The Classic newspaper Volume 13 Issue no. 1

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Vol. 13, No. 1. November, 1996

aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue. Flushing, NY 11367

Clinton sweeos m·o ck electio·n;

·Seniors' simulation· erectrifies pesidential ca~ mp·aign

by Hope Villella Bill Clinton Won a landslide victory in the Townsend Harris mock election on Friday, November 1, receiving all of. the 538 electoral votes . President Clinton was portrayed by Derrick Davis and his running-mate AI Gore by Joe Gerbasi. This was a culmination of the presidential campaign simu lation which commenced on September 18 with a rally held by seniors to introduce their classmates who would step into the roles of the national candidates.

The simulation, which was a special undertaking of the senior Participatory Democracy · classes to learn about how a campaign works, ran throughout the month of October.

The result of the popular vote was also overwhelmingly in favor of Clinton, who received 554 votes out of 847. Dole had 150 votes with Perot slightly behind him at 137. One student

wrote in candidate Ralph ~ader To make the simulation Hillary Clinton was played by and 5 wrote in the Libertarian can- more realistic, ,the history de- Tracy Maldonado, and Tipper partment · assigned every Gore by Melissa Tinea. The didate.

RepubliThree propo's i tions can representatives were also on w e r e the ballot. Of D e a n the 847 who ~ voted, 521 said .,E Galitis as Bob Dole, that states did ~ ~ - Caroline not have the £"' right to refuse ....."' Cross as ;>, Elizabeth recognition of .0 0 Do I e, same sex mar0 -a Danny riages licensed Choi as in other states.

J a c k Students voted Kemp, 519 to 302 in and Yana favor of affirfumskaya mative action to allow for Bob Dole (Dean Galitis), Ross Perot (Oren Yavin) and Bill Clinton as his equal opport!l- (Derrick Davis) await their tum to make their argument in the second mock wife . nity for all in debate .

R o s s Perot was portrayed

by Oren the United States.The third propo- senior to a special role, includsition resulted in a vote of 706 ing the parts of the candidates, Yavin; his wife Margo Perot by supporting a balanced budget by their spouses, their staffs, the Nicole ' Br uno; Pat Choate, the year 2000, provided that ther~ media, and an array of special Perot's running-mate, by Ryo interest groups. First lady Yokoi; and his wife, Kay, by are no national emergencies.

Majida Merchant.

The rest of the seniors immersed themselves in their roles as producers of such shows as Hard Copy and 60 Minutes and publications· including U.S. News & World Report and the New York Times or as members of special interest groups such as The American Medical Association, the NAACP, and the League of Women Voters, among many others. Each group had a media consultant, finance , managers , spokespeople,events coordinators, and political liaisons.

In his appearance in the debate on October 15 , Bob Dole explained, ''I'm running for President because I believe in people; I want to put the power back in your hands." President Clinton also pointed out that he is working for the people "I've done my best with the chances you've given me," he ·said. "I Continued on p. 3

CELEBRATING A TRADITION:

Founder's DaY..brings history, humor, surprises ~ltTi:'f. . .

by Kate Rube and Jeannemarie Hendershot Amidst cheers and applause, the cast of the "Thriller" performance, including senior Altfiea Holford as the King of Pop himself, leftthe stage. Their act was just one of the highlights of Founder's Day, October 25, when for a few hours, poking fun at Townsend Harris was welcomed, ·and even encouraged. The annual event, which celebrates where this schoolcame from and where it is going, brought fun, fantasy, and ~orne senior surprises.

For the first time in two years, the whole school was able to participate in the assembly, gathered in the spacious Colden Center on the Queens Coliege campus. As students and staff marched to the auditorium, they

at . the were met by e n seniors repretrance senting the t 0 three presiC-olden. dential candiT h e dates and ~ same ..c: various inter0 Clinton/ lf est groups in ~.

Gore the election E slogan simulation ~ :I: was re(See above ~ peated, -;; article on this '§ Perot page.) Fliers 0 ;>, camwere passed .0 pa i g n £ outand politi0 ..c: signs ~ cal slogans 0. bobbed were shouted high -all the way to Rallying for their candidate, seniors Natalia Agudelo, Karen Hsueh, Nancy above Fann, Shana Cohen, Lauren Schatz, Ronit Schwartz, and Ryu Yokoi greet Colden. The t h e marchers as they arrive at Colden Center for the Founder's Day celebration.

Clinton/Gore crowd, '96 campaign drove by at a snail's pace, car Years more!" This, however, and Dole supporters did the horns blasting and the occupants' was nothing compared to the Macarena to encourage voters.

Inside, away from the boister-· chanting, "Clinton/Gore - Four rally that greeted the throngs

Class of

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'ous rally, students were seated according to official class by Judy Biener's Student Leadership class. Speakers at the assembly . included Saul Grossman, President of the Alumni Association; Marvin Leiner, liaison between Queens College and Townsend Harris; principal Malcolm Largmann; and Melinda Chau~ Co-President of the Parent-Teacher's Association. Dr. Leiner spoke about the re-establishment of Townsend Harris in 1984 after a 42-year moratorium. "You, the students, the faculty, are the . comeback kids, like the New York Yankees!" he said.

"Each class forges link to the class of _1942, the last class of the original Townsend Harris," said Dr. Largmann. ".Let us Continued on p. 10

Sports Champions Page12

Class of _•g5 College Statistics Pages 8-9 1:

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November 1996 The Classic

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When we get to vote.... Letters to the Editor While we study the Pythagorean theorem, the third principle part of specto, spectare, moles, gravity, iambic pentameter, Julius Caesar, and Benjamin Franklin, the "real" world is spinning round. We miss a lot when immersed in our studies, but with the simulated election, our teachers have taken great pains to introduce us to the "real" world.

The school dedicated enromous resources to what was most likely the biggest high school simulation in the United States. Our ~enior class transformed themselves into Dole, Clinton, Perot, other politicians and various media in order to understand first-hand the processes involved in a presidential campaign and electfon/ On November 1, the votes were tallied, and Clinton won by a landslide - all the electoral votes.

The polls were open from 7:00AM to 3:00PM. Classrooom time was not set aside for this activity just as in the "real" world, employed citizens are not excused frol"l1: work so that they can vote. People had to set aside their own time to make their way to the voting booths.

Less than 50% of the American population voted in the last presidential election and as Nancy Leib, social studies teacher, will tell you, that is a "danger in any democracy." The Constitution is written by "the people" and for "the people," so where are the people when it comes time to decide their country's future? Well, on November 1, they were at Townsend Harris. More than 80% of the student body voted. That's a very impressive statistic.

We've done our current events homework and we've done it well.

But the thumbs up most definitely belongs to the senior class. Hopefully, we've rewarded their hard work and effort by showing them we were listening when they came into our classes and held their rallies and debates. The entire student body of Townsend Harris High will be of voting age by the next Presidential election. It is safe to assume the graduates ofTHHS won't be among the 50% that don't vote. ,

Yankees-work wonders

by Hope Villella .When third baseman Charlie Hayes' glove closed around the ball, all of New York pulsated with shrieks of joy, as the 1996 baseball season closed with the Yankees clinching the World Series for the first time in 18 years. Closing pitcher John Wetteland leapt in~ the _arms of catcherJoe Girardi, with a crowd of pinstriped players qqickly descending on the pair. And, for that moment, everything in New York was perfect. Joe Torre finally had his World Series ring; his brother Frank had a new heart, and everyone in New York was one big, very · _happy family.

Harrisites came to school overjoyed and filled with incomparable energy, despite an obvious lack of sleep. The past week had found their eyes glued to every move made by the Bronx Bombers, their allegiance evident with Yankee shirts, hats and jackets everywhere.

The halls were abuzz, with students enveloping themselves in the euphoria as the Yankees came back froih a 2-0 deficit.

