The Classic newspaper Volume 17 Issue no. 2

Vol. 17, No. 2. February 2001

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aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

New principal arrives from Far [Rock]away il!Wf~''-7' f!

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Shoulder to shoulder: Thomas Cunningham pays his first visit to Townsend Harris and Principal Malcolm Largmann after being named Dr. Largmann's successor.

_by Danny Bloch Thomas Cunningham, former principal of Far Rockaway High School and father of a Harris graduate, has been picked to replace Dr. Malcolm Largmann, bringing the hunt for a new principal to a close. The announcement ended months of eager waiting for the school, as the activities of the special selecting-committee and the details of the subsequent stages of the selection process were kept largely under wraps.

Mr. Cunningham expressed excitement and optimism over assuming the role of principal. "It's been a dream of mine to work in a school where research . is one of the primary considerations, along with the Humanities," says the Bronx native, whose daughter graduated from Townsend Harris three years ago.

As a result of his daughter's time here,

Mr. Cunningham "had some familiarity" with the school. "I knew of its excellent history of traditions and achievement," he said.

Mr. Cunningham sees his new job as "an opportunity to try to implement a vision I have for secondary education.

[This vision] includes strengthening research skills and offering more Advanced Placement classes, so we can be as competitive as other schools."

The improvement oftechnology also plays a key role in Mr. Cunningham's goals as principal. He stressed the importa~ce of "evaluating web sites, accessing information quickly, synthesizing this information for research, and using the research and the information garnered by it for humanistic purposes." He is interested Continued on p. 7

5 reach Intel semi-finals Weyne says fond good--bye

by Steven Lee All_ year long, they spent countless hours researching and studying for their projects; sweating at every mistake and racing towards every possible solution.

That was the life of thousands of students who applied to the prestigious Intel competition, formerly known as the Westinghouse. When the results came in ·last month, seniors Allison Barz, Vivian Ng, Jason Prasso, Joshua Rosaler, and Zachary Weinstein learned that they were among the 300 semi-finalists chosen out of thousands of entrants.

"They worked tirelessly on their research and they're an extraordinary group of students," said Susan Brustein, Assistant Principal of Science.

The 60th annual nationwide competition run by the Science Talent Search, currently sponsored by Intel, is one of the oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science contests in the nation. Students from across the country submit entries that consist of a written description of their research, and a lengthy entry form that shows evidence of their creativity and interest in science.

A panel of 10 scientists chooses 300 semi-finalists and then selects 40 finalists from the.300. Semi-finalists and finalists who are selected are recommended by Intel and the Science

SING

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Service to colleges and universities for admission and financal assistance.

Although no one from Harris was named a finalist, the five semi-finalists will be awarded $1000 each, and Townsend Harris will also receive $1000 per semi-finalist to further the school's science and mathematics programs.

Among the 18 students who applied from Townsend Harris in 2001, . the projects that won were on melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer affecting 47,000 Americans a year with almost 8,000 deaths, by Allison Barz; lupus, a disease where tQe antibodies in the body begin to attack the person's own tissues instead of protecting the body from bacteria or viruses, by Vivian Ng; role of parp, a DNA repair enzyme, in zebrafish, to see if zebrafish can be used for human research studies, by Jason Prasso; photonic crystals, crystals that can control the flow of light waves, by Joshua Rosaler; and origins of associative learning by Zachary Weinstein. Since 1988, six finalists and 28 semi-finalists have been selected from Townsend Harris.

From her sophomore year on, Vivian spent an ·average of eight hours a day, including summers, working in laboratories. She spent hours at home reading journals, figuring out how to fix Continued on p. 8

Passing the Torch pp. 6-7

by Alice Iosifes:cu a·a d ·Allison

Slo~ --<~~~~~ After~ to years at Thwnsend Hams,

Paula Weyne, Eng14sh teacber, is retiring.

Her departure at the en.d of the fall term wtllleave•ber time to spend the spring in Hou&'ton, 'Fe.xas with her two· grandchildren. Ms. Weyne wiD miss' Townsend Harris, as sfie enjoyed "beJ,n,g part of a very sacces,s ful e,ducational_prognun..'' In addition. she enjoyed working with the students who "are very rew-arding ·in inrellect, character, ambition, humor;" .

Ms. Weyne has taught freshman ~nd

junior English, as well as llnguistic'S and writing process in her yeal'S Townsend,lfarris. Among lre,r fondest memories m;e the annual Read--ins. It is dtffkult f.or her to choose one specific moment, though, since she "hasn't let go yet" and is ''still intenseiy in it _[teaching]." Ms. Weyne's favorite book to teach is So'ng of Solomon, but

at

she has also enjoyed "watch,i ng dramatizations of Th-e Glass Menagerie and helping students with writing competitions."

Ms. Weyne's new-found !Too time will be spent writing, going to the gym, and enjoying time with her family. Her teaching career spanned 31 years, and she now wants to see her grandchildren

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

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Paula Weyne looks forward' ~o refueltlent and

spemting time with.her family.

Weyne also plans to "'fly with the culture vulture [travel]."

As she t:eflects on . ber yeC)TS as an educator, Ms. Weyne is now loolcing (orward to the future and "flexible time." Slie d'oes, howe veer, hoM a special place for Towosend Harris as she acknowledged that ..it's all too,rare that you get a place where every<ime works together. ••

Sports pp. 11-12

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The Classic . Fetiruary 2001

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Writin.g a new chapter A page has been turned, and a new chapter is opening in the book of Townsend Harris. Malcolm Largmann has just departed from his role as principal after 17 ye!lrs. The end of the 'Largmann Era' means the start of a new one, one that will be filled with new traditions and events as well as maintenance of those that have endured through the last 17 years. This chapter will be written by Thomas Cunningham.

In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, Dr. Largmann and Mr. Cunningham walked around the building together on February 1, entering classrooms and greeting students. To reassure students that having a new principal does not mean that everything will charige, Mr. Cunningham pointed out the similarities between the two men - not just their statures, but also the fact that they are both joggers, not runners. He also promised the student body that he would maintain the educational excellence that Dr. Largmann has worked so hard to achieve.

Townsend Harris without Dr. Largmann seemed like an impossibility to so many students and members of the faculty. The new Townsend Harris was founded with Dr. Largmann as its leader, and it has been under his supervision ever-since. However, upon meeting and speaking with Mr. Cunningham, it is apparent that he has no intention of forgetting all that Dr. Largmann has accomplished. He \Vants to forge ahead with those ideas that have been successful, and create his own legacy with the Harris community so that his chapter will be as rich as Dr. Largmann's.

Good-bye, Dr. Largmann; you will be greatly missed! And to Mr. Cunningham: we look forward to working with you. Good luck.

An affront to our values

What's .Going On?

by Michael Borress Every day you pass by it. Sometimes it has relevance to you; other times it is just meaningless. It sports different colors- sometimes black, sometimes blue, or even red. You riever fully understand what it says because you usually rush past it on your way to the staircase. If you bother to notice, here's what it might say: Student Senate Meeting this Wednesday 6:30A.M. 4/4/00 Report Card Distribution Saturday 3:00A.M. 4112/00 Overly Apathetic Announcements Wednesday 15 minutes into 3rd band 4/12/00 Shelter Drill Today -The wall will save you from Nuclear Radiation Every Club will meet today, except for Shakespeare's Sisters because they meet every other Wednesday when there is no senate meeting, and the Math team is Tuesday or Wednesday, and MADD is postponed until tomorrow, while SADD will not meet today. The SAAC and SPAA meetings will also be held yesterday as well as SPE Please submit your work to The Phoenix, the Quantum Cat, The Classic, Crimson and Gold, Web Team, Art Club, and The New York Times.

All community and school service credits are to be given to guidance no later than when the sun rises in Japan on the Ides of April Bake Sale Today - Only store-bought goods No School from April13 to April 13- spring vacation These are only some of the announcements one can find on that little rectangular board by the boys' bathroom on the second floor. If an announcement is ever half-erased, don't ask what it said, because no one in Townsend Harris knows when or where anything happens within the school.

'Student Spray-Paints Hurtful Message' . This kind of news won't even make the headlines of most high school newspapers because schools and students encounter graffiti on an everyday basis; people have become immune to vandalism. However, for 17 years, a graffiti news story has not . made the pages of The Classic - not because it has happened so often that it is not worth repeating, but because there was never a reason to publish .one in the first place ... until now. ' · On the morning of January 10, Townsend Harris students were greeted by a hateful by Jamie Gullen message scrawled in spray paint over the front of the building. The message was Between the doors we come in through, the floors we go on, and the bands we directed at three students. However~ it tugged at the heartstrings of the entire school go to, the quirks of Townsend Harris, always abundant, can often be confusing, community. but there are logical explanations behind them.

For students at Tewnsend Harris, the school represents a safe haven that is free The door used to enter in the morning and leave at the end of school is not from the problems of the outside world. The obstacles most of u.s have to face here actually the front door; it's the side door. The front door is actually situated on the are getting collaterals done on time, and memorizing those last few vocabulary adjacent side from the used door. Now -you might be saying to yourself, "Why words. · would there be a rule that the front door can't be used as the front door, but rather Townsend Harris is not just a building or a school, but a second home that houses the side door is to be used as the front door?" the friends and teachers whom we cherish. Most of us are proud to say that we The explanation for this strange circumstance g-oes back to the time when the attend Townsend Harris. But this incident marred our perfect image of our school. school was about to move to its present location. The people who live in the buildAlthough this incident pales in comparison to those that occur at other high schools, ings next to the school expressed fears that the students would be too noisy, and it still showed that we are not insulated from problems. . "poof," the front door was closed down and the side door was turned into a front · Most of us have a strong bond with Townsend Harris. We actually believe in the door.

