Classic newspaper Volume 24 Issue no. 1 by The Classic

----

-~~ ·---

Vol. 24, No. 1 December 2007

•

aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Search for principal to resume once more by Benjamin Snyder larger." The process to name a new principal It is likely that all or most of the same · to succeed retiring principal Thomas people will serve on the Level I comCunningham has been extended for a mittee - again because the new second time, according to an announce- Ch~mcellor's regulations mandate that ment he made at a faculty meeting De- -the C-30 committee be selected from the ceinber 10. The announcement came two School L~adership-Team. - - --- __ weeks after the Townsend Harris CircuMr. Weiss also announced>that the tar 30 (C-3-0) selection committee con- process was being restarted at a PTA ducted Level I interviews on November meeting the evening of December I 0. 27 and did not recommend any candiThe Classic was unable to find out date for consideration by the High · the names of the candidates interviewed School Superintendent at Level II. at Level I, as the members of the C-30 According to an announcement on the committee sign a pledge of confidentiParent- Te·a cher Association website ality. Assistant Principal of Mathematics posted by Stewart Weiss, a parent representativ-e on the C-30 committee, "Chan- Ellen Fee, who was a candidate in last cellor Klein's office has autlrorized a new year's search, said she had withdrawn C-30 that will start again in January, her name from the pool of candidates a 2008. This time, we are hoping that the week before the interviews were conpool of qualitied candidates will be much ducted by the.C-30 committee. Ms . Fee

said, "I felt like I would · have been great candidate last spring when we had the first round of interviews, but over the last four months, I began- to question whether or not this is good timing to be a principal in terms of my family as well as what is best for Townsend Harris." Assistant Principal oJ Science Susan Brustein, who was also a candidate last spring, pr~ferred not to comment on this year's process. Mr. Cunningham annou!'lced his retirement last May after 37 years as an educator and during his sixth year as principal of Townsend Harris. He agreed last June to remain on the job while the search for his successor was re-opened under new regulations. According to Mr. Cunningham, the search for a new principal was re-

opened this fall -"because the Depart- ' ment of Education (DOE) was re-orga: nized. As of July I, 2007, schools no longer reported to regional superintendents arid local instructional superintendents. Under the new structure, [prospective] principals are rated by community superintendents, or in Townsend Harris's case, one of two high school superintendents for Queens. The DOE, in reviewing the C-30 process opened towards the end of the '06- '07 school year, decided to expand the applicant pool." There'are many steps to the process of selecting a new principal, which are listed on the DOE website. When a vacancy for the principalship occurs, a C30 Level I Committee is formed . Meanwhile, applications .,are submitted to, andscreened for eligibility by, the Talent

(continued fm page 13)

Edwards an.d Gi·ul-iani sweep election si·mula.ti-on an effective campaign strategy, as they

ris student could now at least identify

All four grades had the opportu-

were n9t only "informative" but also

ten of _the candidate& that were rutm.i,J}a,."

nity -to have their voices heard and

" interesting." _ Cody, who portrayed John Edwards,

~~A\'t~Sl~f'sffiW)UWA.~.,1..1:N!Gh--

Democratic candidate' Dennis Kucinich,

didates such~ as Barack Obama and Hi-

by Heriselda Begaj

Senior Alyas Hamld, wflcqYofnaye·a

when it came to how they financed their

vote in the Election Simulation on lary Clinton, but were still able to make October 5 . The winners of the simuthemselves known. Cody said that his lated voting were John Edwards of strategy was to "create a personal cone · the Democratic party, played by nection with each voter and l did by Cody Alongi, and Rudolph Giuliani going down to the lunchroom at least · of the Republican party, played by twice a week and shaking hands and Noah Bonner. talking to each student, answering any Many underclassmen reported qu~stions they had about me." Alyas felt that they walked away from the that associating himself with spinach Election Simulation with a lot of helped students remember his last name, knowledge about the candidates. · Kucinich. Ultimately, both felt that there Junior Maria Torres. said that she · were ways of overcoming the financial "was aware of all the candidates [and constraints in order te run successful their issues] rather than just some of - campatgns. ::J them ." However, some , like Adel ::\:: The simulation also helped the. stu:i ..c:. Manokian, said that they would have ;; ~ dents portraying candidates learn new 2: liked to vote within the political. ~ things about themse lves . Cody said, § party of their choosing. This year, £ "This simulation showed m~ that I am a .D '"'0 because it was a primary election, E very out-going person who can take the · 0 th~ simulation created percentages ..c:. -3. leadership role when needed . Plus, this 0. of Republicans and Democrats in the was a good experience since in the fuschool based on the actual divisions Candidates Rudolph ~iuliani (Noah Bonner) and .John Edwards (Cody Alongi) woo the votes of ture, I would like to be involved in poliin New York. so this was a good first test to see if tics, their respecrive parties. According to many underclassI would be able to handle all of the presfelt that "the results showed that students said, "This electioXJ simulation was very men, the best strategy employ.ed by sures that come with running a camvoted based on our performance as cansuccessful in that it not only had a good the candidates was making thempaign." voter turnout , but also at the end of the didates and [didn't] retlect the real elecselves known to the-voters. SophoSocial studies teacher Maureen simulation, although there wel·e so tions." more Christopher Zhang felt that the (continued on page 4) Cody and Alyas shared similar views many qmdidates, any Townsend Hartelevision commercials proved to be (/]

Quality Review and AP results '

pg.3 E

Drama . Festival

Founder's Day & Spirlt Week

pg.3

pg.5

New faculty pgs. 5, 6 & 7

r .

The Classic · December 2001

SimUiati'ng PoliticS

Ro-ll -call ruined Founder's Day is a cherished tradition at Townsend Harris, one thaCcelour school's past, present, and future. It is a time to dress up, go to the Kupferberg Center, and feel proud of being a Harrisite. It is an opportunity for the student body to relax, iearn about our school's ~ich heritage, and come together to welcome the freshmen and incoming sophomores into out commu-·· nity with their recitation of the Ephebic Oath . .Founder's Day, in short, is a celebration of the creation of our school, and without us; the students, everything it stands for would be meaningless. This year, there was hostility among the grades during Spirit Week, mainly revolving around the annual tradition of the hall decorating competition. However; as students began to•·blow things out of proportion and both the junior and senior decorations were defaced, the faculty began to take th_e disc<Jrd seriously, resulting in a school-wide announcement chastising our behavior. . Although it was well-deserved because vandalism is unacceptable, the administration unfortunately found it necessary to bring ·up the Sptrit Week rivalries during our Founder's Day celebration. More specifically; roll' call~ the heart of Founder's Day,-,was ruined. Roll call .is a titl).e when the Master/Mistress of Ceremonies asks for the attendanc~ from-each.grade and each grade, by tradition, shows .its spirit throqgh cheering. It is ao eagerly awaited, h~althy e.ornpetition, and s_tudents sh~w off their pride not only for 'their grade, but for b,elonging to the Townseqd Pa-rris communi~y. Every grade tries to be louder than ·the last, anddt is the seniors' mission to ootdo the rest of the schoo! . . Freshmen typically know littl~ about the tradition, but they learn what roll call entails .dunng their first Founder's Day and make their comeback as sophomores. This past Founder's Day, however, students were told that roll call was meant to be a "short,.celebratory cheer by the individual grades," not a "com• petition," and that "if this tradition is· to co.ntinue as a part of [Founder's Day], then it must be as it was intended." This was very disappointing for several ·reasons. First, unlike the freshmen · classes of previous years, tire freshmen were informed of what roll call in· volves, so they knew what to e_xpect~ Second, the seniors, who had waittdfur four years to be the loudest of all the grades,, were not ali owed to .cheer as much as is usually anticipated. Third, whojs to say what the meaning of".sbort'' is? Fourth, threatening the removal ~froll call is not in the spirit of the ceremony, _a nd thereafter, the usually jovial atmosphe~e of Founder's Day W\18 stifled. Of course, noise should never interrupt the more sol~mn aspects of Founder's Day, but roll call was never a dignified event. How could it be? It is appropriate to demand silence and respect during speeches and performances, but not during the one part of the ceremony when students are supp.O'sed to be loud. Roll call has never before been so restrained, and to ·do so this· year was illadvised . According to Assistant Principal of Humanities Susan Getting, certain members of the faculty overheard junior and senior plans to "sabotage" each other during roll cali -this, she said, was an "established fact." It is commendable that the administration feared a resurfacing of the contentious attitudes of Spirit Week, for disrespecting others in the Townsend Harris community goes against, the .spirit of Founder's Day even more than shortening roll call does. Nevertheless, it would have been more appropriate to wait until an inappropriate action <ktually occurred. If something unsuitable did take place, it would have absolutely called for any punishment that the administration saw fit. However, students should always have the opportunity to change their minds, and they ought to have been given that chance. Also, if"this "sabotage" were serious, wouldn't it have made sense for the studel)tS to carry out their plans as soon as their grade was called? Why did they wait, knowing that their time was limited? Perhaps they had already made the right decision, and perhaps the administration should have had a little more faith in the students that they would. An alternate solution would have been to make a schoolwide announce.ment shortly before Founder's Day to warn students against being hurtful towards the other grades. That way, we still would have been given fair warning, roll call would not have had to be cut short, and Founder's Day would .have been more enjoyable. e~rates

Although the election si-mulation differs every year by candidate and type of election, essentially, the main goal always remains the same. It aims to help the students become more aware of the political process in America, familiarizing them with current issues and ~andidates. Thus, students are also encouraged to be politically active in the future. This year's presidential primary simulation raised several important questions about how these goals can best be met. The first and most basic one is whether student candidates should aim to be clones of the actual politicians they are playing. Some students questioned the appropriateness of simulated candidates taking creative license to improve their politician's image. The point, however, is not tq mimic candidates in every way, but to present their views clearly and accurately. For example, the student who played Democratic candidate Fred Thompson added his own touch of humor to ' his campaign, frequently pointing out that global warming must have something to do with the sun. While the "real" Thompson did no such thing, the student assuming his role was still able to get across that glob<}! warming was·not one of Thompson's priorities. In this case, at least, the goal of the simulation was met. Another question concerns the amount of money giv.en to each campai.gn . Some students who worked on a campaign complained that the disparity in the amount of money allocated to ·e ach candidate was unfair and presented man~ financial obstacles, since publicity plays a significant role in gathering support for a candidate. They suggested instead that each campaign receive the same opening balance. Again thinking o_f the goals of the simulation, such an even distribution of funds would distort the political process it is meant to reflect. In actual campaigns, such disparities in funding exist and always will exist;"lesser known candidates often have much less money than well:known, high-protile candidates. To give each campaign an equal opening balance i"s unrealistic and out of keeping with the purpose of the simulation. A troubling question was raised when rivary got of hand. Ar; the tensions between campaigns beneficial because· they mirror the reality of hostility in ac'. tual elections, or are they just a negative presence in a schooi setti~g-? Campaigns accused one another of "stealing" fundraiser ideas or having fundraisers on days especially reserved for other candidates. Tensions began to mount so high that a member of the Obama campaign even received hate mail. While StiCh i~ hostilities do exist in an actual election, there should be a limit within the simu- ,.:;,.-, lation. Healthy rivalry between campaigns is not harmful, but attacking an indivigpal, even in his simulated guise, is unacceptable. The hate mail was cjisap-, pointing; a student mature enough to participate in the election sin:JUlation shoulq . know better. 1 We must remember the most important goal of tbe election simulation : t_o familiarize students with the political process. By registering to vote and being , exposed to mock media, students get a taste of elec-tions in "t~e real wqr,ld.:: They understand their responsibilities as voters, as proven by the Fact ,th,at, ~~\("' ', York I News reported last year that Townsend Harris graduates were more likel,y ... , to vote as adults than those of any other high school in New York City. Altho!Jgh this year certain aspects of the election simulation provoked some.questions and complaints, students did get to experience poli(ics fir~t-hand. Next year 's seniors should conduct the simulation in such 'l way as to maximize what th~ student body learns about politics in order to prepare them for their roles as members of a democracy. . .... I

Letter to the Editor: Taking a new look at tra.dition·s pag,e 13 .

