Classic newspaper Volume 20 Issue no. 5

Vol. 20, No. 5 Spring 2004 •

asstc Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Variety Show works its magic for a worthy cause

by Andrea Gavora The auditorium was filled with cheering fans and supportive teachers, parents and friends at the first annual Free the Children Variety Show on the evening of March 5, 2004. What began with plastering many colorful posters with clever slogans on school walls ended with the grand finale of raising a great sum of money for a worthy cause while putting on a great show at the same time.

Hosted by juniors Kristopher Imperati and Iaisha Smith, the Variety Show, entitled"LifeisaCabaret,"combined the talent of Townsend Harris students with a fundraiser to raise money to accomplish the club's goal of building a school in Sierra Leone. Since Sierra Leone is one of the most unstable countries in West Africa and was recen tly labeled the poorest and worst place to live in the world by the United Nations Human Development Index, club members chose to donate their funds to this country. By choosing to build a school there, "we are attempting to help break the cycle of poverty and exploitation of children through providing educat ion for both boys and . . " .. . . . . .. . g1rls, smd JUniOr Nessd French, the. founder and director of the THHS chapter of Free the Children.

The Variety Show was a two-hour melange of various acts ranging frorri instrumental performances, singing, and dancing to comedy and a documentary starring THHS students fron1 all grades, some or whom are part or the club and others who just came to show off their .

skills and help a good cause. "Most of the acts in the talent show were very unique," said junior Sara Corbett. "I never knew how funny or talented many of my peers could be." While the auditorium was packed with many students eager to support their friends, some attendees were doubtful of the event's potential success . "Personally, I thought coming to the show that night was going to be disastrous," stated freshman Linda Li, :• "but boy was I wrong. I hope Free the Children will do another Variety Show next year."

Overall, senior Sara Hochrad enjoyed the show, saying, "All the

apathy and proved that kids like our- was only about a month to plan it," said selves really can help improve the sta- Kris. "Imagine what the club could do tus quo around the world ." The Variety with, oh say, five months?" In addition Show had such a good turn out because to time constraints, there were other dif"everything just kind of fit," said Nessa. ficulties. According to freshman and "THHS students are so talented and they club member Carolyn Santiago, "The just needed a hardest part of putting the Variety Show chance to display together was selling tickets . One person that, while Free said to me, 'Why should I pay just to go the Children see bad karaoke?'" needed an opporDespite the numerous obstacles faced tunity to raise by the club, everything worked out in money." theend. "Iwasproudofthewaytheclub In total, was able to put together such a profes$1 ,800 was sionallookingshowinsuchashorttime raised from ticket frame," said math teacher and club adsales, the bake visor Stephen Mazza, who together with sale during the science teacher Rosemarie Eaton, adintermission, and vised the show. The club members were pledges to the unanimous in stating that the show was "Giving Tree," a big success. "I thought that the Vari:: which allowed ety Show went really well, especially guests to place a with the time restraints we were given," ] donation and said freshman and club member have their name Alexandra Stark. "Everyone really E' added to one of helped out and gave it their all; in the ~ the tree's many end, it showed ."

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L•~d~ ~•chman ~umor .Jen~•f~r Fogel),. raised a total of . . . . . poses With her mammcleh (jumor Andrea . $4 ·-380 from .their Tawk sk1t.

It Wds Gavora) after their Cawfi•e Tmvk comedy skll. hilarious." proceeds from Everyone who attended the Variety the Variety Show and their booth at the Show agreed that the performance was Winter Carnival, leaving t_hem just shy as much a fundraiser as it was a night of of the $5,000 needed to build the school fun and entertainment. "I feel like I in Sierra Leone. helped accomplish something," said While the show turned out great, junior Michael Frenkel. "Not only did there was a lot of work put in_to creatour school collect money, but we also ing the final product. One maJor probspread a message that helped eliminate lem that the club faced was time . "There

annual flx~ure and perhaps even att~m the same fame, acclmm, and standmg . . . .

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as the Festival of NatiOns and Smg! ~ccording to Mr. Mazza, "The Vanety Show was a success on two le.v els . First of all, ~he club was able to ratse a great deal of mo.n.e y for a great cause. ~ow­ ever, even 1f no money had been ~atsed, the show was a su~cess because tt went well and a lot of people had a good time." .

Festival of Nations travels around the world ... in two days

by Jennifer Bhuiyan and Alexis Serra Students, faculty members, relatives, and friends tlooded the au<:Jitorium and fastened their seatbelts as they experienced the annual Festival of Nations and circumnavigated the globe in a mer e total of six hours . Organiz~d by Assistant Principal of Foreign Language Lisa Mars, the event took place on Wednesday, March 30, and Thursday, March 31 in order to accommodate the many stops on a tour of global proportions.

The grand, Star Wars-inspired opening by co-host Windell Cadelina, junior, as well as Thursday's free-style rap performance by co-host Shanay Freeman, senior, gave a unique twist to the

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annual show. A creative skit by co-hosts Shivraj Bhosle and Priti Malik, seniors, which was presented on both nights via video projector featured the two students, dressed in traditional Indian garb, garnered many laughs as they simulated a typical tlight from India to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, ultimately arriving at the auditorium in time for the Festival of Nations.

Opening up what was bound to be an interesting and informative Wednesday night was an original rendition of the African American National Anthem, sung by the chorus and accompanied by their teacher, Florence McKinley, on the piano. Subsequently, the audience was

tickled by the humorous skit and medley of the Hebrew songs "Bashana Haba'a" and "Eretz, Eretz, Eretz " by the Hebrew classes, a dramatic interpretation of Ruben Blades' "Ligia Elena" by the Advanced Placement Spanish class, and a musical number by the French class that brought the audience directly to the city of lights and related what "Ia vie dans un cafe" is all about.

Also, the Hawaiian dance served to soothe the Harrisites and ease them into their nearing Spring Break, while Educate to Elevate's perfonnance reminded all attendees of the diverse languages and cultures that can be found in our schooi.Wednesday's show was .also a

night of Festival of Nations firsts , including the first-ever presentation of traditional and modern Irish step-dancing.

Both evenings' events captured the spirit of Asia, featuring an assortment of Persian , Uzbekistani, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, and Indian cultural displays . Junior Melissa Cheng, one of the performers in Wednesday's Chinese Harvest Dance said, "Participating in the Festival of Nations was a fun experience and, although it was a lot of work, I look forward to doing it again next year." Several students performing traditional and modern Chinese fan, ribbon, and Kung-Fu dancers also

continued on p. 7

New Locker Policy

Commentary: Terrorism in Madrid

New Teachers

Athletic Profile: Louis Elrose

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The Classic

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Spring2004

'Curiouser and curiouser': Referral policies redefine disciplinary boundaries "A large rose tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the roses growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at it busily painting them red.

Alice thought this a very• curious thing, and she went nearer to watch them ...

'Would you tell me,' said Alice a little timidly, "why you are painting those roses?" Two began in a low voice, "This here ought to have been a red rose tree, and we put a white one in by mistake; and if the Queen was to find it out we should all have our heads cut off .. " "Leave off that, " screamed the Queen. And then turning to the rose-tree, she went on, "What have you been doing here? I see! Off with their heads!"

As of late, the environment at Townsend Harris has been frighteningly similar to the one created in Lewis Carroll's fantasy world behind the look-

ing glass. The administration has been on a referral rampage, and anyone and everyone is on the chopping block.

These days, referrals are given out for almost anything: dress code violations, forgetting to sign in, missing a program card (of the correct color), jacket-wearing, cellular phone use, planting white rose-trees instead of red ... The point is: what does the administration hope to accomplish with the referral system when students who are innocent by the standards of social propriety are penalized on a daily basis?

In the economy, when the distribution of the money supply expands beyond its bounds and the dollar loses its value, inflation ensues. We are in a state of referral inflation, such that so many referrals are being given out, they have lost their value. Referrals are a dime a

dozen, so commonly dispensed to the student population that we probably have enough combined to wallpaper the entire building. We ask again, what purpose do these sheets of paper serve?

If a student forgets to sign in, he is promptly referred for some sort of negligence that the administration deems worthy of a demerit. What the administration must understand is that referrals are not miracle drugs; they may fight the symptoms, but they will never cure the underlying ailment. Truthfully, are- · terral will not remedy a bad memory, a stressed and distracted mind, or any sort of temporary insanity that may have led to the neglected responsibility, nor will it prevent repeat-offenses. The referral is not a time-traveling device that allows the Attendance Office aides to restore the time wasted on calling a student's

home when that child was present in school that day. For certain "offenses," a mere slap on the wrist would do. The stress of finding enough teachers to affirm one's presence in a case of suspected absence is punishment enough.

If the administration wishes to rectify what it considers to be the most serious threats to the well-being of students school-wide, they should look toward less degrading methods of ensuring disciplinary co'ntrol. If referral-giving is to continue, it should be less frequent, with more thought put behind the offenses that deserve demerits. Even the Queen of Hearts would agree.

Sources: Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Complete Illustrated Works of Lewis Carroll. London : Chancellor Press, 1982. 74-78.

Student Opinion: Locker lock-up leads to lateness, loathing, and lethargy start. However, this sixth sense had been severely impaired by the new 7:50 rule; students arrived in their classes late and frankly did not care. The administration has succeeded in creating five minutes of non-instructional time in the first class of the day. They may argue the insignificance of the five extra minutes that a student may have to wait in the cafeteria, but when those same 300 seconds interfere with class time, they are bound to be perceived as an eternity in the minds of those who are actually impacted by the new regulation.

The scene of that first day during which the new rule took effect has not changed dramatically. The cafeteria is still jam-packed and the students continue to stroll into class at 8:05. One main difference, however, is that the initial confusion has turned to hatred and defiance. Students. were originally late because they did not know better, but now their tardiness stems from anger and indifference. In a school that attracts students from virtually every corner of the city, one would think that there would be a larger window of time during which students may arrive. Instead, those who arrive early are punished by being corralled and forced to wait in crowded conditions. The rules of this school have become so ridiculous that the only thing more preposterous would be to follow them.

Students are well aware that much is asked of them in a school of such high standards. We may acquiesce or jokingly complain, but each time the administration executes a new attempt designed to control us, our hatred deepens. Eventually, the little things will keep adding up

For all those who are still awaiting a much-needed disciplinary lull, don't hold your breath; yet one more intolerable rule has been added to an evergrowing list of nonsensical school policies. Delaying the time at which students can first go to their lockers from 7:45 to 7:50 represents a new low in the administration's nitpicking. From the students' perspective, this attempt to solve the non-threatening and nonexistent problem of lingering hallway chatter has only created more points of contention for everyone in the Townsend Harris community, resulting in what is perhaps the most shameful of the change's unintended effects: a newfound disdain for authority.

