Classic newspaper Volume 20 Issue no. 2 by The Classic

Vol. 20, No. 2 Fall/Winter '0''04

aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Founder's Day shares traditions with i·ncoming sophmen, faculty by Jocelyn Wright An aura of tradition and sharing echoed throughout Colden Auditorium as alumni, students, and teachers gathered to commemorate the 19th Founder's Day on Friday, October 24, 2003. A celebration of our school's rich history was rekindled by the spirit of companionship and the common goal of "Ieaving the city greater than we found it." At first blush, the event appeared serious, especially with students out of their usual jeans and t-shirts. After the pledge and national anthem, Dr. Marvin

Leiner, the liaison between Townsend Harris and Queens College and a wouldbe graduate of Townsend Harris (the school was disbanded before he had the opportunity to graduate), spoke of the greatness of Townsend Harris and how wonderful it was to reestablish the school, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2004. Joseph Dubowski, Co-President of the PTA, echoed Dr. 'Leiner's words, adding that a Tow'nsend Harris education helps to make each student a better person. Even before the freshmen and

incoming sophomores were inducted with the Ephebic Oath, its core value made appearances in several of the speeches, as former students, parents, and teachers reinforced the idea ofservice to the community. Two former students from the class of 1990, David Herszenhorn, Editor in Chief of the Education section of the New York Times as well as the President of the Townsend Harris Alumni Association, and West Point graduate Jin Paik, who appeared in full military uniform, spoke of their experiences at Townsend Harris and how lucky they were to be a part of "the tradition." Between the speeches, the Townsend Harris Concert Band rose up from the pit and performed "Take the A Train" to great applause both before and after the performance. Principal Thomas Cunningham also gave a speech, reminding students that, despite the six flights of stairs and 40 pounds of books, they were in a secure, caring, and nurturing place

were 1101 tl:nitledwith .tb:erWeek•l0ng event. iA· eltnfing an anonyiiiou8 'freshman who said that he ·~~·.t really lik<e it [S,i.rit Week] andeonsieted F0uneer's Day to be lwriJll.t' F~r ~~ who reW'led in t~ bi-imnual'~ .of scho01 pride, next seme&ier's ~pirlit Week is j:ust around the corner. ·

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Townsend Harris Alma Mater was the final part of the ceremony before therecessional. Although Founder's Day clearly took preparation and planning, many of the freshmen were disappointed, saying that they "expected something better." Several students interviewed before the event were excited about Founder's Day and curious to see what would happen. When approached afterward, their opinions had changed considerably. "I thought it was somewhat boring. I expected it to be spectacular. You would expect something better," commented freshman Lauren Wong. Many other freshmen were also critical of Founder's Day. "The senior.s were acting like idiots, making Founder's Day what it's not. It sounded like a pep rally. I was expecting something a little bit more civilized," said one disgruntled freshman. However, senior Mollie . Laffin-Rose disagreed, stating, "After surviving three years of Townsend Harris, the freshmen will want to sit in the back and show their spirit just as we did.

and part of a community that shares and contributes to the com-

I. have been waiting since my freshman year to be able to do that.';''

mon good. The ceremony became more light-hearted after Principle Cunningham's speech. The Founder's Day Players presented a skit about the Townsend Harris Guttenberg Project, introduced by English teacher Arthur Boulanger, who presented facetious words such as lockophone (n. making a cell phone call by sticking your head inside your loeker to avoid a referral) and whiteoutlands (n. the build up of whiteout on essay papers) for inclusion in a section of the Oxford Dictionary. This was followed by Senior SING, which . re·ceived great applause from the audi·ence. Junior/Sophomore SING, last year's Sophmen SING, and Principal Cunningham's list of "The Townsend H.arris Ten Best" were also favorably received. The . String Ensemble then performed "The Impossible Dream." Subsequently, the Townsend Harris mantra, the Ephebic Oath, was dictated by Senior and Archon President Amanda Chen to the freshmen and incoming sophomores. The singing of the

Upperclassmen were critical, but optimistic regarding the ceremony. "It could have been fllnnier," noted junior Emily Berliner.. "I plan to create areally funny skit for next year. However, the former student [Jin Paik] was interesting because he applied his extensive education from THHS in a unique way." On the whole, seniors seemed to enjoy 'the ceremony. Lena Lombardi, senior, noted, "Maybe a lot of people didn't get the jokes because we didn't hear them laughing. But I think it gave them a good preview of SING." Senior Jessica Polish also enjoyed the ceremony, saying, "I appreciated the Senior Class' enthusiasm and thought the performances were very spirited." Senior Nikkia Hanson, however, had a different view of the situation, stating, "Founder's Day was awful." Although students had varied impressions of the ceremony, one thing seemed to be universally accepted: Founder's Day was full of spirit. Althou-gh freshman Abby Rani did her fair share of complaining, she said, "Overall, Founder's Day was great and showed a Jot of school spirit." That may be something students from all grades can agree on.

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The Classic

'Seek'ing' acceptance, new club finds controversy instead by Chris Amanna, Gloria Chen and club was already established, it just Razeen Zaman; contributions by needed to be approved," said Ms. Fee. - Diana Bell and Jennifer Kaufman Now that the club is official, meetings If at first you don't succeed, tiy, try are held every Thursday after school in again; and try is what members of the room 504 from 2:40PM to 3:20PM. newly formed Seekers club have been Led by senior Elyse Lee, president, doing for the past fifteen. years. On No- junior Charlene Gandham, vice presivember 5, 2003, they finally succeeded · dent, and sophomore Vivian Shibata, in becoming the sole religio~s club in secretary, the meetings begin with the school. prayer, followed by a twenty-minute iceIt took two Consultative Counc_il breaker, which Ms. Fee described as meetings this year, along with countless "games that allow members to get to others in the past 15 years, to finalize know one another." Announcements an approval for the Christian Fellow- about the club's plans and events are ship, more commonly known as Seek- then made and members read excerpts ers. "I was completely ecstatic .. .it felt from the Bible and discuss their views like a miracle. I don't think anybody was on the topic presented. They also paras happy as I felt that day," said Elyse ticipate in charity events such as Help Lee, senior and president of the club. Us Stop Hunger (H.U.S.H) by donating Approval.came after news that Ellen gifts and raising money. Vivian Shibata Fee, Assistant Principal of the Math- closes the meeting with another prayer. ematics and Fitness Deparinents, would Their purpose, according to the Seektake over as advisor. "[The reason this ers' charter, entitled Seekers Model Conclub took so long to be approved was stitution, is "to deepen the Spiritual and that] in the past, there was no advisor. Social life of all students ... by providing If a club doesn't have an advisor, reli- opportunities for voluntary fellowship, gious or not, it cannot be approved," she. lectures ... Bible study, prayer anq worstated. Since it was unofficial, members ship." Ms. Fee described it as "students ofthe club held separate meetings in the fellowshipping with a common cause." basement of the Queens College library . - Before it was even approved, howfor the past several years. "Basically, the ever, various debates about the Chris-

Letters to the e-ditor: Ending ~most 20 years of sound school policy against religious organizations meeting hlside the building, a Christian grou.p called the Seekers has recently been successful in attaining officiaf club status. Townsend H~ris has always been a place for tolerance and a club like Seekers.does little to foster it by creating unnecessary e.ivisions in our Jlcho0l alen-g religious J:ines. ·The structure of the elub is discriminatory in thatonty Christians are all&wed o.n its executive beal\d. This is not to. say non..Quistians are exeluded, but it is the only club in the scb00l wltore .a ~dent t:oui~ go _ ~ . every single m~ng. beeoine a ve.ry ·.

tian-based club· were already taking specific religion makes it unsuitable for place throughout the school. When it a religiously diverse high school. came time to decide the club's fate, the Sophomore Allison Siminovsky, who Consultative Council members, though opposes the club, feels that "it [the club] aware that the club had collected enough is unfair to people of other religions. If signatures and abided by club guidelines there is going to be a Christian club, as directed, were particularly concerned there should be a Jewish club, a Musabout the controversy that would result lim club, a Buddhist club, etc." from incorporating a religion-based club Other students expressed a similar into school activities. sentiment toward the newly approved "[The controversy] was inevitable," club. "TheSeekersarejustcrazedChrisElyse said. "Religion is such a sensitive tians who ... started a club and are trying and personal topic. We were expecting to pretend that anyone can join," says hostility, but we were ready forit." sophomore Michael Cass-Antony. ~'If a "A lot of people make a bigger deal non~Christian came, they would feel out of it than it really is," explains · alienated. I'm going to make a club sophomore· Tiffany Yu. "Technically, · called 'J .E . W.,' tell people it's for I'm not a Christian, but I joined out of everyone ... see what the Christians interest. Seekers allows an open discusthink." Mary am Tina Amini, sophosion of opinions, thoughts and ideas. I more, added, "Instead of just having a don't see why people are so viciously Christian group, or a Muslim group, or opposed to it." even an Atheist group, what about a Senior Sandra Tong, who is also in group to just discuss all of our viewsupport of the club, believes that "it's points? I believe that if the actual purfine [to have such a club] because it's pose is to explore the truth, you should not exclusion; it's really about finding incorporate ideas of other religions into people with common interests and disthe club." cussing them." . As the controversy continues to unOn the other hand, students who are ravel, Elyse remarked, ''Both sides have against the Seekers in Townsend Harris to be open-minded in order to not be diargue that the club's emphasis on one visive."