News Staff: Jasmine Daniel, Shelby Hechi, Cristine Khan. Jacquelyn Lekhraj, Sydney Lowe. Adriamfa Mateo. Ksenija Matijevic, Judy Sirykissoon

Editorial Board Ariel Brodsky

Faith Aronowitz

Marisa Lupo

Benjamin Snyder

Stephanie Pak

Feature Staff: Heriselda Begaj,Pearl Bhatnagar. Hayley Desmond. Maddy French. Rupinder Garcha. Abigail Kotller. Linda Kung. Steven Lange, Sarah Mahmood. Lory Martinez. Freddy Millan. Jr.. Rebecca Seidel. Rupeshi Shah . Esther Whang, Devon Wright Sports Staff: Laura Corrigan. Kirstin Guelly, Eilin Perez Artists: Alice Hung, Liz Kussman , Melissa Lin. Safa Siddiqui, Amy Wang. Esther Whang

Sun Mei Liu

Ashley Knight

Pluttugral)hy Editi.tr

Sport'i Editor

Heriselda Begaj

Darren Deoraj Bonnie Ng Co·Art Editors

llusiness Manager

Principal- Mr. Thomas Cunni ngham

Advisor - li sa Cowen

Photography Staff: Jessica Astudi llo , P~ru·l Bhatn,fgar, Wan-en Cheng, Ashley Guzman, Kenneth Ho. Fatema Jannat, Hannah Kang. Isabella Ocampo, Sharmin Rashed , Angglelia Sutjiptb

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 he take.n to represent those of the adminiStration or faculty or student body as a whole. . Reade1:s are invited to submit letter~ tO the editor. Letters shou ld be placed in Ms. Cowen's mai'lbo x in Room 315 ore-mailed to thhsclassic@yahoo.com. The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and oftldal class. Names will tie withheld upon request.

The Classic

December 2007

Harri,s .~ces Qual'ity Review and Progress Report ••

'!!

1.'

by Ariel Brodsky The recentiy released 2007 Quality Review Report and 2006-2007 Progress Report have reaffirmed the Townsend Harris tradition· of academic excellence. The Quality Review deemed the school "outstand-

ing" in all areas, while the Progress Report awarded the school an overall score of 82.9 out of 100, translating into an A on an A-F scale. Designed to promote students' success, the Quality Review was commi~sioned by

Dcv\\-w~.

•

the NYC Department Of Education and is carried out by Cambridge Education, a UK organization . The lead reviewer of .Townsend Harris was Lys Bradley, whose assignment was shortened to one day after last November's three-day evaluation greatly impressed reviewer Barry King. "The breadth of experience offered to you [at Townsend Harris] is enabling you to become world citizens," Ms. Bradley told The Classic, after assessing the school for the Quality Review on October 8.

~ ·

Ms. Bradley described Harris in her report as "an exceptional school, which develops in students a great Sense of self-belief, exceedingly high asp irations and a strong sense of social responsibility." She i·ated the school as "out- · standing" in all areas of evaluation criteria and ~ave it a grade o.~ W for well-developed. There

were, however, a few aspects of evaluation criteria, and comthe school that she noted as pared Harris to nine other needing improvement, such as · schools within what is called a being . better able to "[assess] peer group. The peer group students' progress in class .by consisted of Bard High School regular use of specific learning Early College, Stuyvesant High objectives." School, The High School for Ms. Bradley spoke with Math, Science and EngineerPrincipal Thomas Cunningham, ing, The Bronx High School of the assistant principals, seven Science, The High School of teacher:'i1 and 17 students as part American. Studies at Lehman of her review. According to Mr. College, Brooklyn Technical Cunningham, she "relied exten- High School, Queens High sively on the Lea~ning Environ- School for the Sciences at York ment Survey to plan questions College, and Staten Island for all constituent groups to an- Technical High School. swer." The Learning EnvironHarris's environment, which ment Survey was distributed to encompasses safety, communisophomores, juniors, seniors, cati.on with parents, the parents and faculty last year as administration's expectations a self-evaluation to further en- of students, attendance, and hance the Quality Review pro- other factors, was given II cess. points out of 15. Mr. The school · Progress Cunningham said that while the Report's grade of A and its over- . school had a 97.4% attendance all score of 82.9 out of I 00 rate last year, "parents explaced it in the 95 .7 percentile pressed in their responses [to of all high schools citywide. the Learning E~vironment Sur' The Progress Report rated the vey] that communication could school environment, student show some improvement." He performance, a_nd st_u_d ent said that this cou.Id possibly be progress along With add1t10na1 ( · d IO) ' contmue on page

AP Scores remain high; some improve greatly by Marisa Lupo floored ." The 2007 Advanced PlaceLisa Mars, Assistant Prin" ment exam results are in, and all cipal of the Languages Other academic departments received than English Department, news of high scores. Of the 644 said, "We'v-e improved sigexams taken last year, 542 mer- nificantly from last year to this ited a passing mark of at least a year." She added, "Our mean three out of five. grade on the French A.P. was Although most scores re- one point higher than the namained consistent with past tiona! average, and the Spanyears, both the A.P. Calculus AB ish scores were 1.75 points and A.P. World History classes . higher." Similarly, Ellen Fee, Ass issaw considerable improvements, as did the A.P. French tant Principal of the Math Department~ was excited about .and A.P. Span_ish classes. After Harris gained national the improvement in A.P. Calrec0gnition for achievement on culus AB. She said, "I am the A.P.. World History exam in very proud of our A.P. results, . 2006, some worried whether the especially of our A .P. Calcu2007 results would live up to Ius AB results that rose to a expectations. Susan Getting, 4.4 average! These results Assistant Principal of the Hu- were not only better in terms manities Department, said, of the average, but p10re stu"The first year [2006], I was so dents received a score of three excited .. .When the scores came or better." The performance of the in this time , we alljust held our breath, and when W.e went up 12 A.P. Psychology class, the percentage points, we were only A.P. science course of-

t'ered last year. has_c_pntirtued ro impress Susan Brustein, Assistant Principal of the Science Department. "Ms. Shen generally has the kids in A.P. Psych acing that test," Ms. Brustein said, noting, however, that there was a slight drop in the class' average score. "The tension is between making classes available to everyone and getting lower results, or restricting the class knowing that you' II probably get better resu Its," she explained. These ~restrictions inelude requiring all A.P. Psychology students to havemaintained at least a 90 average in P.,revious English and science classes. This year in the Humanities Deparment, Jaime Byrne joined Maureen Lonergan . to teach a total of four A.P. U.S. History classes, doubling the number of students expected to take the exam in May. Ms. Getting explained that moreA.P. U.S. History classes are being offered

be·c ause 'they ·proy'iete ·-a bener educational experi<:~nce" than

u . 0. 11J':)tv-t J ~ .a.,., ~ (continued on page 10)

tnc-regut'"t:u

~'\It((>

New Drama C·l!ub inaugurates Drama· Festival · by Heriselda Begaj and Marisa Lupo The Drama Festival on De. cember 20 will showcnse two plays from English teacher Helen Rizzuto's playwriting . class, and performed mainly by English teacher Joe Canzoneri's elective drama class. The festival was made possible with th~. formation of the new Drama .

Club, created by seniors Sasha Diamond and Melanie Sovern with the help of Ms: Rizzuto and Mr. Canzoneri . Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from Sasha, Melanie, Ms. Rizzuto, or Mr. Canzoneri for $3 . Sasha is directing her play, In the Penal Colony, which is based on the Kafka short story

of the same title. She said, "The assign111ent was to come up with a one-act play. I was actually having. a lot of trouble coming up with an idea, but then I decided to adapt that." Senior D~anna Kokotos said, "I was inspired by my g_randfather" to write Teddy's, the other play being featured in the festival. Melanie is directing this

Greek familytragedy. Both directors are very excited about the upcoming festival. Melanie said, "It's the first of its kind. It's different than SING because it's not a competition, and it's an appreciation of solid drama. It's thoughtful and intense." Sasha believes that her peers will be able to appreciate the

serious content. "Townsend Harris kids pay a lot more at~ tention and are a lot more mature," she said. Melanie added, "We' v,e raised our standards,. and we want them to meet us thei·e." Both plays are products of Ms. Rizzuto's playwriting class of last year, and most of the (continued on- page I 3)

II,

....

The Classic

4 ~' ~ Edwards, Giuliani sweep election sirriulcltlbh December 2007

(continuedjivmpage 1) Lonergan, who instructed upperclassmen during the simulation, said that this year's simulation was "exciting and informative." She noted, however, that the large number of candidates sometimes made it difficult to follow. Nevertheless, she felt that the candidates did a "good job" of getting the is-

•

.·

•.

.•. , ,

sues out, and that the simufa- · · among the voting trends, both upper and lowerclassmen betion was "very successful." As for the differences lieved that Mitt Romney won the

ro\~hT'1~rro..n~

. "!. 'ooX.ed. "jOV. ~ese c.oo~' 1.

'· ,?

o ~~e~\ ~\\'<m\

Republican bid among the seniors oecause he gained more support from the special inter-

H~,l. ~\n~

oa.ept- \"\-e5e f'\~ -\W e.\ec.\-\on

"" 7

)

•

~ .J

S·\0\U.\o.l\Gn \S

S\-o.rt\na ... -

\-\ow C<l.1\ ~()\A .

1-e\\? ~.~,

.·· • . ,...___:_,_.__

__ ...._

....

~""..J

• i

"-.._

est groups than the 0ther candi~ dates . Furthe.tmore, Ms .' Lonergan explained that Mitt Romney started out with fewer Simbucks, so he didn't have as much money with which to make himself known to the underclassmen . She added ihat Giuliani made more visits to underclassmen and held. more town meetings with them.

Kick-off rally jumpstarts election s·i mulatio.n

by Stephanie Pak Seniors cheered and waved posters and signs at the kickoff rally on September 21 in the courtyard. The rally officially began the election simulation, as the candidates introduced themselves and their . spouses with quiCk speeches. Special interest groups also waved posters to show support for their affiliated party. Each group was introduced by a OJ after the candidates' speeches·. "Three words: Security, unity, and prosperity," said Republican candidate Fred Thompson, played by John Costello. "The kick-off rally was exciting and I th ink that the seniors did a good job. But it's too bad the underclassmen don't know much about the kick-off rally ." said senior Bianca Edirisinghe. "Although each candidate had a short amount of time,

each one of them expressed didates to introduce themselves," The kick-off rally was or- Chris Hackney, Maureen themselves well," said senior . added senior Alyas Hamid, who ganized by the Participatory Lonergan, Franco Scardino, and played Dennis Kucinich. Cheri Cheng. Democracy classes taught by Linda Steinmann. After the introductions, the DJs suggested holding a dance-off to loosen the atmosphere. Dance music blared through speakers, and after a few seconds, Republican canditlate Ron Paul began to tear up the dance floor by break-· dancing. The other candidates soon joined in as well. Republican candidate Mitt Romney danced the Macarena and "'·. ;:3 Democratic candidate Hillary ·;:; Clinton did a quick improvisa.::E c: tion . Many students enjoyed , u:> "' the dance-off, but some cart'tli..c "'0 dates felt differently. · 0 ··-- -· ·-E. "The dance-off Was fun; however, I am sure there are a lot of regrets about some of the moves performed," said senior Candidate Ron Paul, played by senior Rafiel Pastor, shows off his breakdancing skills during the danceKiran Lorick, who played Mitt off at the kick-off rally. Romney. "The rally was exciting. Jt ,, • was a great way for all the can-

·-

•

Special interest rally .a ims to in.form voters by lieriselda Begaj The Special Interest Rally on October 17 was a way for s'pecial interest groups to showcase their views and let voters know which candidate-s they !>Upport. The rally was organized by the Participatory Democracy and Advanced 'P lacement Government classes taught by Franco Scardino, Maureen Lonergan, and Linda Steinmann. Among the groups that presented were Citizens for T~x Justice, McGraw Hill, the Christian Coalition, and the National Immigration Forum. The skits drew inspiration from various sources, including the story of Goldilocks (Citizens

for Tax Justice) and the game show Deal or No Deal (Business Round Table). Reactions to the Special Interest Rally were mixed . Many underclassmen felt that it was not up to par with those of previous years . Sophomore Crystal Wong said, "Although I thought [the rally] was informative, it could have been more entertaining to catch the audience's attention." Others felt that some interest groups confused the audience. For example, those who were not familiar with the show Deal or No Qeal did not understand the skit performed by the Business Round Table. Junior Sini Bijoy said, "At

first, it was interesting, but then the enthusiasm died out. At one point, I couldn't even hear what [the presenters] were saying," said junior Rea Bhasin , "The music was not very coordinated, and it was often hard to understand what the point of each group was." . Some underClassmen alsd felt that the rally seemed to be a bit biased towards certain candii:lates. Freshman Shivani D'aryani said, "Not everyone was given equal time. I would have liked to see more equality. The candidates should all have the same amount of Simbucks so that they are able to present their views. There should not be bias amongst the candidates run-

ning for [a position] ." (Simbucks are unevenly distributed in order to reflect the financial resources of the candidates in real life). Senior Peter Park, a memberof Citizens for Tax Justice, felt that the rally was "very fun, humorous, [and] informational." Although he felt that the underclassmen "definitely got exposed to the ideals of the di(ferent interest groups and the candidates they supported;" he also noted that "the freshmen did not react to the skits very much. They were like stone, unamused." Mr. Scardino thought that the seniors did a good job of

maintaining the ideals of the simulation, and that they .were able to clearly present their po-· sitions without diverging from them . Although the underclassmen were exposed to different candidates and interest groups during the ra11y, many said that it did not influen_c e whom they will be voting for, as they, had already decided which candidates they would support prior to the event. Peter offered the following advic·e to the current juniors who will lead the Election Simulation next year: "Be as funny as you can, but always have the point of the election simulation clear."