Amid all the excitement, the Yankees were doing more for us than just winning ball games. They were forging a unity within Townsend Harris that had seemed virtually unattainable. It was the type of togetherness that the Student Union works so hard to evoke in the form · of spirit days. While days such as Halloween can be fun, they don't produce the magnitude of involvement that the Yankees generated.

But with that Yankee win the spirit was there; it was omnipresent · throughout the post-season.

In the halls of a school whose students are the best and the brightest, yet the most apathetic, there was a genuine air of excitement among Yankee fans, teachers and students alike. The Yankees were magical in bringing their winning spirit to Townsend Harris where students rallied around a common interest that was not limited to any personality, grade or class. They showed that athletics can transcend all divisions. How can we recapture such enthusiasm on a regular basis? . In most other schools around the country, Homecoming is a focal ·point of school unity. While we don't have a football team, we have many teams that deserve to be honored. Of course, we hold the annual Sports Award Dinner, but those who attend are primarily the athletes and the whole school is not involved. Instead, there could he a celebration for the entire student body, including games, dances and _rallies to energize students and drum up enthusiasm. We've been trying to find a way to bring unity to Townsend Harris and now, the · Yankees have shown us the way.

Double classes Hinder learning.To the Editor: I'd like to air my complaint with double classes. I'm a junior, and ever since the second term of my freshman year I've had at least one double class per term. In freshman year, I knew the doubl,e classes in English and Linguistics w'ere me~nt to solve our lack of space problem. After we moved that year, my two double classes were separated. I was then in and envoronment with more individual attention where I got the chance to know both my teachers and my classmates better.

Now that we are in the new building, I really don't see the point of team teaching. I suppose the idea was that the teachers could Jearn from each other as well as from the students. But is this necessary at the expense of the students? More students are left confused and alone in chemistry and physics (the two subjects I have had double classes in since the· · move) because the teachers don't have as much time to answer individual questions. Worse, if they do take the time in class to help one or two slower students, more students are left bored and Jess motivated than when this happens in a single class.

Last year, I spent both terms of chemistry in a double class. However, we were . separated for lab, which gave us two days a week to experience a single class.

We all agreed that these two days of smaller class time were the most beneficial to us, and more fun than the double class. We had the opportunity to ask questions which would be answered. We also had the time to work on problems in groups, which as a double class we never did. This year, in first band physics: we don't even have this time to develop ~lassroom relationships because we do our labls together during class

Editor-in-Chief: Natalka Palczynski Hope Vill_ella & Beth Matucci · News EditOrs

Beth Citron & Lauren Sharett Feature Editors

Amy Kommatas Sports Editor

George Motakis Art Editor

Erika Zwetkow , PhotOgraphy Editor

rather than have lunch lab ....

Finally, if anyone tells me we still have double classes because of a Jack of space for single classes, I will refuse to believe them. In a building that cost so many millions of dollars- to build, there must be at least one room empty first band.

Gina D'Andrea

Ath-letes -seek Service credit To the Editor: Service credit is an important requirement in our school. The point of it is to . get students involved in improving our community. Everyone agrees that teams better the school overall. However, this year the majority of team members will not receive credit for their participatio11.

I feel that students should be-rewarded for their efforts.

Service credits always used to be graQted to team members. Last year, due to the budget cuts, the administration gave students the option to take a team as their gym class. Those who chose to do so did .not receive service credit because they were using the team for their gym requirement. Others took both and earned 10 service credits for their team . involvement. This year's policy takes away the option of being on a team and being in a gym Class at the same time for all but freshmen and health students.

The regular gym class only barely comes close to the warm~up of the -dedicated student athlete's work-out. I think the coach should decide where the gym class stops .and the team begins, and the ' athlete should be rewarded for every- . thing extra. Credit should be given where credit is due.

Vicki Realmuto

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. 11367

Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor.

Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in the general office. The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon relf• quest.

Romina Perrone

Jennifer Pare

Business Manager

Copy EditOr'

Cory McCruden Circulation Editor

News Staff: Dorninika Bednarska, Helen Haritos, Jenny Mandell, Mark Van Ohlen, Yana Pecherskaya, Kathryn Rube, Claire Schnabel, Rebecca Silver . .

Feature Staff: Bosede Adenekan, Afton Baff, Julie Block, Megan Dwyer, Andrew Goldberg, Karen ~alperin, Jeannemarie Hendershot, Christina Lesica, Nefertiti Lovelace, Eli?.abcth Mo. Stefan Muehlbauer, Rebecca Munoz, Anette Orzechowski, Julia Perratore, Krystal Roopchand, Joshua Stem, Al.cxa Steinberg, Venessa Tan, Chia Tung Tsay, Maggie Yuan, Sara Yun Sports Staff: Justin Fox, Johnny Wong Photographers: Er'ica Carro_l, Frank Cherena, Danielle Hammett-Cohen, Lina Fan, iason Freedman, Ariclle Freeman, Matt Gottlieb, Sara Gross. Athena Lcdakis, Millie Liu, Kimberly Lydtin, Kathleen Maignan, Sofia Panagiotakis, Emilia Rakowicz, Lisa Schapira, Marco Trauzzi, Henry Wong, Jason Wu, Young Yoon Business Staff: Steven Berman, Pramilla Borhara, Nicole Conroy, Andrew Goldberg, Dara Goodman, Jan Katz, Nefcrtiti Lovelace, Amee Mateo, Alexis Mcnchin, Stefan Muehlbauer, Lois Sejano, Joshua Stem, Chia Tung Tsay, Sara Yun Artists: Matrona Gikoumi, Lucy Hong, Rachel Sperling, Melissa Tinio·, Chia Tung Tsay Advisor - lisa Cowen

Principal - Dr. Malcolm Largmann

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Wong builds musical bridge Between East and West

by Jeannemarie Hendershot Henry Wong, junior, the piano soloist at last week's Founder's Day ceremony, performed with four other young musicians at the Omni Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland on October 4. They were the winners of the International Young Artists Piano Competition sponsored by ROCFAB, Republic Of China Friendship Association of Baltimore, an organization made up of old and recent immigrants from Taiwan and China whose goal is to promote cultural activi-

concert, which helped commemorate the first democratic elections held several months ago in Taiwan, was dedicated to the theme, "East meets West."

Henry played two pieces in accordance with the "East Meets West" theme. They were "Etude" by Tyzen Hsiao and "Prelude," Op. 3 No. 2 by Rachmaninoff.

Henry cites this competition as his most significant one yet because of its status on the international level.

Henry also received high honors at the Manhattan School of Music Concerto Competition. He was a guest pianist with the New York Youth Symphony, performing at g,o Carnegie Hall, and ~ he spent last sum~ mer touring Eu::0 rope with the G;> Esther Wood Fest:: "' tival. He studies at 8"' the Juilliard School 0 0 .<:: of Music. c.

Henry has been playing the piano International Young Artists Competition winner Henry for nine years.

Wong plays pieces in the traditions of both East and West. He "Actually, I got was featured as a soloist at the Founder's Day ceremony. myself started in kindergarten, but I wasn't serious then," he said. Well, he ties in and around the city.

The soloists played in conjunction is definitely serious now, and can see the with the Maryland Youth Symphony piano as playing an important role in his Orchestra String Quartet to celebrate the future. "I plan on making it a second ROCFAB National Day Reception. The major. .. after medicine," he says.

3 R.ecord-breaking turnout make·s mixer . a success ... .._........_

by Dominika Bednarska "It was the best. The dance floor was packed all the way to the sides. It was amazing," said Student Union secretary Hellen Kim, junior, in describing the October 11 Mixer held in the Queens College Student Union Building. The annual dance attracted the largest turnout ever, 651 students total.

"Ticket sales were recordbreaking," said Judy Biener, Coordinator Of StudentActivities (COSA). "Mr. [Thomas] Sweetin [senior advi~or] ran out of bookbag tags Eric Baez, junior, does and he brought mixer. over 600 with him."

"I was impressed by the big turn-out.

