Classic newspaper Volume 26 Issue no. 5

Vol. 26 No.5 January 2010

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aS SlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

for free MetroCards may be cut Admini stration mandates byFunding Rebecca Seidel Jeremy .Michaels. ."They 're . rent proposal, which includes There's still such a thing too valuable to students, and further service cuts in addition final exams for fall term as a free lunch for Harrisites, cutting them would only cause to slashing free student Met-

by Sarah Mahmood The administration has mandated final exams for the fall semester in core classes during Regents week, January 27-30.

In previous years, final exams were given the week before the Regents testing period. During Regents week, students only attended school to take Regents exams.

Elective and senior classes are exempt from this policy.

Electives were excluded to prevent the overlapping of exams, and it would be difficult to schedule finals around senior schedules, which include classes at Queens College. . In previous years, teachers decided if they wanted to give final exams. If so, they administered them during class time. They only had to plan the date of the exam in accordance with a school-wide schedule designed to prevent too many exams being given on the same day.

Principal Kenneth Bonamo was the driving force behind the policy. "It was something that I was really behind, and I made it part of the agenda for the year and we [faculty] discussed it at our opening meetings and then implemented a schedule that would allow it to occur," he said.

One reason for the administration forming the new policy was the elimination of the Math A Regents.

Department of Education policy mandates . student attendance on days when schools are not administering any Regents exams.

This year, the school is administering make-up Regents exams on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but not Friday, of Regents week.

"I believe we would have had to run classes on Friday....

Without the finals, the 'week off' would be interrupted with a Friday day of classes and [the days off] would not be

guaranteed .in future years.

Running classes after finals are given is problematic, to say the least," explained Mr. Bonamo.

The policy "would ensure that kids could only have two exams per day. .Even though we've had a final exams schedule in the past, sometimes with projects being due and other quizzes, the work load for individual days really does pile up," said Mr. Bonamo.

There is also no reason, said Mr. Bonamo, for teachers to worry "about creating different exams for different bands, so the first band classes don't tell the ninth band classes what's on the exams, if you're given one exam at the same time to all the students taking, for example, physics."

"When we added the enrichment period to the teachers' work day, we had to shorten the instructional periods. Over time, this amounted to a period or two for [each] subject class over the semester. Moving the final exams out of class time throws that time back into teaching and allows teachers to make up the difference in time that they may have felt because of the shorter periods. Overall, it makes a lot of sense," he continued.

Teachers had no influence on the adoption and implementation of the new policy."Some were dissatisfied with the way that I made the decision at the very beginning of the year and just moved forward in implementing it rather than consulting first.

My hesitation in delaying a decision for too long was that it would have taken a long time to build that consensus [amongst the teachers). If we had arrived at the decision [together], it would have been too late to implement it. This is something we have been working on now for three months," said Mr. Bonamo.

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but soon there may no longer be such a thing as a free ride.

In a budget proposal released on January 19, Governor David Paterson allocated $24 million towards funding student MetroCards. Tliis figure constitutes only a fraction of the $214 million the MTA says it needs to continue supplying students with free rides, according to the Daily News.

The MTA is expected to vote once . . b d Due to MTA budget cuts, students may no longer be given free MetroCards . agam on a u get cut " they passed in December, which stipulates that all trouble." roCards. On its website, the students will receive half-fare Student MetroCards in the City Council proposes a way MetroCards in September past have been jointly funded for the MTA to reallocate its 2010, and will have to pay full by the MTA, the city, and the funding and restructure its price for transportation start- state. Unless the city and state budget in order to prevent the adjust their allocations toward cuts. ing in September 2011.

The plan has since met the _program, students will Visitors to the website with fierce opposition from have to begin paying for pub- (http://www.council.nyc.gov/ public officials, administra- lic transportation next year - if htmllaction center/mta.shtthe MTA's plan goes through. ml) can fill out a petition protors, parents, and students.

"Student Metrof'ards The New York City Coun- testing the cuts and backing should not be cut," said junior cil is protesting the MTA's cur- the City Council's proposal.

SING!

by Genna Mastellone and Rupeshi Shah The annual SING! performances will take place at 7:00 pm on January 28 and January 29, and at 6:00 on January 28.

For the past few months, students from each grade have been contributing their singing, acting, dancing, and art skills to put their productions together. A judging panel will collectively score each group (seniors; juniors; and sophmen, which consists of freshmen and sophomores). The grade with the highest score wins the competition. ,.

The theme for this year 's student productions is board games. The seniors are using Clue, the juniors are going to parody The Game of Life, and the sophmen are featuring Candyland.

Senior director Ashley Newman says to "expect three really different shows. You're going to go to three different worlds."

Christina Mavrikis, junior director, explained, "It's been stressful but it' s slowly coming together. It's sure to be awesome in the end."

Sophmen director Victoria Baamonde said that audience members can expect "French accents, hairy green males, nerds and Townsend Harris High School references. This year's is going to kill last year's!"

Freshman Despina Leontiadis said, "SING! is going along great...it's sure to provide the audience with laughs."

New to SING! this year is a competition to raise money for charity:water. Students may deposit coins or bills into their own group's bin or into another group's bin. (Each group has one bin.) Based on the value of the deposit, each group can gain or lose points on their final SING! score.

Tickets will be sold for $10 at the door.

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Earthquake in Haiti pg.4

Ephebic Oath pg.5 T

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Entertainment pg.6

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'Guido Friday' pg.9 T

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The Classic

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January 2010

Students' rigtll to privacy?

New Final Exams Policy

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by Pearl Bhatnagar and Arthur Tarley "Where are my headphones? Did I remember extra socks?" These were The bell rings and you pass up your final exam. Fou some of the thoughts running through 'our heads the morning of senior trip. tests down and only two more to go, you think, as you sigJ As we walked into the auditorium, we were not expecting the scene that in relief. followed: a faculty member wearing latex gloves, pulling clothes out of a Harris's new approach to finals testing has been me classmate's luggage and feeling through all of her belongings. We stood with mixed student reactions (see page 1). While some fee there, waiting for our turns; we were disgusted by the calculated search of that conducting exams during Regents week is an innova our carefully packed bags. As our duffels were being tossed through, we tive way to alleviate students' end-of-term stress, other were at least reassured to see that we had packed those headphones and that feel it is taking away from time to relax and have fun witJ extra pair of socks. friends . The Classic believes that while some opposition tl At the end of ninth band, we made our way to the auditorium to retrieve this policy is both understandable and expected, its benefit our luggage. A crowd of us excited seniors giggled and chatted, snapped outweigh its possible disadvantages. pictures and discussed our plans for later that night. Just as' we entered the In previous years, it was not unusual to see Harrisites ii beige double doors, administrators requested that we open up our hand bags. the library cramming for their three finals that day. Whih They sniffed our bottles of contact lens solution and sifted through our perthere was little enforcement of the testing schedule in thi sonal items. Before we knew it, members of the facu lty began to pat down past, students will now enjoy the ease of knowing that thej our pants pockets.The luggage searches of earlier had evolved into physical have no more than two tests per day. With these extra fev searches of students. The blatant lack of trust ruined our chipper mood. days free of additional schoolwork to prepare for the exams When we spoke with Mr. Bonamo, he explained the necessity of ensuring students may increase their perform ance, helping boost thei a safe environment for both the chaperones and the seniors. But the adminfirst semester grades. Also, with an additional day of class istration had no concrete evidence to justify so extensively checking our bewhich was form erly allotted to testing, teachers have tlu longings. He added that the 'administration was acting in loco parentis - in the chance to delve into material they might not have had th: place of a parent. This concept allots public schools a broad range of powtime to cover. An extra band will provide an opportunity fo: ers over students. It should be noted that the application of in loco parentis teachers to conclude their courses. has been challenged in certain court cases, thereby granting students greater A main basis of student opposition to the new policy i: rights.The search process was grossly unregulated and clearly lacked specifthat finals week would eliminate a break between first anc ic guidelines. Cross-gender luggage searches occurred and faculty members second.semester. Having this break, however, is not guaran patted-down students of the opposite sex. Although most of our classmates teed. According to the Department of Education (DOE), stu. were subject to the excessive security measures, others were allowed to pass dents are only excused from school attendance on days tha through without scrutiny.

Regents exams are being administered. Since Harris give!

If we felt these compulsory bag searches and pat-downs invaded our only make-up exams in January, there is no way of knowing ri.:gh~S~'G9uldi\\.We have .optedout ofattending thetrip? Neither the deposit whether these tests would be needed every year. Althougl form nor the permission slip mentioned either of these two procedures. ALstudents would not have had to attend school on Tuesday though an email sent the night before informed us of the bag checks, the Wednesday, and Thursday this year, students might be man body -pats came as a total surprise. dated to sit in classes all week in the future. It is true tha In the many state and federal court cases that deal with students' rights, students might not be able to sleep in as mu ch as they hac the decisions concerning a school 's authority over student privacy conflict. hoped to this time around, but this new policy ensures whaj But we believe the current system of bag and body searches is an invasion the DOE policy does not - some down-time. of privacy. Further, the administration's lack of trust in the student body is This new approach to finals week also has long-tem disheartening.For a school thtit prides itself on its young scholars; Townsend benefits. Since most of the tests are uniform , students witl Harris should re- evaluate how it treats us . We acknowledge that there is aldifferent teachers for the same subject will reach a mutual ways the chance a small percentage of students will abuse the trust given to point in the curricula. Having concluded the course on ~ them. Such vio lators should certainly be punished. Is it worth it, though, to common note, teachers will also be able to pick up the mao practice indiscriminate searches of all students? Is it most prudent to assume terial whe re they had left off during first semester, even witl the worst from us? a change in roster.

We hope to engage the administration in an open dialogue about striking Ultimately, the pol icy's benefits are worth the small saca balance between students' safety and their right to privacy. Students and rifice. As first semester culminates and grades go on stuadministrators can strive to achieve a better understanding of each side. The dents' transcripts, Harrisites' priority should be to do theii implementation of an open forum led by a panel of students, administrators, best on these tests. While there might be some difficulties and outside speakers could educate Harrisites on the issue of privacy rights implementing the schedule, it is important to keep in mind in a school setting. its advantages, as well as the fact that this was its introMeetings between school officials and student leaders could help to reductory year. As time passes, The Classic believes that any solve the concerns of both parties. Such open discussions can produce a poliglitches will be eliminated, and that finals week will ruti cy that takes into consideration students' rights as citizens while still uphold.smoothly in the future . ing a strong guarantee of security.