It began one fateful day when students entering the building at their normal time were mysteriously commanded to go "down to the cafeteria." The scene waiting for them in the dining hall was one of mass confusion as hoardes of students attempted to leave at 7:45, only to be reprimanded by the halting voice of a security agent. The large number of students concentrated in one room made it nearly impossible to walk. By the time they were permitted to leave, they joined the slow-moving processional toward the upper floors, reaching their lockers less than five minutes before classes began. Not surprisingly, all the students hurried, abruptly ending the conversations they were having with their friends in a mad dash to their first band classes. This outcome may be a byproduct of the new rule, but it is far from what really happened since students continued their socialization until it "felt" like class was going to

Nataliya Binshteyn

Linda Luu

Managing Editor

News Editor

Feature Editor

Eugene To

Stephen Berger

Amanda Chen

Sports Editor

Business Editor

Francesca Pizarro

Peter Wamsteker Susan Getting

Leticia Wainer Photography Editor

Co-Advisors

Feature Staff: Jennifer Bhuiyan, Tiffany Cheng, Annie Choi, Sangsoo Kim, Anna Kozanecka, l)onna Mordente, Mary-Grace Papatheodorou, Jennifer Park. Ann Margaret Santa-lnes, Alexis Serra. Priti Shah. Diana Shum, Nisha Singh, Christine Whang. Janet Whang, Maria Wojakowski, Jocelyn Wright, Tina Wu

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Food and Entertainment Editor

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Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor.

Letters should be placed in Mr. Wamsteker's mailbox in Room 315 ore-mailed to lllhsCiassic@aol.com.

The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters.

Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request .

Artists: Mitchell Bader. Rowena Eng, Muriel Leung. Erik Scott

Alyssa Chase

Photography Staff: Laura D' Amato, Diana Deng. Anna Kozanecka, Matthew Molina, Alexandra Stergiou, Anne Tan, Fan Zhang Business Staff: Janet Hwang. Sharon Park, Sorah Park. Ann-Margaret Santa-lnes " ' ,. ., ·• ..... ...

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

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

Sports Staff: Gloria Chen, Lauren Korzeniewski, Elyse Lee, Michelle Montgoris, Alex Rush, Wendy Yan

. . Pri~!!ipal - Mr. Thomas Cun~ingharn >

cannot retrieve them without running the risk of receiving a referral. This often hampers a student's educational needs.

The locker policy is supposed to ensure that students don't linger in hallways by chatting with friends or showing public displays of affection with their loved ones. "They should be in class on time with their notebooks open, ready to learn, not outside socializing," said Dean Wanda Nix. Nonetheless, students still manage to do just that. If Rrring rrring! As the school bell lockers could be accessed during passing sounds signifying the near end of tirst time, it may also decrease the hallway band, students prepare to shuffle into the chitchat because students will be occupied hallway, textbooks in tow, to proceed to · with their books rather than talking.

"I take volleyball gym in the morntheir next band class.

The policy that dictates when lockers ings. Having to carry so many textbooks can be accessed has long been a topic right after is torture, especially when I of discussion among students. The mere have to climb four tlighlo; of stairs. When three minutes of passing time makes it I see my friends in the hallway, we nearly impossible to lug a bag full of sometimes talk, but my arms are hurtbooks and avoid a demerit for tardiness. ing the whole time," remarked Vivian Many teachers require a textbook, or Shibata, sophomore. "It would feel so two, to be brought into class daily. great if I could just put all my books Considering the fact that homework, down and stretch tirst."

It is a reasonable argument that collaterals, and tests are enough to push students to the brink of full-time anxiety, longer classes generate better-educated why should they be forced to carry so students, but "donating" one minute many textbooks in addition'! The . from each class to protect students' administration should make the locker backs and shoulders, and peace of mind policy more lenient by pennitting the at that, would be more beneficial than harmful to the educational process. exchange of books between classes.

It is understandable that the school · At first glance, the locker dilemma may seem like a small problem, but in is merely trying to quickly and effithe long run, as far-fetched as it sounds, ciently transform loud, cluttered hallit may ultimately affect a student's ways into quiet, organized classrooms, potential. Many students settle for but changing the locker regulations being unprepared because they are would greatly improve the quality oflife already carrying so many other books. and learning experience at Townsend In addition, many students who have Harris.

-- Gloria Chen forgotten their books by accident

News Staff: Christopher Amanna, Samira Annabi, Jessica Bader, Diana Bell, Chloe Chao, Mimi Chung, Andrea Gavora. Tanaz Talebpour

Jessica Berger Editor-in-Chief

Art Editor

until learning becomes synonymous with frustration and oppression. We are not asking for a red carpet welcome, but we do want to go to our lockers at the time of our arrival rather than be held like barnyard animals. Though these regulations are meant to create the perfect school environment, all attempts at such a utopia are in vain unless the concerns of the students are recognized.

-- Christopher Amanna

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Spring 2004

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Iptof Jnet:gy, ~nich d~firtlt~ly gav,¢ fasl)ic6ll, ~~en·ts., ~~tUme11ted, ''Though Poor .attendance could notslow down moclels a little~ore confidence: I am:~~o attendance .was .•somewhat lower ··this lthe fashion show's models and dane- glad.that we we~;e abl~ . to rj:ljsea' good ·. year, the models and dancers turn~d out ers as they mo¥ed to the quick peat of !UllOtJ,n t for~-the cllwity/'· · . . . • ··. muc.b be.tter." • . the stage music'on.February27 .•:Partici~ 'Th~ sh()'Y,wbicll featllred cletqin,g, .· 'Fhe prod,uctioir .of _a show· thi$ ,pants· demonstrated for the third con- dMated ft~omThe , Tux Sh()p, B~ang / magnitude pres~n:ted ·severa~obstacl()s secutive year tha~ fashion anddan<;e at"e · B'allg,,.Qz,and E~telle 's Dressy. Or~seg, · for ;Nina and Grace, who ~S.umed re• here to s.tay at Townsend' Ha,rris i'll addi- as weltas original desigtt,s·by·Q tace L\.li .'· spons~bility forrnnning the show ifter tion to an abounding desire to give baek and s·~~ior Cad a G\.lnther,lasted .for · the depat"tu:re. of organizer and 2003 to the communitfr.Despite conflicting· appr:oxintately an ho\lr _and-a half. ··•·r graduateSai:a KoeJ}.ig. Grace .noted, schedules due to SING!,· Mid-Winte.t wish t~-e .,shqw could Jiaye bel!n l(}pger, , "Finding ·stores to_lend'u$ their clothing Recess., and other school activi~ies that . but~btaining extra merchandise would · · was . definitely<;Jifficult,:. but I have to · thank all of the stqr~s that helped 'out." hindered the org;tnizational process., Co~ · have 'b-e.en tqo difficult.," said'N ina; · Coordinator~ Nina Mozes _and Grace.-.·•·•· .• •Though only_aBproxirnately _50 .Thecreativity' ofTowrtsend 'Hatris Lai, seniors, raised approximatelY $500. .•Studen~ and parentswerein attendance, students .is always in 'abundaliFsupply for the ~achel Coop~r Foundation, 'a·.· senior Jonathan .Kahan; an audience and the show offeted audience mem~rs chW'ity for children with heart disease.•. rhetnber, said, "If the show took place the chance to view their peers' ~tiginai Theeverttbegan, asNinawhimsicalJy · in :Manhattan, one would thinkit was designs. Grace, who submith~d seven said; ''fashionablyli}te;~'aC7:30. Very pleased put on by professionals. It \Vas.tbat good. desigqs, used old, clotliin~ to t:r~?ate new vvith the final production, Nina said, "I More people should have come,Jhol)gh; appal:~l. She said,. "My)nspiration was was really nervous, but very happy. It because itwas a great sbowarid it was one•of my best fHends,Kameli, who is really ·p ulled t 0getber." Grace added, · for:charity;''Senior.KristinAngel0poulos, actually att.ending the RhodeJsland ''The audienc.e \V<l~ great. They had a comparing this yeat"'s show to previous Schtml of Des.ign for textiles .. She

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hel~d m~e several designs, including

the infamous jersey shirt/skirt?' Carla's design:was a green.tube dress, meant to bewotn casuatly over pants with a black and white striped si;arf.

Also: dem;on:strating the students' creativitY w~re .tivq dances. As a precursor, . to the Festival of Nations, .several Indian students .presented an Indian dance, to .the -surprise and awe of the audience. In actdition, a hip-hop pe:rfortOance integrated the rh,ythmic efforts of the dancers.

The Co-Coordinators ·offered their thanks to advisor Don Cerrito, Spanish teacher, who, according to Grac.e, "was great. He sU!.yed late on the dress rehearsals and he was just so cooperative while the. kinks of the show were ·being worked eut. '' Also deserving of thanks are Coordinato,r ofStudent Activities Adam _. StonehiH,.Assistant Principal ofFo.reign Languag,e Lisa Mats, andi the stage crew and teeh squad.

Scenes from 'the runwa-y: 2004 models. strut thetr.stuff

·~eniorRia Reyesdi~plays.her

elj:gance:in a pink prom gown. photos b>' Jessf~a ~erger

Mu Al-pha Theta celebrates precisely calculated achievements in math

by Tina Wu Math was the theme of the evening on February 24, as 158 Harris students were acknowledged for their achievements in mathematics in the annual Mu Alpha Theta induction ceremony. Each of the invited students (171 in all) displayed distinction in math by completing Math B or Course III, having at least a 93 average in math, and a 90 average overall.

This year's ceremony was slightly different from those of previous years in. thJt! _t~ach~rs were given a more prominent role; they were seated-on

stage and they named the students being inducted. "I wanted teachers to be more involved .... [They are] integral to the mathematics program and they deserve more honor than was given before," said Ellen Fee, AP of the Mathematlcs Department.

The ceremony was also more casual in comparison to many other similar events. According to Ms. Fee, "Mu Alpha Theta is historically less formal than other induction ceremonies." Since part of the honor society's . mission statement is "promoting the enjoyment 'oi cerer.;~~y- tried' to-show·

math,;; the

that math can be fun and entertaining.

