is inviting students to come and get condoms, no one is forcing students to come and get condoms.

All we're doing is making them available," said health teacher Ellen Schwartz.

To help parents understand the availability program, and to answer any questions they may have, initiation forums were hosted at six. locations in all five borou gh s during Februar y.

Through these educational meetings, the Board of Education hoped to address concerns and ease parent-child d iscuss ions about condoms by reportin g up-to-date informa tion concerning AIDS and related issues .

"We have to make sure that the students whose parents have taken away this option Jrnow that they can still come to the resource ro om fo r information about health," said M s. Schwartz. "We can still talk about condoms and any other issue."

System-wide recycling to begin soon after long delay

by Diana Tuite

"The regulations are finished and we are in the process of revising the recycling manual to be sent out to public schools." stated Blaire Baker, Environmental Educator for the Environmental Ac-

I ..',) tion Coalition (EAC). Aftermonths of delays, schoolwide recycling in New York City is slated to begin within a few weeks.

The Board of Education's Division of School Facilities had expec ted to institute a new system-wide program in early fall, 1993. This target date itself was a year behind the mandated deadline of Local Law 19, which required all public, private and parochial schools to be recycling by September, 1992 (The Classic, 1/

93). When asked about the further postponement, Alicia Fier, EAC Program Associate for Waste Management, responded, "I t's been a whole system failure with the Board of Education; the Sanitation Department, the Teacher's Union, and the Custodial Union.

You bring all of these huge orga nizations together and it' s very difficult to achieve change. There are 1065 schools in New York City, so it' s difficu lt to get one system that will work for each."

When school opened last fall, the program was at a standstill because of the focus on the asbestos crisis and the transition period with new Schools Chancellor Ramon Cortines.

However, plans for recycling did not collect dust in the-interim.

All the while, the EAC has worked to compile a recycling manual for city schools. "The Board of Education has really been cooperative in its own way. They paid us to write The Road to Recycling, the how-to manual for schools," said Ms. Fier.

According to a New York Times editorial (11127/93), Board of Education facilities produce

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'If you have positive, enthusiastic people, then it will work.'

How is it that some schools have managed to act independently? In terms of the mechanics, once students initiate recycling, it will be treated by the Sanitation Department as residential, or curbside recycling. "The Department of Sanitation must pick up from schools on their district's residential recycling day," said Ms. Fier.She suggests storing white paper .materials ip.

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71,000 tons of waste each year.

One issue involved in recy cling some of this waste is the role of the schools' custodians, who want extra pay for any extra work: Lisa Block, Recycling Consultant for the Office of Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, advises, "You could try to bypass the custodians ,The teachers aren't usually so reluctant."

Before recycling can begin, schools must comply with a Local Law 19 requirement that they name recycling coordinators. According to Ms. Fier, the law also stipulates that the recycl ing coordinators must volunteer, thereby ruling out custodians. She adds that the Board of Education is curren tly considering giving those teachers who volunteer another free period as compensation.

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plastic bags, perhaps in classrooms, and taking them out the day before collection.

Since the Department of Sanitation no longer distribu tes blue bins for recycling, every school in Queens instead received a shipment of clear plastic bags for the storage of paper waste.

"Part of the program's success depends on the individuals in the school. If you have positive, enthusiastic people, then it will work," said Ms . Fier.

Now that the regulations have been revised, the EAC will organize eight more recyc ling work-

shops to help people become more informed and "enth usiastic." In its five former worksho ps at such schools as P.S. 84 and P.S. 50 in Harlem , the group bas also focused onwastereduction."We've worked with every aspect of schools to reduce waste, whether that meant using compost bins or teaching people to use two sides of paper for rexos," said Mr. Baker.

Even before these recycling workshops begin, schoolsmay take action . Following the EAC 's lead, Students for the Preservation of the Earth (SPE) hopes to kick off a paper waste reduction campaign.

Business Weekawards grant

by Michael Munoz and Jesse Robinson

In the recen t "Business Awards for Instructional Innovation," sponsored by Business Weekmagazine, Townsend Harris was selected along with seven other schools as a"Quality School of Choice."

The winners will receive a grant of $5,000 and nationwide publicity. Principal Malcolm Largmann said, "For us, it's most important as a publicity vehicle.

The more publicity, the better it is for the students." McGraw Hill; an educational publishing house, who ran the contest, will publish a book detailing the programs and other special aspects of the eight schools.

This will be circulated around the country and an article will appearin

Greenfield, English teacher lIsa Cowen, and Dr. Largmann wrote a thorough essay describing many aspects of Townsend Harris. Included were the school's history, student body achievements, staff statistics, materials andfacilities, and information on the overall value ofthe school. "Things such as our connection with the college probably caused special interest. We are an urban high school in the middleofNew York City ...We are very racially integrated. We're presenting an example for other schools," said Dr. Largmann. .The grant money will be used in part to give workshops around Business Week. . the country to schools wishing to To apply for the grant, Assis- : emulate. Townsend Harris protant PrincipalofHumanities, Lynne grama : ,~ ~ ~

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The Classic March 1994

by Seth

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Setting policy that affects the entire school community, a committee comprised of faculty ana students is revamping the referra l system, assigning points to all infractions, and laying the founda tion for the school's honor societies, Arista and Archon, to determine a more equitable admissions process. The committee expects to complete the referral reform before the end of this semester.

The reform has come in response to a plethora of student complaints about the original system . Most grievances have been voiced by students who have received "minor" referrals that have stigmatized their records, ruining their hopes of becoming Arista or Archon inductees.

"I think the reform was a good one," said sophomore Michael Lawrence. "A minor offense shouldn't keep you out of honor organizations."

Referr als get point values With the new system in place, each referral will have a point attached to it. For example, a minor infraction such as eating, drinking' and gum-chewing in class will be worth one point. However, a more serious offense would be bringing an unauthorized visitor into the building, worth three points . It is up to Arista and Archon to determine how many points will disqualify a student from entering their societies. Although this number has not yet been determined, it is clear that one or two points will not preclude a student from being an Arista or Archon candidate. This is in contrast to the previous system in which a single referral, regardless of severity, had no scale for the Arista/Archon senates to weigh individually. Any referral mean t trouble for Arista/Archon hopefuls.

In addition, Dean Wanda Nix

pared, without books, pens and homework. J unior committee memberDanielle Carmichael said, "Students have a right to fail. If I want to fail the class, that is my right. I shou ldn't have to come to class prepared." The committee finally valued that referral at one point.

At the outset; it was suggested II by board member Julianne Fisher, I&: senior, that referrals be eliminated ,~altogether. "The process is un~ fair," she said. "Some teachers are ~ referral crazy." Ms. Orner ree, sponded that it was not the job of Refe rring to what's going on, Dean Wanda Nix, principal the committee to add or subtract Malcolm Largman and juniors Natasha Netto and David Ng violations from the Code Of Bediscuss the changes in the referral system. havior, but rather to assign values to offenses. said that the new referral process wouldn't prevent students from Several student leaders told stowill be retroactive to the students' joining Arista). Yet according to ries ofreceiving referrals for smilfirst year at Townsend Harris. Board of Education rules, fighting ing, choking, and eating M&M's.

"Most likely, a referral in the ninth results in automatic suspension "Who has the will power not to grade won't matter to a junior, but from school for up to one year. eat M&M's?" asked junior coma more recent referral, such as one "You're setting policy that will mittee member Natasha Netto. "If received this year., will be con- stand for the rest of history," said we sell them in this school, referverted to its appropriate point," Shiela Orner, Assistant Principal rals should not be handed out," she said Ms. Nix. of Guidance, at the first of several added.

Freshman Shiva Lall said, "The faculty-student meetings on De"There is always a warning beretroactivity is cool. I've gotten cember 3. fore a student receives a referral," into trouble with substitutes and To date, seven meetings have said Ms. Nix. "In ten years, there it's very nice to know that now, been held, and the majority of have only been two referrals for my past troubles are erased and points have been put into place, eating in a classroom," she said. future troubles won't be as se- although more work still has to be "You have to know a teacher's vere ." done. limit," said junior panel member But Shiva is wrong . Any past "It's a long and complicated Sarah Tremml. "You know when referral will still be on record as a process," said Judy Biener, Coor- a teacher has been pushed too far." point value. Whether or not future dinator of Student Affairs. "I am Character: A Major Point troubles will be as severe will de- gratified to see something come A pivotal debate early in the pend on the nature of the out of a natural weakness, with committee's proceedings raised referral.The levels ofaction speci- students involved in the process of the question of what should confied in the Townsend HarrislNew improving it," she said. stitute fair grounds for exclusion York City Code ofBehavior book"These meetings are so interest- from Aristaand Archon. Allagreed let still stand. ing, I love attending them. The that minor offenses should not keep "It is important to distinguish arguments are fascinating," said students out of the honor societies. between the referral system and junior committee member Jenni"This goes beyond Arista and the New York City Board of Edu- fer Chau. The panel often argues Archon," said Principal Malcolm cation rules," said Ms. Nix. "We over the number of points to be G. Largmann. "The point is that a can modify our referral system, assigned to a referral, and much good portion of our student body but the city rules remain intac t." consideration goes into that value felt that certain infractions were To illustrate this, the commi ttee before it is determined, minor and should be removed. The could have valued a referral for There was a heated discussion point system will take care ofthat." fighting at one point, (a price that regardin g coming to class unpreWhatever their poin t values, Ms.

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5

!'J!Y.: feels that certain violations which reveal character flaws should be held in a different category. "I strongly feel that referrals given on the basis of a student's character cannot be given points. Even a petty referral could contain traces of insubordination and disrespec t.

To these, Arista should say 'no,'" she said.

"Character is the most important aspect of Arista. It is a national society," said Ms. Orner.

"A referral that you may consider minor, may be major on Arista's grounds," she said.

The Townsend Harris Code When Townsend Harris reopened in 1984, Ms. Nix, and Ms. Orner helped to devise the original Code of Behavior. Both never expected the referral process to get out of hand.

"It's the old saying," said Ms. Orner. "If it's broken, fix it."

Things should always go through a review process," said Ms. Nix. "In the beginning, we had fewer students and fewer referrals . If a law doesn't meet the needs of the people, it must be looked at."

Ms . Nix claims she is pleased with the reform, although she sadly attributes the need for the point system to the deterioration of student values. " ~ r;! 'I ' ) H)" "In the beginning, there was

more of a sense of community and caring," she said. "If a student lost something, you could be sure it would be found. Those were the days when you didn't have to lock your car, and constantly look behind you, in fear. Sure I am happy with the new system . Sure."

Referral Committee Members: F a cu lty: Dr. Largmann, Ms. Orner, Ms. Nix, Ms. Biener, Ms .

Landry Students: Danielle Carmichae l, Jennifer Chau, Seth Cohen, Dion ne Frazer, Mi chael Munoz, Natasha Netto, David Ng, Alex Oropeza, Sarah Tremmel

Eclectic Winter Concert elicits enthusiasm

by Sarah Tremml Where can you go to hear music from a Broadway show, a classical composer and the Big Band Era all at once? This year, on December 15, you could hear it all in the cafetorium.

The annual Winter Concert was held from 7-9 in the evening before a large audience. Despite the crowded conditions and the lack of chairs, enthusias tic shouts and.cheersofencouragementfilled the room. .

Taking on a whole new form, the concert had a different focus this year.

The chorus, under the direction ' of its new teacher Florence McKiuley, sang,various types of songs.

There were traditional boliday.

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songs such as "Jingle Bells" and "Cas tle On a Cloud" from the play

faculty and the alumni sang the "Eighteen Days ofTowns end Harris to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christrnas." Lyrics such as "tC'路 minute jogs," "six Timots Tut;J~~ day," and "eighteen hours of home~ work" brough t iaugbs from the au-

Les Miserables.

The instrumental part of the concert featured the beginner, intermediate, and Concert bands, as well as a new addition, the jazz ensemble. All the bands were under the direction of their new instructor, Peter Lustig.

New this year were the solos in -the instrumental performances.

In particular, the jazz ensemble featured several soloists.

Saxaphonists Ian Katz, junior, and Valerie Fristachi, sophomore, had extended solos. Sophomore Evan Avdoulos on the xylophone and Marlon Danielson on the clarinet were also featured artists.Tbe .piece ''The Starsand StripesFor-

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"On the whole, the concert was successful. At one point the 1拢1 audience was too rude, but the ~ ~ chorus and bands were excellent," Stru~ng a tune, f~eshmen Mirella DeRose and Adrienne Socci said Ms. McKinley. entertain at the Winter Concert.