H.~arrisites

lie students by surprise. When asked why there is an actual

sound off on new club

The Seekers have waited 16 years to be established. To many, this club and

need for this group, club advisor Ellen Fee responded thaf many of these stu· dents go to churches where there are very few people of the same age. When I asked some Christian friends about . this, however, I found that many of them are a part of immense youth groups in tneir chorohes, where they'nave the OJl" porwnity to soeiafize with other teen-

agers of similar betiefs on a weekl1 tiasis. Some stude.nts have asked, "So w;by

don't you just start a religious, club of y0ur own?" The ,mbleml however, is that this is exactly what I fear. For an dedicated member, and·not h'ave the ' tile thingsabeut which w-e, as T'Gwnsend opportumt)r to.. .na leadership role.. Hams students, complain, there is acer.. Anodler.issue to.consideris how dlc tain leveJ _of equatity that char~terizos club treatS its non-pimstianattond~. ~~- ~ ~ot..Ravm,a club for every ed:l· At the ~t m~ ,aiCre ~ere criti· ··hie and "'li:glws group in o~ school cal eo. .~ts ~~ a'bo• ·"Y mJ.. . Wt'l1ftd be· dett:iO'lental to ·a part of the 4ents, at~ ~~~out~bcno.te8*~ Tewns,enit Rams .phitos9J>hy:_ac~p scl'to&l~custat:I~,Jlot ~ ~ub mem.. . ~ f.'lf others and ~r beliefs-no -~ m~qMootnm.ent&.':whaf.ffind tnat~ho~dtff~--y are.Tbe Sec~ ~estdi~,b~v~rl'isthat wlien ersh~e rw.~~":te.~abeutedt~ tWo itmiOrs·who ·were .anniehensive ~rs; ~ir atln is~ ~ ~e spiptUal

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Christians who choose to engage in "religious acts" do so 0n their own initiative. I think it is important to remember !!hat the club doesn't force it-

its values ue contr"'vers-iai. Seekers is a club that is based on Christian values and teachings, and as an advocate for self upon nonbelievers. In fact, it is this club, I see Seekers as a forum where not a e'lub set out to proselytize. Of students can ceme t'G'gether and find course, all students are welcome to the common gr.ound because of their beliefs. club. However, they must realize that See:kefS offers a place where students this is not a place for evangelism. If can study the Bible tagether and leam stud~ts ~quire about the faith and,its mere about Qed. In short, students want praetices, me.mbers of dte club can to talk to each other about the hardships sti'tl communicate in sucb a way as t0 and jay$ the-y face iB their daily lives. spread awareness. Yet. as mentioned · an6 their ex-perienee of Goo in the midst before, the core of the clutt is for stu,. of tt ·atl. The goal of the Seeker-s is to dents to eome to.gether b:ecausQ· of pr.omote understandiDg and kindness. . their common faith. ' Yet, some students have expr:essed an From this, another issue arises. A aversion towards the el:Ub. 'Ibey see us common interest does not e<}Ual ~- · as. an intolerant gro~p. Many haYe clusivity. I think this misco.nception voiced <»noetnS that the club would in- has sprat~ li:ke wildfire- people make . ling~ ~· th~ "'se,.tion of clmreh accu$8tions ;With tiute evi<lence and state.~.buUhCy have misinterpreted ~om~ •G&,t th~.elob ~~u~~~r::~ this phrase. "(his statement cannot be mg attended a sin-gle meeting.Tbdiiet:"l found in t1le C~nstitUtiOa, ln '"'ch. it is is. if one·iS-t$t interested ·in at letter written by 1homas Jeff~an ~ue- w~~er it is some~~-n~~t~ ta - ·Bft])ti&tCfulrch in.l8fl2 whenit s1c as .lmi..... or _ some~tnng " ' ~n~ was &i,ate~ that tim,greg•twn.alis$ traversial as_the ~'Christian olubn ,...:..... weuld be the natio~ re~i,gio~; !twas they witl ~i,a.tt.~n4~~t letter of aSsutance that the · trei' · u~ wa)!.·119.~_, , . -"~n,

government

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Jessica Berger Eclitor·in-Cbier LinaLee Francesca Pizarro Co-Fullln Editors

Eugene To

LindaLuu NewoEdilor

Stephen Berger

Art Editor ·

Sporto Editor

Leticia Wainer

Peter Wamsteker Susat(Getting

...........,Editor

Feature Statr: Jennifer Bhuiyan, Tiffany Cheng, Annie Choi. Sangsoo Kim. Anna Kozanecka, Donna Mordente, Mary-Grace Paplitheodorou, Jennifer Park, Ann Alyssa Chase Margaret Santa-lnes, Alexis Sems, Priti Shah, Nisha Singh, Christine Whang, Janet Food oac1 Whang, Maria Wojakowski, Jocelyn Wright, Tina Wu Eatertlll-•t Editor Sports Staff: Lauren Korzeniewski, Elyse Lee, Michelle Montgoris, Alex Rush, WendyYan Nataliya Binshteyn AJ11sts: Mitchell Bader, Rowena Eng, Muriel Leung M•JIIIII"' Editor

. PbototJnphy Staff: Laura D' Amato, Diana Deng, Anna Kozanecka, Mallbew Molina,

Amanda Chen

Alexandra Stergiou, Anne Tan, Fan Zhang

....._Editor

. -...- Co-Aftllon

Prlbdpel· Mr. Thomas CunninaJ!am

....._Staff: Janet Hwang, Sharon Park, Sorab Park, Ann-Margaiet Santa-lnes LaJt!!it Sblff: Diana Shum

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 1~9-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y.I1367

Tile Cltulk is an open forum for the expression of student views. 11ae opinions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administration or faculty or student body • a whole. Readers an: invited to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be placed in Mr. Wamsteker's mailbox in Room 315 ore-mailed to ThhsCiassic@aol.com. The Classic rescnea the right to edit all letters . Letters must include aame and official clan. Nunea will be withheld upon request. · ·

The Classic Fall/Winter '03-'04

Poetry reading breaks ground as new Harris tradition by Anna Kozanecka Tables cleared from the right wing of the Townsend Harris Library at 2:30 on Friday, November 7, set the scene for The Phoenix' Second Annual Poetry Reading. Hosted by Librarian Valerie Billy and English teacher and Phoenix advisor Robert Babstock, the Poetry Reading had a tremendous turnout, which senior Mollie Lat'fin-Rose described as only "amazing." Attended by approximately 100 students, for three dollars each, and numerous teachers, the event raised about $300 for the school's literary magazine. Perhaps, the event was set for a circus rather than a more serious get-together. "Constanty Rising Absurdity,"by Lawrence Ferlinghetti was shared by . h h b . . E ng IIS ·teac er De ra M1chlew1tz. It suggested that a poet ts a tightrope artist who must carefully balance on words and audience feedback. The numerous participants, both students and teachers, should have had no fearoffalling, however. The attendees seemed to encircle each reader as if to support the reader and the event in general. Early on, the event competed with hallway chatter, ringing cell phones and

the comings and goings of students, but peace, love and overcoming adversity, lished]." Lori, along with sophomore the noises were quelled shortly after. En- rather than adhering to the assigned Shaunte ,Baboumian, recited "Yerk glish teacher Joseph Canzoneri and se- theme of birds. Freshman Anisha Tho- Gaghanti," or "The Christmas Song," by niors Lina Lee and Jessica Polish were mas said, "The various topics [chosen] Zareh Khrakhouni in their native Armeamong the few to start off the event. were all wonderful." Senior Tina Wu, a nian. G I o b a I member of . The Phoenix, which has managed to t e ache r s The Phoenix overcome financial concerns effectively J o h n I i t e r a r y in the past, considers poetry readings as 0' M a II e y staff, noted much-needed, lucrative fi.mdraisers. The and Marc that it was $3,000 budget, annually allocated by the Greenberg an opportu- school, only allows 350 copies of the broke the ice "' nity for magazine to be printed each year. The with · cos~ some to be- profit earned from successful fund raisers tumes and ~ come famil- will be used to print additional copies. jokes, re~ iar with as- Mr. Babstock attributes the quality of the "'2 pmng artists . magazine and its recent successes in the spec t i v e I y, while Latin ~and pub- Columbia Literary Magazine competiteacher An5 I i shed po- tion to the "high standards and good d r e w -a ems, which taste" of the literary editors. Freshman Joana Oniceag reading her poem at the Second . h . . Hagerty en- ·Annua 1 Poe1ry Read'mg IS "always a · -·As t e readmg came to a qutet close tertain_ed the good thing!" after running for nearly two hours, the audience by addressing the issue of eSome students cou_ldn't.help wonder- remaining students shuftled out of the mail correspondence. In his original ing why such an event requires a ticket. . library to take advantage ot· the refreshpoem, "How to Write a Good E-mail," "It contradicts the purpose of having an ments across the hall. Since the next poMr. Hagerty underscored the importance artistic gathering in a school like etry reading is only tentatively schedof proofreading e-mails by comically re- Townsend Harris," commented one jun- uled for spring 2004, the origami birds reading the short poem three times, be- ior. Many, however, agree with sopho- hanging over the podium may have to fore finally wishing it a speedy farewell. more Lori Khrimian, who said, "Three hold onto "hope [as] the thing with feathMany students took the liberty of shar- doilars is a small price to pay [considers [as written by Emily Dickinson]" ing poems that addressed brotherhood, ering the costs of having poetry pub- until their next tlight.

Rock-infused concert wows enthused, yet small crowd By Tanaz Talebpour A swarm of fans filled the auditorium for a night of music and entertainment on Friday, October 17, when Battle of the Bands swept the c.;,rowd off its feet with its unique rock styles. Wildly ~nergetic, the audience cheered and screamed throughout the entire show, which was organized by seniors Amanda Shami and Liza Shapiro. The five bands that performed were Accolade, . Viscid, International Coverup,Sntprummage and Duplex 47 . Each band 1:epresented a specific genre of rock, including punk , grunge, and heavy metal. In previous years, Battle of the Bands was JUSt a name, but th1s year was the first in which Battle oi' the Bands was an actual compet1t1on . Vol. d . t d d un t eer J U ges were appol n e ' an scores were tallied at the end of the concert. There were also three "In-Between" performances, including a brief intermission, during which audience members had the opportunity to purchase refreshments in the lobby.

Heavy metal band Viscid, whose front row was struck in the face by one members include Andrew Danilovic of the keychains, but was not injured. from Townsend Harris, Andr-ew She did, however, confront <inc of the Ramsingh and Petar Krsikapa from band members after the show. Faculty McClancy High School, and Bernardo Advisor Andrew Hagerty, who thought Gutierrez from St. John's Prep High the event was a~ overall success, comSchool, won first men ted on the place and received incident, saying, a $25 Sam Ash gift "I thought they certificate. The fiJ1 -[the band] had a nal performers, r~ ·. good idea to Duplex 47: whose _i~ r ' ?'r have k~y~hain members 1nclude .., · t; g1veaways, but Townsend Harris """'. l to throw them juniors Matt }!.' -·. ) ,,....!/. ~ ) ~ off the stage Kauffman , Sam .,~ j took away lr~Jm G r ups m 1 t h , ly . 1l; ~-\ >--an otherw1se 1 Ji~my Haas and ! .;~ ver~ talc_nt.:d M1ke Mucha, took . _~ . . c.. performance. ec d Ia ·e Semors and Battle coordmators Ltza Shaptro However the s on P c · and Amanda Shami introduce a new act . . . ' During one of mc1dent d1d not the highlights of the night, the guitarist ma:r the integrity of the .performers. "I of one band tossed several keychains at thought the seniors from Viscid set an the audience as a gesture of the band's example of professionalism," said Mr. concluding performance, causing great Hagerty. "All the bands really did have commotion . A senior girl sitting in the a sense of class ," he added . Kevin Lee, -

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a junior from the Media/Tech Squad said, "The bands were excellent, and Viscid was probably the most prot'essional band there because they've been doing this for a long time ." Concert coordinator Amanda said of the event, "It was a lot of fun and very successful. The best band won ; the judging was fair. The excess profits will be used by the Senior Yearbook fund." For most, the concert was great way to _unwind a.nd ~a~e~good time . ".It.was_ a tun expenence, satd M1kc Mucha, ol Duplex 47. He added, "I would definitcly ,like to it again ." D~spite the ban_d s.. enthus1asm: th_e sho~ s t~~n?~t was d1sappomtmg lor some. It was n1ce seeing peop.ic in a.?il:l.·erent li~ht displaymg the1r talent, sa1d JUnior Robyn Jagroop "but the turnout was so low that · ' · • " " " . 1t really d1dn t matter. No one was there," said Irene Baras, a junior. A senior, who chose to remain anonymous, commented that he "thought a lot more people would come, because every year it's a blast."