To achieve that message, the night's program included events such as the raffling of gifts like elevator passes, Math Team t-shirts, and· calculator keyboards. Musical presentations included "Fantasie #2" by "Georg Philipp Telemann, performed on the flute by senior Nina Mozes, and video segments of sillier tunes like "The Square of the Hypotenuse," written by Tom Lehrer, "one of Mr. Brown's favorite silly singers," according to Ms. Fee. - - - '·f thought .itnice -ceremqny,;' -

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said Ms. Fee, noting however, ·her. disappointment with the "turnout on a weeknight." A number of students did not attend the ceremony for various reasons. "I had a mock trial competition that day," said one anonymous senior.

"Thecoinpetitiongotcanceledsowehad ' a meeting instead." "In the future, we'd like to adjust the time so more students feel comfortable attending," stated Ms. Fee, suggesting that a Friday afternoon ceremony might attract more students, and better "acknowledge their achievements ... and maximize the honor , - besfo\ve(fupon lthem].'' . -- - - - .. - ..

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The Classic Spring 2004

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What's old is new! ·students and alumni make connections Breezes," a Taiwanese folk song.

By Alexandria Stergiou Praise for the event stemmed from all In an ambience of coziness and familiarity, Harris students .and alumni corners of the cafeteria. Dean Wanda united on March 20 in the' cafeteria to Nix stressed that it is important to share experiences and knowledge, " ... keep this connection between the bridging the gap between the "old" and old and new," while Principal Thomas the "new." This free dinn~r was an in- Cunningham said, "This is the first formal gathering organi·zed by the event like this. I hope there are many Townsend Harris Alumni Association more."

David Herszenhorn, President of (THAA) and the school's Parent the THAA and graduate of the class of Teacher Associati·on (PTA): 1990, said, "What current students The highlight of the welcoming redon't realize is that there are almost marks was the PTA's presentation of a plaque thanking the Alumni Association five thousand alumni who are willing for funding the Hebrew language pro- to be their friends simply because they gram in the school. The plaque now · go to Townsend Harris. The feeling hang;; in front of the Foreign Language was that there was a resource not be.

Department. The string ensemble also ing tapped to the fullest."

Lani Muller, class of '89, who cogot into the m'ix, performing a medley ordinated the event, said, "The PTA was including "The Impossible Dream" from Man of LaMancha arid "Spring concerned that students were overbur-

AcademiC achievement in science recognized by Science Honor Societv

dened by their workloads," an issue that gave birth to the dinner event.

the event was "informative, interesting, and the food was good!" As sophomore Katrina Mateo observed, "It's comforting to see the diversity of alumni that attended. Their attire ranges from suits to sneakers and jeans." _ While their fashion styles may have differed, the alumni's motivation to participate in the event did not vary.

Current junior at Wellesley College, Am ita Rao, class of '01, said, "I didn't realize how lucky I was to have theresources Townsend Harris made available until I left." Her enthusiasm was shared by Kevin Wallenstein, class of '03, who is majoring in chemical engiPresidents Elizabeth Schnee and Joseph Dubowski neering in the CUNY Honors Program look on as Hebrew teacher Ruth Coopennan holds a and encouraged current students to "do plaque from the Alumni Association. more interesting things than go to the Nana Debrah-Karikari and Ashley mall in your tee!lage years. Go to an obMcFarland, juniors, both agreed that scure art gallery or an opera."

Community-conscious Harrisites honored in annual Archon ceremony

by Samira Annabi gratulated the new NYSSHS mem1;ers by Tiffany Cheng and Annie Choi Science whizzes, sans test tubes and for "keeping pace in this fast moving Volunteering and serving the commicroscopes, gathered on the evening world," and advised them to "use [their] munity have always been the exemof March I0 to celebrate the induction imaginations wisely." plifying qualities of an Archon memof high-achieving Harrisites into the After a musical performance of ber, and in traditional fashion, these 69th Chapter of the New. York State "Primero Am or" by flautist Nina Mozes, qualities were recognized during the Science Honor Society. · senior, Ms. J3rustein and science teach- Induction Ceremony on March 23.

Membership was awarded to se- ers Rosemarie Eaton, Adel Kadamani, The ceremony started promptly as lected juniors and seniors with a mini- Katherine Ludvik, Irwin St~inberg, and members of the Executive Board ushmum GPAof 90 and cumulative aver- John Tsai announced the inductees and ered in the new inductees. "I was a ages of90 in math and science. Induct- presentedthe awards. little intimidated at first before the ees must also have. participated in sciIn her closing rem11-rks, Ms. Brustein · ceremony," said first year member -ence or technology-related activities recognized the passing of"a phenomenal Penny Chak, sophomore, "but it felt and have received two recommenda- year" and voiced anticipation for "many more and more cozy an~ comfortable tions from Science Department faculty. · more successes," giving way to a recep- as the night progressed." · The ceremony commenced with .tion honoring the students and their parOutgoing Archon President greetings from Susan Brustein, Assis- ents in the lobby.

Amanda Chen, senior, said, "For the tant Principai of the Science Department Pride abounded as teachers and stu-· past two years, Archon has been shiftand advis'o r to the Townsend chapter of dents alike celebrated the event with en- . ing towards a direct hands-on apthe NYSSHS. Ms. Brustein proudly lhusiasm. Mr. Steinberg said, "I think it's ·. proach- one that has more qf an imwelcomed the first and second year in- very nice for the students to be so hon- mediate effect on our community. We ductees, as well as the school's record ored. I'm really glad that their hard work .feel that helping others encompasses of academic excellence in the fields of is being rewarded." Senior Jennifer more than just monetary contribuhumanities and science. Subsequently, Arcila added, "I feel proud to be a part tions." ;riffany Cheng, the incoming Principal Thomas Cunningham con- ofthe science community in our school." Junior President, expressed her hopes

for the future, ~aying, "I am thrilled to be the new Junior President of Archon. For the next two years, I hope to increase the membership of Archon and uphold the traditions that I have promised to keep."

As the ceremony drew to an end, the Ephebic Oath was recited by the Archon members as a reminder of its influence on the Archon ideal of service for the betterment of society.

Adam Stonehill, Coordinator of Student Activities and Archon Director, was pleased with the achievements of this year's Archon members. ''We raised money for the Penny Hatvest this year, and recently added a hospital visit," said Mr. Stonehill. He added, "[The ceremony] went smoothly," but in the future, he hopes to allow four guests per student instead of two.

Mr. Stonehill also hopes that more students will take an interest in Archon, which meets everyother Monday in the auditorium af7:20 a.m. More information can be found outside the COSA Office.

Commentary: A grim awakening: the surprising lessons of March 11, 2004

by Nataliya Binshteyn In the world's newfound age of nuclear threats and terrorist cells, botribs often seem to speak louder than words.

In fact, their voices have. become increasingly more pronounced as once latent forms ofterrorist activity explode into mainstream life, leaving behind carnage and chaos. In the wake of the September I 'I, tragedy, the ongoing war in Iraq, and daily reminders of the need for heightened security, Americans have become eerily . accustomed to a social and political climate of fear. We no longer twinge at the sight of armed . guards patrolling airports and subway stations, nor are we shocked by em erg- · ing threats of new attacks. Illuminating what is perhaps the most telling indication of our alarming comfort level with terrorism worldwide, few Americans grasped the magnitude of Europe's !)rush with infamy on March II, 2004.

The 10 bombs that rocked Madrid's railways in a series of deliberate and coordinated attacks interrupted what

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was at first an unimpressive morning unfolding at Ground Zero, extending As Harris students, we are routinely commute carrying students and profes- their commitment into the months that trained to invest all our en~rgies into the sionals to their daily destinations. Uti- ·followed the attack with 24-hour cov~ tireless pursuit of academic success, burlizing a fairly simple network 0f cellu- erage that offered a justifiably thor- riedly studying on buses and trains with .

Jar phone-operated explosives contained oughrecapitulation of past and present the ease of seasoned multitasking profesin strategically placed knapsacks, terror- events. The media's tireless dedication . sionals. It is perhaps with this all-absorbists carried out the detonation of I 0 to covering tragedy from every con- ing lifestyle in mind that we often fail to bombs thattransformed orderly train sta- ceivable angle did not reappear, how- look beyond the confines of our own lives, tions into a gpry mass of mangled de- ever, when news of Madrid's own ter- escaping the self-evident jdea that stubris and writhing bodies. According to rorist catastrophe came· into focus. dents much like ourselves W<?re probably conclusive figures, 1500 people were With the exception of news giants such hunched over their own notebooks halfwounded and 200 more perished in the as CNN and MSNBC, most stations way around the world when tragedy attack, which ranks as the worst incident · confined their coverage of what is ar- struck. It is not altogether improbable that of its kind to target Europe since World guably one of recent history's most the mundane routines and traditions of our War II ended almost six decades ago. heinous attacks to a brief synopsis that lives are echoed in ·the experiences of And yet, despite the devastating gravity warranted a mere glimmer of its af- those from whom we are presumably so ofthe massacre, few people in the United termath and little in-depth insight into far removed; a commonality of values States genuinely took notice. its catalytic impact. In keeping with tends to resonate throughout the world, When terrorists destroyed the World this trend of tacit numbness, no mo- irrespective of geography and political alTrade Center in 200 I in an -infamous ment of silence was observed in Har- liances. Perhaps in recalling that there aerial attack, news of the jarring inci- ris' halls nor were there any school- were students much like ourselves who dent spread like wildfire to every chan- wide announcements alluding to the never reached their classrooms we can nel in the nation, including those that mass destruction and loss of life that offer more than a mere glimmer of recwere not traditionally news-oriented. Spain had endured; in fact, student ognition to the catastroplles that befall Every major network in New York City awareness se~med to be at a chil.ling people in places we rarely consi9er; after carried images and reports of the events standstill. all, we all bleed the same color.

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TheCiaaic Sprlng2004

New faces ·grace new places, part II Timothy Connor

Townsend Harris for the remainder of his career, which he estimates to be another 15 to 25 years. His advice to Townsend Harris students who wish to become good teachers is: "Learn the · topic that you want to teach as well as you can. Know, appreciate, and understand people and their differences."

by Michelle Boutis It is a fallacy that thatthere can never be an equal balance between athletics and academics, and Timothy Connor, as both a teacher of M$2 and Advanced Algebra and the Girls' Varsity Track Team coach, is just one example of how smarts and sports can coalesce. .

During Mr. Connor's freshman year at SUNY Oneonta, he realized that his passion was teaching, which led him to the Robert F. Wagner Jr. secondary school for arts and technology, where he taught Year Three mathematics, At the start of his coaching career at Harris, Mr. Connor was still teaching at Robert F. Wagner, but he officially joined the Harris Math Department in February.