So many people showed school spirit," said senior Suzanne Gurnieri.

Students interviewed agreed the dance was better than previous years. The music was better," said junior Samantha Kelly. "The DJ played just enough of

Clinton sweeps mock election will never forget that I'm here because of you, the voters, and I will continue to build a better future for you and your children." Ross Perot established his party's beliefs by saying, "The Reform Party believes in equality for all."

Senior groups organized talk shows, interviews, radio shows and ads to entice underclassmen to vote for the candidate that they support. Alexis Karteron, the spokesperson for Big Business, explained, "Big business is supporting Dole because he believes in cutting the capital gains rate and middle class income tax." Conservative organizations such as Conservative Pac (CPAC) pledged all of their allotted monetary units to the Dole Campaign, while Liberal organizations such as Liberal Pac (LPAC) supported Clinton with their funding. Each section was assigned a specific number of units which were comparable to the amount of money that their real counterparts have to spend. Each group had to use its units to pay for rallies, television broadcasts and ads . They also had to keep careful records of their spending and donations as their records were subject to random auditing by the Election Commission Judy Biener's Student Leadership class.

The ninth grade was assigned the most electoral votes at 35 per homeroom while the juniors had the least, with 14 - 15 per homeroom. History teacher Anthony Scarnati explained that this unbalanced distribution of votes was designed to serve a dual purpbse. First, it forced the seniors to target the freshmen, so that seniors had to solicit votes from those they know the least, and secondly, it allowed juniors who are currently studying American government to experience how it feels to be denied power. The winning candidate needed 270 votes to win, just 45 more than the 245 electoral votes of the freshmen. The sophomores had a total of 176 votes, and the juniors received 119. · Each day, seniors devoted the period in their Participatory Democracy class to working on the "mock" election. They were started off with some information on the platforms from their teachers, Mr. Scarnati, John Hynes, Nancy Leib and Myron Moskowitz, and a daily subscription to The New York Times . There were mailboxes provided for every class to keep in contact, but beyond that the seniors were left to their own skills, with their ultimate goal to convince the voters to "come out to vote" for their candi-

The Classic

November 1996

each kind of music to keep everyone happy. It was a good balance of rap, reggae, and grunge," said Kerri McCormick sophomore.

Not all students had a great time however. "It was boring, except for when everyone jumped up and down," said freshman ] Nirel Matsil.

0 Still, beu ~ cause of the § Mixer's ap::r:"' parent suc{l cess, the ~ COSA is £ planning an~ other dance at -a the SU build ing on December 13.

The response this year is very different from the "train" dance at the that given to last year's dance-a-thon which was supposed to raise money for a gym tarp. So few tickets were bought that the profits didn't even cover the cost.

"We are hoping a winter dance will be more successful than our spring, 1996 fund-raiser," said Ms. Biener.

Mark Van Ohlen contributed to this article.

(continued from p.1)

date on Election Day. The mock campaign and the election will be a part of a research project conducted by Queens College political science professor Michael Krasner. Dr. Krasner surveyed seniors prior to the

beginning of the project to find out how much knowledge they had about political campaigns. Afterwards, he will once again examine how informed they are to discover how much of an effect the simulation had on them .

HALLOWEEN CONTEST WINNERS The following students were judged to have the best costumes during the lunch band contest and will be awarded a pizza party.

Gina Hayes & Sarah Sidar- Bride and Groom •· Jeannemarie Hendershot, Vicki Realmuto, Kate Rube, Kristen Candan, Kim Parrett, Natalka Palczynski, Erika Zwetkow - Barbie and the Rockers Crystal Cutajan - Madonna and her Baby Michele Kligman - Mr. Potato Head Jessica Fettinger, Jeanette Aponte, John Paul Manzolillo- Superheroes Melissa Gibilaro Ruby Varghese & Julie Abraham -Milk and Cookie David Bleichfeld -Ms. Leib Kim Cozma- Battery Alexa Steinberg - Pippi Longstocking Joelle Webb, Elizabeth Patti, Lauren Paley -Three Blind Mice Eric M. Rodriguez - Christmas Tree Jose Melendez - Woman Juan (Arturo) da Silva- Express Mail Marc Reichelscheimer - Cop

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Teachers gallivant arour:'ld globe o·souza revisits India with family

by Kate Rube Bison and monkeys and deer - oh my! Not too many people can say that their summer vacation included getting up close and personal with the likes of these wild animals. Of course, not too many people spent their summer as French teacher Mariet D'Souza did: visiting and touring India.

Staying in such diverse places as a reserve forest, the suburbs of a major city, and on a farm, Ms. D'Souza and her family were able to experience several different Indian lifestyles during their two-week vacation.

Adjustment to Indian lifestyles was not difficult for Ms. D'Souza since this was her second trip to India, the country where her husband had grown up. Visiting family was a main focus of this trip, especially because their 12-year-old son,

Anthony, had never before been to India.

A highlight of the trip was the family's stay in Madumalai, a national reserve forest. The guest house where they resided was "beautifully located with mountains seen in the distance," said Ms. D'Souza. Tours through the preserve, via elephant or on foot, revealed many species of exotic animals.

Staying with relatives on a farm was another favorite part of the vacation. Their visit during the monsoon season allowed the family to enjoy the abundance of croes including coconuts, beetlenuts, and rice.

Bombay represented an opposite extreme of the nation, with its crowded, traffic-filled streets . It was the "<i:xtreme variability of this huge country" which first attracted Ms .

D'Souza to India.

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Vacationing in India; Mariet D'Souza, French teacher, makes a new friend.

Given the chance, Ms. D'Souza would love to make a return visit - this time, seeing more monuments and perhaps viewing Varanasi, which is among the oldest cities in the world.

Weyne views old and new in Thailand

by Beth Citron Having never traveled to Asia before, English teacher Paula Weyne embarked on a trip to Thailand this past summer. For three weeks, she toured the hill country and central plains, stayed at a resort island and toured through Bangkok, the largest city.

According to Ms. Weyne, the most interesting aspect of Thailand is the "contrast between modernization in Bangkok and the ancient way of life that people still lead." She witnessed residents bathing in the same river that supplied their water for cooking, while in Bangkok the streets were overly crowded with cars.

Ms. Weyne enjoyed her trip to Thailand very much, noting that"there was a gentle spirit throughout the country," and said that she would consider traveling there again. She plans to use her experience in her lessons in class, "comparing some of life there to life in Things Fall Apart," the novel

by ChinuaAchebe which is read in English 2.

Her love of travel has made Ms.D'Souza more accepting of foreign beliefs and customs.

"Seeing other cultures makes us aware of their value - we cannot dismiss them as strange .. .if we are able to identify with them,"

she said.

Although India has its poverty, its slums, its traffic and noise, she noted that there are also many beautiful places which can take your breath away.

Leib ventures to Vietnam

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Paula Weyne stands in front of The Temple of Dawn in Bangkok.

by Lauren Sharett Pedestrians walk around with USA T-shirts and Calvin Klein hats. This sounds like a scene in the United States, but the description is actually one of a street in Vietnam. Nancy Leib, Social Studies teacher, traveled throughout the country this summer and was surprised by the prevalent American fashions.

Ms . Leib toured Vietnam from the southern city of Ho Chi Min to the northern capital of Hanoi.

The Global Spectrum travel agency ran the 25-day tour.

This agency is devoted to improving relations between the "' United States and Vietnam, and 0 '-' was originally started by war c. veterans.

The tour group was accompanied by a Vietnamese guide and a driver. Visits to historical sites such as battle grounds and former American prison camps, religious sites such as

Buddhist temples, cultural performances, nature trips, and non-Vietnamese villages were all part of the itinerary.

According to Ms . Leib, "The best part of the trip was meeting the Vietnamese people.

They were very warm and friendly. This was very surprising to me coming from America." On the other hand, Ms.Leib added, "there were not many sanitary racilities.

