Classic newspaper Volume 26 Issue no. 7

Vol. 26 No.7 May 2010

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aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Ephebic Oath Walk honors fallen firefighters of 9/11

by Lory Martinez

The Ephebic Oath Project Walk brought over 200 Harrisites to the Queens College campus on April 25 to commemorate the lives of the 343 firefighters who passed away on 9/11 .

English teacher Helen Rizzuto's sophomore classes, with the help of the Ephebic Oath team of juniors, organized the 5K (3.1 miles) walk.

It served as a fundraiser for the permanent memorial to be ereated in the Malcolm Largmann library by the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

The event, named after the ancient Greek pledge taken by Harris students to leave their city better than they found it, began early Saturday morning when walkers flooded the school lobby to sign in and receive their official FDNY tshirts.

"There was a great sense of community among all the sophomores and it [the turnout] showed how much our hearts are truly in this project," said Tarzana Mohamed, who helped set up for the event.

Committees set to work that day to keep things running smoothly. The greeters welcorned the family members of the firefighters being celebrated. Sophomore Earnesteina

Chung led the group as they got to know the families.

Sophomore Emily George, a greeter, was happy to participate. "It's not very often that one gets the chance to pay homage to national heroes, brighten the day of amazing people, and work alongside "inspirational, giving people; at the walk I was able to do just that," she said.

Having seen all the effort her classes had put into making the event possible, Ms. Rizzuto said, "I was really inspired by the spirit of everyone who turned out for it and by all of those who contributed their time to the walk."

Before the official walk start- offby the track team, the families were brought down to the cafeteria where they enjoyed a rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World" by juniors Elaiza Santos, Chelsey Pellot and Rebecca Seidel.

Elaiza, reflecting on the experience, said, "Our performance for the family members was such an intimate moment.

I didn't even know where to look while singing. There was something in their faces and in the calmness of it all that human words fail to convey."

Soon the walkers and families were guided to the track,

where the walk officially began after sophomore Karl Wei sang the National Anthem and Captain Alfredo Fuentes, who lost his fellow firefighters on 9/11, made a short speech. He thanked everyone for remembering his brothers, adding that the perfect weather was a sign that they were happily smiling down over the walkers.

"It was very nice. The music filled up the silence and made it very lively. Captain Fuentes was very moving and it made it even more meaningful. It [the speech] definitely made me want to do more for the project," said junior walker Jeremy Manheim.

Track members ran the track and continued on to the QC campus to lead walkers.

"I felt great being able to run for a cause and it wasn't even a race. We ran together the whole time and crossed the line together holding hands," said junior Ellie Wu. Other walkers, like sophomore Faith Robinson, felt the same sense of unity throughout the day. "I felt connected to something greater than myself. It was like we were all moving together as one in remembrance of people we had never met but who, somehow, still touched our lives. And I' ve never been prouder," she

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Walkers kick off the 5K route on the Queens College track.

said.

"We walked for an hour, but it felt much shorter because of the atmosphere of togetherness and happiness given off by the people there," added senior Ashley Newman.

After the route was completed, the walkers returned to the cafeteria. Thanks to nurse's aide Maria Barone, they en-

joyed a catered luncheon to the sound of Band Teacher Peter Lustig's jazz band.

As the walk came to a close, thanks were given to all those who gave their time to the project. As quickly as the place filled with people, it emptied leaving only the faces of the firefighters posted on the walls outside the cafeteria.

Female human rights issues addressed during Week of Women

by Pearl Bhatnagar

"Every day, women and girls face a multitude of abuses that unfortunately go overlooked, and we are hoping to shine some light on these abuses," said junior Aquib Yacoob, president of Amnesty International. Both Amnesty and the Club of Women (COW) sponsored a "Week of Women" from May 24 to May 28 to champion women's rights on both an international and local level.