"I enjoy teaching mathematics and coaching track equally," said Mr. Connor, "and I believe that Townsend Harris students generally have the same drive and determination in athletics as they do in academics." He encourages both his ·students and his runners to strive for their personal best and never accept a mediocre performance, Proof of this mantra can be seen in the recent successes ofthe Cross-Country, Indoor, and Outdoor track squads, which compete in the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons, repectively.

At home, Mr. Connor lives with his wife Elizabeth and his ·baby daughter Alexis. He relieves the stress ofbalanc~ ing two jobs by running .. "However," he said jokingly, "the new baby takes up the rest of my leisure time."

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by Fan Zhang Raymond Adamkiewicz, change is ~ Hoping to share her love for her sub- good. Transferring in from Erasmus Hall ·a ~ ject with her students, new English High School in Brooklyn, he describes ·u teacher Nieves Moy joined the Townsend Harris as "a drastic ~ Townsend Harris Humanities Depart- change ... the other side ofthe spectrum."

I: ment mid-way through the fall 2003 seAlthough he refused to comment on mester due to the departure of Herbert the reasons behind his transfer, he did

by Priti Shah Munshine and the lack of coverage for say the staff has been very supportive With seven years of teaching lisa Cowen, who is on study leave in during the (sometimes difficult) adjustexperience under his belt, Spanish Boston. Ms. Moy, who taught English ment period. "They [the faculty] are teacher Don Cerrito said "iHola!" to I and The Writing Process during the welcomins. warm, and will help you Townsend Harris at the start of the Fall semester, currently teaches English with any difficulties or questions you Spring semester. Mr. Cerrito has already 2 and Linguistics, and feels "fortunate" might have."

He finds the students "exciting and begun to appreciate "the atmosphere of to have received this job. inquisitive" and all around eager to the school and the way the students are Ms. Moy, formerly a freshman En· ·. self-motivated" while teaching Spanish 4 ·glish teacher at Long Island's Amityville Jearn. "Kids love sports; it is a popular and 6, and Spanish Literature.

High School, emphasized her love for class among students," he added.

A graduate of CUNY Hunter College Since childhoQd, Mr. Cerrito has teaching a~ Harris because of her stuwanted to become a teacher, saying, ~ents' "thirst for knowledge." Ms. Moy in Manhattan, Mr. Adamkiewicz cited "Most of my family members are teach- ts also very impressed not just by the the opportunity to work with kids as the ers - my dad, my wife, and my aunts "high caliber" of the student body but driving force behind his decision to beand uncles." However, he did not choose also that of her colleagues in the Hu- come a teacher. "It [teaching] is very to enter the field solely because of his manities Department. She tries to incor- rewarding, but also challenging at the family background. Instead, he relied on porate vocabulary and her love for lit- same time," he said of his experience the pleasure that hjs father derived from .. er,ature into her.!essons, and some of Ms. thus far. Claiming that "sports was [his] teaching to help him make his decision. · Moy's favorite ~riters ~e Mark Twain, life," Mr." Adamkiewicz fell that teach. In addition to dedicating himself to William Shakespeare, and Charles ing physical education was a natural fit.

As coach of the Boys' Varsity Soc. studying and teaching the Spanish Jan- Dickens. . guage, Mr. Cerrito also devotes his Ms. Moy, who lives with her husband cer Team, and Girls' Varsity Softball time to many other activities. He is and three children, has an extensive rep• Team, dean, physical education teacher, a practicing martial artist in Jiu-Jitsu, ertoire of extra~curricular activities and volunteer teen division soccer Kendo, and Iaido and an avid guitar ranging from swimming to camping and coach, Mr. Adamkiewicz was an extremely active member both in and out player. gardening.

Mr. Cerrito predicts that a decade Ms. Moy hopes that the greatest les- of Erasmus Hall High School. As the from now, he will still be teaching. His son she can impart to her students is to current Boys' Varsity Baseball coach, he ultimate goal is to "help people become "always think for themselves. Just be- also plans on becoming involved in the open-minded," an objective that he feels cause a teacher or an expert has one Townsend Harris community through can be fulfilled through the exploration opinion, it does not mean it is the only the revival of the Boys Varsity Soccer team in the Spring athletic season. of foreign languages such as Spanish. opinion or the correct one."

Don Cerrito

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Smiles abound in photos, audience at unveiling ceremony

by Sangsoo Kim Commemorating the accomplishments of renowned alumni, a 'Yall of Fame dedication was delivered in the lobby on Wednesday, February 25. The wall was presented by the ceremony's key speakers as a reminder of the achievements of the past, the progress of the present and the potential for the future of former and current Harrisites.

Principal Thomas Cunningham delivered the welcome speech to the approximately 50 alumni, parents, teachers, and students who attended. Chairman of the Townsend Harris Alumni Association Gerald Halpern, President of the Alumni Association David Herszenhorn, and Principal Emeritus Dr. Malcolm G. Largmann also spoke in keeping with the theme of past, present, and future.

"I thought it was a wonderful combi- · nation of old and new," said Mr. Cunningham o.f the ceremony. Ind~ed, -\I

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Dr. Malcolm Rossman, [for whom the wall was dedicated]" said Marvin Leiner, former liaison between Townsend Harris and Queens College, and graduate of 1944.

The wall itself, constructed by art teacher A.nthony Morales, distinguished 48 greats who made significant contributions to the re-founding of Townsend Harris and to society. Jonas Salk, who discovered the Polio vaccint<, is among the honorees. During one of the speeches, i~ was mentioned that Townsend Harris probably has more Nobel Prize winners among its graduates than any other high school, college, or even university. Many graduates have impacted New York, the whole of the United States and even the world.

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The Classic Spring2004

Beloved QC liaison, Harris alum finally 'graduates' projects. byTinaWu Dr. Leiner also introduced the FreshAfter 10 unforgettable years of service, College Preparatory Program Director and liaison between Queens College and Townsend Harris, Dr. Marvin Leiner bids goodbye to his students and peers as he departs from his extensive work in the liberal arts and public school system.

He announced his retirement with one eye toward the future and the other looking back on his remarkable career.

An alumnus of the class of 1940 of the first Townsend Harris High, Dr. Leiner brought "a love and a passion for Townsend Harris and its history" to his position in the College Preparatory Programs, which he characterized as, "the culmination of my life's work in education."

One of the many innovative programs initiated by Dr. Leiner is the now annual, school-wide Election Simulation Project. "To work with children in dealing with the apathy of young people and the lack of knowledge about the electoral system ... we came up with an exciting program that now has rippled to other schools," said Dr. Leiner. To- in Harris' halls. day about 20,000 students nationwide, including Townsend Harris stu- man Humanities Colloquium Lecture dents, are exposed to the political pro- Series, a component of the Freshman cess throue:h creative simulation Humanities Colloauium offered to all

Harris seniors. Throughout the year, the come up with ways of opening new program invites different Queens Col- doors forhigh school students." lege professors to Currently active around Townsend speak about the liter- Harris and Queens College, he is part ary works read con- of a "Think Tank," along with two other currently in the Hu- Emeritus Professors and Mr. Lewis. manities Seminar. They will focus on improving public This program pro- education through a coalition between motes interaction be- university faculty and parents by detween teachers and emphasizing the current preoccupation students .Another with standardized testing. The team project brought to . wants to shift attention to teaching and life by Dr. Leiner is learning while fostering the arts and the the Dialogue of the imagination.

Imagination, created In his professional history, Dr. Leiner in collaboration with has been presented with numerous honTownsend Harris, ors and grant awards, including two Richard Lewis, di- Social Science Research Council rector of the Touch- Grants, the "Queens College Presidenstone Center, and tial Citation for Superior Teaching, Ser- · teacher and artist viCe to the College, and Scholarship," Elizabeth Crawford. and the "16th Annual Distinguished The program unites THHS Alumni Award" at this year's teachers, administra- Founder's Day for his dedication and tors and students in a contribution to the Townsend Harris series of seminars community. and workshops to · Upon retiring; Dr. Leiner is interested "explore imagination in returning to photography. Magazines and its importance in such as The Saturday Review have pubour lives and in aca- lished his photographs. He also enjoys demic disciplines," film, theater, languages, politics, as well said Dr. Leiner. He as literature. Dr. Leiner anticipates travadded, "What we're doing here in this eling abroad and spending more time Queens College -Townsend Harris col- with his two grandchildren, Matthew laboration is seamless education ... we and Luca.

l.'s s:hloes f·or a day

Oullllingbam; Principal for a Day Scltneps, Assistant Principal of,ftumanities Susan Getting, sophomore Dena G.uo, and Classic staff-writers fresbmeo Jocely.n Wright and Mary-Grace Papatlfeodorou. B.ottom: Junior Mlcbelle Montgorls. and sophomores Cha:istopher Amanna and Diana Bell get down to business .in the Principal'$. Conference R'Oom,

by Jessica Be~ger Sharing her knowlettg~ with members of the journalism alass, Queens Courier executive Victor~a Sobne•ps fiLled the shoes of Principal Thomas Cunningham as Principal for a Day on March 31. During the meeting in the Principal's Conference Room, Ms. $ehneps.spoke of her career experiences and the importance of commynity service.

Due to her current position at the Queens Courier, Ms. Schneps was· a helpful reseurce for Harris' budding journalists. Sophomore.Diana Bell said, ''[Ms. Schneps'] successd n such a variety of profes·sions is inspirational te those of us who do not yet have a career in mind."

The Classic congratulates

seienee teachers Jolut Tsai on the birth of his soa Samuel and Shi Bing Shell oil the birfh of her daughter Cate!

Visiting artist shows Art Club members how to color their world

by Christine Choe The brushes worked furiously and the paint flowed freely as members of the Art Club received their own private watercolor lesson in the school's art studio after school on March 3, courtesy of Mary Jo Anzel, professional artist and wife of Townsend Harris chemistry teacher Michael Anzel.

Ms. Anzel, whose medium of choice is watercolor, offered her time to give advice as to how to create successful works of art. During her presentation, the art room was transformed into a gallery full of paintings of flowers, figures, and scenic landscapes. Not only were the students able to view the artwork of a professional, but they were also shown

how to create their own masterpieces and improve their techniques. Sophomore Erin Bloom; one of Ms. Anzel's pupils for the day, said, "The things that she [Ms. Anzel] taught us were very interesting. I , learned a lot about £ using watercolors 0 .,] and making my wa1ercmor demonstration c.. paintings better." as Art Club members eagerly observe and absorb the techniques.

The event

proved to be successful with more than 40 students attending the lesson and painting demonstration. "It [the event] was cool," said a freshman attendee. "I learned about different techniques that I had never thought of previously." Art Club President Carla Gunther, senior, said, "It was a great presentation. Ms. Anzel's work was very impressive and made me want to work more with watercolors."