Sarah Mahmood Editor-in-Chief Pearl Bhatnagar Esther Whang

Rebecca Seidel •

News Staff: Allison Bennett, Candace Burton, Frank Corazza, Hayley Desmond, Caroline Egan, Eunice Lau, Nicholas Lupo, Freddy Millan Jr., Lory Martinez, Kristina Rudolfo, Rupeshi Shah, Grace Shin, Rebecca Suzuki, Tracey Wang

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Feature Staff: Indira Abiskaroon, Quinn Batten, Emma Court,

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

Feature Editor Chandi Ghuman, Margaret Jia, Abigail Komer, Ella Leviyeva, The ~lass,c IS an o~en forum f~r .the exGenna Mastellon, Salrna Mohamed, Catherine Moskos, Dem- pression of student VIews. The OpInIOnS expressed therein should not be taken to repEilin Perez Liz Kussman etra Panagiotopoulos, Katherine Valles,Yuval Solomon Art Editor resent those of the adm inistration or faculty Sports Editor Spo~s Staff: Ra~u.I Bhasin, Benjamin Horowitz, Oliver Lee, or student body as a whole.

News Co-Editors Shannin Rashed Photography Editor

Aliza Altman Dipabali Chowdhury Business Managers Ilsa Cowen Caroline Cross

Co-Advisors

Kenneth Bonamo Principal

Daniel Pecoraro, Etlm Perez, Grace Shin, Arthur Tarley ' hi B '11 Ed dF h AI' H Readers are invited to submit letters to the ediwar arqu arson, ice ung, . , Ar t Sta: ff R lC e om a.

Katherine Valles Amy Wang Amy Yuan tor. Letters should be placed In Ms. Cowen s

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mailbox or e-mailed to thhsclassic@gmail.

Photography Staff: Pearl Bhatnagar, Rebecca Chu, Nicole Go- com. The Classic reserves the right to edit all dreau, Samiha Khan. Karen Rose .Kim, Misty Kim. Nicolette letters. Letters must include name and official Nanton, Marissa Shieh.Yuval Solomon class. Names will be withheld upon request.

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The Classic January 2010

Government class places-third-in We The People regional contest

by Kristina Rodulfo The questions require stu- were judged and questioned Jehanne Belange, Julia "Is the growth of presi- dents to extemporaneously one at a time.

Pojawis, Yena Purmasir, Jane dential power a healthy or det- demonstrate their knowledge Many team members felt Selegan and Kristina Rodulfo rimental development?" ofconstitutional principles and comfortable with giving pre- won first place in the city for "What are the major dif- their application in historical written speeches, as they had their unit, which focused on ferences between classical re- and contemporary events. rehearsed with Dr. Steinmann the values and principles empublicanism and natural rights The AP Government class, several times, but they found bedded in the Constitution. philosophy?" divided into six groups, com- the follow-up questions chal"My biggest highlight was "Do you agree or disagree peted against seven other lenging. that my unit won an award for that free speech is a condition schools.

Still, Dr. Steinmann be- being the best ofour unit," said She said, "It [participat- lieves her class performed well Yena. "We were just so happy of legitimate government?"

These were some of the ing in the contest] was not my in that round. to be recognized for our questions presented to hard work. I'm so Linda Steinmann's senior 'proud of us, and seeAP Government class during us actually coming the regional We The peting. I'm excited to People competition on perfect what we've January 7. already done."

It was held at Pace Joanne shared the University, where the team same pride. "Opposed placed third in New York to what I was expectCity, qualifying them for ing, it was a lot better participation in the state in experience than in championship on March 6. my head . I felt that we We The People: The were definitely meant Citizen and the Constitufor the stage. We were tion has promoted civic reso much better in the sponsibility and the underactual competition standing of constitutional than in practice. We democracy since 1987, were very expressive, Yes, We Can: Senior Eilin Perez wins a political impersonation compeyielding millions ofstudent and we really presenttition for his speech as Barack Obama. participants nationwide. ed," she said.

The competition itself While lunch was is a simulated congressional decision. It costs money and "I thought that the follow- served at the event, Eilin Perez hearing, where students "testi- the school had to pay, and Mr. up questions were outstanding, won a political impersonation fy" before judges, usually law- Bonamo graciously put aside and the [answers were the] competition for a two-minute yers and educators, with one the money." best I've ever seen with the speech as President Barack For the actual presenta- thoughtfulness and the abil- Obama. of three four-minute prepared speeches and a six-minute ses- tions, the team sat in a class- ity to come up with historical "Eilin's impersonation of room while individual groups events," Dr. Steinmann said. sion for follow-up questions.

Obama made the competition

Ephebic Oath team plans fundraisers for spring term

by Lory Martinez The Ephebic Oath project, a school-wide effort to create

Juniors Kerry McEnerney and Alice Kim model FDNY hats that the Ephebic Oath team will sell.

a permanent memorial for the 343 firefighters who passed away on September 11, 2001, is planning several fundraisers for 2010.

The project aims to publish three books: an art journal with work inspired by the 9/11 tragedy, a memory book consisting of letters of reflection on the event, and a yearbook with short biographies on the firefighters who lost their lives.

A display case will be created to hold them in the library by 2011, which will be the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

To pay for the costs, the team is organizing a 5K walk,

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which will be held on April 25 on the Queens College campus.

The team will start to sell buttons at the Student Union (SU) store in February. Fire Department of New York winter hats will also be sold in the SU store for $7 in the next few weeks.

The Ephebic Oath team, which last year was comprised of students in Helen Rizzuto's sophomore English classes, has welcomed several sophomores this year.

"She [Ms. Rizzuto] told us about the memorial.i..I wanted to do something to help remember them [the firefighters]," said sophomore Ariella Wagner, who recently joined the team.

"I'm happy to say the momentum is steadily building and a lot more students, throughout the grades, are getting involved in the project," said junior Aquib Yacoob.

"After tremendous work from the team, I am thrilled to say, as scheduled, we have almost completed one of the three books," he continued.

If students are interested in learning more about the project, they can attend meetings in Room 115 on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.

even more fun than it already was. It brought a smile on my face;" Brandon said.

With the state championship coming soon, the class is now planning to increase their preparedness to meet higher expectations.

Rahul Bhasin said, "I think there is always room for improvement in all areas. We need to speak more articulately ... and be able to feed off each other as,teammates. This will allow us to maximize our potential as a team and hopefully achieve in nationals."

"The competition is bigger, more important, and more stressful. We're definitely going to look up more court cases and more historical background," said Eva. "Winning third place is motivation to further ourselves and win first in states, defeating the schools we competed against in the city championships. The opportunity allows us to represent Townsend Harris on a larger scale," added Rahul.

Dr. Steinmann hopes to continue with a positive outcome; "I was surprised we didn't place higher," she said, "but Albany is a completely new competition, and we'll have a chance to prove ourselves."

SAGES brings Safe Spaces to school

by Hayley Desmond Safe Spaces, now located throughout the building, serve as secure havens for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) students.

Originally developed by Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and brought to the school by Straights and Gays Educating Students (SAGES) with the help of advisor Franco Scardino and senior Sherry Leung, the program aims to provide the LGBT coinmunity with safety and freedom of expression.

Faculty members who have agreed to become allies to LGBT students display posters declaring their rooms Safe Spaces 'and promise to support the rights of this group.

"There's a no-tolerance policy for remarks that target or harass LGBT students," said Mr. Scardino.

The idea of utilizing Safe Spaces stemmed from Sherry's research on bullying based on sexual orientation for the Quality of Life Competition. After finding that over one third of Harrisites polled had either heard or used homophobic phrases, she turned to GLSEN's strategy as "a simple yet excellent solution for the problem" and united with SAGES to introduce it to Harris .

"A part of me hopes that such epithets] because they this will sensitize people," re- .feel that it's socially accepted, marked Susan Getting, Assis- when it's actually not okay." tant Principal of Humanities. She described intervention by "Once you say something, you LGBT allies as the "first step" can't take it back." towards ending such behavior.

"There's a fair "amount SAGES President Megan of quiet homophobia that ex- McCaffrey said, "In Humaniists here," said history teacher ties today, a couple of people

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Posters declaring areas Safe Spaces are posted throughout the building.

Chris Hackney, who signed up as a LGBT ally, said.

John O'Malley, another history teacher who agreed to create a Safe Space, expressed concern over what to do when openly LGBT students use homophobic phrases.

Sherry explained, "People of all sexual orientations [use

were talking about homosexuality in the movie The Lion in Winter. Ms. [Judy] Biener made a point to say that the class was a 'safe space' and no one should be nervous about talking about any of it and that there's . nothing wrong with homosexuality. I got pretty excited."

4 - - -' The Classic

January 2010

For those with family in Haiti, earthquake trauma hits home

by Sarah Mahmood expressed anxiety.

Pictures of piles of dead bodies, "The media is focusing on mainly utter destruction, and injured orphans Port-Au-Prince, but other areas have are shown repeatedly on television. been affected as well. My mother's old Groups on Facebook urge members to school in the Dominican Republic coldonate money to the victims. lapsed in the aftershock of the earthThe aftermath of the devestating quake. For the most part, I'm really earthquake in Haiti has been docu- scared there might be riots there," said mented extensively by the media. junior Bryan Medina.

Some, though, did not have to rely on "I have family near Haiti and when journalists to learn of the plight of the 1first heard ofthe earthquake, I was reHaitians - they heard first-hand narra- ally scared. My family was fortunate; tives from their own family members. however, as seen on the news and meWhen the earthquake struck Haiti dia, others are having so much trouble, on January 12, many students imme- struggling to survive. It's moments like diately thought of their families living these that make us all appreciate what there. we have and join together and help and Senior Nicholas Fedus emailed his donate, even when we're having some cousin in Haiti to find out what had economic difficulties of our own," said happened to his relatives. junior Karina Hernandez, who also col"All the lected donations 'I wouldn't allow myselfto think in school for the members of my family are okay, of the worst because it would victims of Haiti. and this is a mira- have been too much to bear.'

The fundcle. Their houses~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ raiser, which were not damhas brought aged because most of them live up in in more than $1400, was organized by the mountains," he said.

