The Classic newspaper Volume 18 Issue no. 6 by The Classic

Vol~ 18, No. 6, Summer 2002.

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149-11. M~lbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Townsend Harris High. School at _Queens College

Rec()rd .departures affect ·departments

September 11 firefighter visits, ·thankful for get-well ·me.ssages

by Jennifer Bhuiyan and Jessica suffered. Jennifer G:ong sistant Principal of Sciences at Wang Ms. Rizzuto and her students preA massi.ve exodus of Assistant Prin- . LaGuardia High School, and Ms. Chang Putting his own ,fear aside, Captain ' sented Captain 'Fuentes with a plaque Alfredo Fuentes of the Fire Department honoring his heroism. Deeply touched, cipals, teachers and staff will cbange the win-be teaching chemistry at the of New York rushed into the World he thanked Harrisites for their support Townsend Harris com.munity as ·17 Calhoun School on the Upper West Side members have been enticed to leave by of Manhattan after covering for teacher Trade Center on September II. In his during such a difficult time. the prospect.s of retirement, available po- Michael Anzel, who was on sabbatical efforts to help others escape, sitiom; at other schools and easier com~ .this term. · the -firefighter was caught mutes. The Humanities department will bid underneath the rubble of one Four major departm~nts will i]e adieu ·to English t'eachers Michael of the collapsed Twin Towturned over to three new Assistant Prin- Carbone and Farah Khan. Mr. Carbone . ers. He was able to calmly cipals as Lynne Greenfield,' AP of Hu- will be teaching at Cobble Hill High call for help ..over his r~dio. manities; loan Walsh, AP of Pupil Per- School in Brooklyn. After 45 grueling minutes, '·• · sonnel Services; and Harry Rattien, AP In' addition to Mr. Rattien, math rescue personnel finally of Mathematics and Physical Education teacher and Math Team advisor Kerry found him. He was unconhave decided to depart. Ms. Greenfield Prince will no longer be ~part of the scious. and Ms. Walsh will both be retiring and Mathematics department here. She has Nine months later, on Mr. Rattien will become Interim Acting decided to stay at home to spend time June 7, an admiring audience with he~ son, Justin, and a second child Prin~ipal at James Madison High School of students and faculty memin Marine Park, Brooklyn. Susan Get- that sne is expecting shortly. bers gathered around Capting, history teacher, will become the Ellen Schwartz, teacher of health and tain Fuentes in the library to physical education as well as former acting AP of Humanities in September. hear his story. The firefighter .Senior Advisor, has decided to retire, Mr. The replacements for Ms. Walsh and visited the school to person- . Still, Ms. Schwartz will remain a part Rattien have yet to be chosen. ally thank students inEnof the Townsend Harris community as The Foreign Language department glish teacher Helen she will continue !!-S the coach of the will ajso haye to r~c.ruit n~w lJI~ffi.Q~Js Rizzuto's classes for their Girls' Bowling team . as three of its teachers will be leaving cards, letters, and warm c.onArt teacher Elizabeth Crawford will as well. After years of talks of a posdolence.s. · . also be saying good-bye to teaching for sible retirement, Ilene Marcus, Spanish Dressed in full uniform, teacher, has finally decided to bid fare- now, for she hopes to have more time to Captain Fuentes recalled his well to the Townsend Harris community. focus on her own creative ventures. She involvement in the tragic Captain Alfredo Fuentes, who hurried to rescue victims of the . Because the commute to Queens can be will, however, stay involved with the events at the World Trade September II attacks on the World Trade Center, thanks Center. As Battalion Chief students from English teacher Helen Rizz)lto's classes for their a hassle, Thaddeus Ferguso.n, Latin Imagination Workshop, a collaboration cards and letters of support. He was buried in the debris and teacher, and Michael Piane, Spanish between Townsend Harris, Queens Colof the Marine Divisiop of suffered severe injuries. teacher, will be transferring to high lege and the Touchstone Center, an orFDNY, he was working at his Captain Fuentes wanted to send a schools located close to their homes. Mr. ganization dedicated to promoting office in Brooklyn when he learned that the World .Trade Center had message to the students of THHS con- Piane will be teaching at Immaculate children's imaginations headed by Ribeen hit by .a .plane. He decided it was cerning the World Trade Center tragedy: Conception High School in Lodi, New chard Lewis, that will be beginning its best to surround the harbor with fire- "Remember September II th; never for- Jersey, and Dr. Ferguson has taken a seventh year, Other staff changes have also .been boats for civilians to use. As he reached get it. Remember the rescuers who position teaching English as a Second the site to assist in the evacuation ef- helped fellow New Yorkers in their time Language (ESL) at Brandeis High made for the upcoming 'school year. . Sheila Becker, College Office Secretary, fort, the second plane hit. When the of need. And most importantly, remem- School in Manhattan. Craig Weiss, teacher of psychology, will be re.tiring along with Marlene Lee, tower where he was assisting collapsed, ber to always have the great compas·he was buried alive. He is still undergo- sion of helping your neighbors in their physics and biology, and Karen Chang, school safe(y agent, and Angela chemistry teacher, will be moving on to Cecchetti, cafeteria aide and cook. Jo~ ing treatment for the severe injuries he time of need." new locales as they say .their good-byes seph DiGiacomo, Custodial Engineer, to the Townsend Harris Science depart- has taken the same position at Francis ment. Mr. Weiss will become the As- Lewis High School.

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Instrumentalists, singers, danc.ers ·display ·musical talent · .

by Diane Tiao With a combination of instrumental music and·singing, the .Spr'ing Concert showcased four performance groups, several soloists and some dancers as well. Proud and excited parents and other familymembers, teachers and fellow students filled the auditorium on Thursday May 30 from 7 PM to 9 PM. / . . "The concert was a gre~t opportunity for the students to showcase their musical talents and for teachers to display the high standards of work that took

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place during the semester," said Assistant Principal of Foreign Language, Music and the Arts Lisa Mars. "The evening was a great success, and l was especially impressed by the intermediate band," said Junior Dylan Tulic. The intermediate band, directed by music teacher Peter Lustig_, played four pieces, including Hawaii Five-0 by Mort Stevens and Flip, Flop and Fly by Charles Calhoun and Lou Willie Turner. The collaboration of dancing and cart- . wheeling by four.band members in gold

st{quined vests and sunglasses during which included classics like The Sound Flip, Flop and Fly "really livened things of Music, My Funny Valentine and Oklaup and made the performance much homa. "The medley was my· favorite more interesting," said junior Dorothy part. Ben was very cute and did a great job on his solo," said junior Francine Lee. The chorus, led by choral director . Urbano. Accompanied by concert band Florence McKinley, performed five · members ~usan Cbeng on flute and Anpieces, . one of which was Richard drew Wieber on orchestra bells, What a Rogers in Concert, a choral arrangement Wonderful World with words and music by Mac Huff. Solos by juniors Su Ngo, by David Weiss and Bob Thiele was Ashley Pillsbury, Ben Seo arid seniors another selection performed by the choYesenia Villao and Jeanne Kopun were rus. "The chorus worked very hard and Continued on p. 7. spaced throughout the performance;

