Classic newspaper Volume 19 Issue no. 3

Vol. 19, No. 3 February 2003 •

aS SIC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Nix appointed AP of Organization, PE faculty positions shuffled

by Daniel Bloch He added that the APO position will Fonner Dean Wanda Nix has taken the be officially advertised later this term . position of Acting Interim ,\ssistant ''I'm not feeling a lot of change, bePrincipal of Organization, a post left cause I know it's temporary," said Ms. empty following the untimely death of Nix. "I feel like it's [just] something else former APO Malcolm Rossman. I'm doing." Besides helping Ms. Ms . Nix's new position Figelman get accusresulted in "a domino eftomed to her new job, fect" of other changes in Ms. Nix remains Aththe physical education letic Director and will department, according to still be .teaching the Pri ncipal Thomas zero-band gym class.

Cunningham: Robin Ms. Figelman said Figelman is taking over that as Dean, she will be the Dean responsibilities "patrolling the halls and with Ms . Nix's assismaking sure the school tance; Keith Hanson is runs just as smoothly as . now the Department Coit did when Ms. Nix was ordinator of Physical Dean." Ms . Figeltnan is Wanda Nix Education, a position prealso still teaching two viously held by Ms. Figelman. Finally, step aerobics classes and one freshman Ellen Schwartz, who retired last year gym class . after 15 years of teaching at Townsend, "I'm looking forward to the challenge is now teaching Family Living, Health and the change," Ms. Fige)man added. and non-senior tennis gym classes, inMs. Schwartz views her temporary stead of Ms. Figelman. part-time position as "a wonderful op"After Mr. Rossman's death, there portunity to have the best of both was a hole that needed to be filled," Mr. worlds" of teaching and retirement. "I Cunningham said, "and everyone gra- can still maintain my connection with ciously chipped in" to fill that hole. the school and the people ."

ln. Memoriam: Malcolm Rossman

by Jamie Gullen lenges in selecting the first class .

A shocked silence pervaded the . Many students were unsure if they hallways and classrooms on Wednes- wanted to attend because they didn't day, February 5 because of the sud- know if the school would make it, den passing away of Assistant Prin- given the widespread opposition to cipal of Organization (APO) its establishment. Many schools in the surrounding Malcolm areas were opRossman. Mr. posed to the Ro ssman was school because one of the origithey were afraid nal faculty memthat it would take bers when away their top Townsend Harris students. Mr. was re-founded Rossman spent a in 1984, and he great deal of time has contributed a calling students great deal to the to make sure that school commuthere would be at nity over the past least 200 students 18 years. attending in the Mr. Rossman Malcolm Rossman fall, or the school was the first person former principal Malcolm would not have been allowed to Largmann hired when he set out to open.

As APO, Mr. Rossman "paid atfound the n'ew Townsend Harris. Mr. Rossman was very involved with tention to the details that made this choosing which students would be building work," explained Principal accepted, and faced several chalContinued on p. 11

Discussions demonstrate divide in opinions on -¡Iraq

by Jessica Wang and Karen

Hendershot As the possibility of war with Iraq hangs over the nation, Harrisites debate both inside and outside the classrooms whether or not such action is necessary.

Opinions appear to be mixed, judging from student reactions to various activities addressing the issue.

Last month, students in history teacher Franco Scardino's Participatory Democracy classes were assigned to one of three groups that were to represent different views on the Iraqi situation .

One group supported not going to war, another advocated the United States going to war with Iraq alone, while the third group favored the country obtaining United Nations support for a war first. Each group researched and then argued its assigned viewpoints in front of the class. After hearing all the positions, students wrote their honest opin-

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ions about the issue to President George W. Bush. These letters were sent, and according to Mr. Scardino, the students should be receiving responses to them soon. (To read some of these letters, see p. 3) "I got the sense that students feel that Iraq is a credible threat, but there didn't seem to be a consensus on whether the US should act alone, or only with UN support," said Mr. Scardino. "No one wanted to do nothing, but the problem was determining what they felt should be done." He plans to revisit the issue in his Economics classes once the replies from the White House come, and also discuss the economic implications of a war in order to relate it to the course curriculum.

As a prelude to a visit from her former Hofstra University professor Alan Singer, an opponent of the US attacking Iraq, history teacher Samantha Brody assigned her students positions

to argue for classroom debates last term.

When asked about which side won in the debates, Ms. Brody said that her classes were split, not only because of students' personal opinions, but also because her classes felt "some debaters just did a better job" arguing their case.

Decorated with political protest buttons that read, "No War on Iraq" and "No Blood for Oil ," Professor Singer spoke to Ms. Brody's global studies classes on January 22 and made his standpoint on a war immediately clear.

He first explained the wording of his discussion aim, "Should the United States make war on Iraq?" "I could have asked 'Should the US go to war with Iraq?' but I didn't, for a reason. It's going to be a slaughter, not a war," he said.

Referring to the first UN weapon inspections report, Professor Singer said that the inconclusive evidence of biological and chemical weapons only supported his idea that Iraq does not har-

bar these weapons of mass destruction.: He also explained how biological weapons are very unstable and difficult to preserve in large enough ~mou~ts for a serious attack. Pointing out that the United States has been the leading user of nuclear and chemical weapons over the past 50 years, he stated that if any nation is dangerous and threatening, it is the United States.

Many of Ms. Brody 's students were in agreement with Professor Singer's anti-war viewpoint. They felt that President Bush hadn't always made the best decisions concerning his war on terrorism. "You can't reall y take out one person or a particular ideal without hurting innocent people who have nothing to do with it;" said one freshman during the discussion.

While Professor Singer himself was against the war, Ms. Brody felt that the antiwar viewpoint was not the only per-

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SING! p.3

Cursing p.8

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Reviews p. 10-11

Sports p. 12

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The

Classic

February 2003

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What a relief! Fifth floor bathrooms open at last For years, rooms 522 and 524 were like riddles wrapped in enigmas of toilet paper.

We knew there were bathrooms behind those doors, but what set them apart from the first, second and fourth-floor bathrooms that we had grown so accustomed to? The fifth floor bathrooms remained locked in hopes of deterring further vandalism after it had marred bathrooms several years ago. But ever since the beginning of the spring semester, these virtually untouched palaces of relief have been unlocked and are open to us once agam.

Apparently, word of this miracle has spread quietly. Even after the bathrooms had been open for a week, news of their new-found availability were met with gasps of disbelief and cries of "Really?!" Those who were aware encountered relatively empty bathrooms and a steady supply of paper towels, a commodity that's been lacking in the fourth floor bathrooms for months. As of press time, soap is on hand in the girls' fifth floor bathroom but not in the boys'. And while the boys' restroom has no such notice, the girls' bathroom currently has a sign requesting "Proper use of the urinals."

But in spite of all of these shortcomings, the fact that there is an extra

place to relieve ourselves is, well, a relief. According to Principal Thomas Cunningham, opening the bathrooms was recommended by the Parent Teacher Association's Executive Board, but the "real driving force" behind the idea was the Consultatiye Council. "This is an issue that has certainly surfaced over the years," Mr. Cunningham said. "Students have demonstrated that they're young adults, [so] it's time to try it again [and reopen the bathrooms]." On behalf of the grateful student body, The Classic Editorial Board wishes to thank the PTA the members of the Consultative Council for revisiting and calling attention to an important issue and Mr. Cunningham for reconsidering what seemed to be an irreversible inconvenience.

Our school is probably one of the few places where the reopening of a bathroom would be cause for celebration. Yet that is precisely the point our reaction just shows how much of an annoyance it was to have only three sets of bathrooms available for 1000 students. Open fifth floor bathrooms will mean less crowding and also less of a trip to seek relief.

Let's try our hardest to make this new privilege a permanent fixture for future generations.

'War! What's it good for? Absolutely nothing!'

by Jamie Gullen Protests responding to the possibility of American military action in Iraq resounded throughout the world in over 350 cities from New York, to Barcelona, to Rome, to Tokyo on February 16, and the message was clear: "Give Peace a Chance." This strong global outcry was not in support of Saddam Hussein's regime, but was pleading with the United States, and the world, to give weapons inspectors the time they have requested to perform the daunting task that lies before them. Because of the presence of the inspectors in Iraq, Saddam Hussein does not present an immediate threat, and it would therefore be hasty to go to war before the diplomatic options run their course.

When dealing with crimes occurring on the international front, it is not the right of any individual country to decide how to punish the accused criminal. For this very reason, we have the United Nations, a peace-keeping union which represents the global community's interests and desires.

Saddam Hussein has been accused of harboring chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, thus breaking several U.N. resolutions that have been passed.

The U.N. decided to investigate this by sending weapons inspectors to Iraq. If the U.N. finds that Saddam Hussein is in fact harboring such weapons, or they feel that Iraq has been uncooperative to such an extent that violence is the only solution, the U.N. then has the right to

decide to take military action against Iraq.The Bush Administration cannot decide that its opinion is more important than that of the rest of the world .

War may or may not be the best course of action in this situation, but it is certainly a decision that greatly impacts the entire international community, and therefore any resolution to take military action against Iraq must be made by'the international community.

If the United States did decide to take military action against Iraq without the support of the U.N., it is quite possible that the negative ramifications of going to war alone would outweigh any positive outcomes. Although there is a chance that American presence in Iraq would mean either the death or the fleeing of Saddam Hussein, there is also a chance that we would not be able to find him, or that in order to put an end to his regime, occupation for between five and 10 years would be necessary. In response to the possible consequences of war, Bob Herbert of the New York Times wrote, "What the administration has been unwilling to tell the public is the truth about some of the implications of war with Iraq - first and foremost, the bloody horror of men, women and children being blown to smithereens in the interest of peace, and then the myriad costs and dangers associated with a long-term U.S. military occupation."

As Herbert points out, economic considerations and the cost to human lives are consequences not to be taken _

Daniel Bloch Jamie Gullen Co-Editors-in-Chief Jessica Wang

Angela Hom

Feature Editor

Jennifer Gong Sarah Schnee

Managing Editor

Diane Tiao

Co-News Editors

Marlo Dublin

Entertainment Editor

Editor-at-Large

Hilary Homier Jennifer Sheth Photography Editors

Food Editor

Karen Hendershot Josh Fox

Rachel Schiffman Emma Xiao

Sports Editor

Art Editors.

Steven Lee

Amanda Chen

Online Editor

Business Editor

Principal • Mr. Thomas Cunningham

lisa Cowen Ad¥isor

lightly. For a country that already has an economic deficit, war could prove to be a weight that our country is not prepared to handle. If the United States then decides to occupy Iraq, possibly over a long period of time, it would be an even greater strain ori our economy.