This, however, is not the only thing of this nature at Townsend Harris. The first ideals of the Ephebic Oath. Unfortunately, one of our fellow students who took lhe Ephebic Oath with us was responsible for the event. The fact that someone would floor is actually the second floor. Now you might be saying to yourself, "Why disregard all the hard work that is put into the school, and would use the entire would the main floor, the floor we all come in on, be the second floor rather than building as the backdrop for his or her personal anger, is disgraceful. the first?" The reasoq for this is that under the main floor (the second floor), there Moreover, the event was ill-timed since we wanted to leave Dr. Largmann is the first floor where the cafeteria and the gym are located. remembering Townsend Harris in the best light possible. Unfortunately, he had to This cannot be called· the basement as one wouid logically conclude it to be face the difficult task of dealing with a discipline problem when he should have had because under this floor, there is another floor where the locker rooms and weight nothing else to do but bask in the glory of the school's achievements. room are located.

This is still not the end of the quirkiness. Depending on the day, first band is The graffiti was removed in a matter of hours. The administration was prompt in sending the message that vandalism will not be tolerated. The students were appalled actually second band or third band is actually fourth band or ninth band is actually and disgusted by the event, united by the common opinion that this type of behavior eighth band. This is because of the fact that we skip at least one period every day.

Sometimes this can be puzzling to newcomers. "When I came in as a fresliman, should not be allowed. This reaction is a testament to the ideals we still hold, and the kind of school we attend. everything was very confusing and I didn't know where I was going or how to get Although this incident has tested our standards, it has only made us reaffirm them. there. I'm still not used to the schedule of skipping periods," said sophomore SaWe are still united by the values Townsend Harris has instilled in us. Although this rah Schnee. Despite the perplexity caused by schedules, floors and entrance ways., event has reflected poorly on the school community, it is one isolated incident that all of the quirks help to make Townsend Harris the school it is and there are readoes not threaten to destroy what we have worked to achieve. sons behind everything that is done in the school.

Guide for the perplexed .Dedicated to our new principal

Alice Iosifescu Allison Slotnick Co-Editors-in-Chief Arielle Frost ~ports

Editor

Hye-Kyung Yang Photography Editor

SOorts Staff: RacheiAcnsta.CarolinaCbang,J<\shFox,Talya Lieberman, Ashley Pillsbury

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

Kirschen, Alice Lee, Narae Lee, Danielle Lord, Rachel Mindlin,

Photography Staff: John Bunela, Gloria Chi, KaveetaDesai,

Michelle Potofsk.y, Carolina Pruss, Tian Ying Feature Staff : Jessica Berger, Nataliya Binshteyn, Dimny

Jamie Gullen, Matthew Kirschner, Hillary. Homier, Jamie Liu, Linh Ly, Laura Ng, Shard Siegel, Jennifer Sheth, William Yang

Bloch, Lily Chu, Marlo Dublin, Jennifer Gong, Jamie Gullen, Karen

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The Classic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administration or faculty or student body as a whole.

Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor.

Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in the general office. The Classi<; reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request.

News Staff : Anthony Ciolli, Beth Dubin, Emmy Favilla, Debbie Gopstein, Akshta Kalla, Lorraine Kapovich, Bryan

Hendershot, Angela Hom. Stavie lsradian, Sybil Kollappallil,

Kerry Purtell Emily Rivlin Nadler Art Editors

Carolina Pruss Business Man.a ger

Raymund Bam, Ryan Dennie,Vivian Chang, Annie Lau,

Doris Ortega, Janine Petroviu, Rachel Schiffman, Stephanie Zapata

Terrance Lai, Steven Lee, Anna Olson, Sunayna Ramdeo, Rachel

Layout Staff·

Schiffman, Sarah Schnee, Steven Seidenfeld, Katherine Shi, Shar•

Gradinger

Siegel, Diane Tiao, Jessica Wang, Tina Wu

Advisor - Ilsa Cowen

David Belsky, James Cleveland, Clarke

CirwJ.aticn· Clarl<eGnldinger

Principal - Thomas Cunningham

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' . The Classic

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February 2001 ·

Largmann signs charter

by Allison. Slotnick · A charter formalizing The Classic's status as "an open forum for the expression of student opinion" was signed on December 18 by Malcolm Largmann, principal; lisa Cowen, ·Classic advisor; Editors-in-Chief Allison Slotnick and Alice Lee; and Features Editor Sylvia Stanojev. .This charter, the first of its kind in Townsend Harris history, puts into writing the First Amendment rights enjoyed

by The Classic staff since the newspaper's founding in 1984.

According to the charter, the "administration will refrain from demanding prior review of anx_ article, and will place no subjects off limits to student reporters," and in return, writers will be mature and responsible while covering the news at hand. The charter also provides guidelines for the relationship between the newspaper and the principal and offers a listing of what The Classic will do to maintain its tradition of unbiased news coverage by promising that opinions will not be injected into news stories, and that writers willrespect the "special, family-like nature of the community it serves." The charter states that not only will the principal 'respect student journalists, but the advisor also will "not censor the protect~d free expression" of Classic writers.

Since Townsend Harris' re-establishment in 1984, The Classic has worked

p~eserving

as an open forum, and under the Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court decision., of 1969, instead of the 1988 ruling of Hazelwood School District v.

Kuhlmeier. The Hazelwood decision granted administrators broad powers of censorship over student media by rul-

freedom of pres·s.

privacy; or knowingly commit libel. Dr. Largmann has, by practice, worked under the Tinker ruling for the past i6 years, although before this charter, it was not in writing and official.

The _signing of the charter comes in conjunction with Townsend Harris be-

filled out questionnaires about the poliof the school and the newspaper.

From over 200 responses, 83 semi-finalist schools remained. New sets of more in~depth questions were sent, to which Ms. Cowen, Dr. Largmann, and Allison replied. The questions ranged from defining unprotectedspeech to ranking the various purposes of student media. In ~ addition to The Classic's serving as a ~0 free forum for student expression, what . ";; set Townsend Harris apart from other ~ schools, and into the top nine, was its £ policies about religious education. Ac~ cording to the JEA'swebsite, Townsend lf Harris ''teaches religion as literature and history, and encourages stud_ents to dis.~.1' -:"" cuss their religions through class discussion, dress and participation in multicultural activities." · An awards ceremony was held to honor the schools in Kansas City, Missouri on November 16. Although no representatives from Townsend Harris were able to attend, the trophy received is dis.. played in the principal's conference room. In the May 1998 issue of The Upholding students' First Amendment rights, principal Malcolm Largmann signs a charter for Classic, an editorial commented on freeThe Classic. dom of student press and whether or not First Amendment rights were applicable ing that the principal of Hazelwood East ing named last month as one of nine to student media: "Upon the ten.th-year High School did not violate the First "First Amendment High Schools" in the anniversary of Hazelwood, we are glad Amendment rights of student journal- country by the First Amendment Cen- we are given that freedom- the freedom ists when he censored two pages about ter, the Journalism Education Associa- we feel all responsible journalists deteen pregnancy and divorce from the tion (JEA), the National Education As- serve." With the s.igning of the charter. school newspaper. In the 1969'-rulihg, sociation, Columbia Scholastic Press and this award, the tOFCh can be passed the rights of free expression ·were Association· and Quill and Scroll. Ms. · to Thomas· Cunningham, so he will see granted unless the students incite vio- Cowen and last year's Editors-in-Chief, the way in which The Classic has operlence, use obscene language, violate Andrew Goldberg and Lauren Paley, . ated for the last 17 years under Dr. Largmann. ~ cies

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Turning back the clock: students SING their way through the decades

by Jennifer Gong juniors broke out "Didi's Downfall" The groovy '60s, awesome '80s and into song and . ~· as VHI 's Behind the hip '50s marked this year's. SING! · dance ·sequences, 6 · Music followed the ·competition, as the juniors, "sophmen," which included ·~ rise , and fall of hit · and seniors performed for an audience take-offs on ';, singer Didi "Hot packed with students, teachers and "Rent," Anderson (Tiffany parents. On Friday, January 26 and Patootie," on the Baldwin). Her career Saturday, January 27, judges, who Rocky Horror came to ·an end when included faculty members and alumni, Picture. Show, Jimi she was caught rated each grade on their singing, Hendrix's stealing songs from other artists, such as . dancing, acting and much more. They "Am e r i.e an chose the juniors as the SING! Woman," and Joh~ Elvis Presle y, and Parr's "Man in champions for both nights.

Franky Lymon. She ·. The juniors sang their way into the '60s Motion." performed· Presley's with their play "Woodstock or Bust: A The sophomores "Rock Around the Junior SING! Romance ." Karen and the freshmen, Clock!' with its new .(Meghan Gill) and Jake (Jarmar Banks) nicknamed the Juniors journey back to Woodstock 1969 in the January 27 performance of SING. words, ''I'm gonna little quirk .and story line, which helped be · a big star tonight," and Lymon 's were first shown rel axing while "sophmen," gave watching Dick Clark's countdown to the their performance called "Buds," to make the show entertaining.

"Why do Fools Fall in Love," renamed The "sophmen" sang and danced to a "Why . do Fools Fall Downstairs."

Millennium when an infomercial f~aturing the characters from the TV advertising "~ounds of the '6Ps" came show Friends. After arguing overwhich bunch of '80s tunes including Michael Highlights of senior SING! included decade they thought was the best, Joey Jackson's "Beat It" and "Time of Our Didi's parents, played by Galina on the television.

They began to reminisce about their (Varun Jain), Monica (Margo Lives" from Dirty Dancing. Also fea- Polyakova and Matt D' Auria " farl!l Woodstock days arid went back to the Kakoullis ), ·Rachel (Laura Baronoff), tured were Madonna, played by sopho- people who were also first cousins -and summer of 1969. The show developed Ross (Johnson Chong), Chandler (Kevin more NadiaAddasi; Cyndi Lauper, acted Eric Trager and Ryan Sabin's dance as the young couple and their friends had Wallenstein), and Phoebe (Laverne by sophomore Cristin Strining; and down the.aisles of the auditorium as Didi Queen, represented by freshman Amy sang "La Bamba." They·wore sombreros many close encounters at Woodstock. Blackman) traveled back in tirrie.