In addition to teaching the students about watercolor painting and technique, Ms. Anzel hoped to help the artists to find their own sense of style. She said, "It's important to find what you're comfortable with and really let that show in your work."

The Classic

7

Spring 2004

Festival of Nations attendees ta.ke a worldwide tour continued from p. 1 graced the stage wearing colorful costumes ranging from silky pink to red to deep blue. A Japanese ninja dance featured students dressed in traditional attire, while the performers in the Japanese Modem Dance used red fans and glow sticks as props. Students of the Japanese Class also enlightened and entertained the audience with information about the school's namesake Townsend Harris, a 19th century American ambassador to Japan. The Korean Fan dancers also proudly showed the costumes and intricate movements of their own culture.

Moving southwest to the Philippines and India, the audience watched Tinikling, the national dance of the Philippines, which featured individuals dancing between long wooden sticks being tapped rhythmically on the floor of the stage, as well as the seniors' Indian Fashion Show, which featured vibrant saris, lehengas, and salwa.r kameezes while Indian Modern Dance participants used sticks to keep the rhythm of the Punjabi music. Near-eastern culture was also represented as flashing lights and sounds of the sitar flooded the auditorium in the Persian Dance, and black and silver-clad dancers captivated the audience with their riveting, fastpaced Bukharian Dance of Uzbekistan.

The Italian Dance added a European flair, while salsa and merengue dancing

gave the audience a taste of Cuba. Participants in the West Indian/Caribbean

Senior Harleen Gill proudly displays her heritage by participating in one of the featured Indian dances.

Dance moved to reggae music and wore

by Sangsoo Kim tbemst~lve~. Oif1Mi'lli' a r~ast>n for the Catretiu:Hy planned to boost student: 1'a:ck o£ ·particip~tien, se.n;i·O'f Mollie )llride in their nationalities a:nd euitures, La'€1i:n:-ltoSte s~id. ~'S:tudtntS: ba;ve l1}(!!

Multicultural Week highlti.ghte:d the di· much homewot!k to preparupe.cial €Jutvers~ity that eharacJ:e-rizes the school c0mmunity. Harrisites are encouraged t0 sport flags ~d traditional gar.l;l to eelebrat.e· theit heritage. 'f'be week-lu:ng event. com.tneaced on March 29 and ~ul­ rninated on April 2.

Including re,g ian-tbemed days such as North; American/African day, South American/Carrl>be.an day, European aay and Asian day, Multicultural Week failed to m~t expectafions for partieipation, as anly a few flags were present i:n the lobby, lockers, and on students

fits and cultut:al acti¥iti~."

Those who participated with, gen.mine enifh\lsiasm were applauded ~@F showing pritie in thc:<:ir natiouaHty and' an eagerness to embF·a€e dift'erent cultures. Thee fasc•inating clothing and vibrant coioFs caught the attention of many in the hallways.• Junior Vice President Gras:;e Lee G0mmeJide<l students, saying, "The col'oPS of multicultural week wcere am·a,zing. Not enly were the peri<>rrnances of Festival of NatiQfis un£-org.ettaole, ~!Jut the unique days of tbe w~k

!!he students' will·

·mt)(i~ Jl'le a,p,pr~iate ingn~ss. ·ta show ftei't

a variety 01' items at a tle'latively l6w ctdtlltes. How- price. ranging trf.om A-Sian· f:t:ieEI rice to ever," sj\e adated, ''l de:fimte:ly t1tilllk Italian penne pasta ser\i'-ed with matinar-a there shoutd"be more particlp:ation." saulSe. ~though competition was sniff Junior,.Brian Na aped., stating, ''The l.letween the matl>y bao.tlls, a wide ~ kids wna parlic~pated did it r~atly we;]:l, ety df f0oos was otfetea t<> supplement but ov~all J di4:n 't fe.e l the scbo.oi cafeteria tunebes. splrit... the school's div~rs_i,ty was not The success of the annual Festival of fuUy shown at aU." Nations, which irnp,ressed a lar.ge crowd, Though this year''S patticipati0n in wrappea ull' an lfltherwise low-spitited multitultur.aPweek was low, events s.ueb M.ulticultuu.a:l Week. Many etljoyed Pesas the Festival of Nations, karaoke, and tiva1 0f Nations and felt that they g{).t Fuod Da¥ were major successes. 8\tu- their money's W9rth ...f'esl!ival of Na.dents felt that Food Day offerced a close tions is one o.f the most importaQt events eonilection to the pleth.ora of cu~tures in the y.ear mecause it shows the rich o.ul• that are present among the student popu~ tural traditi0ns of mar student l;lody,•• toelation. Durirrg lunch bands, there were marked semo.r David Bass.

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participant in the West Indian/Carib-

bean Dance, said, "All the performers on stage, -although I'tri sure they were very nervous, enjoyed themselves while sharing their culture with the audience."

Concluding with John Lennon's "Imagine," Ms. Mars offered a message of harmony that reminded audience members that we must use the diversity of culture found in our school to unite in an effort to preserve peace for future generations. She noted the success of the show and added, "Preparation for the Festival of Nations began in October, and it's been non-stop ever since. I'd like to thank and acknowledge all the 675 performers who participated in the show, as well as all the teachers of the Foreign Language Department." After viewing the show, Principal Thomas Cunningham congratulated the students on a "terrific, well-planned, well-rehearsed show," and remarked that the program was a "true example of multiculturalism." In addition, retired Queens College .liaison Dr. Marvin Leiner was impressed by the school's ethnic diversjty and called the Festivaf of Nations ·~an evening to remember."

Junior Francesca Pizarro, a participant in the Filipinodance, concluded, "Fes-. tival of Nations has always been one of the highlights of the school year. I was so glad I participated and I hope it goes as well as it did this year in the years to come."

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flags of West Indian and Caribbean countries. Sophomore Ariel Hustoo, a

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8

The Classic Spring 2004

Motivational tactics.frighten, boost performance

by Christopher Amanna The doors are locked. The lights are off and the shades are drawn. You look up and find a·pair of piercing eyes staring directly at you. Your ears perk up as her lips begin to move. Suddenly, with a glass-shattering shriek, she cries, "Get to work!" while slapping a yardstiCk on your desk.

Who is this mysterious woman and where are you? She is hisory teacher Charlene Levi, of course, and you are in Global History 3. Unbeknownst to her students, she is leading a motivation exercise designed to recreate the conditions undet which workers slaved during the Industrial Revolution.

She starts the class by innocently drawing a chair on the board. As students begin questioning her motives, she coldly ignores them, refusing to answer.

Ms. Levi then hands out seven sheets of paper, one for each student in the first row, Still clutching the yardstick, she sternly orders, "I want you to tear the paper into enough pieces for each person in the row. Don't just sit there looking at me. Start!"

"Ms. Levi, there's an odd number Of people in my row," a student calls out.

Once more the teacher is deaf to the voicing of her students' concerns.

"Raymond, Chris, and Alex, close the shades an the way," she brusquely requests. She slowly starts to make her way toward the door, slamming it shut and producing a sound loud enough to make some of the students jump out of their skin.

"Now I want you to draw thirty of the chairs I drew on ·the board in three minutes. They must be three inches by three inches; Get to work!" she demanded. "Ms. Levi, my paper is only two-and-a half inches wide," one student gripes aloud. "James, c'mon pass the papers back!" another yells.

"What'? You haven't finished tearing the papers yet?" Ms. Levi shouts, casting a threatening glare at a student. Slamming the yardstick on his desk, she roars, "You're fired!" She continues to stroll across the .front of the room, occasionally banging on a student's desk as he tightly grips his pencil, furiously trying to complete the impossible task. Ms. Levi's incessant verbal harassment further enervated the dazed and confused class.

There is a mehod to her madness. The

lack oflight, the verbal abuse, the draining labor, and frustrating working conditions all alluded to the experiences early factory laborers had to endure.

After \he three minutes ended, Ms. Levi put the lights back on, explained herself, and asked the class to ·sha_re their feelings about the exercise. "It was really creepy," sophomore Nancy Kurien said in a serious tone. "I literally felt like I was in a sweatshop."

And that is exactly how she was sijpposed to feel. Although they may ini-

the students' interest in the course. John D. Bransford, author of How People Learn, states that motivational exercises help elucidate the material's usefulness-, relevancy, and impact on others, all of which further engage learning . .

Ms. Levi is not the only faculty member to employ scare tactics in her motivational exercises. To help her bi~ ology student~ experience first-hand the response of the endocrine system, science teacher Rosemarie Eaton sur-

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tially provide a laugh, or even a scare, motivation exercises do serve long-term purposes. Studies have shown that a more hands-on approach to education helps students to better understand their work. In her book,Toolsfor Teaching, University of California at Berkeley profes~or Barbara Gross David stresses that students learn "by doing" since passivity can only dampen curiosity. In addition, motivational exercises add a much-needed break to the monotony of teaching. Role-playing, debates, discussions, and demonstrations all reawaken

prised them with a pop quiz. She watched as the fight-or-flight mode kicked in and students frantically rushed to cram in whatever facts they could before she asked for the desks to be cleared. Of course, it was a hoax, but the distinctive adrenaline rush proved her point with her students.

Conversely, English teacher Georgette Wallace used more relaxing techniques to inspire her Writing Process students' interest in writing descriptively and creatively. By taking her classes to the sixth floor to capture

a view of the Manhattan skyline, she enouraged students to write stories about people whom they may or may not have seen, using their imaginations to fill in the details. Further integrating unconventional teaching techniques into her lesson plans, Ms. Wallace instructed students to write stories mirroring selected pieces of music that. she played in the classroom. They typed away without a care as the sensual melodies of Gershwin guided their fingers.

Music was also used as motivation in .Spanish teacher ·Beatriz Ezquerra's classes, as handouts with the lyrics to Juanes' "ADios Le Pido" were distributed with several words omitted. Students were given the unconventional task of filling in the blanks, making something as typically challenging as the subjunctive mood manageable and interactive. "It was very Interesting to listen to a song in the middle of class," sophomore Nalin Kashyap enthusiastically explained. "It encouraged me to look up the words I didn't know and it showed me a real-life application of Spanish. Instead of tedious work, the song was a good break from what could become a boring pattern of learning."

While some teachers may resort to songs, Latin teacher Andrew Hagerty relies on the power of film and popular culture to foster appreciation for the classical language. At the start of his classes, he caught his students' attention by telling them that they were off to the movies. Though there was no real trip , in store, the class was about to translate the titles of some films. The ancient and stuffy image of the language was shattered as students learned that "Neminem lnveniens" meant "Finding Nemo."