War would also cause the brutal loss of lives to American soldiers who could potentially be subjected to horrific chemical and biological weapons. In addition, innocent Iraqi civilians would no doubt become casualties of air attacks on main cities such as Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.

In addition to these issues, there are also concerns related to possible, maybe even probable, counterstrikes against the United States. All over the world, but especially in the area of the Middle East, there is much anti-American sentiment. This sentiment greatly contributes tb the fueling of terrorist organizations who set out to destroy American lives. If the United States chooses to defy the international community and take matters into its own hands, antiAmerican sentiment will most likely reach new levels of intensity, furthering the destruction of innocent American 1i ves through counter-attacks.

Former US ambassador to Iraq Ed Peck was quoted in Newsweek as saying, "Invading Iraq will increase terrorism, not reduce it" (February 2003).

Although the United States has one of the strongest armies in the world, fighting in unfamiliar terrain is always

News Staff: Samira Annabi, Jessica Bader, Jessica Berger, Nataliya Binshteyn. Chloe Chao, Alyssa Chase, Mimi Chung. Lina Lee. Linda Luu, Jhonathan Pasaoa. Francesca Pizarro, Tanaz Talebpour Feature Staff: Christopher Amanna. Diana Bell. Jennifer Bhuiyan. Margo Kakoullis. Sangsoo Kim, Talya Lieberman. Donna Mordente. Ann Margaret Santalnes, Alexis Serra. Nisha Singh. Stephanie Vance. Tina Wu Sports Staff: Stephen Berger. Lauren Korzeniewski. Elyse Lee. Michelle Montgoris Artists: Matthew Barbery. Amy Blauner. Stacey Lee. Doris Ortega. Vivian Shibata, Andrea Shliselberg. Samira Zaman. Stephanie Zapata Comic Strip Coordinator: Jonathan Perez Online Staff: Diane Lee. Umair Shaikh. Waqas Shaikh Techspert: Zak Anolic Photography Staff: Penny Chak. Laura D •Amato. Diana Deng, Vera Hendrix, Bryan Kirschen. Marion Mercado. Deepti Nair, Cristin Strining, Julia Stutz. Leticia Wainer, Annabel Zaharieff Layout Staff: Pamela Chan, Matthew Kaufman. Katie Kogan

a challenge and an unfamiliar foe can prove to be a difficult one to beat. Let us use history as our guide to remember what happens when we assume that we are so mighty that a smaller, underdeveloped country would not be able to stand a chance against us. Let the innocent men, women, children, and soldiers · who tragically lost their lives in the Vietnam War remind us that single handedly fighting a battle where victory is not clear and the outcome is uncertain can be a treacherous task.

When I look toward the future, I see a world of technological advancement, heightened levels of social consciousness, and hopefully a place where true equality can prevail. I also see, however, a world in which the demand for natural resources will far outweigh the supply and new technology will mean the advancement of weapons of mass destruction. If the global community continues to turn to war as a solution to conflict, the world will eventually become a place so full of enmity that peaceful solutions to international problems will become impossible.

It is vital that w.e realize the importance of diplomacy and friendly ties between countries worldwide. We must be able to think of different ways to handle strife so that we can pass to future generations a solid foundation for peace. As John F. Kennedy said in a 1961 speech to the U.N., "Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put an end to mankind."

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

The Classic is an open for11m for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administration or faculty or student body as a whole.

Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor.

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

The Classic

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Letters to President Bush express senior opinions The conflict our country is facing with Iraq does not just affect our government, but every member of our society, including students. As part of an assignment for his Participatory Democracy classes, teacher Franco Scardino collected letters that his students wrote to President Bush explaining their views on going to war with Iraq, and how they would deal with the situation themselves. Below are several of these letters submitted by seniors which express a range of viewpoints.

Dear Mr. President: As you know, there is a continuing debate over our country's present position on the possible war in Iraq. And indeed, it is in everyone's best interests to avoid war with another country. It must be the ultimate goal of any internationally active nation to seek a peaceful diplomatic action in order to correct or rebuke an errant nation. But contrary to many of my peers, I do support a plan for limited military action in Iraq.

After seeing much of Secretary Colin Powell's evidence for Iraqi noncompliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, and after considering Saddam Hussein's continued diplomatic terms with his regime, it should be obvious that Hussein does not want to listen to the global com. munity, and seeks to, via subterfuge and deceit, fool the world into thinking he is the innocent victim of American imperialism. Hussein also

makes his countrymen suffer. Dear President Bush: will be tempted to follow his Because of his continual defiI am sure you are aware that example. Let us remember the ance of the U.N., he has sub- the country is faced with a hard lessons that history begs jected the Iraqi people to the quandary, one that has recently to teach us: appeasement is not terrible effects of numerous burgeoned in intensity. I, as an option. economic sanctions against his someone who cannot decide Considering the state of afcountry. Hussein must be re- which pair of shoes my feet fairs, there- are a number of moved from his office and his should inhabit, am certainly no ways to go about presenting regime toppled if Iraq and its one to be aiding you in your de- Saddam Hussein with due concitizens are to regain any voice cision, but as a loyal and com- sequences. In regards to that, I in the international community. petent citizen of this nation, I urge you to garner the support If he will not exile himself vol- wish to express to you my view of as many nations as possible; untarily, it only reinforces the on our current conflict with the United Nations was formed fact that he does not care for his Iraq. on the basis of pursuing peace people, but only for himself.

While war is an atrociously and coming together to protect Increased inthe world, serving spections would the purpose of bringing the world theoretically be a good first step to together to form an international putting added presJA\b1[33 @[f [;t1[J~ entity. This objecsure on Saddam. But tive cannot be from what I read of reached when his hist?ry with U.N. Security Council incharacters like Saddam Hussein spections over the past decade, they blatantly defy its policy- it is up to will probably only you and your staff give him more time to remind · the to build up an arsenal United Nations with which he can members that the further threaten his Idea by Tanaz Talebpour. Drawing by Jonathan Perez goals of the United own people and the countries around his, and seri- horrific prospect, and while im- States areones that the world ously affect the world economi- pending pro and anti-war sen- needs to pursue together. The cally and politically. I, there- timents threaten to stratify the case is there for you to present; fore, will fully support limited world, certain steps need to be ,let us.try to avoid working alone military action in Iraq. Perhaps taken to tame the hazard that · in this plight.

Most importantly, though, I the Pentagon can devise some Saddam Hussein so willingly urge you to consider all the strategy that will send a harsh embodies. His blatant refusal to ramifications of action and incomply with disarmament message to Hussein, but where action, to take into account all little or no American blood will agreements, his exuberant pomcircumstances that affect be shed. I hope that you will posity and vanity as displayed the make the most prudent decision by his deceit and thwarting of this situation, and trust that you for our country and the world United Nations arms insp.ec~ . will lead this.country with, great . · tors, must be met with conse- discretion, intelligence, and in this time of great tension.

Sincerely, quences, or he will have no rea- courage.

Respectfully, Talya Lieberman Geoffrey L. Ng son to stop there, and others

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Dear Mr. President: I am writing this letter to address the crisis that the world is having with Iraq. Although I understand the pressures that you are facing with trying to protect America, I urge you and your colleagues to give the UN inspectors the time they need to search for the alleged weapons that Iraq is holding. I also hope that you will try to consider other courses of action before resorting to war. War will only cost the world the lives of soldiers, create more tensions, and result in economic strain. However, whatever does need to be done, I hope you will continue to work with the United Nations. This crisis is a problem that affects the whole world, and together, the world should come up with a solution.

I am also concerned about how the United States is handling the environment. The issue of drilling_in the Arctic consistently comes up, and I feel that tampering with that fragile of a habitat will cause dire consequences for the world, if not now, in the future. I feel that the temporary benefits of a home oil base do not outweigh the environmental degradation that is likely to occur from the drilling. The United States owes it to future generations to save wild places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Susan Cheng

Seniors 'SING!' their way to first place finish

by Nataliya Binshteyn Fun, spirit, and grade rivalries pervaded this year's annual SING! competition. The sophmen, juniors, and seniors each put together a medley of songs, dances, and skits, all related to this year's theme, "For the First Time." SING! spanned three nights from January 30 to February I; and at the conclusion of Saturday night's performance, the commisioners a.n~ nounced a senior victory.

Entitled "Greg's Subway Ride," Senior SING! chronicled the unlikely experiences faced

by Greg, a naive teenager played by Steven Lee, as he struggled to survive his first experience on the train amidst a diverse array of quirky New Yorkers and intermittent blackouts. Complete with a swindling "blind" man, played by Carlos Romero, and a dis-

gruntled Winnie the Pooh, their favorite band. Catchy . to bring favorites such as "Hard . played by Evan Muehlbauer, names, historical references, as Day's Night," "Twist and the performance featured com- well as actual footage of the Shout," and "Let it Be" to life.

During the finale, colorfully edy and spirited dancing while band accompanied a wave of satirizing aspects of New York colorful dancing and a humor- dressed dancers ran alongside aisles and performed life.

Directed by seniors directly in front of Laverne Blackman audience members. and Daniella Pagan, The all-too-fathe show included a miliar angst of teenvariety of musical seage dating was porlections from modern · trayed In a comediG artists such as Bon light in Sophmen Jovi and Christina '0 SING!, which fea.""~ tured Katy Fall, Aguilera, while also " t: ' g played by Nancy including Gloria u Gaynor ' s classic "I Lah, and Bob, Will Survive."

Theseplayed by Keikal . .

After being trapped on a train for hours, Senior SING! mors recetved a plaque characters attack a supposedly blind man for not sharing his food. Aliakber, on their to commemorate the first date. "It capous skit. honor. tures the rigor .and preparation Directors Kathy Mu and of that first date," said Ashley A nostalgic 60's theme dominated this year's Junior Jean Rhee, along with dance McFarlane, who, along with Maggie Inna Kitaychik, directed the SING!, which featured four choreographers teenagers who escaped home to Passione and Anna Pizzitola, in- sophmen. catch a glimpse of the Beatles, corporated various dance styles Katy and Bob made their

wc;ty from dinner with Katy's eccentric parents . to an awkward movie date and finalfy to a rowdy club, where a mix of dance styles reigned on the dance floor. Additional chair dancing and a rendition of"AII That Jazz" contributed extra spark to the performance.

Friday night's festivities were briefly interrupted by the ringing of . fire bells, per~ipitated by a flood on the sixth floor. The sophmen continued with their show, but at the conclusion of the performance actor Kris Imperiati spoke to the audience, saying, "This was not the show you . were supposed to see."