When asked to compare this

i- very

ever" by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Kieth Brian, was played by members of the Concert Band, rof<}conductedbyAssistant Director Michael Bergman, senior. He said;"The concert went very well. .Lwas really .surprised. The bands

played very well, and the audience year's performance with previous was fantastic. I was really pleased." concerts, junior Hollie Pena reJunior Farrah Sulner thought plied, "All of the concerts were "the best part was the finale." It good. However, this one was ex was a planned, comical poke at the cellent. As usual, the ConcertBand idiosyncrasies of Townsend Har- was very good, 'but this year the tis 路life. E~ghteenmembers .of the:. jazZ.ensemble,stole .thesbow."

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6

The Classic March 1994

Creativitiy Fair highlights classroom projects

by Luiza Girlea Displays and activities dem onstrating classroom projects and individual inventiveness were once again featured at the second annual Creativity fair on January 27, as the fall semester came to an end. Exhibits ranged from clay sculpted boats and a marriage booth to presentations designed to sensitize students to other cultures The gymnasium was con: verted from a place of physical education to one of cultural understanding. A Greek booth showcased postcards, money, pottery, posters, and maps from all parts of Greece.

Junior Diamond Prassakos, sophomore Mercy Petroutsos and freshman Dean Galitsis produced the display.

Another cultural highlight was the performance of a Japanese tea ceremony. "People seemed to enjoy themselves as they were participating in this very traditional and ceremonial event that is still a very significant part of Japanese culture," commented junior Vera ¡Ng. Felicia Vinci, junior, wore a traditional red and white Italian peasant dress . "My mother made it," she explained. "It's a part of our culture that many people rarely ,Jl ~J II ?Il.;) 'nl ~ t).'" â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ get to see, so this IS a perfect

occasion for students to familiar ize themselves with it."

This year 's fair marked the seco nd time that the former Human ities and Science fairs were incorporated into one event which involved all the departments of the school. Assistant Principal of Science Susan Appe l and AssistantPrincipal ofHumanities Lynne Greenfield were once again the organizers.

"The Creativity fair is a great time for students to share their work," said Ms. Appel. "It also shows that our students have talents in many fields, not just in academics. It' s an exciting time to experience."

"It's a great opportunity to showcase our students' talent, which is enormous and is a pleasure to see," said Coordinator of Student Affairs Judy Biener.

Ms. Appel's Social Science Research class ran a popular booth that tallied students' favorite movies and songs of 1993 . Script, action, special efects, as well as lyrics and rhythms were taken into consideration before students cast their votes.

"It took us a week to put it together but it's an interesting activity because you can see what everyone likes and find outif you're

Marianne DeMarco, sophomore, and Felicia Vinci, junior, share thei r Italian heritage at the annual Creativity Fair compatibl e with them, " commented j unior Rebe cca Parker.

"The votes are difficult to tally manually," added junior Kali Lau. The Classic will publi sh the results in the next issue.

At other booths, students had their names transcribed in Hebrew and in modem or class ical Greek.

Others had their birth dates written in Latin.

Thefair was greeted with many positive reactions. "This fair

allows us to express our artistic creativity and backgrounds," said junior Eleni Bardis.

"The Creativity Fair was a blast.

It was interesting, educational and fun ," sa id sophomore Michael Lawrence, whose favorite display was the "Jeopardy" game that quizzed stude nts on their knowledge of TheTaleoftwo Cities, The Rime ofthe Ancient Mariner, and The Odyssey, and awarded candy to the .winners. Junior Christine

research in science and social sciSally took reading passages on ence, Ms. Appel works along with AIDS and Cancer and re-worded other teachers and directly with the them using; metaphors. There was students. She commented that sue- also a control set of the original cess in the Westinghouse competi- passages. Sally distributed the readtion "always comes as a surprise." ings in Physics classes. After a few "We never know how they judge," days, she returned and tested the she said. "Our average is 25% [of students 0111 what they had read. entries winning per year]. That's The results of Sally's experiwhat we hit this year." ments and her library research conShimin said there were some dis- curred with her hypothesis. Figucouragingmoments. "At one point rative language does aid an indiduring the research, my professor . vidual in the retention of informamoved to Stony Brook, so it was tion. hard . Last year's finalist, Daihung Alison Moy, the other semifiDuong, who helped me to establish nalist, attempted to answer the myself in the lab, gave me a lot of question posed in her report title, encouragement. Over the summer, "Are Chinese-American Men More we went out to Stony Brook. I go Discriminated Against on the Job out there when I can," explained Marke t Than Chinese- American Shimin.

Women?"

Soc ial Science Projects "After rea ding affirma tive acSemi-finalistSally Magdica1led tion articles, I thought Chine se her winning social science project women would have a better chance "Retention ofInformation Through titan men in succeeding in the job the Incorporation of Figurative market," said Alison.

Lan gu age in to Scientific PasIn order to prove the valid ity of sages." She said, "It deal t with her hypothesis, Alison researched imagery and figurative language periodicals and journals in the lisuch as metaphor, alli teration, per- brary. She mailed surveys to Chisonifica tion, and simile. My re- nese-Americans in New York.

The results contradicted he r search would indicate whether they would serve in a science passage as origi nal hypothes is. The majority well as in an Eng lish passage to of Chinese -Americans did not feel expand the abili ty to retairi infor- discriminatedagainst.In fact, feelmation,' ings of discrimination were more

prevalent among women.

Even more than that, the majority ofChinese-Americans surveyed said it wasn't hard to obtain an entry level position, but it was difficult to receive a promotion. In sociological terms, this is referred to as a "glass ceiling." Once a certain point is reached, an individual cannot progress.

Both Sally and Alison were astonished by their achievements. "I didn't expect my placing because I heard that social science never wins," said Alison.

Sally agreed. "I was completely surprised. I couldn't believe it. I came into school on the 18 ofJanuary and my friends told me. Itmade me feel good, but I was shocke d."

Alison discovered that she was a semi-finialist in a uniq ue manner.

"A female reporter from a Chinese newspaper cam e to my house and told me. She had got ten a fax from Washington D.C. The reporter came for an interview ," Alison exp lained.

The Westinghouse participants differed in how time-consuming they found the contest to be . "Until December, I did nothing but a Westinghouse," Sally said.

"Doing Westinghouse was timeconsuming. I'm in Archon , Quantum Cat [the science magazine],

Some enjoyed the fair even more than in previous years . Junior Daphn e Faldi said, "It was more exciting this year because students seemed to be more involved in it. There was a livelier atmosphere throughout the whole day that had not existed at past fairs."

"There were many activities in which the onlookers got to participate, such as the hair braiding and the Japane se tea ceremony," said junior Tatiana Carett. "We didn 't have ju st booths decorated with posters and information. I also liked the fact that there was music. I hope that next year in our new school, the Creativity Fair will have even more interesting things."

Zheng wins in Westinghouse continued from page 1 Shimin was surprised to find out that she was selected as a finalist.

"I didn't know how the judges picked semi-finalists and finalists.

I had confidence in my project, but you just never know," she said.

"I was very, very happy," she added. "The feeling is like eating toasted marshmallows, very warm and very sweet. Projects are getting more sophisticated. It's really an honor with family and friends."

Many people took part in Shimin's success. Professors Miriam Rafailovich and Jonathan Sokolov, formerly of Queens College and now at Stony Brook, advised her on the project. The graduate students who worked with her in the lab assisted her in observationsof substances under the atomic microscope and in the development of pictures for her entry .

Physics teacher Philip Jones supporte d Shimin throughout her research. "Physics does itagain !" he said. "Last year my student was [also]a finali st....Physics is batting 100."

Others who advised Shimin included English teacher Harriette Blechman , who helped her and other We stinghouse participants revise their papers, and Ms . Appel.

As the coord inator of independent

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and the Math Team, but I also wanted to participate in sports. It conflicted with my time in the lab so I had to give up on that," said Shimin.

Alison felt differently. "My project didn't take away too much time. I was still able to take part in clubs and track team," she said.

The triumphant trio evaluated Westinghouse as a valuable experience. "I learned a lot of things from this experience. Ileamedhow to think and put an idea into actuality. It was really rewarding. I met a lot of peopl e. I went to places that I've never been to before," said Shimin.

Sally felt, "My Westinghouse was a direct reflectiono f myself. It was abo utassimilating thehumanities and sciences. I have alway s been cau ght between the humanities and the sciences. I was give n the opportunity to research some thing that is important to me. That's the key to doing a Wes tinghouse ."

Alison said, "In retrospec t, I thought it taught me how to research and have faith in myself. If I had the chance to do it over, I would."

Vanessa Moralres contributed to this article.

Theelassic . March1994

7

Martinez wins three-week trip to Israel

by Kelly Villella Sight-seeing, hiking and snappling (descending a mountain by rope) in Israel became reality for junior Marlella Martinez when she won the contest that entered her in the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program. The program consisted of a three- week trip to Israel, which began on November 25.

Partners For Global Education (a committee ofthe America-Israel Friendship League), Council of the Great City Schools, and the President International Youth Exchange Initiative sponsored the program. The exchange program had been running for many years in New York City until three years ago, when it had to be halted due to lack of funding. This year they were able to gather the money, so the program was reinstated.

Schools Chancellor Cortines was happy with the results, so he plans to continue the program.

111 1 1 1 1, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1~ 1~I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 'Mariella entered the competition by writing an essay.'

Marlella found out about the contest from JoanWalsh, Assis tant Principal of Foreign Languages, who received information about it from the Superintendent's office. Marlella entered the com petition by writing an essay, filling out an application and sending a

She arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv on November26. In Tel Aviv, all of the 80 students in the American delegation travelled together, staying in youth hostels.

The youth hostels had bunk beds and required four people to stay in each room. The rooms did not have televisions, sofas, or radios. ·1 However, there was a television in ::s the reception room. She ;;""'"'~I~ commented that the communal i .fj ~ dining room was particularly o interesting because they met and § spoke to complete strangers from ,;."",,,, ~0.. countries such as France and

i"

Youth Ambassador Mariella Martinez stops for a breath of Mediterranean air during her trip to Israel. teacherrecommendation. The contest also required her to go for an intervie w where Mariella was asked what she had to offer to the peopleoflsraelandwhatshe would wish for if she were given two wishes. "I'm offering myself; I'm . an open-minded person and I don't tend to make judgments quickly. I like to form my own opinions from what I see and experience, and not based on what others think," she replied to the first question. "After the interview, I was a bit nervous because someofthe questions were a bit unexpected," she said.

Th e day after the interview, the League notified the school that Marlella had been chosen. "I was on an English trip to the museum, and after I got back to school, I left

for lunch. I came back for basketball practice and was told that I should go to Dr. Largmann's office immediately. Fiinally he came out of his office and congratulated me for being one of the 12 from the New York City delegation. It then hit me that I had one week to get ready," she recalled.

For three days before Thanksgiving, she attended the orientation at the Hotel Bedford in Manhattan with two hundred teenagers from both the Israeli and American delegations. Six chaperones, whu were to go on the trip, were also present. There they found out about the monetary rate ofexchange, how towork the phone system and many other facts about life in Israel.

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'Schools in Israel are very different from those in America.'

After Tel Aviv, the delegation divided into three groups of ap proximately 25 people. Each group travelled to two host cities where each teenager was assigned to stay with a different family.

Marlella's group headed to the cities of Netanya and Arad where she lived with two families for a few days. Both gave her a room of her own. While she stayed with them, sne parncipatec m tneir everyday life-styles, attended school with the children of her host fami lies, toured, and took part in the varlous social functions that were arranged for the delegation.

AIDS Victim speaks out; warns youth

by L uiza- '~U:_I u ......

M "If I knew then what I know now, I would not have AIDS," sai d 36-year-old AIDS activist Wayne Fischer to the Enrichment audience in the library on December 2. Mr. Fischer devo tes much of his time to telling students about living with the deadly virus and warning them to abstain from behavior that may put them at risk of contrac ting it.

1 1·jl l j j:·:I!l l ljl :1 1:1:!:I!: !:!: :I ~:I:i! !i i l.:·l!I!·!l l! : !I:i.li.li!I :I!l l l!: !I:I I :.:'1 1: : 1: 1: : 1:1 1 :1 1·1 ' I vowed to fight to live.'

Mr. Fischer tested HIV positive in 1987. He has been recently diagnosed with AIDS due to the drop in his T4 Cells which protect the immune system from disease.

He contracted the virus in the early 1980's by having unprotected sex with gay partners, but is not aware of the exact person who infected him.

"When I was first diagnosed with HIV. I was scared but not

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Mariella observed that the schools in Israel are very different from those in America. The buildings are large and the classes are a comfortable size. She also noticed that the classes take place in a very relaxed setting; between classes, music plays over the loudspeaker. Marlella noted that the teachers exercised little control over the students, and that the schools' lack ofdiscipline resulted in a somewhat chaotic atmosphere.