French teachers Mariet D'Souza and "He [my cousin] also told me, 'Ev- Caroline Lopera. ery time we see a familiar face around "What 1 find sad about these natutown, it's like a miracle and a big re- ral disasters is that in poor countries lief.' Now, many of my cousins are in the losses are devastating, whereas in a charge of looking for food, water, and rich country like ours, the loss of life is gasoline, since there is a limited sup- very light," said Ms. D'Souza. . ply," he continued.

"Every dollar counts and at this "When I first heard about the earth- time, my country can take all the help quake, I was in a state of shock and dis- it can get. The money we've been raisbelief. I rushed over to my computer to ing at our own school will be a major further understand and receive infor- aid," said Michele. mation on what had happened. Reading "It's so easy for someone to say the terrorizing news, I began to think of that they can't donate or cannot offer all my family, and I couldn't escape the much help or make much of a differdaunting possibility of them all being ence because they have their own probdead or trapped. But something inside lems or obligations," she continued . of me had faith in God and trusted that "However....we have all been in times everthing would work out," said senior of need and can remember how much it meant when someone lent out a helpMichele St. Julian.

"I wouldn't allow myself to think ing hand." of the worst because it would have interviewing conducted by Lory Martinez, been too much to bear. I stayed with Rupeshi Shah, and Tracey Wang my mom in her room for a little while to comfort her because she seemed the most broken and sadby Salma Mohammed dened. We were all You can win a goldfish while supporting the pretty stressed out Volleyball team at the Winter Carnival.on February 3. . and just lost, waitClubs and teams will 路 set up booths offering ing for a response activities, services, and goods. Students 'can take a to our calls, hoping picture as Rosie the Riveter at the Club of Women that someone would booth, get henna tattoos by members of the Salaam be there to answer," Club, or buy handmade keychains from the Knitting she continued.

Club.

Sadly, Michele Attendees will purchase tickets at the door, which learned that some of they will use to participate in the various activities. her family members The Student Union will selllO tickets for $5. had passed away.

Coordinator of Student Activities Aleeza Widman, Others still .who organized the event with club liaison Sherry Leung, haven't received explained that the event is "a way for clubs to fundraise information about and advertise while providing entertainment." their families.

According to Sherry, "pie throwing, tapioca "I haven't gotten shooting, makeovers of all sorts, and even some handsnews back yet, but on art projects" will be some of the highlights of this my uncles are trying year's Winter Carnival. to find out the where"In our stressful school environment, it is a good abouts and condition way to get away from the heavy load of school work of my family memwe have," said freshman Doris Yuan, who plans to bers. 1 hope they are attend the Winter Carnival. okay," said junior Sherry encourages all to attend. "It is a great way Jasmine Oliver. to just get involved with school activities and witness Students with the dedication ofthe clubs and teams here at Townsend family members livHarris," she said. ing near Haiti also

Winter Carnival

". was very strongly, and quite emotionally, to be honest, opposed to both monstrosities.'

Senior Lindsay Sovern supports the public option "because of its obvious ramifications for private companies they'll be forced to lower their costs to compete with the public option."

"That way, even lower-class families will have more choices when it comes to choosing a plan that best fits their situation," she explained.

"I did not support the public option because it is a foot in the door for a complete governmental of health care," takeover said Daniel.

Students also felt that there were pressing healthcare reforms not addressed in the bills.

"Medical malpractice reform, [legalization of] purchasing of health insurance across state lines, and ending the system of employer-provided insurance [should have been included in the bills]. Cost should be taken into account before health services are purchased," said Daniel.

Stefan said, "Anyregulation putting caps on prices would be desirable."

"I think that these bills are just a starting point, and a lot is yet to be done. 1 think that with the system as it is, insurance companies wield too much power, and 1hope that as a result ofthese changes that companies will be forced to focus more on helping people rather than profiting," Lindsay said.

"I hope," she continued, "that at some point women won't be forced to pay out-of-pocket for abortions."

The Classic

5

January 2010

Alumnus creates Facebook group criticizing Ephebic Oath

by Sarah Mahmood ' are possible. By refusing financial sup- it says something that they can't be- There is the need both in society and Next to the ripped pieces of his ' port due to my belief that the Ephebic lieve in, we need to revisit it." , certainly in school to have a certain decheck lay the reason he had tom it Oath goes against this goal, I am sup"I think that Townsend Harr is is gree of conformity to law and that can up: a copy of the Ephebic Oath . He porting my alma mater." easily the greatest gathering place of never be sacrificed. Just because there had revisited ' the pledge after reading To share his message with other young intelligent and talented minds are laws that we must obey and school a letter from the Alumni Association, Harris students arid 'alumni, he created in the New York City Pub lic School rules that we all obey does not mean which had asked alumni to remember a group on Facebook called "Open system. However, it is my feeling that we can't teach students to think critithe promis es they had made to better Letter to TH Alumni Association," in the school does not live up to its job cally about those laws," he said. their community in the Ephebic Oath which he posted his response to the let- of fostering these minds....Every year Shanyce agreed with Mr. Bonamo. and donate to the school. For Michael ter the Associ ation had sent him. As of the students bring praise to the school "I would say that we are encouraged to Bye (' 07), the Oath indeed was a now, the group has over 60 membe rs. and yet they are always treated as think freely to a certain degree ....I think reminder to support his commu nity "Samuel L. Jackson once said, 'If criminals. My brother goes to Cardozo 'that as a whole we are led to try and but in a different way. you have an opportunity to use your High School. There are more students, think on our own. Personally, I have While rereading it, Michael voice you should use it.' I did the same more fights, and more disruptions than never seen a lack of students ready to approved of the Ephebic Oath until he . thing [by creating the Facebook group]. Townsend Harris would ever see in its speak their minds on anything. From reached this part: I felt strongly and I did not allow it to entire lifetime. Yet [at Townsend Har- the poets we hear at Phoenix events to "I shall willingly ris] students are petitions that get started about almost pay heed to whoever forced to wear ID everything, it does seem that the Harris 'While I do support law and order as part of a .clvllized renders judgment with cards at all times, community sees noth ing wrong with wisdom and shall obey society, the wording in the Ephebic Oath makes a like cattle ," said being heard." both the laws already Harrisite pledge unwavering allegiance to the laws that are Michael.

English teacher Raquel Chung "When I en- teaches students about civil disobediestablished and whatever established. It does not allow for dissent to be voiced. In laws the people in their fact, this part of the Ephebic Oath goes against everything teredfreshmanyear, ence through the writings of Henry I along with many David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emwisdom shall establish. an intelligent and concerned citizen should be.'

I, alone and with of my close erson. "Students had to own the mesmy comrades, shall friends, were in sage and interpret it themselves. I tried resist anyone who destroys the laws or stew, but rather I let it out and let the for a rude shock. ...Question an English very hard to remove my influence in disobeys them." masses know how I felt. If they wish professor on their interpretation of a interpreting the work," she said.

According to his interpretation, " to support me, I welcome them. If they ' book and offer up your own and you "In my class, I allow everybody to this excerpt discourages dissent and disagree, I welcome their dissent," he are shot down before your reasoning speak their mind. I like it when there civil disobedience. He has decided that continued. has left your lips. Present another view are differences in opinion; it makes for ' he will not donate to the school unless Senior Shanyce Spain said, "I of a historical event and you will be interesting discussion," said history joined the group because when I read looked at with judging eyes.....Even to- teacher Jaime Byrne, who also teaches those lines are revised.

In a response to the Alumni the letter, it struck me as something that day, you'll find students that keep their her class about civil disobedience.

Association, he wrote, "While I do I had never thought of before. I moder- heads down and just plow through the Despite his complaints about the . support law and order as part of a ately agree with the points he made, but work, not raising objection or support, school, Michael said that he values civilized society, the wording in the I don't necessarily think the oath needs simply wanting to get through the day. his high school experience and the inEphebic Oath makes a Harrisite pledge to be revised. I believe as a whole that The students that raised their voices in volvement of the Alumni Association: unwavering allegiance to the laws the oath is trying to promote bettering dissent were ignored or looked down "The programs that the Alumni Asthat are established. It does not allow not only yourself but the people and upon ," he continued. sociation sponsors are programs that Mr. Bonamo disagreed that Harris have impacted the lives of my friend s for dissent to be voiced. In fact, .this places you come in contact with ."

"I feel that the points Michael advocates blind acceptance of-author- and I know that they will 00 the same part of the Ephebic Oath goes.against everything an intelligent and concerned made were more of the exceptions that ity. "Through the practice of argumen- to a new crop of students. My friends citizen should be." prove the rule. He was showing great tation, debating, thinking critically and had a chance due to these programs and He argued in his letter that had he examples of people who worked to analzying in the classes, we certainly other students should too," he said.

Michael has not yet received a rebeen a citizen in Germany during the change wrongs in society and while teach children to question assumpHolocaust, the Oath would require they broke laws that were in place at tions and think critically about society. sponse from the Alumni Association. him not only to support the massacre, the time, it was more for purposes of but also report those who tried to save improving quality of life rather than the victims. He believes that the Oath causing social breakdown. I think it is would require him to consider people clear that the wrongs we are being relike Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela ferred to in the oath are those that are as enemies of the state, since they ...done by people who don't care about rebelled against the established laws of making things better, but only causing trouble and strife," she continued.

by Daniel Pecoraro their nations .

Others also challenged Michael's Kenneth Arrow ('36) is one of the preeminent economists of the In an interview conducted by the 20th century.

Classic, Michael said, "There is noth- interpretation.

After earning his Ph.D. in economics from Senior Ivan Lesiv emphasized that ing worse than an intelligent and comstudents are pledging to "willingly pay Columbia University, he went on to become the placent society. A complacent society leading figure in neo-classic al economics, winning will allow atrocities to happe n and to heed" only to those who "render judgthe John Bates Clark Medal in 1957 and the Nobel find a way to convince themselves to ment with wisdom ." He argued that Memorial Prize in Economics in 1972; at age 51, unjust laws are not the product of wislive in squalor." he was the youngest to win that title. In 2004, Dr. "The Ephebic Oath in its current dom, and therefore do not have to be Arrow received the National Medal of Science , the incarnation is a dangerous message that obeyed. nation' s highest scientific honor.