In the awesome '-80s, Joey got a part Ortega.

Carla De Ycaza made the audience laugh and shook maracas, and Eric even tried The performance that really got the forming a conga line by pulling random · hard with her character Rainbow in the new show Charles in Charge, and Sunshine, a mellow, in tune with nature · invited the rest of his friends to his cast audience rolling was a version of Foot- people out of the audience. girl who was also afraid of spiders. Other party. They all thought that he had the loose, renamed "Hipsloose," sung by "All of the grades put in a tremendous notable characters were Jake's friends, lead role of Charles, but found out two old ladies, sophomore Daniella Pa- amount of work and effort," said Richie, the n~rd, played by Jesse Ash; something quite different while waiting . gan and freshman Liza Shapiro, who sophomore Sarah Schnee, · director of · and Nick, a guy who wasn't the brightest to get into the party - Joey actually wanted to get into the party. sophmen SING!. "We all did a great job.

The seniors stepped into the '50s with SING! 2001 was awesome!" "dude" ever (Daniel Wallenstein). The played Charles' butt. Each bud had a

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The Classic

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February 2001

Seniors surpri·se ••• : ••1

princ~pal _

by Alice Iosifescu In his speech to Dr. Largmann, Anthony Principal Malcolm Largmann described Dr. Largmann as a "good doctor" walked in to shouts of "surprise!" whose "only prescription is excellence." when he catne to address the senior Dr. Largmann received an honorary diploma meeting in the auditorium January written in Latin, which stated that he "has merited 8. Looking for a plausible excuse retirement." "After 16 years, it's time he get to graduated," him there , Senior commented Zach.

Advisor Ellen Schwartz While the diploma had asked him to speak CD for Dr. Largmann on the upcoming senior ~ was originally trip. However, he was gf written in English, greete~ with a surprise ~it was translated party given by the ~ into Latin with the Senior CounCil to mark :;. help · of · Latin the end of his 16 years ~ teacher Thaadeus as principal of j Ferguson. ll.. . . Townsend Harris High After receiving School. the first piece of Senior Council Vice cake, a tearful Dr. President Zachary Largmann spoke to , Weinstein escorted an the seniors, astonished Dr.. thanking them for Largmann to the front the surprise party. of the · auditorium ''I'm really a very where he was given a sentimental guy. standing ovation. The Principals don't Senior Council like students to organized the event, know that," h~ which included four Caught in a rare speechless moment, Dr. Malcolm Largmann- joked. cakes displayed for Dr. 'reacts to the surprise P,arty thrown for him by the seniors.

The following Largmann that spelled day, the seniors · out: "Happy Retirement, With Love, Class of found a letter from Dr. Largmann in their 2001." mailboxes. In his message, Dr. Largmann told Senior Council President Anthony Ciolli them t\) meet the challenges of the future with present~d Dr. Largmann with a greeting card "courage and fortitude." "Take with you the designed by senior Kathy Choi. Inside, the entire Townsend Harris credo, memories of friends you s~nior class wrote personal messages to Dr. have made, teachers who have influenced you, Largmann expressing their gratitude and wishes and lessons which have helped you grow," wrote for a good retirement.

Dr. Largmann.

Dear Dr. ·Largmann . •

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Dear Dr. Largilmann, Ever since freshman orientation when that mysterious voice came on . the loudspeaker and said, "We don'{ demand excellence, we simply expect it," I knew that your philosophy oflearning would be the thing that_would· hold me up and mold me into the intellectual that I have come to be. You have proven time and time·again that hard work is not in vain and th.at perseverance is key. Your countless .words of encouragement at.ceremonies such as Founder's Day, Arista Induction, and Archon Induction have been embedded in my heart because I know you said them with all of yours.

Like a father, you have watched Townsend Harris High School flourish under your care as you nourished its faculty and students. I . appreciate everytb,ing you have done for me as a student by demanding that I enrich myself and not only treasure, but also apply the knowledge I have gained to my world. I thank you for the countless times you entered my ciasses without anyone knowing because this taught me to be mature at all times. I thank you for the memories that you have left with us, and even though you will soon be replaced, the lessons you have left me with will always be remembered. I hope your retirement is as joyous as your years spent at Townsend Harris.

- Liana Binns, SU Vice President

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Forme:r Classic edi·tor tens ta·les ot~ Largman·n. byAlanFu

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Akm Fu was Editor-in-ChiefofThe Classic .from 1998-1999.

He sent the following via e-1n4il fr.om Northwestern University in response to a request from this paperfor his reminiscences dbout Dr. Largmann.

I'd be glad tp shar-e some memories about Dt:. Largmann.

The first time I interviewed Dr. Largmann for a story, I was very intimidated. I had been told .about his baol{ground a:na interest in journalism, sol knew he'd be able to judge my interview sidHs. Durln,g the week leading up to the interview.

I remember writing and revising the questions I would ask rum in order to make the interview as smooth as possible.

I've fargotten the story for wbich I was interviewing him~ but I do remember the interview process as being a rite of passage in that it was a way of ~\ng Dr. Latgmann's respect.

This first in-terview may not have gone as smoothl'y as I had hoped forf but it hel'ped me to understand Dr. Largm.amt's mo.tto of not. demanding, but merely ,expecting, e,xc,e llence iii his st-udents. He may come qff as 'having a stem persona:, but it's necessary in fosf.ering .this e~cellen~e in his students. Off!· erwise, 1 may oot have spent so much time in preparing ;utd perf~ting my questi:Pns for that interview. (To tell you the truth, I'm even editing this e-mail to mp:e su:re I haven't madi} an¥ majot grammatical efl'or, ~cause I know Dr. Largmann would catch it right away.)

With each interview I conducted with Dr. Largmarrn after this first one, I slowly beeatne much more comfoftable and (I would -like to think) better 9t in:terviewi..ng. By the time of the· last interview I conducted wi~ Dr. Largmann, it ~~\\ more like CaSUal e,enversation than a :fonnal interview. MorMve-r, r respect and appreciat~ the fact that Dr.•Largmann Wll$ always able tQ cbldlenge and e.ncoutage me at the s~me, time. I also appreciat~d the fact that I was alwa:ys we1come to stop by Dr. Largmann's office whenever and for whatever reason, wbether , it was about my ptans for ~oHege or which academi~ fiel$.ls J was interested in studying or what the front~page st<uy was going to be fol' the next issue of The· Classic. Dr. Largmann has a genuine interest in th~ welfare of the entire studept bo:d,y as well as ·in the welfare of individual stud~nJs. New 'that I think .back, I Sl'}e how Dr. Largmann truly. shaped tooay's Townsend Harris in ~the embodies ~verything the scbool stands for: care and compassion in its edqcal ors, a.nd challenging and·ex~ting excellence from its students in or~ der to make them better peQple.

One of my funnies! memQfies of Dr. Largmann was the time that The New York Times .e ame to profile Townsend Harris during my senior year. I spent the entire day with the reporter, and she 'would always be asldng t or thoughts about Dr. ~targmann. I must have tol d her enough ab'0ut Dr: Largmann to fill an enpre hook, and aU she used the final article was one quotation~ "He"s really a good guy. He's'just very demanding;••

Dear Dr. Largmann, As frequently as things come to.an end, riew things are born. While it is true that you will no longer be the principal of our school, the legacy you have left behind wiH never come to end.

By your constant example, you have nurtured the development of each and every one of us. In teaching us the values of character a~d virtue, of knowledge and curiosity, of coura..,ge and leadership, you have set us firmly on.the road toward perfection.

Now, as an era comes to a close, it is up to us to continue this journey to excellence, and just touched all of our lives: This impact will continue to inspire as you have left Townsend Harris no less, but us all throughout college and forever. This is an honor that rather greater than you found it, we shall leave most can only dream of accomplishing. Thank you for everygreater because of you. thing! I will miss those Consultative Council meetip.gs.

As sure as I am that the lessons we have - Donysa Letham learned and will learn at Townsend Harris will carry .us far, I am more sure that the values Dear Dr. Largmann, You can -never realize the impact you've had on our lives. As you have .instilled in us will carry us farther.

Good luck, Dr. Largmann, in your retire- an educator, you championed the opening of our school. By ment and on continuing your journey toward doing so, students like me were given the opportunity to at-tend a school with a competitive but also warm environment. perfection.

Only in such a school will classmates know the first and last - Janine PetrovitS names of their fellow students. Only in such a school will traditions like Founder's Day and Vocabulary Month live on.

This past year, I've enjoyed working with you on the ConDear Dr. Larg'm ann, Congratulations on your retirement! It must sultative Council. I've probably ,s een a side of you that many truly be ·a blessing to realize that you have students don't get the 'chance to: a caring and fun-loving man achieved what many can only dream of and concerned with the welfare of his students. Thank you for long for: contentment at the fact that you have being that man. Your presence will be missed. · · - Shelley Diaz

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February 2001

'The absolute best': Sultan recalls AP class with Largmann

by Steven Lee "I called Dr. Largmann and told him I job," said Ms. Sultan. "We used to kid Largmann if she could give him any gift, When Ann Lishinsky was going to quit, but he ~told me he about it. You didn't just hand in such she replied, "Really nothing material Sultan thinks of the heroes thought "it was the wrong to do and he . sloppy work to him or things that you would reflect the appreciation I feel for in her life, she remembers was right. It was really a saving grace didn't think about. You couldn't pull him. The good fortune of having Dr. her AP English teacher that I listened to him. Many students anything over him ... [Still,] he was very Largmann as a teacher was very rewardMalcolm Largmann: the went to him other than for schoolwork. f arr. ing. If I could get him any award in the one who made her mind He commanded a lot of respect."