"Getting word out about a problem, an issue, is the first step in creating a solution," Aquib added. Stationed at "activism tables" during lunch bands throughout the week, .-

members ofboth Amnesty and COW informed their peers of the human rights abuses felt by women. Students had the opportunity to take action by signing a different petition each day. The issues addressed ranged from female genital mutilation to female health care as a human right to stopping violence against women. The clubs collected hundreds of signatures for each petition.

Students were also asked to decorate construction paper t-shirts and butterflies, and to create their own versions of popsicle stick "worry dolls."

"The practice of making worry dolls first emerged in

Babstock Book Review

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(CEDAW) treaty, known by many as an "international bill of rights for women." " A Women's Rights Forum held May 27 during lunch bands addressed the issue of maternal mortality. Guest speaker Heather Lasher, coordinator for Amnesty's "Stop Violence Against Women" campaign, informed students of the high rate of pregnancy-related deaths around the globe. She explained that a pregnant woman will die each minute this year.

English teacher and COW advisor Judy Biener followed up with a self-defense class.

"Internationally and proportionally, women are the vic-

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tims of violence at the hands of men. These are huge issues and one way we can address them is by teaching small groups self-defense who will then teach it to others and on and on," she said.

Aquib believes that Harrisites have an obligation to help this cause. He said, "Upon entering Harris, students take the Ephebic Oath, pledging not to leave 'their city any less, but rather greater than they found it.' Getting involved with women's rights, human rights in general, is a great way to fulfill that pledge." (For Harrisites' attitudes on women' s issues, see page 9.)

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the Mayan civilization as a means to cope with the worries of daily life. Amnesty has revived this ancient activity as a means of symbolizing the mothers of the world who are daily losing their life to violence, inadequate health care and other pregnancy-related complications," said Amnesty member and senior Laraib Ijaz.

The dolls created by Harisites will contribute to Amnesty International's greater goal of collecting and sending 10,000 dolls to Congress to support the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

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"American Idiot" Review

Debating Feminism

pg. 7

Alice in Harrisland

pg. 9

pg.10

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The Classic

2 - -路 May 2010

Saving the Planet, One Tuesday at a Time

To Whom it May Concern: I'm sorry my shoulders are so attractive. Believe me, I am aware of the problem, and have tried unsuccessfully to address it in the past.

Unfortunately, however, my shoulders were exposed in public today.

Outside, no less, in the eyes of dozens of hormonal teenagers who probably weren't expecting such a shock in broa d daylight. I know how scandalous this sounds , so before you all make assumptions about my personal integrity, let me explain.

When I walked into my classroom this afternoon, the room was incredibly hot. I was wearing a sweater over my sleeveless shirt.

Needing just a moment to cool down and get into focus for class, I took the sweater off.

We had been sitting in class for a few minutes when the fire alarm went off. Our teacher ushered us out of the classroom. Not pausing to consider my options, I left my sweater at my desk, and proceeded to the staircase with the rest of the class.

We were outside, walking by the fence alongside the track, when somebody finally noticed my violation. A teacher quickly approached me and asked for my ID. "Inappropriate attire," the teacher said. I can't lie or make up excuses convincingly. I handed it over. My first demerit. This may surprise some of you, considering that I had the audacity to even consider putting on such an appalling display in public.

I realize now that my bare shoulders not only violated innocent eyes, but also posed a danger to my peers during a very serious fire drill.

My undeniable attractiveness could potentially distract people as they are attempting to get out the door, disrupting the timeliness of evacuation. In the event of a real fire, I know I would have made sure to put my sweater on before fleeing the burning building.

I have certainly learned my lesson. It won't happen again.

Sincerely, Rebecca Seidel Feature Editor

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Letters to the Editors To the Editors: I find the Fonnspring phenomenon very interesting. However, I don't believe it's the school's right.to.intervene .on the,website . .It's out of the school 's jurisdiction, in my opinion. The article brings up a good point most people who post things on your Fonnspring page are your classmates.

Of course the page is available to anyone with internet connection.

However, the settings do not allow you three options as to who can ask you questions, and if they can be anonymous or not. You can either allow anonymous questions on your profile, allow anonymo us questions, but only from people who are logged in to the site, or block all anonymous questions and require that the person asking you something has a Fonnspring account , so you can trace their identity.