Turn-out for Young Frankenstein is ghoul_ ishly low by Diana Bell Dim lights evoked the spirit of Hal~ loween during The Yearbook Club 's after school showing of Young Frankenstein on Thursday, October 30. The tickets, which cost $1, raised money for the Yearbook Club and Senior Class. Margherita Wischerth, Yearbook Club Advisor, supervised the two-hour event, which included an intermission during which viewers could purchase candy, chips, pretzels, and Capri Sun drinks. Young Frankenstein stars comedian Gene Wilder as the son of _the mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein. Wilder is a university biology teacher wh? inherits his

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father's Transylvanian estate after his to enjoy the movie, as I could hear a only two announcements." Ms. death. While there, Wilder uncovers his few laughs throughout the viewing." Wischerth added, "Maybe next time we father's secret diaries, along with the key She urged students to submit sugges- should have a better advertising camto bringing the dead back to life . Peter tions for future movie events, but added paign to bring in a larger crowd . Then Boyle, of Everybody Loves Raymond that the suggestions must have no higher again, we are competing with clubs and fame, takes on the role of young · than a PG-13 rating. Ms. Wischerth also homework since the movie was played Frankenstein's creation. Later in the thanked Maria Trapani for her assis- directly after the school day ended." Movie attendee Sarah Oberlander, movie, the "monster" is given perfect tance during the event. sophomore, said, ''I'm not sure why so The one factor that marred the showmotor and speaking skills by Wilder, but few people attended. Although the turning of this Halloween-esque comedy not before both tap dance in their very out was low, the movie was fantastic!" was poor attendance, which can be atown Broadway show. Some students were not even aware that of advertising. Sophotributed to a lack Ms. Wischerth, who organized the · the event was taking place. Junior more Michelle Montgoris said, "It was event, said, "The first fundraising movie Lauren Korzeniewski furrowed her eyedefif!itely due to a lack ofadvertising event for the yearbook went well. The brows and said, "Young Frankenstein [that many students did not attend the business section of the yearbook sold over 125 tickets. The audience seemed show] . I didn't see any signs andheard was playing after school on Thursday?"

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Scheduling mayhem leaves students disgruntled, hungry by Christopher Amanna and Annefault," she explains. "If we could sell stop cutting," explained an anonyMargaret Santa-lues them at lunch, the lines wouldn't be so mous senior as she patiently waited at the very back of the line. "There are New science Jab scheduling regula- long." tions and the absence of bagel sales are The discontinuation of lunch recita- big groups of people who cut and lengthening lunch lines and the school tion can also be blamed. On the aver- clump up the front of the line. The day, leaving many underclassmen age;there are 50 more students in each lunch ladies watch, but don't do anypressed for time during lunch bands and lunch band daily than there were last thing." Maxine pre and post-school hours. year. This is taking Kupersmith, who "It's not fair. We're all hungry and into account that 750 · assists in the lunch want to eat." This junior's complaint students, approxiroom, also acsounds all too familiar. There has been mately three-fourths knowledges the isa definite increase in the length oflunch of the school's popu- . sue of cutting. "Last lines since last year, forcing students to Jation, are enrolled in year we never had a eat much later in their bands. a regents-level scicutting problem like The overcrowding is at its worst dur- ence class. This figthis," she said. In ing the fifth and sixth lunch bands. Dur- ure is then divided by addition, she exing these periods, the line can runthe 15, the number of plained that there is entire length of the wall and wrap across lunch periods per a shortage of staff in the exit doors. When the line reached week. the kitchen, forcing this length on October 30, the last sixth Nalin Kashyap, a a later start. "Parband student to be served received his sophomore with ents should comlunch at II :45. Students are dismissed sixth band lunch said, plain to the PTA or at II :55, leaving only ten minutes for "From an educaWinifred Hallex, him to eat. .tiona! standpoint, the Several factors can be blamed for the lunch labs were somewhat ineffective, the parent coordinator," she added. Sophomore Nancy Kurien, who has enormity of the Jines. Many students but if they were reinstated, the lunch who purchased bagels last year are lines could be shortened. The school fifth band lunch, said, "I think that they forced to obtain their lunch at the should find a way to shorten the Jines, · [the lunchroom kitchen staff] should school's· cafeteria, now that bagels are so students can enjoy more of their lunch be ready to serve lunches as soon as the band starts. The line usually no longer sold during lunch. Sophomore band." Christy Tomecek believes this is the root Students who cut the line are also doesn't start moving until 20 minutes of the problem. "It's all the bagels' adding to the problem. "People need to after the band begins. Some people

don't even get their food until ten minutes before the band is over." Extra-curricular activities and transportation arrangements have fallen viCtim to the new scheduling as well. "Opposing views overrule the positiv.e aspects," stated junior Alexis Serra, who complained of having to wake up especially early to run to school after taking three buses en route to Townsend Harris. Living far away from the school can lead to Jess sleep, forcing students to commute and then run up the stairs to reach the sixth floor to start the day. Others complain because they cannot join certain clubs due to simultaneous science classes and club meetings. This problem exists for science teachers who also serve as club advisors, as they have been forced to change club meeting times. As in every situation, some have become quite fond of the new schedule. The janitorial staff, Jor example, favors the new scheduling because the elimination offood in the classrooms reduces the risk of ant or mice infestations. Many students believe that having science labs in the morning or afternoon has its advantages. "Now I have more time to do homework and experience an actual break from the regular school day," optimistically exclaimed junior Christina Buoninfante.

Bagels, senior yearbook fall victim to City's 'fight on fat' by Chloe Chao The fight against fat has begun. At a press conference in Washington D.C. on Sept. 15, 2003, the Center for Science in the Public Interest showed that the average child consumes about 30 pounds of sugar a year. Federal statistics show that, over the past two decades, the percentage of overweight children living in the United States has doubled among younger kids while tripiing among adolescents. With this alarming data in mind, legislators are taking decisive steps to promote healthful eating habits in the nation's schools, including Townsend Harris. Numerous states are working to stop the national obesity epidemic among .youngsters. California, Arkansas, and Texas were among the first to confront the "war on fat." On Sept. 17, 2003, former California Governor Gray Davis signed a bill that restricted the foods and drinks sold in school vending machines. Similarly, in Arkansas, a law was passed in June of the same year that banned access to vending machines in elementary schools and prohibited the sale of "junk food" and soft drinks in middle and high schools to students before their lunch periods. In Texas, "foods of minimum nutritional value" are. completely banned in elementary schools during the school day. The bill bars middle school students from obtaining these foods during their lunch periods. If the rule is broken, schools can "lose a day of meal reimbursement funds from the . state." Similar legislation is pending in at least 19 other states. However, voices of dissent have arisen from the fight to curb unhealth: · .f.~{~ · ,eft(i It g. ~aQi~ !s;:}1~~ 0.nK•gu.d,ep

Michael C. Burita, the communications has become more challenging for the raised with greater ease for future director for the Center for Consumer faculty. Unfortunately, the yearbook classes," said Senior Council Vice- PresiFreedom, believes that this type of leg- ·publication has felt a tremendous dent Nina Mozes. is)ation will only hurt necessary school Joss." In addition to financial setbacks, The administration, headed by Princifunds. The restrictions on certain foods many students rely on the sale of ba- pal Thomas Cunningham, has taken sev"sets up a forbidden-fruit syndrome ... the gels during their lunch bands. "I used eral measures to alleviate the financial irony is that most of the money from to study during lunch, but because the burdens posed by the Chancellor's new these contracts helps pay for after-school lunch line is so ridiculously long, I regulations. "I e-mailed my superintenprograms and sports, things that argu- don't have the opportunity [to study]. dent and contacted the Regional Operaably do more to prevent obesity than [With the bagel line], as soon as I tion Center, asking for a waiver from the soda bans," he said. walked in, I could buy a bagel and just Chancellor's memorandum. I have met The controversy has also made a lo- sit and study," said Sophomore several times with Ms. Wischerth and Mr. cal impact. Since September 2003, -ef- Brendan Lavin. Fellow Sophomore Scardino to discuss our options. They inforts to trim down the fat and sugar in Stephanie Benardis agreed, say.ing, elude the above-mentioned Valentine's the 800,000 New York City school meals "Since there are no bagels sold, most Day event, as well as a non-competitive served daily have become increasingly of the time I don't eat lunch, which bagel sale in the morning. At a recent PTA apparent. "We firmly believe that good affects me during my afternoon meeting, Ms. Wischerth brought the nutrition plays an essential role in heath classes." Disappointed students have change in the financial status of the yearand development and helps young even signed petitions in hopes of se- book to the members' attention and sepeople to do well in school," said Mar- curing the right to sell and buy bagels cured the approval for additional funds tin Oestreicher, head of the City School during their lunch bands. Students can to support the publication, if necessary. Food Service. According to the city's still buy bagels from Ms. Wischerth Finally, we are also raising funds for the plan, "junk food" in vending machines from 7 to 7:45 in the morning until the yearbook by placing advertisements in it." Long-term consequences of the City's will be replaced with more healthf~l commencement of winter break. On snacks and drinks. request, bagels will be bagged to save "war on fat" remain to be seen. Furthermore, Mayor Michael for lunchtime. Bloomberg's $166 million, five-year The Senior Council has been desSources: contract with Snapple has ensured that perately trying to fundraise in an ef.· Bowman, Darcia Harris. "States Taronly approved beverages will be sold in fort to eliminate the deficit. Franco get School Vending Machines to Curb the City's school system. In addition, Scardino, senior grade advisor, has Child Obesity." Education Week. l Oct. schools are no longer allowed to sell been working to arrange a Valentine's · 2003, Vol. 23 Issue 5 unhealthful foods to their students. This Day dinner dance gala fundraiser at Today's Headlines: Daily Articles new legislation deprives schools of the Ricardo's by the Bridge restaurant in from Reuters Health. "NYC Schools Ban profits necessary to fund after school Astoria to take place in February. Tick- Junk Food from Vending Machines." activities and school-related items. ets will cost $50 for students and $65 Online. 17 Nov. 2003. <http:// Townsend Harris seniors have de- for adults. "In conjunction with the yourhealth .goodshepherdhealth.org/ pended on the sale of bagels and soda to yearbook staff, the Senior Council is H e a I t h N e w s I r e u t e r s I help pay for the annual yearbook. ·Ac- hosting a Valentine's Day dinner dance NewStory0625200332.html> cording to Yearbook Advisor Margherita gala to fundraise for the yearbook. It New York Daily News. Mike: Sour Wischerth, the sale of bagels, · in the is imperative that we have a success- Grapes. Online. 17 Nov. 2003. http:// 2002-2003 school year, accumulated a ful turnout; the yearbook funds are in nydailynews.com/11-01-2003/news/\o$24,000 profit. She added, "Due to the serious debt, and if a funding prece- c a I I v- p friend I y Is tory I 1 3 2 6 6 7 p-