"Most difficult of all was seeing GI dog tags in many antique stores," she said.

•· Ms . Leib plans on showing slides from her trip to her American and Global History classes. She hopes to use her experience to give students a different perspective of Vietnam, and to help in discussing the Vietnam War and the changing economy of the country.

"It was very moving for me," she said. "It makes the Vietnam War even more difficult to understand when you are there."

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,., The Classic ·

5 Travel experiences brought back ·to . . classroom 1

From England to Egypt:

Boulanger seizes Chance to study, Teach, and travel

by Helen Haritos "It was a chance I couldn't pass up," ArthiJ.!r Boulanger, English teacher and Program Coordinator, said about his sabbatical last year.

Mr. Boulanger was given the opportunity to study at Kings College and Oxford University in England, where he earned 21 credits in history, and to visit Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, and Greece.

At Kings College and Oxford University, Mr. Boulanger taught the equivalent of freshman composition. "I didn't want to leav£C:e said. "Every day there was something new to discover." He described the atmosphere as being "different" for many reasons, "The British put plaques on the walls of houses saying who had lived there," or what had happened there. "It's the home of English literature," he said with a smile.

"The two high points of my trip were Greece and Egypt," Mr. Boulanger said. "You walk into the world where mythology .came from .... If Zeus had walked, he would have walked in Athens," he

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Greenfield tours Turkey on fellowship

by Dominika Bednarska "Tourists often get a very fals-e impression - all they know is the Hilton hotel.

That's why it is so important to live [in a country] and not just pass through," said Lynne Greenfield, Assistant Principal of Humanities, while reflecting on her recent trip to Turkey.

She spent five weeks exploring and studying in the cities oflstanbul, Ankara, and Izmir this summer along with 17 other teachers, all recipients of Fulbright fellowships. Fulbright is a national program of grants and scholarships that places emphasis on travel as a teaching tool.

Altl;lough it wasn't at all like the Hilton; Ms. Greenfield was very impressed by how westernized the nation was.

"They run on a Western work week, - even though the Muslim holy day is Friday .... Many people speak' English ... .They are very interested in technology. Transportation is good; things run on time," she sa:id.

"I have been to Egypt before and Turkey was ver.y unlike what I expected. I thought it would be poorer, dirtier, more disorganized, and very foreign," said Ms. Greenfield. Instead she found it "safe, beautiful, and easy to travel in."

Ms. Greenfield was also surrrised by the increased role of women. "I saw a veiled woman driving a scooter car with

have as many rights as we do here. "For example, I could visit the Blue Mosque, but I wasn't allowed to go in on Fridays," said Ms. Greenfield.

Another major cultural difference that struck her was the hospitality of the Turkish people. "It's nothing like the _ United States .... We ·-S drove into an agri~ , cultural village unc; ~ announced and ~. strangers invited us - into their homes . ~· Can you imagine .

• . . _ ,.::;~-~~ ~ that happening ~·~· ~ - . , ., .,~. -·~ ....~:,... . "'f · '· · :rli/1":....." . . ~_,,._.._, here?" she asked .. c.. "All that hospitality you read about in the Odyssey really is true."

Encircled by Greek ruins at Aphrodesias, Turkey, Lynne _In fact, since TurGreenfield, Assistant Principal of Humanities, has the ' key has some of the inspiration to teach The Odyssey again. best Greek ruins in the world, Ms. her husband and son inside. So, in a lot Greenfield is going to incorporate what of ways they are like us, only they dress she has learned into the curriculum, esdifferently," she said. pecially that of the ninth grade English However, women in Turkey still do not classes. .

Thtoring Biology, Earth Science

Ana Butler Licensed and

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Mr.'Bmilanger spent 14 days on the Nile River in Egypt, visiting temples and other ancient sites from the Valley of the Kings and Queens to Aswan . "It's like being on your own time. machine. People live the same [way .today] as they did 5,000 years ago ... It really gives you a sense of history/' he .said.

Mr. Boulanger is currently teaching English 1, which begins with a mythology unit. He says teaching this year will be "different" because he has a "better understanding of what the world was like" for the ancient Greeks and . Egyptians.

"It's very nice and interesting" to talk to the students, he said, "and to take that world and communicate it to therri for a better appreciation of the birthplace of mythology - the world of order from chaos ." Mr. Boulanger advises everyone to "go to Egypt. It's wonderful."

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Biology and Chemistry Jackson Heights, Forest Hills Area (718) 779-7975

Science Thtor Lewis Zimmerman Lie. H.S. Science Teacher Chemistry, Biology, 9th Grade

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TheCiassic November 1996 ;

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Class of 2000: Freshman travels to foreign borough

by Alexa Steinberg I've started high school with all the tri~ als and tribulations of a new ninth grader, as well as ari added disability : I'm a foreigner.

I come from Manhattan . While it's only an hour away by bus and train, for all I knew about it, Queens could have been in Japan. Getting adjusted has taken quite a bit of effort. For example, I had to hear the word "equatuh" three times before I understood it meant the imaginary line running around the middle of the globe. "Shoulda" also took me a while.

The only impres" sion that I had of Queens before I arrived was that it was a maze of cemeteries, which meant a lot of people must have'died there.

They all probably lived in the red brick apart- , ment buildings. Every block seems to have at least one. I'm still amazecl at how short the buildings ~re, and I listen intently to people's stories of playjng on the grass in front of their houses or in their backyards- I sort of know what they are, even though I never saw one.

People tell me that they are from Flushing and I nod my hea:d as if I know where that is.

Actually, I still have no idea where Townsend Harris is, and barely know how to get here. I did three trial runs before school started, and I still rely on a friend to tell me where to get off theE train. I'm getting a little nervous that I'm destined to have no friends but those who live on the E or Q74 line. I would have no idea ho·w to get home from anywhere else.

At first I thought that I would stand out like

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by Julie Block "Excuse me, you're not supposed to be I did I know these words would become very a sore thumb at first day in Townsend Harris, and not only v Harris: everyone would immediately this school as a sophomore made adjusting "Excuse me, you're not supposed to be know I was from bathroom," ] replied. I didn't know stude1 Manhattan by my , fourth floors . After all, there were bathroor accent and the way Going to the lockers to drop off my hea' I dre~s. But so far, teacher and again told I was in the wrong pl it's been like wearlockers during the first ten minutes of our 1 ing contacts; no one "Excuse me, you're not supposed to be herE notices until you looked at me strangely when I showed up in tell them, and then fourth. Don't follow the schedule given t< it's suddenly very added. So I got dressed and made my way · apparent.

Coming into class late on the first day of sc When I told teacher to have of you. And the eyes of fe .someone that I made my stomach turn. lived in Manhattan, On my way to lunch, I passed by a cliqu she ·cooed, "®00h, although they didn't say it, I saw it in thei1 you live in The here!" So I spent my lunch time walking u City." I had always bell to ring. Somehow the cold cement of tl ~ been taught not to When the day was over, I was thorough!: leave other borHarris. But the person inside me who loves oughs out of "The City," but here was someone from Queens doing it.

Most people here know as little about Manhattan as I do about Queens. When I tell them I live by the Hudson River, they say; "Why don't you live on the other side of Manhattan where Central Park is?"

"Central Park is in the middle of Manhattan," I tell them.

"Oh no," they say, "it's in that other place."

"Uptown?" I suggest.

"Yeah that's it, Uptown." Now if only someone will tell me how to get home from !97th Street after myWednesday track meets.

Newcomers deprived of old amenities

by Megan Dwyer I look at the 'freshmen and can only feel a little sorry for them.

These new Harris ties will never experience the luxuries of the old building. The class of 2000 will have to make do with this two-yearold building without knowing the joys of the old Harris castle.

Take its word processing room, for example. It was decorated with antique com" puters so old and priceless that the Smithsonian wanted them. In order to preserve them, we did not dare use them. I pity this new class that will soon have the burden

of surfing the net and going on-line.