Despite his stern image, Ms. Sultan world right now, I think the award would sharper and the one who As a teacher, Dr. Largmann was fair stresses, "he encouraged students to really just be [to know what is] in the shared so much knowl- and expected a certain standard of per- learn and have fun, ancl made reading hearts of the minds of his students. He edge with her when she .. formance. He gave his students some- enjoyable." Often, his class also went Just made such an impression and taught was a senior at Lafayette High School thing to strive for. When she first arrived on trips to plays so his students would them so much. I think that's the highest in Brooklyn. in his class, she remembers that he be able to see literature dramatized. award that a teacher could have. I don't "I'm just a representative of the many seemed to be a stern and no-nonsense "Academically, to find the meaning be- think anything material could be as students whose lives he had an impact type of person whose reputation had hind words and getting into the minds worthwhile." on from his teaching," said Ms. Sultan, preceded him. Homework assignments of the author was the most valuable "I hope he can relax after a lifetime of who was in Dr. Largmann's class in would mandate deep thought and con- thing he taught u~," she said. "You had giving to his students. I hope he can 1967. "Here I was sitting in a public centration. She recalls one assignment a lot of teac)lerS'that knew a lot, but he just take pride in what he did and never school in Brooklyn, and I was getting that required students to compare two seemed to be a few notches above the doubt the differe.nce he made in the teaching quality of an Oxford-like letters on the same subject to determine others. He was 'Oxford' in Lafayette people's lives," she said. As Dr. Largmann goes into retirement, she professor." which was a more effective piece of writ- High School."

"I remember this one student who added, she would like to tell him to have Ms. Sultan remembers him as the ing. One was an actual letter that had prime example of what teachers should been sent to the Census Bureau by an wasn't accepted to hisAPEnglish class, some fun.

"When I read that he was going to be be because he always came in prepared, uneducated woman named Lou Etta but came to sit, listen and participate possessed a. desire to show the beauty White. The other was a formal "proper" faithfully anyway during her free time principal of Townsend Harris, I just of literature to his students, and always version with all the grammar andpunc- because it was so interesting. She ~new that they couldn't have picked a could've relaxed, but instead she came better person. I hope that the school will wanted to help them. "He was the tuation correCted. get someone like him, but you will never absolutebest. Whenwedidapoem, "I remember him writing on because she wanted to," she said.

Asked what she would give Dr; be able to match him," she said. we would go through it line by line somepody's paper, 'This is a slap-dash I and he would explain what the litI .,~ _,!·A erary allusions were. It was just Ann Lishinsky April 19, 1967 amazing. . . You learned a vast -~-~ amount because he went into it in , :iri41.P ·_ such depth,"' she said. ~~-to.

"I never saved too many notes . · ~~r .fir'di_Lou Etta White. 'a Original Letter· [from school], but throughout the To the · Bureau of the Census years I kept Dr. Largma:nn's because · I felt being a student in his class was such a unique experience," she exOur emotional thermostats are efficient little gadgets. en the plained. Among the notes she saved are those on "The Love Song of J. desire to have a oompletet.ciroui t ot communication reaches Alfred Prufrock," by T. S. Eliot, one we always hear that relia/lble "click". I!Ah, what a reliet,''"we sigh, as of Ms. Sultan's favorite poets. This poem is studied in the Townsend we dip our quills into inkwells, and not into our hearts. We write the' t .

Harris senior Humanities seminar. ~--e._.,.__ Respectful and compassionate, correct salutation for a business letter, "Dear Sirs", and anuglyftdd a · Dr. Largmann was always there for It ., ~~ semicolon. Punctuation is very important, shouts our steady hand to his students and never left the classroom until he could help students th• quivering gray blob who giwee its directions in run-on sentences. with their problems when they came ~p(_.;:.to him, Ms. Sultan said. "A few ~tutterin~ is deemed a detect in speech, but a merit in written cor..... years after I graduated, I was going re pondence.

Practicing what he pr-eaches, Dr.lArgmann comments extensively on Ann 8 through a bad time. I was wonder. Lis_h_inksy SulJf!n;s. !!Ssay from h·er AP class in 1967. ing ifl should keep a job," she said.· 0

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Michlewitz grieves as her mentor, Largmann, leaves

by Debbie Gopstein And the academy award for greatest male performance goes to ... Malcolm Largmann?

For the past 17 years, students and teachers alike have witnessed principal Malcolm Largmann's commanding presence in classroom discussions. But few people have been given the opportunity to actua~ly see him in action as a full-time teacher. English teacher Debra Michlewitz is one of the only people in the Townsend Harris community who has seen a class taught

by Dr. Largmann.

"It was like watching an actor do a great performance," recalls Ms. Michlewitz of the times she entered Dr. Largmann's classroom at Tilden High ·

classrooms there was a door at one end School in Brooklyn.

Dr. Largmann and Ms. Michlewitz of the room and another door at the were colleagues long beforeTownsend other end of the room. Dr. Largmann Harris reopened its doors in 1984. In used to come in to observe my classes fact, he gave Ms. Michlewitz her first much like he does now. Every time he job. In 1973, Dr. Largmann was Assis- came in, he would startle me because I tant Principal of Humanities at Tilden wouldn't hear him enter. It was often as High School when Ms. Michlewitz ap- if a spirit had entered the room and mysplied for a position as a teacher. Within teriously came in and mysteriously exmonths, Ms. Michlewitz was the new- ited in the same fashion."

"Another thing Dr. Largmann used to est staff member at Tilden under the care do was to wait at the clock [where teachof Dr. Largmann.

"He was like a teacher to me; he was ers had to punch in and out] for me at the end of the day and he used to say a very encouraging," she said.

Ms. Michlewitz admits that when she quotation from a writer and ask me who was a new teacher, Dr. Largmann intimi- · wrote it. It was on·rare occasion that I dated her. She remembers being sur- knew the writer."

Although Ms. Michlewitz was a paid prised by how frequently he came into her classroom to see how her classes teacher, she says that it was as if she were going. She even remembers some were a "paid student teacher."

"Dr. Largmann taught me everything funny stories: "I taught five classes all day. In the I know. Watching him was like one

seamless performance. He was so energized and friendly. He had an inviting attitude. Yet he asked challenging questions to his students," added Ms. Michlewitz.

Ms. Michlewitz enjoyed her two years with Dr. Largmann and was delighted to be given the opportunity to work. beside him.

"He's a very funny man. He tells great jokes. May I also add he's a great dancer?" said Ms. Michlewitz.

Dr. Largmann ·and Ms. Michlewitz have formed a special bond over the past ·21 years that bridges two high schools and two boroughs. Ms. Michlewitz acknowledges that she was sad to see him leave.

"I knew he was going to retire eventually," she says. "But I am sci sad. I cried when he told us. It's very nostalc gic."

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The Classic

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~} ~~~-!~~h;., ".·/'6 Largmann reminisces over past, looks toward future February 2001

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by Allison Slotnick and Alice Lee Each year at Founder's Day, Archon and Arista inductions, and graduation, Principal Malcolm Largmann addressed the student body and faculty with words of inspiration and praise. Ever since its found-

ethics at home. "But, I think if you are night on a hot summer night with a raised with a sense of who you are, a bunch of parents and kids, waiting our sense of what is right and wrong, and _turn to go in and make a big spiel about what is justice, you_are raised with re- why we need a new building," recalled spect for other people, that you are half Dr. Largmann.

A landmark that stands out in Dr. way to being a very successful person," he said. While growing up, Dr. . Largmann's mind was when Townsend Largmann learned this respect from his Harris got its first Westinghouse Science parents, grandparents, and neighbors. In Talent Search (now Intel) winner. The addition, educa- school was proud, and Dr. Largmann tors also helped was extremely excited. "We were hug- · shape Dr. ging and dancing in the hall," he rememLargmann and bers fondly.

'I wanted to be a fireman. I Dr. Largmann's goal for Townsend inspired him. "I ·wanted to be a policeman. I think that it's not Harris was to "create a community of wanted to be all the things that a one person that learners, not only student learners but affected me but teacher learners." This goal is still aflittle boy wanted to be.' the ability of firmed in the school mission statement some very, very which sets forth the philosophy of the outstanding school. When asked if he thought the ing in 1984, Dr. Largmann has been the teachers to influence and that's what I goal of the school was accomplished, driving force behindTownsend Harris hoped I would become," he said.

Dr. Largmann remarked that "you're and all that makes it unique. He has led Townsend Harris High School was never finished with the job; as the school Townsend Harris to become one of New Dr. Largmann's "big break." He was gets · larger, it becomes mor~ York City's most praised public high contacted by Nathan Quinones, the Ex- difficult. .. School is a work in progress. schools. In an interview with The Clas- ecutive Director of High Schools, in late It goes on and on and on." The real test sic, he discussed the past, present, and 1983 and invited to a meeting, At this of his own success, he said, is that of future of his professional career. meeting, representatives ofthe Board of time, "whether it can continue beyond Dr. Largmann is a true New Yorker, Education, the Alumni Association of you." The way he sees it is that "if the as he was born and bred in the city and the "old" Townsend Harris, · and of principal has done a reasonable job, is "a product of a New York City edu- Queens College, including its president; when he leaves, the school should be cation." He attended New Utrecht High Saul Cohen, talked about the possibil- able to move on in the same way as it School in Brooklyn, earned his bach- ity of re-establishing Townsend Harris , was." elor degree at Cornell, and obtained his the Humanities-oriented school for After 17 years of hard work and loyMasters degree and Ph.D. at New York gifted boys that had been closed in 1942. alty to Townsend Harris, Dr. Largmann University. However, contrary to what They began asking Dr. Largmann a se- decided that it was time to retire. He many in the Harris community believe, ries of questi9ns about the school's acknowledged that "it's good to get new being an English teacher was not Dr. background and his views on how he ideas, new people, and new leadership Largmann's first goal. "I wanted to be would run it if it were tci be revived. Im- to move the school ahead. Maybe you a fireman. I wanted to be a policeman. I mediately, Dr. Largmann "got very ex- need to get a new pair of eyes to look at wanted to be ail the things that a little cited and started talking and talking." things." boy wanted to be," he said. As he grew He had no idea what the exact purpose Originally, Dr. Largmann had inup, he accepted reality and at first ma- of the meeting was, and thought they just tended to retire in June of 2000, but he jored in mathematics. He soon discov- wanted to get information and ideas. It agreed to stay on for an extra semester ered, . though, that his creativity could was not long after that meeting that he so that there would be time to find a new be more engaged through litera1ure. was invited to be the founding princi- principal. When he started to think about Now Dr. Largmann says his ideal job pal of the new Townsend Harris. retiring in February, he realized that "in would be "a principal who's teaching.