Fonnspring does seem to have some sort of filtering system in place, however. It seems, by the amount of time that passes between when you answer a question and when it gets published to your public profile, that Fonnspring has some sort of scanning code that detects vulgar words, etc.

But hurtful comments made by so called "haters" can easily slip through the filter, as the most hurtful comments are usually those that are directly related to the person's life, not just a spew of curses and swear words.

So yes, people will get anonymous, possibly degrading comments. But, this is the nature of the website and peop le signed up, knowing, or quickly learning, that it is a reality due to this website and its anonymity. I don't think they can complain to the school when their feelings are hurt - albeit the people who posted on their page might be walking the halls with them; they signed up for this and Fonnspring makes it quite easy to deactivate your account if you choose to do so.

Leo Man cini, junior

Rebecca Seidel

News Co-Editors Sharmin Rashed

Feature Editor

Eilin Perez

Photography Editor Aliza Altman

Liz Kussman

Sports Editor

Art Editor

Dipabali Chowdhury

Business Managers Ilsa Cowen

Caroline Cross

Co-Advisors

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To the Editors: I can personally relate to the article "Administration discourages student-teache friendships on Facebook" in your March issue. I think students should not friem their teachers on Faceboo k until the end of their senior year or after they graduate Adding teachers at that point would be less awkwar d because it will be a way tl keep in touch through college years and afterwards.

I agree that students should not add their teachers while they are in school because the teacher would be able to see all their wall posts, photos, and statu updates . How awkward would it be if a student writes, 'I hate Latin so much on his status update and his Latin teacher actually reads this! I have been frien requested by a teacher at THHS once, but I denied it since I barely had any persona connection to the teacher. The friend request also seemed very impersonal becaus the teacher and I had more than 100 mutual friends, all of them Townsend Ham students. Students should be wise and evaluate whether or not to accept a friem request in real life before adding himlher. If a person does not feel comfortabl adding someone, then he/she should not do it.

Elwin Ng, junio

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

Saraa Mahmood Editor-in-Cllief Pearl Bhatnagar Esther Whang

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Kenneth Bonamo

Principal

Townsend Harris High Scbool at Queens College 149-11 Melbour ne Avenue, Flusbing, NY 11367

Feature Staff: Indira Abiskaroon, Quinn Batten, Emma Court, Chandi Ghuman, Margaret Jia, Abigail Koffler, Ella Leviyeva, Genna Mastellon, Salma Mohamed, Catherine Moskos, Demetra Panagiotopoulos, Katherine Valles, Yuval Solomon

The Classic is an open forum fortheexpressio of student views. The opinions expressJ therein should not be taken to represent thol of the administration or facuIty or stude: Sports Staff: Rahul Bhasin, Benjamin Horowitz, Oliver Lee, body as a wbole.

Daniel Pecoraro, Eilin Perez, Grace Shin, Arthur Tarley

Readers are invited to submit letters to tli editor.

Letters should be placed in Ms. CoweJ Katherine Valles, Amy Wang, Amy Yuan mailbox or e-mailed to thhsclassi c@gmail.co Photography Staff: Pearl Bhatnagar, Rebecca Chu, Nicole The Classic reserves the right to edit all lette~ Godreau, Sarniha Khan, Karen Rose Kim, Misty Kim, Nicolette Letters must include name and official clas, Nanton, Marissa Shieh,Yuval Solomon Names will be withheld upon request.

Art Staff: Richie Bonilla, Edward Far-quharson, Alice Hung,

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Classic

May 2010

Fan, Mayo named flnallsts in Quality of Life competltlon

by Rebecca Seidel Seniors Eva Fan and Rachel Mayo brought Harris to the top yet again in this year's Working in Support of Education (WISE) Quality of Life research competition.

They are both finalists in a group of eight, selected out of a pool of hundreds of entrants from New York City high schools. On June 3, they will compete in the final round of the competition for a spot in the Top Three.'

