The Classic newspaper Volume 18 Issue no. 1 by The Classic

Vol. 18, No. 1 October 2001

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aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Donations, discussions help in coping ~with tragedy by Allison Slotnick A school-wide drive that began on September 13, just two days after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, has raised · over $1900 for the Firefighters' Widows Fund. In addition, many other relief efforts have been put into effect to help those who have lost loved ones, as well as to assist the rescue workers and to support the student body in Townsend Harris. For the first week, the money was coming in very quickly. "It was amazing 'watching everyone put in dollars. Usually, when there's a drive like this, some people give a handful of change, but everyone was putting in everything they had," said senior Roni Siegel as the collection box circulated throughout the student body. As time has passed, though, Adam Stonehill, COSA (Coordinator of Student Activities), has noted that the money flow has slowed down. "This is going to be a long-term issue. It's not going to be over a month from now, or even six months from now.. .. We should continue to help; it isn't going away," he said. · Students and faculty were also asked to donate supplies to boxes located in the lobby and the COSA office. Lists were posted around the school asking

Within a week, the boxes were filled to the brim and as of now, Mr. Stonehill is instructing students to stop bringing in items due to the high volume of goods donated across the country, and to only bring in money. All of the supplies that have been collected over the last week will be taken to the Shea Stadium collection area. A "talk-in" was held on September 20 in which students in social studies classes met in the auditorium to discuss their feelings .about the prior week's events and pose any questions they may have had. "It- was real! y . something to · clarify and bring understanding in a group setting-a forum to get ideas of what students think," Mr. Stonehi\\ said of the day-long event organized by Lynne Greenfield, Assistant Principal of Humanities.

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which students will be allowed to openly express their feelings will be through a tribute book. As Mr. Stonetiill puts it, "It will be a place for the whole school to be able to write down their thoughts." The book will be placed in a centrallocation so that the Harris community can share their feelings and questions about all that has transpired in .t he last few weeks.

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of Muslim-Americans by Danny Bloch Aiming to address mixed emotions . and find a se,nse of comfort, nearly a dozen Muslim-American students joined various faculty members on Friday, September 14, to discuss a number of issues surrounding the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The meeting, held ninth band in the Guidance Suite, was organized by English teacher Farah Khan . Ms. Khan said she was moved to organize the workshop after watchi·ng coverage of the events of September 11 on television. "[The media] kept saying how the country was coming together. But every time the word 'Muslim' or 'Islam' was repeated, I felt more and more like the enemy, and I was born here," she explained. "Then I thought of the girls who wear the traditional [Muslim] .

garb, and I wondered, 'How do they feel?"' . Public schools were closed on September 12, the day after the attacks, and when 'they reopened the next day, many students stayed home. "There was a problem," Ms. Khan continued. "Of the names on the absentee list, nearly all were Muslim. I was hoping to talk to those students, especially about their fears and worries." On Friday, around 13 MuslimAmerican students came together to discuss their feelings with Ms. Khan, Principal Thomas Cunningham, Guidance Counselors Antoinette Teague and Cheryl Kramer and Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services Joan Walsh.

Marisa Cohen, senior, is starting up a new program to provide emotional support for the rescue workers. Greeting cards featuring the American Flag will be located in the COSA office with the message "Thank you for your bravery." Students and faculty will then be able to go and put personal messages in the cards, which will be sent to the New York -Police and Fire Departments. "Everyone's aiding them monetarily, but we really do appreciate them. In this way, we're actually giving thanks," she says. From Wednesday, September 26, to Friday, ,October 26, money will be collected to benefit the World Trade Center Relief Fund/Common Cents ~enny Har~est. Donatwns can be m the form of loose change or bills. People are needed to help collect and count the contributions . Ple ase see -· Margaret Landry, advisor of Arista, for more information or to sign up to fill a bag, alone or with a team. She can be found in room 610 during both

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"Everyone agreed that in the school, things have been good," Ms. Khan said. "But outside, there has been harassment. [We talked] about the principles of Islam and tried to clear up any misconceptions. Everyone seemed to be willing to share ideas about the religion." "We discussed how we were reacting [to the attacks] and if we had had any personal encounters with harassment," said junior Umara Saleem. "I know many Muslims who lost people in the Twin Towers," she went on. "I felt scared [being] on the street. I

was scared for all Muslims." Umara said that in a few of her classes, students shared their views on the violence, but admitted that she was hesitant about voicing her opinion: "I felt I had to support my fellow MuslimAmericans, but I felt that people would think I was siding with the terrorists." Friday's meeting gave Umara -the chance to talk openly and helped her realize that "[the faculty] is there for support, especially Ms. Khan. I can.turn to them." Waqas Shaikh, junior, thought that the meeting was "really beneficial.- I met with a lot of people who were also experiencing the same feelings [as I was]. It was a very warm atmosphere ."