The only punishment for bad behavior was to be kicked out into the hall. Students seemed to be more preoccupied with military service than with school work, since it's mandatory for all 18year-olds to enlist in the army for two years. However, Mariella admitted that they do learn a lot.

They start taking three languages at a young age, and have a full schedule of classes every day of the week but Saturday, which is their Sabbath. "In the classrooms, we [Americans] were always asked what we had learned about Hitler and what we had learned about World War II," she said.

At the host families' houses, Marlella said she had to adjust to the culture and food . Since they were celebrating Chanukah while _. ,,' , ~H" she was there, their houses were decorated with religious symbols and they ate special food for the holiday. Marlella explained that if continued on page 8 ;-li'!}

projects such as the AIDS activist group ACT UP and his life has been made into a documentary Ai t2 fiR' ' i .ii • . # . " BJ regularly aired on T.V . station really shocked because I knew so N.Y. l called AIDS: Journal oj many people in the gay commuHope. He tries to stay in top physinity that had HIV and we weren't cal shape by lead ing a healthy real ly informed about how serious lifestyle which includes being a it was. We didn' t use condoms vegetarian, excercising at a gym because we didn't worry about four times a week, meditating, gopregnancy... .I vowed to fight to ing to therapy every week, and tit. >:"1'live," said Mr. Fischer. ~ keeping a positive attitude. He "I respect the fact that Mr. uses Chinese h erbs a n d Fischer was so open with the gro up. is pentamadine, an inhaler that pre'uJjJfl' ~~ I'm grateful that men like him ~ vents and treats pneumonia, as <~ have the courage to confront us .a medicine. and encourage us to learn more Acti vist Wayne Fischer elucidates what it is like to live with AIDS "I reall y applaude Wayne abou t AIDS. This is probably the at a special E nrichment.

Fischer. I can imagine how hard it best method to finding a cure for must be for him to come to terms AIDS," stated sophomore health statis tics - to understand that be hard enough to be gay and open with his disease. He' s ~eally com Stephanie Vangelatos. sex is risky and that "somebody about it, but to also have AIDS and fortable with himself. I wish more The decision to speak pub- like me who looks healthy can carry talk abo ut it takes real courage, " people could feel that way," relicly abo ut his virus was made in the deadly virus." commented freshman Jennifer marked junior Hollie Pena . the fall of 1990 while he was teach"I don' t think that people Sobrino. 'r Emotionally, this experience ing special education at should wait for the person .to tell Mr. Fischer said AIDS was has. given Mr. Fischer greater Manhattan's Martin Luther King them they have HIV....You should the wake-up call that put things strength. He said he's been very Jun ior High School. At a Board of assume everybody is HIV positive into perspective for him. It was a fortunate because his famil y and Education hearing, he revealed he because you are responsible for long process accepting his disease friends have been very supportive. had the virus and conveyed his your own body and life and if you but it has not hindered his commit- "There is so much darkness and support for comprehensive AIDS don't get tested before having sex ment to life . negativity in our society, but each education, including condom dis- with them, you're putting yourself "When the concept of death hit day I focus on gratitude. I don't tribution. He "came out" about at risk. Don' t deceive yourselves," , me ;'i got the message that I shou ld have a lot of fears about dying . try to live life to the fullest," said because I believe we aremore than his infection because he wants said Mr. Fischer. teenagers - many of whom are "I think it took a lot of courage Mr. Fischer. j ust a body ...our spirit will be back sexually active, according to city , to do whatMr. Fischer did. Itmust He is involved in several and will live on," stated Mr. Fischer.

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• The Classic

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March 1994

Cancer victim conveys anti:.smoking message

by Veronica Lee and Jessica Gazsy Many people know him as Joe Camel, but to the American Cancer Society, the symbol of Camel cigarettes is known as "Cancer Joe," their main rival in the campaign against smoking.

In order to combat "Cancer Joe" and all he stands for, David Bresnick, a cancer survivor, along with rep resentatives from the American Cancer Society, visited the school and discussed the harmful effects of smoking during a special Enrichment on November 30. The program, organized by health teacher Ellen Schwartz, was a follow-up to the Smoke-Out Day activities on November 18.

Ten years ago, Mr. Bresnick was diagnosed with throat cancer, which developed as a result of his smoking. At the age of 62, he underwent an operation to remove his larynx. This procedure involved cutting a hole in his neck in order to re-route his breathing passages.

Mr. Bresnick, like many other cancer survivors, has had to deal with great changes in his life. He uses a device held to his throat in order to talk, and breathes through a hole in his neck because of extensive damage to his air passages.

The breathing hole precludes his engaging in many activities he once enjoyed. "I used to love swimming, but I can't go now because I could drown," he said. As for his voice which has a mechanical sound, Mr. Bresnick said, "Sometimes people make me feel like a freak. They run away from me.

They laugh and hang up when

the 'cool' camel in a tuxedo, with idea about smoking. Joe Camel,

a city skyline in the background, one of the American Cancer smoking. These advertisements sway viewers to believe smoking is not deleterious to one's health" said Bresnick. However, Mr. Bresnick wants to clear up the misconceptions o f smoking.

"There is no safe cigarette. Tobacco companies are your enemy. ] They are a bunch of liars. They ~ make cigarettes, they sell them, ~ but they don't buy them," he said. ~ Cancer of the lungs, throat .8 0. and tongue may develop from A living example of the d~ngers ?f smoking, David Br~snick, who smoking. Some cancer patients end has no larynx, uses a special device to speak at an Enrichment. up losing their senses of smell and they hear me on the telephone. It Joecer] to happen to you. I don't taste. Mr. Bresnick warns that cancer does not always lead to quick still hurts, even after ten years." want it to happen to anyone."

However, he said the best support In a report from the Surgeon death: "[It] can be a long, uncomhe received from his family was General, nicotine was declared the fortable, very painful death." their decision to quit smoking af- most addictive drug .on the marIn reaction to Mr. Bresnick's ter his operation. ket. The report indicated that is explanation about his operation, Today, Mr. Bresnick spends the average age at which peole Sophomore Annie Kuo said, "I time talking to adolescents about begin to smoke. Linda Scarcella was really fascinated by the way the dangers ofsmoking. ''The only of the American Cancer Society he could talk without a larynx." way you will not smoke is if you said, said "Things you do at this Sophomore Eric Alcaron said, "I know enough about it," Mr. age relate to whether or not you'll felt sorry for him. It was very Bresnick said. "I come and talk to have cancer at a later age." Mr. said." Eric also felt that Mr. people because I don't want it Bresnick said, "As a young per- Bresnick's speech would prevent [cancer] to happen to you. I don't son, I thought I knew everything. him from ever smoking .

They told me smoking could kill .

Finally, Mr. Bresnick rewant it to happen to anyone."

In a report from the Surgeon me. I never thought I would get minded students that there is nothGeneral , nicotine was declared the cancer, but I was wrong." ing gained from smoking. "you most addictive drug on the marAccording to Bresnick, can enjoy life without the cigaket. The report indicated that 12 is satistics say 434,000 people die rette. Only 15% of teenagers the average age at which people each year from smoking, yet glam- smoke. Give in to the 85% of begin to smoke. Linda Scarcella our ISalways associated with ciga- nonsmokers; maybe the rest of the of the American Cancer Society rettes. Mr Bresnick said that ad- 15% will join you." said,'Things you do at this age vertisements depic ting smokers According to Mr. Bresnick, starelate to whether or not you' ll partying and having fun are giving tisticssay434,OOOpeople dieeach have cancer at a later age." Mr. peoplethe wrong idea aboutsmok- year from smoking, yet glamour is Bresnick said, "As a young per- ing. Joe Camel, one of the Ameri- always associated with cigarettes. son, I thought I knew everything. can Cancer Society's biggest en- He said that advertisements deThey told me smoking could kill emies, appeals to children, caus- , picting smokers partying and havme. I never thought I would get ing them to believe smoking is ingfunaregivingpeoplethewrong cancer, but I was wrong."Cancer "cool." "Advertisements feature __

Martinez wins trip they served meat. they must put on a table cloth, and no dairy products were allowed at the table at the same time. They ate Israeli salad at almost every meal. She dined on falafal (fried garbanzo beans in pita bread), schwarma (fried turkey meat in pita bread), and latkas (potato pancakes). She also sampled bamba, which looked like cheese doodles, but tasted like peanut butter.

During her stay in Israel, Mariella attended various social functions that were arranged for all the Americans to participate in with their hosts. The events included ~ night trip to ' an amusement park in Tel Aviv, a bonfire on the beach until sunrise and a surprise birthday party for one American student. The host teenagers brought them to Musa, a pub, and popular hangout. In general, the Israeli teens go out

very late and come home around two in the morning. When Marie lla was there they often came home in the early morning hours even when the y had school. "It's not something you can experience in New York because in Israel it' s very safe. Parents didn't have second thoughts about us going out every night. There's really no crime-at least we didn't see it," she noted.

1::i l l : l il~I li li~:i ~li ~i·~il :.~:il l~,I:1 :~ i !:I .!~:li·I. ~·I ·I:li:I I! I I : !I:l i~1.l i!: ~!i~I ~I!i· ~1 1 'The Israeli people are very friendly and open.'

According to Mariella, the teenagers dress similarly to Americans;jeans are their favorites items. The music, however, has a more European influence, except

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(continued from page 7) for the American heavy metal . She no ticed that club, house and alternative music domi nate the teenage scene.

"The Israeli people, especial ly very the teenagers, are straightforward and direct. They don't try to hide what they really feel. In Israel, people I spoke to were veryopinionated. In America, people conform with their ideas.

It's diverse in Israel. The Israeli people are very friendly and open," sheanswer ed when asked how they differed from Americans .

Mariellahad the opportunity to experience new activities with her group.

They went snappling(descending a mountain by rope), .hiked to the Mediterranean and Dead Seas, and went to a Bedowin open air market called Beersheva. She also visited the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Eliat and Masada, which used to be the site if

an ancient Roman civilization. At this historical sight. Mariella was informed that a mass suicide of Jewish slaves occurred.

l·li li:l l l l :il l !l l l l l il:~ ·i li l !l li l !il :I :il:il il il ~!I !:l l l il il :il il l il :l :il i :I~1 'They want to return to Isr ael in in the summer.'

In Jerusalem, the group saw .sites that were importan t to the three religions of the region-Judaism, Islam and Chris tianity. These sites incl ude d Dome on the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall and Church of the Anunciation. She also visited Yad Veshem-the Israeli National Holocaust Museum. She remarked that the tour guides were excellent.

"We were taken directly to the sights and told this is the spot where this happened, and this is the spot where that happened," Mariella explained.

Although Americans see images

Society's biggestenemies, appeals to children , causing them to believe smoking is "cool." "Advertisements feature the 'cool' camel in a tuxedo, with a city skyline in the background, smoking . These advertisements sway viewers to believe smoking is not deleterious to one ' s health" said Bresnick.

However, Mr. Bresnick wants to clear up the misconception s of smoking . "There is no safe cigarette. Tobacco companies are your enemy. They are a bunch of liars.

They make cigarettes, they sell them, but they don't buy them," he said.

Cancer of the lungs, throat and tongue may develop from smoking. Some cancer patients end up losing their senses of smell and taste. Mr. Bresnick warns that cancer does not always lead to quick death: "[It] can be a long, uncomfortable, very painful death," he said.

In reaction to Mr. Bresnick's explanation about his operation, Sophomore Annie Kuo said, "I was really fascinated by the way he could talk without a larynx."

Sophomore Eric Alcaron said, "I felt sorry for him . It was very said." Eric also felt that because of Mr. Bresnick's speech, he would never smoke.

Finally, Mr . Bresnick reminded students that there is nothing gained from smoking. "You can enjoy life without the .cigarette,' he said. "Only 15% ofteenagers smoke. Give in to the 85% of nonsmokers; maybe the rest of the 15% will join you."

of the violence in Israel, Mariella says she never felt her safety threatened. She believes that these are false pictures portrayed by the media for the sale purpose of ra tin gs. She ha d to become accustomed to al ways seeing soldiers. "It was a little bit of a surprise at first, because they were only a little older than I was," she commented.

She told about one incident that occurred when the group was on the way to Arad. She said th1lt they were late in arriving due to backedup traffic on the highway. The group later discovered why traffic had come to a halt. An Arab had started randomly shooting at people on the highway.Mariellamade sure to mention that they had never witnessed any of this.

Mariella said that during the course of her trip, her group of 25 became close like brothers and sisters. They have decided that they want to return toIsrael this summer, as a group, possibly on an archaeological dig.