•

The Classic December 2007

Na.mi,ta Dwarka 'excited' to be new APO by Ksenija Matijevic New Assistant Principal of Organization (APO) Namita Dwarka is in charge of organizing the budget. She is "excited" to begin her new career as an APb. After graduating from Queens College, Ms. Dwarka became an English teacher, h~ef childhood ambition. "I used 10 "' eavesdrop when my parent&, ~ ]0.. both in the educational field,

· talked about various pedagogical concerns and events. I also loved to read. It just made sense to become a teacher," she said. She then worked at the Board of Education, organizing the schools within the different branches. However, she "missed teaching students challenging curriculum." Thus~ she went to John Bowne High School, where she taught honors English, and then

•.

became APO at Harris. "I Said. wanted to do something new When she is not working, and realized it would be a great Ms. Dwarka spends her time learning experience. It's reading. "One of my favorite refreshing .... to see students so authors is Jane Austen," she willing to learn and teachers so said. "I'm currently reading one willing to teach," she said. of her unfinished novels, which, Ms . Dwarka hopes that this as an English teacher, I find enlearning experience will help thralling." Besides reading, Ms. her accomplish her goal of be- Dwarka is learning to strum coming a principal. "I still have music on a guitar. ''I'm p~etty a lot toJearn in order to be'veady . new, but I find it very inter~st to become a principal," she ing and entertaining," she said.

Namita Dwarka pours over paperwork.

Founder's Day welcomes freshmen and incoming sophs by Benjamin Snyder and of what [its purpose] was," she Adrianna Mateo explained. "It was never meant "Foundations for Our Fu- to be a cheering competition," ture,·~ the 24th annual but rather a tradition "that was Founder 's Day celebration, was meant to be· a joyful, short celheld on October 26 at the ebration" when it was first Kupferberg Center for the Vi- implemented by her in 2002. sual and Performing Arts on the Student opinions about Ms.· Queens College campus. Ar- Getting's reminder varied. Junchon president Reshmi Oberoi ior Katherina Balram remarked, administered the recitation of "I think it was needed .. ,.I'm a the Ephebic Oath, welcoming little upset by my fellow stufreshmen and lp~:;oming sopho- dents because they were very mores into the Harris commu- rowdy ... .They have to learn to nity. The ceremony featured use discretion during some of speeches, serious musical per- the speeches." · formances , and parodies of Senior Cindy Chen, howsongs. ever, felt that the warning Although the ceremony "stopped the seniors from dotypically begins with the roll i.ng what they wantetl, and that call of each grade, this year, was wrong." Assistant Principal o'f HumaniThe rest of Founder's Day ties and Mistress of Ceremonies was generally regarded as a Susan Getting used her open- success. Junior Divya Suri felt ing speech as both a we1cm'ne that the Strings Ensemble, con: to Founder's Day and a re- ducted by music and Japanese minder of what the ad~inistra teacher Mariko Sato and featurtion intended roll call to mean. ing junior Jeffrey -Wong as a "I felt that the intent of the soloist, was "great." Sophoroll call needed to be restated more Angie Dylgjeri said, "I [in order to] remind the people thought it [Founder's Day] was

better than last year's. It was First to speak was Helen day is a day we recogni-ze the more entert~ ining and the mu- Gaudette, liaison for Queens Ephebic Oath. An occasion sic was phenomenal." College and Townsend Harris. where the whole community Dr. Sa to, · who led Jeffrey Dr. Gaudette challenged her [comes together] . .. to recogand the Strings Ensemble in a ·audience when she said, "I hope nize acceptance [of the freshperformance of the third move- that you [the student body] be- men and incoming sophoment of Antonio Vivaldi's Au- gin to think about the contribu- mores] into the Townsend Hartumn concerto, also conducted tions you . would like to ris community." . the Vocal Chamber Ensemble make .. : to improve other Seniors expressed a mixture in a performance of"My Favor.: people's lives .. . in the world of shock and sadness when they ite Things" from The Sound of beyond [Townsend Harris]." · realized that this would be their Music and a cast of seniors in a Susanne Felder, co-presi- . last Founder'[Day. parody of the same song. The dent of the Parent Teacher AsSenior Marvee Espiritu said, chorus, conducted by choral sociation, conCluded her speech ''I'm trying to fight back my · teacher Florence McKinley at with the words of Henry David tears right now knowing that the piano, sang both "Do, Re Thoreau, "Go confidently in the the most amazing year in high Mi " from the same show as direction of your dreams ." school will soon be over. Nevwell as the Alma Mater. Band Craig Slutzkin, class of '9 I ertheless, I' II always cherish dire.e tor Peter Lustig conducted and co-president of the Alumni my friends and memories. This the Concert Band. which p·er- Association, reflected on the was the best PounueT· s D"':Y formed highlights from the many accomplishments of ever!" Broadway show Guys and Townsend Harris. He also comThe keynote speaker, Kevin Dolls and both opened and mented on the importance of Kim, emphasized the imporgetting involved in the commu- tance of practici!lg the values closed the ceremony. Founder's Day also featured . nity, but added, "Embrace the of the Ephebic Oath. He spoke various speakers, who gave ad- experience [of .being a about his experiences as a volvice to the freshmen and in- Harrisite] . Remember to unteer, and advised students to . coming -sophomores and com- breathe." "leave our country nb Iess but Speaking at his last better arid greater" than we mented on the importance of maintaining the Harris commu- Founder's Day as principal, found it. Thomas Cunningham said, ·:Tonity.

Colors transform hallways for Spirit Week by Faith Aronowitz, Ariel Brodsky, Cora Kim, and Beatrice Popovitz There are only I 0 minutes left.until the buzzer rings, and myriad seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen flutter around their designated hallways, adding the finishing touches to their imaginative creations. When the clock strikes five, four hallways are sprinkled with blue, yellow, brown, and red, ready. for Monday's official kickoff of Spirit Week 2007. . On Octobe( 22. Color Day, seniors chi:lled in a blue winter wonderland; juniors buzzed in yellow as ~peUing bees; sophomores sweetened the hallways with chocolat'e and s'mores, and freshmen writhed in a red hell. "Color day is tne best beca~se it shows ~pirit and it's nice to see a united class," said senior Kimberly Hom . Sopho-

more Ashley Newman agreed . "Color Day showed which kids were proud of their grade," she said. The hallway-decorating competition sparked opposition between the seniors and juniors, with the seniors triumphing. This drew mixed reactions from the student body. According to junior Damien Kamieniecki, "The juniors should have definitely won hands-down, feet-down, facedown ." However, senior Thierry Thompson said, "Thy seniors worked very hard on the third tloor, and they deserved the victory." Pajama Day followed, as participants donned pajamas, robes, and slippers. ''Mr. Porzio looked hilarious in his camouflage PJs and Transformers tshirt,·, sophomore Olivia Scandura said, laughing. "I've never been so comfortable in

school in iny life,'' said sophomore Lindsay Sovern, one of the event's many participants. Junior Annette Paciorek agreed, exclaiming, "We should have days like,this more often!" October 23 was deemed Twin Day. Some twins wore matching outfits, while others donned identical accessories and hairstyles. Senior Paula Guzman was a twin with her frien.d, senior Elena Gulotta. Both wore homemade t-shirts that said, "Hey Seniors '08" among other decorative statements. Junior Derrick Gumb was not a t~in with a . fellow student, but with f0t eign language teacher Jo-nathan Owens. "A girl in my Latin class brought up the idea that we should be twins •." Derrick explained, "and the next day, Mr. Owens tol'd me what color clothes. to wear." He joked, "At parent-teacher conferences, he

told my parents that thad very good taste in clothing." Classics Day was next on the calender, but the turnout did not appear to be as successful as some had anticipated. "Classics Day was a· failure . Only a few p_e ople participated," said sophomore Adam Mielnik. Junior Lorena Russi said, "I really wish more people would have partic·ipated in Classics Day. I thought the only ones who did were those who had classical language classes." Founder's Day rounded out the week, as the upperclassmen welcomed freshman and incoming sophomores into the Townsend

Harris community. (Additional c_ontributions were made by Jasmine Daniel, Lia Manoukian, and Bowie Yung.)

13 .J: ~

"'-~c .J: C/J

.D 0

.J:

Foreign language teacher Andrew Hagerty shows off his toga on Classics Day.

•

6 Lauren ·caiaccia returns 'home' as teacher The Classic

December 2007

by Benjamin Snyder Former Harrisite Lauren Caiaccia is back, and this time as a physical education teacher and a coach. Ms. Caiaccia is currently teaching two health classes and a tennis class and will also coach the Girls' Varsity Basketball team. Ms. Caiaccia brings both the knowledge of a Harrisite and a pas- . sion for sports and coaching that she "hopes · to pass on to students today." As a student, her desire to be physically fit transferred into her involvement with many teams, including Varsity Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball. Ms. Caiaccia said that Larry Ceraulo, who has since retired, and Wanda Nix were the two physical education teachers who inspired her the most. "They modeled such positive behaviors and clearly en-

It was these times that led joyed their jobs," she exMs. Caiaccia to keep on playplained. "It is absolutely a treat ing and competing after Harris. to have the opportunity to work in the same building as Ms. Nix "My positive experience as a and to [continue to] learn from Townsend Harris athlete motiher." She also attributes her vated me to pursue sports at the love of sports to an "inherited" college level," she said. "I went on to play volleyball and bastrait from her father. "For me," she said, "com- . ketball at Binghamton Univerpeting and participating in team sity, and) even threw for the sports and other activities have track team ." Ms. Caiaccia also worked as a coach for college always been fun!" Besides the enjoyment she volleyball students. Since her "days as a sports gets from being active, Ms. Caiaccia mentioned how she team person," she has tried has developed some of the mountain biking, hiking, rock "greatest friendships" through climbing, skiing and surfing. sports. "I experienced the ups "Not that I've been an expert and downs of wins and losses at all of them, but my backduring the school year," she re- ground with spor_ts has always called, "but as I think back, I provided the motivation to try cannot tell you what the team · new activities and adventures," records were or what place we she said. Ms. Caiccia also told of her finished, but I can recall some of the great times, laughs, and interest in digital art and docucamaraderie I felt with my mentaries. When asked why she came teammates."

..c t:: ..c " u

~ ·E"'

"e!' "' ~

..c

..c 0

0 ..c

c..

Lauren Caiaccia confers with the Girls' Varsity Basketball team. >

back to teach at her alma mater, Ms. Caiaccia replied, "Townsend Harris is the greatest school in the city because

of the ideals that it represents .... ! used to call it home, and so far, it feels good to be back."

New AP Bettye Balfour attends to absences ,

Bettye Balfour calls parents when students are absent.

by Judy Sirykissoon If you've noticed a new face in the Attendance Office on the third -fl.oor, you've Jf kely seen Bettye Balfour, the new Ass istant Principal of Administrati-on in charge of atten dance coordination. Ms. Balfour said her respon"' sibilities in the attendance office include collecting attendance every morning from teachers, scanning attendance sheets, contacting parents of

students who are absent, put~ lence." \ing notices in senior mailAlthoughshehasalotofpaboxes, issuing attendance re" perwork, she thinks the hardest ports to teachers to make sure part of her job is learning the their students were in class, and seniors' full names and associcorrecting errors made in atten- ati ng their names with the dance. She also takes care of faces. "Oh, what beautiful and absence notes, lateness reports, interesting faces- faces of cuand excuses for students being riosity and wonderment, faces picked up early from school. of confusion and accomplishLinda D'Angelo, who also ment, and faces of hope and works in the attendance office, happiness," she said. She added commented, "We are like de- that the easiest part of her job tectives because we have to is greeting seniors every mornhave accountability for each mg . student every day." Although she was referred Ms. Balfour is enjoying her toTownsendHarrisbytheDiswork at Harris. "The adminis- trict Office, she had heard that tration has been very support- this school was "a school for ive during my adjustment pe- high-achieving students," so riod and the teachers are so she decided to "join the dedicated and cooperative;" · Townsend Harris community she said, "With such profes- because it gave [her] the opporsional educators and superb tunity to help develop minds. students, it is understandable and spirits of deserving youth why Townsend Harris ranks so and future leaders." high in the nation among eduMs. Balfour previously cational institutions of excel- worked fo_r five years as an As-

sistant Principal ofAdministration forDistrict 79·w!tn ·a program called New Beginnings. This program "was centered around assisting students who were under-achievers, yet they were motivated to learn by the school's mission and staft'dedication," Ms. Balfour said. Prior to that, she served as a guidance counselor with the Board of Education for several years . A native ~f Georgia, Ms. Balfour attended Florida A&M University and got her Master's degree .in education. She moved to New York in 1983 and had to deal with a bit of an adjustment, because "the lifestyles and climates of both places are so different." She . also attended Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus), where . she got her administrative degree. Her hobbies include traveling, playing tennis and reading.