The Classic October 2001

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Scapegoati:ng ·Musli,m-Americans: Not the answer The worst thing of all," said Umara Saleem, junior, as she rode to school on the bus a few mornings ago, "is that many Muslims are afraid. A lot of my [female] friends have stopped wearing their headscarves. I have some friends whose parents told them to deny being Muslim if they were asked about it in school." Umara is a Muslim-American of Pakistani descent, and like many others in New York City's sizeable Muslim and Arab-American communities, she is fearful that ordinary Muslims will become scapegoats for the recent assaults on the United States. Sadly, they already have. Following the attacks, a vicious spate of racial harassment (and, in some cases, violence)was touched off nationwide, affecting Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Many businesses owned by Middle Easterners and South Asians reported threatening phone calls with hisses of "Go back where you came from!" spilling over the receiver. Angry and ignorant passersby gave cold stares or taunts of "You did this!" In Mesa, Arizona, a man killed a gas station owner named Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh. Next, the culprit, identified as Frank Roque, shot at, but missed, a Lebanese-American clerk at another gas station. Yet Roque's rampage had not finished. According to The New York Times, "he fired several shots into the home of a family of Afghan descent, but hit no one." Handcuffed and charged with, among other things, first-degree murder, Roque shouted, "I stand for America all the way." It is obvious that crazed jingoists like Mr. Roque are gravely mistaken, for the true value of American society lies in its concurrent diversity and unity, as well as in its tolerance. And while it looks as though terrorists based in the heart of the Middle East are the

perpetrators of the attacks, we cannot and must not let assassins." Still, fear remains. Some Muslim-American women that stain_the image of our Muslim and Arab-Amerihave stopped going outside because they are afraid can neighbors. The key to maintaining a connected society is edu- their traditional clothing will provoke prejudice. Othcation. Muslim-Americans should explain to their non- ers, like some ofUmara's friends, have simply ceased Muslim colleagues about the principles oflslam, help- wearing hijab, as the dress is known in Arabic. "Do ing them realize the similarities that the religion shares we have to give up our religion to feel safe? We . with Christianity and Judaism. Non-Muslims, in turn, shouldn't be that intimidated," Umara remarks, shakought to seek information from Islamic friends or or- ing her head. "My Islamic evening classes have been ganizations to help clear up any confusion they may cancelled. Many students were scared to leave the have. A dialogue must exist; it will bring clarity and house in the traditional clothing. It's not the same any comfort to both sides. The many interfaith prayer vig- more; it's not." Thankfully, the feeling in the air at Townsend Harils held nationwide have done a commendable job in ris remains one of solidarity. On Friday, September attaining a sense of understanding. And so has the President. In his September 20ad- 14, English teacher Farah Khan held a meeting for dress to Congress, President George W. Bush called Muslim-American students in the Guidance Suite to Islam's teachings "good and peaceful." "And those discuss their emotions; the students agreed that there who commit evil in the name of Allah," he continued, had not been any harassment in the school. Over the "blaspheme the name of Allah. The terrorists are trai- next few months, more programs like this should. be tors to their own faith, trying in effect to hijack Islam organized as a way to help the entire school commuitself." Dr. Abdullah Khoui of the Islamic Center in nity cope with the tragedies and hopefully find solace Washington, D.C. echoed the President's sentiments: in each other'scompany. Meanwhile, let this nation reflect upon another som"What took place, no sound mind would approve of it, and no religion at all in the world would accept it. ber era in its history: Shortly after the surprise attacks We do condemn in the strongest terms these attacks. on Pearl Harbor, thousands of innocent people of J apaWe condemn these attacks as human beings, and Is- nese ancestry living on the West Coast were forcibly evacuated from their homes and placed in detention lam does not approve of what took place." Well-known Muslim-Americans are also speaking camps. Let us all pay heed to the words engraved at out about their faith. In a September-19 interview with the site of the former relocation center in Poston, AriThe New York Times, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali . zona: "May it serve as a constant reminder of our past said, "If the cu~prits are Muslim, they have twisted so that Americans in the future will never again be the teachings of Islam.- Whoever performed, or is be- denied their constitutional rights, and may the rememhind, the terrorist attacks in the United States of brance of that experience serve to advance the evoluAmerica does not represent Islam. God is not behind tion of the human spirit"

American principles threate·ned but pride prevails "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know ment to ensure that an attack like this will never hapI'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who pen on American soil again? WiU these steps take away gave that right to me," sang country singer Lee Green- the freedoms that we have become so accustomed to wood decades ago in "Proud to Be an American," as part of daily life? which since the tragedies of September II has become The situations we have been presented with over a new-found anthem for the country. the last few weeks have forced us to confront a conAmericans pride themselves on living in a country flict that has been around since the Roman Empire: in which the Bill of Rights protects their rights to speak "'inter arma silent leges' -in time of war, the law is and assemble freely. America is a country full of silent." people of all cultural backgrounds who are grateful President George W. Bush has made it clear to the for the fact that they live in a democracy, a country AmeriCan people that war is immirient, and in order where they can walk through the streets without fear to tighten up security, heightened measures have been of a search without a warrant or they can hold a public taken by airports across the country, including no rally fighting against a governmental decision with~ curbside luggage check-in and even stricter regulations of size requirements for carry-on luggage. Howout being apprehended for speaking their minds. However, the freedoms we have as Americans of- ever, it may not stop there. ten leave ·us with a false sense of security. As we let According to a September 19 article from the New our guard down, we also leave ourselves open to at- York Times, "Attorney General John Ashcroft is presstack, as was seen by millions. We sat glued to our ing Congress for a series of new anti-terrorism laws, television sets on September II, watching hijackers including measures that would expand electronic surfrom other countries take over commercial planes and veillance and the search powers of law enforcement proceed to take away the lives of thousands, rip apart . officials. In New York, Attorney General Eliot L. families, and destroy the World Trade Center, Penta- Spitzer has called for a law expanding wiretap author• ity, and the State Senate passed such a bill on Monday gon, and the spirits of Americans everywhere. What steps will be taken by the.AITU!rican govern- [September 17]." Is this really what America has come