"I don't know if 1 agree with them is being sent to the students . A school Dr. Arrow's Townsend Harris education gave that is schooling some ofthe best minds [Michael's points]; I think that they him the building blocks of success. "I got an exceland hearts in New York City should be . are valid," said Principal Kenneth lent education. What I was most interested in at the teaching to question everythi ng. Noth- Bonamo. "The Ephebic Oath leaves ing in the history of mankind was done the door open to fighting unjust laws. time was mathematics, and I learned my algebra, my geometry, from excellent teache rs. High school was a great preparawithout asking the question 'why?' .... It says, 'I alone will fight for the idetion... .It was more like college than most high schools would have been," The fact that the Epheb ic Oath tells als,' so if our ideals are justice, equality he said. students to not question brings fear to and liberty, and there are laws that go against them, certainly it would imply Dr. Arrow is known largely for his Impossibility Theorem, which me," he continued. states that "No 'fair' voting system can satisfy these three criteria: if every He wants the school to "rewrite that you will fight with your comrades it so that it reminds students that with to change those laws." voter prefers X over Y, then the group prefers X over Y; if every voter's "He's being very specific. The their gifts, they have the chance to mold preferences between X and Y remain unchanged when Z is added to the society and the world for the better; to spirit of the Ephebic Oath is something slate, then the group's preference between X and Y will also remain unremind students that those that sit back ' that is extremely important to underchanged; and there is no dictator." have to deal with the world that the idi- stand and follow. Certainly, if you reDr. Arrow said that the Impossibility Theorem has in large part move the phrase in isolation, it would ots and zealots carve." influenced the recent popularity of Instant Runoff Voting, in which one By speaking out against the Oath, seem to be advocat ing blind conformichooses a preference list of candidates, rather than just one candidate; this Michael believes he is supporting the ty, but I don't think that's what's going is now the general voting method in Australia and in municipal elections school. He said, "As a Harrisite, it is on here," continued Mr. Bonamo. in San Francisco and Minneapolis, among other places. "In stant runoff However, he said, " if there is a my duty to help my school produce the was very dependent on the way I discussed the problem....This way, you most talented and gifted citizens that significant number of people who feel still get a chance to express yourself while having an influence," he said,

Alumnus of the Month KENNETH ARROW

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6

The Classic January 2010

·

Mediocre characters deduct Sherlock Holmes falls short from Doctor Parnassus'sappeal byof fans' high expectations Emma Court mystery to solve. .

Mr. Nick or take much interest in the

by Hayley Desmond Despite its aesthetic appeal and primary plot.

Even the devil is more likable and star-studded cast, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, directed by complicated than most other characters.

Terry Gilliam, leaves something to be The saving grace is Dr. -Parnassus.

He wrestles with regret, guilt, and desired. temptation, and the audience can relate The storyline focuses on the fate to his struggles. of Valentina (Lily Cole), who has been Pamassus's bet with the devil, promised to the devil (Tom Waits), also known as Mr. Nick, by her father, the which should be the focus ofthe movie , immortal Dr. Parnassus (Christopher is underdeveloped, while the unoriginal Plummer), as the result of a bet lost romantic subplot takes center stage.

Although the plot has its high before she was even conceived.

As the date of her departure grows points, more attention to the wager and· nearer, Parnassus scrambles to win his less to Tony and the trouble he brings daughter back through another wager would have made it better. The ending . is also sloppy, tying up loose ends but with Mr. Nick.

Complications arise when a providing no real sense of conclusion.

Despite the mediocrity of the plot, mysterious stranger, Tony (played the film is aesthetically captivating. mainly by the late Heath Ledger, and also by ' Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell The best scenes occur when characters and Jude Law), appears, causing enter the Imaginarium, a realm hostility. A love triangle forms between produced when Dr. Parnassus is in a Tony, Valentina, and Anton (Andrew trance, where fantasy becomes reality.

Garfield), a member of Parnassus's The special effects used to produce the Imaginarium are among the traveling sideshow.

The film's first flaw lies in its most engaging aspects of the movie. characters, few of whom have any Additionally, the costumes, designed depth. It is clear from the beginning by Monique Prudhomme, are quirky that Tony is little more than a typical and dazzling.

The occasional humor, both subtle villain.Although Percy (VerneTroyer), . and obvious, also serves to help make another member of the troupe, acts as up for the flawed plot. an advisor, his main role is providing The skill ofthe actors, the creativity comic relief.

Valentina is an unappreciative brat . of the original premise and visual who does not deserve the affections appeal sadly cannot compensate for a of Anton. It is hard for the audience bad script. The Imaginarium ofDoctor to hope that she will be saved from Parnassus does not fulfill its potential.

Guy Ritchie 's remastering of the classic Sherlock Holmes has an all-star cast, realistic 1890s London sets and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic hero to fall back on. .But this modernized interpretation lacks the cohesiveness and charm of the original Sherlock Holmes story.

This so-called mystery is formulaic, . with all the elements of a Dan Brown novel: secret cults, black magic and, of course, a spunky femme fatale (Rachel McAdams).

In Doyle's classic mysteries, Holmes notices minute details which eventually add up to a brilliant solution.

The movie, however, chooses to focus on the macro: fight scenes, explosions and a shirtless Robert Downey Jr. The story begins with the last case Holmes and Watson will undertake together. It involves the creepy Lord Blackwell (Mark Strong), who has been sacrificing young women left and right in weird occult ceremonies complete with Latin mumblings and shadowy hooded onlookers.

Of course, Holmes swoops in with the help of trusty Watson. They beat up some thuggish fellows and save a convulsing maiden from Lord Blackwell's grasp. Blackwell is arrested and hung, but somehow he rises from the dead.

Needless to say, Blackwell has a master .plan to take over the world using the dark arts. This is a lucky occurrence for Holmes (engagingly played by Robert Downey Jr.), who has been going stir-crazy without a

He's also distraught becaus Watson (Jude Law) is retiring from th business to get married. The two ar reunited and subsequently run arounc beat .uP some more brutes twice thei size, survive some fiery explosions and save the femme fatale .

Blackwell's master plan is finall' thwarted, but a larger scheme i revealed, creating an opportunity for blockbuster sequel.

This . reimagining of SherlocJ Holmes as an action-hero wil disappoint anyone familiar with th. timeless detective. The less you thinJ about the fact that this is suppose. to be Sherlock Holmes, the bette Sherlock Holmes is. If only this movi had abandoned any pretense of beinj based on Doyle's classic mysteries!

This modem Holmes is virtuall: unrecognizable, utilizing that famou intelligence in a more physical and les cerebral, psychological way. In figh sequences, Holmes' plan of attack i described and acted out in slow motion then reenacted in real time. The resul may be entertaining for action fans, bu comes off as stupid for the rest of us.

What redeems Sherlock Holmes i: the old-fashioned chemistry betweei Watson and Holmes, which Law am Downey portray very well.

Robert Downey Jr. is unmistakablj the star, able to counter the formulaii plot and reclaim some of the eccentri: authority of the classic character His performance almost redeems thr commercial liberties taken by directo Ritchie, which was not an easy task.

Burton exhibit at MoMA offers insight into 'weird, macabre' world

by Emma Court The moment you walk down the red carpet, through a gigantic mouth lined with razor-sharp teeth, and into a long black-and-white striped hallway, you enter the weird and macabre world of Tim Burton, the artist and movie producer whose work is on display at . the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

The first things you see are television screens playing episodes of Burton's Internet series The World of Stainboy, in which a mutant superhero with the power to create stains enforces justice.

In the next blacklit room, pictures of monsters glow eerily; in the corner, a carousel with levels of monsters and eyeballs rotates slowly. . Past these " rooms is the main gallery, mostly housing hundreds of Burton's drawings, with an occasional sculpture or painting.

Even if ' you don't know much about Tim Burton, these scribbles and doodles are a veritable porthole into his subterranean world. Sketches clearly reflect an unhappy childhood in Burbank, California, depicting

woman with his eyes, since those eyes museum will also show films tha have sprouted little creepy hands. influenced Burton's artistic style. Tlu Another drawing depicts two Burton exhibit extends onto several 0 people who are "enjoying each other:' the museum's floors. It includes a huge as each munches on the other's limbs. deer topiary, a sculpture of "Balloor Notes from an unfinished project called Boy" in the lobby, and Burton't "Robot Boy" say that the character was photographs. the product of "an unholy alliance, a Although the curators of the Isexual encounter with a kitchen exhibit were given full reign with ( appliance." . vast collection of TIm Burton's worl Another room is dedicated to choose from, they were unable to replicas and props from to transform it into any more than ( his movies: models of Victor sideshow.

Van Dort and Emily They chose to emphasize the from Corpse Bride, a weird, macabre and creepy to draw , Catwoman suit, the crowds. It worked: despite having tc 1. razors from Sweeney jump through an array of hoops to ge Todd, and loads ofmovie tickets for specific time slots, there an ' - posters. But the more so many people inside that you fee interesting treasures cramped and rushed. are the personal touches: The exhibit is worth seeing because sketches oncocktail napkins, there's just so much to experience notes from his classes at but the crowded conditions make i California Institute of the impossible to maintain interest forman ' ..Arts, and a letter to Johnny than an hour. Had Burton's work beer . Depp adding a line to the movie more imaginatively arranged and hac Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. crowd control been more effectively The MoMa is also hosting enforced, the exhibit would have beer named Sue and John, who "like to screenings of some of Burton's most more enjoyable.

The exhibition runs until April 26, hold hands." In true notable film projects, both released Tim Burton style, and unreleased. Burton has written, Tickets are required for entrance, which those hands are directed, or produced famous films can be bought at bttp.z/www.moma.org. such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands, visit/calendar/tickets. Children 16 and dismembered.

In another The Nightmare Before Christmas, under are admitted for free, students cartoon, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, for $12 and adults for $20. man literally Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The artwo r k by Tim Burton; printed with per mission of MoMA undresses a Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The

small, flat houses that 'all look alike, parents who are picture-perfect from the waist up, but with horrible and bulbous bottom halves, and a jack-inthe-box from which a machine-gunholding soldier pops out.

Childhood fears run throughout his work: claustrophobia, torture and monsters are constant themes. Burton has an impressive ability to repeatedly explore the same themes in new and creative ways. r His particular brand of • dark humor is apparent in cartoons; one ' portrays . a couple

I

Th~

Classic

January 2010

Environment conference

,

.

provokes mixed reactions Green' clothescome into

by Eunice Lau Almost 200 coUntries . gathered at the Copenhagen Conference in December to discuss how to battle global warming .