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The Classic

FaiiiWinter '03-'04

Efforts at Consultative Council Letters to the editor (cont.) 'free the children' by Andrea Gavora

We have all heard the same announcements from our senators every Wednesday: "You can attend a Consultative Council meeting and have the chance to make a difference and have your voice heard." The opportunity to create a new club is available, but do we ever hear about the changes made by various students attending these meetings? Free the Children (FTC) is a newly formed club that can be seen as one particular success story re'sulting from persistent attendance at Consultative Councit meetings. "I like how we can make our own clubs," said freshman Carolyn Santiago, a new member of FTC. "It gives us an opportunity to do things we like and make a difference. Withoutthis freedom, FTC would never have been created." FTC, which meets Wednesday afternoons in room 4 f5 under the supervision of math teacher Stephen Mazza, was started in the Fall of 2002 by current junior Nessa French as a new and improved version of Save the Children, an already existent school club. In addition to its new name, Free the Children was also different in that it was already an existing organization that was just creating another chapter in Townsend Harris. Free the Children is an international network of children helping at a local, national, and international level. Craig Kielburger founded the organization in 1995 at the age of

12~ Since then, it has been the only chi.ldren's charity run by and for children. "I was very motivated to -start the club," said Nessa. "I had a friend who started a chapter in his school. I saw how it had changed him as a person and how many opportunities children were being given as a result." Nessa's motivation rubbed off on the rest of the club members, and as a result, they raised $1,800 in their inaugural year through various fundraisers such as bake sales, the winter carnival, anp donations. This money will be used to build a school in Sierra Leone, Africa. Though a lot was accomplished last year, the club has grown since then. More than 15 new members have joined, most of whom are freshmen and incoming sophomores. "I heard about the FTC at the club fair," said freshman Kitty Chu. "The poster really helped me to understand the club, but it was September II and the war in Iraq that really inspired tne to join." Returning member Amy Grassel, junior, said, "I like the club because we are able to voice our opinions even though we are only teenagers. We can input our own ideas regarding how to raise money and help underprivileged children." FTC is a club run by kids, for kids. New members are always welcome to join. Kitty added •."Although we may be different, all of us joined together for one reason: to help other children. I think that's what really matters."

continued from p. 2 Many have brought up the concern that a new faith-based club will trigger and encourage other clubs that may be racially and/or religiously based, thus causing more "segregation" within the school. Such clubs have every right to meet as long as they meet the requirements. I view Townsend Harris as a community. A community need not be homogeneous. A community can have different facets and still function as one because these facets only give it more character. It allows for diversity and the freedom to express and embrace it. Above all, the issue of controversy that surrounds this club is addressed in , the First Amendment. One of the major cornerstones of this nation is our freedom.The U.S. Constitution and legal system were conceived to provide freedom to all individuals living in this country. Townsend Harris has been established as a First Amendment school; it supports the First Amendment, both in theory and in practice, and has been rewarded nationally for upholding it. The 1969 decision of Tinker v. DesMoines Independent Community School District stated, "Students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." In many ways, I view this whole issue as having been blown out of proportion. It should never have reached these heights in the first place. It takes

courage for one to· stand for what he/ she believes is right. Townsend Harris, collectively, should have enough confi" dence and courage to allow its students to meet in a way that is beneficial, not only for the club members, but for the , . I - I school as a whole, especially because the school promotes the First Amendment among its students. -Chloe Chao, '04 For sources, see p. 12

:;Movie-go.ers are 'Spirited Away' by Anime feature

by Christine Choe The Anime Club's seeand movie event featured the Japanese animat-ed film, Spirited Away, after school on Ftitiay, December 12, in the audita.. rium. AEimissioa was free and in'· eluded autheatic Japanese snacks. "[Last>year's show} went so well that we decided to s:bow another movie tllis year," said president Tinli Wu, ~r...I watched Spirited Away laSt ye~and tu\joyed it. I wanted to share it wim the rest of the schooJ.•• Splrited Away, wlnner ef the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Fit:mowas the first anime m~v~. to lire nOminated. Directed·by Ha,rae' Miyl§ki. it brings to'rtte the imaginlltjve journey ofChihiro, a gir-l who moves;to.;a lleW town With her ~!1tr.~<l talc~·~ VI'.ong t~ alons

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The Classic Faii/W_ inter '03-'04

Arista induction celebrates noteworthy achievement and COSA Adam Stonehill, Arista the ceremony. Though the Concert Band munity, Arista members participate in by J anet Hwang Speeches and musical performances President Lin a Lee, sen ior, and Queens did not contribute a musical number, as the annual Penny Harvest by form ing marked the 2003 induction ceremony of College li.aison it has groups of fou r or five to fill over one Marvin trad i- hundred bags with donations . T hirdArista, the Townsend Harris chapter of br. tionally year Arista member Jessica Bader, sethe National Honor Society. T he presti- Leiner, who gious event, held in Colden Auditorium bid farewell to done in nior, said, "I think the Penny Har-vest is prev i - great because the whole point of Arista on December 16, honored 280 students the Townsend · o u s is to honor people who give back to their for their academic performance and ser- Har ri s Arista community due years, communities by going above and bevice to the school and the community. several yond ." Echoing the society's legacy of Members of the society are inducted to his upcoming p e r - service to the community, sophomore by invitation only on the basi~ of certain retirement. In form- Stephanie Jeter, a firs t-year inducted requirements. All Arista members must keeping with e r s . into Arista, said "I am grateful to be maintain a minimum average of90per- the tone of the t 0 0 k cent per year. In addition , students must . event , the reamong a group of productive citizens ." t h e be a part of at least one club or team each maining Arista Despite the overall success of the cerstage, emqny, poor attendance among uppersemester and do a minimum of 50 hours Executive includ- classmen was prevalent. "At this point, of community service each year. How- Board members 1 n g ever, four or more referral points will s y m b o I i c ai I y · (left to right) are congratulated by PTA Co-President Joseph most seniors consider the ceremony a Junior tedious formality. Moreover, I find it prevent a prospective candidate from introduced the Dubowski and Principal Thomas Cunningham. Sharon odd that Arista dues have stearlily ininduction, as character is one of the fun- principles of the society, including Character; Service, Lim on the violin "All the performers creased in the past several years . It damental principles of the society. Speeches abounded at the evening Leadership, and Scholarship, to the au- were very .talented and added sophisti- would be refreshing to receive more cation to the ceremony," said second- , than a minuscule pin for years of hard ceremony, including those by Principal dience. The talent of individual Townsend year member Alyssa Chase, junior. Thomas Cunningham, PTA Co-President work and dedication," remarked an In the spirit of giving back to the com- anynomous senior. Joseph Dubowski, Arista Coordinator Harris students was also showcased at

Winter Concert performances give chills to audience members by Diana Sh um Eager relatives, friends, and students braved the cold on Thursday, December 18, to attend the annual Winter Concert, which was held in the auditorium. Members of the intermediate and concert bands, string ensemble, and chorus all contributed their talents to the event, which also included a solo performance by Latin and Greek teacher Richard Russo. The program, which lasted from 7 le 9 PM,. began with the intermediate band perfonning unde r the dircct-ittn of music teacher Peter Lustig. Their selections included the "Marche Militaire" by Franz Schubert and "Sing Sing Sing" by Louis . Prima. The finale of the intermediate : band's showcase was a crowd-pleasing rendition of familiar Peanut.1· holiday carols, arranged by John Moss. "The Charlie Brown medley performed by the . Intermediate band was very cute," said junior Elina Zakinova. Led by choral director Florence McKinley, the chorus followed the intermediate band by singing three pieces, including "Lift Them Up!" by Lon Beery, "Lift Thine Eyes" by Fdix Mendelssohn, and "Like A Tree" by Margaret P. Douroux. The chorus re-

turned later in the evening to perfonn of applause. "The concert band took the Getting, and Queens College liaison Dr. several more selections, including a show. The students in the concert band Marvin Leiner. Harris eccentricities such as "[A] Hanukkah song. were very good and I was very surprised dictionary," "five Mr. Russo received cheers from the at their talent," said an audience mem- fifty-pound audience for his rousing baritone solo, her. The concert band perfonned "Dance collaterals," "six flights of stairs," "eight sung without a microphone, of ~ 'You'll of the Tumblers" by Nikolai Rimsky- program changes," and "eleven hours of Never Walk Alone" by Oscar Korsakov and "Christmas Joy" by homework" were some of the featured Hammersteip and Ri~hard Rodgers. Michael Sweeney. However, the high numbers of the song, which elicited '~ Mr. Ru~so'.s perr qJlllance ~ps very point came with their perfbrmance 'of laughs from students aild"teachers alike . profe~sion ;ll," commented event coor- "Cellblock.Tango," ·~~xy/ ':Th.;)<>Both: ~ ·Acdording to 'M:~. I..:ustlg, '' (th~' 'c6NJ' dinator Lisa Mars,Assistant Principal Reached. for the Gun," and; "AH -That cett] went ~wen better than I expected . . of Forei:g n Languages and Fine. Art. ,-. Jazz" from Chicago . Both bands played as well as if not betJunior Ksenia Yachmetz added, "HavToward the end of the evening, the ter than- it ever had in rehearsals: The . ing members of the faculty, such as Mr. "Celebrity Chorus" of faculty members chorus · sounded great and the strings Russo, perform shows -a lot about the ascended the stage to perform "The sounded terrific, as welt. It surpassed spirit and unity of the Townsend Har- Twelve Daze of Townsend," a song my expectations." . r~s community." ,_about the tribulation~ of work·weary '· Ms. Mars was also full of praise. Following Mr. Russo, the string Harrisites, set to the melody of "The '"The selections played by the concert ensemble, led by Paula Zarmon, pro- Twelve Days ofChristmas."The surprise band were very challenging, a~d the ceeded to perform excerpts from "The group, donning Santa hats for the occa- chorus really pulled together in the last Nutcrack,er" by PeterTchaikovsky and· sion, included history teacher Marc two days, pracricing in the hallway and sele'Ctions from 'Elton John and Hans . · 'Greenberg, late-pass distributor Carol fore'ign limguage ~'offiCe. Some guests Zimmer's "The Lion King." "[The Newman, French teacher Mariet · frotn the Board of Education who had string ensemble's performance was] D'Souza, Latin and Greek teacher An- . been invited to the concert were also well·balanced and well-played, [espe- drew Hagerty, Principa l Thomas - very impressed," sh~ said. "The talent ciaUy since] 'The Lion King' is mod- Cunningham, phys ical education and displayed Was very impressive ... [and the ern and they're more used to playing health teacher Shari Basis, retired Span- concert] really said a lot about the stuclassical music," said Ms. Zarmon. ish teacher Ilene Marcus, Assistan-t Prin- dents here at Townsend Harr is. It's· a Upon the opening of the' curtain, · cipal of Guidance Janet Solomon, Peter very unconventional place, and overall which revealed an assembled concert . Lustig, history teacher John O'Malley, I'm very pleased with the night's perband, the audience broke into a, round · Assistant Principal of Humanities Susan fonnances ."