Adam Stonehill, Coordinator of Student Activities, hailed SING! as a "student-run, yet professional event." Judges of .the show included several teachers and alumni.

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Peer educators raise HIV/AIDS awareness

by Francesca Pizarro Organizers of this year's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day aimed to educate students and clear up some common misconceptions about the deadly but preventable disease. The event, held January 28, included a twice-repeated assembly in the auditorium, where students heard the personal accounts of two speakers who have been diagnosed with HIV. Peer Educator Group members also led discussions in several classes.

"I was very pleased with the day's workshops," said Ilene Marcus, retired foreign language teacher and former advisor to Students Promoting AIDS Awareness (SPAA) and the Peer Educator Group, who worked with Health and Physical Education teacher Keith Hanson to coordinate the day's events.

"HIV/AIDS was discussed in all of the classes and I feel that the students' awareness was elevated," she said.

"The assembly was very moving," said freshman Liya Shuster. "I never met anycine wlio had AIDS before. It tells you that it can happen to you ."

"It was better than-:).a;t y@ar·' s," said sophomo're Elina· Zaki nova. "Having people who are actually experie_n cing it was really influential." A female freshman agreed. "They could talk about it as a person who was' going th~ough it. It was like a first-hand perspective," she said. ' The guest speakers, Mona L. Head and Matt 0' Grady, are members of the Love Heals, Allison Gertz Foundation,

a non- profit organization created in 1988 to continue the activist work began by AIDS victim Allison Gertz. Both Ms. Head and Mr. O'Grady talked about how

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Junior Kalima Smalls and senior Sarah Gyselings address a classroom of their peers on facts and opinions related to sexual activity, protection, and-HIV /A IDS on H!Y/AIDS Awareness Day.

they contracted the virus, and advised the students against engaging in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, sharing of needles; and drug use. "This is an infectious disease," said Mr. O'Grady. "It does notdiscriminate."

The Peer Educator ·Group discussed with their fellow school-mates "the cold hard facts about AIDS," according to sophomore and peer educator Ksenia

Pies thrown at teachers help make carnival a hit

by Linda Luu Pie-throwing, bright balloons and multicolored snow cones created a funfilled atmosphere at this year's Winter Carnival on Tuesday, January 28, from 6 to 9 PM. Harrisites and guests participated in the festivities in the student cafeteria, lobby, gym, and for the first time, in the teachers' cafeteria. The teachers' cafeteria was designated as a "cafe" for all the food booths in order to provide more space for clubs in the other locations.

This year's event featured a combination of both the old and the new. While many clubs, such as Puffles and the Art Club, decided to follow tradition and had the same booths that they have had at prior carnivals, some turned to innova- . tive fundraising ideas. Students Against Animal Cruelty (SAAC), for instance, tried to earn money by making animalshaped balloons, something they have never done in the past. Even though their booth did not bring in as many tickets as other booths, this did not prevent the members from having a good time .

"Making the balloons was so much fun for us. It was all worth it," stated junior Carol Luong, a member of SAAC. "In the end it's all about the animals and doing what we can for their benefit."

Heaving pies at familiar faces has always been a favorite among those who

Yachmetz. To prepare for the classroom lessons, members of SPAA attended a two-day training workshop at North Shore University Hospital that would

attended. Junior Payton Armstrong, a member of Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), the club that sponsored the activity, noted the success of this booth.

"Many teachers who didn't volunteer prior to the carnival were gracious enough and good sports to take part in the pie throwing booth," he said. "The students had fun being able to throw pies at their teachers and the teachers had fun throwing pies at their fellow teachers."

Overall, the well-attended event sparked positive feedback from the student body. "I thought that the carnival was extraordinary," remarked senior Bryan Kirschen . "It gave students a chance to have fun with their friends and show support for their clubs." Junior Christian Cansino agreed, believing that it gave Harrisites the opportunity to take a breather from the daily load of homework, tests and collaterals. "The winter carnival was very invigorating and provided an effective way for Townsend Harris students to relax within the company of one another," he said.

According to junior Charity Canuto, this year's Winter Carnival was better than the last two she attended. "The carnival was really good this year," she said.

"The music in the student's dining room made the mood lively," she added. "I hope next year's carnival will be just as good."

make them AIDS Peer Educators . "Since there is no cure for HIV and AIDS, knowledge is our only method of de-fense against this horrible disease," said sophomore and peer educator Mike Pecache.

Despite the majority of positive reactions toward the peer discussions, however; the educators observed that some of the students weren't taking the lessons seriously. Senior and peer educator Lauren

Keenan said, "It did annoy me how some students were disrespectful during the lessons ... but there were other students who participated in the discussions and seemed to enjoy them ... Overall, I'd like to think that we did help people."

Other complaints about the day came from some students who objected to the repetitiveness of the lessons being given to the classes. "We did the same thing the whole day. We watched the same videos and did the same worksheets," said a female freshman.

Though retired, Ms. Marcus volunteered to lend a hand in organizing the event with Mr. Hanson, who will be organizing AIDS Awareness Day next year.

"I volunteered to help him this year because he is new to the format," she said.

In the years that the school has been promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, Ms. Marcus feels "SPAA and the Peer Educator Group have contributed to disseminating information to the students and hopefully we have helped save many lives through the years ."

"I know a lot about AIDS because of this school," said junior Caryn Levine.

"I think AIDS awareness is very important in our society. But I do not think it receives the attention that it deserv~s.

As teenagers, and people in general, we are greatly affected by this terrible disease," said Lauren.

Ksenia adds,"I felt I did my personal best In trying to convey the truth about AIDS. Many people, I hope, received the message."

4S~f!D If we were any closer, · we'd be invading your personal space.

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February 2003

Behind the Doors of Delany Hall:

College Preparatory team facilitates Bridge Year program the "old building" in 1984. Run by Robby Marlo Dublin ert Haan, the first liaison between Queens With the arrival of the spring semesCollege and Townsend Harris, the proter, seniors can once again take a course gram was deof their choice for credit on the Queens signed to give College campus, as well as the required humanities seminar, two facets of the students the opunique senior Bridge-year. Behind this portunity to do program are Director of College Prepa- college work a ratory Programs at Queens College Dr. year in advance.

Marvin Leiner and his assistants Joseph During their seMerino and Edie Balogh, who at this time nior year, stuof year work around the clock to ensure dents were ala smooth and comfortable transition for lowed to take up to eleven credits seniors as they shift into college mode.

"E4ie and Joseph are conscientious, each semester; smart and have the gift of relating to three credits for people," Dr. Leiner stated. "They are an the Humanities unbelievable team who work hard and Colloquium and up to eight credits help me organize the programs I lead." among other An experiment in what Dr. Leiner courses.

Eventulikes to call "seamless education," the office of college preparatory programs was ally, budget cuts initiated when Harris opened its doors in _ allowed students to take only the three-credit Humanities . Colloquium and up to three other . credits per semester.

As a former assistant to Dr. Haan as well as a Harris alumnus from the class of 1988, Joseph r-emembers the program, as well as his senior year, fondly. "When I was ..a sen.ior, the hu-manities seminars were broken down into topics," he said. "For example, .::;_~l!lttll~ the first semester could have revolved ~ ~£ around science and technology while ~ ~the second allowed us to read works ~ : ···lf from the 'here and hereafter."'

The managing editor of his class's ·,,..\ v· yearbook, member of Arista, Archon, ·· the Math Team and a leader of the Edie Balogh Gaming Enrichment, a club whose

L

members played chess, Dungeons and Dragons and backgammon, Joseph had a lot of responsibilities during his senior year. However, this was nothing that he was not used to. "In elementary school and junior high school, I was part of a class of pioneers who were always lucky enough to work directly with staff and help run school pro" grams," he said.

"I decided to continue this tradition at Harris and, eventually, as assistant to the director in the College Preparatory Programs."

Joseph started working Jar Dr. Haafi right after his senior year when a classmate of his, Danny Lew, informed him of his job wjth the program. At the time, Danny was working as Dr. Haan's assistant and Joseph asked if he needed another. "After 11 graduated Townsend Harris, I became a full-time Queens College student," he explained.

"I became an honors humanities and a biochemical research rna~ jor and, in 1992 when Danny graduated, I moved up to become Dr. Haan 's assistant."

Working with Dr. Haan, Joseph was in charge of managing data bases, a large amount of paper work, xeroxing, book distribution, as well as paychecks and registration. "I remember that one massive day was set aside for registration in the Queens College gym," he said. "Students would gather and fill out cards with their choice of college class and scan them through a computer to see if they received their first choice."

After Dr. Haan retired, Dr. Ronald Scapp was offered the position. When Dr. Scapp was ready to move on to other things, Dr. Leiner was invited by the dean of the division of education of Queens College to become the new liaison between the college and Townsend Harris, as well as the director of the College Preparatory Programs. "Years of experience in public schools together with my college experience as a professor definitely helped me to get the job," Dr. Leiner Continued on p. 7 explained,

Joseph Merino

New, flexible guidance programs to address community's needs

by Daniel Bloch A variety of new guidance programs are currently available to provide assistance to the school community.

According to Janet Solomon, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services, a total of four programs exist, or are set to begin this semester, that stem from the Department of Education, Queens College, the SPARK Program and the federal government.

Rosetta McBride, a social worker from the Department of Education, has been in her office in the Guidance Suite on Wednesdays since the beginning of the school year. Students can drop in any time when Ms. McBride's office is open, but she will also take referrals for students to see her from teachers, coaches and other staff members. According to Ms. Solomon, students can also go to Ms. McBride to get referrals for other guidance and counseling agencies.

Starting this semester, Mark Duke, a counselor from SPARK, will be available in room 116 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

SPARK is a guidance program that was originally geared toward drug and alcohol prevention and intervention issues with teenagers, but, according to Ms. Solomon, it is now "an all-encompass-

ing guidance support service ." Ms. Solomon added that some years go, Townsend Harris had a SPARK program, but budget cuts forced its removal. "So we're lucky that we have this program back in the school," she said.

Currently, the plan is to have Mr. Duke offering his assistance full time by the fall. "He wants to create one or two classes for peer he! pers. They' 11 be trained to help their fellow students, so he won't be the sole person who's helping the students," said Ms. Solomon. Mr. Duke added that his program would include "both peers helping peers in the high school and also possibly helping the community in local elementary schools."