News Staff: LilyChu, BCih Duhin, Akshl:l Kalla. Bryan

Daniel Bloch · Allison Slotnick Co-Editors-in-Chief Jamie Gullen Featur-e Editor

Jennifer (Jong Sarah Schnee Co-News Editors

Kirschcn, Rachel Mindlin, CamJina Prus.'i, Tian Ying

Angela Hom Managing Editor

Sports Staff : Rachel Acnsta, Cart1lina Chang, Jnsh FtlX,

Jessica Wang

Karen Hendershot

DianeTiao

Assistant Feature Editor

Assistant News Editor

Entertainment Editor

Steven Lee

Kerry Purtell Emily Rivlin Nadler

Ashley Pillsbury

Copy/Online Editor

Art Editors

Feature Staff: Jessica Berger, NataJiya Binshtcyn, M~Ju Duhlin, SU~vic lsr.&elian, Sybil Kullappallil, Terr.mce Lai, Steven Lee, Anna Olsun, Sunayna Ramdcu, Rachel SchiJTman, Katherine Shi, Shar.1 Siegel, Tina Wu

Sports Editor

William Yang

lisa Cowen

David Belsky

Photography Editor

Advisor

Layout Editor

Talya Lieberman

Artis.t s · Raymond Barn, Ryan Dennie, Beth Dubin, Annie Lau, Doris Ortega, Rachel Schiffman, Emma Xian, Stephanie Zapata Photography Staff: J.nhn Bnncta,GinriaChi, Kavccita Desai, Jamie Gullcn, Matthew Kirschner, Hillary Ht1mlcr, Jamie Liu, Linh Ly, Laur.1 Ng, SharJ.·Sicg:cl, Jcnnircr Sheth

to? There must be a way to preserve what America is and at the same time prevent these terrorist attacks. America without freedoms is no longer America, but rather just another country with government checkpoints at every step you take. The laws must be kept in check, as searches without reasonable warrants are violations of our Fourth Amendment rights . America is a country based upon the principles of liberty, justice, equality, and freedom. Our freedoms are at the root of who we are, and they make us 'proud to be Americans.' We can maintain our freedoms without keeping ourselves wide open to more terrorist attacks, and thus come out even stronger. For if the terrorists' main goal is to instill terror and make the Americans a more cynical and closed-off society, then we can show them how strong we are by fighting and still keeping our freedoms intact as well. Defense chief Donald H. ·Rumsfeld said, "What this war is about is our way of life, and our way of life is worth losing lives for" (New York Times, 9116/0I ). While it may be difficult and time-consuming for the government to come up with a plan to defeat terrorism and simultaneously preserve our rights as Americans, it is essential to our way of life and maintaini1.1g the true meaning of being an 'American.'

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. 11367 The Clas.•·ic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should . not be taken to represent those of the a\lministration or faculty or student body as a whole.

Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Leners should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in the general office. The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request. Principal - Thomas Cunningham

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The Classic

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The September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon left Americans -stunned .. The Townsend Harris community expressed their reactions to the tragedy through letters to the editors, interv-iews with reporters, poetry, and art. To the Editors: I remember walking, walking aimlessly down a wet East 8'h Street down towards Astor Place. And I looked for them ... their ma~sive structures there to guide me. My father always said, "Look for the Twin Towers, and you'll know you're going south." So I looked, I saw, and I kept walking. Ever since my first solo journey into the downtown world at age eight, I never once got lost. They were a guide, a map, and a security blanket.

As I sat at my fourth band Bio window, seeing the putrid black smoke engulf my brothers, I prayed for the first time in a long time. The South Tower had already crumbled; I knew the other's turn was yet to com~. So I hooked my eyes on the aerial on top of the remaining tower, for all I could see were the top four or five floors. Then, like watching all the horrors of my subconscious in one deep combustion, the North Tower plummeted to the street below. With that, involuntary tears came; my whole body

became hot. Like watching a loved one die, I went , into denial. I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe it. Still, I have dreams of them perched high in the clouds. Still, I expect to see them contribute their hue to the blissful New York skyline. I know thousands of families lost their loved ones, but so did I. Two of them, not yet 30. - Liz Feder, freshman

To the Editors: In light of the recent events that have occurred, it is important that we, as Americans, try to look beyond the horror stories and the destruction and thank God for the graces he has granted us. Citizens of New York used to be classified as the rudest, most apathetic people in America. Now these same uncaring citizens have come together in one of the most inspiring and powerful unions ever seen. People everywhere are willing to help.