After 11 days of discussion in Copenhagen, Denmark , President Obama and leaders from China, India, South Africa, and Brazil drew up a plan ofaction. Theiragreement did not bind countries to an official international treaty to combat climate change.

The treaty has been slow to receive much approval or enthusiasm, especially from Europe and smaller countries that were left out of the major negotiations. Most environmental groups and the general public concerned with the environment were also disappointed with the treaty's failure to set a firm goal towards ending global warming.

Still, Townsend Harris environmentalists have not lost hope.

"I think Copenhagen was a good start," said senior Meng Zhu, treasurer of the Students for the Preservation of the Earth (SPE). "I'm not sure how much more could have been done realistically at one conference. Hopefully, the foot-in-the-door phenomenon will work here; future talks will hopefully go more smoothly."

SPE president Rachel Rosengard, senior, is not totally pleased with the outcome ofthe conference. "I just wish there had been a more concrete plan or set of guidelines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," she said. However, she also felt that Copenhagen was a necessary step.

The agreement encourages nations to make their own decisions to fight the causes and effects of global warming.

According to .the treaty, developed countries will offer $10 billion per year for a three-year program to help fund developing nations' plans to battle drought, floods, and other natural disasters caused by climate change . The money would also help developing countries acquire clean energy. Additionally, the treaty specifies plans to limit the rise of the global temperature to two degrees by 2050.

Biology teacher Shi Bing Shen, who has also taught an Environmental Science class at Harris, praised this last initiative. "[Two degrees] may sound small, but can stop major changes," she said.

American History and Governme nt teacher Franco Scardino stressed America 's role in any global climate negotiations. "We are still the

world's largest economy, and certainly the largest consumer of fossil fuels," he said.

Regarding America 's own approach to the environmental problem, he said, "I think the President needs to propose a new Energy Initiative for the USA that includes solar and wind energy alternatives .

This must be done on a large scale and with the full support of the federal government.

Not only will this reduce our dependence on foreign oil; but it will help the environment and create many new jobs and industries in the USA." .In order to give the climate talks a boost, French President Nicolas Sarkozy invited the 28 countrie s that signed the accord to a meeting in the spring of 2010. The meeting is planned to encourage countries to cut their gas emissions by 50% by 2050. There is another international climate control conference planned for November 20 10 in Mexico City.

"The attendance of over a hundred world leaders at Co p enha g e n showed that cl i mate change is real," said Meng. noting that some s c ie n t i s t s still deny the theory of global warming. " T he conference also shows that leaders are concerned about the topic," she added.

English teacher Debra Michlewitz, who has taught an elective about . the environment, said that classes should discuss the issue of global warming more often.

"It's a matter of our health , the planet's health , and survival," she said. "Schools need to create an educated citizenry so that we have voters who understand the facts and issues."

by Kristina Rodulfo Walking down the hallway, you spot "Go Green," "Save Our Planet" or recycle signs displayed across bags, shirts, and other apparel.

These produ cts come from the "Gre en Movement" gearing the fashion industry towards more environmentally friendly consumers. A wide array of products claim to be "eco-friendly," but with such labels being tossed around, some buyers are beginning to question the credibility of "green" fashion.

Eco-friendly apparel comes in a broad variety.

Organic cotton jeans, for example, are sold unwashed to save energy. Fabrics made from hemp are advertised as pestici de-free. Canvas bags claim to be 100% recyclable.

More and more products are now "biodegradable, ca rbon

n e utr a l or made from sustainable materials," according to an article from the New York Times.

Effectiveness The effectiveness of "green" clothing in creating a Sources: Broder, John M. "Many Goals better environment is not from Remain Unmet in 5 Nations' the clothing itself, according to Climate Deal." The New York several students. The apparel Times. Web. 29 Dec. 2009. does a j ob ofraising awareness "Copenhagen was more than the about the environmental accord-COP15 United Nations issues.

Climate Change Conference Sophomore Dishaw Copenhagen 2009." Web. 29 Holiprosad said that "green" Dec. 2009. apparel "opens your eyes to "France to reboost climate see green everywhere," while momentum." COP15 United senior Elizabeth Kussman Nations Climate Change feels "it's definitely effective Conference Copenhagen 2009. because.. .it's the perfect way Web. 29 Dec. 2009.

Vulnerable nations at Copenhagen to reach out to youth." summit reject 2C target." The However, junior Anne Bae Guardian. Web. 29 Dec. 2009.

doubted the effect of "green" clothing. "I don't think it always helps . It helps promote .advertis ing, but [people] don't take action," she said.

Truly Green?

There have been speculations about what is truly "green" or not in clothing.

For instance, hemp fabrics are usually softened by using chemical treatments that cause pollution.

Soy clothing may have a milder impact on the environment, but they last for a shorter period of time, and therefore require being replaced more often, ultimately costing more. Organic cotton is not always used pure, and actually can also be chemically treated or printed with toxic dyes, yet still labeled organic.

In one holiday catalog of Barney's from 2007, a dress made 0 f

fashion

an unnecessary price to pay. "I don' t think it's worth it; they should lower the prices," said junior Sophia Jin. However, senior Ayumi Kamio notes that the price is . understandable so long as "the money goes towards helping plant tress or something, and if it's not just for the store." .

With prices at the higher end, the motives of companies producing "gree n" clothing may become questionable. In a New York Times article, Paul Hawken , an environmental activist, accused the news media and marketers of using environmentalism as a fashion statement and being distracting to more serious issues.

Trend or Commitment?

"I don't think they [who wear 'green' clothing ] actually support it ['going green]. It's for the trend," Anne said.

Elizabeth said, "I think 'green' fashion began as an honest valued effort, but has definitely taken off into somewhat of a marketing strategy. Still, if it' s helping the environment, why not?"

In this generation of increased e n v i ro nmen ta l aw aren ess and "gre en" ini ti at i v e s, fashion has made its effort in introducing ecofriendly products.

As designers catch on and use "green" as a fashion staple, ambiguous claims plus high prices have helped many classify "green" fashion as more a trend than a significant contributor to the eco-friendly effort. • i '" Ultimately, the smartest way to go "green" with clothing, is. to consume less.

.."

"recycled fabric" was actually created out of unused leftover couture textiles . Its advertised price was $7,600, a figure that raises another aspect of "green" clothing: pnce.

Price Often, eco-friendly clothes are more expensive than regular clothes. Organic cotton Levi's are $245, a canvas shopping tote also from Barney's was $1,065 , and two pairs of soy underwear from Macy's are $24.

Some students feel this is

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Sources: Williams, Alex. "That Noise in Your Ear May Be Green Noise." The New York Times. Web. 15 June 2007.

Wilson, Eric: "A World Consumed by Guilt." The New York Times. Web. 13 Dec. 2007.

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8--The Classic

January 2010

Winter Concert gets fourth band repeat performance

by L or y Martinez The annual Winter Con cert brought holiday cheer through classic songs as well as a blast from the past. Performed on the night of December 17 and repeated in a shortened version on December 22 during the school day, it showcased the musical talent of the Jazz, Interme diate and Concert Bands and the Chamber Ensemble.

Principal Kenneth Bonamo arranged for the fourth . band performance to allow the concert to be enjoyed by all.

The concerts were organized by Lisa Mars, Assistant Principal of Music and Art. During the night concert, members of the Intermediate/ Band wore Santa Hats to keep in tune with the holiday spirit.

Both concerts began with conductor Peter Lustig leading the Intermediate Band in "The Star Spangled Banner."

The Jazz Band, also led by Mr. Lustig , performed "Manteca," witli a slew of solos by band members who donned T-shirts that read, "Play that funky music THHS." "The [fourth band] concert was really good. It was surprising to see how .good the students in the bands were.

The Jazz Band's performance .was definitely my favorite part," said freshman Anthony

Kissoon .

"I love how they accessorize!" said junior Juliet Prieto.

The night concert included two more pieces by the Jazz Band: "Woodchopper's Ball" and Gershwin 's "The Man I Love" with senior vocalist Reisha Cadelina.

Junior Ashley Lecaro, who attended both concerts, said, "Going to the night concert was definitely a great experience. Reis ha Cadelina was amazing. I had her song stuck in my head all night. The school concert may have been shorter, but it was still" amazing."

The Chamber Ensemble, led by Dr. Mariko Sato, followed the Jazz Band with its rendition of "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music.

"I feel that the Winter Concert exemplified all of the hard work and dedication we put into the music and I'm looking forward to performing all of our new pieces in the future," said senior chamber singer Joey Spitaleri.

Sophomore Ariella Wagner, another chamber singer, said, "It was my first time performing in front of the school and I was really excited. So it made the whole experience

amazing. I hope we get to have another in-school concert."

The final group to perform was the Concert Band, led

by Mr. Lustig. They played "Themes from the Nutcracker" and "The Eighties."

The second piece, which included 80 's hits like Madonna's "Material Girl" and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," was the longest Mr. Lustig had done in his 17 years teaching at Harris. Ten minutes long, the l6-song medley was practiced by the band since early September.

Alto sax player Edwin Rosendo, junior, said, "Playing the 80's was so much fun; we spent so much time practicing, it was great to see how it all turned out. When you practice for so long, what you really want to see is the audience's reaction and it was great."

Mr. Lustig was impressed at how smoothly everything went. "The 80s was very satisfying; so much could've gone wro ng. It felt good," he said.

Sophomore Ava Ahmadbeigi said, "It was grooving!"

Another sophomore, Sugam Manocha, added, "The students are really talented."

Mr. Lustig summarized the event, saying, "The performances were excellent as always."

"

My Life is Townsend Life is Stressful Today Today, I saw a movie poster on a bus for the movie Invictus. I pretended that it was a masculine Latin word and started decl ining it in my head.

MLiT.

The Intermediate Band wears Santa hats as part of the holiday season at the Winter Concert on December 17.

Phoenix celebrates holidays with festive poetry reading

by Elizabeth Kussman The Phoenix kicked off the holiday season with a celebratory poetry reading in the library on December 18.

After decorating the space with colorful streamers to add to the cheer, Phoenix editors Clare Mao, Angie Dylgeri, and Izzy O'Campo extended a warm welcome to all.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, sophomore Laurie Beckoff read Adam Sandler's

to her friend, Clare.