John Pelliteri, a professor at Queens College, spearheaded a third counseling program at Townsend at the start of the school year. Dr. Pelliteri works with college students who are interning in the counseling field and who need to work a certain number of hours at a school. As part of the Enhancing Your Empowerment Skills (EYES) program, the interns offer their help to Harrisites. The program, which meets on Wednesdays during Bands 5, 6 and 7, will run throughout the semester.

Students can come in for short-term

or long-term counseling, either individually or in groups," Ms. Solomon explained.

Ms. Solomon stressed that all of these programs are flexible to the needs of the student. As far as differences are concerned, she said, "There is a higher level of confidentiality in certain areas" if a student talks with the SPARK counselor.

But, she continued, "In other areas, he's mandated to report. There is also a great deal of confidentiality with the social worker."

Ms. Soiomon added that in most cases, "the first thing [done] is to encourage the student to talk with a parent" about the issue at hand .

In response to the events of September ll, 200 I, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gave money to all school districts to be used to support the needs of the students, staff and parents. Using this money, a plan called Project Liberty has provided Townsend Harris with two grants, one for school instruction and the other for counseling services.

According to Principal Thomas Cunningham, the school instruction grant will include "Regents preparation and instructional support" for all subjects. Mr.

Cunningham said this "short-term boost," which expi-res on June 16, "gives us an opportunity for some extra academic support. In tight economic times, it's obviously a welcome addition to school resources."

Under the grant for counseling services, representatives from "Global Kids," an organization focused on heightening global awareness in students, will begin working with Global History classes by the end of March. Susan Getting, Interim Acting Assistant Principal of the Humanities, said that the emphasis of the program is to create a greater understanding and awareness of world events and other cultures by working with the students on "global awareness/world issues projects."

After-school counseling services and evening meetings for parents and families will also be implemented under Project Liberty. Ms. Solomon said that even though the program came about because of 9/11, the counseling services would focus more on "general stresses and issues about children's education."

"We're open to whatever the population needs," she said. "[We want to] find out what the problems are, if any, and then provide support."

6

The Classic February 2003

Cf~-r·

Nursing home residents get , makeovers from Gl·amourGals by ·Lina Lee and Angela Hom

no way exclusive to the girls in school.

GlamourGals, a new club started last The club is most certainly open to all term by junior Jennifer Arcila, uses mas- male students who wish to join. In fact, cara, eyeliner and lipstick to create a many of the elderly women actually get bridge of understanding between the eld- excited when they see a 'handsome erly and the youth of today. Meetings are young man,' and they just completely held twice a month, every other week on forget that we girls exist." Members Wednesdays after school in room 413. will also discuss their experiences at On those weeks without school meetings, Waterview and decorate the the club visits Waterview Nursing Care GlamourGals binder at club meetings.

Center in College Point.

Not only will the club give memThe goal of the club is to help young bers rewarding experiences, but comadults overcome their prejudices and to munity service as well. "I considered help elderly women acquire a renewed it perfect that club members could do sense of their beauty and dignity. It al- community service and receive club lows teens to give personal attention to credit simultaneously without it seemthose who might otherwise be left alone. ing like a dreadful chore. Hopefully, Makeup is used as the tool to help break GlamourGals will work in favor of the barriers and create a bond in which a club students in terms of satisfying the remember and her charge can share life quirements we must fulfill to receive experiences and everyday thoughts. service credit," said Jennifer.

"I wan.~;d to 2ring something innoThe advisor, Spanish teacher vative and attractive to the school, some- Amelia Betancourt, will accompany thing different and worthwhile. I want the students on their visits to the nursclub members to feel proud to belong to jng home. The Consultative Council a noble and rewarding cause like recommended her as an advisor. "Ms. GlamourGals. Everyone does not get the Betancourt seemed very excited with opportunity to connect with elderly the idea of the club. She thought that it women on a more personal level and was a wonderful way for students to brighten up their day by doing so little," volunteer and that it was very nice of said Jennifer. us to go to nursing homes and spend So far, the club has gone to Waterview some time with the elderly women," twice. The first visit was to familiarize said Jennifer. themselves with the nursing home and Jennifer first heard of GlamourGals the setting in which they would be work- during the three-day Hugh O'Brien ing. During the second visit, members Youth Leadership seminar that she atcompleted three makeovers. Waterview tended in her sophomore year. It was is the only nursing home GlamourGals held at Adelphi University in Long Iswill be going to this year, but as club land. The seminar included educational members gain experience and familiar- activities and several guest speakers, ity with the process, they will go to more one of whom was Rachel Doyle, the places.

CEO, creator and president of Jennifer described the makeover ex- GlamourGals Foundation, Inc. "She perience as "refreshing and pleasant." spoke about her not-for-profit organi"All three of the ladies were deeply grate- zation, how she got the idea and what ful for the service we rendered and even she did to get it started. I found the consaid that they would wait for us in two cept so unique and interesting that I weeks," she added. immediately knew that GlamourGals Experienced makeup artists will teach was a club would appeal to many stumembers how to do nails and hair. How- dents in Townsend Harris," said Jenever, Jennifer explains, "The club is in nifer.

Club changes name, goal remains same

by Margo Kakoullis The long-running club, formerly known as "Save the Children,'!. is going by a new name, "Free the Children," but it remains focused on helping children in need.

The decision to change the club's name was made at the beginning of the semester in light of the realization that the club was no longer, and had not been for several years, affiliated with the national Save the Children organization.

"We organized and participated in activities such as making Easter baskets for hospitalized children and visiting the children's ward of Booth Memorial Hospital with holiday presents, but we did not affiliate ourselves with [Save the Children] activities," said club president Janet Song, senior. Another international organization, Free the Children, had a much higher "appeal" to club members, and was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize, she added.

Free the Children exists in over 35 countries and around the world. Decisions regarding policies and projects are made entirely by children under the age of 18 who act as spokespeople in educating others. Free the Children's main goals are to "free children from poverty, exploitation, and abuse," and "to give children a voice, leadership training and opportunities to take action on issues which affect them,'' said Janet.

Free the Children was established by Craig Kielburger, a "twelve-year-old with a vision to help less fortunate kids."

Townsend Harris High School is now a local chapter of this organization and raises money to achieve the same goals.

"Our goals as a club are to provide children in local areas as well as [in] third world countries with aid that will allow them to live their lives without poverty, abuse, hunger and untreated sickness,'' said Janet. Free the Children's focus this year will be on raising $2500 to $3000 to help build a school in a Latin American country. "It is important for children in Latin America to be provided with an

Model United Nations screens Australian film

by Daniel Bloch What do about 30 Harrisites and an odd bunch of colonial Australian schoolgirls have in common?

Until the very first International Film Festival, sponsored by the Model United Nations club and held in the auditorium on February 6, not much.

"The film festival was actually a thought that...[ club advisor and Assistant Principal of Humanities Susan] Getting had, and we thought it would be a new and exciting way to raise money and would also be very appropriate for our team since we would be screening foreign films," explained senior Preeti Dixit, co-vice president of the Model UN club.

For their first film screening, the club chose Picnic at Hanging Rock, a mysterious 1975 film from Australia directed

by Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show). The film tells the true story of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher who vanished without a trace during a school outing in the Outback.

"The film is very interesting because of the suspense which is built through the use of different camera angles and music," said Preeti.

Senior Virginia Jurgens said she found the film to be "disturbingly weird." Barbra Hsu, senior, agreed with her evaluation, but added, "I think I'll come to the next [movie]."

On Monday, March 24, the club will screen Lagaan, a film from India that was nominated for an Oscar last year for Best Foreign Film. "We are also planning to screen a movie in April, but have not yet chosen a film," said Preeti.

Tickets will cost five dollars.

According to seniorTalya Lieberman, the Model UN club's co-president with senior Victoria Yuan, about $160 were raised at the first festival showing.

"We're hoping to raise more for the next time," Talya said. "We look forward to an even larger audience at our next event," echoed senior Bharati Kalasapudi, co-vice president. "We will publicize more this time."

According to Bharati, "The money collected will be used to send our team to collegiate Model UN conferences in the years to come. This is a wonderful opportunity for the students of this school to mingle with and learn from students from all across the nation and interact with college Model UNers."

"I think [the film festival] is a wonderful addition to the Townsend Harris tradition,'' said Talya.

education," explained Janet.

Free the Children began raising funds by selling "candy-o-grams" during the week of December 16. The fundraiser offered students the opportunity to send chocolate lollipops with personalized messages to their friends and teachers.

Meetings are held Tuesday afternoons in the COSA office. Janet encourages fellow students to remember that Free the Children is all about "providing other children with the luxuries we are fortunate enough to have." She added, "these luxuries don'tjust include daily dinners, but wheelchairs, concrete floors and fresh water."

'!be Club Scane J8A, SADD, SAGES ate some of tne club acronyms that are a latge part of f!arrisites' lives, but how maay actually know what they mean? Here is your chance to get the latest scooP on the activities that you may have been missing oot on.

Stuclents.Against J)estruetive De· ci$iooi (S~DD) is devol9J)illig ~ advfi&mg campaign~ devastating facts concerning van..: ous drUgs i·n the hopes that it will

deter teenagers from using harm.: ful s·ubstanoes. SADD m~ets Tuesclay mornings in room 410.

Students Promoting AIDS Aw~ ness (SPAA) visited AIDS pati~nts at a Christm:as party on December 13. The club also delivered food to AIDS sufferers in associatio~ with the organization ''God•s.Love We Deliver." and membei$ are writing reports about their experiences. Sl'AA meets Fttiday'~mings in room 531.

The Yoga atm· will begin meeting

alternate. Monday afternoons in the cafeteria on Maron 3. Cathy Kotelcflic,k of Queens CoUeg.e wil nm sessions limited to 30 participantS twice a month.

The Phoenix literary magazine is in the Ias(stages of preparing its pub~o~ ~~come out in April The}:lUb,plans to ·nave a poetry i:.e~ ~on in mid-March.

Stud~~pmstAnimal Cruelty (SAAC)is writing letters to prosecutor~ Jnvolvecl in a case in w'l'licb,'i,~Suffotk County teenager sprayed:bairspray onto his par~ keet. $et it on fire and broadeasted pictur~ ·of the .tncident .on the internet For his crime, the offender. only .received a misdemeanor.. SAAC meets alternate Wed~~y ln'OrRings in ro<mt 409. ' ..

' IWueate to' Elevate (Ell£) is eolla~~S on a neWilett~r featur..