The Quality of Life competition asks students to choose and research a problem they believe exists in their communities, and then to create their own comprehensive solutions to the chosen problem.

Both Eva and Rachel created their research projects as part of Franco Scardino's Social Science Research class, a three-year elective that students start in their sophomore year.

Eva's project addresses the issue of non-adherence to medical prescription instructions, and Rachel's tackles the problem of cyberbullying - which she defines as "harassment, via any method of electronic communication."

"I decided to conduct research on cyberbullying because 1 was a victim of this crime in elementary school and middle school," Rachel said.

Her project, entitled "Cyberbullying: The Silence Must End," focuses on

broadening the Department of Education's definition of cyberbullying to include harassment targeted at one's physical appearance. Rachel also suggests - using social networking sites to spread the word about the cyberbullying issue, in addition to creating an online forum where people can anonymously report incidents of cyberbullying. ' "Cyberbullying is particularly relevant right now because of the popularity of social networking sites, especially Facebook and Formspring," Rachel said.

Eva also feels that her research is pertinent today.

The idea for the project came to her last summer, while she was working at a pharmacy. "I noticed people were obviously not following their treatment and were dangerously close to hurting ' themselves," she recalled. ' To begin her project, Eva conducted a SWVey of Chinese pharmacy patients.

She sought to find out whether non-adherence to dosage instructions stemmed from external factors - such as language barriers - or internal factors, like the patients' level of trust in or preference concerning medical dosages.

"I think this topic is so important because everyone takes medications, but most people aren't aware of the risks involved and don't have the basic understanding of medicine [needed to] change

their dose withouttheir doctors problem, but solve it," Rachel competrtion you'd enter. You knowing," Eva said. said. "It has been a long and · get to learn about community Mr. Scardino guided Eva stressful process, but 1 am issues from other people and and Rachel, along with the proud of all of the endless feel really professional and, rest of the Social Science hours of work that I have put important."

Research class, in researching into this project." and producing their in-depth' Eva added, "This additional reporting by Abigail projects. "Mr. Scardino helped experience is really eye- Koffler me a lot in this project, from opening, like any other what angle to tackle it from r.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , . to how to make the report and presentation stand out," Eva said. , I>y Frank Co-razza Mr. Scardino noted that the Straights and Gays Educating Students (SAGES) held a finalists' work resulted in "two free screening ofthe :film Blueprint, followed by a question and of several excellent projects," answer session with the director and screenplay writer, Kirk and he thinks both projects Shannon-Butts, in the library on May 18. address pressing issues in The movie depicts the relationship between two people today's world. with completely opposite personalities: Keith, a conservative "Particularly in New York, 'Western boy who has just arrived in Manhattan, and Nathan, a 1 think [Eva's project] is very carefree street-hip Brooklyn native. relevant," he said, noting that These two college students meet in a coffee sh~p in Harlem, most prescription instructions where they have an argument about hip-hop music; this leads to are given only in English. "In their :first date. a city that has a very large In the Q&A session, Mr. Shannon-Butts shared that he immigrant population where wanted to show the story of two people "getting to know each English is not [always] the other" in Blueprint, primary language, you can see He revealed that it took "two years to find the actors, three how people taking the wrong years to :find funds for the movie and three more years to make dosages is a relevant issue." it iflmabIe." As for cyberbullying, Mr. Freshman Khalil Smith said, "I felt that B'lueprtnt tOlle-tid Scardino reasoned that "it upon homosexuality in the black community in an odd way_ I probably happens a lot more, as would have liked to have seen it better developed. However, Rachel discusses, than people due to its limited resources [as a low-budget film], I must say are aware. The technology it was nice." is still new, so we don't have «I felt that the movie showing went well and the question a timeline to really measure and answer session with the director was very interesting," said what the emotional and senior Cynthia Perez, who is a SAGES member. "Overall, it psychological ramifications was a nice experience and the tum-out for [the] event was great. are."