Besides the tribulations of working with state-of-the-art computers, they also have to use their textbooks in order to study. In the · old building, books had a more creative purpose: to prop the windows open. ~ The class'of2000 will also neverknow what a Cafetorium is; we.were blessed with having a cafeteria and auditorium in one! I have always wondered why it wasn't called an Auditeria.

The poor new freshmen are also missing the joy of trying to walk up a narrow flight of stairs in a crowd of 500 students. We had our own

free mosh pit. Furthermo~e, the class of2000 will only see exotic Madagascar roaches in the science lab. The previous classes were fmtunate to get aquainted with the domestic breed.

The biggest regret I have for the new students is that they will never be able to befriend the charming students of the dignified Parsons Junior High. These considerate students would help lighten our load by relieving us of our wallets.

I hope the class of 2000 can manage with~ out all of the perks of the old building and settle for this humble little shack.

supposed to be here."

Now that I am a junior, things are a bit It year, an obviously confused freshman cm <furing sixth period. He asked rue when fi1 answered, "Exc.us(! me, you're not suppose librarian, came in overloaded with papers < eyes and exclaimed, "Julie, I'm so glad yo

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ut of this w·orld Moon graduation marks millennium

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- by Stefan Muehlbauer The lights were dim . They had been hoping a meteor shower would coincide with !" my homeroom teacher exclaimed. Little · graduation night, but June js not the best 1 iliar to me in the next two ~eeks. It was my -month for meteors. Nevertheless, it was drafrightened, but I was clueless. Coming into matic . The 250 Townsend Harris High h harder.

School graduates donned their fluorescent :," said a teacher. "But I have to go to the green caps atop their space helmets, draped ' OU)d oniy USe bathrooms on the first and their gowns around their space suits, and n all the floors . floated down the aisle. The principal hovered ad of text books, I was spotted by another above the podium, kicking his feet slightly How was I to know that w e could only use to retain altitude; and began his address .' band?

"Welcome to the fi rst lunar commencement (eith Hanson, the physic.al education teache; , of Townsend Harris High School. We are b m clothes. "This is the third band not the celebrating a most unusual graduating class u in homeroom until you are told to," he -the class of the year 2000! Floating before b the sixth floor for my fourth period class. us tonight are some of the m:ost interesting I is not exactly the impression you'd like a and unorthodox individuals who have ever classmates, amused and yet condemning, been graduated from .our school."

The principafcleared his throat, increased the oxygen flow from his tank, and continstudents walking toward the cafeteria and es: "Excuse me, you're n<:Jt supposed to be ued.

"From the day these young people entered !d down the flights of stairs waiting for the our school on September 5, 1996, things be~eps felt comforting. ~vinced that I did not belong in Townsend gan to change. By early spring, 1997, 'they I ke on a challenge kept telling me, "You are said the Queens College campus wasn't adequate for their needs, and insisted on acquiring the facilities of all of the City University. But this, too, failed to satisfy these young minds, and by sophomore year they . had engaged the resources of all the cultural institutions of_ New York City. Their quest for knowledge did not wane. By junior year, I

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all the major universities in the world were as a large mass of lunar dust settled on his pumping information to these students via sat- space helmet. ellite and computer. We knew it would only "But when it came to graduation," he conbe a short time before they had absorbed all tinued, "what else could we do with a bunch the available knowledr~ on our dear planet." oflunatics, but arrange for them to be graduThe principal faltered for a moment or two, ated from the moon?"

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iomplicated. At the beginning of school this up to the desk in the library, where I work ~eriod ended and though I felt some guilt, I be here !" A few minutes later Ms. Billy, the work. She looked up at me with relief in her here ! What would I do without you?"

by Andrew Goldberg I was the oldest one amongst the bunch.

My 'starchy wooden finish had tasted theremains of countless cafeteria fiascoes, and thenumerous stains denoting my longevity had . tarnished my exterior. I. was spattered and sloshed as the recipient of undesired and undiscarded school victuals. My residence was amongst youngsters in the basement of the John Bowne cafeteria. For years I eavesdropped on conversations; my location permitted no other social activities. those lounging on my rigid covering had no idea of all the gossip I took in. As a nonentity, I wa~ born an auditor incapable of oration.

It was a warm spring evening in the middle of last year when my surface changed forever. My physical appearance was dramatically altered when I was told that I would be relocated to the "dining hall" of Townsend Harris High School. Granted the face lift which my stiff surface had been craving for years, I anticipated my removal from the scorching storage area of the dated, overcrowded high school.

to rookie·s

Then came moving day .· Though I was not forgotten what it was like to be new and welcomed to the school with the same recep- alone. I felt only sympathy for the scared, tion as the-incol)1ing students, the cool tern- . silent students who crowded around me. perature and aesthetically pleasing architecture . The silence did not last for long. The voices of the contemporary building were enough to echoing through the lunchroom reached an win my initial approval.

-ear-splitting intensity by the second week of My first lunch hour occurred during the fifth school. Almost all the freshmen had found a "band" at Townsend Harris. As a rookie in my companion, one to whom thf<y could composition, I was ~reatly disconcerted by the Ian- plain about their work load. As talk of comguage spoken across my surface. Those con- mutes faded, the incoming class tookqp the suming their meals upon me articulated such same issues of all those who had pre-dated pec~liar words as "collaterals," and them. Tests, and teachers were commonplace "TIMOTS." I was exposed on my introductory concerns, as was balancing their workload day as a member of the "THHS" community with a desire to socialize with friends . to "SU," "SPAA," "ARCHON," and other in- · The class of 2000 still has a great deal to timidating abbreviations for t~rms which did learn abouf school life, but all those new to not exist in my vocabulary. The students lean- an environment take on this same task of ing on my newly constructed body spoke of mastering new procedures. I was a freshman their classes, teachers, and social iilte~ests, as I once ·at Townsend Harris, and have since recollected the non-existence of mine. then mastered the ins and outs of my surI had experienced a semester of these daily roundings. Freshmen are born to adapt. As a routines, and a long sizzling summer neglected self-designated psychologist of student afin the basement corner, when the class of2000 fairs in the Townsend Harris "dining hall ," I arrived to make a c:onquest of Townsend Har- can reassure all those ~ho feel discouraged. ris. I was now a veteran at my task, but had not Indeed, I am always listening.

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The Classic . ~ovember 1996

Class of •gs statistics i.lluminate· Path to college;

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----24 16 90 640/570 91 560/490 2 0 90 . 580/620 3 3 83 660/620 10 5 90 620/730 95 560/650 .....

55 55 82 610/520 2 0 91 640/600 -----11 9 90 620/640 85 470/420 ..

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8I 8 - - - ----- --- - -·-··--·, 1 r 90 700/680 1 1 77 480/530 5 5 88 590/560 4 87 (SA) 3 92 620/740 650~~2_ .. . - .......

4 8 94 690/640 95 580/630 30 5 95 700/760 95 560/660 -------540/6l0--~ 3 2 91 600/600 91 - - - - - - - ----·- · -·- - - , 85(SA) 5 470/570 3 92 690/660 48 33 90 95 680/640 560/6 50 I --·-·---~---· -- ---- -----· 79 . 580/590 2 2 ·- - - - -- · --- -----·--·- -----' 12 5 ___ !1~~1_-· ·- -· -·· 640/560 ._, ........... , .... . ·- ·- 95 ·· -···-- ·- ···-- -------- --- ~~Q~~§.()~] 1 1 640/600 91 .. _.. ___ __ ·----- -- -·-94 1 1 ----- - ------------- 770/680 -----·---·-· 2 87 (SAl 690/780 2 1 1 92 750/590 89 (SA) 13 6 610/510 95 920/6~9_._ - - · · 3 3 81 590/600 2 2 90 520/660 ----- 3 3 84 ~~91~-~g --- - - - - . ....... .. --- ..______...... · ·-·· ··· 1 86 1 630/610 1 1 90 640/600 - - -1'9 83 590/53Q __ 19 90 580/620 4 2 89 520/540 --------------- ·---.1 1 93 600/640 1 86 1 -600/600 -·------- ···----------------- --·-- ·----- ---89 (SA) , · 650/670 12 4 94 630/630 -- ·--·- ·--·--·2 1 92 82 620/550 1 1 96 7001700 ----------- - - - - - ------ - - 4 91 690/630 91 550/600 2 -------------·---89 640/670 2 2 1 610/520 82 1 12 7401700 2 95 96 750/760 -·-----·-- -· --- -··- ·-· .. ..