• •.!!.t.AA A~ A A.: tng at'tl\iUlila -oot ~~amous.ru.ucanAm.$cele~ati~n of})lack

Hisf~notl112T'fl:t w.et.. ~-:l.;,v •.•' ' ·~·~;~·;···· ., ·d~~~......~t:;~~#'

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Budding young scientists

by Jennifer Gong Seniors Jessica Hetherington, Bharati Kalasapudi and Jonathan Kamler are on their way to becoming scientists of the next generation. After working many months on extensive research projects, they were named as semifinalists for this year's Intel Science Talent Search. They will each receive $2000, half of which will go to Townsend Harris.

Jessica's involvement with the Aaron Diamonds AIDS Research Center gave her the background needed to research the protein integrase. This protein is found in all retroviruses as well as in all viruses and is the agent by which viral DNA integrates into the host DNA, which is the start of an infection .

Integrase, as part of a group of proteins, enters the T-cells of the human immune system, which then become filled with the virus. Jessica experimented with integrase to see if it was the sole agent in infecting the cells.

In order to isolate integrase, Jessica, in association with the research center, used a green fluorescent protein to locate the cell colonies in the virus that expressed the protein. After finding this cell line, she was then able to clone it and produced strands of viral DNA to experiment with and to find whether or not the host cells would be affected by the virus.

Jessica reached the conclusion that integrase was unable to insert the viral DNA alone. "This is significant in that we now know that integrase is not the

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The Classic

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February 2003

their Intelligence

only protein [that causes a virus] and we makes each end of the film move at difcan target other proteins or a combina- ferent speeds, which allowed Jonathan tion of proteins" in the quest to prevent to study how fluids at different speeds AIDS, she said. interact. The liquids also had a differIn the future, Jessica will "keep the ence in density due to gravity. Jonathan sciences in anything I do," she said. found that when the flow of the soap "Although, I don't want to be a re- slows down, "the mixing ofthe two densearcher; I'd rather work with people," sity regions increases incredibly." she added.

The exJessica periment also plans to mahas an "applijor in biolcation to c: many ogy in colreal ¡~ u lege. world prob~ ~ !ems," exJonathan would also ~plained ll:l Jonathan. like to purThe characsue a career of science teristics of the and plans to soap flow can major in Seniors Jessica Hetherington, Jonathan Kamler and be related to physics Bharati Kalasapudi take a break from mad science and the blood flow laboratories they worked in as Intel semifinalists. while in and ho,w plaque builds up in the human body. college.

For his experiment, Jonathan built a "There is a swirling eddy that grows and soap film, a large flat soap bubble. He stops the flow in the film, and there is a created the apparatus from parallel metal similar mechanism in blood flow," said bars and placed a container of soap Jonathan. The experiment is similar to bubbles at each end. The soap film is the research that he and his sister Jenniformed after running a sponge from one fer conducted in France last October, when they visited a fresh water spring end of the structure to the other.

Jonathan's model is used to simulate in the middle of the ocean as covered in fluid flows, something that has been the last issue of The Classic. Fresh wadone in past experiments; however, his ter is less dense than salt water. Therehas a more complicated design. He re- fore in order for the two to remain sepasearched the simpler, straight design~ of rate, the spring must have been moving other scientists to develop his more at a high velocity. This may then lead to curved apparatus. The curvature style a way to catch the fresh water in the

ocean to be used for drinking water.

Bharati worke~ at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center to conduct theresearch for her essay entitled "The Resolution of Inflammatory Processes in the Human Body," part of a larger project that was already being done in the laboratory. There, she experimented with the I kappa B alpha protein to study any molecular processes by which the protein could lead the inflamed cells to apoptosis or programmed cell death. Bharati found that "the proteins degraded in the nucleus, the implications of which still need to be researched," she said.

At this stage of medical findings, there are a few drugs that can be used to treat inflammation; however, they are "not fully effective," said Bharati . The research that she is involved with is concerned with developing a drug target or a pathway tnat the inflamed cell can follow to die. "Once we find a good pathway, then we will find a good drug," she explained.

Bharati's experimentation may also help her to attain her educational and career goals. She applied to college medical programs, and hopes to work for the World Health Organization.

By completing their respective research experiments, Jessica, Bharati and Jonathan are on the path to achieving their goals of careers in scientific fields.

Their essays reflected the "scientific attitude, curiosity and inventiveness," said Bharati, helpful in solving the scientific enigmas of the world.

Leiner, Merino and Balogh facilitate Bridge Year program for seniors Continued from p. 5 Considered a Harris alumnus of 1944, Dr. Leiner was a freshman when Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia decided to close the elite high school for boys. He then attended Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn and then New York University. "It was at NYU where I discovered my pull to people," Dr. Leiner said. "I immersed myself in the social sciences and history, and eventually received a scholarship for NYU graduate school."

Once out of college, Dr. Leiner started to teach in Bushwick, a neighborhood greatly affected by a wave of Puerto Rican immigration as well as severe poverty. Shortly after, he became an Assistant Principal in Rockaway and then a professor of education for 25 years at Queens College. He also was a visiting professor at Yale University.

Interested in Cuban education, Dr. Leiner made frequent trips to Cuba and eventually wrote two books describing the research he conducted. The first, entitled Sexual Politics in Cuba: Machismo, Homosexuality and AIDS, examines the developments in sex education in Cuba. The second, Children are the Revolution, examines the day care of small children in Cuba. He also wrote a third, entitled Children of the Powerless, which discusses the education in urban schools in the United States.

Since becoming the liaison in 1994, Dr. Leiner has pioneered many programs in THHS. The lecture series, for

example, was instituted in 1998 and, accordi 'lg to Dr. Leiner, proves that "high school can be an intellectual environment where an expert on the text being read can offer further background information for students and faculty." The election simulation, initiated by Michael Krasner of Queens College's political science department together with THHS high school teachers in the fall of 1996, is another program that Dr. Leiner helped to create. "The simulation was created in an attempt to change or affect student knowledge and attitude toward politics."

The Dialogue of the Imagination, started by Dr. Leiner and Richard Lewis of the Touchstone Center in 1995 and later continued along with former Harris art teacher Elizabeth Crawford, is yet another one of Dr. Leiner's creations.

"I feel like a ballplayer that stays loose and knows the people on campus who can help start new projects in Townsend Harris," he said.

Shortly after Dr. Leiner became liaison, Edie joined the College Preparatory Program, as well. In 1995, she became the Administrative Assistant and has been working since to handle registration and deal with students' academic issues. "Out of the three of us, I have the most interaction with students and like to try and go that little extra step to help them on their way."

A Grover Cleveland High School alumna, Edie played the flute and was very active on the Senior Council as a

borough representative. She also was a member of the Italian Club and Arista.

After graduating high school in 1990, Edie enrolled in QC and started to work as a student aide in the admissions office. As an English major with a minor in Irish Studies and honors in the humanities, she became aware of the College Preparatory Program during her senior year and inquired about working there. "At this time of year when seniors are starting their spring semester, I am busy with several tasks," she explained.

"I check to make sure that the seniors' tuition waivers have been applied, grades from the previous semester are in, students are in their proper courses and that there are no conflicts between students' college and high school schedules."

When asked what they enjoy most about their job in the College Preparatory Programs, Joseph, Edie, and Dr Leiner responded differently. "I Jove helping students figure out what they want to do with their Jives," Joseph said.

According to Edie, the most rewarding part of the work that she does is "helping students at the start of their journeys into college and adulthood." Dr. Leiner loves seeing people work together. "I get great pleasure out of seeing Harris students succeeding in this vigorous, challenging program," he said.

"Seeing good teaching and much learning going on brings me great joy, as well," Dr. Leiner added.

Joseph, Edie and Dr. Leiner enjoy a

variety of activities when they are not busy in the College Preparatory office in Delany Hall. Dr. Leiner loves theatre, film, photography, reading, tennis and brisk walking, while Edie and Joe are active in a not-for-profit, role playing social group called F.A.E.R.I.E (Fantasy and Elder Races Imagined and Enacted).

As members of this group, their goal, according to the group's pamphlet, is to keep faeries, or beings that dwell in the legends of cultures all over the world, alive.

Aside from being involved with the group, Edie enjoys reading (urban fantasy, Tolkien, tarot, American and British history and the Jist "goes ever on and on"), sewing and other crafts, while Joseph likes to read and listen to an eclectic variety of music.

As for the future, Edie "eventually would like to earn a degree in Elementary Education or perhaps a Master's in English" while Joseph, on the other hand, can see himself staying with Dr. Leiner for a while. "I want to be advisor to the king for now," he said.

"Kings come and go, but the advisor stays," he added.

Dr. Leiner hopes to "develop new collaborative projects betwen THHS and the QC Divisions of Education, Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics and Natural Sciences, including an increase in QC courses a THHS student can take each semester and the mentoring ofTHHS students by QC professors."

8

The Classic February 2003

To curse or not to curse, that is the question

by Jason Novick "F***, that hurt!" "Get the f*** out of my way!" "This is bulls***!" The words that color these phrases are not uncommon to the ears of a New York · teenager. But, if you remove the "curses" from any one of these sentences, you don't have much of a sentence. Put them in an essay, and you're bound to fail. Say them in front of Dean Wanda Nix and expect a referral in your. mailbox. But is cursing really so bad?

From the time we're children, we are taught "yes," it is so bad. Parents, as an unspoken rule of parenting, teach their children not to say "bad words." Society considers cursing colloquial and inappropriate in formal speech, and many curse words aren't even in the dictionary. However, outside the realm of essays and speeches, cursing may actually serve a purpose in self-expression. "I curse whenever I'm excited, whenever I'm angry," said a junior girl. For her; cursing is a means by which to vent her feelings and articulate the strength ofher emotions. "I feel good if I scream it re. ally loudly," she added. · : Although this junior thinks cursing is a good way to verbally expel her anger or frustration, she also believes·cursing is only appropriate in certain situations. Jessica Berger, junior, laid out the circumstances under which she believes cursing is inappropriate: "It's definitely wrong in front of young children, adults whom you do not know, teachers, and in professional situations- basically, you have to use your judgment about whether cursing is suitable in any given set of circumstances." Sara Corbett, sophomore, who also curses when she's angry, agreed with Jessica, adding that cursing is "disrespectful" in the presence of authority figures.

Cursing is also against school rules, according to Ms. Nix, who reported that profanity is "unacceptable and inappropriate" in an educational setting. The penalty for cursing in school is first a warning of"Watch your language!" and then, if it's persistent, a dean's referral and detention.