Sarah Skoda: from intern to guidance counselor by Stephanie Pak worked with eating disorder Ms. Skoda appreciates the ing at Townsend Harris for a considering earning a doctorate Guidance counselor Sarah · patients . While earning her community-like atmosphere of long time, watching her stu- ~egree in either education or Skoda is "excited" to join the Master''s degree, she worked Townsend Barris. "l feel like dents succeed. After that, she is psychology. staff. Her face is already familin the public safety offic~ at St.. I'm at home, even though I'm iaJ; to some because she worked John's University. new and everyone is getting to .as an intern in the guidance ofHer love for the eaucation know me," she said. She is also fic.e last year from February to field and desire to help people impressed by the ' students, JUJle and helped administer the led her to become . a school whom she describes as ''bright, Advanced Placement exams. counselor. "When I was in high determined, and driven." A Queens native, Ms. Skoda school and I worked in Key · When she is not helping stuis a graduate of St. John's Uni- Club, I liked watching the ef- . dents, she likes to read, volun:J"' ·;:; versity, where she earned both feet of my help on others. Even . teer. for- the American Society ~ c her Bachelor's and Master's now, I love talking to the stu- for the Prevention of Cruelty to "' d~gr. ees in psychology and dents, answering 'their ques- Animals, and assist senior citi..c "'0 sclwol counseling, respectively. tions, and easing their fears. I zens in her neighborhood. 0 ..c She was also a mental health hope that I can have some im"There's nothing !.ike. comc.. worker at Long Island Jewish pacton·students' .Jives that will ing home to a good book," she Hospital's · Schneider's helpthemleadfulfilling,happy said. • Sarah Skoda is ready to help Harrisites in the guidance office. Children's Center, Where she lives," she explained. Ms . Skoda sees herself stay-· (/)

'fhe Classic

Decer.n.b er 2007

Ma'rianthe Colakis says, Salvete discipuli

"' ;J ·;:; ::E

Marianthe Colakis explains first declension nouns to Latin students.

by Faith Aronowitz school Latin teacher who "atLatin teacher tracted" her to a potent'ial teachMarianthe Colakis, ing ·career. She said, ''He tal ked who joined the faculty about Greek tragedy and I sperit this year, says that sh~ [the next] summer reading never really enviSophocles and Euripides." sioned teathing secComing from ~xtended ondary school. Howteaching positions at the Covever, she finds that it ·enant School in Virginia, the is ''much more reUpiversity of South Florida in warding" than teachTampa and Berkeley Preparaing at college. tory School in Florida, Dr. After receiving her Colakis had always wanted to undergraduate degree teach in, New York because she at Barnard College, "grew up in Forest Hills, Dr. Colakis attended Queens." After acquiring the Yale University for certification to do so, Dr. graduate school. She Colaki.s was hired by Lisa did not always kno~ Mars, Assistant Principal of th~ that she wanted to beLanguages Other than English come a teacher, let (LOTE) ' Department, through alone a Latin teacher. the American Classical League. It was her own high -Dr. Colakis has also taught at

Davidson College, Queens College, Brooklyn College, and Trinity College in Hartford. When she is not in the classroom, Dr. Colakis enjoys "cooking, especially dessertmaking. I've enjoyed it since age 12," she said . Htrr other ' hobbies include going to the . theater, visiting museums, and watching old films. Two of her fa.vorite films are Taxi Driyer and Gone with the Wind. "Latin can be extremely dull or the best experience in school," Dr. Colakis said. "It really depends on the teacher." She willcontinue to draw from her high school Latin experic ence in hopes that her students will enjoy Latin even more than she did . .

Safia Cross 'i_ m pressed' by 'mature' freshmen by Faith Aronowitz "I'm an unofficial part-time manager of a bluegrass. band," said new English teacher Safia "Cross, whose husband is a mus1'cian with bluegrass gigs .

Prep Country Day School, a private school, but she said she was really "interested in the public school system." Being an English teacher had not always been Ms.

Teac:hir1g, however, is her true

den_ts, who are currently all freshmen. "They are scholarly and mature," she. said. "I see glimmers of humor and quirky personalities. Overall, I am very impressed with the

Cross's designated career path. In 'fact, it was not until high

tone and dent-s ." -

school that a favorite English teacher atrracted her to the profession. "I've always been interested in writing and journalism, but teaching is more personally rewarding," she said . She believes that "a large part of ourselves is formed in English [class in high school]." Ms. Cross hopes to make a lasting impression on her stu-

When she is not teaching, Ms. Cross enjoys "artsy movies" and describes painting as "a lost love," adding that she· regularly took oil painting dasses as a teenager and even spent one summer in London at the Slade Safia Cross looks over her students' work. School of of Fine Art.

career. Ms. Cross heard about Townsend Harris while attending graduate school at Columbia University's Teachers College. One of her professors advised, "If you could teach-at any school, teach at Townsend Harris ." She did not, however, start her teaching career here. She taught for four years at Poly

.~ttitude

of the stu-

·a:;

::E

= "'

..c 0

..c:

Rafai .Oiechowsk.i both teaches and learns

·;:; ~

rl'l

o·

Rafal Olechuwski teaches Writing. Pro'--ess to freshmen ami sophomores.

by Stephanie Pak "There's n0 hot water in the bathroo:ms !" English teacher Rafal Olechowski said, when asked how his new job differs

from his previous position teaching at Hjllcrest High School. Mr. ·Olechowski returns to Townsend Harris after student

teaching here in 1999 with En-· he wanted to teach . glish teacher Ilsa Cowen. He "When I went to high school currently teaches English 3 and in the United States, I saw the Writing Process. He is also a difference between Polish SING! advisor for the seniors. methods and American methMr. Olechowski was born in ods of teaching. Poland emphaPoland and immigrated to the sizes memorization. I almost United States when he was 16 t'ailed an essay because of three years old . After graduating comma errors. I was deterfrom Forest Hill's High School, mined-not to turn into one of he studied at Queensborough . my teachers," he explained. Community College for a year Already, Mr. Olechowski is -and transferred to Queens Col- in awe of his new students. lege, where ht:, participated· in "The level of teaching is sothe Honors in the Western Tra- phisticated and the assortmen.t dition program and minored in of talented, eager students is. education. He later earned his amazing. I learn something all Master's degree in English lit- the time from them and am conerature, specializing in medi- stantly kept on my toes. Yet, I eval literature, from Fordham like the fact that the kids are still kids. They smile, but they're University. Prior to teaching, his previ- mature," he said. "The fact that the students ous jobs included working in a meat store, working as a short are so-curious is great, because order C'ook, and managing a you can't teach curiosity," he small store with his brother. added. . In his free time, Mr. However, he always knew that

Olechowski enjoys painting, reading, writing, and cooking. Photography is also a major part of his life; he is the qnly member of his family who is not a professional photographer. Mr. Olechowski also collects specialty fountain pens. He imagines himself writing professionally one day, although he calls it "just a dream." Mr. Olechowski professes to live by -three mottos because he believes that lite is complex and - cannot be encompassed by just · one. The first, which comes from Thoreau, is "Simplicity,' simplicity, simplicity"; the second is, "Those who dare, win"; the third is, "Kriow thyself." Mr. Olechowski explained, "It is imp,ortant to realize that you don't know everything. There is always more to learn about yourself."

The Classic December 2007 ·

Statistics help students witb college .deciSior by Marisa Lupo Seniors are currently in the midst of the college application process, ~nd i-lt;u1y underclass~- men ma·y be:, thinking about -· ~h_li:h scl~<Kr(rh~y would like , to . a,t,tcn~. These statistics, wi;'i~h show the schools where last year's seniors applied, may help current students in making . iheir decisi~ms. The chart shows the college,

Legend: · [EA]-'1 binding C<;lmmit' [ED]..., I · binding

St. Johns, Steny Brook, and two students. The one student NYU welcomed the most mem- . accepted to Yale dedined the bers of th~ class of 2007 in the offer. Although these statistics are fall .. a helpful guideline, i~ is imporFifteen students ;ire attend- _ tant to rem~mber fhat other ing an Ivy League school this · parts. of the appiicati_ on also affall. Although Princeton did kct the students' acceptances not accept any Harrisites last year, the University of Pennsyl-_ and rejection!;. Extracurricular vania, Brown, Columbia, activities, the personal .essay, Cornell, "Dartmouth, and teacher recommendations, and Harvard each accepttjd at least interviews arc also important.

the number of applicants, the number of accepted applicants, _ the number of applicants who _ are attending, the SAT scores · ·and GPA oJ the lowest average - accepted, and the S.-:\T SC<~res and GPAofthe highest average rejected. The most popular schools last year were Cornell, NYU, and Binghamton, each .with over 100 applicants. In the end,

(SA)-~

uircums · · ., , student' gender; ' abifiries

·~~0

cF ----------~--f-~~~~~~~~--~r-~~f-~~~~--r-~--~~~--~r~--~--------~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _____________

1Ade l ~l_1i

~Phi[EAJ

;~y Coil. Of Pharmacy

1· Al!egl·eny College I AmericanUniversity I Arnhecst ! ArizonaStateU I Babson College I Bard Barnard Barnard(EO) I Bates I Benniolgton I Bentley 1 Boston College I SostonCollege(EAJ I Boston Uniitersrty I Bowdoin I Brandeis I Brown I Brown [EOJ I BuckneiiUniveisity I CarnegieMellon I ClarernontMcKennaCollege I ClarkUniversity I Colby I Colgate I CollegeofHolyCross I CollegeofWm.andMary ·I Colorado School/Mines I Columbia I Columbia [EOJ I Cooper Union I Cornell- Hotel Admin I Cornell A&S I CorneiiAgr/Life I CorneiiEng I Cornell HE I CorneiiiLR I CreightonUniversity J Cu~narylnstitute I CUNY- Baruch I CUNY- Baruch Honors Coil. I CUNY - Brooklyn CUNY - Brooklyn BAIMO CUNY·BrooktynHonorsColl. I CUNY-City I 1CUNY ·City Honors College lcut~Y- City Sophie Oa~ • •• ICUNY-Hur.ter CUNY- Ht:<:ler Honors College JCI,.INY-JoMJay CUNY - Lehman CUNY-lenmanHonorsColl. CUNY' OuH:ns CUNY ·Queens Honors Coil. CUNY· York CUNY Kings borough CC CUNY Manhattan CC CUNY Oueensborough CC CUNY-MedgarEvers Daniel Webster College Dartmouth Depaul University Drew Drexel Duke Dut<e tSAJ Emerson [EA]

·I I I

I I I ··

I I

1 131 141 21 21

1 111 51 21 11

11 11 11

11 11 11 OJ 101 21 341 01 31 21 11

------11!=E::::uge:£::ne.:::.:la:::,:ngL------:f--.::+-.;._-=;.r---*---'':;;;:~f--~~

Fairfield· 600j .610IFtorijlalntemational 7()0L_ ___ 6l.OJFordl1am

5501 77.61 6901 97.6j_.. 5701_ . 6601 87.21

21 21 11 11

84.11 __ @OJ 91.31 6601 851 6801, 88,~ __6101

I·GeorgeWashingtonU I I !Georgetown I I I jGeorgetown[EA] I I I 87 .21 5901 540IGettysburg ·I 90.51 7001 94.81 6701 6901Goucher I · 931 8001 93.11 7001 6501Hamilton I 86.31 5901 911 6601 _ 6201Harvard I I - I· I · · 91.7·1 7501 · 630jHarvard[EAJ · f· 91.21 7201 5601 93.61 6501 670tiHOtstra· :- I 95.31 7001 6801 99.21 _ 7701 730JHofstra(EAJ I 94.61 700] 7401 911 660j · 620IHoly Cross I · 92.31 7501' 6501 88.81 6801 660hona I · 9211 7301 7101 951 7501 730lllhaca I -~- --~---- -T 93.81 7701 650IJohnsHopkins I I I I 87.21 5901 540IJohnsonandWales I 1· I I 92.21 7001 650ILafayette I I I I 95.61 6401 720 !Lehigh I 8881 ·6801 6601 I I ILIU-Brooklyn I 91.41 7401 7201 97.91 7001 670IUU-CWPost I 95.91 6901 8001 t I· !Loyola- Maryland I 97.71 6901 7201 97.91 8001 640IMH. I 94 61 7401 7101 97.81 7001 6701M.I.T. [EAJ I 91.31 6701 6801 89.61 6101 670 IManhattan College I I I I 94.81 5701 6801Marist I 95.81 7501 •. 7301 95.91 6401 690,1Marymount I 931 6301 6601 94.4[ _Z_QQL__75~1Mass College of Pharmacy I I I I 95.51 690( 70011McGill I 99.41 7701 7301 96.31 7001 640UMcOaniel College I 95.61 7401 6701 93.41 750( 800ftMiddlebury College I 91.9( 640( 7201 I I IIMolloy I 90.51 6301 6801 I I !IMonmouthCollege -1 76.41 6101 6001 85.61 4701 480:1Mt Holyoke I 90.9( 7501 6601 931 610( 650:1Mt st Vincent I

~lEAl____

590j

540IFranklin and Marshall

T - 2] I '1't I '

Ol Ol 01 11 · 01 61 _

231 31 531 11 71 151 21 31 161 21 11 31 81 11 21 11 501 81 61 31 311 101 71 ' 131 51 · 11 11 301 221

41 Ol Ol Ol Ol 11 21 ' 11 21 - 11 41 Ol 31

101 16( 22 10 35 34

61 13( 12 4 35 16

31 31 ·• 3

'21

31 331

31 401

· 11 1( 111 1( 11

11 OJ 101 21 1( 1( 251 151

21 11 1J 31 11 11

01. 11 11 11 OJ 11 orOl ·

Ol OJ Ol 21 OJ 11 11 21 Ol

11 1( Ol Ol 21 OJ 1( 101 81

4 9 4

Ol 11 Ol 31 OJ Ol

94.31 92.31 81.71

6801 7501 6701 I 6601 7501 , 63!')1

91.71 76.61 92.5 89.2 74.2 90.9

7501 6COI 600 690 610 6(0

83.41 76.4 88.31 76.41

5801 610 7001 610(

831 70.51 91 6J 91 11 77 61 86.11

6501 6501 6701

.I I

6701 700;fNo-rt~aste~~-u;;ive~~y-- I 5501 580!1NortheastemUniversity[EAJ · I 640~----~~; Northwestern · 670 700 No!Je Dame NYU(A&S) 660 690 NYU (A&S) (SA)

6301 94.61 6101 "4.9J 710 __ 931 570 94.6 620 720 95.6 -

5901

6.00,_~---- -5901 6001

_560L 530j ~590L 500j 680J __660J 6601 7001 600] _§_10J 6801 6001

..· . .