Wall -of Fame highl.ights famous Harrisites' heights

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by Michelle Boutis ~onas Salk, inventor of the polio vacno females on the Wall of Fame, as Sophisticated head shots of alumni cine, and reTCJ'MR'ni who have reached the heights of fame, now ned comHarris fortune, and excellence now enliven the poser Richard used to building's lobby as part of the atrium's Rogers, of the be an newest addition, the Wall of Fame. famed duo all-male Completed just weeks ago by art teacher Rogers and instituAnthony Morales, the Wall was a fourHammerstein, il tion. year project of fonner Assistant Princiare very well·§ A f- · pal ofOrganizationMalcolm Rossman, known in ~ ter Mr. . who passed away last winter. today's society. ~ Romm's The Wall of Fame is intended to ofEach alumnus . "' death, ..0 fer an insight into the professional enis featured with B M r . deavors of notable Townsend Harris a photograph as ·· .§.. Morales well as back- Photos of notable Harrisites reside on the lobby's new Wall of d i I i alumni, whose careers range from col" ground in for- Fame. gent I y lege professor to economist to physici;m.• :Some names, including those. of _i'\';'! . ·.maii9.n on his..ooreer. There .ai_·tre• CUIJI<ntl;r . ,pu ~s~ed ;the. projsct ~o its completion. ~J) .' 1 ··• . • . ·' _• ' . ; ~,/.., , , ,·•<). . .a.:,:.......... ;.•~._.t..i.'l ~. ; . J\t,• '~ ':* -~-·~-..l t

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He said, "The completion of the Wall of Fame barely three weeks ago is our commemoration to Mr. Rossman's vision." However, over the course of four years, significant changes have been made to the project. The original display was meant to bt; larger and protected by glass, but the dimensions and security measures would have been too costly. The design was revised to fit a more practical budget. The new format, however, only had space to aecomodate 48 of the 50 alumni on Mr. Rossman's list. To fix this dilemma, the individual plaques will be rotated to share space on the Wall. The .~ .• ~!·.~~~· ,_~tinw;d on p. 9 •

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'Dreaming Below Zero' soars above expectations by Annie Choi the art club. Anthony Morales, art spirit of the holidays." pressed by the show, stating, "The Art Vibrant color and soft textures ush- teacher and co-advisor of the Art Club 'Featured artwork induded paintings Show showcased the talent ofTHHS artered in "Dreaming Below Zero," the Art added, "'Phe theme was to create of snowy villages, evergreen trees, and ists, including that of Diana Lee, who Club's snow-capped mountain peaks, as well as will be majoring in art at Cornell Unis e c brightly colored compositions of bold versity." Both Mr. Morales and Ms. ondstreaks and lines that exuded an Wischerth seemed to agree with Ms. annual otherworldly appeal. The artistry of se- Mars. "I was very impressed with the winter niors Carla Gunther and Diana Lee, co- outcome," said Mr. Morales. "It proved exhibipresidents of the Art Club, also elicited to be one that represented a broad range tion, the praise of many. Echoing the over- of talent." Ms. Wischerth was happy to which whelmingly favorable response to the note that even in the course of a relacomevent, junior Ksenia Yachmetz enthusi- - tively short period of time, more than menced astically noted, "It was fab! The whole fifty pieces of artwork were submitted. on Declub really pulled together to produce Ms. Mars said that this art show was an cemthis show." Carla elaborated, "The qual- embodiment of the hard work put in by ber 15 ity of the artwork was amazing. We had Mr. Morales, Ms. Wischerth, and the Art in the lobby. R e freshments added to the relaxed am b i- view artwork at the club's second-annual winter exhibition. an c e during which students and staff joined images ... offeelings and mood founded together to appreciate the aesthetic tal- in a way that suggests some concrete ents and achievements of artists through- state of mind, one of vivid imagery." out the school community. Visitors were Despite the guidelines, all artistic mewelcome to feast their ~yes upon anum- dia were readily accepted for the show. ber of rich and vivid student-produced Many Art Show attendees were left creations, ranging from portraits and ab- with favorable impressions of the stract paintings to photography and cJay event. Sophomore Rosanna Arena, one of the show's contributing artists, said, figurines. To accomodate the overall t_heme of . 'The _~how h~d a lot of good piec~s and ·A sample of work cdritributed by sophomore Sarah Muehlbauer. this year's show; ''Preaming ,hBeiow the .end:result reflected the .member&' Zero," club members were aske(J to "b~ efforts and. attention. l> Diana Bell, - several very talented artists display their Club, as well as a representation of "the creative and imaginative," and use art sophomore, enthusiastically added, pieees .this year." .spirit of excellenee and teamwork that as "a wonderful, creative outlet," said "The show was very inspirational, and Lisa Mars,Assistant Principal of Sec~ defines Townsend Harris High School." Margherita Wischerth,the co-advisor of it helped me U> become one with the ond Language and the Arts, was imFor more artwork, see p. 12

In-depth feature: ,Is racial profilin-g the best cure for ·crime? by Jason Novick ing . that the . Department has always · Americans, Hispanics, and other minori- for Newsweek, agrees. In a July 2002 A growing number o.f incidents in- prohi_bited racial profiling. However, ties. According to senior Andrew Rivera, article, Mr. Zakaria contended that, alvolving racial bias has propelled the is- · some say that· the NYPD's use of ra- racial profiling is a "big issue [that] af- though he ~oes noJ object to it on moral sue of racial profiling to the national cia! profiling is and has been wide- -fects a lot of people.'~ Andrew sa\d that or ethical .grounds, racial profiling is forefront, parti~ularly following the ter- . spread. In 2000, the U.S. Commission ~is father, an employee of the N~w York · "stupid" and just "doesn't work." In the rorist attacks on Septemer I L The fo- . on Civil Rights said that the NYPD had City legal system, "sees it all the time." same article, author and expert on racus of racial profiling, which i~. usually ·been using r-acial profiling in its "stop- Andrew, who is Hispanic, was ttie sub- cia! profiling David Harris explained directed at minorities, particulln'ly AfFi~ . and-frisk" tactics, which were used to · ject of racial profiling four years ago why race is "too broad a category to be can-Americans and Hispanics, has now stop, search, and question suspicious when a shop owner asked to search his useful." "If you focus on race, the eye shifted to Arabs and MusliJns in recent people. The Commission was man- bag as he left the store, but did not ask is distracted from behavior and moves months. Is racial profiling an evil of so- . dated to review NYPD practices after to search the bag of his Caucasian friend. to what is literally skin-deep," said Mr. . ciety or is it a valuable crime7stopping the shooting of Amadou Diallo. At the time, Andrew didn't understand Harris, displaying his belief that racial tool necessary for the protettion . of In February 1999, DiaUo, a 22-year- the significance of what had happened, · ·profiling cannot possibly be successful American citizens? . old West African immigrant, was shot but looking back on it, he realized "how in catching miscreants on its own. Racial profiling is the "use of race, 19 times by four plainclothes police of- • unfair it was." "Good information," however, "is the color, eihnicity or national origin as the · . ficers who were searching for a rapist. .· Senior Maurice Stevenson, who isAf- most effective weapon [in fighting determinativefactor for initiating police When confronted by police officers rican-American, has not directly experi- crime]," added Mr. Zakaria. He believes action," according to the New York Po" outside his Bronx home, Diallo enced racial profiling, but said, "I have "smart profiling," which includes roulice Department (NYPD) in a March • reached into his jacket to pull out his heard many stories involving minorities tine background checks at airports -and 2002 article by the Associated Press. wallet, which the officers mistook for being profiled by police officers," he an overall alertness to suspicious behavRandom traffic stops and interrogations .. a gun. The officers fired 41 shots, 19 said. "It ranges from unreasonable traf- ior, instead of racial profiling, will based solely on the prejudicial assu~p- of which hit Diallo. His killing fie stops to being fol1 0 wed by officers in achieve much better results. tion that a certain type of person is likely prompted a surge of rallies demanding residential neighborhoods to unlawful Critics of racial profiling nevertheto be guilty of committing a crime is an justice and accusations that racial pro- searches for drugs." less recognize that there may be some example of racial profiling. IriNew York · filing was to blame for Diallo's death. Maurice and Andrew say that racial benefits to it. Sarah. Sultan, senior, acCity, the subjects of nicial profiling· by Following the commission's conclu- profiling is morally wrong and unjust. knowledges that the practice has some theNYPD have frequently been African- . sion that the NYPD had been using ra- "It puts an unfair mark on people who advantages but feels that they are Americans and Hispanics. cia! profiling, an array of internal · are innocent most ofthe time. It accuses "minute and cannot be compared to the The NYPD's official policy forbids changes in the Department's crime- people of doing things without having pain and humiliation minorities suffer . any proof by just basing [it] on race; from racial profiling." Senior advisor officers from using racial profiling in the stopping tactics were initiated. execution of their duties. In theAP's reThough such examples do not fre- that's not fair," said Andrew, adding that and social studies teacher Franco port, Police Commissioner Raymond quently appear in today's headlines, ra- racial profiling is usually unsuccessful Scardino believes that profiling is Kelly pubticly'tteltera:tid'this p(;iiby ~ay~ ' · c·ial' proflfin.g ;st'itYaft~C'is A.fil'tli_ ri: · · 'arid: i'neffe-ctiye: ' Fareed·Zitkarfa.~: writer ·~ : . •·· .:. continued'on•p;··s v' •·-~· ~; .,