Teachers will go to great lengths to motivate their students. Their exercises can be visual, musical, cinematic or just downright underhanded. So the next time your teacher goes further than the _ textbook, enjoy it and remember, it is with your best interests at hand. In fact, maybe it is time to apply yourself more; the yardstick is still in her hands.

Sources: Bransford, John D. How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press, 1999.

David, Barbara Gross. Tools for Teaching. San Francisco: JosseyBass, 1993.

Course selection rides the wave of online convenience

by Tiffany Cheng Parting with the formerly arduous process of elective selection, an easier and faster method of registering for .classes online has lightened the loads of students and administrators alike.

Officially beginning on April 28, the system was originally intended to be locked on May 4 ,but due to a foreign language elective snafu, the system will be locked on Thursday, May 6. Students have the option of changing their elective choices by logging in to the THHS

On Career Day, students registered online to choose the careers they were interested in learning more about. The schooi received positive feedback from this approa~h and decided to replace the elective sheets with an updated system.

"Students can change their minds as often as they like and can appeal to the chairman of the class that they are not qualified to take but would like to take," said Susan Brustein, Assistant Principal of the Science Department. "These are the two · things I really like about this

One thing is for certain: programming director Arthur Boulanger will no longer need to sort through big piles of IJIUiti-colored papers filled wi,th white-outs, cross-outs and arrows.

Many students are pleased with the new online registration procedure, despite some technical difficulties.

"Although I had some problems registering online, I feel that it is overall more convenient because I can register at home and can change my decision ifl change my mind," said Bonnie

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disappointed and do not have much faith in the new system. "It's not as good as it should be. There are many flaws and errors. Many things are still going to have to be done by hand, so it does not really make a difference," stated Amanda Pneuman, sophomore. Even junior Anika Anam, who has had a faulty program almost every fall/spring term, said, "I think that the.new course request system online is a really good idea. Hopefully, this sys~ tern will result in less confusion and better organization when the fall term ar. " J;l~q~r:•

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The Classic

9

Spring2004

Cracking down on compulsive knuckle crackin-g

by Nataliya Binshteyn It spreads like wildfire, advancing along its designated path and varying from loud to soft, soft to loud. Suddenly, it stops, as fingers extend outward and joints fall back into place. The hand relaxes, freely making voluntary move~ ment~. Yet, though it is seemingly harmless, the act of "knuckle cracking" is a frequently troublesome one, often arousing emotional irritation in those who hear it and making many squirm. Despite conflicting views on the subject, one thing's for sure-no one's cracking up.

Though enemies of the habit are often inclined to criticize knuckle cracking, few truly understand the process or its potential effects. "Knuckles" are the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints located at the meeting points of two separate bones held together by connecting tissues and ligaments. The joints are surrounded by synovial fluid, a clear liquid lubricant produced in membranous sacs called bursae and containing about 15 percent carbon dioxide in solution and a smaller percentage of nitrogen. "Cracking" the knuckle actually involves pushing the joint into or out of its normal position.

When fingers are twisted to produce the desired sound, a low pressure zone within the synovial fluid is formed. According to the most widely accepted hypothesis,. the decreased pressure removes carbon dioxide and water vapor from the solution, thereby creating a bubble in a process referred to as cavi-

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tation. The rapid collapse of the bubble the 300-patient experiment disclosed produces the ~·cracking" noise heard that the prevalence of osteoarthritis in during the action, which can'( be re- those who compulsively cracked their peated on the same joint for about 15 knuckles was no greater than in those minutes because tiny bubbles of carbon who did not. The "cr~ckers' however, dioxide in the synovial·fluid take time showed signs of "decreased hand functo be reabsorbed. tion," a weaker grip, and swollen joints, The energy of the distinctive crack- lending support to the possibility that ing sound is estimated to be 0.07 mJ/ prolonged cracki:ng may lead to the onmm, while the energy required t9 cause set of some damage, such as the inabilcartilage damage through the pro~ess of ity to properly hold an object. chondrocyte death is approximately 1 Such impairments' may stem from the mJ/mm, leading many members of the stretching and snapping of the ligaments medical community to believe that no themselves, which is known to cause permanent or debilitating harm can be damage to the arms and shoulders of P:rovoked by the habit and dispelling the baseball pitchers. Though the strain on popular belief that it can res~~t in ar- ligaments in the knuckle is far less great, thritis. "There is no evidence that ha- such ligaments are also smaller and bitual knuckle-cracking leads to arthri- · thereby weaker. Additionally, research tis. This, however, doesn't mean that suggests that after "pushing your joint people can't injure their finger joints in past its normal range of motion" for an their popping enthusia5in by spraining ·· extended period of time, it may become capsular ligaments and/ortracking car- "hypermobile," causing the joint surtilage surfaces within these synovial faces to become worn and weak. In rejoints. l}ut casual and habitual popping sponse to such an injury, the body redoesn 't appear to lead to anything much sponds by unevenly laying down more more than ... more knuckle cracking," bone and roughening the joint surfaces, stated chiropractic reformer John potentially arousing the development of Baqanes, D.C., Pharm.D. sharp spots in the boneand harmful fricTwo studies involving large· groups tion, which is present in arthritis sufferof subjects found no definitive link be- ers. Limited literature also suggests that ~ween knuckle cracking and arthritis. In habitual knuckle cracking may directly the first of these investigations, re- affect soft hand tissue and cause dam" search involving 28 nursing home pa~ age that can provoke radiologic change. tients failed to reveal a connection be~,Interestingly enoug·h, the act of tween" habitual knuckle cracking" and -..knuckle cracking is exclusive to a seosteoarthritis. The second study reaf- lect few. Certain individuals are unable firmed what the first had indicated, as to indulge in the habit because they have

a larger gap between the bones or cannot relax enough to allow for bone separation. In fact, research indicates that people who are double-jointed or have flimsy joints are optimally successful when it comes to cracking. · Mirroring the perceptions of society at large, Harris students have mixed views about ·knuckle cracking. While senior Radha Patel thinks the sound produced is "nauseating," fellow'classmate Nina Mozes, senior, stated that she does it "out of habit." Even increased awareness of the habit's potentially harmful effects doesn't deter knuckle cracking addicts. "It doesn't make me feel any better and sometimes I regret doing it," said senior Jessica Berger.

Affecting an estimated 25 percent of Americans today, knuckle cracking is fast becoming one of the most prevalent habitual trends in modern society.

Though many strongly oppose the practice and cite physical harm as their central argument against it, the lack of a conclusive correlation between permanently debilitating damage and the popular habit keeps most addicts coming back for more.

Sources: Narod, Susan ~ "Popular Health 'Wisdom': Was Mother Wrong?" <http://www.acsh.org/publications/ priorities/0904/wisdom.html York, Ian A. "Does Knuckle Crack ing Cause Arthritis?" <~ttp:// elfstrom.com/arthritis/knucklecracking.Iltml>

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Teen comedy insp'ires heartwarming laughs, neighborly love

by Michael Finkelstein Asking "What will you remember?," recent teen flick The Girl Next Door opens with main character Matt Kidman, played by Emile Hirsch (The Emperor's Club, Houdini) attempting to answer this question to no avail. Matt, a straight-A student bound for Georgetown University, always played by the rules ... until Danielle, the title character, played by Elisha Cuthbert (FOX's 24, Old School) arrives to turn his world upside down.

Historically, the "girl next door" has taken a variety of shapes and sizes, but the film's creators took the traditionally wholesome character and transformed her into a former adult film star on the road to escaping her past life while house-sitting for her aunt, Matt's neighbor. Her motive is to '.'make [Matt] do things he never thought he would do."

The ,two start slowly, with a fewju-

venile acts, but tension starts to esca- Cuthbert, proved her talent despite the This teen comedy is more emotional late when Matt discovers the secrets of director's reservations about her: ability than most films of its genre. It may be Danielle's past. A winding, twisting to fit the needs of this particular role. considered offensive by some, but it is roller coaster ride ensues in which Matt Rather than playing the stereotype of an . truly heartfelt and charming. alienates Danielle, tries to win her back.. adult fil~star, she gave the character a At the conClusion, Matt answers the and travels to Las Vegas to rescue her soul. Emile Hirsch, as Matt, reminds question that has been lurking all along .. from her former employer. In true teen viewers of Tom Cruise from his Risky He, along with everyone who has seen film fashion, Matt must save the day in Business days, with the same suave na- this film, "will always remember 'the time to deliver a speech on morality and ture that develops throughout the movie. girl next door.' " win a full scholarship to Georgetown.

T i m o t h y ------------------....;..----, To fully understand this filin, one Olyphant steals 5HOURCLASS must rewind the movie clock to a time the movie with his THURSDAY 5:30 PM before the comic antics of Jason Big'gs dead-on portrayal SATURDAY 10:00 I>JA in American Pie and Tom Green in Road ofKelly,Danielle's Trip, when "teen comedies" focused on former employer. the development of the plot rather than Turning on the RITE -WAY AUTO SCHOOL INC. crude sexual humor. The Girl Next charm · in one Door's plot is reminiscent of an older minute and lashage of teen films where the main char- ing out in the next Tel: (718) 263-7861 ' . ' (718) 261-2626 107-31 71stAVENUE -6 act~rs are portray~d m-depth and the Mr. Olyphant Fax:(J S) 1 263 212 FOREST HILLS, N.Y. 11375 aud1ence .actually bkes them. flawlessly fits the · t I . The1 actreSs'1khlnif'Dahl~tre~· Efisha ' · h>l~:····, l(•o,l ~;,.,;-.. );• ,'t, " 1\ il o.'l.))~\·· . :•• :-.:;.-·,·;: 1: ( ro . l;"-.l.• ;; .) :I ,, ,>•>.... _. ._ I

10

The Classic

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Spring 2004

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Ancie-nt sands· conjure scenes of a mystical past

by Mary-Grace Papatheodorou driving in the back streets, I felt as if I wears light-colored and loose-fitting are set up atop a tall sand dune directly Since the beginning of time, mankind were in a time warp. There were rows clothing in order to remain comfortable in front of the pyramids. A panoramic has considered the lands of Egypt to be of doorless, small stores, camels during outdoor visits. view of the pyramids and the Sphinx can the "gift of the Nile." Indeed, this "parked" in front of the be seen once the crowd has mystical place of ~ncient buildings and stores, .and carefree children settled and the show has begun. quiet sands is most fascinating when it running everywhere! I saw With the use of colored lights comes to uncov.ering the past and one storekeeper ironing · " and lasers, a narrator retells the discovering a whole new part of the world. clothes with an iron full of § history of Giza and the pyramids.