~ 83.41

84.91

I 95 81

11 33l

11 291 11

ol 84.11 600 91 ~- .. 8:2.2r -··· 570 Ol 87.11' ' 700 11 931 680

11 ' 11 .1 '61 31 o· 41 · - 21 1 11 01 o· . 31 11 o· · 21 21 0 11 01 0 131 ·ol 0 • 91 21 2 361 331 9. 41 41. 1 11 11 0 31 21 1• ·· .41 41 1 131 11 0 11 11 - 0 31 21 01 ~; 101 ' 31 0 121 101 1 31 31 1 41 41 0 41 01 0 11 ol ol 51 51 21 61 61 Ol 11 11 ol 21 21 Ol 41 11 01 11 11 Ol 21 11 11 11 11 Ol• 11 11 Ol 21 21 · OJ 11 11 Ol

181 11 8 2 60 1'

101 11 2

1 27 1

ol 01 1 0

95.9 690 , 740 91.4_ 95.4• ,. 080

_92 .~

75Q 690

84.(, __ ~

95.9'1-::77.61 ·•;; 87.9 93 88.51 -~ 88.'1\ 93.6.1 ···' 90.5 91.9 93 ,: 84.6 85.4 87

83.91 84: 11 85.61 791 941 84.71 89.91 90.91 91.41 88.81 84.51

84.61 88.21

93.6 91.1:

83}

750 600 600

680 590 650 800 630 680 680 510 620 629

530 600 470 530 750 690 710 710 540 630 540 650 630 630 680 7001 770 6401 770

___i_.-~-I,._:.N:..:Y.=.U~(A&=S.wli:::.ED::.~I'------'---+-----;.ji---*-~----;;..;.,;;+---=:-:;=+ =r ___j NYU(Gallatin) __jiNYU(Gallatin)[ED] 600L __ 570JINYU (General Stu_dies)'

__ j NYU (Steinhardt) [EQ) . INYU (Stem) . ·· 5501 580tiNYU {st~-;:,.) (EO) ·I I ___liNYU(Tisch) · I (Oberlin I 750J 730iiout of U.SA I !Pace-Manhattan I I IIPace-Pieasantville I ... _ Penn State . Erie -·-;-;;, 730, Penn State- Harrisburg __j Penn State- University Park _ ________ j Penn State- Altoona

11 121

21 31 21 101 11

01 121

0 71

88.61

11 11 1r--11 21 11 21 21 101 21 11 01

93.51 94.5.1 931 84.51 85.61 85.41

630 590 620 570 770 680 660

600 570 470 620 -. 620 610 630 680

The Classic

December 2007

~rr. ~};

{· .-~~ :;

·/ 1..-/. 4 /Rq

/ v<§'

Polytechnic Unillersity

·I

.Pomona

'Pratt 'Princeton ,Princeton!EDJ · 'Ouinnipiac •

~ctio!)-

may be a .- binding , . J:t

Decision~ a t:rtment Admih .s pecial 1 affected this 'c ation. e.g. race, , athletic ical s~·ill:s. ',

. ·: ~!-

Rogef Williams Unillersity

<>I Ol

. 85.41

6201

5801

88.91 96 87.91 91.41

6701 800 6001 5401

. 660, . 640 590 610

11 . 1 .

· I

Seton HaM

~na

...

·--I

6301 . _ ·

~201tK>n colleg_e

Ursinus College · 4901Vanderbilt 710JVanderbi~ (EO] IIVassar 73011Villanova 700IIwagner 610]Wake Forest 650 !Washington and Lee !Washington U in St. Louis !Wellesley !Wesleyan !Williams College !Worcester Polytechnic Ins!.

5301 7201 I 7101 5501 5801 7701 I I I I I I

jYale[EA[

600

5301

480

7701 6901 7001 6901 6501

95.3, 95.6

6901 660

83.4

. 580 . .

590-

7001 6201

690

82.21

5301

480

31 2

01 1 .

01 1

92.3

750

931 ssolI .. 91.81

88.3 84.7 tc 87.9 89.7 79 82.21

700 690 600 570 530 5301

590 580 590 5201 570( 480

92.3 80 80 88.9 86.1 82.7 82.7 91.4 91.1 84.5 !!!2.7 82.7 83.9 81.6 80

690 630 630 670 680 530 530 540 650 540 630 530 530 580 630

770 630 630 660 600 550 550 610 630 510 610 550 490 540 630

86.1 80 80 95.9 84.6 84.6 87.5 88.3 94.8 90.9

680 630 630 630 620 620 650 710 660

600 630 630 730 620 650 670 540 770 690

80.9 921

580 660

610 620

93.2 95.5 86.3 91.2 88.5 77.6 84.6 91.4 85.2 88:7

710

590 670 700 580 650 610 530 610 690

11 3 51 361 1181 71 11 221 21 11

2 1 1 1 59 .- 1 0 51 341 661 51 11 181 21

1 1 1 1 22

r ..Ol

0 1 5 5 . 4 0 4 o· 0

21 21 181 31 121 11

21 11 161 31 121

11 i:. OJ

21 31 971 81 101

. 21 31 861 11 61

0 0

0 1 0

0 -~

16 1 3

1 1 0

21 31 21 01

11 11 11 51 31 71 11 21 111 31 41 141 21 11 141 41 11 61 11 1L 11 81 11

I I ' I I I I I I I I I I

.1.

Of ·

700

11 1 Ol 0 11 0 11 0 21 0 61 2 11 0 21 0 111 0 21 0 41 0 111 2 Ol 0 11 0 11 . ~1 11 1 11 1 41 0 01 0 · • 11' · 0 11 1 Ol 0 11 11

11 1 Ol 31 11 Ol 41 01 · 01 01 01 41 21 11

221

31 161 21

01 0 , 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 OJ

770 680 720 660 600 630 540 650 , 680

88.5 99.4 93.3 93.2 84.6

680 770 800 710 630 . .

92.3 87.2

560 590

650 650 730 760 590 530

85.71

6501

j 550•

94.3

700

660

81 .6 93.7 82.7

580 550 530

·540 700 550

87.1

540

630 I

88.6 84 .9

690 600

77.6

600

560 620

610 v

sso· ·

87.7 93.8 91 .6

770 680

540 650 660

85 96.. 1

680 690

570 770

80.9

580

610i

80.9

580

'610

97.1 ·83.3 83.3

700 530 530

670 • 490 490

86.7

590

540

88.6 91.4

670 670

680 690

98.7 95

800 750

780

91.'1 85.2

. 510 650

730 , ~

610 690

540

6801

660' 6001 600

89.7 94.8

700 710

. 590 770

83.2

590

550

660 . 660 610 800

5eo

88.41 ..... 6301 88.4 630

90.9 91.23 89.6 .6

70(}'

660

7001

6801

92.2

7CO

650

93 91

600 650

700 . 630,

88.8 93.6 90.9 93.4 93 97

680 770 660 750 600 700

660 760 690 710 - 700 670

96.1j

~-.ZZQJ

94.3 88.81

700 . 690

700

1 21 31 41 21 41 11 11 11 11 61 61 11

--650 560 670 720 630''

93.81 88.61 97.11 97.21 88.41

, ._

2 1

670

I·

82.21 !Sarah Lawrenc;e

I '.

6001

6701

31 1 31 11

.Smith · !Spelman · ' '!-""~ . ·. ·. jSpringfield Co~ ~"'"' · "-..-A · · ·. "-..~ Lst Francis ~.($ · §:__ ~~ (StJohn's 710r- 98 3, . 770[ 't3ols' Jose(Jil Stanford 720 · 680f! I f lsrevens lnstituteofTech. I 72Ql ·; I -' I · !SUNY- Albany I 5501 . 'I .. I !SUNY- Binghamton I 5601 88.51' . 5901 •.590ISUNY. Binghamton (EA) . I' 6601 83.41· S80I 590ISUNY- Brockport I 5801 . I I !SUNY- Buffalo I SUNY ·: Cortland 800 1 SUNY ·Delhi 7201 - . 88.3· ' 7001. . ;sgo•suNY . Envir. Forestry 7501 ,:; 92.4 640 720'SUNY. Fanningdale I , I 91.4' .. 740 720'SUNY- FIT 650 6501 91 630•suNY. Geneseo SSP!-. :it SUNY - Maritime 88.41 650 630~SUNY. New Paltz 97.11 700 670 •:suNY- Old Westbury 70Pk ·· 98 . 3~ ;,, . 770 730, SUNY. Oneonta 610"1··;, 85.6 '. 470 o 480, SUI'IY- Oswego 590 SUNY · Purchase 580 j;.: :· 'I · SUNY- Stony Brook 59o.l,::,- 83.?1 ·." 590J ' 550lswarthmore 6301: ~ i ·I I I Syracuse li . ,7sof- .· 96.81 : , , 7501 720! syracuse u [EDJ 680 . ., ·Temple · 700.11'.: 84.61" • ~ 6301 620!!Trinity 58(Ji' '} 94.21 . 7401 670 ;Tufts 6001 ~ i~ 81.41 ;. · 5401 670 l:rulane · 5801 'I I IU. of Cal;tomia (Berl<eley) 6201 I' I IU. of California (Davis) 700 680 I U. of California (San Diego) 96.6 780IIU. of California (Santa Barbara) 94.4 700 ·U. of Central Florida 490 U. ofChicago I 550' U. of Connecticut I ·480'· I U. ofPelaware 570 • 93 650IIU of Florida I 610 620 U. of Hartford I· 580 630JIU. of Maryland I 91 .7 750 730 U. ofMass.-Amherst I 630 I U. of Miami 610• · U. of Michigan I 650 U. of No. Carolina@ Chapel Hill I 510 U. of No. Carolina@ Chapel Hil! (SA) I 67i) I U. of Pennsylvania 630 I 590IU. of Pennsylv~nia (ED] 690 91.4 620 U. of Pittsburgh I 690 660I'u. of Rochester I 94 .3 700 660 6501 U. of So. California I 700 92.2 760 6801 U. of South Florida I 96.1-· ... 660 720 1' u , of Vermont. I 610 88.91 ' 6101 .. 670I:U. of Virginia .I 720:·91.91 6401 720~U . of Wisconsin (Madison) I 660 0 6301 82.41 6901 92.41 -5801 I· 7601 93.31 6801'- ' 93.71 , 6901 . 80.91 7001 93.81· 5501 .I 4801 I 5801 I 6701 I 650 I I

6701

51 3 31 11

( . . L

84.61

81.71

Ol Ol

~-:7 -

11 01

5901

. ~( .d:-..;fr-. c.·

·--·

•Rensselaer Rice RQChester lnst. Of Tech.

~~,,. . r,~,..