The Classic Fall/Winter '03-'04

.In-depth feature (cont.): Is racial profiling the best cure.for crime? "morally and ethically offensive" and that it "allows people to buy into biases which are usually based on ignorance and generalizations." Mr. Scardino, like Sarah, noted that profiling may be o~ca sionally successful in catching a criminal or deterring crime, but believes that "the ends never justify the means." Proponents of racial profiling say that it helps to catch criminals and deter crime. "[Racial profiling] is a good thing because there's a good chance you'll fi nd someone who's done something wrong or may do something wrong. If it helps catch criminals and possible terrorists, it' s very valuable," said one jtmior. Heather MacDonald, in a spring 2001 article in City Journal, wrote that racial profiling is reflective of good police work because minorities commit the majority of crimes in New York. The probability that the police will catch a criminal is therefore greater if they stop and question a person who belangs to a minority group than if they stop and question a white person. What Ms. MacDonald is referring to is what was once called "scientific profiling," according. to history teacher Maureen Lonergan, a process by which "detectives collected statistics on past criminals and used them to predict who would be more likely to commit crimes." In an October 3, 2001 article on ABCNews.com, police reported that while black males between the ages of 15 and 24 make up only one percent of the nation's population, they are r~spon sible for more than 20% of violent crimes nationwide. In the 2002 fiscal year (July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002), the New York City Department of Corrections reported that of 108,464 people in the correctional system, 58.3% are African-American; 29.9% Hispanic, 9% Caucasian, and 1.5% belong to other races and ethnicities. The disproportionately high number of minorities arrested for crimes, according to many critics of racial profiling, cannot be attributed to minorities committing more crimes but rather to racism in law en. forcement that targets African-Americans and Hispanics. Lately, profiling of Arabs and Muslims has become a pressing ma~ter, especially after September 11. Since then, Americans acquired a fear of future terrorist acts against the United States and its interests overseas. It is tbis fear that Muslim and minority leaders blame for

increased racial profiling of Arabs and Newark Airport, from which. hijacked ficer to discharge his duties without proMuslims. "If profiling blacks is wrong, UnitedAirlines Flight 93 that crashed filing because "he should be more attenthen profiling anyone is wrong," said in Pennsylvania on September 11 de- tive to the actions ofvarious people, inReverend Reggie Jackson, head of the parted, felt more secure knowing that cluding of those who are not of AfricanNew Jersey Black Minister 's Council, .the airport foc used on Arab men at se- American, Hispanic, or Arab desce~t." · in a Septemb.er 2002 interv iew con- curity checkpoi nts. Several of those Whether national security should suducted by the NorthStar Network. "It is interviewed did not agree with racial percede basic civil liberties or if violat.not appropriate for anyone to be pro- profiling, but did support the airport's ing these freedoms to keep the homeland filed, especially because of fear from 9/ use of profiling fo r security. One se- safe threatens the foundations of our 11," Jackson said. In the same article, nior who wishes to remain anonymous democratic nation, racial profiling will Faiz Rehman, community director for agrees. "It's time to judge them [Arabs undoubtedly be a source of controversy the American Muslim Council in Wash- and Muslims] for the worst to keep this as the U.S. 's epic war on crime and terington, D.C., said that since the Septem- world safe," she said. rorism continues. ber 11 terrorist attacks, profiling of ArMuslims think it is unjust to be proSources: Boyer, Dave. "Despite profiling fears, abs and Muslims has increased signifi- filed because of what Sarah Sultan concantly. According to Rehman and other tends are the "acts of a few fanatic in- FBI won't do it." The Washington Times Muslim leaders, the government has fo- dividuals." She added, "When Timo- 7 June 2002, final ed.: AOL. Online. cused on people of Middle Eastern de- thy McVeigh carried out the Oklahoma Lexis-Nexis 18 Dec~ 2002. scent and has, on many occasions, "held City bombing, as a white American, the Cruz, Donna de Ia. "For first time, Muslim and Arab men in airports with- entire Caucasian population was not NYPD says racial profiling is prohibout bond, purpose and representation for profiled as possible terrorists; therefore, ited." The Associated Press 13 March the most trivial reasons." They point out Muslims and Arabs should not be 2002. Online. Lexis-Nexis. 18 Dec. 2002. Hayslett, Chandra M. "Profiling Fothat Arab men are searched more aggres- deemed violent as a result of the acsively at airports and targeteq as pos- tions of a few men." Whereas it would cus Shifts from Blacks to Arabs and Mus. sible terrorists, which only furthers the have been impractical to profile whites . lims." The Northstar Network 30 Septemwidespread public assumption that all after the Oklahoma City bombing be- ber 2002. Online. Internet. 7 Dec. 2002. Arabs and Muslims are affiliated with cause of the large Caucasian popula- <http://www.thenorthstarnetwork.com/ terrorism. tion in the United States, Sarah believes news/topstories/181509-1 .html>. MacDonald, Heather. "The Myth of The Federal Bureau oflnvestigation profiling Muslims and Arabs as terror(FBI) in an article in The Washington ists is just as ineffectual. Currently, Racial Profiling." City Journal Spring Times on June 7, 2002, reported that ra- · there are approximately 1.4 billion 2001. Online. Internet. <http://www.citycial profiling was not one of the tactics Muslims worldwide, many of whom fit journal.org/htmV11_2_the_myth'.html>. Meeks, Kenneth. Driving While used in the fight against terrorism. Di- the description of the "typical terror. rector Robert S. Mueller t~stified that ist" - young, male, olive-colored skin, Black: Highways, Shopping Malls, Taxithe FBI is trying to prevent further ter- dark hair and eyes, and long black cabs, Sidewalks: How to Fight Back If rorist attacks without unfairly focusing beard. However, Sarah, a French-Egyp- You An! a Victim of Racial Profiling. on Arab and Muslim men. President tian Muslim, believes that the profil- New York: Broadway Books, 2000. George W. Bush, in his speech to the ing of the "eviJ" and "inhumane Mus- ' New York City Department of Correcnation after the September 11 terrorist · lims and Arabs" whom Americans have tions. General Facts and Figures. Online. attacks, said the United States will dili- come to hate after September 11 has Internet. 20 Dec. 2002. <http:// gently fight terrorism within the nation's actually served to unite America against www. n yc. gov/h tm 1/doc/html/ borders and abroad, but that Muslims a common enemy. She predicts that this gnlstats.html>. and people of Middle Eastern descent discrimination will make the task of Stossel~ John. "Rethinking Racial Proshould not to be targeted by Americans "rebuilding their [Muslims' ·and Arabs'] filing." ABCNews.com 3 Oct. 2001. through racial profiling. According to reputations as upstanding citizens" ex- Online. Internet. 7 Dec. 2002. <http:// abcnews.go.coni/sections/2020/2020/ Director Mueller, the FBI has kept to tremely difficult. Even those opposed to profiling 2020_011 002_ra!ialprofiling_sta>sethtm1#2>. this order, but the fear of profiling has , The Associated Press. "Panel Criticonceded that the prejudices that are at restricted terrorism investigations. cizes NYPD Racial Profiling." · His assertion that an aversion to pro- the basis of profiling are hard to avoid. CBSNews.com 16 June 2000. Online. filing has hindered the FBI's ability to Mr. Scardino, Maurice, and Sarah Internet. 7 Dec. 2002. effectively conduct investigations and sharply condemned racial profiling, but <http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/ prevent terrorism suggests the idea tbat when asked what they would do if they 2000/06/16/national/main206775.html>. the profiling of Arabs and Muslims may were police officers or airport security The Associated Press. "Reports: Fedbe a necessary evil in the government's guards, they admitted that they could protection of this nation and its citizens. not definitively say that they would be eral inquiry finds racial profiling in "In a semi-wartime situation and dur- able to carry out their jobs without pro- NYPD unit." CNN.com 5 Oct. 2002. ing war," Ms. Lonergan said, "civil lib- filing. "Human nature is frail at times, Online. Internet. 7 Dec. 2002. <:http.//www.cnn.com/2000/US/1 0/ particularly in the matter of one's seerties are always liable to be limited." '{a: . , Many_Americans support .this limi- curity," Mr. Scardino said. Even though 05/nypd.probe.ap/>. Zakaria, Far.eed. "Freedom vs. Secutation. In the ABC News report in Oc- she believes it may be hard, Sarah said tober 2001, travelers interviewed at it is possible for a law enforcement of- , rity." Newsweek July 8 2002: 27-31.

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'Devil Wears-Prada' makes for a wickedly entertaining read doing so, she looks forward to a promby Jessica Berger Being bad has never been so devil- ising tuture and leaves her sanity beishly stylish and sinfully hilarious as it hind. The title says it all; except, in this was in Lauren Weisberger's 'The Devil Wears Prada.' This witty tribute to the case, the devil wears Versace, Gucci, trials of the assistant to the Editor-in- and Chane! in addition to Prada. In fact, Chief of a mock Vogue magazine has the term devil may be an understategraced the New York Times Best Seller ment. From grossly mispronouncing list and the bookshelves of many fash- Andrea's name as "Ahn-dre-ah" to demanding that the new Harry Potter ion-savvy book~Iovers. The story is narrated by Andrea books be delivered to her children in Sachs, a recent Ivy League graduate and Paris before their debut to refusing to aspiring writer, who never imagined that drink her latte unless it is at a steamy her Brown University education would state of perfection, Miranda takes the lead her to the doorstep of Miran~a word devilish to new heights. The novel Priestly, a reputed caricature of Vogues is a non-stop testament to the lengths former leading lady Anna Wintour. . Andrea will go to in pursuit of her dream Though the author is a Cornell Univer- career. At every step of the way, Andrea sity graduate, it can be assumed that the reminds herself of the prize she will retwisted tale is based rather closely on ceive at the end of her tenure at Runher own real-life experiences when way. On page one, Lauren Weisberger working for Vogue Magazine. The main charaCter signs on at Runway for a year quotes Henry David Thoreau, who said, hoping to receive a recommendation "Beware of all enterprises that require from Miranda that she hopes will be her new clothes." Andrea, a GAP-wearing, golden ticket to a writing career at any messenger bag-carrying size 6 is per~ reputable newspaper or magazine. In petually confronted with fashion, de-

signers, models, and more fashion, making a new wardrobe imperative. If her outfit failed to live up to par, she could always raid the notorious "Closet" full of designer apparel for the taking. In the process of securing a spot for herself at The New Yorker, Andrea predictably ends up hurting herself and those around her. Grueling hours and _near-impossible tasks from Miranda keep her sleeping less, smoking and drinking more, and neglecting her friends, family, and boyfriend. As her personal relationships and health slip through the cracks, she reevaluates the importance of her goals, when it means that she must dress like a model, eat (or starve) like a model, and be subjected to menial tasks for a salary that would barely cover o,ne semester at Brown. In fact, a Brown University education, or an education at any fine institution for that matter, would never prepare one of its students to drive a manual transmission sports car, while

wearing stiletto heels, of course, match the perfect Donna Karan dress with Manolo Blahnik shoes, wrap holiday presents, drop 9ff and pick up dry-cleaning, and fetch the dog from the veterinarian. As the plot winds down, Andrea must come to terms with the job she has sacrificed her whole life for when her close friend is in a car accident while she is on a business trip with Miranda. The ending is a happy, if not surprising one for Andrea, though we know that in real life, Lauren manages to escape from a toxic job and become a successful, best-selling writer. Ms. Weisberger's book was a fashionfilled, humorous thrill from start to finish. No chore was too bizarre, no outfit too trendy in this 360-page work of comic realism. After reading this great book you will lear11 that if your boss has a pointy tail coming out of her perfectly tailored Prada suit and carries a matching pitchfork as the ideal accessory, this is npt the right job for you! Doubleda,y Books, $21.95