When the school finaiiy got off the terms of my career, good things have If I didn't have to mark all those En- ground, Dr. Largmann faced groups of always happened in February. So, glish papers, essays, I would have done fierce opponents who did not·want the maybe it's the right time to do this." He that. But, there just wasn't time to mark school to survive. The other Queens had also become an Assistant Principal the papers," he said. h'igh schools Seth Low Junior High School in feared that Brooklyn was the location for Dr. Townsend Harris 'It's good to get new ideas, Largmann's first professional job, would take away where he was a substitute teacher. At the upper echelon new people, and new the beginning of his career, Dr. of students, and leadership to move the Largmann encountered various students residents of the who have left lasting memories. "I re- area surrounding schoolahead.Maybeyou member a little chubby boy who lit a Queens College need to get a· new pair of match and almost burned the long hair did not want high of a girl sitting in front of him .... They school students in eyes to look at things.' really gave the teacher a run for his their neighbormoney," Dr. Largmann recalled with a hood. laugh.

Even after · While growing up, Dr. Largmann felt Townsend Harris proved that it was a of English in February and had founded · the influence of various individuals. He successful school, Dr. Largmann and the Townsend Harris in this same month. perceives that the dynamics between faculty still had to fight for acceptance As Dr. Largmann reflects on his proresidents in neighborhoods when he was and prove that they were among the fessional career in education, he regrets a youth were very different than they elite. One of the biggest struggles was "the kids we didn't reach, kids who may are today, as neighbors had a common obtaining the present building on the have been disaffected. You have a large sense of values and priorities. This made Queens College campus. A rally was community, over 1000 people; there are it easier for a child to learn his or her held "around City Hall until about mid- always going to be some who are disaf-

fected."

Contrary to the belief of many, Dr. Largmann took no part in the process of selecting the new principal, -Thomas · Cunningham. As Mr. Cunningham enters Townsend Harris, Dr. Largmann hopes that he "will be very warm and

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outgoing and not be afraid to take risks and try things, even though they may not be great successes." Dr. Largmann offers this advice for being a successful principal: "Stick to your guns and let the people, even your supervisors, know this is what/who I am and this is what my school is going to be."

As far· as his future goes, Dr: Largmann wants to take the next few years "slow." He jokes about what the · next 5-10 years will hold for him, saying, "Oh God, I hope I live long enough." Seriously, though, he hopes to relax, travel, "get involved in community affairs and ... probably . .. do some consulting work."

The Classic

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February 2001

New principal to build on cherished traditions Continued from p. 1 in hiring someone to "coordinate all the technological activities in the building," and in taking "the next step forward" technologically. "I'm never ~oing to give up those traditions that mean so much," he said. "But maybe we'll create some new ones."

Web sites and the Internet are a far cry from the Westchester. farmhouse where Mr. Cunningham grew up. ·Originally from Parkchester, the Bronx, Cunningham is one of eight children and "by the time the eighth came along, we couldn't find an apartment big enough [for us]." His family moved to Westchester and settled into a farmhouse that his father still lives in.

Mr. Cunningham received an undergraduate degree from St. John's University and his Masters in Science and Educational Psychology from Albany State University. ·

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For two and a half years, he served as principal of Far Rockaway High School, a time he describes as "exciting, rewarding, and successful." While principal there, student achievement increased significantly, which · Mr. Cunningham attributes to the staffs "functioning as a team for the students' benefit."

Mr. Cunningham believes his daughter's years at Townsend Harris were ve~y worthwhile for her. "I saw her grow from an immature adolescent to a thoughtful, caring human being," he reflects. "I saw her develop friendships that I believe will be lifelong. She developed the ability to clearly enunciate her goals. And she knows how to write a good essay!"

From his daughter's experiences, Mr. Cunningham gained an awareness "of the excellent education that was af-

Mr.Cu~ningham:

Dear Principal Cunningham, Welcome to Townsend Harris High School. Although I am only a high school student, I can relate to how you be feeling taking this new position .. When I first came to this school, just like all the other freshmen, I was pretty nervous as well as intimidated. If you are feeling this way., which I'm sure you must be, don't worry. You will adjust quickly. Towl)send Harris is a very warin and welcoming family. Almost everyone each other and your transition should be easy.

I am currently a junior and I have really enjoyed my ·two and a half years at Harris. There are many traditions Zvhich I have grown accustomed to and certain things I like to see happen. Although everyone has their own way of working, I would really like one of your main goals to be maintaining the status quo of the school that Dr. Largmann, the staff, and the students have worked so hard to establish. This school is dedicated to producing the most successful students and from that we have gained a great reputation and have made our school unique. This isn't an easy job and takes a lot of time and dedication. From meeting you earlier, I am under the impression that you already have this goal in mind.

There are some suggestions that I have for you to further enhance our school.

I think the students should work with you to acquire new grants. We truly need · these grants to offer a wider selection of advanced classes for the numerous overachievers in THHS. Also, they would be helpful to improve our computer labs and other facilities. There are so many brilliant students in our school who are being held back due to the limited facilities and classes offered. If you truly want to make a mark in the school, this would be the way to do it.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and hopefully b~ing involved with the new activities you decide to start. I hope you enjoy your new position.

- Jessica Nadel

Dear Mr. Cunningham, You came into my Spanish literature class today, accompanied by Dr. Largmann.

Everyone could tell it was "the new principal" by the look of nervousness mixed · with excitement in your eyes. We had no idea what to expect, though, Before we actually saw you, a lot of people had the jolly old fat guy, Mr. Cunningham from Happy Days, in mind. I'm glad to say I was pleasantly shocked.

I would like to congratulate you. People say this is some great place to get an education, but it is definitely something special to work here as well. The dedication of the teachers is mind-boggling. As a result of Dr. Largmann 's hand-picking of the Townsend Harris staff, we really have the most dedicated and competent

forded by this school." troduce myself. I will build a consenAccording to Mr. Cunningham, he sus on a vision for the school," he adds. owes his success to his parents, teachOutside of work, Mr. Cunningham ers, and supervisors. "[My parents] gave lets his athletic side show. "I'm a jogme educational opportunities. My teach- . ger. I ran in the New York City Maraers believed in me. They provided support 'I'm never going to give up those and encourtraditions that mean so much. agement, as well as some But maybe we'll create some new demanding ones.' projects along the way. [My supervisors gave me] the encouragement to develop thon -last year. I was in the middle of solutions to intractable problems," he the pack .. .l didn't have enough time to explains. train. Next time I do it, I'll give it a betAs principal, Mr. Cunningham iden- ter rlin," he. says. Mr. Cunningham also · tifies meeting the staff, "both profession- enjoys reading, particularly science fically and personally," as one of his pri- tion, mysteries, and New York Times orities. "I will visit every class and in- best-sellers.

Welcome

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teachers. The teachers know everyone by name and make themselves completely approachable. The comfort that each student feels, despite the rigorous academic load, is very important and perhaps the most valued aspect of the Largmann administration.

The students and teachers here work very hard, as you know from your daughter's experience. There are a few things that could be improved in order to make everyone happier. Many of the students feel oppressed by some of the strange rules of the school. I am sure you will receive an earful about the bathrooms being locked, the lockers being inaccessible during the day, and the music during band changes being strictly instrumental. I have faith that whoever was picked to run such an esteemed institution such as Townsend Harris will listen to the concerns of the students and teacher and work very hard to make the environment a little more bearable amidst the academic stresses. · Good luck with your endeavors at our school, and I hope you have a great time enhancing what is already a wonderful place. · -Jaime Friedman

Dear Mr. Cunningham, How was your first day at Townsend Harris? I hope everything went smoothly, and you didn't have too much difficulty making a transition into your new job as our principal. First days are always overwhelming, but I think our school will grow into you eventually!

I remember my freshman year. It was such a hard time for me, High school really did seem like a horror compared to junior high school. But over time, I grew used to the people, the teachers, and even the incredible workload! I used to feel really uncomfortable here because most of my closest friend~ had gone to a different school, but now that I'm into my junior year, I've come to see this school as one that I admire. People here are so friendly and they're always willing to help.

So, you should feel at home in no time!

When I talk to my friends who go to other schools, they complain to me about the overcrowdedness of their high school and how they are forced to share lockers.

I'm so grateful that this school provides me with a sense of privacy by giving me my own locker, and by minimizing class sizes so that I can receive more of a teacher's attention. It's also very calming to know that ifl accidentally leave something somewhere, I can go to that exact spot sometime later and find what I had left still there. It's a great feeling knowing that my personal belongings and I are both safe in.school.

I think the only thing that should be changed is the number of AP courses available in our school. I remember my sister telling me about the electives and AP courses available at her school. It seemed that you could take almost any course at her high school. But here, there are only so many AP classes and electives we can choose from. Is there any way you can change that?

Aside from the lack of courses, Townsend Harris is a wonderful place to be. I hope you enjoy your time here!

-Aimee Teng

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8

The Classic

February2001

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Yearw-o od joins security staff Under watchful eyes:

by Anglela Hom favored sports are walking and bike With 13 weeks of training with the riding. In her spare time, she likes to New York Police Department behind listen to Randy Crawford, who is a jazz her, Penelope Yearwood is now a secu- .and Rhythm and Blues musician. rity guard. After classes dealing with Two mottoes that Ms. Yearwood tries self-defense and procedures in law and to live· by are "Live every day to the fulllessons on how to use handcuffs: Ms. est" and "Early to bed, early to rise."