Jessica, Sara, and many others who use cursing to alleviate anger or frustration and as a mode of expression recognize that it is not formally accepted and keep the guidelines in mind when they do curse. "Most kids try to be respectful and don't use profanity around adults," said Ms.Nix. However, many

teenagers has greatly increased since she from the Middle Dutch fokken, which, was a teenager: "There would never similarly, meant "to strike, or copulate have been a show or movie called Jack- with." These are analogous to one ofthe ass, and "gangsta rap" did not exist yet word's many contemporary meanings in - rap was defined by the Beastie Boys, the verb form: to engage in sexual inRun DMC, and the Sugar Hill Gang, so tercourse. Others believe f*ck comes the profanity was not an issue." A sopho- from an ;1cronym F.U.C.K, for "fornimore, who wishes to remain anony- cation under consent of the king," which mous, agreed. "In popular TV shows was posted on the doors of legal brothlike The Sopranos and in rap and hip els in early England. Sh*t, according to hop music, kids hear such a great Dictionary.com, comes from Old Enamount of cursing that it seeps its way glish sciten, "to be covered in excreinto their style of speech. They hear ment." Today, sh*t is used as a noun to Tony Soprano and Jay-Z cursing in ev- , mean "feces" or anything else "disgustery other sentence, every other phrase, ing or of poor quality." The root words of today's curses, once used in normal, casual speech, mutated through time and alternate usage to the modern expres"(1 o-...,. " sions many consider deplorable.

Some students, however, have re. .:Mi- . .·.. \ ' . (\-~ sisted the influence of peers and media • and do not ever curse. Jessica Bader, ' o\c>-• . junior, who thinks cursing is "rude and .·tfl \ : disrespectful," doesn't curse because "it ' h~'~,_ · detracts from whatever point you are · trying to make with whatever you are saying." Jessica believes that cursing does not help her to express her anger and does not add anything substantial to something she is saying. In addition, Christine, a freshman, also never curses because "there is no need to."

"There are other ways to e\ltpress yourself besides cursing," she said. Instead of cursing, whenever Christine is angry or frustrated, she uses words she Zaman invented, which are less offensive than young ages not to say curse words, why · and they [kids] think it's 'cool'," he ex- curse words, such as "foodeedoodle." are they so prevalent in the teenage vo- plained. The prevalence of cursing in Jane Wong, freshman, never curses for cabulary? Ms. Nix proposes it could be music is certainly great- there are more religious reasons. "I've gone to church because parents have become too lax in than 35 curses in one 4:06 song by Jay- all my life, and they teach us not to correcting their children when they Z; 56 in one ofTupac's "Greatest Hits." curse; they teach us to say good things," curse. "Teenagers curse a lot because The words currently considered she said. Many teenagers choose not to their parents are overly permissive and "curses" did not always have the strong, make cursing a part of their speaking society allows it," she said. Even though negative connotations they carry today. style for their own reasons, but many most of the students we spoke with were There are many theories regarding the agree on one point: cursing is offensive taught not to curse as youngsters, they origin of popular curse words such as and inappropriate, and it serves no puradmitted that they now curse in front of f*ck and sh*t. According to Cecil pose in everyday conversation.

So is cursing really bad? Is it okay if their parents and their parents don't care. Adams of TheStraightDope.com, for "My parents don't give a sh*t ifl curse," example, f*ck comes from the Middle done with consideration for one's surEnglishfucken, which meant "to strike, · roundings? Oh, foodeedoodle! You desaid a junior boy. Obviously not.

English teacher Raquel Chung move quickly or penetrate," or possibly cide. blames the excessive teenage use of expletives on the media. "Movies, TV shows, video games and music broadcast cursing, so it is st'Oey of freed~l1Jl or on what freedom

by Angi!la Hom more acceptable and accesFurther infotma.tion about each con- means to y0u as inspired oy the "Freesible to a younger generadom'' series. Deadline; Aprill5 test is available in room 403. tion," she said. Ms. Chung l. United States Holocaust Memorial Mualso believes cursing among seum. 2003 May Family Arts & Writing 4. NY State Bar Association 9th Annual Contest - Select one of four themes.(res- High School Bssay Contest - Write an ess~y of 75!)-1000 words answering this 0Ue, resistance, response or renewal) and respond to it in either written form or art- q,~estion: "Should a 17-year-old acctased homicide sniper face capital punishwork. Deadline:. Mateh 14 ment?" Prizes ra:f_lge from $100 to $500.

2. CCNY City-Wiae Hl;gh Seh0ol· Poetry Deadline: April15 Contest- .Suhmit up to tbree poems. DeadS.Tne National Clluncil fur the Humaniline: April 1 ties Il th Annual Young Sctholars Contest: 3-. FreedQm: ~History of Us • This con,. The S0urc.e of Ideas - Write an essay on test is base:d in part o.n the PBS series that the creative pt-ocess of a famous indiYour Home aired January 12 and wil1 contioue for 1() vidual. M'orretary pdzes ranging frem weeks after. Write an essay of 1500 wmds $250 te $5000 witl be awrurd~. D:eadteenagers ignore the basic guidelines of when cursing can be acceptable. For countless teenagers, cursing has become an uncontrollable habit that absentmindedly takes over even relaxed con~ versations and shows up in blatantly inappropriate situations.

"I curse constantly - under any circumstance," said Ben Strauss, junior. "I think I should curse less, but I don't care enough to stop."

Once a habit, cursing becomes so ingrained in a person's speech that he may not even realize when he.'s doing it. But if parents teach !heir children from very

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The Classic

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February 2003

Winter Concert showcases musical talent and "A Christmas Canon" arranged by by Keith Christopher and "Deck the

by Diane Tiao Although the weather outside was Michael Green. "There are no words to Halls" arranged by MacHuff. frigid, it was warm and toasty inside the say how good we were," said trumpet Performing alongside the chorus for auditorium on Thursday, December 19 player, Emmania Rodgriguez, sopho- "Bashana Haba'ah," a selection arfrom 7:00 to 9:00PM. The annual win- more. ranged by John Leavitt, were junior ter concert welcomed a room full of friends, family, students and staff.

"Long after the applause of the winter concert has ended, .. . [everyone] is im~ pressed by the outstanding performances of our young musicians . It was an extraordinary evening," said Lisa Mars, Assistant Principal of Music A merry assortment of faculty members regail the crowd with a T@wnsend-tinged "Twelve Days of Christmas." and Fine Arts.

"On the whole, the students worl<ed Sharon Lim on violin, senior Sonia Lim The Intermediate Band, led by music director Peter Lustig, kicked off the hard in learning the materiaL They gave on cello, and senior-Evan Muehlbauer event with "The Star Spangled Banner" a professional performance," said cho- on cfarinet.

The string ensemble, led by director and then performed five selections in- ral director Florence McKinley. She cluding "The Barber of Seville Over- guided her group as they performed a Paula Zamion, pla,yed four selections, ture" arranged by Mitchell S. Bender, total of six songs, including"God Bless inclu9ing :'Dance ofthe Toy Flutes" ar"Only Time" arranged by Paul Murtha, America: Let Freedom Ring':. arranged rang~d by R:ic,hard Meyer and "Serenade for s 路t ring Orchestra" by Elena Roussariova"Lucas.

"This is one of the best concerts I've ever had and both bands were excellent.

In partic~lar, the medley from The Lord of the f!IJrgs was very challenging as a able about the check. "They checked my conductor, but the concert band did a

by Alexis Serra Long lines caused by one of the larg- jacket, book bag, and all my personal est turnouts of recent dances marked the belongings. I thought that was unnecesannual Guest Dance, organized by the sary," said sophomore Maria Savoca.

AdamStonehill, Coordinator of StuStudent Union, on Friday, December 6 dent Activities, responded to these comfrom 6 PM to 9:30PM. "The dance was extremely success- plaints, saying,"This issue has no room ful. We had over 450 people come, for negotiation. My main concern is the which is great," said Student Union security of the students. Students have president Jaime Sackett. "The gym was to understand that guest dances are fairly packed! It was the first time I've seen new so [being checked by security] the gym that full," remarked junior shouldn't be a complaint."

"Everyone seemed to be well-beShanay Freeman.

The night started off with a very thor- haved. This brings up the possibility of ough security check at the entrance. having another guest dance later this Many students said they felt uncomfort- year," said Mr. Stonehill.

High attendance makes guest ,danc,e a success

Arista inducts members, welcomes new advisor

by Lina Lee After being postponed a week because of a snowstorm, academic achievements were honored at the annual Arista induction ceremony on Tuesday, December I 0, in Colden Center at Queens College.

Principal Thomas Cunningham, teachers and families formally gathered to congratulate 124 inductees and 200 members.

"Arista [induction] is more than just an event. It is held to respect accomplishments and to give the students a feeling that it was all worthwhile," said new Arista advisor Adam Stonehill.

The traditional candle-lighting ceremony that was led by Arista President Susan Cheng, senior, presented the ide-

als held by the National Honor Society.

Third-year Vice President Susan Chang, senior; Second-year Vice President Lina Lee, junior; Secretary Le Tu Ho,junior; and Treasurer Kathy Mu, junior, lit the candles of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.

Dr. Marvin Leiner, Director of College Preparatory Programs at Queens College, acknowledged the persistence and integrity it took to become ideal scholars. Mr. Cunningham then expressed gratitude to the teachers and parents who helped make it possible for the students to achieve success.

"I liked that all the speakers spoke very briefly, yet effectively," remarked first-year inductee Kelly Wong, sophomore.

great job," said Mr. Lustig.

Arranged by Jack Bullock, the musical selection featured a number of solos, including senior Marion Mercado on flute and senior Carlos Gonzales on trumpet. "The Lord of the Rings medley was fun to play because it felt like you were really in Middle Earth, and the sax-a-rna-phones il were super," said tenor saxophone player, Viro ~ ginia Jurgens , senior. ~ The Concert Band also ~ played Christmas mu~ sic from The Christmas Oratorio arranged by Frank Erickson, which included "Come and Praise Him," "Holy Child" an,d "Be Joyful."

Latin teacher Richard Russo performed "fflfelice e tuo credevi," Silva's aria fr:otl} . Gi~~eppe 'verdi's. Er,~ani, without' microphone. Ms. Zarmo11 'ac~ companied him .on the piano. "It was a nice surprise to see.Mr. Russo sing," said senior Janice Chan.