'Mona Lisa Smile' garners unexpected frowns by Jessica Berger Though a major theme of director Mike Newell's 'Mona Lisa Smile' was 'the role that [women] are born to fill,' the movie itself did not come close to the role that it was 'born to fill.' Hyped up by the media, 'Mona Lisa Smile,' starring Academy Award winner Julia Roberts, youthful fjlm actresses such as Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, and actor Topher Grace of 'That 70s Show,' was expected to be a holiday blockbuster but failed to reach or exceed hopes for its success at the box office. · The plot is centered around Katherine Watson, played by Roberts, who, in a nutshell, becomes a professor of Art History at Wellesley College in Massachusetts and encounters accusations of 'subversity' from the traditionalist administration, alumni, and stu-

dents before eventuallymaking a longlasting impression on her students by challenging them to 'think outside the box,' or canvas in this case. Mingled into the storyline are Katherine's failed romances, tidbits of art history, and _interesting revelations about the role that Wellesley played in the lives •l!lJl! of its students. At every turn, the film depicted almost unfathomable, but laughable examples, of Wellesley's ridiculous method of

grooming its young, female scholars into the ideal women and wives, including c)asses in synchronized swimming and homemaking. In one of the best performances of the movie, actress Marcia Gay Harden, who played Nancy, a teacher of (f''"- '\ 'speech, poise, and elocution,' reached a state of Erik Scott unbridled elation only when watching 'Strike it Rich' and pointing out to Roberts' character that her chintz ,.....,..~._I''

Downtown restaurant serves up intergalactic feast for rice pudding fans by Ann-Margaret Santa-Ines Rice to Riches 37 Spring Street New York, NY 10012 Phone:212-274~0008

Hours: Mon.-Sat. ll AM-11 PM; • Sun. I 1 AM-9PM Rice to Riches 's fantastic flavors and stimulating atmosphere create an eatery that is out of this world. Located onSpring Street, Rices to Riches transports their guests from bustling downtown Manhattan to a unique universe of delectible delights. . The restaurant's "astonomical count," or menu, offers twenty four tantalizing flavors of rice pudding. The flavors include Strawberry Floozy, Chocolate Carnivore, with a trace of dark raisins, and Stubborn Banana, _._ - . •-.!:"" _;-_-_ ... _. . . _.-, - ___... __ ,

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with a hint of coconut. The palatable pudding is presented in entertaining sou-

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venir serving containers. The restaurant's decor simulates outerspace . Bright neon lights illuminate the abstract-shaped tables and cornerless walls. The restaurant also utilizes technology to produce a futuristic aura. Twenty flat screen monitors, featuring animated rice grains and - flying dishes, display the menu. The celestial ambience and futuristic, unique approach to rice pudding made my trip to Rice to Riches a fantastic dining Erik Scott experience. If you don't like rice pudding, just go to dine in a restaurant that lets you eat amongst the stars. .•.•: ,..-.? ~-~~·:.!' ...,.

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bedspread perfectly matched the wallpaper. Although some of this may have been a reality amongst the faculty at Wellesley, it seemed a gross hyperbole to the unassuming viewer. It should be noted, however, that Ms. Harden's portrayal of the contente!l 1950s housewife was extremely convincing. ' Overall, the plot was somewhat disjointed and tedious. Just days before graduation, Kirsten Dunst's Betty, a married student, wrote a scathing editorial about Katherine, only to become a strong admirer.of Katherine without any apparent resolution of the tension between them. The film concluded with a cliched happy ending and left the graduates of the Wellesley class of 1954 more openminded about love, art, and their futures than we found them, having learned that there is more to life than the perfect washer/dryer set and pair of pearls.

The Classic Fall/Winter '03-'04

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'Scary Movie 3' leaves audiences Movie-goers are 'Spirited Away' screaming with laughter by Ani me feature . by Diana Bell slap in the face to almost every horror/ ·~oh no you didn't!" Queen Latifah's action released this year. "The Othsignature line in the "Scary Movie 3" ers," "The Ring," "8 Mile," "Signs," and "Matrix R~loaded;' are trailer mirrored my ~-- ----~-f'ii:!i'l<'l!lll,... - -- --: some of the recent films initial reaction upon S(.AP-.'1 1'1\cOvu:. ~- l .- thatfallvictimto"SM3's" hearing that the "Scary lol•~·~o;~ , It' U-~~o_rt. 'fGu•·· . · · Movie" series was rllflif &H -o""tl, ~( ~0 W1 All unabashed nd1cule. back with yet another 'V r tt' r,~ /r Though hysterical, the =-~·-:} _ · Y\ movie follows a disconinstallment of crude, yet memorable laughs. ~V \ -~ J nected and confusing plot. Could "SM3's" direcri~~~ The plot attempts to contor David Zucker pull nect "The Ring's" killer videotape to aliens' (from it off again? Much to my surprise, the film's "Signs") quest to see it dec _ (" stroyed, all the while fol- ·release on October 24 and its sold out pre• i' lowing the side story of an miere weekend made ~ unstable love between the ( me realize that would-be Eminem and the Muriel Leung - . · "SM3 's" director did female lead. This brand of pull it off for the third time ... and he did filmmaking is not out of character with it well, producing the best film of the the "Scary Movie" trilogy, and anyone trilogy thus far. who opts to see this film solely for the Featuring celebrities such as Charlie plot should be banned from all theaters Sheen, Queen Latifah, Simon Cowell, indefinitely. Despite its several morally Ja Rule, Macy Gray, Jenny McCarthy, disturbing scenes, "Scary Movie 3" is a Pamela Anderson, Leslie Nielsen, and hysterical comedy, one that will keep Eddie Griffin, '"Scary Movie 3" is a clear you laughing from beginning to end.

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theme park, her parents fall -.under a strange spell. Chihiro f i nd s herself in a world filled w i t h spir i ts a d ghosts, and it is up to her to find the courage to save her parents and re-

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home. "The movie is like a Japanese version of Alice in Wonderland. Hayao Miyazaki has such an extraordinary imagination to be -

Scenic journey to the Amazon offers exotic c;o,.

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by Mary-Grace Papatheodorou After a six hour flight from Miami, we landed at Manaus Airport in the steamy, 105 degree heat of central BraziL Despite the delay at the airport, during which the authorities checked our Brazilian visas, we arrived at the port ofManaus after travelling down numer~ ous dirt roads by bus. There, we boarded a ship for the 1,000 mile journey down the Amazon River. Loren Mcintyre, an expert on the Amazonian region, refers to the Amazon as "Great River Sea." The river stems from the Peruvian Andes, 1_00 miles from the Pacific Ocean, travelling across the heart of South America for 4,080 miles before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, depositing about one fifth of the world 's freshwater each year. Manaus is a thriving port city. During the great rubber boom, it enjoyed tremendous prosperity. The Teatro Amazonas, a 105 year-old opera house, built of bricks imported entirely from Europe, stands in excellent condition and is still the site of countless folkloric shows, ballets and other performances. The port is full of colorful, wooden double-decker riverboats waiting to carry passengers and cargo on the bustling Amazon. Thebuzzing voices of the merchants selling goods and loading boats with bananas and other exotic items can be heard everywhere. The homes are simple wooden huts with straw roofs built on stilts to avoid the river's floodwaters, which can rise as high as 90 feet during the rainy season. Today, Manaus, situated at the intersection of two Amazon tributaries, the dark Negro river and the yellow Solimoes; is home to approximately 1,800,000 citizens. Due to the temperature of the water and the speed of the

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snakes wrapped around t~eir necks, holding alligators, toucans, parrots, spider monkeys, sloths, frogs and breathtaking macaws, as well. One small girl was holding a branch of bright, red

two rivers' currents, a "wedding of the waters" takes place. For 50 miles, the rivers flow side by side without mixing their individually colored waters. We boarded the Amazonia, a double-

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decker boat, and set off to discover the rainforest. As we drifted down the river, I observed the natives washing clothes and utensils in the brown water of the river. I could see fresh-water dolphins swimming. Suddenly, a heavy rain fell, but in keeping wit~ tropical climates, it lasted for a mere ten minutes. When we arrived at our destination, we disembarked and piled into small canoes. There were insects flying everywhere! I could easily understand why yellow fever shots and malaria pills are prerequisites for traveling to this region. Upon arriving at a village along the waterway, small, unattended children approached us in their canoes with

flowers called "urucu berries." The Amazonians treasure the Urucu tree for its berries, which they use to produce red dye to paint their bodies and faces. The village children were carefree and smiling. I was amazed to see Victorian Regia leaves, enormous green water lilies, spanning six feet in diameter. We finally set foot in the rainforest, where every imaginable shade of green could be seen. The trees were so tall that my neck hurt from looking up at their leafy, majestic grandeur. Vines hung from the canopy and birds sung gaily. There was an overall feeling of serenity, and the mist from the recent rain soothed our skin. I was filled with ~

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able to create such a different and diverse world," said senior Jennifer Castillo after watching the movie. Junior Linda Shum noted, "The animation was amazing. He [Miyazaki] is so brilliant and so creative. I really enjoyed the movie a lot." "People enjoyed it; even those who have never been to the Anime Club, or even knew what amme was, Jillian deChavez came," said Tina. The club plans to screen another movie in the spring.

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a feeling of melancholy. Before my trip, I had read that over 126 million acres of the forest have been destroyed. After visiting the forest, I wondered how mankind could destroy such a heaven for the sake of the lumber industry. How could they disturb the balance of the world's ecosystems and deprive us of the medicinal benefits of exotic plants? Upon returning to Manaus, I witnessed a glorious st~nset accompanied by the beautiful mul'!ic of the tropical birds. The next day, we visited Boca de Valeria, a small village. The ship anchored and, much to qur surprise, over 30 canoes neared our vessel. I offered a . piece of chocolate to one child and reveled in the joy emanating from his brown eyes. He held it tightly in his hand, as if it were precious. Several children carried wild animals and homemade jewelry, and I, astounded by the blissful simplicity of their lives, watched in awe. Leaving the village, I felt grateful for all that I have. Our next stop was the busy port of Santarem, at the mouth of the Tapajos River. We took a bus to Alter Do Chao, a small village complete with an unspoiled sandy beach, where we visited the Museum of Indigenous Art. The museum has preserved the legends and artifacts of 78 vanishing Indian tribes, including baskets, blow pipes, arrows,-jewelry, feathered skirts, masks and pottery. We returned to the ship and set sail for the Atlantic, leaving behind the dark waters of the "River Sea" and the magnificent, eme~ald rainforest. Sources: · Bell, Brian and Natalie Minnis. South America. New York: Apa Pub., 2002. Mcintyre, Loren. Amazonia. San Francisco: Toppan Printing Co., 1991. Sterling, Thomas. The Amazon. Amsterdam: Time Life Books, 1973. .•