Yearwood is on her first assignment as "I don't think they're aware of how the third perlucky they manent guard are to have .... for this g such a stable school.

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"It was my -v 1 ron:::,.::: en . first time us;5: ment," said ing handcuffs. ]M s I had riever ! ' . ~ Yearwood of held them be~ the students. fore. It was ~ "This is the 0 1 very strange," o kind of enviM s ·S: ronment that Yearwood any parent said of one of should want her experifor his or her ences during child." training. To M s those her, Yearwood weeks worksaid that she ing out and is "still waitlearning with ing" to use the NYPD the skills that was like "gym she learned every day."

Penelope Yearwood .during the She describes that time 'as "pretty course of her training, but she is in no simple." hurry to do so. "I'm very lucky to be Track and field is Ms. Yearwood's working here. The students are good. favorite sport. She has enjoyed running · Ev~ryone keeps telling me that," she since she was young. Among her other said. tl)

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Security agents maintain safety

by Marlo Dublin Security personnel play a major role in maintaining th~ sense of safety that is felt by students and faculty in the school. Every day while club meetings are in session, tests are being administered, and teams are busy practicing in the gym, the school is being carefully monitored by three security "agents" (most commonly referred to as "guards"), who maintain the atmosphere that all have come to know. Marlene Lee, who spent much of her career working for the district office, came to Townsend in 1988.

When district agents were abolished, Agent Lee was encouraged to go for training as a high school security agent.

After training, she started to work at the old Townsend building, and then moved to the new building when it was constructed. "Although the old Harris building was small," said Agent Lee, "I still enjoyed working there. It was apparent to me that the students were close, and everyone was like one big family. I guess some things never change!"

According to Agent Lee, Townsend Harris High School has three guards on duty at all times. Alice Gatling, who is usually seen stationed at the front desk with Lee, and Penelope Yearwood, who guards th.e back door in the morning, comprise the Harris Security team. The day starts for them at 6:45 and ends at 3:15, although certain days the agents work overtime, due to a concert or other special event (in which case they stay anywhere from 2 to 7 hours longer than usual).

During the course of the day, the agents exercise a variety of different shifts that include gym locker room checks, hall locker c_hecks and bathroom checks. Although these duties remain the same on a daily basis, each agent · does not know what her schedule is going to be until she converses with the other two guards in the morning. "One of the things I like about my job is the variety," said Agent Lee. "Despite the fact that our daily routine doesn't

change, we are constantly switching positions at different times during the day; so the shifts don't seem redundant."

In the morning, Agent Lee is stationed at the front desk, and -remains there until lOAM, at which time a school aide relieves her so she can have lunch.

Agent Yearwood, on the other hand, watches the back door in the morning until lOAM, and then proceeds to go about the other daily routines. When lunchtime rolls around, Agent Lee monitors the dining hall during band 5, and Agent Gatling takes over during Bands 6 and 7. One agent is always available to do a hallway check during this time, while making sure that students aren't using the bathroom for the first 10 minutes of the band.

"As a student, I feel very safe in school," said sophomore Danny Bloch.

"When I walk by the front desk in the morning, I alWays make sure to smile at the guards sitting there, to let them know that I appreciate what they do for the school on a daily basis."

Upon being asked what daily task is her favorite, Agent Lee didn't need much . time to think. " I love lunch duty, because I get to talk with the kids and school-aides," she responded. "During the day, most of the kids are in class, so lunchtime is usually the best opportunity to talk with them."

"The end of the day is probably the most hectic time for us," claims Agent Lee." All of the kids are in a rush to get home, and we have to make sure they exit safely. [We do this] while keeping an eye on the rest of the building [too], which is a challenge."

Although being a security agent can be extremely challenging and stressful at times, Agent Lee believes that its benefits are rewarding. "I love having conversations with the kids!" Agent Lee exclaims. "They are extremely bright and mature, and when I talk to them, I'm always reminded of how lucky I am to be working here. Dr. Largmann has done a super-good job with this school, and i will be sad to see him leave us."

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5 reach Intel· semi-fin.als Continued from p. 1 lab technique problems, writing up reports, analyzing data and finding mistakes. To conduct and understand her research, she read college molecular biology and immunology textbooks,, and seience journals.

In the future, all the semi-finalists hope to pursue some area ofscience or medi~ine. Jasen and Allison envision them_selve.s as pediatricians, and Vivian is currently cc:mtinuing wjtb her field of research. Zachary is consideri'ng a career as an astrqphysicist, while Joshua is considering the possibility of becoming a physics professor. "When I saw the winn·ers of the Intel contest (then known as the Westinghouse) on the cover of the New York Times, I knew l would become really interested and thought that it would be.a good opportuni~ to pur-sue m,y interest," said Joshua.

The Classic •

9

February 2001

Thomas·Sweetin's life celebrated at memorial ·

by Rachel Mindlin · way in which a true gentleman should The Townsend Harris family, ~ith its . carry out his life. Through tears, Dr. short 16-year history, reunited for the .Largmann spoke of "the elegance of his first time on Sunday, December, 10. Two smile"and "the gentleness of his spirit." hundred twenty-five students, teachers, "He was a teacher to all of us in the truand administrators gathered in the audi- est sense," he said. torium to celebrate the memory and "He lived his heart's desire," said Ms. honor the life of Thomas Sweetin, a cher- Greenfield, "and made it ~~tter." ished teacher, colleague, and friend to Mr. Sweetin was also incredibly modthe Harris community for 15 years. est. He never accepted praise for his . Many of the guests were former students· scholarship, dedication, and actions. He who graduated from 1988 to 1997. Mr. simply went through his days, nev\_r fully Sweetih taught them English, German, · understanding the impact he had on the or Latin, or worked with them on Senior lives of everyone he encountered. "For Council or on the yearbook. Other once, Tom," said Dr. Largmann during guests were current students who had the his speech, "accept our praise of you." retired Mr. Sweetin as a substitute over Charles Puglisi, a friend of Mr. Sweetin's the last two years. ' through the PTA and Alumni AssociaThe memorial opened with junior Laura Kim, playing a Chopin Nocturne on the pi- · ano. Then members of the. 'He was a teacher to all of faculty, a former student, us in the truest sense.' friends, representatives of the Alumni and Parentteachers Associations, and Mr. Sweetin's family reI . counted their memories of him, saying tion, said, "Actions speak louder than . good-bye once more through bittersweet words and Torn's actions were the halllaughter and tears. mark of his presence."

Although each person who spoke reIn hislast days, Mr. Sw~etin received counted different memories, there were 300 cards and letters from students and several themes that emerged. The most friends expressing their well .wishes, repeated of these was that Mr. Sweetin wann memories, and gratefulness for his was an incredibly kind and gentle per- presence·in their lives: Lou Weiss, Mr. Sweetin's companion, son. Dr. Largmann remembered that his "simple kindn~ss, heroic effort, and announced at the memorial that a ~'Tho­ gentle modesty gave real meaning to the mas Sweetin Award" will be immediword generosity." Mr. Sweetin always ately set up to be given annually to a stuwent out of his way to, put a smile on . dent who promotes diversity. Thewarm, the face of a student or fellow teacher. sunny reading room in the library will He often traveled far to drive his co- be renamed the "Tom Sweetin Room" workers home from work, practicaJiy in his hono.r. Mr. Weiss thought that · lived in the "old building" to make his "Tom would be the most proud of the students' yearbooks stellar, and gave out success of each student; how they've of his own pocket and heart to students grown to bec~me something in society. on the senior trips that he organized so They are, in their success, reflecting well. · .

Tom's philosophy that 'Good enough is Most people have aspitations to do never good enough.'" something they love, but few are able to Other speakers included former PTA make their dreams c9me true. Tom Executive Board member Rita Joseph; Sweetin wanted to educate others on his Mr. Sweetin's sister, Mary Minard; and favorite subject, literature, and he did so Assistant Principal Shiela Orner. Senior with a commanding passion. Mr. Hannah Vanek-Mcilwain played a piece Sweetin's brother-in-law, Duane E. by Massenet on, the violin.

Minard III, called teaching "Tom's callHollie Pena, a graduate from 1995, ing." His students were the pride and recalled Mr. Sweetin's passion for the joy of Mr. Sweetin's life. The school students. "He was always there for us," became his second home and the people she said. "He fought for us with all of his second family. He had an incredible · his heart."

Mr. Sweetin's memorial service was work ethic, believing that good enough was never good enough. Harriette called a "celebration" of his life and Blechman, as a fellow English teacher, work, and that it was. The audience knew that Mr. Sweetin "guided his stu- laughed at the funny· stories recounted dents to_a love oflearnirig," making each by his friends, remembering those inclass exciting, funny, interesting, and stances and recalling others. Former students and teachers reunited, exchanging always educational.

Randi Korobelnick, a former student, their memories of Mr. Sweetin, and lookspoke about how Mr. Sweetin "thrived ing through the many pictures that were on obstacles and challenges," and loved in the booklet given out at the service.

Mr. Sweetin fiad a favorite saying reserving the school. "He truly enjoyed being the 'bagel man,'" she remembered, garding his teaching: "You gotta teach · "and his creativity and enthusiasm were them something, love 'em a little, then infectious." Mr. Sweetin did not limit send them on their way;" he used to say. his education to that of the children who "We all loved him," said Ms. Blechman. were programmed into one of his classes. · "It was hard not to. He just got sent on He set an example to everyone about the his way a little too quickly."

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Cqnsuls offer insights into teen' life in Japan

by Shara Siegel McDonald's, body piercings, and fashion were just some of the topics discussed during a meeting with Japanese Consuls on December 5 in the principal's conference room. Students from Makiko Funato' s Japanese 1, 3 and 5 classes participated in this program, called "School Caravan," which aims to teach awareness about Japan and its educational system.