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'Never would I have imagined that on a beautiful, sunny day, this kind of tragedy could take place.' Before that attack on that fateful Tuesday in September, one would be lucky to get a simple hello from a stranger. Now these same strangers are donating blood, food, clothes and anything else they can afford. Even if we didn't necessarily know someone in the building, it was like we did. We grieve together as one nation. Each life has affected us in ways we could never imagine. The day it happened will be emblazonedin my memory forever. Never would I have imagined that on a beautiful, sunny day, this kind of tragedy could take place. The whole situation seemed so surreal. I just couldn't believe it. The second I heard about it, all my friends and family raced through my mind. The only thing I thought about was their well-being. An event like this makes you realize how important life is. Every moment needs to be cherished like it is the last. Realize how sp~cial family a11d friends are. It

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......... is sad that it took an event like this to make Americans as many buildings as they wish, but they won't be realize it. In the hustle and bustle of the new century, destroying the America we hold in our hearts. These we have forgotten the very principles our country was are not the first enemies America has ever had to face. founded on. We never took a moment to look around They are just the most blatant. No matter how hard and enjoy what Americans before us died to give us. they try, they will never defeat us. We are Americans, We have forgotten how our forefathers have died to and we won't be terrorized into anything. America will give us freedom. Never before was our freedom survive as long as liberty and justice are still valued. And so we come together now as one country, more threatened so drastically. But now that it has, we have all come together as one country,. indivisible, under ·united than ever before, as we face this new challenge. God. We will defend our country until the death. The Alone the battle would prove to be difficult but together terrorists may think that they have defeated us, but mere as one nation we can accomplish anything. Justice will buildings do not make up America. America is far more prevail and good will conquer evil. God Bless America - Stars and Stripes Forever! than buildings: America is a concept, a concept of - Rosa Maria Celeste, senior freedom, liberty and justice for all. They can destroy

though I do not know anyone who was involved in the To the Editors: When the Twin Towers tragedy, I still understand the pain and anger of their . were attacl<.ed, I must ad- families·. . On thursday night, I met this police officer. He mit that I did not understand exactly what had had a tear in his eye when he told me that people were happened. I began to coming up to him and offering him home-cooked understand when I meals. New Yorkers were once known as cold people, saw my father 's but now we are just people. It is astonishing how one face when he tragedy is the solution to our unity. My English teacher came to pick me allowed us to write letters to rescuers at the site. Alii up. He told me ·hope is that the letters we sent gave them strength not that he was sup- to give up. As weeks past, the tragedy slowly disappears, but posed to [have been] on the this is only the beginning. A painful word has been 25th floor. I mentioned, and it is "war." It may look like a small honestly do not word, but for most of us, it hits us where it hurts. I know what I never thought war would be an issue; no one believed would have done it would . I have been taught that violence is not the if I had lost him. AI- answer, but what is? I never felt hate until now. Hate

soon turns to revenge. How many people must die for revenge? My first priority used to be school; now, it is life. -Christine Vittorino, ·freshman "We have lost the Twin Towt~l's in New York City, the most pr:olific city in the world. It repr:esented our integrity and finance. But we should be reminded that they are buildings. Our integdty is immutable and our finance, stable. I feel our country should bring these 'bastards' to justice. If it means having our for:ces pul<verize Afghani. stan, it should be done after careful research. I will support this country with all my heart. Our country will not lose our freedoms and our customs. We will .go to the mall, tbe mo:v,ies, the parks without always looking bebind onr backs. This is America. I am prou.d to be.an American. And the flag will still be waving unhindered by tl~e dark forces of terrorism." • Stephen Lok, freshman

The Classic October 2001

Guid.ance department responds to shock, gri~ef, anxiety By Jennifer Gong Coneems for friends and family ran wild throughout the halls 0f Townsend Harris when word got out about the World Trade Center crash on the morning of September 11, 2001. The sudden attack shocked most of the Harris com~ mun~ty, aqd by 11 =00 tllat rooming, many Haffi.sites had crowded tlile guidance ofne.es and pay pnene area waiting anxiously te get a chance to SJileak with their loved ones and make sure that all was safe and wel:l. That day, the guidance department was available immediately to help in any way possible. "I realized that students were anxious about the safety of !'heir friends and reJ;at.ives.," sai.d Joan Walsh., Assistant Principal of Pupil Pe(:sonnel Services, and therefore all phones in the guidance offices were ready for use. And Cheryl Krame.r. guid" ance counselor, was there to listen to any students who needed to "speak and vent." Ms. WaJ:sh took care of parents' concerrtS of how t<hei,r children would get horne by assuring them that, if necessary, some of the fac· utty would stay late. She made sure every student had transportation home and that parents had ID at the door as they came to pick up their sons and daughters. If neighbors or friends came to bring students home, Ms. Walsh made sure that they were given parents' permis-· sion by cal:l ing them immediately. Also helping to assure that the Harris community was safe and sound was Sheila Orner, retired Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services, who rushed right over as soon as she heard what had happened. "From experience, I knew things wo111'ld be chaotic," she said. "Tt was my contribution to the effort. Townsend Ranis pFovidetf me with a p:lace to do something.'' Ms. Orner was ready to help the new guidance staff to get through their first tragic situation and was welcomed with open arms. The day after "the horror,'' as Ms. Orner put it, all New York City publlic school:s were closed to students, but not to faeulty, who met in ·a "staff development dQ.y" that p.lieparing for class disfocused cussions and lessons r,egarding the,..