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Faii/Winter'03-'04

precedent for 2003-2004 athletic season

place) and Erika Russi (23rd); and juniors Venus Cheung (30th), Rebecca Lynch (42nd), and Hazel Chi (74th). Townsend Harris finished second overall to McKee/Staten Island Tech. The Junior Varsity Cross-Country team also took second place at City Champs, led by senior Faith Cummings, who finished second. The Girls' Cross-Country team maintained their reputation as Queens' best rum;~ers, taking first place in Freshmen/ Sophomore, Junior Varsity and Varsity Borough Championship meets. Moore led the freshmen Townsend Harris team to a first place finish with her own first place finish in the r.5 mile event, and Christi Arcidiacono took 5th in the 2.5 mile run to lead the sophomores. In the

powerhouse, not just a Queens powerhouse. We want everyone else to be afraid us .fur all, three seasQns." . Gins ~w1mmmg

round against Grover Cleveland. Townsend Harris ended the season with nine wins and three losses in the regular by Lauren Korzeniewski season, and one win and one loss in the One by one, all of the Hawks sprinted postseason, finishing third in the Queens across the finish line as the crowed By Gloria Chen XV division. Finishing ahead of the cheered on the members of the Boys' TheGirls' Swimming team lost in Hawks wa·s Francis Lewis High School Cross-CountryTeam. The Hawks' imthe third round of the playoffs to Bronx in first place, followed by Newtown pressive season reached a climax at the Science by a score of 74 to 28, on No- High School. This is an impressive finCity Championships on November 8, at vember 25, ish for a team that Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. In the ending an othhas been plagued Varsity race, junior Matthew Duelka ran erwise very with as many chalthe 5K in 18:39, placing 59th for the 'successful sealenges as Townsend Hawks. Sophomore Jonathon Pantano son under the Harris has had this and junior Prahbjoyt Saini, placed 68th guidance of season. · and 69th. Coach James The Girls VarFreshman/Sophomore City ChampiJordan. The sity Volleyball team onships were held at Van Cortland Park Hawks had a suffered from three on November 1. Pantano and sophomore regulardseasonf injured starters in~ Nestor Serrano placed 14th and 17th, rerecor o eluding senior cospectively, with -times of 15:31 eight WinS Senior Dorota Sawicz contributes to an captain Rachel and 1.5:38 for the 2.5 mile run. and one Joss. victory against Stuyvesant with her butterfly stroke. Acosta, and juniors Ok placed 14th in the 1.5 mile They won Elizabeth Carroll and Dianne Seo. These event with a time o( 9:46. "We their first two playoff meets against injuries were majot setbacks in the reguhad one pf our most successful Tottenville and Stuyvesant, respec- Jar season; every player haG to readjust seasons,'; said 'Freshman and tively. The Turtles' only regular sea- to new positions. Both Carroll and Seo Sophomore Coach-Geor;ge Rio of were setters, a position that initiates all 1= son defeat was against Bronx Science his team's effoit. on October 17, by a score of 64 to 38. the action on the court, so the team The Hawks qualified for City ~ ·The Turtles were helped this seaneeded to ~ove around, which disrupted Champs by running impressively '~ son by the leadership provided by sethe vital connection between hitter and at Queens Championships on Oc] niors Kristin Angelopoulos, Amanda setter. These three starters rebounded tober 24 at Cunningham Park. . ;~ Chen, Stephanie Inwald, Dorota stronger and faster from their injuries Duelka finished ninth, running ..... 8 o Sawicz, Nicole Schnell and Pearl than was expected. The Hawks ~I so lost the 5K in 18:23. Pantano finished .- i'l11 Teeratananon, as well as their perfor- fourstarting seniors from last year, who 22nd, with juniors Saini 11nd l tc.. mances in the water. However, the provided much of the team's height and Nicolas Ko1ios finishing right be- Moore, senior Erika Russi, junior Venus Cheung, senior team's success this season definitely power. Coach Wanda Nix attributed the hind in 23rd and 24th. "This is Rosalind Adams, junior Hazel Chi, Coach Tim Connor required.a team effort. second- round playoff loss partly to just the hardest working group I've and senior Kathryn Dubowski take a break to pose at the ' "The season's been h11rd but we that, saying ~hat at such a level of comever had," stated Rio. State C~oss-Country Championships. managed .to pull through yet again," petition, height does make a difference During the. Junior Varsity race, eight Queens Champs Junior Varsity race, stated sophomore Zina Sanche. "We've and is a huge factor in the team's sucof the ·top 20 runners were Hawks. Townsend Harris dominated the first 12 lived up to our reputatjon for another cess. Despite these obstacles, the Hawks Freshman Richard Huynh finished sec- spots, and aJiowed only one other runyear and we've earned the title of played with unity and strength, leading and with a time of 20:09 and Ok came ner into the top 16. The Varsity team also Queens Champs fourteen years in a row to a wildcard spot in the playoffs and in third only 19 seconds later. controJied the board, with seven runners now." the 9th seed in the City. Duelka's fantastic finishes in the finishing in the top 14. Coach Tim Coach Nix is proud of how far the post-season were terrific accomplish- Connor described the Hawks perfectly Girls' Volleyball team advanced in the postseason ..S enior ments. He has not placed lower than when he said that everyone else in Michelle Wang agreed, saying, "We 16th in any regular season meet this Queens, and_the City, would have to beat hoped to get as far as we could go." . year. Anthony Diehm, junior, said of his us if they ever wanted to taste a cham- By Elyse Lee After spiking the competition for Coach Nix is impressed by the progress teammate, "He is the heart and soul of pionship. Coach Connor never doubted our team." thatthe Hawks would get to States, and much of the season, the Girls' Varsity that.everyone on the team made, espeVolleyball team lost to Grover Cleve- cially considering the short length of the In fact, the whole team had a great only hoped for personal bests. season. "We realized that running is Though Coach Connor is new. to land High School in the second round season. As for next year, the Hawks will mental as much as it is physical, and that Townsend Harris and to cross-country, of the playoffs on Sunday, November be losing six seniors, but have a good has helped us to have an awesome sea- his approach and strategy for winning 9. Eighth-seeded Grover Cleveland, core group of players returning, including junson," proclaimed Kolios. has proven itself valuable. He tries not which to overwork the girls, and he talks to prides itior coGirls' Cross-Country them in order to see what works for them self in its captain individually. He commended the girls on leaders in G rae e their drive and determination, which is kills, asBy Elyse Lee Lee, setThe Girls' Cross-Country team re- the biggest factor in their success. Coach sists and ters Seo gained their invitation to the New York Connor stated that the girls always give service a n d Jamilah State Championships this season 100 percent commitment to this team, points in D u I a, through a combination of hard work, and therefore deserve to reap the ben- New York juniors, skill and determination. The team ran efits: sweeping all of Queens Champi- City, deStates on November 15 and placed 20th. onships and earning a second place fin- feated the · and bitThe Hawks' second-place finish in the ish in City Champs. The Hawks hope n i n t h t e r s New York City Championships, which that the momentum from the cross-coun- seeded Mi"nJi were held on November 8, qualified the try success will carry into the indoor and Hawks in Song, a n d team for States. At Cities, senior outdoor seasons, for which Coach two sets, Clockwise from top left: Juniors Kirstie Fung and MinJi Song, Roseanne Kathryn Dubowski placed second in the Connor has a different goal. He plans 25 to 16, senior Nikkia Hanson, juniors Grace Lee, Elizabeth Carroll, Hyun Varsity 3.1 mile run, with a personal best on building up the field team for the in- and 25 to Jin Chong, Dianne Seo and Roseanne Pacla, senior Charity Canuto, . Pacla, junior Eunie Park, senior Karina Fin, junior Jamilah Dula, and juniors. time of 19:59, which makes her the only door and outdoor seasons, including 18. seniors MiChelle Wang, Rachel Acosta and Sandra Tong are all T h e smiles in a team photo. Coach· girl in Townsend Harris High School's events such as long jump, triple jump, Nix expects next year's team to be solid. history to break 20 minutes. Dubowski high hump, pole VllUlt, and shot-put, to Hawks was followed by freshman Devotia complement the excellent running pro- handed Grand Street Campus its first Even though height will be lacking. Nix Moore, who finished in 9th place, se- gram at Townsend Harris. Coach loss of the season in the first round of is confident that the Hawks will be able nior co-captains Rosalind Adanis (13th Connor said, "We want to become a City the playoffs.to advance to the second to develop their strengths.

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, 12

The Classic

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Girls' Varsity Bowling Team continues to roll ~~l·ong . By Michelle Montgoris · The Girls' Varsity Bowling Team lost in-the third round of the playoffs .on November 19, to New Utrecht by a score of 2-1 . This loss came after the Hawks completed an undefeated regular season in which the team won 12 matches. The team clinched its third straight divis.ion crown with an easy victory over Thomas Edison High School in the last match of the regular season on October 30. Before the loss to New Utrecht, the Hawks scored playoff victories against Sheepshead Bay on November 12, and against Midwood on November 17. This year's team was led by sophomores Michelle Montgoris and Sandi Von Ohlen. These two players made a name for both themselves and the school by averaging scores of 193 and 163, respectively, in the First Annual PSAL Invitational on September 29. Three days after that, the girls began the regu-

Jar season with a commanding win over Bayside: Twelve victories and a feature article in Newsday 's Hi-Five later, the Hawks cruised into the playoffs. "We 1 re going to be number one!" exclaimed Coach Ellen Sc.hwartz on several occasions throughout the season. "We were undefeated, the best so to speak, and we deserve to be interviewed. We put a.lot of hard work into what we do," said senior Sara Hochrad when asked why the team was chosen to be featured in Hi-Five. Skill is not everything, however. There is no "I" in "team," so just what makes these girls so successful? "We cooperate very well," said sophomore Shannon Conlisk. "We're all good friends, like a familt We all support each other." "Cooperation js a huge factor in our success," said Montgoris. "There are always smiles and laughs to spare."

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Varsity Fencing Team ·keeps opposition en garde ByWendyYan .· The Varsity Fencing Team fought its way to the top of the Queens Standings this year, going 9-1, and earned yet another playoff berth. Their play in the postseason would not reflect their record however, as they eventually found themselves being eliminated in the third round of the playoffs, with a 7-5loss to Cardozo on November 6. Coming off their only loss of the regular season against Cardozo, the Hawks never really established momenc tum going into the playoffs. They would then lose the first rounder to Beacon by a score of7-5 on November 5. Then in a decisive second round match that same day, they showed why they almost went undefeated. The team found a way to post a 'W' against Tottenville, taking the best of 12 bouts by a 7-5 margin. In round. three, with another must win match against a scrappy team, the Hawks couldn't muster their way through . It was a close match with ~ardo~o ev.~r.~ually t_akMM_th~_win with

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7 bouts. For the Hawks, coached by Debra Michlewitz, it was a tough loss to swalc low, as it dropped them to a I-2 playoff record. More important than statistics, however, the loss eliminated them from the playoffs. "We could've beaten Cardozo but we let some earlier bouts slip away," said sophomore Elizabeth Mead, a member of the 12 player roster. "They just ba~ely went off with the match." Still, the team has plenty to be proud of, having nearly achieved a perfect regular season. In addition, the Hawks made their ninth .consecutive playoff appearance. With the 2003 All Girls Champion, junior Kim Manis, who will still be around for another season, the future for the Hawks looks bright. Manis, along with a promising new group of young stars, will play a key role in next season's success. "We're going to start early," says sophomore Donna · Mordente, a substitute. "We'll train hard and hopefully be ready for next season." - lt · :J,~1 '.-.-~ -t.:-.... ·_r..· ~- . ~ _ ~ .;;;:m_ 4tt ..

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