Hiroko Toyooka, chief of the program, Takatoshi Mori and Sanae Yonemichi were welcomed by juniors Marc Floirnan and Matthew Caesar; Marc read an opening speech in Japanese which was preceded by Matthew's English translation.

Ne~t. Ms. Funato and her students prese~ted the consuls with an array of songs that represented seasons of the year. Juniors Cassie Chan, Jerusha Eames and Karin To along with seniors Donysa Leatham, Janie Liu and Emily Rubenstein, played the Japanese song "Sakura" on their flutes. "Sakura" means cherry blossom, which stands for ·the spring season. Jerusha said, "I fdt superb because they seemed to enjoy our performance."

Summer was presented by "Tanabata'' or "Star Festival," which describes a festival that occurs on July 7. "Jingle Bells" captured the winter spirit and then was followed by "Oshoogatsu," a

New Year's song. The students did not perform the song for autumn because of its difficulty. Mr. Mori surprised the . crowd by pulling out his own flute and playing a piece he had prepared.

Ms. Yonemichi, who attended a private school in Japan, talked about her experiences there. She was not,allowed to wear make-up, and her skirt had to be a certain length~ She could not perm her hair, either. Junior Nicole Cleary, a Japanese 3 student, said, "When she was talking about her high school eX:peri~ ence, she put it into real terms that made it possible for the average high school student to relate to."

Matthew also spoke about his experience when he went to Tokyo this past summer. He admitted ~e "had McDonald's once or twice to see what it was like in Asia," and in response to a question from Mr. Mori, said he had noticed a trend of body piercing.

The consulates presented a movie which showed the educational system in Japan. Students also participated i'n a trivia game to win prizes. All students were given a package of pencils that had "Japan written in different languages.

Mr. Mori said one of the primary goals of "School Caravan" is ''to better our students like you and get students more interested in Japan.'' Ms. Funato, who invited them here, said they would like to visit Townsend Han:is again.

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-The Classic February2001

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-Lee fires up scr~en with Crouching Tiger

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Celebrity Slghtings Wax in - Times Square

by Alice

losil'~u

by Danny Bloch _ Ang Lee's resume may be the most di- Te (Lung Sihung). Shu Lien takes th~ maWhere can you take center stag-e with and Charlie Chaplin, and the .l~st versified of any director working today. jestic weapon, called the Green Destiny, Madonna or stand side by side with exhibit has Jerry Springer and Cher.

The Taiwanese-born, New-York-based toTe's lavish home in Beijing.

Michael Jordan? The answer: Madame Madame Tussaud's is a great way t<1> Lee has tackled everything from Jane Tussaud's Wax Museum. tak.e pictures ~it.h your fav-orite Matters become serio.us when the Austen (Sense and Sensibility) to do- Green Destiny mysteriously vanishes, Conveniently located on 42nd Street celebrities. Security is pretty lax, so mestic dramas '(The Ice Storm) to the causing Mu Bai to return to his old ways in Times Square, Madam.~ Tussaud's there's ,no~ing t0 pre'<!ent you from metaphor of food as life (Eat Drink Man as he and Shu Lien seek the thief, conhouses everyone frGll'l the Dalai Lama putting your arm aroun~ Brad Pitt, or to the ~pice Girls. The wax. figures :u-e sitting with the B·eatles.

Woman) . to the Civil War (last year's fronting a former enemy and a gifted amazingly accurate far the most part.

There is a section of the museum· Ride With the Devil). Whether his films warrior along the way.

Ht>wever, Oprah Winfrey and Barbara devf:Jted to explaining the process 'Of are in his native Mandarin or in English; While in pursuit of the sword, Shu Lien Streisand a:Jm:ost seem like caricatures making wax. figures. AI Roker's ~lay Lee imbues each with an individual style befriends Jen (Zhang Ziyi), a young arisof themselves. likeneSs is used as a model, wh;joh is and manages to create a captivating tale. tocrat with a secret. The movie has many mus,um 's ftrst ·exhibit is the shown from the vety'ftritsi'tliing 10' tile Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; his intricate subplots, including a love story scene of a celebrity garden party. The final touc,IHlp. AecortHng to the latest film, is no exception. Drawing setih the Gobi Desert that's told almost lighting and oecomtions make the party museum, the artists take Jocks of hair· upon his childhood love for the Hong entirely in flashback .. seem very realistic. In addition, the when they can, ami sometimes dental But the best is yet to come. Crouching Kong martial ~ts genre, Lee and his · celebrities in their natu;ra;l poses add to ca-sts are e¥en 'Qbtained £rom the crew mix intriguing romance with the Tiger contains at least five stunning fight th.e authenticity of the scene. F'or subjects ewn .dentist. thrilling moves and swordplay of kung scenes, with battlegrounds rangingfrom example, Woody Allen is sitting at a Madame Tussaud was a real llfe wax fu. The results are nothing short of in- the tiled rooftops of Beijing to the slim table in the co.m¢r while Barb'ara maket,during the time a.f the French credible. branches of a bamboo forest. These seStreisand is seated on the edge of a R:evohrtio)l, cemmissioned to create The cast is composed of some of the quences (choreographed by The Matrix's holding a champagne glass. · .. death masks," wax castings made fountain foremost Asian actors working today. _Yuen Wo-ping) are like ballets at bullet Tbe nex,t room i>S a gallery of frem the faces of the deceased. Tussapd Chow Yun~Fat (Hard Boiled, Anna & train speed, leaving you wide-eyed and historical figures that !nciudes John F. became so renowned, she even took the the King) plays Li Mu Bai, a 19th cen- breathless. At times the c~aracters fly Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and wax.likenessof'Benjamin'F'ranldinand tury martial arts scholar who realizes his through the air, done with the aid of harPrincess Diana. The last major e$ibil Napoleon Bonaparte. She op-ened a friendship with Shu Lien (Malaysian nesses that were later digitally removed. is· a baU 9f popular cultJtre figures, wax museum ~n Lo,adon; wber.e A haunting score by Tan Dun with cello star Michelle Yeoh of Supercop and Toorganized by decade. For example, the Madalne Tussaod 1s Wax Museum stiil morrow Never Dies) is more than pla- solos by Yo-Yo Ma, striking cinematogbeginning rooms start wi•th Babe Ruth stands today. tonic. Yet for the sake of their life-long raphy by Peter Pau, and-strong perforcamaraderie, the two put their emotions mances across the board (Ms. Yeoh and on hold.

Ms. Zhang in particular) also impress.

Since its opening, Crouching Tiger, The film is also gaining Oscar buzz At the Iend, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Hidden Dragon has won many among the critics.

Mu Bai has decided to give up the fighting life, and plans to present his Dragon provesto be another skillful sur- accolaides Among them are a: Golden (In Mandarin with English subtitles, former master's swotd to -the elder Si~ prise from Ang Lee's bag of gifts.

Globe fof'Best Direction for Ang Lee·. rated PG- 13),

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The Classic February 2001

11

Boys ·strive to stay on track for indoor se·aso.n

by Debbie Gopstein Another promising season has begun for the Boys' Indoor Track team. The indoor season commenced ori December 2, and is hoped to be a continuation of the success experienced by the team during the cross country season, during which the team finished undefeated in its division, and sixth overall in the borough. .

The Indoor Track team, now com~ posed of almost 25 runners, is coached

by George Rio and led by a strong core of veterans. Junior Alejandro Gonzalez is the co-captain of the team along with fellow junior Jon Schwartz. Gonzalez hopes to bring his 1600-meter time down to one of the best in the city. At the 47th Annual Bishop Loughlin Games on December 16, Gonzalez broke his personal record, running the mile in 4:54 and winning his heat. Even though he will still need to reduce his time by I 0 seconds to qualify for the

93rd Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Championships on February 17, he remains optimistic. "I plan on taking a few seconds off my time every time I run," said Gonzalez. ''That way, I should be able to qualify in no time."

Other veterans this · season include junior runner Justin Joseph, who is just seconds away from qualifying for the PSAL Championships in both the 300 and 600-meter races, with times of39.1 seconds for the former, and 1:41.3 for the latter. Other varsity runners making significant contributions include seniors Paul Mendez, Armando Orozco, and junior shot-putter Dan Wallenstein.

An able gro'-'p of yom~g runners complements the veterans. Sophomore Carlos Chincha and freshman Christian Cansino round off the solid distance team. They both finished in the top five in their heats at the PSAL Developmental Meet on December 2. Sophomores Carlos Gonzalez, Zak Anolic, Alan

Fishman, and freshbO men An~ d r e w ~ :I Danilovac, ~ and Matt £ Yu com£ bine their 8 efforts to ~ form a strong sprinting team.

"Weare rea I 1 y lucky to have the freshmen Neck and neck with the competition, seniors Paul Mendez and Arinondo Orozco give it their all as they approach the finish line. and sophomores we do," said Schwartz. "It's good to know that even after some of the veteran members are gone, the team will still be able to be competitive."

'Winning combination' aims to dash past competition

by Ashley Pillsbury

Queens' champs, we should be doing varsity squad for the 4 x 800-meter reThis year's Girls' Indoor Track team very well," remarked Mr. Horn. Among lay. is doing fairly well this season, and is the newcomers are freshmen Rosalind The freshmen _are nqt th~ on\y uplooking forward to upcoming events. 'Adams, -Faith Cummings, and Erika and-coming stars of the season. Junior The next big meet is the Queens Cham- Russi.

Vicki Lopez is returning this year after pionships; scheduled for February 11.