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The Classic

Summer 2002-

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Keeping a grip· on ·our tradition -

From Founder's Day Challenge to Vocabulary Month in March:

seventeen faculty members are leaving our school community this year, a number that has been met with a mixture of shock and concern. On the one hand, many retirements were inevitable, gi·ven the fact that manyteachers have been at Townsend Harris long enough to' be considered "senior staff." Yet a real feeling -of uncertainty and anxiety about the futureofour school has pervaded the halls since early June when the rumo~s about· many departures were confirmed. Although a larger than normal number of faces may change, we rnust- be sure that our school's mission remains intact. Townsend Harris is described as a Humanities-oriented school, but what ex- by Karen Hendershot actly does that mean? Our school's website notes the "strong emphasis" that the "Be open to everything," Humanities curriculum places on ''developing each student's ability to think, wriie; said a . teary-eyed Lynne and speak clearly." But it even goes a step beyond that. The mission of Townsend Greenfield as she offered her Harris is to view l~arning through a humanistic lens . The school strives to ~nstill in advice for both the current and every one of its students and teachers a vision of the importance of giving back to prospective Harrisites she will one's community, even after one has moved on to other things and other places. leave behind. An English The majority. of the teachers leaving this year have either been here since the re- teacher here since 1988 and Asfounding onhe school in 1984 or arrived a few years after; these teachers embody sistant Principal of the Humanithe ultimate goal ofTownsend Harris. ties department since 1990, Ms. While The Classic was interviewing teachers for their farewell articles, this Greenfield has officially anidea of "returning the favor" was expressed by several departing faculty members: . nounced her plans · for retirea few have conveyed genuine interest in mentoring the new teachers. This is a ment this J1,1ne. valuable concept because it will ensure a smoother transition for the new faculty From the beginning, Ms. members and, in turn, help keep the Townsend spirit alive . If former faculty share Greenfield has helped to inauiheir experience, it can give new teachers a better grip on things. At the same time, gurateprograms here that have the student body should see the coming change as a chance to use what we have long since become traditions, incluaing has fought a daily battle of paperwork learned as Harrisites by reaching out to the new teachers and making them feel the Election Simulation, Vocabulary and responsibilities. nothing but welcomed and informed. · . Despite the heCtic schedule, Ms . Month, writing contests, and many othThe.dose of the 2002 school year signals ari end of an era in our. community. ers. She has served as a vital part of each Greenfield still managed to find time for We have all, in some way or another, grown accustomed to and comfortable with year's Founder's Day celebration and · Continued on next page the varied personas and teaching styles of those leaving this year. They ' ll be missed, but their departure must only strengthen our devotion to this school's most esteemed principles.

Greenfiel·d -leaves lasting legacy

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Letters,· continued

Letters to the Editor To the Classic : such as Lincoln/Douglass Debate,' Intel, As I prepare to conclude what has Quality of Life, Theodore Roosevelt been for me, a fulfilling and exc iting Oraiory, History Day, Shakespeare thirty -f ive ·year career in the public · Recitation, Moot Court, l\:fock Trial, school system, I realize how fortunate I Darcey Curwen, Sugihara and Barnard am to have spent the last part of it at College Essay Contests and award-winTownsend Harris High School. Notonly ning school publications such as the have my experiences enabled me to use, · Phoenix and the Classic. A successful to the fullest extent, all my years of train- school, therefor~, is a measure of the ing and experience, but have also pro- dedication and commitment of all its vided me with the opportunity to work members. Townsend Harris High with a gifted and highly motivated stu. School is successful because it is a comdent body and an extraordinarily tal- munity of people committed tO a clear ented and dedicated group of profes- mission of exceilence and governed by sional educators. Within a few years of vall.les implic'it in qocuments ranging its reopening, this powerhouse combi- from the Ephebic Oath to. the First . nation catapulted Townsend Harris High Amendment. I wisp to ·commend the School into the ranks of top schools. staff and advisor of the Classic' for its How is a school's success measured? continued commitment to these prinAmong the many factors are test scores, ciples. This pub,ication truly ,embodies college acceptances and demonstrated _- everythin.g for which our school stands. successes in prestigious competitions Lynne Greenfield AP Supervision ~ Humanities

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

Jennifer Gong Samh Schnee Co~News

Editors

News Staff: Lily Chu, BL.!Lh Duhin, Akshla K~\lla. Bryan Kirs..:hcn, Steven Lee, Shara Sic~cl

Feature Staff :

Arhuma C. Freyre, Slavic lsr;fCiian. Nadia Kahn~mth, - ~atic Kogan, Syhil Knllappallil , Terrance Mar~arct

Angela Hom

Umaw_Sakcm, Ann

Managing Editor

Sports Staff:

Santa-lncs, Rachel Schiffman, Katherine Shi, Ben Straus!i, Tina Wu

Rachel Acus~:t, Stephen Berger, Carulina .Chang, Chloe Chao, Jnsh Fox,

tiful tapestry of diverse. ,cultures and backgrounds. I truly admire your fortitude and strength under ,t he stressful conditions that confront you. I know that life at THHS is very challenging but you have completed this past year with flying colors. I will miss your smiling faces and warm hearts. I have tried to make each one of you feel important in my class-. room .a!ld I hope' that I have instilled a ' se,nse of dignity and i_ntegrity which are essential to inner-happiness and wellbeing. I beseech you to stand up for your principles and not allow others to dissuade you from following your dreams and aspirations. . The last 34 Yt:ars have passed so quickly. But, I :will. never forget the twelve years that I have sperit with the THHS family. I hope that I leave Townsend Harris a better place than I found it. I am looking forward to the future and hope that I experience the same sense of satisfaction which teaching has provided me. I plan to travel extensively and I am eager to become active in politics and hopefully better the lives of the poor and n.eedy. Thank you for allowing me to become a more compassionate and caring human being! Love, Ms. Ilene Marcus

Townsend Harris High School at_Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, J::lushing, N.Y. 11367

The Classic is an open forum for the expressionof. student views. The opir_1ions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administmtion or faculty or student body as a whole.