Various teachers and staff members brought the evening to a close by performing the "Twelve Days of Townsend," a tradition that pokes fun at the school by spoofing the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

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The Classic February 2003

Fun-filled flick shows how to find true love in 10 days

by Diane Tiao "How-To" columnist Andie Anderson, played

by Kate Hudson (The Four Feathers, Almost Famous), works at Composure Magazine, one of the fastest growing female magazines on the market. Her strange assignment is the basis of this hilarious romantic comedy. She has to write a first-hand account of all the things women do to drive men away, entitled, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

However, before she can do that, she has to find a guy, get him to fall in love with her, and then make all the classic dating mistakes so that he will dump her- all within a 10-day period.

Is it luck? Is it a coincidence? Or is it fate when Andie's target happens to be Benjamin Barry, played by Matthew McConaughey ~ (The Wedding Planner, A Time to Kill), an advertising . agency_ representative who_also has an ulterior motive? He makes a bet with his boss that he can make any

woman fall in love with him in 10 days, and if he wins, Ben will receive the op-

Old Men, Mystic Pizza), from a screenplay by Kristen Buckley, Brian

.portunity to manage a high-profile jewelry ad campaign.

Directed by Donald Petrie (Grumpy

Regan and Burr Steers, the film is based on a book by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. Although the

chances of two beautiful people meeting, dating on false pretenses and inadvertently falling for each other are slim to none in reality, this "chick flick" is full of comical and side-splitting moments that make it a worthwhile watch.

Hudson gives a wonderful performance. As Andie, she is adorable, sassy, cool, sexy and a bit psychotic, especially when she does everything in her power to repel Ben, including leaving 50 or so messages on his answering machine, calling his mother, and redecorating his apartment with such accessories as a pink toilet seat cover and teddy bears.

McConaughey is charming in his role. He plays the suave, sweet, bad-boy, motorcycleriding heartthrob very well. It is amusing and sometimes painful watching his character react to Andie and her crazy schemes to get rid of him. He keeps on going back for more and endures what he thinks are her peculiar traits: The storyline is not complex, but it is refreshing to take a break from complicated plots. Although romantic comedies come by the dozen, and this plot is not unlike the rest, the on-screen chemistry and magnificent performances of Hudson and McConaughey make this movie a must-see. j

Frick Collection enchants with an eclectic array of art

by Angela Hom

1 East 70th St. New York, NY 10021 (212) 288-0700 10:00-6:00 Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays 10:00-9:00 Fridays 1:00-6:00 Sundays Closed Mondays $12 Adult; $8 Senior Citizens; $5 Students Grandly housed in a mansion facing Central Park, the beauty of the artwork in the Frick Collection is rivaled only by the building in which it is contained.

Paintings by European masters are hung in lavish rooms decorated with eighteenth-century French furniture and Chinese porcelain. To walk from one end -: of the house to the other is an experience in itself as a visitor wonders what it would have been like to live in such a place. Eyes of the passerby are indulged at every turn. ,, A stroll through the museum would bring the visitor-into contact with such famous works as Vermeer's Officer and Laughing Girl, Constable's Salisbury Cathedral from the Bishop's Garden, El Greco's The Purification of the Temple and Renoir's Mother and Children.

Rembrandt's Self" Portrait hangs a room away from Whistler's Symphony in Flesh Color and Pink: Mrs. Frederick

R. Leyland. A list of the other artists represented in this collection reads like a "Who's Who" for the art world. Paintings by Goya, Titian, Degas and Turner are all on display.

â&#x20AC;˘ The current special exhibition is entitled "Anne Vallayer-Coster: Painter to the Court of Marie Antoinette ."

Vallayer-Coster was an eighteenth-century still life painter known mainly for her works featuring flowers, fruit and game. The attention paid to detail and color makes each painting look very real. Each petal of every flower is carefully done in one of the show's highlights, Bouquet of Flowers in a

Terracotta Vase, with Peaches and Beatrice of Aragon and Jean-Antoine Grapes, and a very patient visitor Houdon 's Comtesse du Cayla, rest on pedwould be able to count the hairs on estals in the hallways. The railing of the one painting's rabbit subject. stairs leading to the second floor is wonThis exhibition runs until March derfully ornate, a maze of black iron curli23, 2003. The next cues. Even the wallpaper and ceilings are planned exhibition is beautiful to look at.

"Whistler, Women, One particularly striking place is the and Fashion," which Boucher room. It is small, but is well lit will run from April and has a free-spirited mood to it. Instead 22 to July 13, 2003. of oppressive wood paneling or dark wallOriginally a pri- paper, there are gaily-painted wall panels. vate residence, each Each panel, exquisitely done by Francois room in the museum Boucher in 1752 for Madame de is -for the most part Pompadour's library at Chateau de Crecy preserved from when in France, depicts cherubic children mimHenry Clay Frick icking serious adult pastimes. Collectively lived in the mansion called "The Arts and Sciences," subjects in the late 1800s. include "Fowling and Horticulture," There are prime ex- "Fishing and Hunting., and "Poetry and '-¡'' amples of period in- Music." terior decorating.

Another interestmg highlight of the The opulence of the museum is its garden court An indoor Emma Xiao Victorian era shines courtyard with a fountain and plants, it is through the dim a refreshing break from the heavy splenlighting with each gilt-covered clock dor 6f the other rooms. One can sit down and Oriental rug. here on a marble bench and watch a stream Set on ornate tables throughout the of water spray out from the mouth of a residence are bronze sculptures dating littie frog part of the fountain. from the Renaissance and blue porceThe museum shop is rather small, but lain bowls and vases, a mixture of has a good selection of postcards, prints styles from the West and the East. and interesting art books.

The Frick was a bit crowded on SunDelicate chairs with fading embroidery are set next to dark and powerful day afternoon, but it was a pleasurable exchests of drawers. Marble busts, in- perience walking through such an imprescluding Francesco Laurana's serene sive collection of artwork.

The Classic

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February 2003

Fine Italian fare attracts families and tourists alike by.Jessica Berger Carmine's I (Upper West Side) 2450 Broadway between 90th and 91st Streets Carmine's II (Theater District) 200 West 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues Nestled in a not so quiet nook of the city that never sleeps, Carmine's II is the restaurant that never sleeps, whether on a Saturday afternoon before a matinee performance or any evening in the bustling theater district. The comfort and excitement of knowing that one is eating in a restaurant with a rich history and excellent reputation justifies the sometimes two-hour wait. However, don't let the hype fool you. The exceptional Italian cuisine, served family style, is the true reason diners eat at Carmine's II on 44th street, as well as Carmine's I on the Upper West Side.

The best time to dine at Carmine's is between the hours of two and four in the afternoon on a matinee day when theatergoers are at the theaters and you are likely to wait for a shorter period of time. The best way to dine is in a mid-

to-large group because the restaurant is family style, and the portions are big.

Each large platter of food can feed three hungry customers. By visiting with more companions, one will be able to sample a greater variety of the delicacies that Carmine's has to offer.

My visits to Carmine's often start with an appetizer or salad, but while waiting, I always enjoy the contents of the basket of bread on the table. The basket includes tasty pizza, onion, and traditional white Italian breads. As an appetizer, the fried calamari ($19) is delectable and is comprised of fried, bitesized squid pieces accompanied by a marinara dipping sauce. Other appetizers include hot and .cold antipasto salads ($21 and $19 respectively). As far as salads go, the Carmine Salad ($17) is top-notch and one of my favorites. It is made up of crispy lettuce, assorted sliced meats and cheeses, olives, roasted peppers; cucumber, and tomato in a red wine vinaigrette. The Caesar Salad ($16) is also a mouth-watering choice.

For an entree, a diner at Carmine's has a choice of pasta, seafood, chicken, and beef selections from the menu or the list of specials. The penne all a vodka

($22) is a delicious dish of penne pasta in a pink cream sauce with tomatoes and

Matthew Barbery

herbs. On one of my visits, the pasta special was a meat ravioli in a white

Community mourns untimelY-death: Friend and dedicated faculty member lost Continued from p. 1 Thomas Cunningham. "He truly had the best interest of the students and the organization of the school at heart."

According to Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Rossman's responsibilities included creating the budget, organizing the schedules and payroll, and acting as a laison between the administration and the custodial staff.

Dr Largmann delivered the eulogy at Mr. Rossman's funeral. According to history teacher Myron Moscowitz, Dr. Largmann touched upon "all the things Mr. Rossman did that no one realized. He did a tremendous job organizing."

In addition to his official job, Mr. Rossman also was "the school historian," as former Assistant Principal of Mathematics Harry Ratti en put it.

The history of Townsend Harris was very important to him and he collected photographs and information regarding the original graduates of the school. He was also in the process of planning a "Wall of Fame" with art teacher Anthony Morales that would commemorate distinguished Townsend alumni.

Along with being an historical expert, Mr. Rossman was a huge Yankee fan and often went to minor league games. According to Mr.

Cunningham, Mr. Rossman was "delighted with detail - whether it was the history of Townsend Harris or Yankee stats."

Mr. Rossman loved the students, and in the old building he had them in his office all the time. Once the school was relocated, his office was less accessible and few students really had a chance to get to know him.

"I didn't really know who Mr. Rossman was until senior year, but this year he would walk up and down the third floor telling us jokes. I have a list of Christmas jokes he gave my friends ancl me on our lockers, and one day he even invited me into his office to listen to music. I'll really miss his presence in the school," said senior Alexandra LoRe. Mr. Moskowitz said that a quotation from Hamlet reminds him of Mr. Rossman: "A fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy" (V,i).

Classic Advisor and English teacher lisa Cowen remembers Mr. Rossman as "one of the greatest fans of The Classic, enthusiastically praising issues and passing on to us wonderful ideas for articles." Librarian Valerie Billy also ap~ preciated his contributions to the library.

"He donated many books from his personal collection, mainly history books," she said.

At Mr. Rossman's funeral, the officiating rabbi announced that Mr.

Rossman's family had requested that donations made in his name be donated to Townsend. The Alumni Association created the Malcolm Mark Rossman Memorial Fund, and further details regarding the fund will be worked out with his family and Mr. Cunningham. Donations made by check can be sent to PO Box 1274 Gracie Station, New York, NY 10028.

Donations can be made by credit card at the Townsend Harris Alumni Association (THAA) website www.thaa.org.

Regarding the memorial fund, David M. Herszenhorn (Class of '90), president of the THAA, said, "Mal Rossman was a dedicated educator who was truly committed to the high academic ideals of Townsend Harris High School. His family's decision to direct donations in his memory to Townsend Harris is testimony to his total dedication to the school ·and its students. The high school and Alumni Association have lost a dear friend."

Custodial Assistant Margie Mentz called Mr. Rossman "a good friend.

With the hard times and the good times, we had each other," she said.

"He would be jumping for joy if he knew [about the memorial fund]."