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9

Tenth year evokes memofies ofbeginning

by Luiza Giurlea Over 1350 applications were reviewed, but only 247 students were chosen to make up the first class of the new Townsend Harris High School for the Humanities in the summer of 1984. The final selection was comprised of eighth grade students from public, private, and parochial schools throughout New York City, including two pupils from Staten Island, 37 from Brooklyn, 20 from Manhattan, 35 from the Bronx, and the remainder from Queens.

"Our first collection of student applications were kept in two cardboard boxes," said Assis tant Principal of Pupil Services Sheila Orner. "As we viewed and reviewed each application (at least a hundred times ), each name became etched in our minds. One of the most exci ting and grati fying experiences of my professional career came when I was fmally able to connect faces with the names of the first entering class . It was then that I realized that we were finally a real school and not just two cardboard cartons," she said.

The process of reopening an old school in Queens that closed in 1942 on the City College Campus in Manhattan was intricate. "There was an abundance of opposition to Townsend Harris from other Queens schools. [They] were afraid we would be drawing the best students," said Susan Appel, one of the revived school's first biology teachers ' and now Assistant Principal ofScience. [See Alumni dream, p.IO] "Many schools' PTA's were against it. Lots of people said it wasn't going to open," said Assistant Principal Malcolm Rossman.

"I knew we had a good program," added English teacher and Attendance Coordinator Harriette Blechman. "We only could have been stopped by outside forces, like a lack of funds or opposition from other schools," she said.

Teachers who heard about the new school through colleagues and news reports were offered the opportunity to take part in the opening of a school for the humanities.

"I was ready for a change and I thought it sounded exciting to be involved in the creation of something new. Also, Dr. Largmann had a good sales pitch," remarked Dean Wanda Nix. "I heard a rumor about a strange new school with strange new kids," said Spanish teacher Joan Walsh, who is now Assistant Principal of

Foreign Languages. "I was intereste d since the school was teaching Latin in addition to Spanish. In college I minored in Latin, so I decided to take a chance with this new school and sentin my resume."

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'We were finally a real school and not just two cardboard cartons.'

"On the first day of school we served j uice and cookies to the entering freshmen and to each of us, the refreshments tasted like champ agne and canapes," commented history teach er Myron Moskowitz, the school's first Coordinator of Student Affairs.

Numerous problems plagued the school when it opened but the students and faculty managed to overcome the year's difficulties.

Much of the furniture had not been delivered so the staff used large boxes as desks.

"The first day we walked in, there were no chairs. We sat on the floor for the first several weeks," recalled Mr. Rossman.

There were also no books; for English classes, entire myths were rexographed. Math books were among the first to arrive.

"Staffmembers borrowed supplies from helpful colleagues in other schools and we used carbon paper because we had no copiers; we had to do our photo copy work at Solomon Schechterand Parson's Junior High School," . said Ms. Appel. ' Ili..::.I:..I:..:I·:.ii.:...I:ill·!I::II:.I.i..lil:I..il·i.i..il:i···!!··:ll!!!:II·.:·ii···:·::.I:.:·.:·li:i·iillii·ii:·:i·I·II·.lli.I.1

'The first few weeks we had no cabinets or supplies.'

"The first few weeks we had no cabinets or supplies," recalled art teacher Anthony Morales. "They weren't delivered to us until the middle of the first term. It was a difficult start because we had to improvise with a small budget and teach art with a very limited source ofmaterials. I found this challenging because it required me to use the simplest means to teach the subject."

SecretaryJoAnneGruber,who

was also a memiber of the original staff, and whose 'daughter attended Townsend Hami s the first year it opened, stated, "Asamother, I will never forge t se eing . my daughter come home witJha bunch of handouts each day nhe first month of school. It was a riot because it reminded me offpre-school where teachers give out sheets each day.

But we functioned and they [students] learned, land we did it withou t anything."

The first class consisted of ninth graders oinly, which created a sense of closeness and unity among studen ts, and faculty members.

"All the problems we encountered made us stronger and closer.

Every teacher kmew every student, and I've never seen such a closeness among faculty members; it still is an absolutely amazi ng staff," commented Ms., Appel.

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'All the problems we encountered made us stronger and closer.'

instantly. I had the feeling it was the fastest time in my life."

"The students felt very discouraged because they were trying something new," said Ms . Appe l.

"Many of the girls complained about the scarcity of males. The ratio of girls to boys has become greater since the beginning," said Ms. Appel.

Over the last decade Ms. Nix has noted a change in the students.

"Students are more self-centered now," she said. "In the beg inning it wasn't the attitude of 'all for me,' as it is now."

However, Mr. Morales feels "the overall qual ity of the students has improved over the las t ten years. I find that the students are more serious, objective and more skilled."

Ms . Mandell added that she has always liked the eagerness and friendliness of the students.

"The kids haven't changed.

Each has its own personality," remarked Ms. Orner.

Enriching the Minds Enrichment was created by Principal Dr. Malcolm Largmann because he realized many students lived far away from the school, and he wanted them to have the opportunity to participate in an extra curricular activity. Among the first Enrichments presented were drama. needle craft, and the debate team.

Now the pioneer faculty are awaiting the completion of the new building that will be located on the Queens College campus.

"We thought by the time they [the first class] were seniors, we would be in a new building," said Ms. Appel. She is still looking forward to the move. "It will give us more room to do the things we want to do," she said. She will especially enjoy the Projects Room where experiments can be set up and left undisturbed.

Ms. Nix remarked that she is excited about the move. "There will be two gyms and a lot more space. We certainly hope to add m

"I feel very proud," said Ms. Walsh. "I feel a sense of eternal attachment to the students and the school. Since I have been here, I feel that the only way to educate is to educate the Townsend Harris way."

"The building seemed much bigger then," said Ms. Gruber. "We used to be a very intimate group where everyone knew everyone by name. That was nice. The lunchroom was a real learning place.

We all exchanged ideas and discussed our obstacles. I felt as though we were participating in the making of a new world or the birth of a child," she said.

Math teacher Linda Mandell agrees that the firstyear had a ''nice and warm feeling to it."

At a recent reunion of the first graduating class, Ms. Blechman figured out that there were only Ilillii:ii::I:I:llilllllliilil:!IIII·IIIII:IIIIIIIII·l1::liiillllillllilill.:!llil:I.I:II:·.iil!ii.iiilllllIliiiiiil·ll:i:il.::iii:::::11 three kids she had never personally taught. She regrets the loss of this closeness between teachers and students, butsaid, "We had to lose that closeness as we got bigger. Now we'respecial in a different way."

Mr. Rossman feels the first Ms. Blechman is also eager to year "seemed like a weekend."

"The year just started and ended move to the new school, espe-

'The students are more serious, objective and more skilled.'

cially because of the new options that will be offered for dramatic performances . "I' ll to do more m usicals ," she promised. "It willbe easier on the bigger stage." She has coordinated musical performances before and plans to work closely with the music teacher in doing so.

The new building will also benefit the art department. In addition to a greater amount of space and equipment there will be a terrace on which students will be allowed to sit and draw or scu lpt during warm weather.

"We are now heading more and more in the direction of a real" school environment. We're now in a cocoon, but are slow ly break ing out of it, especially when we move to the new building," stated Ms . Gruber.

"Very few people are given the opportunity to create a new school as we are. We were able to do many creative things and this will again occur once we are settled into the new building," said Mr. Rossman. "I'm a little intimidated when I think about the problems and chaos we' ll encounter lfu t'i f~llf:.;H:;H just be another exciting challenge," he said.

Ian Katz, Michael Munoz, Violetta Ostafin, and Amanda Schoenberg contributed to this article. i

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Unique A Winning Entry in the Founder's Day Challenge Excerpts by Jonathan Meisel Townsend Harris is the only .. place where: • You can mention SPAAand not be talking about a vacation resort.

• You can respond "it's Greek to me" and it really would be.

• You can go to first band without an instrument or knowing how to read a musical note.

• There are wall to wall girls, yet it isn't a sorority.

• Boys getan "over the phone" try out for a varsity team.

• You can call the principal an "oxymoron" and not get in trouble.

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The Classic March 1994 ~,l

Alumni dream revivesalma mater

by Veronica Lee Fifty-one years ago, the doors closed, "forever." On September 6, 1984, they reopened, with almost 260 students and faculty ready to conquer the obstacles that lay ahead . Today, over 900 students roam the halls of Townsend Harris, a school that has struggled to establish itself among the top high schools of New York City.

In June 1942, a letter announcing the end of Town send Harris' 92- year existence was written to the students ofthe high school, which was established in honor of the first American ambass ador to Japan, Townsend Harris. The original school, a facility for gifted boys affiliated with City College, closed becau se of a lack of money due to a $100,000 cut from its budget by New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.

The Alumni Association, a group of former Townsend Harris students, was established in 1980 by Irving Gerber of the class of 1939. Mr. Gerber wanted to form an organization that would bring alumn i together, enabling them to discuss memories of the school. "The school had been closed nearly 40 years. When I talked to former Town send Harris students, there was always such a light in their eyes . [It] was more than just a high school," Mr. Gerber said.

Itwas the original 100 members of this association that began to discuss the idea of re-establishing the school. Henry P. Shereff, the first President of the Alumni Assoc iation, came up with this idea after readin g an artiCIein'The New York Times stating Chancellor Frank Maccariola's plan to create magnet schools in New York City. A magnet school would attract students who found its special focus appeal ing. The alumni decided to incorporate a magnet program emphasizing the humanities in to a new Townsend Harris.

The association proposed to re-join a new Townsend Harris with City College;

however, the collegerejected their proposal. The applicanÂť were interv iewe d, and twelve The alumni then approached Queen s Col- teachers ana administrators were hired, inlege. Its President, Saul Cohen, had been eluding Malcolm Ro ssman , Assistant Prinlooking to establish a campus school to cipal of Organization; Bernice .Horowitz, enhance the college's reputation and agreed .Assistant Principal of Academics; and Sheila to affiliate the new school with Queens Orner, Assistant Principal of Guidance.

College.

"I was reading The Ne w York Times in A committee of representatives from February, 1984. I saw a tiny little article the Board of Education, Queens College saying the Board was planning to open a and the alumni planned a curriculum which high school. I decided to leave [William included intense studying of foreign and Taft High School] because there was no classical languages, social studies, English, chall enge," Mr. Rossman said. science, mathematics, and compu ter techFinally, students were selected on the nology. basis of their academic scores, how they The committee met with the Board of expressed their thoughts in an essay, and Education, and with the support of Chancel- how they presented themselves in an interIor Anthony Alvarado, the re-establishment view.

Out of 1,350 students who applied, 247 of Townsend Harris was approved by a 5-1 vote. . were accepted into Townsend Harris. Only Despite the Board of Education's ap- ninth graders were accepted the first year . provalofanewTownsendHarris, the school To prevent the schoo l from becoming suffered from the negative attitudes of other "elitist," the Board of Education set a limi t Queens schools. These schools believed of seven students who could attend from a TownsendHarris'academicprogramwould single high school zone . It also became lure the top students and attract the best mandatory for half ofthe students to be from teachers. minority backgrounds.

Susan Appel, head of the Science DeOn September 6, 1984, 42 years after partrnent and one of the frrst teachers to the old school closed down, a new generaapply, said, "We kne w a lot of people were tion of teachers and students walked into the not supporting us. Other Queens schools reborn Tow nsend Harris. were hoping we' d fail because we were "The school has turned out remarkably well," said Mr. Gerber. "The only fear we taking the bes t students."

"Many high schools were afraid of 'brain [the Alumni Association] have is that they drain' . They thought we wou ld be taking the may try to dilute the schoo l by forcing us to brightest stu dents away from them, but accept students that are not as bright."

Townsend Harris is not a large school, and "Bright kids need a special education, it hasn' t made a big difference," Mr. Gerber too," he declared. explained.

This year, Townsend Harris celebrates The new school needed a principal, and the tenth anniversary of its re-establishDr. Malcolm Largmann, Chairman of the ment, thanks to the hard work of the Alumni English Department at Samuel J. Tilden Association and faculty, as well as the new High School, was chosen by the Board of generation of students who have helped to Education to fill this job. uphold its 145-year-old reputation for acaTeaching positions also had to be filled. demic excellence.

TheJ (Based upon ' --rhe Ra-v

A Winning Entry in the byWer Once upon an evening dreary, while Over many a quaint and tedious horr As I read "Lord of the Flies ," suddei I heard - at least I do surm ise - a rap) "Tis a friend of mine," I muttered, "1 Nothing less and nothing more ."