"It felt great to finally read something. And it's something I'm really glad I did," said Yena. "I think the Phoenix Poetry Readings are a great part of Townsend Harris."

While some poems strayed from the festive theme, the mood remained cheerful as people spoke, read, and even sang .

Senior Daniel Pecoraro. who performed "The Holidays

Today, Mr. Martinez gave us a test. One of the sentences we had to trans late to Spanish was, "The dead man has been lying under the stairs for years."

I'm concerned. MLiT. I'm sitting in the THHS library right now, and there are six people surrounding the computer next to me, yelli ng enthusiatically. They are playing a geography game. MLi T. Whe n I used to think about "Nirva na," I thought of a really awesome band.

Now I picture a man reaching enlightenment in the 5th century. MLi T Today, I saw wall posts in my Facebook newsfeed compl imenting people on how their physics data formed a perfect hyperbola. MLi T. Today, Ms. Bakst gave a math test. Half the class is sure that it failed. MLiT. . While on the ride home from schoo l on the day before winter break , all I could think about was how I didn't have enoug h time to study for the three tests I had whe n school started. MLiT. The last day before vacation, I lost my 10. I pretended not to be upset in front of my friends, but inside I was freaking out. I was yelled at on the first day of schoo l. MLiT. Today, I almost got two demerits foreatinq crackers in the hallway. And I was facing North at the time. Double felo ny! MLi T. On last night's Jersey Shore, everyone went to Atla ntic City, and partied at a club called Provide nce. My immediate thought? Huck Finn. MLiT

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Phoenix staff memb ers pose for a poster inviting people to a poetry reading.

humorous "Chanukah Song Part Three."

Senior Ilona Abrams, known at the readings for referencing the movie Mean Girls, performed the Mathlete Rap. Senior Lindsay Sovem contributed to the light mood with her reading ofTaylor Mali's "I Cou ld be a Poet," which poked fun at the overly pretentious work of some writers.

Yena Purm asir expos ed the touching side of friendship with her heart-felt orig inal work called "Seventeen is Bittersweet," which she dedicated

are Here (and We' re Still at War)" by Brett Dennen, said, "The reading went well . Some great poetry, including some original poetry, was read , and the theme was interesting."

"However, I was disheartened to see that very few people came out. . ..Hopefully, for the next couple of read ings, we can get some new attendees and some new readers," he contined.

"Next time, tell your friends to come!" he said. "It is really so worthwhile," said advisor Rafal Olechowski.

The Classic January 2010

Students dress as characters from Jersey Shore for 'Guido Friday' whose outfit was inspired by lyn McCarthy, entitled "Guido Friday: It's Gonna Be a Situ- that some groups find demeanby Pearl Bhatnagar ation." It drew in 67 ing," said senior Arthur Tarley, As classical music reso- cast member Pauly confirmed guests from who did not participate in the nated through the halls on D. event. the school.

January 8, a throng of students Jersey Shore He felt Guido Friday was decked in Ed Hardy gear saun- averages 3.6 million "It was just an opviewers per night, portunity to be silly. It politically incorect."Although tered to class.

Two seniors had declared according to the was nice to see a large there were no unsavory mothat day "Guido Friday" and Nielsen ratings. The group of people (most- tives from students, the day ly seniors) united by could have just as easily been encouraged Harrisites to dress characters' portrayal one common, if dumb, called Jersey Shore Friday," he as their favorite characters of typical "guido" said. ' from the MTV reality show, behavior seems to be theme," she said.

"Guido Friday was not the driving force be"The purpose of Jersey Shore.

Guido Friday was to meant to offend anybody, and The popular television hind its popularity. take something a lot I hope people can understand ' "It has to do series chronicles the lives of of us enjoy and just be we weren't mocking any speeight self-professed "guidos" with a specific style creative with it," said cific nationality, but rather, sharing a beach house in New and culture in which fools on a reality television people fist-pump, gel Izzy.

Jersey.

Many groups are show," said Lindsay.

"I watch Jersey Shore for their hair, and fakeLiz agreed. "I grew up offended by MTV's laughs. I was shocked and tan to the point of portrayal of the mostly with an Italian background said amused to discover that people combustion," Italian-American and I am not at all offended like that actually exist, outside Lindsay.

To Liz Kussman, cast. These groups by Guido Friday. Maybe in the of fiction," said senior Lindsay Sovem, coordinator of the senior, a "guido" is ; want Jersey Shore to past the term 'guido' was de"someone very into ~ be pulled off the air rogatory. Now it just has to do event.

Lindsay used a black themselves and their ~ for reinforcing nega- with a certain type of person and has very little to do with marker to sketch a six-pack looks, who would tive stereotypes. on a plain white t-shirt. She go overboard to look 'a "I know several nationality," she said.

Students may have anothsought inspiration from body- good [with] a lot ~ Italian-American builder Mike "The Situation." of makeup or hair ~ organizations have er opportunity to spray-tan and _ "I'm a huge fan of Jersey [spray] or tanning." ~ been offended by the dress in track suits.

"We're considering anothLindsay had j use of the word 'guiShore, but only in that it is ~ do' on Jersey Shore er Guido ' Friday to celebrate completely ridiculous and just created a Faceone of those things to laugh book event with her SeniorsDino Kiritikos and Liz Kussman dressed as charand I think we need the finale of Jersey Shore," at," said senior Izzy Barreiro, friend, senior Kel- acters from Jersey Shore for Guido Friday. to avoid using words Lindsay said.

:5

'Are You Smarter than a Harrisite?' raises over $2,700 for African well Solomon and Susan Getting the event worthwhile. It made the host was looking for his then approved the trivia. When me appreciate how lucky we answer sheet."

Sherry and the other students tested the questions, she' was surprised that "we didn't really know them [the answers] too well."

The teams of teachers were organized with at least one English and l:: one history teacher :! ..:.:'" per team, so that Q Q they would be fairly of... equal. ....Q~ There were three >. rounds in the game, ~::: with an intermiss ion .,Q in between. The sec.sQ .cl ond round was Dou~ ble Jeopardy! and all the questions were Teachers compete against each other in a Jeopardy/-style game show to raise money to worth double. fund a $5,000 well for a village in Africa.

In, Final JeopSophomore Maricel Fee ardy, teams wagered an are to have clean water."

Students were also im- wasn't bothered by the techamount of their choice arid answered one ques- pressed by Principal Kenneth nical glitches, and called the Bonamo's knowledge of text- event "very organized." tion.

Maricel was "glad that During the in- messaging. He called himself termission, students a "mad texter," as he answered Townsend Harris is putting so watched an information- all of the questions in that cat- much effort into giving back to the world." al video produced by egory.

Junior Elaiza Santos said charity:water and starAfter the trivia show, sering Jennifer Connelly. niors Shayna DeFlor, Saeed this event impressed on her the It showed New Yorkers Bhuiyan, and David Rodri- need to do more charity work, going down to Central guez, membe rs of the band because "if we could do this Park and filling yellow This Side of Eterniy, per- well with charity: water, then _ _. __ .; â&#x20AC;˘ . ,_ . . jerry cans with dirty wa- formed four songs. we should advocate for more English teacher Judy Diener, part ofteam Yellow Lions, answers a question to win ter which Connelly then Student responses to the charit ies and look into more points in "Are You Smarter than a Harrisite?" , d 10 . tc0 gulasses f event were mixed. Junior Philip causes." poure asses lor A second event will take Kim said the fundraiser didn't her children .

Senior Natalia Sty- live up to his expectations, as place in the spring to raise the prised that Dr. Colakis owned Text Messaging," and "Starts pulkowski said that the video "it looked very unorganized; remainder of the money necesthe entire game, because she's with Feb, Trebek!"

Assistant Principals Janet . "was really effective; it made there were some points where sary to build the well. the Queen of Trivia. I want to

congratulate her because she's

by Emma Court The fundraising event"Are going to be in the actual JeopYou Smarter than a Harrisite?" ardy! show."

"Considering that it was held December 29 in the auditorium, raised over $2,700 our first event, it went pretty towards funding a $5,000 well well," said senior Sherry Lefor a village in Africa, which ung, one of the event's orgawill provide over 250 people nizers.

Co-hosts Giovanni Barcewith clean drinking water.

This Jeopardy!-style game nes and Jerry Yang, Coordinashow pitted teachers against tor ofStudentActivities Aleeza each other as part of Harris's Widman, and President of the year-long charity project, whi- Trivia and Knowledge Club he was adopted in conjunction Daniel Pecoraro also played important roles. with the group charity: water.

Daniel hand-picked all of The winning team was the Pink Panthers, comprised of the trivia that was used for the English teacher Robert Bab- event, using the J!Archive onstock, foreign language teacher line, which catalogues every Marianthe Colakis, guidance Jeopardy! game. The game feacounselor Jonathan Hirsch, tured such categories as "Just and history teacher Maureen Desserts," "Alfred Hitchcock Movies," "Townsend Harris Lonergan.

Giovanni "wasn't sur- High School," "One-Button '

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10

The Classic January 2010

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For students who have read The Odyssey, the Classic is p leased to bring you a new discovery: "-

The Odyssey: The Lost Chapter

by Nasrin Ahmed Sing to me of the creature, Muse, the creature of magic and monstrosity driven time and again to keep students on course, though all it did . was plunder their mines of knowledge.

Many schools of students it saw and destroyed their minds, many pains it caused, large and looming in the middle of the room, enticing students and teachers alike only to overpower them with its blinding light.

It blinded the learned and the learners; With its magic buttons it caused disaster.

Their recklessness in using the magic buttons and colored sticks destroyed them all.

The god Principal should blot out its very existence.

Launch out on its story, Muse, daughter of Zeus.

.............~

When Odysseus first reached their land, the one-eyed, unfriendly, unaccepting Cyclopes had never been off their beloved territory. The Cyclops Smartigus was the first of few to ever venture off the island.

Smartigus was one of a kind. Compared to the other Cyclops who were bumbling idiots, Smartigus could be considered intelligent. The other Cyclopes ostracized him and so he took up a hobby: swimming.

On the fateful day that our hero Odysseus was battling his wits against Polyphemus, Smartigus was out for a swim. Smartigus came upon Odysseus's ships, which were anchored far from the island. Intrigued, Smartigus climbed on board the largest one. He had no idea what he stood on, for he had never seen such a thing.