A memorial service will be held in honor of Mr. Rossman, but the date is still not set.

sauce with asparagus and mushrooms, which was also quite good, though not my favorite Carmine's dish. The Chicken Marsala ($18) is truly a wonderful selection, made of sauteed chicken breasts in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

While enjoying the first and second courses, definitely save room for Carmine's desserts, my favorite being the homemade tiramisu ($14 ), a bowl of ladyfinger cakes marinated in espresso and coffee liquor until they are spongy and sweet, spread with smooth whipped cream and flurried with grated chocolate. If you feel too full to enjoy this dessert at the restaurant, order one to go as it is truly too good to miss. Other desserts include the Titanic ($18), an ice cream sundae of gargantuan proportions as well as a reportedly fabulous bread pudding ($12).

If you're ever in the theater district of Manhattan, sight-seeing in Times Square, or camping out to see your favorite celebrities outside of Total Request Live at nearby MTV studios, take the time and an empty stomach to Carmine's II to enjoy a feast for all the senses.

rraq d"tscussion marked

hy differi:ng opinions Coafinued from p. 1 s.pet>tiw addressed during his visit 14~ was tnOfe tike a f~oilfitatod!le wanted stuaents tQ: 't>e able to speak ~rmitla," .she said, whetner or n0:t •tfley wim rum.

Susan Gettif!:g, Asststan~ Princd~ .pal of HumaniUes, pointed: Gut that spnng semester cel;!lsses have 0nl;y ·Te'cendy b'e;g-tin, so there· tnay l,lt

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4l1Ssed onee a week·in kis.tpry,class't'Hllls-. btit it is u{il t'0. dl~· indi'\ridual -~~r.to-deeia(t h0w, \Uld, Xfl te·dis~ ~i s1trrat1on•. "Ill de:f.lnitely: 'S~tNtl ·a-~ dciseussed, but I dun'·t drink J'l 8S'Si~n a fortna} p>:rQje:ct ta ·· lilY st\teents," said b;istory teacne:i:

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·i.Outsitle-ef history ci1:l'S$.eS, dubs iiave afs0 nised tbe l\1-\!i&&i'bl'e- w~r with h!aq as a topie {or diseus.siotr.

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The

Classic

February 2003

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Despite losses, Boy B-ball players come together, enjoy season

Boys' Indoor runners keep pace in field events

by Stephen Berger The Boys' Indoor Track team continued their succe~sful season on January 20 at the Dr. ~.1artin Luther King Jr. Relays at the Armory Track and Field Center. The Hawks finished in second and third place in the freshman 4x800 meter relay.

The second place team was composed of freshmen Martin Gomez, Avan Hundley, Jonathan Pantano, and Nestor Serrano. The third place team included freshmen Constantine Laskaridis, Joe Rodriguez, Kenneth Chang, and Shrey Surana.

In addition, the runners in the varsity 4x200 meter relay, seniors Carlos Gonzalez, Zak Anolic, and Seth Steinhoff, as well as junior Jahoon Kim, enabled the team to finish 20th out of 59 teams overall. The Hawks excelled

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in field events at the meet, highlighted by the third place finish while sophomore Michael Muncha captured third place in the shot put event.

"I am surprised and very impressed at the im;:Jrovement of our freshman team ," said coach veorge Rio. "The freshmen are the main reason why our team is so strong," said junior David Bass.

The varsity 4x200 meter relay team of Gonzalez, Steinhoff, Kim, andAnolic set a new school record in the event earlier this season. "That relay team has just gotten better and better as the season has moved on," stated Mikhail Khaimov, senior. In addition, sophomore runners Matt Duelka, Nick Kolios, and Anthony Diem have been valuable to the team throughout the season.

Freeman·_.~boots

past 1,000 mark; Girls stopped ·in varsity playoffs

by Elyse Lee Junior Shanay Freeman became the second female varsi\y b-asketball player to rea£1:1 the 1 ,000 point mark in Town)!emi Harris history. Freeman, wbo, has played fQr the Girls' Varsity team since her freshman year, fol'lows Kristy Von Ohlen, who scored 1,000 plus points in the 2000 season.

Freeman reached this higbHgbt in her catreer in the first round of the Qurns Bor~ug~ playoffs against John Adams High Scbo_ol Friday, January 31. ,the 40-36 wm over John Adams, Freeman had 12 pmnt& ..

The Hawks advanced to the semi-finals where the girls lost with a disappointing sc.ore of 75-34 ro last year's Queens Borough Champion and City Fi.Qalist, Francis Lewis. Harris still went to the City playoffs seeded #'].0, and played #13 Manhattan Center for Math and Sde,nce. The game was tied at pte end of_the tbird.quarter at 49 points apiece after a butst of energy in w'hich,,tbe Hawks outscored the Lady Rams 21-11. However, the girls were outplay.ed in the fourtl:t anrllost 56-47.

Co-c;apt"ain and senior Andrea Strauss led the team with 25 p.oints· in the loss, inclqrling a. career high of seven three- point baske,ts. "Freeman showed her ve,rsatility with 17 rebounds., 6 assists•. and three points.

The Girls' Varsity Basketball team finished the regtdar season with an 119 oveFall record, 8-6 league record. wifh a thirteen-point win over Martin Van Buren, High School. The score was 41-28 in th~ physical non-League game; Straqss led the Hawks with 14 poi'nts, followed by juniors Katie Driscoll with 10 points and Free.man with nine points. The Girls; Varsity basketball ·team is seeded fourth in Queens A division behind Francis Lewis.• August Martin. and Benjamin Cardozo high s.chools.

The girls lost their last re.gular season game to Francis Lewis with a score of 65 to 45. The Hawks pulled out two strong wins over John Adams High School, the fifth-place team with six wins and seven losses, and against Bryant High School, which secured their fifteenth playoff season out of 16 seasons.

They lost two games to Francis Lewis, and two controversial games to Benjamin Cardozo High School, which allowed girls who were on academic probation to play and therefore had to forfeit some· of their won games.

Though the Hawks started off with a loss to James Madison High School, they dominated non~league play defeating Martin Van Buren in both meetings, and splitting one game each against Bayside High School. Adding to the highlights on the season are Freeman averaging 17.5 points per game, which is fourth in the Queens A division, and thirty-fourth in New York City. She also averages 11 rebounds per game, fifth in Queens A and fifty-third in the City. Strauss averages 13 points per game and tenth in Queens A. and is eleventh in Queens A for assists with 3.4 per game. Driscoll is fourth in Queens A for assists, and twenty-seventh in the PSAL with 5.14 assists per game.

Coach Lawrence Ceraulo commends his team for the hatrd work that they put into this season, performing better than he originally anticipated, considedng that the Hawks lost thre·e starters and key p.layets. Next year the :girls' varsity basketball- team again faces the loss of another three seniors, adding pressure to veteran starters Freeman and Driscoll. The team has also added promisin·g rookie starters junior Brittany Durand and sophomore Katherine lncantalupo.

tW

by Lauren Korzeniewski said Elrose.

The Boys' Varsity Basketball team In the team's last home game, against finished the season with a pair of slim Francis Lewis, Elrose had I3 points and defeats. The first was against Francis 2 assists, followed by Yu with II, who Lewis High School on January 22 by also led the team with 5 assists. Blake a margin of seven points. The second contributed with I 0 points and 2 assists. was on January 24 Besides its against Thomas starters, the Edison High Hawks also had School, by a marsolid contribugin of four points. tions from the This trend has bench. Juniors been consistent all Andrew Rivera, season with the Maurice Hawks.

Stevenson and The team has Christopher lost the last six Fuchs, as well games of the seaas sophomores son, and finished Joel Abraham, with a record of David Hilton two wins and I 0 and Arthur losses . Coach Rosentsvit, and Howard Furman freshman Oscar said, "Overall, Orazco, comwe've done really Junior Louis Elrose, co-captain and one of four prise the starters, prepares to make a shot well in a difficult backup squad league with tough for the 2002opponents."

2003 Hawks.

The Hawks are led by co-captains "Considering the limited number of Kenny Yu and Louis Elrose, both jun- boys in this school and our tough compeiors, and compete in Queens Division titio~}Ve competed on this difficult)evel, 11-A. Along with Yu and Elrose, start- so we did really well and are very ers Jesse Franco, Michael Blake and pleased," said coach Furman. Elrose Paris Abouelmagd, also all juniors, agreed, and said, "We wished we could played well this season. "I'm proud of have won more games, but we enjoy playthe team and the way we played. We ing with each other and we had fun. We came together and played like a team," had a good season."

Peak performance at indoor relays leads girls' team down right track

by Michelle Montgoris The Girls' Indoor Track team, which has done well so far this season, performed well at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Relays on Monday, January 20, at the Armory Track and Field Center.

The day got off to a great start when junior Rosalind Adams of the varsity team qualified for the City Championships with her time in the Race Walk Relay. Adams, along with teammate Jenifer Pepen, finished second in the relay. Freshmen Sarah Fadika and Ann Mathews finished first in the relay, as well as sophomores Elizabeth Feder and Maria Paschalidis. They would be the only Townsend Harris first place finishers of the day, but they began a very successful streak of Top

Five replacements for the rest of the relays.

The success continued in the 4x800 relays, when the freshman team of Christine Arcidiacono, Amanda Pneuman, Stephanie Santana, and Anjie Zheng finished second only to Curtis High School in Staten Island. The sophomore team of Jacqueline Chancer, Po Yee Cheung, Rebecca Lynch, and Emily Tam also finished second, following the Bronx's Dewitt Clinton.

"Earlier in the year, we would just look to run the races and get them over with.

We weren't really focused," said Christine Arcidiacono. "However, the success in the Martin Luther King Jr. relays has really helped boost team spirit and morale. Now we go into each race looking to do well in it."

Girls' JV basketball finishes strong

by Stephen Berger The Girls' Junior Varsity Basketball team ended a strong season on a positive note on January 14 with a 45-29 win at Springfield Gardens High School.

The Hawks won eight games and lost one in the 2002-2003 campaign.

The 45-43 loss came in its second game, against Bayside, on November 11.

In the game against Springfield Gardens, the Hawks were led by fresh-

man Caitlin Ryan, who scored 17 points.

Freshman guard Ann Urquidi also added 12 points to the win.

The Hawks' 8- 1 record was good enough for the team to come in second out of six teams in the Queens Junior Varsity standings. Throughout the season, the team's main offensive weapons were Urquidi, who averaged 13 points per game, and forward Carol in Tirado, sophomore, who contributed an average of nine points per contest.