Open then I flung my portal, when , \ In there stepped the Townsend Ham Not one hesitation made he; not a m But with air of Eng lish teachers, per, Perched upon a stack of home works Perched, looked down, and nothing] Then this coffee bird begu iling my t By the grave and stem decorum of tJ "You're the Townsend Harris mascc An answer from the stately hawk rel - "You mus t tell me wha t your name i Quoted the hawk, "Nevermore.'

Then I thought the air grew darker, ~ Blackened by a silence which sank t "I can't believe we're moving scion,' The new Townsen~ Harris opens in Will we ever see the building that W I Squawked the hawk, "Nevermore."

"Stop it !" said I, "Stop the shriek ing Whether our school's namesake sent In September the new building will s Haunted by ten years of memories fi Will Founder's Day survive the mov Quoted the hawk, "Nevermore.'

And that same hawk, never flitting, !

I On my stack of homeworks that was His eyes have all the seeming of a About the building that we're leavin~ Shall be better......Nevermore.

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Ethnic dive,rsity highlights day .by Jesse Robinson, Jessica Rodriguez, ~

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Christine Han, Melissa Rosenblatt, Tara Balabushka and Charmaine Lim

Iawk m" by Edgar Allan Poe) Founder's Day Challenge

Iy Kemp

! pondered, eyes so weary, ework from the day before[y, to my surprise ing at my bedroom door . ipping on my bedroom door -

'ithout a second's dawdle, .hawk from out my bedroom door. ment stopped or stayed he, bed three feet above my floor. hat I classified a boreI lore.

ired fancy into smiling, I e countenance he wore. ~ but," I realized, expecting not ding Townsend Harris lore. or why you knocked upon my door."

laded with a magic marker, the shadows on the floor.

I cried . "Once school days end in Junee fall of ninety-four;re leaving any more?"

You' re not welcome any more! ou, whether you j ust lost your way, jplace the old one, which is , 1m Townsend Harris High School lore.' :? - tell me, tell me, I implore !"

ill is sitting, still is sitting, iue the month before. non's who is dreaming lin the fall of ninety-four -

Learning how to salsa, tasting Baklava , ethnic sharing, and a ceremony at John Bowne High School were just a few of the many activities that Harrisites took part in on Founder's Day, November 19. This year the annual celebration marked the tenth anniversary of the re-bom schoo l.

The day began with Ethnic Sharing during second band. Students brought in objects reflecting their culture. Sophomore Chelsea Weng brought in a caligraphy pen from her Chinese school. "It was hard for me to communicate with my parents, so I started Chinese school," she said. Sophomore Aris Tsoupolas spoke abou t a piece of a cross which, according to a family tradition, is thought to be the one onwhich Jesus was crucified.

Juniors Sunil Budrahm and Brenda Morrisey discussed the legend of St. Patrick and aspects of Polytheism respectively.Erin Fox, freshman, played a salsa tape. She said,"I' m proudto be Puerto Rican. The y' ve accomplished a lot." , Sophomores Njoki Williams and Akeba Smith explained the Nigerian meanings of their first names. Njoki said her name meant "Our beloved daughter has arrived," while Akeba' s name means "One who growsmore precio us as time goes on."

Other items shared included a minikimono, Irish soda bread, and a Russian doll called Matrushka. Comme nting on this part of the day, sophomore Heather Garber said, "It was really enjoyable. I got to hear about other people's backgrounds and experience other cultures ."

After Ethnic Sharing, new students were bussed to John Bowne while the rest stayed to experience workshops run by fellow students. During the induction ceremony, skits were performed, songs were played , and speeches were given . Win ners of "The Founder's Day Challenge ," a contest entered by all English classes, shared their work. Some of their entries appear on these pages. Sophomore Kelly Olino designed inventio ns to help stude nts survive at Townsend Harri s: Included were a pair of Spider Gloves so "you can use the walls, not the halls." Melanie Rivera, sophomore, in- : vented words which only Harrisites could understand. She said,"A ' nixmile' is a jog that takes over 30 minu tes." Sophomore Jonathan Meisel described unique aspects ofTownsend Harris, saying,"There are girls wall to wall and you're not in a sorority."

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Incomfng students took part in the traditional recitation of the Ephebic Oath, an ancient Greek pledge to make one's community better than it was before. PTA Copresident, Jim Morri son said,"We continue a great tradition, and you are a part of that."

Principal Malcolm Largmann told new students, "Today you are being entrusted with a great responsibility." AlumnaTanyaOdom told Harrisites to laugh, take the responsibilities with the privileges, laugh again, and lift as we climb.

Music filled the auditorium as Andrea Levine, Ritzel Tuaz on, Nelly Andarawis, and Nakishy Quin one s combined the sounds of the clarinet and piano to play "Summer Sketches" by Alfred Castle. Jennifer Tam, j unior, performed her own "Compos ition for Piano." AndreaLevine and JanaZielonka played the fourth movement of Johannes Brahm's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in F minor . Florence McKinley , Choral Director, led the chorus in "I have a Dream" by Mary Donnelly. All joined in singing the alma mater at the close of the ceremony.

Freshman Michae l Rijos said,"] enjoyed myself a lot. The skits were so funn y."

Christine Juva, freshman added, "I really liked the songs . 'A Whole New School' was hysterical ."

Meanwhile, back at school, students were learning new things in student-run workshops such as Herbs, concert, dance, Greek dance, and drama.

Matt Puglisi, senior, organ ized the Concert Workshop, which didn't tum out the way he planned . "We wanted [the workshop] to only be for musicians so we could trade theories, etc. That isn't what happened so we wound up actually performing a concert." Despite this, the band rece ived thundering applause aftereach song. Senior Chris Schwartz played bass; Billy Werner, junior, was on drums ; senior Tim Nolan played rhythm guitar while Matt played lead. Jun ior Ian Katz and senior Mike Bergman played

sax.

Juniors Celinda Casanova, Bianca Gomez, Wendy Cartagena, Ishle Park, Karen Castillo, Juan Castro and Dave Iankelevitch organized the Hispanic workshop. Dancing lessons in salsa and Meringue were given and Hispanic food was served. Junior Chr istine Castillo said, "This workshop was great because if you dido' t enjoy the dancing part, at least you could eat."

Seniors Andrew Mallios, and Helen Papannou, along with juniors Diamond Prassakos, Nicole Nardi, Chrissy Mouto loulas, and Faye Drettakis and sophomores Mercy Petroutsos and Kathy

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Freshmen Annie Socci, Romy Varghese, and Jonathan Miezel recite the E ph ebi c Oath at the Founder's Day ceremony.

Pappanou, ran the Greek Dance Workshop.

Those who attended learned the upbeat Kalamatiamo and the slower Tsamiko dances. Baklava, a sweet dessert, was offered. Diamond said, "I'm happy that people are interested in learning about my culture."

Another dance workshop was run by junior Cheryl Caba, who taught the Meringue, and junior Anne Marie Lee, who explained a dance from "The Will Roger's Follies. " Cheryl said, "In the Dominican Repub lic, you can't be called Dominican if vou don't kno w (the Meringue)." Sophomore Jessi ca Rodriguez said, "the only thing I learned that day was how to Meringue. It was fun." One juni or said," I was nervous at first, but eventually I got into it and started to have fun."

After the workshops, all students, including those just returning from Bowne, piled into the gym and auditorium to view an aerobics performance by the physical education department and a show out on by the Tam bari Perc ussion Trio . (See Performances, p.12.)

Although to some, Founder' sDay means fun, friends and relief, to others it holds a deeper meaning, especially now at the school's decade anniversary. Assistant Principal of Science Susan Appel said,"The first Founder' s Day was incredible..... It was also the first time I heard the Ephebic Oath and I thought it was pretty corny . But now I' m always moved when I hear it.... We've come a long way from those first bookless, deskless days and we've proven those who didn't support us wrong. That's what Founder's Day is about and it' s something I'm proud of."

Townselnd Harris Definitions

by Melanie Rivera Excerpts From A Win ning E ntry in the Founder's Day Cha llenge

Hu llaballortorium- n. the bewilderment of new Townsend Harri s students when they realize that the cafeteria and auditorium are in the same place.

Iamguminent- n.the result of doing something immoral to Townsend Harris standards. The offender is confined to one floor to scrape gum off desks.

Nixamile1. Daily pilgrimage around the Townsend Harris gym.

2. Lengthy jog around the Townsend Harris gym, sometimes, over 30 minutes.路 . .

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Performances Play Part in Celebration Aerobics exhibition, African percussion trio provide afternoon entertainment

by Erik Bloch, Asma Khan

and Nicole Merino Everyone packed themselves into either the gymnasium or cafetorium.

Many had spent the day traveling through the halls of the building, going to multi-cultural workshops.

Others had just returned from John Bowne High School , where Townsend held the school's tenth Founder's Day ceremonies in the auditorium. Now all were present and waiting for the afternoon exhibitions to begin.

The Physical Education presentation was underway in the gymnasium. The music was playing, and the performers took center stage - gym uniforms and all. They jogged in formation to their spots and began bopping to the rhythm. They performed an aerobic exercise routine, with the girls and boys taking turns.

The session took an unexpected tum whenphysicaleducation teacher Craig Buchalterjumped on the scene and performed a comedic "discocise" routine that had both students and teachers chuckling. "He was hilarious," said sophomore Jessica Rodrigues."Mr. B canreallymove!" added an anonymous freshman. "I remember that even Dr. Largmann laughed at Me. B.'s dancing. It was really funny," said sophomore Kelly Olino.

Spirits in general seemed to be ' up during the routine. "Everyone was clapping and laughing," said sophomore Melissa Rosenblatt. "It looked like everyone liked it." Comments from others confirmed Melissa's impression.

However, some spectators disagreed. "It dragged on a bit too much," commented junior Francesca. Sophomore Susan Lee said, "I was a little bored after a

,

while."

During the last part of the exhibit, the audience was invited to participate and try to keep in step with the program. "I had a lot of fun for someone who didn't know what he was doing," stated a freshman participant.

In the cafetorium, celebrants were treated to an African percussion show. Entering from three different sections of the room, the

Tambcm Percussion Trio made music and written it too. He has show, audience members were their WCly onto the stage. While playing a variety of African instruments such as the marimba, the triangle,log-wood drums, and coogadrums, the group explained the music's origins, as well as the uses of the instruments.

The performers then took a time out to tell a little bit about themselves. One of them, Eric Kibmick, has played all kinds of

also appeared on CBS. Fellow member David Pleasant has contributed his musical talents to the TV show Reading Rainbow and to the popular musical group Arrested Development during their "MTV Unplugged" performance. The last member, John Kennedy, works with an opera manager and mainly does recording.

As in the physical education

invited on stage and allowed to play along with the band. Also like the aerobics session, the spectators seemed to enjoy the show. "It was a change and very lively, too," said sophomore Dorothy Delauro.

At the conclusion of the two performances, the audiences switched places and the shows were repeated.

First Founder's Day, a formal affair, sets tradition

by Violetta Ostafin

Canyou imagine a Founder's Day when all of the teachers are dressed in caps and gowns and the whole school is invited to the assembly?

This is exactly what the first celebration marking the reestablishmentof TownsendHarris High School was like. Faculty, alumni and students filled Queens College's Colden auditorium on October 25, 1984 to take part in an event which united the old with the new and which faculty members now describe as having been "incredible'," "fascinating," "important" and "memorable."

Among the many guest speakers at the event were alumni, Principal Malcolm Largmann, President of Queens College Saul B. Cohen, and Harrisite HeatherNash.

Dr. Jonas Salk, Townsend Harris alumnus, class of '31, and inventor of the polio vaccine, spoke about the role of science in the future. His speech commended the alumni and brought out the importance of the rebirth of this school.

Also present was Rabbi Moses Rosenthal, who wasthe oldest living alumnus. According to Supply Secretary Joanne Gruber, whose daughter Mara was in the class of 1988,"[Rabbi Rosenthal] will always be my most vivid memory associated with Founder's Day. He was this 'Small, unique man whom I found fascinating. He had to be almost 100 years old."

Assistant Principal of Science .Susan Appel described her feelings about the celebration: "It was almost

like a graduation. We wore caps and gowns and I was able to meet Mr. Salk as well as many other important alumni. Most of all, I'll always remember that the assembly was where I first heard the Ephebic Oath." Ms. Appel added that the oath, a pledge that alI Harrisites take to honor and attempt to improve their school, city and country, seemed routine to her when she first heard it, but now she has "reached a point where I am very moved by it. It sends shivers up and down my spine when I hear it now," she said.

"Founder's Day was one of those things you'll look back on and be glad that you shared with your friends," said Christie

(Hyun-Su) Yi, a member of the first graduating class. Christie added that her most memorable Founder's Day vision is one of planting a tree on the Queens College campus.

Librarian Valerie Billy commented, "I think that what struck us that day was that a few months back, we didn't exist, and on that day, all of these important people were there just for us."