Elyse L.::e ,Talya Liehemlan. Rita Ratner

Karen Hendershot

Diane Tiaa

Assistant Feature Editor

Ass,i stant News Editor

Entertainment 'Editor

Steven Lee

Kerry Purtell Emily Rivlin-Nadh!r

Ashle)' Pillsbury

· Art Editors

Jcssit.::~ Bcr~cr, J~nniiCr Bhuiyan, N;~taliya Binshtcyn, Marlo Duhlin,

Lai. Linu Lee, Linda Luu, Christina Munoz, Anna Olsnn, Jhunathan Pa!i:tua, Sunayna R>tmdcu,

Jessica Wang

Copy/Online Editor

Dear THHS Students: I want to take this opportunity to ex_press my sincerest thanks to all of my present and past students and to those I . have not had the opportunity to get to know. I want to thank you for the fun, laughter, and energy you have contributed to my Spanish classes. I have enjoyed teaching New York City's sweetest, kindest, most creative, and brightest students. I hope that I have chal- . , lenged you in your quest to learn and speak a foreign language. I have always felt that language learning could be fun and that students can learn and enjoy learning at the same time. The classroom can come alive when the teacher and students share an experience outside of the classroom setting. I hav:e always tried to make language learning a personal and enjoyable adventure,. Learning a fo_reign language allows one to discover the wonders and beauty of other people and cultures. I hope that I have helped you discover your potential for language learning and think about a career that enables you to continue studying and eventually master a foreign language. But I mostly wanted to thank you fm the gift you have given me as a teacher at Townsend Harris High School. Townsend Harris High School is a beau-

Sports Editor

William Yang

lisa Cowen

David Belsky

Photography Editor

Advisor

Layout Editor

Artists:

Amy Blauna, Beth Ouhin. A11nie Luu, .Ouris Ortega, Rachel Schiffman, Emma

Xiau. Stephanie

Z~pi.Ha

Photography Staff : Gluriu Chi ,

~:~vcew Oc!iai ,.Jamic Gullcn, Mauhcw Kir!ichncr,

Hillary Hu~_nlcf, Jamie Liu, Lin~ Ly, Laura Ng,Evan Prcpunis, S~:mt Siegel, Jennifer Sheth

Layout Staff: Pamd;t Chan , Manhcw Kaufm;m, K:tlic Kug;~n Online Staff: ':"a4as ~haikh

Readers are invited to submit leners 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. Visit Th e- Classic: online at:

~ll!") : //Www. classic.upcnwd . cum

.Principal ·Thomas Cunningham

rThe Classic .

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Summer 2002 .

Rattien assumes post Walsh relishes memories of principal at Madison - from 1-8 years of-service;

by Diane Tiao - ~· After 17 years as Assistant Principal of Mathematics . and X , . Physical Education, Harry Rattien is saying farewell to the ~• .00~ . -·. 0 teachers and students ..c:: who have made his ""' by Angela Hom Ms. Walsh likes to tease that she's job special and his life Joan Walsh, Assistant Principal of not a "founding" mother, but a foundfun. Since his arrival ,Pupil Personnel Services, is retiring for ling mother of the school. "It was as in September of 1985, many reasons, but laziness is not one of though the school had adopted me. It he has touched the thei;TI . It is also not because ofthe hard gave wings to my creative spirit. It allives of over 4,000 work involved with her job, or because lowed me to do things that I never would students, but n·ow "it's she doesn't want to be. kept interested have been able to do in other schools," time for a new challenge," he said. teaching too rnuch to cut back on their with something creative at evBeginning in the fall, he will be the classes, which is both a "blessing and a ery moment. The major reason interim acting principal at James Madi- curse," he said. He mentioned that it's is she is battling time for extra son High School in Marine Park,Brook- wonderful that the teachers are so dedi- hours in a day to spend with her lyn . He is both excite_d "at the prospect . cated to teaching and like it so much, · family, friends, and herself. of being the pr_incipal," and _nervous but because of it, looking for a stand-in "I'm tired of fitting my whole about this next step in his life and all has not been easy. life· into a 48-hour weekend. I the new responsibilities that it brings. The hardest part about leaving is say- have a family, friends, and relaAlthough he was not actively seek- ing goodbye to the students, "who are, tives. My life doesn't belong to ing a new position, the admiQistrators in the truest sense of tbe word, the best me, and there's just not enough c <> in Brooklyn knew he had been interested in New York City and likely anywhere time to fulfiJ.I' all of my respon..c:: ~ in a job as principaf before, so when they else as well." He says he will definitely sibilities and obligations over ::2 offered principal of.James Madison miss them, along with the wonderful and the weekend," said Ms. Walsh. c '"c High School to him in the last week of dedicated teachers. "I look around and the 48 hours !l:l May, after careful consideration, he deSince his announcement to leave, he are up, and it's almost impos.0 0 cided to accept it. "I t~ought I was go- has received an '_'outpouring of love and sible to fit in any Rand R time." 0 ..c:: ing to end my career here and the fact support far beyond [his] ~ildest Ms. Walsh, who was the As""' . that I'm not is both sad and surprising," dreams." sistant Principal of Foreign Lanhe said, "but things don't always wor_k In all the years that Mr. Rattien has guages, Fine Arts and Music, out the way you expect them to work been here, he is uncertain of all that he had originally decided to retire out." ·. has accomplished. "It's not so much last year. However, because the While Mr. Rattien is acting as interim what I've done here, it's what the stu- majority of the guidance departprincipal, his position here as the A.P. dents have done; it's. the fond memo- · ment was retiring well, Prinof Mathematics and Physical Education ries I take with me of students in my cipal Thomas Cunningham will be held for him for a year in case classes and in the contact I've had with asked her to rescind her retirement and she said. She· has spent 18 years teachhe wants to come back: It is not yet de- · them as department supervisor," he said, take over the post vacated by Sheila ing in Townsend Harris, from its foundcided who will fill that position while "and it's a tremendous thrill when stu- Orner, the previous AP of Pupil Personing in 1984 until now. Before that, she he is gone. de·nts come back and tell me what they nel Services. Ms. Walsh agreed to the· had taught at three other high schools. Finding a replacement is not easy be- themselves have accomplished and offer. "I thought it would be something As for the immediate future, Ms, cause all the current teachers enjoy done." different and interesting, and [I ac- Walsh does not have anything specific cepted] because Ilove this school," she planned. She doesn't want anything that , said. ties her down to a schedule, not even a Now, on the eve of her retirement, part-time teaching job: "I want to get out Ms. Walsh reflects on her ~ime at of' the routine workaholic syndrome. Townsend Harris with fondness. I've been a workaholic rny whole life," Continued from p. 2 "Where else could I mi;s my exit on the she sa!d. "1 ~ant to taste and to experiher students. "What I will miss most seemed to be the time to go. An event parkway day after day, year after year ence being lazy, if that's what you want about my job here is teaching and laugh- like September II makes you stop and because I was daydreaming of all the to call it, or the freedom to do whatever ing with th_e kids every day. That, and re-evaluate everything in your life," creative things I would only be able to I feel like doing at the moment and go looking for newspaper clippings for my she said. And although she's sad to be get away with atTownsend Harris High wherever the breeze is pushing me at lessons," she said. · going, she is looking forward to a School? Where else would I be able to the moment." Ms. Greenfield has attended 0ver a "schedule-free" life after retiring. teach my beloved Spanish literature and Her long-term plans include going decade's ~orth of graduation ceremoShe plans to do a lot more travelnies for he·r students. And yet, as each ing, reading, hiking, skiing, and go · my beloved Latin?" she asked, She house-hunting with her twin sister, bedoesn't have a most memorable moment cause they always live in the same town, one passes, they continue to hold the , more often to the theater and museums. because there are too many to choose and taking some computer courses in same. level of importance to her. "I've And though she remains undeci~ed, from among all the events that she or- network administration, graphic arts, always found graduations, no one in par- she may go back to school. "I've alganized, as well as from the time that and web design, She also looks forward ticular, to have been the most moving ways thought it would be fun to have a she spent with students in the Classroom . . to being a "soccer grandmom" for. her ' moments during my time here. They Doctorate and do nothing with it," said "[After] every show, every Festival of grandchildren. Ms. Walsh said, "Now I give a sense of pride in accomplishment Ms. Greenfield jokingly. But more seNations; every concert, I collapsed a . can do wbatever interests me, 'not what and teamwork," she said. The impact the riously, she knows that she would miss very happy, exhilarated woman," she I really need to do because of my job. · students have had on her life has already the school atmosphere if she were away said. That'sthe luxury of being retired." given Ms. Greenfield something to take from it for too long. "I can't imagine