To the Editors: The tragic events of the World .Trade Center have changed all of our · . lives forever. Now we look at life and at New York with a different perspective. I remember hearing the .first announcement of the incident during third band. As Mr. Cunningham told

~ttack. .Principal Thomas Cunningham; all Assistant PrindpaJs and the guiEI~nce department were pait of an immediate Crisis Response Team, whlch sought to set up suppert centers fot the students tQ be able to tctlk openly about the situation. The Team also planned the sp.ec.ial assembly that occu.fred on the foUowing Monday in the auditorium to answer <fUestious on students' minds. According to Ms. Walsh and Ms. Orner, the faculty and Crisis Response Team brainstormed possiible needs and worries that students may have had as welt They discussed ways to approach students wlao might be griev·i ng a·nEI ta'liked about how the Townsend Harris community mi:ght begifl retu·rning to a regular school schedule. Yet, for some, returning to schoel on Thursday didn't feel like such a good idea. A major concern foHowing the World Trad"' Center crash was the insensitivity toward Musllm students. Parah Khan, En· gtish teacher, noticed tfuat many students pra-ctidng Islam did nat attend school that day. As a resull, a dialogue was organized for Muslim students to openly express their feelings and concerns regarding the af-termaili of the crash. (See page

Even with all these anxiety and fears floating around the city, Ms. Walsh realized sometbiug positive wit:hin the schoo 1. ''I notic-ed a gr;eater feeling of unity amemg our student population," she said. She fuas also felt a resurgence of patriotism and describes what happened as "an attack against all Americans, that has dimmed the hyphenated American, as in terms such as African-American, Latino-American, Asian~American and so en.'' Although many died in these terrorist attacks, few· memoers of the Harris community experiepcecl losses of relatives or friends . Still, wnat has fuappened has aff~ted everyone on some level and everyone wants to help. The guidance department wi.u always be ready and availawte for stuclent~ who need to talk. ''Be SUflponive of your peers and WQ;IJk together as a team.,'' advisecl Ms. Kramer.

us that two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, I felt my stomach plummet.. .. By lunchtime, I had relaxed, because I did not think the incident was so serious, since no further announcements had been made about it. The sick feeling in my stomach returned when I heard more events that were linked to the crashing of the planes. l

Life Goes On

You Were There

Life goes on, but not the same, Bin Laden cheats in life's game, Righteous ways have been perverted, The damage done can't be reverted, Burning wreckage. smokes and ··smolders, Citizens cry on foreign shoulders, But do not kill; don't sinR: that low, Hatred fuels war's evil glow, Remain peaceful, and stand tali, - Heed not Bush's angry call, Two wrongs don't make a right, Pick flowers, not a fight. ' - Mark Flynn, freshman

Alone The jewels of our city came crashing down Pire, smoke, debris everywhere People running, screaming, crying A horrific scene! Alone I watched the unthinkable before me Could people be so inhuman? Could disaster strike so unexpectedly? Alone Helpless and scared Paranoia, emotional emptiness Alone My loneliness and fears touched by many Firefighters, rescue workers, police-. ' men, volunteers My fears dwindled Alone . Hopeful! Loved! Cared for! You Were There! - Chantal Bruno, freshman

An Empty Space

No eraser or white-out can diminish that sight, No words can describe that it just wasn't right. Firefighters and workers search all around, For the thousands of people left unfound. Families hold onto ounces of hope, While so many others just try to cope, It's all a dream, everyone seems to say, . Lost and Found I wish I'd awake and it would be the I take one dusty hand, blow it and nex;t day. watch as tiny specks of gray The towersl'd see and gladly greet, Fly into the air and become The skyline again would seem so Lost in the foggy midst of darkness. complete. I force open my reluctant eyes, afraid There is an empty space in our hearts to see what awaits me. and the city. Years ago I remember gazing in awe at But the sorrow, sadness and the pity the city I still call my home, Cary co-exist with our pride: Buildings standing proud and Let that now be our guide. strong. - Jamie Mersten, sophomore But now that vision is as dusty and unclear as the view, Merely a memory that is hidden within Threads a world of sorrow. Embarrassed, I erase my self-pity and Stitched into our hearts with very utter astonishment, much pride, Por beneath this heavy and uncomfortIs democracy's fabric, which can't be able blanket is what denied. Has been here since the beginning. Towers may fall and steel pillars can Buildings and clarity are only a crumble, symbol of what is not lost. But our unity grew as the ground did Pride. rumble. · Freedom. Bound by a flag, by hope, and compasNothing can take that away from me. sion, - Laura Baronoff, sophomore What a bond between us all we will fashion. Those tears that were shed made a quick-flowing stream, Apple Trees That threatened to flood the American Two apple trees standing tall dream. in a meadow full of grass But United We Stand in our red, white, Thunder and Lightning blue land, initiate the hard fall of rain Our people together walk hand tn In a flash of light hand. the trees are struck by a bolt Truth and justice outlast the grief, They come crashing down . · They transcend lives stolen by a All the birds in the trees are gone terrorist thief. but the life in the grass The American spirit can endure, has to move on Earthquake, terror, or even war. We have to move on - Jessica Berger, sophomore - Charity Canuto, sophomore knew my classmates had the same feeling when I saw the looks on their faces. .. .I asked myself, "How could people do such a horrible act? Why would they cause so much pain to innocent people?" I neyer thought I would live to see something like this happen. Even though we read about things like this in history, I would have never thought that this would