After the ceremony, the 200 students traveled back to the high school where everyone participated in a workshop where time capsules were made; their contents represented the year at Townsend Harris. The time capsule idea came from Assistant Principal of Organization Malcolm

Rossman. He said that he wanted "the students to have a sense of being part of history." The capsules have been saved and may be opened on a special occasion one day.

Townsend Harris alumna Mara Gruber said, "Founder's Day was so exciting. We were all together celebrating something we had all worked hard for, making our school work."

Dr. Largmann added, "Founder's Day is . . . [a reminder] that this is a very special school; I only hope [the students] realize that."

lshle Parkand Shalini Persaud contributed to this article.

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The Classic

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New building to open on time

by Stacey Winkler One of the biggest concerns about the Both good and bad news about the new new building had been the inclusion of fiber Townsend Harris building on the Queens optic cabling, themost modern communicaCollege campus was received by Principal tion technology. The conduits had been inMalcolm Largmann last month. The wel- stalled, and the debate was over the matterof come news is that the school is still sched- . threading the cables through, a costly propouledto open nextfall,andit willbe equipped sition, "Queens Borough President Claire with fiber optics, state-of-the-art wiring for Schulman and Superintendent Margaret computer connectivity. The unwelcome Harrington have been staunch supporters of news is that areas of the building, including the need for fiber optics," said Mr. Rattien. the auditorium, will still be under construe- Funding has now been approved, and "there tion when classes begin. will defmitely be fiber optics," said Mr. "A great many controls will have to be Gordon. created for safety reasons," said Dr . . Other aspects of the building construe.§ Largmann. "Wedon' tknowyetwhatwon' t tion have gone more smoothly. The con8 be available to us." struction crew is in the process of setting up ~>.

AssistantPrincipalof Mathematics Harry rooms with dividers . The elevators and the &J Rattien anticipates that the building won' t concrete stands in the gym have already 9 be fully stocked. "Computers and other . been installed. The tiles which will decorate items may come in during the semester," he the hallways are being put in place. There . . . . said. have been no major setbacks. "Some con- Standing at the site of a former Queens College parking lot, the exterior of the Delays in construction resulted from struction that needs good weather will have newTownsend Harris is 95% complete. fmancial problems, design modifications, to wait until spring, but 95% of the outside labs," said Mr. Rattien . traditions will remain intact. Seniors, for and the weather. "The new building is a is complete," said Mr. Gordon.

There will be twelve doors on the first example, will still have unique college protremendous monetary undertaking," said There are several amenities planned for floor and an exit directly from the gym. All grams and as much freedom as possible.

Mr.Rattien . "The [School] Construction the new building that Harrisites do not now the entrances may necessitate the addition According to Mr. Rattien, the increase in Authority [SeA] wants as much money enjoy. The structure will be centrally air of another security guard. size should not mean radical adjustment. from the Board of Education as possible. conditioned and have a full auditorium with "We'll be taking new kids in and they "I was given a tour of the building when The Board of Education and city are trying a backstage area and catwalks. The gym will will not have had the awareness of the old it was just a shell and it was very exciting. to save money. This is normal," he ex- haveadividerwhichcanallowtwoseparate building - what we want from them," said Although it is much larger than we're used plained. programs to be run at once. There will be Dr. Largmann. Addressing currentstudents, to, it is still not as large a building as the "We are slightly behind schedule be- specialized classrooms to accommodate scimore traditional high school buildings are," he says, "You must set an example." cause the winter is not cooperative, but we entific, computer, and other needs. "It is Despite the new surroundings, many he said. will catch up. Sometimes you need the important to note that the computer rooms elements to be on your side," said Project will not be used as classrooms or science 'V~ If ') 11 ' [ 11...1 Manager Sam Gordon.

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~~t1ยง

Stress syndrome: Can it be cured?

by Randi Barf It is now Sunday night, and you have five tests to study for. You have a chemistry test on Monday, a math and English test on Tuesday, Global Studies and Spanish or was it Greek? - on Wednesday.

"It's all Greek to you now," you think. Youjustrememberedacollateral due Friday that you had completely forgotten about. Besides this, your brother has to play Nintendo in your room-with the sound on-and your mother wants you to do the dishes and take out the garbage "now!" Time is running out. The world is on your shoulders . The stress is overbearing.

Stress is the body's response to a stressor. Stressors can be people, , objects, places, or events. Stress is caused by a physically or mentally demanding or dangerous situation.

Internal disorders such as cirrhosis and other conditions can produce stress responses . Chronic repetition of certain emotions, as well as changes in work or home situations, can also initiate a stress response.

Stress responses can be voluntary or involuntary.Everyone reacts differently to a stressor. The factors which account for these differences incl~4e age, social status, income, stage in life, cultural background and previous experience.

"I hate stress because it causes migraines," said jun ior Cynthia Wong. Stress cannot only cause migraines, but ulcers as well; it can also lower your immunity to colds, the flu, and more serious illness. By affecting sleeping patterns, it can interfere with job performance, leaving you feeling irritable. Besides this, it can trigger all sorts of skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, rosacea and hives.

"There' s defmitely more stress at Townsend Harris than other schools. At other schools, they get a week off for Regents . We have to worry about homework and tests at j

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the same time," stated Cynthia. think that all the work and stress Junior Tara Weiss said, "There's really takes away from the.fun of more stress here because there is school." more work here. It seems like the Ellen SChwartz, health teacher,

J.

ETSspells SAT reform

by Amanda Schoenberg Reform may be the newest vocabulary word on the SATs and PSATs this year, since the Educational Testing Service [ETS] revamped and revised entire sections of the tests. Alterations in the math part include the option of "using calculators and the requirementthat problems be solved without multiple choice answers . In the verbal section, students are directed to compare reading passages, and more comprehension questions are asked.

teachers think their class is your only class , so they give you a lot of work and short deadlines. This causes a lot of stress."

Junior Betsy Colucci said, " At certain times during the year (during midterms and finals), the teach ers pile on an unreal amount of work. All the collaterals and tests cause many studen ts alot of stress.

I think everyone would do bette r if the work was more evenly distributed throughout the year . I also

agrees that thestress level is "pretty high" among students. "I don't know if it is the stress or 'sick building syndr ome" [environmental factors which cause people to feel ill], but students seem to be sick a lot," she said. "Maybe it' s the combination of both, but I personally think it's the stress manifesting itself in frequent illness among students. I've never seen so many kids sick in any other school I' ve worked in. I think that

The new SAT' s and PSAT' s, which were first given in October, stress reasoning ability . Questions designed to test critical thinking are introduced in the new format.

Antonyms and the section on stan<lard written Eng lish have been eliminated.

Sophomore Lori Scherwin favors these changes, saying, "I'm glad they took the antonyms out of the SATs because that measures how much vocabulary we have, not critical thinking . Colleges should be more aware of how we think, not how much we know."

Bias and the SATs In the past, SATs havebeen criticized for being biased towards wealthy, white males, who gener-

ally score higher on the tests . However, girls' academic performance in college usually surpasses boys'.

To combat charges of bias , the new test is emphasizing genera! world knowledge instead of specific information. This will, in ' theory, make the test relate to a larger group of people than it previously did. Derek Bok, chairman ofthe panel that proposed changes, commented that the SATs are now "a more versatile set of tests serv ing a more versatile set ofpeople."

Opinions concerning the new tests vary. Critics of the SATs say the changes are not significant enough, and that the test is still unfair to a great. majority of stu-

more students come to school sick at Townsend Hams; that' s due to the fact that they are stressed at the idea of missing work and falling too far behind."

Stress is usually referred to as a negative thing. However, distress is a more appropriate term because not all stress is bad. A certain amount of stress is vital. Moderate amounts of stress improve productivity.

Kathleen Wallace of Redbook magazine(11/92)proposesseveral ways to handle stress and boost your energy. She suggests that you set aside private time and learn a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga. Schedule a certain amount of time to concentrate on everything bothering you so that the rest of your day can be spent worry-free. Keep a journal which can be therapeutic. Wake yourself up with fragrances such as muguet and peppermint oil, which, according to preliminary studies, promote alertness. Take a "cat nap" which can be very energizing.

However, dozing for more than twentyminutes can make you more lethargic than when you started.

Share your responsibilities with others. For instance, in the situation described at the beginning of this article, your brother could do the dishes for you. Reward yourself by doing an activ ity that you love. Besides relieving tension, this will also boost your self-esteem.

Laughing is another stress-re lieving technique. Research has shown that laughing raises your heart rate , stimulates circu lation, exercises your diaphragm, abdominal wall, and other muscles, and increases production of hormones that serve as the body' s natural painkillers. Studies also show that the tears you produce when you' re anxi ous, upset, sad or angry contain stress -relieving hormones. A body massage has also been said to relieve stress .

A balanced diet with lots of carbohydrates, and especially a good breakfast, does a lot to thwart the effects of stressors. Carbohydrates are important because they help to restore mental energy and relieve your anxiety.

Daily aerobic exercise not only has cardiovascular benefits; it also boosts levels of endorphins (any of a group of hormones with tranquilizers and painkilling capabilities that are secreted by the brain), and can significantly reduce stress and increase energy . Other pro posed physical techniques include shrugging tight shoulders ten times, stretching, rolling away neck tension, standing up if you are sitting a majority of the time, and finally, going for a walk.

Some feel that the stress experienced at Townsend Harris will help in the future. Junior Jenn ifer Bersamin said," The school's work does put a lot of stress on its students . In a way, it's good because in college, we'll probably have an easier time doing the work. At Townsend Harris, I think they are forcing us to manage our time."

Junior Bonnie Aronowitz agreed .

"We're under a lot of stress now, but it should payoff in college," she said.

Assistan t Principal Malcolm Rossman doesn't think that students get too mu ch work at Townsend Harris. He said, "I think it prepares students for the pressure they' ll encounter in college. I had as much work when I attended Bronx Science. It' s not any more or any less."

Next time you find yourself swimming through a pool of "collaterals" and "TIMOTS," and inundated with tests and homework, try some of these suggested stressrelieving techniques.

Every one is under stress at one point or another. Mr . Rossman said, "I have so much stress that my 'stress reliever' had a breakdown two months after I got it!"

dents. Charlie Brink, enrollment counselor of Kaplan, an SA T preparation program, said, "It is not a perfect system. There are certain times when it's not very fair. The test still caters to specific groups to a certain degree," he said.

Those in favor of the changes think that they are, if nothing else, an improvement on the previous test format. Junior Sal Gioe remarked, "The PSATs were easier because the antonyms were gone.

The math was basically the same ."

Junior Effi Menachemi agreed, saying, "This year's PSATs were much easier than last year's."

While the alterations may

seem signi fi cant to ETS, Townsend Harris college advisor Dr. Vicino said he "canno t see the changes making a tremendous difference." He said that students will get about the same scores on this test as they have on previous SAT's. SAT and PSAT scores remain just as important as they were before, regardless of the changes. ' To go along with all the other modifications, the exams also have new names. Scholastic Aptitude Test has been changed to Scholastic Assessment Test, and PSAT, to Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, in keeping with the new performance ideals of the SATs and PSATs.

r Theelassic March 1994

15

The Piano Plays A New Tune

by Kelly Villella Tradition, selfishness, love, dedication andfidelity are allmajor themes of The Piano, a movie which was nominated for an academy award for best picture.

The movie addresses deep moral and philosophical issues. It shows how every character can be right, yet so wrong. The ideas it brings up provide for hot debate for those who see the movie. The following questions are raised: Is it right to break tradition and leave an unhappy arranged marriage for the man that you love? Is it wrong to use sex to retrieve the one possession that was taken from you which is part of your very being? Is it fair to punish an unfaithful spouse who was forced into the marriage?

Holly Hunter, who won an Oscar for her role, plays a mute widow with a young child and a penchant for her piano. Her father arranges that she be sent on a long journey to marry another man whom she hasnevermet. She leaves with her daughter, some necessities and her piano, to live in the forest with her new husband .

An American Indian gets the piano as payment for helping to deliver the women and possessions to their new home. She is supposed to go to his cabin and teach him to play. This does not satisfy her; she yearns to have her piano back in her own home. The man agrees to give her the piano in exchange for sexual favors-one for each black piano key.

Sometime during their affair, the mute woman and the man fall in love. Her husband, becoming curious, decides to follow her to the cabin one day, and sees them making love. Hebecomes enraged and is determinej to put an end to their rendezvous.

The scenes of nature, sex and violence are depicted very graphically. Although some may find it repulsive or offensive, I think that the vividness helps to bring the movie to life and evoke emotion in the audience, like a truly good film should do.