i Langua·ge & guidance·.A. P. ~ plans .time for family, friends

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Gree·nfield retires

with her as she leaves. "(The students] not being on one side of the desk;" she have all given me hope for the future . explained. and have helped me see that good things · - She has looked back on her years ·will always be of value," she said. spent here with satisfaction, and_now Her decision . to retire came from a eagerly· awaits what lies ahead in the combination of influences, including the · next chapter of her life. Along with the changes brought on by 9/11. "It just advice to the student community; she

added some for Susan Getting, history teacher and the new interim A.P. of Humanities. "Run while you still can!" she joked, and then added, "Be open to everything ... and carry lots of aspirin."

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The Classic

Summer2002

Who's Going ,W·he·re? .

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'NAME i \ALEXANDRAKOS MARIA tALl, SARA ·ARANGO ROSALYNN iARGENTO CALOGERO ·ASH JESSE·· :BANIA. SOFIA ,BANHAN SABRINA :BANKS JAMAR ;BARO RAYMOND ;BARTLETT JENNIFER . i BEACH JESSICA :eERNANDEL STEPHANIE .. !BERNARD JULIO :BHAGIRATHY HAMIDA BLANCKE AMANDA BROWN RACHEL ·BUSHANSKY DANIEL CAESAR MATTHEW CAJIGAS, RACHEL 'CALUB JADE !CAMPOS MACIEL ·CARUSO JILLIAN !CASALE ANTHONY 'CASPI;:R KRISTINA !CASTELLUCCIO, DINA ~ CASTLE KRISTIN ;CELESTE ROSA !CHAN CASSIE CHANG CAROLINA tCHANG,JED :cHANG YE CHERY, KAREN ,CHIN SAMUEL CHIU CLAUDIA •CHOI, JIN HWAN !CHOU JESSIE [CHU, LILY iCIBOROWSKI ROBERT !CICCONE SANDRA CLARK PATRICK 1CLEARY NICOLE 'COHEN MARISA .cOOPER, EZRA CUPOLO RICHARD DAVIS, PAULINA DAVIS TERRECIA ,DE PASQUALE ANTON iDE YCA.ZA, CARLA !DEAN SAMANTHA . IDEL ROSARIO RIO \ 1DEMASI KRISTIN :DENNIE RYAN DE PAOLA. KRISTOFER :DEVITA LAUREN 'DIIENNA VITO 'DILEO JASON !DONNELLY, KERRY DOYLE ALYSS DRISCOLL MEGAN IOUBIN BETH DUFFY, PETER_

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DURANTE NICOLE EAMES JERUSHA c EDELMAN MICHAEL ' EDISON MONIQUE -. EMANUELE JOHN FAILA~AO RAZ EMIEL .. FENDT MEGAN FERNANDES MICHELLE FERNANDEZ JENN-IFER FERNANDEZ KAREN FISHBAINE EMILY FLORMAN MARC FOJAS FELICIA FRIEDMAN JAIME FURSA, CHRISTINA GAFFNEY JEAN. GAINES SIMONE GALANIS EFTHIA GALLARDO KAREN GALMER, ANDREW "' GARCIA MARIELYS GAWRONSKI, PAMELA GEORGE SOUMYA GERSHMAN RACHEL GILL, MEGHAN GOBALAKRISHNA MAHAL GOGLUCCI, AMY GONZALEZ, ALEJANDRO . GRASSl .JONATHAN GREEN, AMANDA GROSS ANDREW HARITOS, MARIA HAYAT SABRINA HERNADEZ, ElLENE HO, FELICE HOUSER, JULIA HOUSTON, LISA HWANG, SOO-HEE ISRAELIAN, STAVROULA JACELA, MARITESS .. JAY, SHEKHINAH JENKINS, LINDSAY JOSE, DIANA JOSEPH, JUSTIN JUN YULEE KADER TAWHEED KAHNAUTH HAYMOWTIE KALBOUROS THEODORA KALINIK ILYA KALLA. AKSHTA KASHMIR!, MOHTASHAM KHAN ALEA KHEYFETS,STEVEN KHWEISS, NANCY KIM. AH REUM (TINA) KIM LAURA . KISHUN HEMANT KOKLANOS PETER KOMAR JEANETTA KONTONIS NASTASYA KOPUN JEANNE KOUVAROS STEVE KRESSE, NICOLE ' KUJAWSKI, STEPHANIE KWELLER, TALl LABIAGA ARISTOTLE LAI TERRENcE LATIMORE DAVID LAU.ANNIE

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COLLEGE.ATrENDING CUNY HUNTER COLLEGE CUNY HUNTER COLLEGE (HONORS) HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY . CUNY QUEENS . NYU (TISCH). NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SUNY BINGHAMTON SUNY BUFFALO · CUNY BARUCH WESLEYAN . NYU (GALLATIN SCHOOL) ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUHLENBERG YALE CORNELL UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSi.TTS SUNY POTSDAM PACE • PLEASANTVILLE CUNY HUNTER (HONORS) ADELPHI UNIVERSITY CUNY BARUCH CORNELL SUNY STONY BROOK SUNY STONY BROOK PACE (HONORS) CUNY BARUCH BOSTON UNIVERSITY SUJitY STONY BROOK .. . SUNY STONY BROOK • CUNY CITY COLLEGE ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY (PHARMACY) CORNELL ST~ENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOSTON COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY SUNY BUFFALO SYRACUSE UNIVERISTY JOHNSON & WALES NYU . cORNELL TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SUNY ALBANY UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE SUNY STONY BROOK WEBB INSTITUTE VASSAR CUNY BARUCH BRANDEIS ST. FRANCIS PRATT INSTITUTE NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOlOGY COOPER UNION . cOOPER UNION SUNY ALBANY SUNY STONY BROOK RUTGERS UNIVERSITY LA GUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADELPHI UNIVERSITY (HONORS) SUNY ALBANY