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ALLEGHENY AMERICAN ·--------AMHERST BARD BARNARD BATES BENTLEY BOSTON COLL BOSTON UNIV I BOWDOIN BRANDEIS BROWN BRYN MAWR BUCKNELL CARLETON CARNEGIE MELLON CASE WESTERN CLARK ATLANTA CLARK UNIV COLBY COLGATE COLUMBIA CONNECTICUT COLL. COOPER UNION CORNELL CW POST-LJU DARTMOUTH ·- ..

DICKINSON DREW DUKE ELIZABETH TOWN EMORY EUGENE LANG FAIRFIELD FARLEIGH DlCKINSON FLORIDA STATE FLORIDA, GAINESVILLE FORDHAM ~!\NKLIN & MARSHAL GENEVA GEORGE WASHINGTON GEORGETOWN ~ORGIA TECH

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by Yana Pecherskaya It's time to unravel your vocabulary lists, sharpen your #2 pencils, and get a good night's sleep; the SAT is here! The Scholastic Assessment Test, provided by the ETS (Educational Testing Service), is the principal means for most colleges to measure applicants' academic abilities . Recognizing this , the Townsend Harris College Office recently published a p~ofile of the 1996 graduates which provides this year's applicants with an . idea of their chances at acceptance by a certain college.

The profile is based on a list of colleges and universities which received applications from T0wnsend Harris students in 1996. Displayed for each school are : the tot al number of ap p licants , t he number of those admitted to the institution, the lowest accepted average, lowest SAT score accepted, the highest average rejected a nd the highest SAT score reJected.

"This profile is not a Bible, but it at leasr gives you the 'ballpark' figures, so that you know if you are in the running for a particular school /' says College Advisor Marilyn Blier.

According to the profile, New York University was last year's most popular school, drawing 80 applications from the Townsend Harris seniors. Boston University held second place with 55 applications and responded with a 100%. ac, ceptance rate for the Class of '96. Receiving 48 applications, Cornell University came in third.

This profile makes it easy to discern the discrepancies in the GPAs (grade point averages) and SAT scores of applicants who were admitted to certain schools . and applicants who were rejected. A number of highly selective colleges denied admission to students whose averages and SAT scores were significantly higher 1than those of students who were accepted by the same institutions. Princeton University, for example , accept~d a student with 95 GPA I 1360 SAT and rejected one with 97 GPA I 1450 SAT. Johns Hopkins University accepted an applicant with 91 GPA I 1400 SAT and rejected one with 97 GPA I 1450 SAT. What were the reasons for these seem. ingly glari ng injusti ces? According to . Ms. Blier, every undergraduate admissi ons officer looks beyond the appli - . cant~' rank, average, and SAT score. 1 One of the most important factors is ~he s tudent' s trans cr ipt. It refle cts the amount of effort the student put in over years of work and ·the amount of challenge that he was w i lli~ g to endure. Of equai·importance is the personal essay which serves as a writing. sample and is Continued on next page

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College-bound guided by 'ballpark fi·gures' PRIVATE NEW YORK UNIV.-A&.S NIAGARA NORTHEASTERN NORTHWESTERN PACE - - -· ~~!'!N ST ~.!EIUNIV .PK) ~~NN., UNIV. OF PEPPERDINE. PITTSBURGH, UNIV. OF POLYTECHNIC PRINCETON QUINNIPIAC R.I.T. RANDOLPH-MACON REGIS RENSSELAER RHODES RICE RICHMOND, UNIV. OF ROCHESTER, UNIV. OF RUTGERS SARAH LAWRENCE SCRANTON, UNIV. OF SIENA SIMMONS SKIDMORE SMITH SPELMAN SPRINGFIELD ST. JOHN'S UNIV. ST. JOHNS PHARMACY ST. JOSEPH'S ST. MARY'S, Md. STAMFORD SUSQUEHANNA SWARTHMORE SYRACUSE TEMPLE TEXAS, UNIV. OF TUFTS TULANE UNION UNIV. OF CHICAGO UNIV. OF DELAWARE UN IV. OF MARYLAND URSINUS UTICA COLLEGE VASSAR VERMONT, UNIV. OF VILLANOVA VIRGINIA, UNIV. OF W. FLORIDA, UNIV. OF WASHINGTON&. LEE WASHINGTON UNIV. WELLESLEY WESLEYAN WHEATON WILLIAM &. .MARY WILLIAMS WISCON., UNIV. OF XAVIER YALE

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LOWAVERACC

V /M SAT

HIGH AVER REJ

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11 --- -----84---- ---------------- --- 440/450 ---. ·- ····--··-· --- _ ______ _ __ - -· ···- -- --·· ------·-·· ··- ·- -- -- -- -· ··- - ---- 540/610 31 ___ 0 ____ -- ---- - --- - ----···-- -------- ·-·----·· ----·-··-91 ·- ·--·--·- · ·---·----- --------·-----94 620/640 1 1 84 500/550 91 (SA) 2 6 590/700 97 760/690 3 3 81 560/590 1 1 580/470 85 1 1 86 630/610 90 (ED) 8 21 660/690 95 710/610 6 6 88 630/580 5 5 89 520/540 5 6 90 720/710 89 560/500 560/600 8 8 89 11 11 75 ~~0/590 1 1 97 760/690 1 1 91 540/610 91 (ED) 7 590/650 11 93 660/610 2 2 88 590/660 4 4 85 490/560 89 (SA) 1 10 590/640 94 690/620 1 1 700/530 88 600/600 1 0 86 670/690 3 3 95 710/620 690/780 9 10 90 87 --- -- --·- ·- -· - - - --·-·-·-91 (ED) 690/650 91 660/610 7 5 500/550 1 84 1 91 660/560 1 1 7001700 96 730/780 96 3 7 630/580 3 3 88 520/420 2 81 2 7401700 750/760 96 2 14 95 ,. ,

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SUNY: UNIVERSITY CENTERS Approximate Cut-Offs (GOOD SATS: ABOVE 1200) Albany : 80+ ED = EARLY DECISION Binghamton: 90+ SA = SPECIAL ADMIT Buffalo: 80+ Stony Brook: 83+

SUNY: COLLEGES Approximate Cut-Offs (GOOD SATS) Geneseo: 88+ New Paltz: 80+ Oneonta: 80+ Purchase: 80+

continued from previous page required by most colleges. "Your essay is one subjective way of telling a college who you really are," says Ms. Blier, "and it might serve as a breakpoint between acceptance and rejection. It is also a great

opportunity to explain any inconsistencies that your record may reflect. What you must remember is this: when you are writing your essay, write from the heart." Other elements such as ethnic

and geographic diversity, special activities, and talents may also play a ~rucial role in the admissions process. According to the Class of '96 profile, some students were accepted to highly selective institutions, such as Brown University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, and Emory University as "Special Admits." The GPAs and SAT scores of the Special Admits were significantly lower than those of some students who were denied admission. "This was a group of applicants," says Ms. Blier, "which ineludes the individuals who exhibited special talents and extraordinary abili-

ties, as well as those who were applying through the affirmative action program."

Last month, US News & World Report rated Yale University as #1 among the 229 best national universities. Princeton University and Harvard University occupied second and third places, respectively (September 16, 1996). The Class of '96 profile shows that of those students who applied to these three schools, only two were accepted - the same two by each of the three universities. Both students chose Harvard.