Adams and Cummings are both a knee injury that had sent her to the disThis year's team consists of both re- crossovers from the Girls' Cross Coun- abled list. However, senior Chanelle turning runners and newcomers, a "win- try team. "[Adams] is going to be a star Pearson, another injured runner who ning combination" according to the at the distance events," said Mr. Horn. was one of the top five runners in New coach, math teacher Joseph Horn. Adams is consistently running within York City in the long jump and hurdles, "There are a large number of inexperi- the 12 minute range for the 3000-meter, will not be returning this season. enced runners this year, but by being and is one of the top freshmen runners Seniors Melani Sherman and Wai in Queens. Mr. Wang have already qualified for the City Horn also Championships, which will be held on ~ adde.d that February 17. Sherman qualified during the first meet of the season on Novem~ Cummings has § "a lot of talent" ber 26, running the 3000-meter run in ~ and is a "force 11:31. She now holds the second slot in ..... ::c to reckon with" the Townsend Harris Hall of Fame for ..... in sprinting. ·this time. ''I'm hoping to qualify for the .&J 0 Cummings has mile at the Queens Championships. I ~ helped the team need to take four seconds off my time, but I'm working hard towards it," said a lot in relays.

Russi has an Sherman. Wang will compete in the high · impressive jump. Hei: qualifying jump measured track record as four feet, six inches. ~enior Nicol.!?_ well. Within Arriaga is one of the top walkers in the first two Queens, and qualified for the City weeks of prac- Championships as well.

Though the season has been successtice, she developed into a "su- ful so far, the girls admit that running perb middle indoors is quite difficult. They have been distance run- practicing in the school's hallways four ner," according days a week since the season began, but to Mr. Horn, this is hardly sufficient practice to preand has already pare them to run on long indoor tracks. eaffled a spot in This is especially difficult for the freshthe Townsend men, who make up approximately 75 Harris Hall of percent of the team. The indoor track Fame. She cur- season also has many relays, so the girls rently holds the must practice other skills, such as stick ten spot for the passing. Perhaps the most strenuous as600-meter run. pect of the indoor track season is that Senior Melani Sherman competes in the 3000-meter run at the Martin Luther Russi will be a the meets consist of hundreds of runKing Jr. Meet on January 15. member of the ners and last all day.

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Girls' shot at pl:ayoffs f·alls short Frost

by Arlene

After all of the hard work and inspired play of the 2000-2001 Girls' Var. sity B.asketbafl team, it aU came down to a <me-game pl'ayQ"ff l!ln Febmary i against C.ardt1z0 Itirgh School. This game, played at Towns:e nd Hanris.

W.QUld determine wmcb team took: third place in· the Public School Athletic.

Lea~ (PS'AL) Queens-Adivisie.&, and the last reJllaining playoff spot.

Despite being on top 18-16 at.the half, and outscoring Cardpzo in three, out of four q.uarters, the Lady Hawks falter~ in the thiti.d quarter and were out~Ret 17•4. The lead would .never. be Harris's again, as the Lady M-awk:s suff«ed .a close, season-ending 39-31 loss. "We should have won this game,'' said Coach.Lany Ceraulo. ~we should. have scored 30 points in the flrst quar· ter. Unfortunately, this game is about shots falling, and that wasn't happening for us."

Harris played well in the first half of the g-ame, successfully breaking Cardozo's 'fuU-·c our·t pre·ss. Junior Kristina €aSpe-r sunk 11 of hel' 14 points in the flrst half, but "the Lady Hawks looked sluggish by the third quarter.

Junior Jessica Sharoff, who contributed nine points, said, "We just had no energy in the serond half."

This loss came after the Lady Hawks capitalized on the absence of Cardozo's two best players on January ll, defea~­ ing Cardozo 3•8-25. Sophomore point guard Andrea ·Strauss led Harris with ll points and Sha:roff chipped in with lO pofnts, However, the scope of the tiebreaker game ptayed on February 5 was differ,ent as Cardozo's two stars. returned, scori:n,g 2.8 of Cardezo's 39 points.

Despite the upset of this los's, the Lady Hawks, who compiled a league record of 8-5 and were 17-5 overall, are o.p$imistic about next season. "We had an even better ·season than I expected and we're a young team. I think we are set for nexi year," s.aid coao& ,Ceraule, Freshman 'Shanay Freeman, one of tb<} young talentts, was one af the 'team•:s leading. scorers. ''My experienc.e of playing varsft:Y basketball has juSf' begun," s.aid Freeman.

12

The Classic February 2001

Hawks Flying High:

Boys' basketball·on top with the Garden in view

by Rachel Acosta "Going all the way," said senior tricaptain Isaac Acosta of his expectations for this year's Boys' Varsity Basketball team at the beginning of the season, "all

The Hawks secured first place by defeating the Academy of American Studies, but the more important win came in a tightrope match against John Bowne High School on January 16. This win,

the team has had in the seven years that All of last year's key players, Marmonthe team has been in existence. Though Halm, Acosta, and Loheide, are still connew at Harris, Furman has been coach- tributing to the team. Marmon-Halm was ing for 25 years. He previously coached last year's leading scorer, and continues at the State University of New York to be this season, with an average of 24 (SUNY) at points per game. In a recent game against 0 1 d Flushing High School, Marmon-Halm Westbury, scored 35 of Harris' 49 points. In this Bayside game, he exceeded the 1000 point mark, H i g h becoming the first player to achieve this School, and in Townsend Harris history. "We are very most re- dependent on Phil for our offense becently .at cause he is our top scorer. He needs to Franklin K. play well in order for us to continue winLane High ning, and he has played well," said School, Coach Furman. where he Acosta is the second leading scorer won a city this .year. "Isaac is important to us bechampion- cause of all the different things he can ship. do on the court. He is a good player, but The team needs to have more consistent good seems to be games," said coach Furman. benefitting The Hawks also have some young talfrom coach ent this season, including three freshmen.

Furman's One of them, Kenny Yu, has already experience made his mark. "He's a very good outbecause the side shooter and is probably the best season has three point shooter, which is important been suc- when we play teams playing in zones. cessful so He can open up the middle for Isaac, far. "Coach Philip, and Jamar [Banks, junior] to get During a time-out huddle, new coach Howard Furman gives ·a pep talk to senior Philip Marmon-Halm, junior Ezra Cooper, and senior Furman has closer to the basket," said Furman. "He's Michael Chau. helped our been a surprise to me since he is a freshteam play man. I hope this will continue in years the way to Madison Square Garden." which brought the Hawks' undefeated together under his new system, which is . to come."

The Garden is where the B league cham- home court record to 9-0, was revenge allowing him to get the best out of all Reaching the playoffs was expected to for the Hawks' 64-42 loss to Bowne at his players," said senior tri-captain Billy be a challenge for the Hawks this seapionship game is played.

With the regular season over, this an away game earlier this season.

Loheide. "He has gotten us to the level son because there are only six teams in With a good mix of old and new tal- we need to be at in order to be contend- their league and only the top two go to prediction is a tangible reality. After defeating the Academy of American Stud- ent, and a new coach, the Hawks are hav- ers in this year's playoffs." For Acosta the playoffs. The Hawks' top competiies 80-51 in the last league game of the ing their best season in Townsend Har- and fellow senior tri-captain Philip tors were Flushing High School and John season, the Hawks have clinched first ris history. They currently have an over- Marmon-Halm, Furman is their fifth Bowne High School, who were"tied for place and a playoff berth. Acosta led the all record of 18-4, with a final league coach in four years, and it has taken them second, trailing the first place Hawks by team to victory, scoring 29 points, and record of 8-2. This is a vast improvement some time· to adjust. "Coach Furman only one game going into the final game senior tri-captain Philip Marmon-Halm over last year's final record of9-11 over- took a while to get used to, but now it of the regular season. The Hawks beat had 13 points. The playoffs are sched- all, and 6-6 in their league. seems like a playoff berth is a step closer Flushing 53-49 on Flushing's home court New coach Howard Furman is the fifth than in previous years," said Acosta. on January 10. uled to begin on February 27.

Man-is rides high atop Iron Horse

by Arielle Frost As sfudents and faculty members enter the Townsend Harris school building and head towards the lobby, they can see the retired jerseys, lamEs, and bathing suits of exceptional athletes who have graduated from Harris. Soon, a new lamE will be added to this wall of fame. It will read "Manis USA." Senior Larry Manis has been named the winner of the 2000-2001 Iron Horse Award by the Public School Athletic League (PSAL). The Iron Horse Award is presented annually to the top graduating athlete in each PSAL sport. Manis, who is the captain and a four-. year member of the Harris Fencing team, has received this special award for being the top male graduating fencer in the PSAL. "It's such an honor," said Manis. "It's a wonderful feeling to receive such a highly esteemed award for simply doing what you love."

While on the Fencing team, coached

by English teacher Debra Michlewitz,

Manis has displayed talent, dedication, leading the team in and leadership. By training on the week- warm-up laps, to calling ends at fencing clubs, he has continu- a time out and giving a ously worked to improve his skills. His struggling teammate a efforts helped him to cap off his four- pep talk and tips during year high school fencing career with nu- a bout. merous triumphs. He finished this seaManis' leadership son with a personal record of 14-2, and qualities were of even helped lead his team to the PSAL Cham- greater importance this pionship title, winning his two bouts in . season because the team the final meet on November 10. · came under the guid. Manis then proceeded to take first ance of a new coach, place in the PSAL Individual Fencing Ms. Michlewitz. "No Championships on November 12. He one could be more dewas also ranked a "D" fencer, a classifi- serving [of the Iron cation used for national competitions, by Horse Awtll'd]. I'm glad the United States Fencing Association. . the PSAL is recognizing "I couldn't have done it without such a · what I knew about Larry great team and a coach [Ms. Michlewitz] from the first day,'' said who gives nothing but support," said Ms. Michlewitz.

Manis.

Manis, who will atAs the captain of the Harris Fencing tend Columbia Univerteam, Manis served as"a consummate sity in the fall, will be leader;" according to Ms. Michlewitz. honored .at the PSAL His contributions as captain ranged from Awards Dinner in June.

Senior Larry Manis prepares to gear up for competition.