i BOSTON UNIVERSITY - ... SUNY ALBANY ! . SUNY CORTLAND . QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE : " . NYU CUNY QUEENS NYU (STEINHARDT SCHOOL OF EOUCATIOW) CORNELL " ·.· YALE CUNY QUEENS VASSAR YALE SUNY BINGHAMTON CORNELL i CUNY QUEENS SUNY BINGHAMTON . COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY -. FORDHAM UNIVERSITY ' PACE ' NYIT/NYCOLLEGE OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE CORNELL SUNY BUFFALO NYU (STERN) BRANDEIS BROWN UNIVERSITY BOSTON UNIVERSITY CUNY BARUCH SUNY BUFFALO · CORNELL DUKE UNIVERSITY McGILL UNIVERSITY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY/SUNY BINGHAMTON . FORDHAM UNIVERSITY BOSTON UNIVERSITY U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY . MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY' OF PENNSYLVANIA PACE UNIVERSITY CUNY HUNTER CORNELL UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI BARNARD SUNY BINGHAMTON NORTHWESTERN RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY (HONORS) CUNY BARUCH CUNY BARUCH SOPHIE DAVIS BIOMEDICAL PROGRAM . ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY BRYN MAWR SOPHIE DAVIS BIOMEDICAL PROGRAM FORDHAM UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AMHERST LA GUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE I I SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY .\ FORDHAM UNIVERSITY CORNELL CUNY QUEENS i NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CORNELL BRANDEIS POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY cARNEGIE MELLON BOSTON UNIVERSITY

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LAU CHRISTINA LEE GAYOUNG LEE, GLORIA LEE NARAE LEE YNGHUEY ._ LEMON LATANYA LEPORE FRANCESCA LEW IRENE LEW STEPHANIE Ll -MARGARET LIN LAN LING ZJRU RAYMO LO WINGMAN LOHEIDE THOMAS LOPEZ VICTORIA ;LOUIS VANYiliA LU PENGXIANG LUM . CHRISTOPHER IMA.CHI .I~·, ' MADUREIRA, STEVE iMAGOUTAS ATHANASIOS MAIO STEPHANIE iMANEKAS DENISE MANHEIMER JENNIFER ·MANOLATOS GERASIMOS MANSOUR MAY ;MASAKOS EVANGELIA ·MCGLOIN, ANDREW IMC LEOD HEATHER !MEDAKOVICH, SANDRA !MINDLIN RACHEL MONDROY, THESSA IMOY STEPHANIE MURAD ERKHAN 1MUSCOLINO; ANGELA IMUZAMALI ANTONIO !NADEL JESSICA NAGINSKY YELENA !NEWMAN, MICHANE ·NG KAITY NGUYEN ANGELA NGUYEN, CATHERINE 1NIERENBERG, RACHEL 1 · NIYAZOVA REBECCA -NUQUI, JEWEL .ODLE BROOKE -OGARA, MICHAEL :OLSON ANNA ;PAGAN, CHRISTINA PALMA TONI ,PAPAMITROV PANAYIOTA PARK DAVID .PASHUN DANIELLE :PATEL VIVEK 'PAULENOFF, ALEX 'PAVSIC, TANIA . 1PECHERA JANE · :PERDOS CHRISTINA PEREZ. CHRISTINE !PEREZ, .LISHA 1PEREZ; RUBEN PETROVSKY OLGA IPIEDRAHITA, JULIANA ~ PIKRAMENOS SEVASTI PINGOL, JOHN :PIPINIA$ MARY IPIVODA, ALEXANDRA POBEREZHNY SERGEY t_eQ9_lj~-MQ~M~-~~N

-· SUNY STONY BROOK COOPER UNION DUKE UNIVERSITY. CORNELL SUNY PURCHASE NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND " . SUNY ALBANY CUNY BARUCH IHONORS! . FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SUNY BUFFALO: NYU CARTS & SCIENCE) U. UNIVERSITY· CW. POST SUNY ALBANY BOSl'ON UNIVERSITY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY NYU ' · NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) BOSTON COLLEGE HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY (HONORS) NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY (HONORS) -.. CUNY BARUCH CUNYBARUCH(HONORSl POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY .. CUNY HUNTER (HONORS) ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY COLGATE UNIVERSITY BROWN UNIVERSITY BOSTON UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY (NEWHOUSE) NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) CORNELL SUNY BINGHAMTON SUNY ALBANY - SUNY STONY BROOK CORNELL SUNY ALBANY SP.ELMAN COLLEGE NYU SUNY BINGHAMTON SUNY BINGHAMTON SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY (NEWHOUSE) COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY i CUNY CITY COLLEGE UNIVERSI1Y OF PITTSBURGH SUNY ALBANY AMERICAN UNIVERSITY CUNYLEHMAN(HONORS) CUNY HUNTER ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY NYU(STERN) FORDHP.M UNIVERSITY CORNELL McGILL UNIVERSITY CUNY HUNTER SUNY STONY BROOK McGILL UNIVERSITY MORGAN SlATE COLLEGE WILLIAMS COLLEGE CARNEGIE MELLON SUNY BINGHAMTON TRINITY COLLEGE MARYMOUNT COLLEGE SUNY BINGHAMTON CUNY QUEENS CORNELL PENN STATE UNIVERSITY -. WESTERN MARYLAND COLLEGE

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POLIZOTO, CHRISTINA POLYAKOVA MARINA PREPONIS EVAN . PRYOR MAUD PSALLIDAS OIMITRIOS PURKAFU, CHRISTINA PURTELL ·KERRY PYON ALBERT . . -RAMOATH, NADIRA -RAMKARRAN DAVINA. . RENIERIS ELIZAB.ETH .RIOS DIANA RIVLIN-NADLER EMILY · ROOPNARINE . RAMONA !ROSENTHAL LJSA ROY, BITHI · SANCHEZ, LESLY SANDERS MELANIE . SANGASTIANO JENNA SANTIAGO DELY · SAXENA MAYURI SCHEIBER, JESSICA SCHERNE ROBIN SCHMIDT JESSICA SCHNALL JESSE SCHOEPS, AMANDA SCHWARTZ JONATHAN SHAO JACQUELINE SHAROFF, JESSICA SHAW SAMANJA SHEN CAROLYN SIEGEL RONI SIEGEL, SHARA SIERRA, ADRIANA SKARIS KATHERINE SKOUTELAS, EVEL¥N SLOTNICK, ALLISON STANOJEV, SYLVIA STERLING, SHEENA STOVALL.HEATHER · STROCHLIC DAVID · TANG DELPHINE TANG RAYMOND TARIQ, SANA TENG AIMEE . TO KARIN TO LINDA TORRES, NANCY · TRAN TAM TUSHER, AMIR ' VAVASIS ·JOANNA VIGORITO VALERIE VILLAO, YESENIA VILLAR, GABRIEL WADE ARICA --· WALLENSTEIN DA1111EL WALTER, SARAH WAREHAM YVETTE WINKLER GILLIAN WONG, ANNA WONG DIANA WONG JOSEPH , . WONG LISA WONG STACY . VAN KATHERINE YANG, WILLIAM . YOO JANE -----·,. --