Hopemlly :future SAGES events will be as successful as this Bothfinalistshaveemerged one," she added. from the research process Blueprint has screened in over 30 international film festivals. gratified by the experience.

It aas been nominated for awards at festivals in San Francisco "Participating in Social (Frameline), Los Angeles (Outfest), New York (Newfest), ScienceResearch... challenged London (Gay and Lesbian) and the film market at Cannes. me to not just identify a I !

'Bliueprint' director discusses film after free SAGES screening

Chen chosen to ring New York Stock Exchange opening bell

by Esther Whang Selected as one of Harris's "best economics students," senior Kristi Chen rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange [NYSE] at 9:30 am onApril 30, along with peers from other high schools.

Social Studies teachers Linda Steinmann and Jaime Byrne, and senior Rahul Bhasin, who was also recognized as a high achieving economics student, attended the event, as well.

The Working in Support of Education organization [WISE], which was invited by the NYSE to · organize the event for the first time, invited Harris and other "Blue Ribbon" schools to participate in the program. To qualify as a "Blue Ribbon" school, all students were required to pass the annual-financial literacy exam, sponsored by WISE's Financial Literary Certification Program. The four other high schools that were represented at the ringing of the opening bell were Cardozo, Forest Hills, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the High School of Finance.

To choose who would I attend ' the occasion, all economics teachers nominated

one student who excelled in their classes, and randomly drew two names from a hat.

Upon learning that she would be participating in the event, Kristi said, "I •

every morning, but how often are you going to be up there?"

Dr. Steinmann, whom WISE named , a "gold star teacher," along with Ms. Byrne, said that watching the

was like being at the heart of get inside, walked through the free enterprise system." metal detectors, "[was] Entering the NYSE was a escort[ed]... to an elevator challenge in itself, according manned by its own uniform to Kristi, as it was "heavily lift-man, [and] walked guarded." In order to enter through mazes of hallways... " ___.

After the students and fj- =" ill teachers ate breakfast and The McGraw'HIII Companies _I learned about the history - _. ~ of the NYSE, those chosen ~ I ; to ring the bell "proceeded I 'i • ~ to do so, while the other ,...,J" T•.• E " ~ attendees watched the event. '. ~ According to Dr. , 00 Steinmann, "Just being in such ', I ~ a historic place, where most ~ Americans or most people I ~ are not allowed to see it from , ~ the inside... was unbelievably .;: .impressive to me." . 'c: Reflecting on the opportunity to ring the ' I I ~ opening bell, Kristi said that I 8 "the experience was just as .s exciting as I thought it would ~ be." "It's just like how it is in ! ~ movies [and on] TV - super I hectic with people shouting .' ~ and blabbering random r , _ 'P W -: letters that somehow form an entire day's conversation."

Kristi Chen, seventh from left, represents Harris at the New York Stock Exchange. was very excited...because opening bell being rung' was the building, she had to show Additional Reporting by it was a once-in-a-lifetime "unbelievable." "It's the kind her identification "before even Quinn Batten opportunity." "Sure," she of event that most never get walking within 30 feet of the continued, ''the thing happens to see firsthand," and said, "It entrance," and when she did

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4-The Classic May 2010

Harrisfest fundraises for Haiti Seniors lament closed 'refuge'

by Hayley Desmond Booming music and an applauding audience filled the auditorium on April 23 at Harrisfest, a concert featuring students, staff and alumni.

The performances raised $1300 for earthquake relief in Haiti.

Students Clare Mao and Aleks Kus organized the show with the help of Lisa Mars, Assistant Principal of

All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to Doctors Without Borders, an organization which contributes to disaster relief efforts in Haiti as well as other countries.

"When the earthquake first happened, everyone was very concerned about it, but lack of media attention and fading interest made me worry that Haiti was just a phase, as if

--_.- -Ie losing more than just It's the environment ~ .~ m't find it anwhere else in the school.' of

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Seniors Solomon Cohen, Virginia Milieris and Izzy Ocampo perform at Harrisfest.