occur. Although the World Trade Center was a great part of our city, I still believe that without it we are still New York City and that we will still persevere. -Rachel Yuen, sophomore

I To the Editors: It was on Friday, September 14, that a student asked the question that will forever be held in my heart. We began the usual routine of initiating classes-attendance, greeting, and vocabu lary research pertinent to the lesson planned. Just as · we were about to distribute the handout of the lesson planned, one 9th grade student in a profound, heartfelt, and somber manner said, "May I ask one question before we begin?" "Sure," was my response, but I was not expecting the gravity of the question that followed. lvelisse then asked, "Ms. Wallace, do you think we will go to war?" It was not asked in a light tone, nor asked (as has happened to teachers in the past) to divert the lesson. One could easily see the turmoil, the genuine search for clarification and information, and the trust a young person has in the opinion of her teacher. We answered as best we could, hoping for inspiration to choose the appropriate words and phrases that would be, on one hand, truthful and accurate and, on the other, reassuring. It was a difficult balance to achieve. We repeated some of President Bush's words from the previous day. We likened our secu rity and military preparations to the door locks we put on our homes. By locking our homes we acknowledge the presence of the unknown evil or intruder, but the reality is that we · are seldom confronted with that evil. We went on to explain what the Reserves are and what it means to federalize the National Guards of the States. The level · of discuss ~on was as fine as any I remember. ' . Our students are thoughtful, generous, frightened, curious, and fine human beings who have seen and experienced the end of innocence that we examine in the 9th grade Mythology text. The violent confrontation of that end of innocence tests the mettle of all who dedicate themselves to children and inspires us to rise above that violence with a determination to once again make our children feel secure, reassured, happy, prepared, and confident in their present and future. -Georgette Wallace, English teacher

To the Editors: New York City ~s literally the capital of the world and the epitome of the city that never sleeps. I can't imagine living anywhere else. · The terrorists who attacked the World Trade Center killed innocent people: What they have accomplished is to bring together a city and a country. As one Miami reporter stated, "like a family"We can argue amongst ourselves, but don't attack us from the outside." I mourn for the people who lost their lives and for their families. I want the people responsible for this atrocity to be caught and punished and to have an eternal fate commensurate with their deed. . People around the world, of all faiths, need to come together now. I believe this city, this country and the world will rebound and recover, but it will take a long time. -Harry Rattien, Assistant Principal of Mathematics

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To the Editors: In November 1963, I was an impressionable and oftentimes gullible senior at the Bronx High School of Science. I was standing by my locker and heard a student saying, "The President has just been shot and may be dead." 1feltasurge of disbelief, a sense that the whole world had gone crazy and that there was nothing that I could do to regain control of my world. My world at Townsend Harris High School resembles a whirlwind of action; I am often in constant motion dealing with so many different things, frequently all at once. On Tuesday, September II, I was abruptly stopped with the devastating news that the World Trade Center had been attacked by terrorists. It seemed like I finally was facing the horrible reality when the two buildings came crashing down to the ground. In an instant, I was reminded of the unpredictability of life and the importance of making every minute count. I thought that I had learned so much since that day in late fall 1963; the searing reality of a late summer's day has reminded me of what is most important. -Malcolm Rossman, Assistant Principal of Organization

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To the Townsend Harris Family: Has anyone thought about the significant connection that can be made between 9/ 11/01, the date chosen by the terrorists to attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the national emergency code 911? Can 9111/01 be interpreted as a cryptic message to the U.S.A and U.S. allies by Osama bin Laden and his terrorist associates? Does it mean that these attacks are the first, 01, of many to come that will endanger the national security of the U.S.A. , its allies and produce national emergencies, 911, that will be catastrophic? In my opinion, the choice of 9111/01 is not indicative of an Islamic Holy Way against freedom of religion in our country. The underlying motivation of the terrorists, in my view, was not religiously based but rather a reflection of the hatred, envy, and fear of the freedom of thought, peace, and wealth that the U.S.A stands for. -Anthony Morales, Art teacher

"It shows you how significant each one is in the city. In a town where no one knows your name, your presence is felt. And it made me so proud to be a New Yorker. We are a family of 8-9 million . Each one is missed. The city feels so empty and silent." -Michael Carbone, English teacher