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SUNY STONY BROOK NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE} GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CUNY HUNTER FORDHAM UNIVERSITY CUNY BARUCH SKIDMORE CORNELL CUNY QUEENS NYU HARVARD UNIVERSITY SUNY PURCHASE . SKIDMORE NYU (STERN) CUNY QUEENS (HONORS) NYU CARTS & SCIENCE) BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUNY ALBANY . GEORGEWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ST.FRANCIS GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CUNY8ARUCHCHONORS) CUNY BARUCH SUNY BINGHAMTON CUNY QUEENS EMORY UNIVERSITY SUNY BUFFALO CORNELL NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) McGILL UNIVERSITY CUNY QUEENS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY CUNY QUEENS . CUNY QUEENS NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) BOSTON UNIVERSITY SUNY STONY BROOK TULANE -TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON UNIVERSITY ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CUNY BARUCH (HONORS) BOSTON UNIVERSITY WELLESLEY COLLEGE CORNELL CUNY QUEE-NS . SUNY BUFFALO JOHNS HOPKINS FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SUNY ONEONTA CUNY QUEENS CORNELL -. HOWARD UNIVERSITY ITHACA UNIVERSITY POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY SPELMAN COLLEGE CORNELL . FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SUNY BINGHAMTON ·SUNY BINGHAMTON ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY (PHARMACY) NYU (ARTS & SCIENCE) SUNY BINGHAMTON . CORNELL SUNY STONY BROOK

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The Classic

Summer2002

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Teachers o.f health, foreign ·languages, art ·

Ilene Marcus

···

Ellen Schwartz

their choice for an hour 'twice a team, ins.tead. When she be"After going to Parsons, I by Jamie Cullen realized that 1 had a passion for .. After i 5 years of service, week d_uring the school day. . came Senior Class Advisor, she Spanish," .she explained . "In . health and physical had to give up the Girls ' life, it is important to be pas- education . teacher Tennis team. She was not sionate about your interests, Ellen Schwartz has Senior Class Advisor this and I knew instantly that Span- decided to ~eti~e. Alyear because she was un·ish was my calling." though she has been sure if she would stay, but Ms. Marcus attended Ja- contemplating this she was in charge of pubmaica High School and then decision for a while, licity for the school, inQueens College from 1964- . · she decided recently ] forming newspapers about 1968, where she said that she · that it was finally time ~ any outstanding achievereceived the best education. "In to leave. This was a ~ ments of Townsend Harris. Queeris College, I leprned from difficult decision for & Ms . Schwartz previ~ · the best professors," s.he ex- Ms. Schwqrtz tO make ~ously taught at Clara ~ Barton and Lafayette High plained. "It was there that I because she hasbeen 0 . studied Spanish, French, and very involved in the [; Schools.- She saw her deto become a school almost since cision to teach at Latin, and decided . . . Spanish teacher." its founding in 1984. -- Townsend Harris as a great opportunity. "I felt I was . Afterstarting her career in" Ms . Schwartz September of 1968 at Parsons started and was advion a mission. A part of establishing [this] school Junior High School, budget sor of several clubs was we didn't know if it cuts forced Ms . Marcus to re- and activities. Out of would close 01:: die. We sume teach- the first health class wanted to make the school . ing at she taught, the antia success," she said. Hillcrest. drug club Puftles was Ms . Schwartz has no conHigh School, founded. Along with PhysicaL This program was discontinued where she Education teacher Keith bec<!use of budget cuts. In re- crete plans for her retirement, stayed for 18 Hanson, she became the team gard to these extracurricular ac- but hopes to join tennis leagues. · years. "When leader of the HIV/AIDS Edu- tivities, Ms. Schwartz said "It She w~nts to st~y in contact I was teach- cation Program and was the ad- was a big responsibility, but any · ~ith Townsend by hopefully ing at visor for SPAA (Students Pro- _time I work out of the class- coaching the bowling team, and Hillcrest, It moting Aids Awareness). In room on a club or a team, I re- -possibly the terinis team. She addition, she also was the ad- late to the students on a differ- would also like to be a mentor c: happened to to new teachers entering the llu be the creme- visor of SADD (Students . ent level." .r:::.:: de-Ja-creme. Against Destructive Deci- · Along with teaching bowl- school. She doesn't have one favora of high sions). Ms. Schwartz was the ing gym and tennis gym, Ms . Class Advisor for four Schwartz also coached the Senior ite memory of Townsend, but £schools in £New ·· York · years, and was the coordinator Girls' Bowling team and the Ms. Schwat:tz said, "Memories oo ·c·1ty,;, s he ex- ofthe Enrichment Program,. in first Boys' Tennis team. When of special people, faculty mem.c: c.. plained. which students had the oppor- the coach of the Girls' Tennis bers and students, will always Accord- tunity to attend an activity of team retired, she took over that be in my mind ." · ing to Ms. Marcus, it was fate that Thaddeus Ferguson brought her to Townsend school after 15 years. Previ- finest secondary schools in the Harris. " I by Jamie Gullen ously teaching English as· a country,'' said Dr. Ferguson. wasn't supposed to c. o me to Because he lives on the Up· dents terribly. Second Language (ESL) at · Looking forward to returnTownsend; it was an accident!" per West Side of Manhattan arid " I'm certainly not going to. Dr. Newtown High School, ing to teaching ESL, Dr. she claimed. "I put it as. nummiss waking up everyday at · · Ferguson hopes Ferguson said, "ESL students ber one on my transfer request 5:00 A.M, or the politics in-.-.......... ----...,..~~--~~~ to . return to are highly . motivated. They despite my apprehensheet, volved with being a teacher teaching ESL at · have a practical need for the sions, and the rest was history." nowadays, but I am going to :s! a high school ,subject. They are unusually ap~ Ever since 1989, Ms . Marcus miss the students. They are the 0 o closer to his preciative and receptive." has brought nothing but her nicest, most motivated and po- . o<l .· § home, although . Although he is lookirig forlite people in the whole world, love of language and laughter ·· fl no plans are ward to this,he still looks back "I never to the student body. and have allowed me to have 8 definite as of on his time at Townsend fondly. of huknew that I had a sense 13 wonderful years here," she >~now. · ''I've made s'Ome very good mor until recently, but I believe said. t: g Dr. Ferguson friends among the staff memlaughter is the key to a that Born on August 24, 1946, ~ first decided to bers and I' II miss working with happy life. You can't take Ms. Marcus was raised in · ~come to I'll miss working with them. things· too seriously," she exQueens and always loved to ~ Townsend Harstudents I'm workingwith.now· plained. play sports. "Whether I was ice ~ ris because he and stu.dents who have graduLooking back on her years .0 . . skating, roller-skating; biking, 8 was impressed ated,'' said Dr. Ferguson. at Townsend, Ms . Marcus beor playing baseball, I always liiiiiilllllll~-:: 5: by the school One of the thi·ngs he will lieves that the opportunities she kept active as a child," she reand its requiremost fondly remember about has had to interact with differcalled . "I also remember being ment that all stuhis time at Townsend is singent students in the classroom very organized: One summer I dents take either ing at various school events. has been the most rewarding started a day camp for all of the Latin or classi- (See" Instrumentalists, singers experience. "Seeing students kids in my building." cal Greek. He ' ... display musical talent," p. able to hold a conversation with It was while she was a stupreviously !.)"Singing is my hobby. I love as think in Spanish me as well dent at Parsons Junior High thought he would never have to have a chance to share this of has been my favorite part has a long commute to work School that Ms. Marcus fell in any use for his Latin license. hobby with the Townsend Harteaching here," she said. "I am each day, Dr . . Thaddeus love with the Spanish language, "I was attracted to the chal- ris community," said Dr. definitely going to miss obserFerguson, teacher of Latin and the country of Spain and its lenge o_fworking atone of the Ferguson. Continued on p. 7 · · French, has decided to leave the · .culture. by Marlo Dublin "Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a. teacher," explained Spanish teacher Ilene Marcus. "I used. to teach imaginary students in ·my bedroom, ·mark their papers and line them up for recess . I knew that I was destined to · work in the classroom setting." After 13 years of dramatically bringing the Spanish language into the hearts and minds of many Harrisites, Ms . Marcus will be saying her last 'adios' this semester. Although · she is looking forward to her retirement, which she believes will be filled with "lots of trav. eling, reading, relaxing and rec tlecting," Ms~ Marcus admitted that she is going to miss the stu-