This movie is excellent and definitely deserved an Oscar. Unfortunately, it came out at a time which placed it in the shadow of

.'

Schindler's List .

Wayne's World 2 Schwings BackInto Action

by Er ic Bloch & Michael Munoz Wayne and Garth, America's favorite public access celebrities (of Saturday Night Live fame), make their return to the silver screen in the sequel to their monster hit, the $120 million-dollargrossing Wayne's World. The new movie is called (what else?)

and Garth Algar, played by Mike Meyers (creator and co-writer of "Wayne") and the irrepressible Dana Carvey, set out to find greater meaning i.r'.heir lives . A lot has changed for them, including moving out of their parents' house and into an apartment of their own.

Wayne also has a great sense of getting older; "like I'm in a John Wayne's World 2.

In the second installment of the Hughes ritedupassagemovie;' he Wayne's World saga, the twohead- comments . banging buddies Wayne Campbell These new feelings prompt

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Wayne to search for the true purpose of his existence. He's helped along by the late rock legend Jim Morrison, who, in a dream, instructs Wayne to hold a massive outdoor concert, which Destiny has planned for him.

Garth, on the other hand, is caught up in a whirlwind romance with the seductive Honey Homee' (pronounced Homay and played

by Kim Basinger), a blond bombshell whom he meets at the

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laundromat.The fling is short-lived and soon Garth is back in action, helping plan Wayne 's concert "Waynestock."

Cassandra, Campbell's musi cian girlfriend (Tia Carrere), returns with a new record producer named Bobby Calm, played sinisterly by Christopher Walken (Batman Returns, TrueRomance).

Once again it is up to Wayne to win Cassandra back from his slick adversary.

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Butenougb about the plot, for, in "WW2," plot is secondary to the non-stop hurling of comedic wit and parody. Some of the funnier scenes in the movie are the most outrageous, such as the badlydubbed takeoff on Kung-Fu movies involving a martial arts battle between Wayne and Cassandra's father.

The film's humor is enhanced continued on p. 16

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Katz Sharon Isbin, a rural girl from Minneapolis, an admirer of folk music, and an accomplished andfamousclassical guitarist visited Townsend Harris on Tuesday, November 23. Ms. Isbin was invited by the Music department to perform for the jazz Enrichment alone, but she attractedclose to 40 people from around the school.

Ms. Isbin began with a lesson about the different styles she uses to play the guitar.

She said that she mainly uses a technique called"harmonics," a style wherethenylon strings of the guitar are lightlystrummedor touched.Ms.Isbin thenplayeda songcalled "Batucaba," a word defined as "beat." a samba by Brazilian composer Sabio. She said the song is playedin Brazilclose to the oceanduring Carnivaland New Years,and is accompanied by a dance meant to praise God."I enjoyplayinga lotof dancemusic," she added.

Whileplayingthe guitar,Sharonfeelsthe music."When I closemy eyes, it' s like I'm emerging into the music," she said. "If the music is sad sounding, then I feel sad. It's like being an actress; you have to get into your role," she added.

SharonIsbin wasborn and raisedin Minneapolis. When she was nine she moved to Italy.Heroldestbrotherhadplayedtheoboe and her youngerbrotherwanted to play the guitar.SoMs.Isbin's parentshireda famous guitar teacher to give her brother lessons.

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Guitarist Sharon Isbin discusses her lifeas a musician during a special Enrichment.

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Giving Light brings cheer

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'Twas the season to be jolly, exchange gifts with friends, and get into the holiday spirit. Yet, it wasn' t holly that decked the halls, but "The Giving Light" poster featuring the names of those who participated in Archon's gift givingprograms Archon, the school' s honor society for service, along with two clubs, Save the Children and Puffles, sponsored this gift donation program for Day Top, a teenage drug rehabilitation center, and the Selphin House, a home for retarded adults.

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Those who took part in the program received a pseudonym like "Princess" and a gift request from a patient at the rehabilitation center. A group of studentswhoreceiveda certainnamewould buy the gift together. Odile Garcia, Archon.adviser, deliv.:e.red tbegifts,

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The groups of students who purchased gifts for the Selphin House followed a proceedure similar to that for Day Top except real first names were given with the gift requests.

Archon junior president Jennifer Chau said, "The Giving Light" program was extremely successful. Ourgoal was to get students involved who weren' t in Archon, Save the Children, or Puffles, which we did." (i.ii·I·:il·iiiliiil:l:lllllli:i:::i:III:I:ilill:::il·il:I:·II:·II·:..:.llill!il:II·I:"I:llilllllll:I!!lilllilllllllilllillll!!II!I:I:i:II!IIIII!llli:/ii:illil:I'II

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Wayne's World 2

Oncehe heard thathe wouldhavetopractice York's Avery Fisher Hall and the Great many hours a day, he backedout andSharon AmericanOrchestraSeriesinCarnegieHall. (continued from p.IS) stepped in. Ms. Isbin then was given a cus- In the United States, she has appeared with tom-madeguitarto fither heightandin three manyorchestras,most recently the St. Paul by its ability to laugh at itself, as in the weeks she was playing. The next year her ChamberOrchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, openingscene's intentional imitation of the family moved back to Minneapolis. Sharon Indianapolis Symphonyand the New York first movie, and a short scene in London, entered a contest with the Minneapolis Or- Philharmonic ChamberSeries. Ms. Isbinis whereit ismade obvioustheactorswerenot chestra when she was 14, and 'Yon. This alsoafrequentguestonNationalandAmeri- on location.

Alsoadding to thecomedyis the long list increased her devotion towards the guitar. can programs, such as St. Paul Sunday of cameo appearances. Charlton Heston, Amongotheraccomplishments Ms.Isbin Morning. . wonfirstplacein theTorontoguitarCompeMs. Isbin's numerous recordings vary Drew Barrymore, Rip Taylor, Aerosmith, tition and first place in the Munich Interna- from Baroque, Spanish/Latin, 20th-Cen- Chris Farley, and a small bit by Ed O'Neal build the humor. tional Competition. She gained worldwide tory, cross-over, to jazz fusion.

The best of the supporting roles is thatof fame at the age of 17 when she began to Her newest solo recording, Nightshade annuallytourEurope.Shehasgivensold-out Rounds, features American and British "super-roadie" DelPreston, playedby Ralph performances in several prestigious series music and will be released on Virgin Clas- Brocuh. Prestonis mentioned to Wayne by Morrison, who says his help is vital to the includingtheGreatPerformersSeriesinnew siclEMI this month.

The guitarist loves to listen to folk mu- concert. Prestonis quicklyenlisted to train sic,especiallyJoan Baez.Shealsolistensto the would-be roadies of "Waynestock" in Spanishand Flamenco music,"] like to lis- the ways of the trade.

Wayne's World 2 shouldnot bemissedby ten to music that relaxesme," she said. She explainsthatall of themusic that she listens anyonewhoadmires theduo, nor any fan of to helps her learn the cultures of many awitthatcanbeintelligentandgoofyenough different countries. "All styles of music tokeepanaudiencelaughing throughout the have one thing in common,dance. There is movie.

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always a dance to all styles of music. I love dance music very much," said the guitarist."The only thing that I don't like about music is having to write it. That's why I don' t. Trying to' write notes on a blank piece of paper is not my forte."

She currently heads the Juilli ard School's first guitar department. the Aspen Music Festival's guitar department, and has her own column in the international magazine Acoustic Guitar. Her upcoming events include a performance at Alice Tulley Hall on April 16, playing a concerto by John Correano.

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Some were enthusiastic about the program. "It really made me feel good to participateand give this gift. That's what the holiday seasonis about, " said junior Roona Patel.

Although there was an abundance of people willing to contributetheir time to the "Giving Light" program, there was one glitch. "We had to cancelour partyat theSelphinHousebecause ofbadweather.

We go everyyearand it reallywasa great disappointment that we couldn't go this time," said Archonjunior vice president KaliLau.· "

T The Classic Marcn1994

17

Artists unplug for MTV

by Fernando Moreno and Robyn Kaplan Music Television Mega Net- they are part of the program. The work (MTV) has added another relaxed setting also helps the artconcept to its list of "musical mile- ists and musicians perform to the stones." Called MTV Unplugged, best of their abilities. \ it features one musical group or A wide variety of artists have soloist performing live. The show performed on MIV Unplugged has bolstered MTV" s image as from pop vocalists like Mariah one of the hottest networks for Carey and Rod Stewart, to rap young viewers throughout the artists like LL Cool J, and to new world. wave groups like REM and 10,000 MTV originally began broad- Maniacs. This variation in musicasting on cable in 1983 to feature cal style featured in the perfora new phenomenon in the music mances has helped Unplugged world - music videos. Since then, reach out to a broader range of the station has launched several music fans. campaigns to boost its viewership, Students said that they liked the including the MTV music awards idea of live, all-acoustic perforand satirical talk shows. Now, mances, from their favorite music "unplugged" is electrifying the stars. However, a few felt that station once again . some more elements, like daneWhat does being ers, should be added to enhance "unplugged"reallymean? It means the show.

"MIV Unplugged is pretty that the arrangements are broken down to their simplest forms by cool, but sometimes it gets a bit using only acoustic instruments boring because all they are doing for the songs. All the sounds you is standing on the platform and hear during the program, includ- singing their songs. There is nothing the lead and background vo- ing else going on. It's not like a cals, are done live. No electric in- concert, but overall, I think it's struments are used and the sounds good,"saidfreshmanMahalsmail. are not aided by the use of amplifiFreshman Joanne Hogan stated, "Unplugged is great beers and synthesizers.

Another unique feature that cause you are able to hear the real Unplugged offers is its intimate music without the feedback from setting. , A taping of Unplugged the amplifiers. It also shows the usually takes place in a small stu- fans which acts can actually perdio, which seats an audience of form their songs true." about 50-100 people. The artists One of the most successful perform very close to the audi- and highly acclaimed perforence, so the people really feel as if mances on MIV Unplugged fea-

tured grammy-winning pop~ensa­ tion Mariah Carey. It was one of the first performances that Mariah, known for her six-octaverange and the passion she brings to each note, had done for a huge television audience, and it paid off. The recording of the performance on CD sold millions of copies, and more importantly, she silenced the critics and fans who said that she was just a product of recorded sound. Aside from performing her smash hits, "Vision of Love" and "Emotions," she also did her rendition of the 1970 Jackson Five number one hit, "I'll Be There." The 90's version also hit number one and earned her a grammy nomination for "Best Performance by a Female."

"The Mariah Carey 'Unplugged' is definitely my favorite one. Her voice is just so amazing that it sounds like I'm listening to the recorded versions ofthe song," stated freshman Tracy Maidonado.

"I also though: that her remake of 'I'll Be There' was great."

EricClapton's Unplugged performance also earned him numerous awards. His MIV Unplugged album went platinum in the United States alone, and won the "Album of the Year" award in the 1993 Grammy Awards . "Tears in Heaven," a song he wrote for his late son, which he sang in the program, was named both "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year."

He also earned the Grammy for

"Best Pop Performanceby aMale."

Pop stars aren't the only ones who produce big hits, through their appearances on Unplugged. Earlier in the year, MCAIUptown, a recording label whose top artists include rappers and hip-hop acts, like Heavy D, Mary J. Blige, and Jodeci. One ofthe songs performed

by Jodeci, "Lately" was a remake of the 70' s hit originally sung and written by Stevie Wonder, and was a big smash on both the pop and the R&B charts.

New wave/alternate acts are also beginning to feel at home on the stage of "Unplugged". Groups like R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs have recorded "Unplugged" performances, and other groups are following their lead. Alternative groups like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, and Winona will complete "Unplugged" performances. The "Unplugged" that featured 10,000 Maniacs is special, for it marked one of the last performances of the group, since lead singer Natalie Merchant quit soon after the taping.

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'I want to see more rap and hip hop acts featured on Unplugged' Many students who were inter-

viewed seemed pleased with the types of music seen on MIV Unplugged, but some made suggestions on what types of music they would like to see more often on the show.

"I want to see more rap and hip hop acts featured on Unplugged performances," said freshman Michael Castro.

Sophomore Mercy Petroutsos says, "I also want to see groups that are just starting out their career. It will make them more famous, maybe." Mercy also adds, "I don't think they should change anything but the day and the time.

I think that they should have an episode on every day at an earlier time."

Overall, students felt that MIV Unplugged truly shows the immense talents of the acts that have appeared in it. Many were happy with the quality of sound that they heard from the various performances.

Junior Andrea Levine said, "I really like the whole concept of MIV Unplugged. It's not like a loud concert performance - the audience actually listens to the music because of the laid-back atmosphere. The television audience also enjoys itOOGaus6-of.tbe~ new 'sound' they hear, compared to the original recordings. Most important, the show separates which acts can actually sing and which ones can't."