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From Townsend Harris's Sister School in Japan Dear Mr. Cunningham: I cannot help but feel angry at the terrible terrorist attack in America. I am, above all, deeply sorry that New York City, where your school is located, is balllly damaged by the inhumanly cruel attack. I do wish ali the students, teachers,

aU the people concerned and you as wetl, will be safe anlll sound. On the behalf of the Shimoda-Kita High School, we hope the beautiful sunshine witt retum to your land and the smites lilJilOn people's faces. Very truly yours, . Hiroshi Watam.abe Shim.eda-Kita Principal

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To the Students in Townsend Harris High School: Mor>e than a week has passed since the tievastating news reached us. We felt very s-ad to hear the news. How terrible i:t is to lose so many pl'ecious l!ives in an instant; the terrorists m.usn 't be' forgiven. We alil hope your student~I. staff, and your institute are safe and sound, and ooharm.ed f>rom the incident. So far, ali we can do i,s pray for the victi,ms, and we wish we could do something for you. We hope, from. the bottom ef our hearts, you can lead a peaceful f.i,fe, and yaur live.s wiU soon return back to noooal. · With love, Takashi Muraki and· the Shimoda-Kita High School students

The Classic October 2001

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To the Editors: {continued) To the Editors: This past week has been a tragedy for not only Americans, but the whole world. The terrorist attacks that took place on Tuesday will change everything in our society. There is no need for me to explain what happened, because I am sure everyone knows about it already. However, I want to express my feelings toward this situation. After the attacks on Tuesday, my first reaction was fear and I was in a state of shock. I thought to myself, this is impossible. We live in perhaps the greatest city in the richest and strongest country in the world today, and something this disastrous could still take place. I immediately felt.. .insecure. After viewing the news and reading articles in newspapers, grief and anger replaced my earlier emotions. Looking at the famil ies of those who are missing or dead and watching terrified· people jumping from the towers, I felt extremely helpless. Anger also flowed through my body at those who were responsible for these attacks. Though no one is a hundred percent sure who is responsible, I immediately felt hatred toward Osama bin Laden .... However, after calming down and understanding the situation a bit further, I knew that now was not the time to feel abhorrence. Instead, it is the time to have everyone united as one, and attempt to help others as much as we can ... . -Kathy Wong, sophomore

''The tragedy caused us alii to open our eyes and see the evil in this world. It caused us to see things we've never seen before.. It made us feel grief not only for our own family and friends, bot for everybody affected. We've learned kindness, generosity and selflessness, We've learned to grow up." - Sandra Tong, sophomore

To the Editors: President Bush has done an outstanding job in regards to handling this time of great crisis. The sense of patriotism in this nation, something that has been absent for many years, has resurged. [Bush's] decision to make a non-negotiable demand to the nations harboring the terrorists was a drastic one. But, as the old cliche says, 'Drastic times call for drastic measures.' To rid this world of terrorism must be a [priority]. Let's hope that he will continue to do whatever is in the best interests of the United States of America. -Richard Getzel, sophomore To the Editors: ... This is a war "against hijackers of Islam," proclaimed Bush in his congressional speech on September 20lh. Still, has our foreign policy led up to . this catastrophe? During the Cold War

with the Soviet Union, we supplied the To the Editors: The events of last Tuesday are unterror groups with weapons to fight Russia. But when the Cold War ended, speakable. It was like a bad dream or a we became their target, and their num- horror movie that never ended. It will bers grew against a common ideologi- . take months for the full reality to sink in cal enemy. Ideology is the key here. It all over the world. Those who watched is a chilling prospect that you believe the entire events occur will have nightyourself to be a kind and decent per- mares forever. This will never be erased son who doesn't harm anyone. Yet an- from any of our minds, no matter what. other · world away, there is someone Although they have destroyed the Twin who hates you so much that their one Towers, they have not destroyed our city . concern in life is to kill a thousand of or our spirit. · The whole country is more united and you .... - Boris Ryvkin, freshman proud than ever before. If we stay this way, the terrorists have not won, and never will. We must stand proud andreTo the Editors: member that life must go on. ... I felt a sudden loss of inno- Nessa French, cence and security, and a sudden infreshman flux of maturity and fear [grew in their place]. I no longer feel safe in this soTo the Editors: called "powerful" nation . We must not atSome people ·opt tack the for war. Others believe that peace and negotiations are anthe swers. I truly oppose war. Millions of Arabs have lost their lives due to what America t e rhas done to rorists their countries. a s Thousands of much as Americans have we should perished due to terfocus on the rorist attacks commanded roots of the problem. We must atby hurt and angry Arabs. Is the world tack the conditions that encourage the really ready for more innocent lives to belost? I don't think we are. I hope growth of terrorism. In many nations, and pray that the best comes out of this radical fundamentalist groups provide situation. May God bless us all and most of the education and health care. guide us with the strength and wisdom Perhaps if this situation is rectified, the that we need to save ourselves before populace of these nations will be Jess hostile toward us. Instead of meeting it's too late. - Nene Kamate, freshman violence with violence, we should attack the underlying political and socio-economic problems that provide breeding grounds for terrorism. To the Editors: I -Matthew Hallex, sophomore Throughout this tragic time, I have been trying my best to listen to all the facts and get as much information as I can. Yet, I am still confused. I don't ''I was dumbfounded, amazed, and know whether we're at war, or just prescared at the same time. What went paring for it. I don't know, or rather tnrou'gh mind immediat:p"ly was the understand, how we can go to war seMedty of the situati()n, my lo'Ved against a terrorist grdup without it afones, that were in the .city, and how fecting the country where they are staythe amount of damage in New York ing. I don't know whether to cry, or be would ~: .. fathomtess. angry, or just not.care about this whole - Andriana Mavidis, sophomore thing. - Yvonne Williams, freshman