For most seniors, the advent of the dreaded Scholastic Assessment Tests, marks the beginning of a laborious college application process . So, what do colleges really look for in their applicants? "Two things," responds Marilyn Blier. "Colleges want a student who has made use of all school and community resources available to him. They also look for students who have gone beyond superior academic work and exhibit , special interests."

Once a decision concerning the academic strength of the institution has been reached, according to Ms. Blier, the three most important factors to consider are distance from home, weather, and finances. "You need to ask yourself," she explains, "whether you would be able to spend four years . at a particular college and in a particular climate ."

Furthermore, it is important to know how much money the student has available for payment of the tuition and other expenditures. "CoJlege is an investment in the future," concludes Ms. Blier, "and not as much an expense. However, it is up to the students' families to decide how much they are able or willing to spend."

Freshmen and sophomores may view college planning as part of the distant future, but, however distant it may seem, it is, in fact, inevitable. Ms. Blier's advice is to "try to link up now with an activity that you think you'll enjoy throughout your high school years, because colleges are very interested in seeing long term commitments. Less, done well, is better than more, done poorly ." To the junj_ors, the college advisor recommends making plans for campus visits during vacation time. "Each visit should concentrate on four to five schools grouped in one specific area," she suggests , adding, "Seniors, take heart ! Everybody is going somewhere that will be wonderful."

The profile was made possible thanks to the efforts of former College Office secretary Joan Starr.

Source: "Best National Universities." US News & World Report, 9/16/96, 110-114.

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10 Founder•s Day brings history, humor, surprises (Cont. from p. 1) spread our magic to others."

Mathematics teacher Rachel Ruisi was the only speaker who was once a student of Townsend Harris and is currently a member of its faculty. "I guess you can say I really believe in the Ephebic Oath," she said, referring to the ancient Greek pledge that all new students take on Founder's Day to better their community. "I came back here to make this place greater than I found it."

The audience clearly enjoyed the Founder's Day Challenge,a series of skits, top ten lists, greeting cards, inventions and song parodies created by the winners of a school-wide contest and organized by Assistant Principal of Humanities Lynne Greenfield. Freshman/ Sophomore President Michael Pasinkoff presented his "Top Ten Rejected Improvements to Townsend Harris High School." Other skits included the presentation of the Gym Buddy, a robot that will do all your gym exercises for you at the push of a button, and a listing of movies that relate to Harris, such as FortyEight Hours (the time it takes to get home from school). Everything was wrapped up with the spoof of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Students laughed loudest at this sketch, but it was cut short when problems with the sound system surfaced "I think the highlight of the day was the Founder's Day Challenges. We got to see the things we hate ... ridiculed by our friends and classmates. It's a chance

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Founder's Day Challenge participants "sound off" their Harris complaints with a march.

to laugh about the stuff that drives us crazy," noted sophomore Jackie Raj wan.

Musical interludes performed by the Concert Band, conducted by Peter Lustig; the chorus, directed by Florence McKinley; and piano soloists Eugene De Pasquale and Henry Wong (see p.3), met with a warm reception.

Following tradition, the ceremony ended with all new students taking the Ephebic Oath, They were led by student president David Chau. "It [the oath] instills respect in your school and city. Not

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many students get to experience such a thing," said incoming sophomore Maria Panayiotou. Earlier in the morning, the collection of canned food for the needy reflected the idea of giving back to the community that is embodied in the oath.

Students began the day's festivities by decorating their lockers in whatever way their imaginations could dream up. Jose Melendez, Julie Heimrath, Andrew Goldberg and Tina Shih won the Decorate Your Locker contest and will receive their choice of a "get out of a program change" or a "first choice subject

teacher" card.

Second period was dedicated to student presentations about Townsend Harris' illustrious list of alumni, including Jonas Salk, inventor of the polio vaccine, songwriters Richard Rogers, Lorenz Hart, Ervin Drake (who also penned the Alma Mater) and author Herman Wouk, to name a select few. Students then assembled with their official classes to walk to Colden Auditorium.

"Founder's Day is always a surprise to me," said Dr. Largmann, "especially the assembly, because I try very hard not to ask too many questions beforehand and J was, as always, overwhelmed ... .The humor that the students put in the various skits, the girls whose dance was interrupted by technological failure and who had the good sense and good humor to go on anyway, and the behavior of the audience in general was just phenomenal. I am really so proud of everyone."

Ms. Greenfield stressed that many people helped in the planning of Founder's Day, including librarian Valerie Billy; English teacher Debra Michlewitz; Coordinator of Student Activities Judy Biener; health teacher Ellen Schwartz; and Assistant Principals Sheila Orner, Susan Appel and Malcolm Rossman.

"Founder's Day was a lot better than last year. It was more organized and it was ... BEAUTIFUL!" said sophomore Christine Rivera.

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11

New staff .repl1ac:es reti,rees Jonas Salk High School in Man- · grade levels. Mr. Carbone is gram. He also · hattan. Ms. Ruisi is an alumna also coaching the Debate Team teaches Hebrew at of Townsend Harris, and she and is running the tutoring pro- Great Neck South said that there have been very gram.

High School. AI- .

Adam Stonehill, humanities, though he said it 1 was a student teacher at is hard to teach Townsend Harris with Anthony ·four levels of HeS.carnati two years ago. He is brew in one class, currently teaching Global Stud- he added that "the ies and he finds that "the moti- thing that gives vation of students [is] impres- me joy is that e -~ sive." they're eager to ·c. ·-a >. "'u ; -l ..c: Another addition to the hu- learn."

VJ -2.., manities department is Isaac Sergeant Leslie ~ .c :J E Geller, who teach~s global Minto joined the >. ::2 ..0 staff in September studies and American history.

0 >. .c 0 ..c: 0 He most recently taught at Ja- as the new secu0.

0 ..c: maica High School and he has rity g:u ard. c. t nothing but praise for the stu~ · Other additions dents at Townsend Harris. "The tq the staff are Math team member Han Su, freshman, analyzes a problem with teacher Rachel Ruisi. three new · Sergeant Leslie Minto patrols the lobby, ensuring the safety of the students.

Townsend Harris staff this Sep- few changes since she gradutember in various departments. ated, the most significant one While they have different back- being the building: As for the grounds, all of them seem ea- s_tudents, she said, "They're srill the same great kids." ger to be here.

Michael Carbone, humanities, Rachel Ruisi, who teaches Sequential Math, levels two and was a student teacher at three, previously taught at the Townsend Harris last spring; he worked with humanities teacher Harriette Blechman.

Isaac Geller, a new member of the Social He was Studies Department, says he's happy to be graduated .here. f r o m "' "'2· Queens students are terrific . I feel hon- secretar i es : 0 College in ored to be in an institution like Sheila Becker, a"' Jurie. This this," he said, adding, "I have to A n g e l a . VJ >. .0 semester, get used to the society of I 00 Sarmuksnis, 8 0 Linda he is percent attendance and home- and ..c: 0. teaching work."

Shumsey. Thea Instructing the first Hebrew class ever given Hearing the bell, Michael' Carbone, English teacher, Jacob Julius, foreign lan- Cohen is the new here, Julius Jacob receives a smile from senior Yana students rushes to prepare for his next class. of all guage, teaches the Hebrew pro- social worker. Pecherskaya.

by Beth Citron Filling vacancies created by a record number of retirements, many new teachers joined the

~

New arbum brings Nirvana back to life Nirvana songs-, all performed

by Justin Fox Seeing a live alternative rock live . It includes performances concert is always exciting. Be- spanning from 1989, when Niring in the middle of thousands vana was virtually unknown, to of wild fans mashing, feeling early 1994, merely months bethe. rush of the band in action, fore the death of Cobain. The and nearing the aea fertlngmu- ve"'nue"s featured 'On t~e album · sic being pumped through lfhe range frqm small cl~l>s in the speakers definitely adds up to United States., to the puge alter1 ,festival,, the 1\eadone urifo.rgettable night:: in ,native rqck . . ' l someone' s life. Yet, for millions ing · Fes'ti:val, in ~ng,Jand. of Nirvana fans, this experiehce The first- track on. the albl!m was never realizeQ. due to tb,~ set.U be tone for ths: n_s:~'t l6 sudden death of the band's lead tracks. While being none other singer Kurt Cobain. Now, the than a sound check, it possesses surviving members of the band, the same fury as any other song Krist Novoselic, and Dave on the album. Cobain is heard Grohl, are attempting to give screaming insanely into the miNirvana fans that chance. crophone, a perfect illustration "From The Muddy Banks Of of his reckless lifestyle.