Foreign Languages, Music and Art; Andrew Hagerty, technical director; Aleeza Widman, Coordinator of Student Activities; and Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator.

"What sort of surprised me was the support and unity, for lack of a better word, of the crowd. Everyone cheered, applauded, and was beyond encouraging for each act," said Aleks.

"It wasn't awkward or silent. It felt welcoming, as though all the audience members and performers were great friends."

"Harrisfestwasabsolutelyamazing, because there were a lot more acts and a lot more people in the audience," commented Jeremy Michaels, junior.

"1 could really feel the school spirit in the air, especially with the audience's singing along and rhythmic clapping!"

Aleks added, "All the performances were mixed, from electric to acoustic.

We had piano-playing, rapping, lyrical' dance, and some bra- throwing."

charity is trendy as long as it's getting news coverage," said Clare.

"The show was worth the money for the ticket to begin with," commented Kelly Cordray, junior. "The fact that students were able to help victims in Haiti while enjoying a very lively show only made it better."

Some others disapproved of donating the profits to Haiti.

"The money [raised] should have gone to our school's music and art department," stated one sophomore boy. "The difference we made in Haiti is insignificant compared to the difference we could have made here."

Promotion of Harrisfest was coordinated in part by junior Leo Mancini, who described his tactics as a "guerilla advertising campaign."

The name and date of the event, along with a silhouette of a person playing a guitar, were drawn on the floors of multiple hallways using colored tape.

Pictorial Commentary by Liz Kussman ,~,-

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Day of Silence protests bullying against LGBT

by Frank Corazza The Day of Silence on April 21 allowed students to "raise awareness of the way that members of the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] community are routinely silenced," according to Straight and Gay Educating Students (SAGES) president and senior Megan McCaffrey.

The Day of Silence is the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) annual day of protest against the harassment and bullying of LGBT supporters and students.

According to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey,"nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school

Megan added, "1 felt it was imporand more than 30% reported missing at least a day of school in the past month tant to get the student body involved while simultaneously acting as spokesout of fear for their personal safety."

Participants of the Day of Silence people for those who are unable to did not speak from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm speak for themselves. Silence can be a powerful form of and were exempt protest if utilized from class participa'Silence can be a pow- correctly." tion by their teacherful form of protest if The Day of ers.

Silence was cre"1 think it's im- utilized correctly.' ated by a portant to have .college stuan event such as the Day of Silence because it helps to dent at the University of Virginia and create within Townsend Harris a sense has spread to thousands of institutions of security and diversity. Students need since 1996. GLSEN states that more . to be wary before they use homophobic than 8,000 colleges, universities and epithets like 'that's so gay,' 'dyke' or K-12 grade schools take part in the Day of Silence. 'faggot,''' said senior Sherry Leung.

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Classic

May 2010

Production of Millie is a thoroughly modern success

by Lory Martinez

too," said junior Juliet Prieto.

Everything is "fine and dandy" as Millie begins to woo her boss Trevor Graydon (Adam Boiardi) while trying to adapt to city life. She even enjoys a night out with some of the Priscilla Hotel girls and her new friend Jimmy

of pronunciation in Mandarin. 'Senior through Millie and Damn Yankees and Sheena Tsai and sophomore Kari Wei Millie was the better way to go. I didn't played a big role in helping with the think about time, difficulties of set accents," said Mr. Canzoneri. design, etc. I'm glad that I didn't," he Another actor who had to spend said.

Art teacher Margherita Wischerth extra time on his role was Adam Boiardi, who played Trevor Graydon, spent most of spring break designing Millie's boss. He had to sing the set with the help of sophomore his part in "The SpeedTest" Richard Bonilla. "It's wonderful to as rapidly as the title have talented, creative, and imaginative implies. students volunteer their time," she According to Mr. said.

Canzoneri, Adam was so Senior Felicia Magnan, audience confident in his ability that member, said, " It really made you feel at first rehearsal, he asked like you were in the 1920s." the band to go faster.