The Classic

;

October 2001

"It's amazing how the selfishness and hatred of a handful of people can cause so much destruction and terror. The silver lining in this cloud is that America has united to help out their neighbors, friends, and family." - Faye Rigogiannis, freshman

''Thousand.s of people tlied, and terror and fear swept Ol;lr nati-on. But instead of arguing and pointing finger~. our country united, and stood strong." - Yanine Velasquez, freshman

To the Editors: ...This past weekend, my parents brought my family down to the family center to get a feel of what was going on. Even though I have no personal connections to the people in the attacks, my heart broke when I saw the hundreds of flyers of missing people all over the building. It is very hard for me to adjust to the fact that the Twin Towers are lost forever. -Amanda Chen, sophomore

"Everyone's been talking about 9/11 as the second day of in:famy. When I hear that speech that FPR gave on that fateful d:ay, I can't im;ag.i:ne ever f,i ving tbrou:gh that. Now, our grandchildren wii:l be saying the same about Bush's speech. It's still bard to believe it all." - Demie Kommatas, junior

To the Editors: After Tuesday's tragedy, it is amazing to see the transformation in the people in response to it. People of all natiomilities c:oming together to mourn and help the Jess fortunate; once ruthless politicians abandoning conflict to give genuine, from-the·- heart speeches expressing hope and perseverance; American flags, large and small every . which way you turn. Contrary to the stereotype of New Yorkers (rough, unsympathetic animals), the worst brings out the best in us. - Name withheld upon request

To the Editors: Even though war is on everyone's mind, we have to go through our daily routines ... We have lost our innocence and New York, actually the United States, will never be the same. Terrorism bas struck the United States with a low blow, and I am happy that we have so many loyal and dedicated medical workers, firefighters and volunteers helping. If nothing else, our coming together will win the war. - Sa.r a Corbett, freshman

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The Classic October 2001

Finding Its .Place:

The Role of Sports Amidst a National Tragedy .

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by Josh Fox Everyone in the United States has been affected by the horror and tragedy of September II, 2001. Our minds and hearts, for the past two weeks, have been intently foctise<.J on all news stations hoping for some good news. While our emotions have been volatile, we constantly question the place and purpose of entertainment now and for the future. Will it ever be the same? When will it feel "right" to watch a sporting event or feel safe going to a game? Officials of our national pastime, baseball, and the nation's most popular sport, football, conveyed to us themessage that the weekend of September 1316 was not the appropriate time to let sports back into OUI' lives. However, on Monday, September 17, the Stock Markets re-opened, people began going back to work and baseball returned. Was the time sufficient? In a telephone interview with The Classic, Pat Courtney, spokesman for Major League Baseball, said, "Sports pales in comparison during a time of this tragedy, but people have to move on in life and sports or enjoyment have important roles." He also said that base.ball can be a "positive distraction" to its fans and help people occupy their minds with something else for a few hours. Kevin Modesti, top sports columnist for the Los Angles Daily News, said,

also in a telephone interview, "Athletes are usually self-centered, but were very good in recognizing what was important and that they were not." The role of athletes, our role models, is vital. Athletes from around the country were seen lending a hand with the recovery effort. For example, Curt Schilling, All Star pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, wrote a message of "God Bless America" on his cap and wrote an open Jetter to all Americans sharing insight and words of comfort. On a national level, sports did a job that was exemplary, in a situation where there was no other choice. Here in Townsend Harris, Wanda Nix, Dean of Students, commended their efforts as well. "The money that was donated was a terrific gesture and their priorities were not misplaced. The tragedy put everything in perspective," she said. "If we do not go back to our normal routines, which includes sports and enjoyment, then the terrorists would win, and that is not our way of life." The tragedy brings a few questions to mind: will there ever be a conceivable way to watch a baseball game and not think of the true heroes working at ground zero? Could there ever be a time when everything will be just "right" and our minds will be occupied with nothing except pure joy? Could sports capti_vate us and carry our imagination along on a hopefully endless ride once again?

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Friday night, September 21, represented everything good in this world and showed that there can be a place in our hearts for sports once again. From Diana Ross singing "God Bless America," to the rendition of "New York, New York" in the seventh inning stretch, to the eli-

max, when Met catcher Mike Piazza blasted the game-winning.home run in the eighth inning, sports were back in New York, for better or worse. The American spirit would not be destroyed, only tested to emerge triumphantly greater than before.

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