The Wishkah," r~Ieased on Oc- . This intense fury continues tober l , is a compilation of 17 throughout the CD. The guitar

solo on "Drain You" is crisp and crazed, beginning with the low drumming of Grohl, and slowly escalating into the wild screeching of Cobain : "Smells Like Teen Spirit" manages to hold a verysimliatrferv-or to the versio.p Ihat made the ban~ famous on! the radio. ''Lithium,''. always 1 .~ igh octane song, keep~ to f-otm, wi'ttl Cobain .rc;peatealy ~creaming tfle son&ls 'final1yrt<;s•.::,,.Ilove you,.I"m n.ot gonna c r a c k As told by former Nirvan~ bassist Krist Novoselic, in the October 1996 issue of Guitar World, the main purpose of "Muddy Banks" was to bring out the real meaning of Nirvana through their live performances.

"It's an aggressive record," said t;

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Novoselic. "Hopefully fans who dido' t get to see us will get a flavor of what th~ band was · all about."

Muddy Banks · reveals the Nirvana many never knew in their live concerts. This album brings great sound quality to the

forefront, with each chord played on Cobain's Fender guitar as clear as every other. It puts you in the mosh pit, with Cobain, Grohl, and Novoselic in cleat view. Undoubtedly, this album is as much of a classic as "Nevermind" ever was.

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' '" 1996 P 1 2 November Soccer team scores first win in seven years v>Cl<><>l\>

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by Johnny Wong and Amy Kommatas As the Gatorade spilled down their crimson and gold jerseys, the elated boys ripped off their shirts and ran around the field victorio.us. A. shirt that senior player Oren Yavin vowed would never be washed until his team won a game was defiantly tossed into the Flushing Reservoir. For the first time in seven years, the Townsend Harris boys' soccer team truimphed over their opponents.

The boys broke into the win column on Thursday, October 10. Battling against John Adams, sophomore Jeremy Charles set the tone of the game by blasting the ball into the goal I 0 minutes into the first half. Senior Nery Mazariegos

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G·irls' Cross-Country runs away with title

furthered the lead by scoring two minutes int9 the second half.

According to Nery, it wasn't only the by Jennifer Pare An amazing season was capped off go,als that helped them win, "The guys with an emotional borough win on Ocplayed great defense the whole time."

Senior Mike Elahi provided a shutout tober 23, as the Girls' Track Team beat blocking 12 attempts on goal. last year's winner, Jamaica High School, The team's current record is 1-6-2. by 39 points to become Queens champs.

The Boys' soccer team has been noto- It was sweet revenge for several memrious for neyer winning. The best the . bers of the team, who cried tears of joy boys did last year was to finish with ·a as they remembered losing to Jamaica record of 0-8-2. by 1 point in last year's race.

This year's team is seasoned with exCoach Joe Horn, recently featured in perienced rookies as well as strong returning players . According to coach Newsday for.his work with the team, said James Murray, this year's group is "the that this year's girls were the " ... hardest working group of athletes I've everhad. strongest team I've ever coached."

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They were all directed towards a particular goal- winning the Queens championships."

Senior Christina Juva, coming in third in the race, was the first to finish for Townsend Harris. Senior Kien Quatch, out with ~ injury last season, placed fourth. Other top finishers included 8th place Lara Rios, junior; 9th place Sarah Sidar, junior; 15th place Vicki Realmuto, junior; 25th place Judy Lee, senior; and 28th place Heather Ibert, sophomore. Jamaica High Schobl came in second in the borough overall, with August Martin following in third place.

The Girls' Junior Varsity Team came in first for .the third consecutive year with help from many new freshmen and sophomores. Sophomore Tabitha Hsi was the Junior Varsity winner, with freshman Alexa Steinberg in close pur- · suit.

The next step for the track team is the City Championship, which takes place on November 9th at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The top four finishers there proceed to the State Championships, but defending champ Tottenville will not make it easy for Townsend Harris. CurrentlyHarris is seeded fifth, behind Tottenville, Staten Island Tech, Hunter, and Prospect Heights. Even so, junior Vicki Realmuto is optimistic. "Everyone is a lot more into it this year, " she said . "Last year was just abGut running, but this year we're always thinking about the next raoe. That's good."

Sophomore Leslie Rosa, center, dives into the water for the start of the 50 yards freestyle at a swim meet against Van Buren on October 18. The Girls' Varsity Swim team is undefeated in Queens (4-0) .

Girls' Bowling rolls. ahead

by Hugh Reid Stacked with seasoned veterans, the Girls' Varsity Bowling team are division • Champions.

"We're excited because we captured the division titlfl not only two years in a row, but two years undefeated," said coach Ellen Schwartz.

The team which practices at Jib Lanes

on Parsons Boulevard, consists of 15 bowlers, including a slew of returning experienced members. "They're looking good!" said Ms. Schwartz.

Seniors Wendy Monterosso, Lauren Lang, Ilana Yagudaen, Nichole Cohen, Lisa Miller, Monique Wheeler and Saeedah Hickman all add' strength to the team.

Boys' bow.lers tie for second

by Amy Kommatas "One, two, three, spares!" cried the with a record of6-4.

Fourteen bowlers strong, the team i~ Boys' Bowlin.g team as they broke away from their team huddle and approached · anchored by sophomore Mark Vori the lanes. Proving victorious against Ohlen, and has acquired nine new three year undefeated divsion title holder bowlers, including senior rookies Ben Adams High School, the boys were tied Chiu, Gary Ngai and Josh Fogel who add for second place in divsion with Edison depth to the team. Returning seniors High School. Their hopes to vie for the Hugh Reid and Charles Giudice continue playoff position were cut short by a tech- to guide the other bowlers with their exnicality, ending their season abruptly perience.

.Season sizzles for track, Volleyball, fen·cing teams

by Justin Fox Following Up on the greatest season in . school history, a third place finish in the Queens A division, the Boys' CrossCountry Track team is number two in · the Queens Borough Championships; last year they were fourth . The team has "blown away" the opposition said coach · Keith Hanson. They expect to finish about sixth in the city championships with the top four teams advancing to the state championships.

The team returns most of their starters from last season, including senior Jose Melendez, and juniors Stephen Schuh, Adrien Castro, and Alex Arriaga: According to Mr. Hanson·, all runners are predicting personal bests this season.

"All of the guys have been practicing this summer," Mr. Hanson says, "so they are ready to break some personal records .... " .

Ambitions are even higher for coach Wanda Nix, and the Girls Varsity Vol-

. leyball team, which is on a winning streak with a first-place finish in their division and a second-place victory in the annual two-day Bronx Science I Clinton High School tournament, losing only to Christ the King.

After a 14-2 record overall, along with an unbeaten 10-0 record in the Que~s IA division last season, Ms. Nix is looking once again to go all the way. She takes pride in her top three star~ers, Adrienne and Annie Socci, and Annie Quinones, and feels that they will be key for a run to the championship. . Fencing coach Anthony Scarnati also has high expecta:tions. The fencing team is in the quarterfinals for the first time in Townsend Harris history. "It is a historical event," said Mr. Scarnati.

"George Motakis has been phenomenal.

He h_as fenced virtually the best season . in Townsend Harris history," he added