While tinkering with the ship, Smartigus heard the approach of Odysseus and his men. Fearing the worst, he quickly went below deck to hide.

He had no idea that the ship would start moving. As it sailed forward , he heard the men talk of their success in fooling Polyphemus. Smartigus silently chuckled to himself, for he had met Polyphemus and found him to be the epitome of the village dunce. His chuckles abruptly ended, however, when he realized the danger he was in. He formulated a plan where he would jump off of the ship as soon as they neared an island.

Soon, he heard the song of the Siren and knew that this was his chance.

Since Cyclopes were not ordinary men, the song of the Sirens could not force him to his doom, but nonetheless his attraction to the song was overpowering. Smartigus snuck up on deck from his hiding place, jumped off the boat and swam for the shore.

On the island, Smartigus fell in love with a Siren who went by the name ofBoardian. They consummated their relationship and had a son who looked just like Smartigus. They named him Smart Board, after both his parents.

Coming from two different worlds, Smart fit in nowhere. The Sirens, a cliquey group, refused him entrance into their society. He was constantly mocked and ridiculed. One day when Smart Board could no longer take it, he packed his bags and left the island.

For years, Smart Board traveled the world trying to find his place. . Luckily he had inherited his father's love of swimming and he swam from island to island.At one particular island, he was offered a job on a boat after the captain saw that he was hard working, odd though he may have looked.

Finding seamen much more accepting than the Sirens he had left, Smart decided to take the job.

It was on this boat that Smart first heard about the City OfLights. It was rumored that everything and everyone was accepted in the City of Lights, so he wouldn't feel odd with his one gaping eye and seductive gaze. It was also said that one's fortune could easily be made in the City of Lights.

Smart made it to this astounding city, where his cunning and ruthlessness got him to the top. He soon became the favorite of a powerful board called the Department of Education. Here he was promoted and was soon in position where he could influence the minds of thousands....

a

The students entered the dark, dingy room. They would be taking their lessons from one of the strictest teachers at one of the most prestigious schools. As they took their seats on the benches, a large shadow of a creature loomed above them, giving them all goose bumps.

"It is time," the teacher said.The feared gods who sat on Mount Education had designated this time to make use of their new favorite - Smart Board himself. .He looked like his father, the Cyclops, with his one large eye, big, bulky exterior and thick arms. He acted in the manner of his seductress mother, the Siren.

His light was blinding, but many fell trap to it and could not tear their eyes away. His gaze held them in its death grip and slowly tortured their brains into a mush not fit for Hades in Hell. . The song of the lyre marked the end of class. Students and teachers alike walked out in a daze, their brains numbed and their time stolen by Smart Board.

Senior helps mayor drop ball to mark coming of New Year ."It definitely improved my spirby Rebecca Suzuki As the countdown to 2010 began, its and proved to me that even in dark senior Jeannette Raymond stood in the times things can turn around for the heart of Times Square, her hands on better," she said.

"When I was there in Times Square, topof'the crystal ball button along with I felt very overwhelmed, but in a good Mayor Michael Bloomberg and 11 othway. .I was so excited, anxious and at er students.

These 12 students represented the the same time pensive. It was very biNew York City public schools included ' zarre because I was looking forward in US News and WorldReport's top 100 to the evening's festivities and waiting [for the actual ball drop], and also American high schools.

When the countdown number hit looking back on the events of 2009," "one," all of them pressed the button she said.

Jeannette enjoyed the evening perand watched the l2-foot crystal sphere descend upon the millions of people formances the most, especially since from around the world who gathered at she was able to share them with her two guests, who were her close friends Times Square to mark the New Year.

"I was completely shocked and from outside of school.

"I loved seeing how excited they speechless [when I learned that I would . represent Harris]. The joy and happi- were and just being around them, beness I felt was tremendous. Thankful cause they play an important role in my is nothing compared to the way I felt at life," she said.

When the time came to finally press that moment." she said.

Jeannette was chosen by the fac- the button, Jeannette and the other stuulty and students because of her in- dents lined up next to it and in front of volvement in the school through her the cameras.

"It 's nothing like the 'Easy Button' role as Senior Vice President as well as participation in other extracurricular . that's for sure. It's a little bigger than a activities. Outside of school, Jeannette soccer ball, lit up and covered in crysjuggles a job and cares for her sick tals, and was very easy to push," she mother. She also recently had to deal said.

"Usually, only famous people get with the loss of her father.

Her experience !at Times Square to do it-not many [average] people "helped bring 2010 in an amazing note, get to have this opportunity, so I feelextremely grateful," she said. which helps more than anything."

Art exhibition impresses viewers . by Rebecca Suzuki Paintings, pastel and charcoal drawings, and photographs filled the lobby on December 14 with the start of the annual art show. The works submitted by members of the Art Club, Photography Club, and art classes were displayed in the usually empty second floor lobby until December 23.

Art teachers Stu Yellin and Margherita Wischerth helped set up this event.

"I was very impressed by the quality of work in the Townsend Harris students," said Mr. Yellin. "I would hear students looking at the art work

and hear comments such as 'wow, that's good,' and it put a smile on my face."

Artists spent more than a month preparing for the exhibition. "This year's art show was very successful because we received many submissions, and we were pleased to hear all the compliments people made about everyone's artwork," said Art Club Vice President Inti Rojanasopondist.

The art show did not have a set theme this year. Inti stated that it was more focused on "being able to showcase the work from students in the different art classes and clubs."

New machine allows students to donate more blood to drive

by Chandi Ghuman When the opportunity to help save lives arose, many Harrisites jumped straight into action, donating blood to the New York Blood Center on January 8 in the auditorium.

Professionals from the Long Island Blood Services (LIBS) assisted each student as they each gave a pint of blood. More than 55 people partici pated in the blood drive.

It took around 10-12 minutes for the trained professionals to obtain the blood from each student. Afterwards, students were provided with food, as they were given the option to sit, eat and relax.

"With the use of the new Alyx machine," said Coordinator of Student Activities Aleeza Widman, "twice the

numbers of red blood cells are taken," she said.

Blood consists of red cells, plasmas, and platelets, but the ALYX machine specifically collects red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential components that are most needed , as . they can determine the difference between life and death for victims. By using the ALYX, twice the amount of blood is donated. J Teachers also JParticipated in the blood drive. Physical Education teacher Lauren Caiaccia said, "It felt great!\ It's ;the first time I ever donated, and Ms. Assante, who had also donated, motivated me."

To donate blood, students must be at least 16 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 lbs, and have parental consent.

VI

The Classic ·

11.

January 2010

Admlnlstratlori's decision to man-a-afe finals meets c.ontroversy continued from pg l ' of the exam before teachers created it.

"I feel bad that people felt they Ms. Mars also said that rather than were excluded from the decision, but having teachers revise the exams, she I felt that in order to make it happen discussed them with the teachers. it had to be done rather quickly," he "There was minimal revision in continued. the math and science exams," said The Classic conducted an Susan Brustein, Assistant Principal anonymous survey of teachers in early of Math, .Science, and Technology.

January that revealed varied feelings "Guidelines were created and rubrics .about the new policy. for the exams were distributed." . A teacher felt the exams would The required length for exams is ensure that "everyone ~ill cover the 90 minutes. same topics before classes switch "The idea was that it would be around. Students will have to review one-half the length of a Regents half-way through the year, and not wait exam (which is three hours), since until June to catch up on work from half the curriculum has been taught October." . in January; and two, long enough to "For teachers, it's an excellent allow teachers to provide a number and way to see the overall progress of their variety of test items (multiple choice, students ....For students, the finals make essay, etc.) to reflect the format of the them think about the material from the culminating exams in June," said Mr. beginning of the year now, rather than Bonamo. waiting until June when sometimes it The administration did not require is too late for students to go back and uniform exams; although they are relearn topics they forgot," said a math a long-term goal for the future, a teacher. uniform time schedule was considered Otherteacherswereagainstthenew a greater priority. According to Mr. policy. "While periodic assessments are Bonamo, roughly 75-80% teachers necessary for every teacher, these finals opted to collaborate with others in the are not a particularly helpful teaching department to create one standard exam tool as they take place after the class is for their subject. over," an English teacher said. "Ergo, Uniform exams were created in I can 't review things students didn 't all of the Regents level courses in the 'understand or use it as a determining science and math classes. factor in what to teach next. If that's "I believe uniform final exams' so, what is the point? Are we simply ensure that, at minimum, students in all falling in line with the model of high classes learn agreed-upon core material , stakes testing? This creates undue while leaving room for teachers to . stress for both students and teacher s," provide enrichment in areas they feel the teacher continued. are important or are passionate about "Mandating finals is just another teaching," said Ms. Brustein. way of playing into this .'" testinf ' 'society, . • fatnef" ~- 'The new policy makes sure that than...a learning environm~nt. one person doesn't have a million Students are always studying ' . • , orpreparing for the next final s crammed mto one day. test rather than given the opportunity to learn and enjoy "In second semester, teachers learning," wrote a teacher. are often receiving students from "I am against it. Students will not other classes. Uniform finals allow get their exams back. In addition, there teachers to have an understand ing of is no plan that I am aware of to have a the knowledge level of students that student make up an exam if they miss it are coming into their classes," she continued. due to illness," a teacher said. .

Since material covered can vary Several teachers stated that they were unhappy aboutthe implementation amongst classes, som.e teachers are not of the policy. testing students on the actual material "There were no instructions itself. . regarding format [prior] to collection "It won't cover the texts we've of the exams by administrators. Then, read. It will cover the skills we've teachers were told to revise their exams! attempted to instill in our students," It resulted in a lot of time wasted and said an English teacher about the exam needless work on the part of teachers," for one course. one teacher complained.

"All three of the teachers in my "My supervisor has changed her subject area and grade level are giving mind and instructions at least three the same exam; however, only two times. There appears to have been no of us worked on creating the exam. I prior planning. The indecision has been wanted to be part of creating the .test intensely annoying and a massive waste to ensure that my students will take a of time," another teacher commented. fair test, based on what was covered in Susan Getting, Assistant Principal my class. On one hand, a uniform final of Humanities, said she only asked one forces all teachers to reach a certain teacher to revise an exam and change point in the curriculum by the end of it from all multiple-choice questions to the semeste~, which is a good thing. include questions that required writing On the other hand, I could have gone a thorough response . further in the curriculum, which would "The first time you do anything, it's benefit students, but I saw no point since always uncomfortable for everybody. I students would only be tested through a always say it's a learning experience," specific point in the curriculum on the she said. uniform final," a teacher commented.