Junior Juliet Prieto added, "It Audience members were was definitely the combination of the impressed by his speed. "It elaborate set and the costumes that was incredible! He didn't really gave you that '20s feel." even mess up once," said Costume Director Vivienne Lenk, junior Edwin Rosendo . whose daughter graduated four years Senior Reisha Cadelina, ago, came back to do the costumes for who has starred as lead the show, as she has every year. ..== U singer in the Jazz Band's All the cast members expressed a <= OJ performances in almost feeling of camaraderie that developed OJ '" every winter and spring during their time in the show together. ~ concert, stunned audiences Male Modem Freddy Millan, ,.Q e as Muzzy Van Hossmere, junior, said, "Everyone in the play is '0 ..= a famous Jazz singer and like a big family. That's half the funof =rich stepmother of Millie's doing it every year : spending the time friends Jimmy and Dorothy. together."

Her final note in the song "The friendships we made off stage Dancers perform "Throroughly Modem Millie," which teaches Millie about the New York way of life.

"Only in New York" lasted a we brought on stage," said Joey.

Stephanie Gergoudis , dancer, total of 13 seconds, according and drama teacher Joe Canzoneri and (Joey Spitaleri). to Mr. Canzoneri. added, "We became a big, thoroughly produced by Assistant Principal Susan Jimmy and Millie start off as "Rei sha's singing has always been modem family."

Kellie felt the same way. .

Getting, centered on the dreams of unlikely friends due to his "bad- boy" awesome but I'm glad she decided to a small town girl interlaced with the past. "To play Jimmy I had to be more . do the play so that more people could "Performing with the Townsend Harris , of ajerk; 'ina' it'was fun'because 'i i was '" see" {nat'- talent," s~id jl:11tiot. audience Player s h as be-en' 6ii~"oItlie liignlighti;, scandal of a secret business. .

Written by Richard Morris and difIerent," Joey said. memberIsaiahMathie'u': "'" ,,,,,,', ;:' J 0(m)/fouryears'a1fi'J'HS. Tlie 'shows" Dick Scanlan, Millie follows the story In the end, he changes his "bad With the help of Muzzy, Trevor, are an absolute joy to be a part of. I've of Millie Dillmount (Kyra Leeds), a boy" ways and falls for Millie. He even Ching Ho and Jimmy, Millie is able to had the opportunity to play interesting driven young woman who moves to scales a building to see her after New York City to become a 'modem' a misunderstanding. woman, complete with pearls, a flapper Mrs. Meers (Liz Kussman) is dress and bobbed hair. She sets out with a washed out actress who pretends one goal in mind: to marry her boss. to be Chinese. As the proprietor "Millie Dillmount has always been of the Hotel Priscilla, she uses one of my dream roles. Playing her was her position and her two Chinese both fulfilling and an experience that accomplices, Bun Foo and Ching I'll remember for the rest of my life," Ho (junior Jason Kim and senior said Kyra.

Isaiah Yim respectively), to make Millie moves into the Priscilla Hotel girls "mysteriously disappear" for Young Ladies where she befriends from her hotel, selling them into Dorothy Brown (Kellie Gergoudis), a white slavery.

"It was really fun to play the rich young girl trying to see "how the villain because I'm nothing like other half lives."

Senior Shannon Caparatta used her her," Liz said.

12 years of tap dancing experience to When Millie starts to notice choreograph the show. that girls have been disappearing "Being choreographer was a from the hotel, she makes challenge. We lost one of the main the connection between Mrs. dance teachers [Katherine Cooper] Meers' catch phrase, "Sad to be to maternity leave, but in the end the all alone in the world" and the whole cast worked to have a great disappearances. performance both nights. I was so Audience member Steven Mrs. Meers , pla yed by Liz Ku ssman, hands out mail to the residents of Hotel Priscilla. proud of them" she said.