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Michael Piane

Elizabeth Crawford

by Daniei -B1~

artist," she said . · After five years of bringing art to the school as a part of the Touchstone Center's Imagination Workshop (now called DiaIogue of the Imagination), and through the electives Science Phenomena Through Art and Artistic Inquiry Through Sculpture, Ms . Crawford has decided to put teaching_aside for now and .c oncentrate on her personal artwork. "I wish I could've figured out how to Art teacher Elizabeth Crawford says she is "definitely · do both," she admitted. "But I ve·ry sad" about le-aving couldn't." Ms. Crawford has. also Townsend Harris. "I truly and honestly loved teaching here, worked on the tile project in the but my choice [to leave] has to lobby, and most recently asdo with the reality of being an sisted in the creation of these-

Marcus

say~

'adios'

Continued from p. 6 ving this on a d_aily basis." . instead of really important isMs. Marcus's bathroom · sues; like current events. I want pass, Tinky Winky, might be to help correct that." Aside leaving Harris's halls, but she from working as a~onsultant, believes that her presence will Mrs. Marcus also wants to get · be felt in other ways after her involved with the Democratic retirement. ~· Party after retiring. In doing so, When I leave Townsend, I she hopes to satisfy her desire want to become an educational to ·~fight for justice." consultant in order to ensure "I've worked ever since I that students here, as well as started college, and nQW it isthroughout the city, are being time to take a break and enjoy," challenged in the right direc- said Ms. Marcus. "l hope to use tion," she stated~ "There is too my time 'now to evolve into a much of an emphasis today on better person and make my testing and memorizing facts dreams come true."

The Classic

Summer 2002

DiGiacomo leaves fo~ bigger b~il_ding

- · - aep~rt ·· Make decision tQ by Jennjfer Gong traffic in- trying to get into Michael Piane has spent · I 0 memorable years teaching Spanish to "enthusiastic and cooperative_" Harrisites that he has described simply as "the greatest." But co~e September, Mr. Pia1_1e will no longer be a .familiar face within the . Townsend. Harris community for he will begin teaching at Immaculate Conception Hign School in Lodi,"New Jersey next year. Mr. Piane's decision to leave was based upon the Queens. Mr. Piane also feels location of the school. "It's that he has "been in the New much easier to get up at 20 York City school system for too .. [minutes] to seven rather than - long and it doesn't pay eco20 [minutes] to five," he said, nomically." commenting that he will no Still, Mr. Piane has enjoyed longer have to try to battle the his experience here and will

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High School. In this large buildmiss Townsend Harris students. by Jennifer Gong Custodial Eng-ineer Joseph ing; Mr. DIGiacomo will have "They have a determination to do well that inspires me," he DiGiacomo has been a part of greater responsibilities accompanied by greatercmnpensasaid. "It has been an unforgettion. · table experience. They were · I don't like myjob," said brought up to learn to do well .... Mr. DiGiacomo in a feature and to excel. The school could -§ on the custodial staff in a 1999 only reinforce what was taught 0 a·t home." ::z:: issue of The Classic, '-'I love Out of everything that Mr. ~ it." As the Custodial Engineer, :E · Mr. DiGiacomo is in charge Piane's students have learned » ..0 of the operation of all of the from him over the past I 0 years, 80 he feels his most valuable les.c - facilities in the building and . Q. works from his office on the sons do not include any part of ground floor, where he is nothe school curriculum. "I have tified of any maintenance taught them the value of conemergencies. "The job is very sistency and the ~asic qualities challenging but rewarding," of life," he said, using punctu· he·said. ality an'd doing assignments as Mr. DiGiacomo began his _ examples. Now, with his departure, Mr. the Townsend Harris commu- career in 1962 as a cleaner and Piane advises students "not to nity since the opening of the worked his ~ay up to Custodial be discouraged . Winston new buildingonApril24, 1995. Engineer as he obtained several Churchill gave a speech that Now, although he will miss different licenses. He is a certicame down to t~ree words. working here, he will be leav- fied station engineer, refrigera'Never give up. Never give up. ing to work in this same position engineer, exterminator and Never give up."' . tion at the big~er Francis Lewis school teacher. ·\.'

Shiela Becker

by Jamie Gullen Sheila · Becker, asnior class tile . According to sistant to Marilyn Blier photography te-acher in the College .Otlice, Margherita Wischerth, Ms. is retiring after being a Crawford was "a valuable re- staff member for six source for accomplishing this years. Although she year's senior tile." has made the decision I'd call her a kindred spirit," to leave, she is going to » ..0 Ms . Wischerth said of Ms . miss working here very 80 .c Crawford. "There's something much. Q. that emanates from her when Ms . Becker had a you meet her; she opens a variety 6f important whole new world of seeing [for responsibilities, such _you] just by talking with her." as checking that college appli- ing, and to have time to visit my As a freelance artist, Ms. .cations had the required infor- grandchildren in London, EnCrawford will now be concen- mation, packaging and sending gland." Ms. Becker expressed sadtrating on the needs of her eli- out the applications by the due ents while also spending time date, and helping students re- ness at the thought of leaving on her own creations. Ms. search schools and fields of in- Townsend Harris. "This school has the best students of any Crawford will still be a part of terest. school in New York City I've Townsend, however, as the DiaIn reference to her retireIogue of the Imagination pro- ment plans, Ms. Becker said, ''I worked in," said _Ms . Becker. gram will continue. hope to have no schedule, to not - She also remarked that she is wake up at 5: 15 in the morn- going to miss being a part of the "dedicated and caring faculty."