Assistant Principal of Languages As with the teachers, student Other than English, Music and Art Lisa opinion also varied about the new Mars said that she held four to five policy. meetings in her department outlining "Most of the student feedback what should be included in each section I have gotten is positive," said Mr.

Bonamo. "Randomly, a kid stopped me in the hallway and said, 'I'm so glad about the finals week.' I said, 'Are you being funny?'He said, 'NQ, now I know I'll only have two exams aday.'

He was relieved. I think that's the big

take a 90-minute exam, but it's got be better than cramming and stressing over it while trying to manage homework for other classes as well," said senior TasniaAhamed.

Most students interviewed, though, felt differently.

'Mandating finals is j ust "I hate it! I think the finals are h f ulavina l completely unfair because we deserve anot er way 0 p aytng Into a break too; we work harder than all thistestingsociety, ratherthan of the other schools combined," said a learning environment.' freshman Adona Pjetergjoka.

"I am only a freshman and exhausted from schoolwork. We gain for kids. Even though it obligates need a break! Give us a break! We work them to come to school more than hard all the time; be nice," pleaded they would have under the old regular freshman Susana Mollick. schedule, I think that it creates some Junior Anitra Singh said, "I would sanity in terms of what the testing load rather have classes than finals because is for them ."

I don't mind (coming to school, but I Senior Daniel Pecoraro likes the really don'twant to take six cumulative idea of taking finals during Regents finals." week, but has problems with the "Kids have friends at Bronx [High implementation of the policy. "While School of] Science and Stuyvesant for some classes (e.g. AP History or [High School] and they know that this Math classes), it will be a necessary [giving final exams 'during Regents skill to answer a large amount of week]is exactlywhattheydo.Whenyou questions in a short amount of time, make an investment in your education for other classes (e.g. English), it is and come to a highly selective school very difficult to write up a 90-minute like this, there are expectations that cumulative final; this takes away from you will meet. If there are kids who teachers' freedom to decide what is are upset, they know that this is what's their most effective teacher method." going on at the other top schools in the "The new policy makes sure that city," said Mr. Bonamo . one person doesn 't have a million finals As of now, there are no plans to crammed into one day. As much as we administer final exams during Regents all hate taking tests, we obviously can't week in June this year. get away from " '1J'fj A t ,:con "':t'rt'b"u t'e:'d 'b,o "u . ' them, so if we're . going aai " ana/ repor t,mg y 'd r ran k to be forced to take finals, then why be Corroz a, Ella Leviyeva, Genna Mas tellone, forced to take them all at once? I know Sa/rna Mohammed and Cathe rine M oskos. it' s a pain to come into school just to H b "1.ceri Of t ~ fl O O ;}. . " ,.: 0" " " i.f t:" . ; ;" " . 1,;' ,( ' e.l .. ." .. ·,·. , .-- ··... J 1.'..;!- ,

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The Classic

January 2010

I

Hawks bounce Panthers in overtime

by Rahul Bhasin The Boys ' Varsity Basketball team, at 4-3 and desperately holding onto its playoff hopes, faced the 3-4 Robert F. Kennedy Panthers on January 12. A must-win game for both teams, the game featured everything one could hope for: points, assists, fast breaks, late second heroics and even a technical foul en route to an eventual 56-53 overtime win.

Junior David Weeks said, "We wanted to execute our gameplan and get to the basket on every possession.

We knew we could penetrate the lane and collapse their defense to get easy shots based on our previous game."

Weeks played perhaps his .most complete game of the year, scoring the gameclinching free throws in overtime, which contributed to his total of 16 points.

Senior captain Thomas Tsatsis continued his dominance on both ends, wreaking havoc on defense by creating turnovers and converti ng on offense.

He is averaging 25 points a game for the season, finishing the game with 19 points and 4 assists.

Tsatsis said, "The style of _. basketball we play begins on the defensive end. If we can play good defense and steal the ball, we can get lay-ups and use our speed to our advantage ."

Trailing by one point with four minutes to go, Tsatsis drove into the lane and dropped in a soft runner. He proceeded to steal the ball on the next possession and finished with a finger roll to give Townse nd

Lady Hawks sharp in win over Richmond Hill

the lead. Now in control of the by Benjamin Horowitz With third quarter play and has made major contribugame, the Hawks were poised Coming off of a thrilling beginning, the only thing tions on the offensive and deto sweep the season series . one-point overtime win agains t keeping the Lions even close fensive ends all season long.

Along with Tsatsis and division rival William Cullen Weeks, senior Sukhjinder Bryant, the Girls' VarSingh scored 13 points sity Basketball team and grabbed 8 rebounds, defeatedtheRichmond but strugg led with a rib Hill Lady Lions by a injury late in the game. score of 63-48. RelyHe said, "It's always tough ing on sharp shooting to come out of a game when throughout the game, it's overtime . I just tried to do the Hawks (8-3) keep the best I could for my team their five-game winand luckily, we got the win ." ning streak intact The team was involved agains t the 2-9 L ions. .

The Hawks conin an incident earlier in the game where an RFK player trolled the opening tip provoked a technical foul by and senior guard Al- . jabbing a Townsend Harri s lison Donovan started player. This was the spark the scoring with a 15Harris needed to finally foot jumper from the get their half-court offense elbow. Senior Stephrunning and scoring points. anie Bonet followed Senior Brandon Baksh up with a three and said, "We were able to build the Hawks contr.olled momentum off the incident by the first quarter with playing with more tenacity." a 17-12 lead after the The Hawks needed the first eight minutes.

In the second win, having lost 3 of their previous 4 games before quarter, " Donovan Coa ch Lauren Caiaccia reviews strategy with the Girls' Varsity Basketball team . their overtime triumph. With once again opened the season winding down, . up the quarter by hitThe Hawks improv ed their every win is cruci al for the ting a three-pointer to put in the game was the strong winnin g streak to six games Hawks as they attempt to the Hawks up by 8. She con- play of sophomore guard and are now 9-3 on the season, not only gain a playoff berth, tinued to score with great ef- Shana Mclennon , who fin- with sole possession of fourth but a high seed as well. ficiency and put on a three ished the game with 20 points. place in the Queens A division .

They currently stand third point shooting showcase. . Said coach Lauren CaThe third quarter was Donavan hit four three characterized by th e Hawks' iaccia, "We expected to win in the Queens B East Divis ion and will almost certainly pointers in a row and fin- intense defense and overpow- the game and we did a solid have to defeat either Queens ished with six threes in ering offensive rebounding. j ob of taking care of business High School of Teaching or the quarter. Led by Dono- Senior Ivana Hie and sopho- against a weaker opponent.

Pathways Prep, the two teams van's 2 1 first half points , the more Christina Dunn crashed We will take the rest of the ahead ofthem in the standings, Hawks took a command- the boards and capitaliz ed on season one game at a time. " in order to demonstrate that ing 38-24 lead into the half. second chance opportunities.

She added, "If the girls Donovan finished the The two forwards combined continue to play as a team and they are a legitimate threat.

With an athletic, quick game with 29 points and six for 21 offensive rebounds individuals step up on both ofstarting five, a smothering assists. "I was really focused and a total of 37 in the game. fense and defense, we will put defense and an explos ive and we were all anxious to Along with her strong re- ' ourselves in a position to chalbench, Harris has the . finish the game," she said. bounding, Hie scored 17 points lenge for the division title." potential to be a surprise team once the playoffs begin.

Francis Lewis takes down home team in second annual Wrestling Winter Classic However, there was much things was how team unity had and that the difference between

by Daniel Pecoraro A filled-to-the-gills crowd to be taken by the Hawks from a big impact on the younger a victory on points and a victoin the gymnas ium was not this match, said coach Ray - kids, how we try to do every- ry by pin matters a great deal." enough for the wrestl ing team mond Adamkiewicz. "One of thing as large cohes ive group ."

The team also raised Senior wrestler Kaila Pfis- money by selling tickets for to defeat .the Francis Lewis the important things is, indiHigh School Patriots in . the match.

"We defithe second annual "Wrestling Winter Classic" on nitely met January 14, falling by ' our goal," a score of 33-47. With said Mr. the loss, the Hawks fell Adamkie - . back to .500 at 4-4 with wicz, addtwo matches remaining ing, "the in the regular season. kids did The match was their job neck-and-neck from ยง selling the e . h . the start, WIt sIX.s tickets and straight victories by ~ promotpin in the 96, 103, 119, ~ ing, [and] I think 125, 130, and 135 lb. ~ weight classes. Hawk ~ the teachwins from junior Jere- j ers also ~ my Ballabon (96 lb.), Senior Jerry Yang attempts to pin his Patriot counterpart in a wrestling match on January 14. helped by sophomore Brandon promotSonnylal (112 lb.), and senior vidually, the ' mistakes made ter agreed, saying, "I think ing it and allowing students Ashraf Hussein (119 lb.) kept in that match and improving we've done pretty well; we've to advertise it." Adamkiewicz it close in the early stage, tied on them with practice," he come together as a team." also praised the team's ability at 18 apiece, but the Patriots said, additionally praising the However, Pfister remarked, to "bring the whole [school] took it from there, winning the team's ability to come together "we have to learn that our community into one venue."

The Hawks' last two matchfinal three bouts all by a pin. as a unit: "One of the positive . matches really matter a lot,"

es are against Thomas Edison High School (7-3 as ofJanuary 22) and division-leading William C. Bryant High School (8-1), after which the team will partake. in the Mayor's Cup tournament the weekend of January 30, then BoroughChampionships, in which the top three in each weight class move on to the City Championships. "The overall goal of each program is to make Cities and place," said Adamkiewicz.

In Brief: On January 19 the wrestling team participated in a scrimmage with Flushing High School, in which, according to Pfister, they were sue'cessful. "As girls, we did well, and the boys did well, as well," although she added, "they are in a low division." Flushing, currently ranking in first place in the B Division with a 10-0 record, was asked to scrimmage with the Hawks largely to match up the multitude of girls on each of the sides.