"0 Our journey began at the port of coals, the barber sharpening ] · The combination of the lights, Alexandria, where the famous a knife, and another vendor '[ · the shadows of the pyrarnids, Lighthouse of Alexandria once proudly carving an inlaid box. The ~ and the deep voice of the narrator · stood and was considered to be one of produce in the grocery store succeed in taking you back to the seven ancient wonders of the world. lay in big baskets and the ancient times .

"This beautiful city was founded by meat was hanging by the With the long day finally Alexander the Great during his conquests sidewalk covered in flies.

E coming to an end, a dinner across Egypt and the Persian Empire. It Farther down the road, a ~ cruise down the Nile seems to . .<: is located along the southern coastline large group of men in long o. be the perfect way to wrap up A hoarde of camels soaks up the sun while waiting to give rid.es to of the Mediterranean Sea and serves as robes sat around a sheesha eage~ tourists outside the Pyramids of Giza. the evening. From the ship, the the main pprt of Egypt and the nation's (water pipe) and smoked city of Cairo seems to light up. second largest city with a current quietly . .Despite such "unsanitary" One of the most popular associations Ships that have been decorated in an population of approximately 3.9 million. conditions, the residents of the poor with Egypt and the Sahara Desert has "ancient" manner with the statues of While driving through the city, it became quarters of Cairo manage to live their always been camels. Surrounding the pharaohs, walls of hieroglyphics, and obvious to me that Alexandria was once lives as normally as possible, and the Pyramids of Giza are many camels. and more, provide dinner and a great show a place of elegance, culture and riches. population of the city remains at about their owners, who try to entice customers while traveling along the Nile River.

It is a relatively clean city and attracts 15.9 milli.on. They eat meat once each into paying for a ride. Though thes~ While dinner is served, belly dancers residents of week, if they are animals· may look cute witk all the with elaborate costumes perform for the cities such as lucky. The general multi-colored ribbons their m.yners have crowd along with other performers who Cairo during hospital of Cairo tied on them, take caution when present the cultural dances of Egypt. The the summer also offers free approaching them since they have a food is spicy and very tasty. Traditional with its surgery once a tendency to spit when you least expect dishes include roast goose, kebabs, beautiful month. Of course, it. Taking such a ride makes you feel as meloukhia soup (made of deep green beaches and the list for this if you've gone back in time and are leaf), and salted dried fish. Despite the coastal resorts. service can be riding beside the great pharaohs of delicious appearance of some items, it Via a modern expected to be ancient Egypt. is incredibly e.asy to become sick from highway, we Egypt is well known for its leather eating something seemingly safe. In very long. drove about ! Thousands of goods, gold jewelry, .carpets, inlaid particular, avoid drinking water, with the three hours tourists come to wooden articles, and papyrus. Finely exception of bottled water and raw southward to Cairo· each year crafted belts and bags made of alligator vegetables.

0 Cairo, the ] just to see the skins are the most popular, but the richly On the banks of the Nile, where the capital city of ~ spectacular decorated papyrus sheets make great ancient people of Egypt used to grow Egypt. ~ Pyramids of Giza. mementos as well. Using various paints, papyrus, now stand modern hotels and We took a " These magnificent artists depict scenes from ancient time.s buildings. One of the most luxurious sharp turn on q structures tower on the rolls of papyrus. However, one accomodations is the Mena House ~ above the city must be careful not to be ripped off Oberoi, the old summer palaces of the the highway . ~ . and found » and are an when it comes to buying papyrus of the kings and pharaohs of Egypt. Here, one .0 ourselves next .s amazing sight best quality. Dealers on the streets have can enjoy the magnificent views of the .g_ to see. During a tendency to sell banana paper .instead pyramids while relaxing in a friendly and to the proud, eternal, and A statue of Pharaoh Ramses II towers over all who the day, one can of real papyrus and a lot of tourists are lavish environment. At the pool, visitors p 0 w e r f u I dare to walk below. see the pyramids fooled. It is always safer to buy can escape the scorching heat by taking

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Pyramids of Giza. It was an exhilarating up-close and climb inside the Pyramid papyrus from well-known businesses feeling to be faced with such a spectacular of Khufu. I dared myself to enter this and stores and that are considered reliable. view: Cairo, the city. of I ,001 Arabian pyramid through a very small opening Also, remember to always bargain when nights. However, the city that once ·and climbed it all the way to the top. Climb- you buy. commanded wonder, riches, and ing through the ancient passageways After a well-spent day visiting the fascination is no longer "the mother of was a one-of-a-kind experience. As I marvels of ancient Egyptian culture, one the world ." She is an old lady now and was squeezing through thenarher days of glory have faded away. The row spaces to reach the main Nile River runs through Cairo and along burial chamber, I felt as if the the river bed, one can find anything from walls were closing in on me piles of garbage to the rotting carcasses and I began to gasp for air. of dead animals. As the guide drove us Frightening thoughts raced through Cairo, I can clearly recall the through my mind and I . murky color of the water and the body wondered whether the tunnel of a dead horse lying on the opposite would ever end as the sweat bank. Driving through this city is a trickled down my forehead. unique experience. There are neither At last, I reached the burial traffic lights nor lanes in the roads but, chamber located at the lop of miraculously, people drive, bike, and the pyramid that contained cross the streets. I remember a lot of the tomb of the pharaoh. honking and yelling, and according to Along with the Sphinx, I the guide, accidents are plentiful. visited the step pyramids of These days , Cairo is considered Sakkara, which were the first Visitors to the city of Cairo can look upon the beautiful Islamic relatively unsafe for travel, and tourists "experimental". pyramids . architecture of the Muhammad Ali Mosque. must exercise caution and remain with built during ancient times.

It is crucial to continuously drink can spend a portion of the evening large groups of people. Walking on the small streets that branch off from the water and keep your body hydrated in watching the spectacular sound and main roads gives a view of the lifestyle the scorching heat of the Sahara Desert. light show at the Pyramids of Giza. in the "real" Cairo. One day, when It is also highly recommended that one Once the sun sets, hundreds of chairs

a dip in the cooling waters while admiring the sight of the Pyramid of Khufu that appears right above one's head.

Among other sites to visit in Cairo are the many mosques, such as the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the . Rifa'i Mosque. The Egyptian Museum of Cairo is another popular place to frequent. Here, some of the finest treasures from the excavated tombs of pharaohs are displayed. The most famous exhibits are the relics of King -5 Tut(\nkhamen's burial chamber; ~ the gorgeous jewelry and golden "" furniture are breathtaking.

Setting foot on the sands of Egypt, where one of the earliest and most magnificent civilizations the world has ever known flourished, is a dream come true.

Treading the same ground as the pharaohs once did, visiting their · burial places, and admiring the art and inventions of their time is the experience of a lifetime. I found Egypt to be a magical land of wonder; it is a place that will remain in my heart forever.

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11

Warm weather ushers in spring athletic season out a lot," proclaimed Coach Rio. Elrose and Ok carried the team's hopes as jumpers, while runners such as Duelka, Kolios, junior Props Saini, and Ropriguez also promised to have strong seasons.

Boys' Outdoor Track

good chemistry between the athletes in addition to talent. But there is no lack of support between the girls on the team.

"I remember being really scared as a freshman, so I try not to scare the new ones coming in", said Adams, laughing.

"I try to be really supportive and have them do their best. It's all about pushing yourself. We're like a family because we spend so much time together; we're together for almost eight hours a day, five days a week."

"We definitely work as a team and support each other," chipped in Moore.

"There are times when you just want to stop during the race, but everyone just cheers you on and you find the strength to finish."

The girls obviously get along well, but the real test was how they would respond to their new coach."I was kind of scared that he would make us run nonstop," said sophomore Gloria Chen.

"But he's a really good coach." Added Adams, "He's strict but really supportive. He listens to you as an athlete and a person."

"They're dedicated," Connor praised. "I look forward to having more fun and hopefully repeating as Queens Champs." Smiling, he held out his arms and said, "A nice sun tan would be appreciated." ·

singles victory, as did the doubles teams of juniors Chantal Bruno and Christi Tsirkas and freshmen Katherine Chancer and Laura Schubert.

This year's team is coached by first year Townsend Harris coach and physical education teacher Shari Basis. The team has an experienced roster featuring three juniors and one senior, Ng. Ng is confident about this year's squad and foresees a very successful season and a serious playoff push. "We have a lot of team spirit and are always very supportive of one another," says Ng. She added, "We have fun all the time."

By Lauren Korzeniewski A fast-paced outdoor track season for the boys reached its high-speed climax on Friday May 14 at the Queens Championship Meet at Bayside High School, giving members of the team who have Girls' Outdoor Track recently recorded great times the opportunity to do so again. Junior co-captain By Michelle Montgoris It's all about the clicks. No, not the Matt Duelka continued to turn in impressive performances this season as he ran a personal best time of 4:54.3 in the one mile race at the PSAL meet at Cardozo High School on May 4. Junior Boys' Varsity Volleyball Nicolas Kolios ran a perByWendyYan sonal best time of 5:13. 1 in the same race. The Hawks The Boys' Varsity Volleyball Team did very well in many other narrowly missed the opportunity to end their 13-year playoff drought after beraces, including the 4x800 meter relay where the team ing defeated in the team's final two of Duelka, sophomore Jon Pantano, Kolios, and senior ~ Stephen Berger finished in second place with a time of Sophomores Kenny Chang and Martin Gomez, seniors 8 minutes 51 seconds. The Louis Elrose, Andrew Rivera, and John Kim, sophomore 4x 100 meter team of senior Jon Pantano, freshman Sam Ok, sophomore A'Van Andrew. Rivera, sopho- Hundley, seniors Stephen Berger and David Bass, and more Joey Rodriguez, junior Matt Duelka prepare to go home after a successful run at the Penn Relays. sophomore Kenny Chang and freshman Sam Ok finannoying pen-tapping-when-you-haveished in third place.

One of the highlights of the outdoor writer's-block taps. These are special j ' .., ' Girls' Varsity Tennis track season is running in the Penn Re- cliques, the kind you only find on cham.- • &.. .. . '" /l . _, lays. The Hawks did not disappoint, es- pionship teams. According to sopho£ pecially in the 4x400 meter relay, as the more Yoshie Otomo, there are plenty of by Alex Rush ~ ~ ,.-a team of sophomore A'Van Hundley, cliques on the girls' varsity track team.