86.31

31 101 11 41

· 11 Ol

I I

.__a,,!'· •

-~-'?'

a-·

61 Ol

!Ski<lmore

. · q..'-'"'

690 690

931

670 780

)il

---

The Classic

10 Amnesty and Phoenix host poetry reading December 2007

by Sydney Lowe Joined by Amnesty Interna-_ tiona!, the Phoenix literary magazine hosted the first poetry reading of the year on October 12 from 3 to 4:30pm . "This is the·first time we've teamed up with Amnesty," said senior Adrianna Mateo, one of three editors-in-chief of the literary magazine. "The money will end up going to a human rights charity, most likely the Genocide Intervention Network's Civil-ian Program ."Senior Renata Thakurdyal, President of Amnesty Interna-

tiona!, added that the poetry men." The human rights theme Freshmen All yah Johnson reading is just the tip of the ice- prompted many readers, includ- and Juliet Prieto both said that oerg. "Amnesty International is ing several Amnesty members, · the poetry reading was "a suea human rights club that strives to perform. Highlights included cessful event." "We're so glad to expose the abuses of social, Renata r~ading "Operations: we went," said Allyah. Fresheconomic and political rights of Desert Shield, Desert Storm" man Meagan Moxoy said, "It people all over the world every by Eleanor Wilner, foreign Jan- was such a qeep theme that it day," she said. "In terms of col- guage teacher Andrew Hagerty got you thinking about things laboration, our club is definitely reading the lyrics of "Different outside your own neighborgoing to collaborate with Free People" by No Doubt, andjun- hood. Plus, I liked the mellow the Children. for their February ior Matthew Watton, who - atmosphere." Variety Show. The money will "brought potty mouth eloSophomore Christopher be going to help out schools in quence to the stage," according Wang said, "I thought the poUganda ." to English teacher Robert etrywassoothing,likeitalways The turnout for ·the poetry Babstock. Adrianna read one of is. The theme was pretty deep reading, Renata said, "was Mr. Babstock's poems, entitled for the first reading of the year, good, .with mostly underclass- . "What is thereJeftto say?" but I still enjoyed it." Junior

'Disappointing' by Linda Kung A rush . of nerves swept through the auditorium on September 27 as donors prepared for the first blood drive of the year. There was already a small crowd of underclassmen gathered around the sign-up table <it I 0 am. Many of them were donating for the first time, and as nervous as they were, they also knew that they were supporting a good cause. "I know that by the end of this, I will have done some-

tu~no· ut

thing both self-fulfilling and helpful to someone else," junior Kieran Persuad said. Senior Martha Syryca was enjoying the free snacks after her donation. She said, "It doesn't hurt at all. ... Some people are so scared ofneedles that they anticipate pain." Adam Stonehill, . Coord inator of Studt;nt Activities, expressed disappointment with the results. September's blood dri':'e brought in about 30 pints of blood- fewer than any other

Carmelle Alipio said she enjoyed the reading "because .the teachers got involved and read poetry, and didn ' t just leave it up to the students. It really gives you a sense'·of how the school really is .... it's not just students or just teachers . Plus, it seemed like we raised a lot of money." . Mr. Babstock said, "I'm pretty sure we e.arned about $175, split evenly between the groups." He added, "We're thinking about doing a Comfort Food theme next; something that makes you feel good."

at first blood dri·v e

drive so far. ''I can't blame people, but it is disappointing .... We have 1100 students; possibly 600 of them can donate, but only 40 of them showed up. What kind of message is that?" Mr. Stonehill commented a few days after the drive. He felt the drive was well promoted but believes that the main reason so few people donate at Townsend Harris, despite a blood shortage in New York City, is that they are afrai'd of the donation pro-

cess. mum of 110 lbs, be perfectly Mr. Stonehill . added, healthy that day, must not have "You're saving lives. Even if traveled to countries that are it's a stranger - they need known to have contractual disblood." eases, and be at least 16 .years Some students were turned old. away by the clinic workers due Although it was a disap- · to low iron level. "I was only !)ointing turnout, Mr. Stonehill .6 below the required iron level, remains"'ptimistic. He says, which is 12.5," one senior com- "I'm hoping that at the next plained. blood drive ... peopJe will. over. The requirements to donate come [the fear] ." blood are extremely strict. In addition to having over a 12.5 iron level, one must be a mini-

Harris aces Quality Review .and Progress Report (continued from page 3) because "students do not share · letters or other school information with their parents," but added that tbe faculty e-mails both students and parents, updates the school website with important information , mails student progress reports home, issues six report cards per year, distributes a Principal's Newsletter at every Open School meeting, and sends letters home to inform parents of policies and upcoming events. Student performance, which took into account the graduation rate and the types of diplomas awarded at graduation, was rated 30.3 out of 30 points. The exceptionally high score was

due ' to a graduation rate of I 00%, as well as 63% of students graduating with advanced Regents diplomas with h,.l)nors, an achievement that requires an average score of 85 or above on ' all eight_Regents. Student progress, which Assistant Principal of Mathematics Ellen Fee described as a "new longitudinal way oftracking s(udents' performance," was given 37.6 points out of 55 . Points are awarded in this area by assessing how much students improve after entering high schqol by comparing their 8' 11 grade standardized test scores to their 9'h grade ones. Mr. Cunn'ingham explained, "Ninth grade public school stu-

not able to improve as much as students who initially score low on standardized tests. Four additional credit points were awarded for Regents grades. In order tG determine the number of points Harris· would receive in this category, .the number of students who earned an 85 or (lbove were ·counted separately for each Regents test and compared to the results of the other schools in the peer group. Harris statistics included 94.4% for the English Regents, 96.5% for the Mathematics Regents, 98.2% for the U.S. History Regents, 93.8% for the Global History Regents, and 6~.5% for the Science Regents. For each, the top

,dents take a series of exams in the eighth grade including, Eng! ish Language Arts, Math and Social Studies. Students score between levels 1-4 on these exams . . .. A score of 65 - 84 is - considered level 3, and a score of 85-100 is considered level4. Students' entering levels on these exams are compared with scores on Regents exams." 1f students' scores remain constant, no additional points are awarded . However; an improvement in scores earns the school extra points, while a decrease in scores penalizes the schooL Ms. Fee explained that Harris lost points because students entering the school already achieving high grades are

scoring school earned two extra points, the 2"~ and 3'~ place schools received one extra poil)t, and the rest of the schools gained no points. Harris placed either sec6nd or third for the English, mathematics, and history Regents, culminating in a total of four extra points . The Quality Review is an ongoing proces-s, making it difficult to compare Harris to other schools based on that evaluation, but the Progress Report results are available for high schools citywide._ This year, 22.3% of schools received an A, 39.9% received a B, 26.5% received a C, 6.3% received a D, and 5% received an F.

Most AP.-score stay the same; others improve 2007 Advanced Placement Exam Results

(continued from page 3)

Sato-Berger. that they are replacing. Both A.P. Java andAP. EnLast May in the Mathemat- vironmental Science are offe,red ics Department, there was a 5% once every· two years because increase in the number of stu-. there isn't "a high enough_ students taking A.P. math exams, dent demand to fill up these ~md the number continues to classes annually. remain high, although there are The only class that has been slightly fewer this year. dropped since last year is A.P. A.P. classes this year include french, which was canceled bethe return of A.P. Environmen~ cause not enough students retal Science taught by Shi Bing quested the course. Ms. Mars Shen and A.P. Java taught by hopes that there will be enough Eleanor Reilly, ·as well as the students to fill this class next implementation of an A.P. Japa- · year. She is also hoping to ofnese class taught by Mariko fer an A.P. Latin class.

Name of APexam

United States History Government and Politics French Language Spanish Language Calculus AB Psychology Statistics World History

- Number of students reported to have taken each AP exam 70

Number of students receiving a 3 or above 62 (88.6%)

Total avemge on AP exam

67 (93.1%)

3.671

4.028 i

18. 37 66

15 (83.3%) 37 (100%) 58 (87.9%)

3.222 4.520 4.458

30 95

26 (86.7%) 62 (65%) 215 (84%)

4.067 2.995 · 3.400

2.56

•

, The Classic December 2007

Young leader.s rally crowd of. r~early 1,000 to caU for UN action against Darfur genocide to help support for peace." by Marisa Lupo Hours for Darfur was Jennifer billion of Khartoum oil annuDarfur, a grassroots video cam"No more retreats, no more Yael Rosenstock, senior, paign that seeks to promote Polish, a graduate of the class ally, China is supplying the genocide" was just one of the was also moved by the speakpeace for Darfur and security of2007. An active advocate for Khartoum government · with many chants which rang ers. She said, "It was amazing for those living there . By gathDarfur while at Townsend Har- money to fund the Janjaweedthroughout Dag Hammarskjold when a man bicycling in the ering videos from citizens ris, Jenn plans to continue her the group committing the mass Plaza on September 16 at the street stopped to speak to us. around the world, the organiinvolvement in promoting murders and rapes of the Global Day for Darfur rally. He told us he had served in the zation hopes to make advocacy peace in the Sudan. Her role in Darfuris. The money is also the event was to get attendees used by the Khartoum governClose to I ,000 individuals armed forces and because his for Darfur a more direct, par·gathered across the street from wife and daughter in Nigeria ticipatory, and global effort. from many different places, and ment to purchase weaponry Although many testmonials the United Nations to watch said they were going to Darfur, shealsohelpedtocoordinatethe from China to supply the video . testimonials from he planned to sign up for the efforts of the volunteers Janjaweed with more guns. Adas well as set up for the vacates for Darfur are hoping Darfuris and concerned world Nigerian army and request rally. citizens, listen to speeches to be sent to help Darfur." that this pattern will change . Other speakers included made by Darfur experts, and "I was full of a sense now that China may be facing 'I was full of a sense of intense pridedemand action from .the inter- representatives from organiof intense pride- one that a boycott of the Olympic games .one that I hadn't felt in far too long I hadn't felt in far too scheduled to take place there in national community on behalf zations such as Amnesty Inwhen I saw all the Townsend kids ternational, Human Rights of the Darfuris. long- when I saw all the the summer of 2008. coming into the Plaza.' Townsend kids coming Jose Pulido, senior, says, Led by senior Renata Watch, Human Rights First, Thakurdyal, presid~nt of the Dream for Darfur, and the into the Plaza," Jenn "Wecan protest and condemn said. She described the . the support of the Chinese govTownsend Harris chapter of Save Darfur Coalition, as well as survivors of both the . organization, saying, ernment in allowing the Darfur Amnesty International, 31 Rwandan genocide and the were shown at the rally, 24 Harrisites attended the rally, II "All barriers Qf distance are bro- genocide, but as long as we buy ken down by our campaign, their products, we might as well of whom were with the club. conflict in Darfur. There was Hours for Darfur is still collectwhich allows people to speak fall silent." ing videos containing stateAlthough some attendees may also representation from Help out with more than merely a sig- · Other aspects of the Darfur ments about the conflict. have been motivated by the five Darfur Now, a student-run ornature on a piece of paper." conflict frequently mentioned hours of service credit, most ganization that has over 250 These videos can be uploaded Many aspects of the conflict ,at the rally included the United said that they truly believed in chapters in middle schools, to ww~.24hoursfordarfur.org, · high schools, and colleges and can be whatever length and in Darfur were touched upon Nations' failure to uphold its the cause. during the rally. China was of- resolution 1769, which would in whatever form the individual "I came for the community across the country. ten mentioned as an important almost quadruple the number of The main organizers of this chooses. When the video is service at first," admits sophoplayer in the conflict. As a troops in Darfur, and the failuploaded, it is automatically more Shalita Saywack, "but event were a group of Yale law speaker from Dream for Darfur ure of many superpowers, insent to the sender's representhen I realized I came to sup- students who created the orgapointed out, China is both fund- ' eluding the United States, to tatives. port a cause. After listening to nization 24 Hours for Darfur. ing and profiting from the con- take action towards securing a Among the young leaders the speaR:ers; 1 now know more The rally was the first event flict. By purchasing over $1 just peace in Darfur. involved in the rally and 24 about Darfur and am influenced conducted by 24 Hours for

Concert Honors Victims of 9/1.1 Tragedy

by Heriselda Begaj rifice of the Irish American fireAlthough the attack on the men who died that day." ViewWorld Trade Center occurred ing the FDNY as his extended six years ago, the memories of family, Mr. Babstock chose to that day live on. This past Sepcontribute as a way to honor the tember II, the Harris commupeople whose profession innity remembered those who lost volves brayery, sacrifice, and their Jives in the attack and honor. those who are still suffering on Mr. Hagerty read a poem its account with music and entitled "Let There Be New readings during each lunch Flowering in the Fields," by band. Lucille Clifton. He chose this The concerts and readings, particular poem because it dewhich were organized by picted a . new and better time. Mariko Sato, included perforFurthermore, he felt that the mances by Dr. Sato's chamber poem was fitting as it was not music group, her Japanese too heavy but it was still sericlasses, the chorus, and other ous enough. Mr. Hagerty bestudents and teachers. Dr. lieves that September II was Sato's personal experience and the "start of a very dark time in strong feelings about Septemthe world, a time of war, sufber II made. her eager .to do fering, and loss ." something in its honor. "NothThose who were present ing like that had· happened beduring the lunch band perforfore; it gave me a new outlook Senior Chevan Li_n dsay plays 'to 'honor the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. mal)ces were very pleased with on life," she sajd. what they saw. Junior 'Johanna Teachers who performed inDr. Sato also noted that for The event itself was orga- Mononoke. Jeffrey thought it Sanders said, "It was touching. a while after the attacks, she · nized in only two days . Those provi·ded "an appreciative cluqed English teachers Helen to 'see that the performers had was unable to play music, in the chamber group learned · mood for the brave people whp · Rizzuto and Bob Babstock and taken the time to prepare an language · teacher . Andrew thinking, "What. does music the pieces they played, which died on that day." . event to honor the people who Junior Patrycja Klimek be- Hagerty. Ms. Rizzuto read two do.? lt dpes nQt Jl1ake the world came primarily from Japanese . lost their I ives on a day that, in charige." After some time, how- animation music, overnight. lieves that, "It is important that of her own poems, "Full Circle" one way or another, changed us ever, she re·aJized that there is Among those who .per- we don't forget that important aQd "September II, 200 ! .." Mr. all." so much in, the soul that music formed was junior Jeffrey day.Throughoutmusic,weare Babstock recited a poem by can unleash. Therefore, she . Wong, .,..who' played a piece on ·able to keep alive the memories Yeats entitled "Easter 1916," said, she returned to her music. the . violin from Princess of those who lost their lives ." · which he feels "weighs the sac.< .