Musicians _display_talents at Spring Concert Continued from p. 1 l was surprised by its per- performed three pieces, includformance," said Ms. McKinley. ing "Spring" by Antonio California In a tenbr aria, "0 Paradis" Vivaldi and from the opera L'Africaine l:iy Dreamin' with words and mu- . Giacomo Myerbeer, Latin sic by John Phillips and . teacher Thaddeus Ferguson ac- Michelle Phillips. "The strings companied by Ms. McKinley ensemble was just lovely. They o,n piano delighted the audi- played wonderfully and I really ence. Without a microphone, enjoyed the selections that were Dr. Ferguson projected his · chosen," said junior Jennifer voice to the back of the audita- Sheth. The concert band played rium and according to junior Ravi Gill, "his performance three pie.ces: Cable at Night, a was the best part of the night.'' medley arranged by Paull · Led by director Paula Jennings, inclu<iing I Love Zarmon, the strings ensemble Lucy; The Munsters Theme and

Theme from ,Bewitched was a favorite among the audience. Another piece the band performed was Suite from The Planets by Gustav Holtz .and arrangeq by Calvin Custer, which included three parts: Mars, The Bringer of War; Venus, The Bringer of Peace; and Jupiter; The Bri1iger of Jollity. "All the groups sounded fantastic. My · favorite ... was Suite from The Planets. It was a difficult piece, but during the perfonnance, the band played it ~ perfectly," said Mr. Lustig.

The Classic

Summer 2002

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Faculty, staff bid farewell; relate memories Kerry Prince is unwilling, however, to put a by Jessica Wang - It still hasn't actually hit me_ newborn in daycare. "I would not have left except that I was that I won't be coming back," said mathematics teacher Kerry Prince. After three years of teaching at ~he school, she has decided to leave her post in order to spend more time with her young son and the baby she is expecting. Ms. Prince feels it is important to spend more · time with her children. _"They're little for such a short time," -s he rea· soned. With her job at Townsend Harris and a three- expecting a second baby," she hour commute to and from New explained. _ Teaching is actually Ms. Jersey, she had to put her son in daycare or have her mother- Prince'·s second career. She in-law baby-sit for him during formerly worked in business as the five-day school week. She a management trainer for five

Karen Chang skills. She wanted "to teach by Jessica Wang After covering this semester kids how to think and how to for chemistry teacher Michael look at something and gather Anzel, who is currently on sab- - what [information] you need to _batical, chemistry t~acher and figure [a problem] out" Accord i rig to her, these Townsend Harris alumna skills can be used in all subjects, not just in chemistry. When asked if she felt she had accomplished her goal, Ms. Chang said she Was unsure. "It fakes years to develop analytical skills," she said. Aside from being a learning experience, her ·time at Townsend Harris was also -enjoyable. While Ms. Chang had to adjust to being a teacher and not a student any more, she has enjoyed working with her colleagues. "I love the teachers here- they're fun," (Class of '96) Karen Cha!lg is she said. She added, however, leaving her alma mater once that she still cannot call some again. She is becoming a chem- teachers by their fin;t names beis try teacher at the Calhoun cause they were teachers at School, a private school on the Townsend Harris when she still Upper West Side of Manhattan. attended the school. Ms. Chang also enjoyed Worki-ng at Townsend Harris was a major learning expe- working with her students . rience for Ms. Chang, as it was ''I'm going to miss the kids. her first time teaching. "When- - The kids here are smart and I first came, I thought I had t6 sweet," she said. make everyone learn and real- As an alumna of the sGhool, ize his or her full potential," she Ms. Chang had advice to pass explained. "But I learned that on to her students. "You're all you can't do that. If you can't going to do fine. It's not the ·get to one kid, it's not because end of the world ifymi don't _ you're a bad teacher." She thus get into Harvard or one of the concluded that as a teacher, other Ivi'es. It's all going to "you just do what you can.'' work out," she -insisted. "EnMs. Chang's main goal dur- joy yourselves. Ws high school. ing the semester was helping High school is supposed to be .. her students develop analytical fun." I

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years. Of teaching, she said, "I "[You] can't get to know your never thought that I would en- students as personally as you jqy [this] job sb much. would like t0," she said. If I had gone to other Although -she will no longer schools, I don't think be teaching, Ms, Prince is tak1t would be the s~me ing classes at New York Uni. thing." She feels that versity this summer. She hopes ... teaching high school to graduate in one and a half --§ students is especially years with a Masters degree in ,j l rewarding because math education. She is doing change and growth this as a part of a fellowship ~:E can be seen in young · offered by Goldman-Sachs for £0 people. Ms. Prince math and science teachers of ] enjoyed the expe.ri- New York City public high o.. ence of gettin~ to schools.· The fellowship , to know students, but which she was ac.cepted last felt that 40 minutes' a summer, pays for her education day was not enough. in an effort to educate edup-

Marlene Lee by Daniel Bloch Sleep!'' exclaimed veteran School Safety Agent Marlene Lee with a laugh when asked what she would do in her retirement. "I have no plarrs and I'm just g.oing to be enjoying everything," she said, although she did specifically mention .babysitting and "baby shopping" for her third grandchild. Agent Lee has worked in Townsend Harris for the past 14 years, and before then she served as a District Guard. at P.S. 32 in Flushing for 13 years. · "When I left P.S. 32, 1 said to myself,. 'I can't work in a high school,'" Ms. Lee said. "Butthe _ job grew on me; the kids are great. [Retiring] is like leaving ·. a second family. 1 love being with people, with the kids:" Arriving al Townsend in 1988, four years after the reopening of the school ,-Ageni Lee remarked in a February 200 I article in The Classic that "although the old Harris building was small, lenjoyed working there. It was apparent to.me that the students were close and everyone w'as like one big family. I-guess some things never change!" I have so many fond memories [of this schQol]," said Agent Lee. "Just being here is a fond memory. You never know what'the next day's going to bring. It's .alwaysdiffer-_ ent. I've made a lot of friends. I can never say that I hated one day here, never."

NOTE: An article on English teac·h er Michael Carbone's departure appeared in the June, 2002 issue of The Classic.

tors. Ms. Prince said, "It was a wonderful opportunity for me. I think it's important to continue [one's] education." After the summer, Ms. f>rince's plans are to stay home with her children and to tutor on the side. She also may· get to indulge in her love for reading and her love for books with he.r free time. She Iouks forward to having free time, but the thoHght actually makes her a littlenervous. "I'll miss the school, students [and]teachers, [but] it's really important to me to spend time with my son," she said.

Craig Weiss It's going to be very hard to by Jamie Gullen Biology, physics, science re- · leave," said Mr. Weiss. "I really search, health and Advanced love this place. I really love the PJacement Psychology teacher students." Despite his love for ~raig Weiss is leaving, accepting a position as the Assistant Principal of Science at LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts: Over the past 5 years, Mr. Weiss has been involved in the student body by being the advi" sor of SING! for the class of 2002 for the past three years, and by attending the students and school, Mr. the junior and senior class trips. Weiss made the decision t0 This involvement with students leave be.cause he was offered a have been his favorite memory higher ~0sition at LaGuardia. of working at Townsend.