New sounds tune into the 90's

by Marci Welber An avalanche of fresh tunes has bombarded the 90's with a diversity of ear catching sounds.

Salt-N-Pepa. Shadz of Lingo, ' and KRS-One are just some of the many Rap groups today. Popular song, "Midnight Marauders," by a Tribe called Quest "paint verbal puzzles, weave smooth lines of seduction, drop words to grow on, and send positive messages to African-American urban dwellers," according to Billboard magazine.

Rap usually contains intriguing lyrics, rhymes, added hand claps, and a spare, high-ended musical Rap context.

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'I love the fast beat of Rap.' Freshmen Alex Perez said, "I love the fast beat of Rap, and just . start swaying my head }Vh~n I hear ; ' .' . it."

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and down," said sophomore Karla Perez. "It's a lot of fun to dance to with friends."

Hip Hop music uses a dancing rhythm, and is very popular in clubs. It has a kind ofjazz-jump up beat with drum machines; Hip Hop singers include Or. Ore and Snoop Doggy Dog R&B (Rhythm and Blues) melodies, like Hip Hop, useadancing beat, but are much slower.

They have a different, softer tone.

The dance Enrichment is presently dancing to R&B #1 hit "If'

by Janet Jackson. The song incorporates guitars, equalizers, drums, and keyboards. Leader of one of the dance groups, sophomore Melanie Rivera, said, "All of Janet's songs are great to dance to.

Your bodyjustflows with the beat.

The steps were taken from Rosie Perez, and we are all happy with the flow of the moves." Toni Braxton, SWV, and Xscape are some additional singers in this category.

Reggae "is meant for dancing, but is much slower and .closer," . saidjunior NatashaNet~o. Popular

steps include The Butterfly, Golden Wave. Depeche Mode and Erasure Arc, and Tick Boggle. Singer Su- are popular groups whose main per Cat, who performs "Dem-no- instrument is the synthesizer. worry," incorporates funk, electro, and jazz.

Haddaway, Guns N' Roses, I: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~: : : : : ~:~:~: : : : : :~: : : ~: :~: : : ~ : : :~: : : ~:I and Heart are renowned Pop music singers. This type of music usu, ally gains its own strength through a fun, sing-along chorus and warmly upbeat lyrics.

"Dance styles, steps and techniques change so rapidly that it is hard to keep up I: : : : : : : !: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~: : : : : : : : : : : : ~: : :~: : : ~: : : : : :~: : : : : : : : : : : : : :I with the latest , 'Modern music steps. is too pla'yed out.'

Alternative music has become very popular these days. Nirvana.

Pearl Jam, Radiolhead, and Fugazi are ;groups which favor this style.

Along with A'lternative music comes Meshing, which is when "you ron around in a big pit and bang into each oaher. People jump offbalconies into the mosh pit and get passed over other people's heaps," said fo,rmer Townsend Harrisstudentkachel Brugger. One tYpeof AJ.tematJivp music is New .

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Moving on to bands originating in the 60' s and 70's, sophomore Gabrielle Perelmoter said, "Modern music is too played out. The Grateful Dead incorporates every type ofmusic into one. The signiftcance of The Dead is that they play many live concerts, and experiment with each of their songs, try,iQg not to play the same version of . a specific tune more than once."

The Steve Miller Band, like The Dead uses electric and acoustic guitars, drums, harmonicas, and ... , ..,.

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keyboards. "I have always loved the band and daily try to follow what Steve Miller said, 'Music is the best way to communicate," said

t:o~;~~~~~~~:ff::~~~ plane are some other oldie groups that are favorites o~ Harrisites: The club scene IS on the mmds ofmany teens, as they attend clubs '

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regularly. dance alot at parties for recreation. The atmosphere gives me a good feeling, so I just start dancing, "saidju~~orKhaalid Geter.

Junior Shirodk Faison has a different view of clubs. "I do not like the club surroundings. Most, likely I go to parties around my way - block events, and birthday bashes." Shirodk loves to dance anywhere, but says, "Dance styles, steps, and techniques change so rapidly that it is hard to keep up with the latest steps."

The type of music one listens to .varies with the age, culture, and taste of an individual. Just turn up the radio and enjoy your favorite tunes, or be daring and try something new.

18

The Classic March 1994

Death'ovelWhelms league

ASSislLead.tl

by Larry Ceraulo

ScoAng Leaders Scar'! Leaders

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David Topper :.,.. Death StevenZaliha ;..".. Hoop Jason Capone Bomb Alex'Qropeza " R~oroac.ks ShirodkFaison Death David Eber 40 Oz K~rlechiEfobi Renegades.

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shots late in the second half to keep the Death alive. "Lade" Gallagher SpecialTo The Classic At the start of the Champion- was sleeping and missing shots all ship Game, the question that days. He shot a dismal 1 for 6, most buzzed around the gymnasium while lying under the basket. He was, "Could David Topper finally did have 7 rebounds. Mark Chua be beaten?" The answer was 'NO' chewed gum. in more ways than one, as Topper Broken Glass not only ledtheChambers of Death "Rave" Eber poured on the juice to victory,butreceived team MVP, for the 40's. Down by 12 points in and league MVP. the third quarter, Eber took charge and scored 14 of his 24 points in House of Worship Dave "Toppertheline" led the the second half. Eber scored on gravediggers with 24 points and jump shots in and around the paint an incredible 19 rebounds, 12 of and made several driving lay-ups. which were offensive. Dave's end His 12 for 17 from the field was to end layups were stopped, but outstanding. He also collected nine his jump shots from the outside rebo unds. A mistake by Coach were on all day. Dave finished Eber didn' thelp.Down by 3 points shooting 10 for 22 from the field. with 51 seconds to play, the Oz's "Shurerok Failsnun" was strong allowed 33 seconds to ellapse beall afternoon, taking the ball to the fore fouling in a one and one situhoop and making some beautiful ation. The j uicers never recovdriving lay-ups. He also played ered. "Manthony" Kobetts stepped aggressively on defense and was up his game with 17 points. He actually under control! His 21 made some key baskets in an 8 points were a major factor in win- point run that brought the boozers ning the game. Eric "Kurses" was back. However, grabbing only five sinful for tie Oz's. Eric's 6 steals rebounds and obtaining only one virtually robbed the guzzlers of a foul showed that he probably win. He played aggressively all wasn' t playing aggressively day and chipped in 6 points. Alan enough. "Heter' Vays was shoot"Sorftman" made two key soft set ing 3 for 3 from the field. Vays

sunk 2 shots with under 2 minutes to play in aredhotcontest. "Hisstos Vavasis'' was awful. He shot only 1 for 6 from the field and turned the ball over 4 times. If he had taken a three pointer with time running out, the Oz' s had a chance to tie. But he refused to shoot it.

Hisses and Boos to you! "Osoded" Kochavi was miserable taking only five shots and pulling down only five rebounds. Of all people, he took the last shot of the game, a 3 pointer from the baseline. It was oh so weak, and DEAD MVP Awards Chambers of Death: David Topper 40 Oz.: David Eber Brick: Jimmy Saridis . Bomb Squad: Jason Capone Sand in the Vaseline: Patrie Coleman Renegades: Kenechi Efobi Lords: Sean McDougald Crazy Horse: Matt Solomon Kings of Sw ing : Do ug las Harrison Razorbacks: Alex Oropeza Naked Lunch: Oscar Castillo Mooyak Attack: Salvatore Gioe Hoop! There it is: Steven Zaliha

Larry Ceraulo is the assistant dean, and a physical education teacher.

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" March 1994

19

Cross country coasts to success Most Valuable Player: David Topper Rookie of TheYear: Arthur Tummes MostImproved Player: Shirodk Faison

by PhyllisPei "The most successful Girls' Cross Country season ever," is how coach Joseph B. Horn describes the team's 1993 season.

Freshmen, Laura Porter and Christina Juva led the freshman team in winning the Queen's Freshman Championships and placing fifth in the whole city.

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The sophomores came in 4th in the Queens Championships and placed 12th in the city.

The Varsity team placed 12th ir the A division, which Coach Horr says is the highest the team ha ever ranked.

Despite losing junior Andrea Levine to a very serious injury dur ing the cross country season, Coact Horn believes that on the fresh man, sophomore and varsity lev els, it has been a very successfu season - the most successful season yet.

"We will be trying for an ever higher finish in the Queensborc and City Champs next season since we're only going to be losing one senior, Iris Williams," says Mr Horn. "We did a lot better than we have ever done in the City Champ and since a few of our scorers are only freshmen, it seems we can only do better," says junior Andrea Levine .

Harry Dounis contributed to this letter

Unexpected loss shatters first-place hopes w__.

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uy r nyllis Pei Beach Channel vs. Townsend Harris in Ladies' Varsity Basketball was to be the "biggest and most important game of this season," said sophomore Ke lly Olino, guard, before the crucial game on Tuesday, January 18.

However, it turned out to be the biggest dis appointment, wi th Harris blowing an early lead to lose 39-48.

Before the game, Coach Lawrence Ceraulo commented, "We expect to win, and need the win or else we will place third in the conference . Beach Channel best us pretty badly last time, so we need to step up this time," he said.

"Beach Channel is a very good rebounding team- a very strong team," said Ceraulo.

Prior to the game, Beach Channel's coach, Morton Shein said, "We won last time because of our man to man defense, which worked very well, so we will use the same thing. My players are also well rested since we haven't had a game in the past few days.

We expect victory. Look out for #11 who just hit 1,000 career points."

Townsend Harris entered the game with a 9-6 record and very high hopes.Extreme pressure was on starters Kelly Olino, junior JenniferConlisk, Ibyemi Blidjen,

Christine Grant, and captain Marylin Paulis .

The game started off with a steal by Grant and then a rebound. Olino committed two fouls in the first two minutes of the game. Her foul on B.C. 's #11 gave them their first point in the game, after remaining scoreless for the first three minutes of the quarter. With 50 seconds left, Grant was fouled and added more points for Townsend Harris. Then with six seconds remaining in the quarter, Olino was fouled and her shots made the score 13-5.

The second quarter started off with a steal by Olino and then she drew a foul. With five minutesto go in thequarter, Townsend Harris led 15-5. AllofBC'spoints were scored by #11.

Townsend Harris had a chance to convert on a crucial basket in the middle of the second quarter . Olino passed to Grant who dished it to Conlisk who drove undisturbed to the hoop, but failed to connect. Then Olino became furious and expressed frustration when referees failed to call a foul oil BC's #43 who "smackedme to the ground which was definitely hard contact. I am smaller than others and someone like her who is pretty big and built had no right to get away with something like that," said Olino .after the game. Her teammates

and fans were Outraged too. Despite the incident, Townsend Harris finished the first half of the game with a 23-11. 1 lead.

During half time, Coach Shein commented, "In order to make the comeback, we'll use full court press, try more three pointers and foul less. We should be able to do that."

As soon as. the third quarter began, it was evtdent BC became more aggressive, They had more steals and turnovers. However, after Townsend Harris' timeout, Olino came back with a steal from behind BC's #43 who screamed out, "Woa! I didn't see her!"

With 4:20 to go in the third quarter, Townsend Harris seemed to lose its grip Onthe game, as the scorenarrowed25-21. Olinofouled BC's #24 and Ceraulo followed with a timeout. He threw his stat book against the wall, venting his frustration. Then with 3:45 to go in the quarter, and Townsend Harris with a slim two point lead, Ceraulo .called another timout and shouted, "Is the game over? Game over?

Then don't give up!" With a little over two minutes to go, Be's #43 fouled Grant who added the much needed two points putting Harris up by four, 27-23. Upset over the foul call, Coach Shein shouted to the referee, "There was no advantage on either side for that foul to be called! Tell me, was there?"

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Jennifer Conlisk, junior, controls the baD in the close match against Beach Channel High School.

Referees warned the loud and critical Shein to "take it easy, and that was enough." At the end of the third quarter, Townsend Harris bad a five point edge, 30-25.

At the outset of the final quarter, BC's #30 walked off the court, apparently upset that the referee called a foul on her. Throughout most of the quarter, Harris managed to hold onto a slim lead, but with three minutes left in the game, BC made several pivotal shots to cut the lead to one, 37-36. With

Townsend Harris leadingby only apointwithtworninutesremaining, the intensity was apparent.

Fouls by Grant and Olino gave BC their first lead of the game.

Then Conlisk and Blidjen committed fouls with only seconds remaining on the clock, which gave Beach Channel the win.

At the end, Coach Shein commented,"We stayed together and played together. We knew the game was in the bag during the third quarter."

20

The Classic March 1994

• INTRAMURAL STATISTICS 1993-1994