The Classic December 2007

- ~ ":'?'-

•.

•

,;,;,·:...,.:;,;,;;a.

;_1. ·

....._ ..

.('

'Ainazi·n g turnOut' makes mlxer 'really great' by Sydriey Lowe and Jasmine Daniel cause of Queens College security, hav- entered, they were greeted by seniors "Party like a rockstar" was the ing the bag check at Townsend was one popping flashbulbs while simultatheme of the annual senior mixer, held of our great successes. We finished be- neously handing out colorful Mardi Gras on September 28 from 3 to 6 pm. fore 3:20, which must be some kind of · beads. . "We made a little over $2,000," said Senior Advisor Charlene Levi, who claims to "always have fun planning." She added, "The mixer is always the most sucJ essful darice, but this one was the most successful of them all. We sold 700 tickets, and everyone had a good time ." Adam Stonehill, Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA), said, "The turnout was amazing, and lots of freshmen attended. Because · the senior class is extremely spirited this year, they rea:Jiy got involved and ultimately sold more tickets." For the most part, students seemed to agree. Juniors Kea Richardson and Laura Corrigan commended theseniors on the turnout, saying that it was "one of the best mixers yet." Laura added, "They had a really good DJ and tons of people ·came. It Juniors Carmelle Alipio, Michelle Hulewicz, and Stephanie Jin _p arty like rockstars at the senior mixer. was so much fun.'' Senior Vice President E\\ie Philips was pleased with the speed record," E\\ie said. Freshman Bria Johnson thought that of the security process. "Although there Students also enjoyed the overall at- "the DJ was amazing!" Freshman were still lines at the Student Union be- mosphere of the dance. When guests Aliyah Johnson said, "The music really

Free

lu~nch ·awarded

set the mood. Plus, the music videos were really great." Social studies teacher John O'Malley enjoyed learning about the new dance craze, the Soulja Boy. "A bunch of my students were showing me how to do the dance. I coulctn 't resist," he said, "Compared to mixers in . the past, this one ttJrned out pretty well. " Although the mixer received many rave reviews, a few students still had complaints. Junior Annette Paciorek said she "wished they hadn't shown the pictures they had taken of us on the screen. Everyone was really sweaty." .,, <c\ Lower and upperclass., men alike had concern~ about the lack of party re~ freshments at the dance. "We . should have been able to eat ~ food inside," said sophomore N Melanie Ijgo. "I didn't urf0= derstand why we couldn't." ~ .c She added, "Either way, the ~ >-. .0 dance was still pretty good.'' 0 The money raised helps ] c. to fund the senior prom, and there might be another senior-sponsored dance next term. "We have to decide between a winter formal and another mixer, but it's really up to the students," said Ms. Levi . ~

to Harrisites for 3 years··

by Christine Khan receive free lunch for the next three Audit with the Office of School Support · improved within the past few years," Free lunch is now being offered to years. The reward also benefits the ad- Services, audited the school last spring said Ms . Dwarka. Junior Ashley Guzman appreciates all Harrisites. Thanks to..the Universal ministration, which will have less pa- and was pleased by the high quality of School Meals program -- which mvards · perwork to collect and process during the paperwork. About 80 school.s across the change, but believes the school the city, including elementary, middle should take another step. "I think that free lunch to students at schools that that time. Nadine Brown, Director of Internal . and high schools, are benefiting from the we should get rid of the kiosk system. submit good paperwork- students will There's no point in having a pin numprogram this year.· The program is run almost every ber if lunch is free," said·Ashley. Sophomore Natalie Noboa also likes year, and every school run by the Department of Education has the chance the new system, but believes the money could be put to better use. She said, to reap its benetits. The new Assistant Principal of Or- "Free lunch is a good thing, except when ganization, Namita Dwarka, said, ''I you think about the consequences beby Heriselda Begaj were "serious and could have. been live- think that this is a great opportunity. Stu- hind it, you realize that the government New and old ARISTA members gath- lier, the musical performances were very dents need to have a nice and nutritious is spending a lot of money." ered in the auditorium for thet honor pleasing." lunch. The lunch program has definitely society's annual induction ceremony on Mr. S_ton·ehill also had a positive outNovember 28. Character was the theme look on the ceremony, saying that it went . of the night, which included music and smoothly and was a great way to cel• ~em. Day I: NJpt the traditional candle lighting ceremony. ebrate the ARISTA members. He said, ARISTA advisor Adam Stonehill deliv- "The performances and the decorations Dri:v~ng Schoo~ Inc. ered a speech thanking Principal were very nice." He added that, "It was Cun·ningham for exemplifying the pleasing to see that, after the ceremony, . theme of Character with all that he has people stayed aria conversed with one done . another." Overall, many of the people Junior Hualy Li, the President of present agreed .that the cerc[:mony was . ARISTA, was very satisfied with the an e,xciting and celebratory event. ~~----------~-~~ cer_emony. She said, "Things can't alAll inductees demonstrate exemplary ways go perfectly, but I think it was very scholarship and community leadership. successful." · They maintain averages of at least 90% Sophomore Kimberly Young, a first and honor the Ephebic Oath by performyear in.ductee, said that although there ing a minimum of 60 hours of commuwere portions of the ceremony which nity service annually.

Arista honors ind~ u ·ctees with 'very nice' ceremony

MERCEDES

·,

"_J ~

.,j

Lette.r.to

the-~ Editor

~~ *

.... - ~

-;+.

, I

~4~ ...

T.~

The Classic

C!:

.....

December2007

Business camp team wins wide recogn.ition by Esther Wang At the Youth About Business (YAB) annual summer business camp, juniors Francesca Bartilini and Jane Whang, senior Ksenija Matijevic, and 2007 graduates Alice Moy and . Lisa.Liu won first place in both the region and the nation. The camp, which ran for three weeks in July, allowed the team to become business experts. The team was congratulated at the regional winners' ceremony at Columbia University, as wcdl as at the national winners' ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee on November I 0. In addition to their success, junior Simone Webster's team took second place in the region, and junior Drew Meehan's team won third place. Business camp entailed three intense weeks of learning,

planning, researching and negotiating. The team acted as the executive management board of a major company. Actual bus inessmen and women . guided the students through difficult processes, such as merging with other companies. These processes and the social skills acquired during business camp altered the students' perceptions of business . Lisa stated, "I always knew business was a competition, but I never knew how intense it could get. YAB has made business so much more interesting and so much more appeali'ng to me." Regard·ing her experience at business camp, Jane said, "Business camp was great because not on ly did it pertain to the technicalities of business, but also to the social aspects of the business world today."

Principal Search (continued from page 1) Office, a recent add ition to the process, and g.iven to the Hiring Manager, who for Townsend Harris is one of two high sGhGJol supedHtendents, "for preliminary review." The Hiring Manager next chooses 3-5 candidates and the interview process with the C-30 committee begins. the club will not base itself The latest C-30 committee, solely on these events. Weekly according to Principal meetings will introduce stu- Cunningham, was selected dents to improvisation "games" from the School Leadership and techniques of acting in a Team, a new requirement made friendly atmosphere. Improvi- by the DOE this year. It insation is a personal favorite of cludes parents, teache~:s, and co-President Sasha Diamond. students as well as a DC37 rep"The Shakespeare competition . res~tati ve, and a Council of is something which, Melanie Supervisors and Administrators says, "is a chance to really show (CSA) representative. off our actors to other schools Next, lhe C-30 committee (since inter-school SING is still interviews the candidates and in its infancy)." She adds that makes recommendations "improvisation and specific through a newly implemented acting skills are two things, that indiv idual rating system. After as far as I know, Townsend that, the Hiring Manager conHarris has- ne.ver incorporated ducts Level II interviews before into any .club. It's amazing; it's making the final selection. something to which I can look To guide the selection proforward." The club, though fo- cess, a joint statement of prioricused on actors and .acting, will ties .was released last year by also require the aid of a tech the Alumni Association and the cr'e-w· and costume and set de- PTA. Entitled, "A Great Prinsigners. cipal for a Great School," it lays Although they are the presi- · down tlie "priorities to guide dents of the club, Sasha and city education officiais and Melanie feel that their advisors members of the C-30 hiring "have been essential, impera- committee.The document artive, complete ly vital. " They ticulates "the longstanding valadded, "The club was Mr. ues and ideals of Townsend Canzoneri's idea · and the Harris High School as an inten· playwriting and collaboration · sive academic program anwas Ms . Rizzuto's . Without chored firmly in the humanities th-em, we wouldn't have a tradition." drama club." Founding Principal of

Drama Club and Festival (continued from page 3) actors . - r~nging from sophomores to seniors- are from this year's drama class, taught by Mr. Canzoneri. Melanie and Sasha are very grateful for the guidance of both ~eachers . Melanie said, ':Ms. Rizzuto helped us write the scripts, and she was so involved." Melanie also credits Ms. Rizzuto for her help behind thescenes, .taking care ofadministrative responsibilities. Similarly, both directors agree that Mr. Canzoneri has been instrumental in making the drama festival a reality. All of the actors have beem very dedicate-d as well. Sa~ha said, "I didn't expect people to work as · hard as they did, but they have been really dedicated." Mr~ Canzoneri presented the idea for a drama club to Sasha and Melanie two years ago while th~y were rehearsing for ·the scnool production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. While Melanie and Sasha were enthusiastic, the club idea was turned down by the Executive Board because board members be-

lieved that Mr. Canzoneri, who also directs the scl)ool play, would be overburdened. The Drama Club resurfaced with the help of Ms. Rizzuto, who agreed to be co-adviser with Mr. Canzoneri so that neither would be overloaded. Ms.

Rizzuto was also very excited about the club because for several years, she had been interested in bringing student writers and actors together to produce an evening presentation of student work. Participating in the festival and possib·ly in the annual Shakespeare competition hosted by Hofstra University,

Townsend Harris Malcolm Largmann wrote in an e-mail, "The principal of THHS should, first and foremost, be a person of personal. and professional integrity with a meaningful vision for the future of the school and the courage to implement that vision with the support of the school community." .. He continued, "The whole concept ofTHHS is founded on civic morality, respectful human relations, and challenging academic performance. If these aspects of the program are constantly reinforced [by the new principal], regardless of internal changes, the school shall prosper." Mr. Cunningham, said the new principal should possess "a true humanities perspective, have a vision for our school, be intelligent, and have excellent interpersonal skills as well as charisma." He also mentioned that the candidate should be a data specialist and "finally, have the ability to raise funds ." Of his own role, Principal Cunningham sa.id, "l have striven to maintain our high standards and uphold our traditions, to expand AP class offerings and e lectives, and to· publicize the achievement and_ contributions of Townsend Harris students, faculty, administrators, and staff." He continued,. "I look forward to meeting the next principal of THHS and wish ... [him or her] a .successful and productive tenure at our school."

...