The Girls' Varsity Tennis team used -~ Sophomore Jason Yeoun jumps for a "This is my first season running its strong forehands, backhands, and Duelka, senior Louis Elrose, and senior kill as his teammates look on. · track, and one of the main reasons I John Kim all reached their personal best serves to win its first round playoff times, including Hundley's time of53.9 joined was for the cliques offriends I've match against Lab Museum United on seconds, and a new school record of heard about," she said. "The champi- May 6 by a score of 5-0. The Hawks matches of the season, against Bayside 3:40.6 in the event. The 4x 100 meter onships don't hurt, either," she added, finished the regular season with a record High School and Cardozo on May 4 and May 5 respectively. The team finished team of Kim, Elrose, Rivera and Ok also referring to the Queens Championwith a 6-4 record, placing it third out ran well and finished with a time of 46.8 ship title that the team captured last of six in the division. seconds. "Our runners all turned in year and hoped to repeat this year on Last year, the Hawks went 6-4. clutch performances in one of the most May 13 at Bayside High School. The prestigious track meets in the world," Hawks' roster was certainly built for There were only four returning playit, with seasoned seniors combining ers on this year's 13-man roster. Of stated senior co-captain David Bass.

Just weeks ago, as the starting gun with energetic freshman to give the these four, sophomore Kevin Kwak is sounded, the Boys' Outdoor Track Team team an experienced yet hungry air. '€ the only starter. However, the team Also new to the team was Coach opened up their season with a bang of .fl was not fazed. "We're all learning their own and ran very well in the first Timothy Connor, who has spent a ~ from each other," said Kwak. "We're outdoor meet of the season on March great deal of time scouting the team.

•E hard workers with a lot of potential."

27 at Bayside High School when Kim "I've seen the girls run for the last ~ "We have a new right side hitter in and Elrose recorded great times in the five years as an outdoor coach," he ~ Kenny Yu," said manager Rachel 4x400 meter relay and Duelka ran a said. "I expected a bunch of hard £ Acosta. "He quit the track team to join .·~ and has been a good addition. Junior strong race as the lead-off leg in the workers and dedicated girls and -a Ephraim Cruz is also one of the best 4x800 meter relay. The other success they've met my expectations. I'm Senior Alyssa Ng reaches for a backhand during the passers." story at the meet was the freshman team, blessed to have a great group of se- Girls' Varsity Tennis Team's successful season.

Alth,ough the Hawks fell just short which collected a total of 19 medals at niors and such a talented group of freshmen." the competition. of 8-2, which placed the team in a tie of the playoffs this season, there are reaLeading these seniors and freshmen for first with Cardozo in the Queens A sons to be optimistic next season .. The Although the team had a disappointing finish last season, with the help of are senior Rosalind Adams and fresh- Division. All of the Hawks played well team has many of its starters returning some new field events and the guidance man Devotia Moore. Adams is one of against Lab Museum United. This in- next season, along with a great coach, of Coach George Rio, team members the nation's top race-walkers. She placed cluded junior Jackie Chancer, who Elizabeth Dempster. had high hopes for this year. "We hope first in all race-walking events during played first singles, and senior Alyssa Boys' Varsity Baseball to finish top three in Queens," said the indoor season, not to mention nu- Ng, who plays second singles. The team Coach Rio at the start of the season. merous top-five finishes in various other will play Hunter High School in the secBy Stephen Berger Duelka agreed, saying, "This season we events from the beginning of the year. ond round of the playoffs on May 10.

Moore has registered eleven first place Their winning record and solid ofwant to try to surprise people."

The Hawks started the season on the New events such as hurdles, pole finishes in several different events dat- right note by acing their first two starts. fense and defense could not prevent the vault and discus were poised to help the ing back to September, proving that she They won their first match of the sea- Boys' Varsity Baseball Teamfrom losteam do just that. "Strong distance and is one .of the building blocks of the fu- son 3-2 against Francis Lewis on March ing its first game of the season on May 23. Sophomore Allison Kornblattscored 6 to East New York Trarisii Tech by a short distance runners, as well as our ture.

However, a great team needs to have a point for the Hawks with her 10-3 new events are going to help the team contjn~ed on p. 12

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The Classic

Spring2004

Elrose slam dunks·despite low expectations,

by Elyse Lee Last summer at the Five Star basketball camp, a college scout told senior Louis Elrose that he would never be able to play on a Division II college basketball team.

However, after a history-making year at Townsend Harris, the co-captai n of the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team proved his leadership, talent, and ability to carry his team to their first ever A Division playoff win. He also simultaneously securing a scholarship to a Division II college.

In this year's PSAL season, Louis averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game, leading his team to a 9-5 win-loss record in his senior year. With an overwhelming number of seniors on the team this year, each player succeeded in making the Hawks a force to be reckoned with in the Queens A Division. The Hawks had an exciting win over Jamaica High School (3rd place in Queens) with a score of

68 to 62 and then crushed neighboring school and former rival John Bowne High School in two matches. Most importantly, the Hawks united for a muchneeded 63-54 - - .-~<:: vic tory over , , ·~ John F. Kennedy High School, in which Louis led his team with I7 t points, 13 re.. ·ij bounds, and four ~ assists. Co-cap.g tain Kenny Yu, ~ senior, had 15 points,. and se,; "&, niorJesseFranco added 14 points.

Altogether, the combination of senior starters Elrose, Yu, Franco, Paris Asprou, and Michael Blake accomplished the greatest athletic success story in Townsend Harris history. The undersized butquickBoys'Varsity Basketball Team proved its dedication to winning in a league in which they were considered to be the underdogs. The most important piece of advice Elrose would give after this extraordinary season is: "work hard every day of your life and don't let anyone stop you." His words

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s~tbacks

are reflected in the efforts of the team this season as they worked hard to accomplish their goals while refusing to

startln the sport of basketball at the age uf three, he has nevertheless flourished in field events and sprint relays. He competes in the high jump, long jump, · 4xiOO meter relay, 4x400 meter relay, and pentathlon. He was selected as the Boys' Outdoor Track Team Most Vatuable Player in his junior year.

Recently, Elrose declined his scholarship to Division II Molloy Col'€ iege to attend Division I St. Francis ..8 College and fulfill his dream of play~ ing NCAA Division I basketball. At. . . s though Louis will have to try out for ~~]. the team at St. Francis College, he is . ~ confident that he will overcome all mis~conceptions that others may have about him and prove, once again, that he is a valuable addition to any team.

Louis overcomes all personal hurdles to master After accomplishing his goal of the hurdle race at a recent track meet. playing in the NCAA basketball tournament, Elrose aspires to attend medilet doubt and disbelief hinder their cal school and become a sports medidrive. cine doctor, preferably for the New York Though Elrose is known mostly for Knicks or the New York Yankees. his accomplishments and talent in bas- Whether or not be fulfills his dreams to ketball, he is an all-around athlete, par- play basketball or attend medical school, ticipating in cross-country track in his one thing is for certain: Louis will put sophomore year and running butdoor . aside any lingering doubts, setbacks, and track for three years at Townsend Har- discouragement and prove that he can ris. Although Louis received a late start triumphantly accomplish any goal that in outdoor track, compared to his early he sets for himself.

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Warm weather keeps teams' winning streaks hot in spring season 9 and 2/3 innings pitched. The Hawks continued from p. 11 score of I 0-0. Despite ending their un- have also received solid performances defeated record; the Hawks.are currently from seniors Jesse Franco, Chris Fuchs, in second place in the Queens Central B Maurice Stevenson and Michael standings with an 8-I record. In the nine games that the team has played, the team has outscored its opponents 101-53. Looking at the current standings, senior Michael Schwartz said it is "pretty definite" that the Hawks will make the playoffs.

AJihough baseball is a team ~ sport; ·individual performances '-~ are essential to the overall suc•.8 cess of a team. Many players on ~ · · ··~··· ;. ~ ·. . ~ . ~ this team are having outstand:.~~~:~~·: ~~....,.. -~. ,.- ~~«'·· ~ ing seasons, especialfy seniors ...::.-..... . . - ... <~"'~., ; . ~ .... . ~ · .. " ~ - ~-~ ~~- - .. · "< .. ' . g Joe ~resse and·NickKaloudis. "·· ~- ~ ~;~~·· -· ~;.: :'!- ~~ _ :"'~>~··--~~~II> ~~ ~: ~- '~h ~~ !

Kresse· has an amazing batting Senior Chris Fuchs pitches average of .629; with 22hits., 19 · · runs~c9red, 15 nms batted in and 9 sto- Schwartz, along with juniors John Tatti len bases in the nine games he has and Chris Guillou. played so far. He has also provided exGuillou has emerged as the team's cellent defense behind home plate as the number one starting pitcher, posting a catcher, throwing out would-be base 3-0 record with an earned run average stealers at a high percentage. Kaloudis of 2.63. He has been an effective hitter, is also having an all-star caliber season. as well, and is currently batting at a .542 He is batting .581, with 18 hits, 17 R.B .I clip. and 3 home runs along with his 2-0 It looks as if it will be hard to stop record as a pitcher with 2I strikeouts in Coach RavmondAdamkiewicz' Hawks. ·

"The team just wants to win so badly," added Schwartz.

Girls' Varsity Soccer

By Elyse Lee The winning streak was continued as

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Senior Stephanie lnwald tries to break away from an opposing teammate to receive a pass.

the girls' varsity soccer team, under the guidance of Coach Chris Hackney, won its fourth game in a row on May 7 against Bryant High School by a 3-0 tally. The shutout featured goals scored by sophomore Ann Elyse Urquidi, junior Nicole Silva and senior co-captain Kathryn Dubowski, who recorded her her 271h goal in 14 games. The Hawks now have a 10-4-1 record. olacimr the

team 3n1 in the Queens A standings and putting the team in a position where it has a legitimate opportunity to earn a playoff berth.

By earning a 1-I tie with Francis Lewis High School on April 28, the Hawks rebounded from one of its worst starts in the last four years. Dubowksi commented that the season would be even harder now that the team was starting from a deficit. The team's record dropped to 1-2 with a3-IIoss to Francis Lewis on March 29 following its forfeited loss against Richmond Hill on March 22. Harris rebounded after its unsettling start with a commanding win over Newtown High School, seven goals to two.

The starters this year feature seven returning players as well as four new additions, including freshmen Jen Polish and Cait Kilpatrick, sophomore Ann Elyse Urquidi, and junior Nicole Silva.

Polish, the starting goa~ie, has never played the goalie position before, but shows great potential. The entire team is comprised of II veterans and five rookies. The Hawks will use their experience and dedication to compensate for the loss of six seniors, who made up the majority of the team's starters last season.

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