The Classic December 2007

Europea-n

excur~ion

an 'incredi:ble experience'

by Ariel Brodsky until6 pm. She added, "The hardest part senior Angenid Reyes . "I had always Foreign language teachers Caroline was the summertime. There was no A/ wanted to visit Paris . . ..On July 14, I was Lopera and Diana Villaverde accompanied 17 students on a trip that took them to five countries throughout Europe from July II to July 28. Primarily organized by Ms. Lopera, it was the first time that a trip of such magnitude was offered by Townsend Harris . They flew to France on July II and then took a connecting flight to England, where their journey truly began . From there, the group traveled to Paris , Switzer- w:'~ land, Italy, and Greece. "I loved the trip," said senior George Vourderis. "It was truly a life-changing experience." Sophomore Virginia Milieris agreed. "The trip _ was an incredible experience," she said. "Of course, the tours and the history behind everything that we saw were a major part of this, but Strike a pose! Students take a break to stop and smile as they enjoy the European sights. it was also being able to meet new people and live with them for 17 C anywhere ." She explained. that while at the center of the French celebration days that made me enjoy the trip tre- the hotels were actually air conditioned, of [France's] independence day . ... The mendously." it wasn ' t sufficient. anticipation was unbearable." Both teachers said that Italy was their Junior Katherina Balram also cited Traveling through Europe did not favorite country to visit, but students' Bastille Day as her favorite part of the prove to be easy, however. trip. "We were lucky enough to be in "We were exhausted," · Ms . opinions differed. "The most memorable experience Paris [on Bastille Day] and we got to Villaverde said, explaining that their days often began at 7 am and didn ' t end [for me] was by far Bastille Day," said watch the fireworks underneath the

Eiffel Tower. . . .It was amazing and we got.to see Nelly Furtado play as well! I couldn't have wished for a better or more exciting Parisian experience." Junioc Heney Patel 's favorite places were London · and Switzerland. ''London was such a wonderful city, · and Switzerland was like · an escape from it all. .. .In Switzerland, the Alps were literally outside my win dow, and the hotel was on a lake . was just so quiet and peaceful , and amazingly beaut-iful." Cristine Khan, junior, agreed." "' The highlight of the trip & for me was the beauty of · 0 ...:~ Switzerland," she saio . "It .5 was·gorgeous . and couldn ' t ] be any better." u As for planning a simi..s0 lar trip for next summer, 0 ..c Q. Ms . Lopera - . ;..ould consider ·' . taking students to different countries in Europe, such as Belgium, Germany, and Portugal, while Ms . Villaverde would prefer to travel to one or two countries at a time . Still, neither of them would ha\fe done anythi.P9. dif1 , ferently, and none of the students had regrets about going. "The whole trip was incredibly amazing," said Cristine. "I still can ' t believe I went."

tt:

Suzuki recounts summer vacation in Japan by Oufei Dong Sophomore Rebecca Suzuki spent one month of her summer vacation in Japan. It was her third visit since she moved to America from Japan at the age of nine. Rebecca's favorite part of the trip was visiting her relatives. Her aunt, uncle, and two cousins live in Nagoya, a city located along Japan's Pacific coast, where she stayed for most of ~er trip. ~ he also spent three ·days.in Tokyo, where she did a lot of shopping. . She especially enjoyed visiting the city's Harajuku district, which she compared to "the East Village of New York." .She also went to the Asakusa district, which is a more traditional environment that was filled with fashionably dressed youths. If time had permitted, Rebecca would have liked to goto the northern part of the country, Hokkaido, for the food and skiing. Rebecca was born in Japan . When

;

Sophomore Rebecca Suzuki remembers her trip to Japan.

she came to America, she was faced with the challenge of ·adaptirig to a completely new culture . "The language was really difficult for me," she remarked . Commenting on the differences between Japanese and American cultures, Rebecca said that the 1apanese are "more friendly and polite toward people than New Yorkers [are]." She noted that karaoke, text messaging, and visits to the arcade are favorite pastimes of Japanese youth, and that students in Japan are much busier than those in America. In addition to having more homework, they also participate in a variety of clubs, even during summer vacation. When asked if she preferstohve in Japan or New York, Rebecca said, "I'd definitely stick with New York . There are more opportunities here." . She hopes to eventually go to Europe and visit Poland to become more familiar with the other hal(of her heritage .

' "'~

. ·

.~ -

, ..

.·.

The Classic

December 2007

Garcha interns with Supreme Court justices by Ariel Brodsky

·::::::1

Cl)

it, c

.c. 0

..c

0..

as a trial involving a drug case. After winning two writing contests Rupinder earned the second internduring her sophomore year, junim s.hip by being one of 10 finalists in a Rupinder Garcha was ~warded two law contest sponsored b/the Association of internships that she took part in during Justices of·tl'ie Supreme Court of the the. month of August. Tqe internships State of New York. This cpntest reallowecj her to work alongside Sul"reme qui red her 'to write an essay about the Court justices and obser..ve several tri- independence of the judiciary. From Auals in court. · gust 20-24, she was mentored by Jusc Rupirtder received the first .intern- · tice Joseph .Golia and was able to atship as part of her prize when she won tend one ~rial and two hearings. Both internships allowed Rupinder, ·. a contest sponsored by the New York State Supreme Court Queens County an aspiring lawyer, to receive advice Gender Fairness Committee. Her,essay '· from experienced lawyers whom she discussed women in the workforce dur- hopes to join someday. "[The Justices] ing World War II and the restrictions all say it takes a very long time to be a · they faced when the war ·ended and the · jt.Jdge,'' she said. "I know it's going soldiers returned home.. She spent one be .a lot of work:" · · day in a criminal court in Kew Gardens If given the opportunity, Rl!lpinder with Justice. Stephen Knopf; observing would l·ike to participate .ina simi.lar intwo hearings overseen by him as well ternship again .. However, she says, "I

Junior Rupinder Garcha recalls her 'encourag[.ing]' internships

Olechowski and ·wife ,trek to · by Lia Manoukian English teacher Rafal Olechowski and. his w'ife, Jaime, found adventure on their two-week trip to Italy t]lis summer, visiting Venice, Florence,Tuscany, Umbria, Orvieto, and Assisi. Mr. Olechowski remembers the "overwhelming amount of art everywhere - even something like a door handle was a work of art." He recalled the beautiful architecture of the city he found wherever he looked. Even something unexpected- such as a bapk, a post office, and the hotel where he and his wife stayed - had an elegant presence and was well-preserved: Among the art they saw was the statue of David and other w6rks of Michelangelo. While sightseeing in Orvieto, Mr. Olechowski and his wife witnessed a mountain so steep it looked as if it went straight to the sky. "It was breathtaking," he remembered. The main way to get up the mountain ancj to the town at the top was to take something c~alled a funicular, which resembles a ski lift and a rol·ler coaster. Unfortunately, the funicular was broken, so they took a bus. "The bus driver was crazy. We were flying up tl')e mountain . My wife almost had a heart attack," he recalled . Mr. Olechowski had an enjoyable time practicing his Italian. One thing he noticed was tlwdifference between the French and Italian language bmriers. "Italians are a lot more patient than the French in the sense that they let you babble in your broken Ita'lian, whereas the French immediately switch to English," he explained. He also enjoyed experiencing Italian cuisine in its truest form: Before going to Italy, he'd expected the food to be very heavy, but he

realized that it's "a lot lighter than the food here [in the U.S.]." He wasn't impressed by rhe pizza, however, feeling that "it was dr>(' On the other hand, he added, "The coffee is amazing. I was addicted to the espresso." He needed it for all the walk-

wouldn't want to do it over the summer [again], because there's not much going on," since most law courts start hearing cases in September and finish in August. Still, Rupinder believes that he~ time spent with thejustices in court will I:Je very useful in the future. "I learned more about how the court system works ..... •Jt encouraged me to ' work harder and become a judge after becoming. a lawyer," she said. · She added that there were other advantages to working with the justices as well. 'Tm glad to know [the Justices]," she said. "It opened up new connections." Both Justice Knopf and Justice Golia have already offered to write college · recommendations for her, a benefit that made her exclaim, "Wow!"

'br~athtaking' l't~ly

ing he and his wife did, especially in Venice, his favorite place inJtaly. "I like Venice the most bt::cause for the first timg in my life , l' experienced a p1ajor city where there are no cars," he said. "You had to walk everywhere." "Travel as much as you can in your

life, especially when you are young," he advised. "Save up for a ticket and go. Worry about things later. Be spontaneous. Then~ is something about traveling that wi'll open up your mind completely."

"'N E :l

Q >-, 0)

< >-,

.c 0

.c p..

Mr. Olechowski proudfy shows off his shirt, which displays Italian artist Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.

The Classic December 2007 '

Turtles finish first again at city championships by Ashley Knight included the · 400- Yard The Turtles won their third Freestyle Relay. With the consecutive City Champion- Turtles in the lead, coach Jim ship when they defeated the Jordan suggested a senior reStuyvesant Pel)guins at New lay. Seniors Leah Cheng, York University on November Roxanne Martin, Elena 20. The 'team members racked Gulotta, and Paula Guzman up many first places and were swam the last event of their supported by an unusually large high school careers as spectanumber of fans. tors cheered, "Senior Relay, To start off the meet, fresh- Senior Relay!" man.stars Agata Michalak and There were several teachers Karina Hain swam the back.: and students iri the- _audience. stroke in the 200-Yard Medley Some teachers offered students Relay. Also swimming on the extra credit if they attended the relays were -sophomores Arbra . meet. Juniors Gaurab Reja, Shandra, and Kellyn McCarthy, Ryan Urquidi, and senior Cody juniors Andrea ~ Yoo, Melissa Alongi painted their chests and Yoo, and Kirsten Guelly, and bore the letters, "T," "H," and senior Magalie Lilavois. The "S." "The meet was so inswimmers delighted the cheer- tense" said junior Dakota ing crowd when they took both Gangi. first and second place. . To celebrate their win, the Senior Sun Mei Liu and Turtles and Mr. Jordan apsophomore Jing Xia Zhang plauded and held hands as they dove for the Turtl~s. Team- jumped into the pool. Mr. Jormates agree that Jing and Sun dan said, ''I'm so proud of my Mei did their best dives all sea- girls. This team is so strong son and took first and second and· I'm so happy we now have I Junior Kirsten Guelly Dies to .victory at the City Championships, where the Turtles took first for the third year in a row. place. a dynasty." The last event of the meet

Victory escapes the boys' wrestling team by Kirsten Guelly The Wrestling team hosted its first 111atch against Wingate High School on December 4. The Hawks fought until the end, but came up short of winning the match. · Cheering fans watched as the two teams put their new

wrestling abilities to the rest. Senior Robert Lum started the Hawks off well, pinning down his opponent to give the Hawks their first victory. Sophomores Joseph Jalkias and Jerry Yang and s~nior Cody Alongi also triumphed over their opponents.

As the newest addition to the Townsend Harris athletic family, the Wtestling team has been working hard in the past few weeks to learn and perfect their techniques. The boys practice with the John Bowne High School wrestling team, another developmental team in their

Hawks come in 5th at first indoor meet by Eilin Perez At the first shot of the gun, the members of the Boys ' Indoor Track team began ~their season, trading in their cross-country 'flats for indoor spikes on December I at the Jim McKay Team Challenge Game at the Armory. The team finished fifth in overall scoring. Freshman Justin Lee was successful in the first two races of his indoor career, finishing fourth in the freshman · 1000-meter run with a time of 3: 13 minutes and first in the freshman 1600meter run with a time of 5:25 minutes. "Indoor track is different because you get a chance to redeem -yourself on the same day," said Lee. "After I ran my first race, !'made adjustments in my pace so that I could succeed in the next one."

The 4 x 800 relay team finished second in the race. The team consisted of junior Davjd Vaughan and seniors Alyas Hamid, Kiran !,-orick and Kenneth Ho. Kiran also finished tenth in the I 000-meter varsity race. "It is difficult to adjust from-cross-country because it is a totally different pace," said Kiran. David also placed third overall in the 600-meter competition. He described the indoor track season as "different I?ecause the coach can monitor your entire race, whereas in crosscountry you go into the woods." Sophomore Adam Mielnik finished first in the pole vault competition, clearing a height of eight feet. "This is the highest I've ever cleared during indoor season," exclaimed Adam.

league, and together both teams have grown to become better wrestlers. Coached by Raymond Adamkiewicz and supplied with brand new equipment, the Hawks begin their season with high hopes. "I know that there is a lot o( potential on the team,

•a:a•

and with an experienced coach like Mr. Adamkiewicz, I believe that we can definitely suc'ceed," said Cody. "Wrestling is all about intensity and drive, and I feel that we are ready for it."

teac·hers

bal·l· game by La~ Corrigan Students p-il:ed into th'e gymnasium on Decembe-r3 tor the second ann\Hil student versus teacher dodge bali game. The stands ~;tat.-ors anticipated the viewing ef the athletic :S~gdls ~ W:~esses of $.e parti~ipants. · St1ni-or Andrew i'.bown ~:itN1dfew last name too bard to pro&~1~. entellta:ined the crowd as they

~~~~~ ~~~J>~cause I got top~ay ~gainst . ,.,, ~~--~ ~~-- o~Olttng,_~~~gb. I ltnow_to~o~w I m ~0: •--; «Yf¢il $e after-eff~ts aDd be sm:e ,~. exdmmed Mr; Hackney; '1 e:n;joyed being able to thr~w ())ails at underol'3,$'smen without. getting dements by Ms. Nix," said senior Jonathon SteiB ...It was ~o enjl)yable ;~ watch the teachers get so into the game, &rowing balls-atstildents .while also playing dirty."