Frommer, junior, said, "Liz One dance number, "The Speed was hilarious! It was so fun to Test," was particularly challenging. see such an exaggerated character." save Dorothy (who, along with Jimmy, and diverse characters, but most of all The dancers had to tap while seated Liz had to make sure that her had been pretending to be poor and I have loved becoming part of the play family," she said. at the typewriters at Sincere Trust, the assumed accent could be understoo d, orphaned to find true love).

In the end, Millie and Jimmy are Now that the long rehearsals (the company where Millie goes to work. while her accomplices actually had to Senior Alyssa Alcino, a dancer, learn a new language in order to sing in love, Trevor loses Millie as his latest went to 10 o'clock at night) are stenographer, Dorothy falls for Ching over, Mr. Canzoneri said, "It feels great. said, "[That] scene was especially hard and speak Mandarin for their roles. because when we rehearsed it, the seats Subtitles for their scenes were Ho, Mrs. Meers gets arrested and Millie The biggest thanks goes to the cast. I demanded more of them and pushed were shorter than those we actually displayed on a projector screen above sings her heart out.

Mr. Canzoneri was glad to direct them more than I ever have. The show I used on stage on opening night, but we the stage. This was especially difficult did it and it was great!" because neither Jason nor Isaiah are Thoroughly Modern Millie . "I knew exceeded my expectations. I'm sad that we had strong dancers but I knew I the seniors are leaving but I'm thrilled "I loved the singing and dancing. Chinese.

It made me want to get up and dance To prepare, they "listened to a CD also had to love the music. So, I read to be back on the baseball field."

The Townsend Harris Players transported audiences back to the Roaring Twenties with their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on April 9 and 10.

The show, directed by English

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oj

6-The Classic May 2010

The Classic would like to introduce a book review column, to be written by a different teacher each month.

From the Desk of Robert Babstock:

Book of the Month The Ask, Sam Lypsyte Being pleasantly surprised is one of the nice things that teaching and reading new fiction have in common. A recent book that I like a lot shows just how much the related fields of publishing and education are changing beyond recognition . Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux is perhaps the most respected publisher of "serious" literature in America. It typically publishes learned and tony poets and novelists. Evidently, funny is the new serious. If you're up for a very furiny read, try Sam Lipsyte's The Ask, which is about a guy named Milo who once wanted to be a painter but couldn't figure out how to make a living at what he loves.

As the novel opens, Milo's got a wife, a four-year-old son, and a job he cordially despises as a member of the "toosh dev" department (institutional development) at "Mediocre University" (NYU? The New Scliool?). His job requires putting the touch on rich alumni ("the gives"). He's "the ask." Lipsyte's characters have as much fun as characters on The Office with the water cooler abbreviations and 'motivational' phrases that have made America's cubicles so productive.

Adventurous Harrisites might profit from this book because it wonders, as most of you probably wonder, about the value of the Humanities in today's world, which is all about the bottom line.

Lipsyte's Milo is a loser .(Milo? Me low) with a difference: he has a standup comedian's ability to transform observation into funny one-liners. It's a funny true-to-life story that feels like it's told through sketch comedy, and it's an amazingly well written novel. The narrator hilariously ponders questions of Jewish-American identity and themes of American Decline.

The minor characters are so well rounded that they never feel like sidekicks. Milo is constantly humiliated and it's not clear that this hard earned wisdom is of any use to anyone in the broke, overworked, reality TV watching America he inhabits. The Ask includes accessible themes: middle-class fears of job loss and poverty, terrorism, war, and turkey wraps. Warning: there is mature subject matter.

How to Train Your Dragon will captivate viewers

by Freddy Millan Jr. DreamWorks Animation has finally done it: it has created a movie that rivals Pixar at its best. How to Train Your Dragon is easily the best film made by the company since its inception.

The film, loosely based on the children's book ofthe same name by Cressida Cowell, tells the story of Hiccup, the scrawny but smart son of his village's strongest Viking.

We learn that this village is constantly at war with dragons, and l?ven though he wants to join in the battles, Hiccup is forced to stay back due to his inability to carry heavy weapons and his accidentprone nature.

When he finally captures a dragon using an invention of his, he ends up befriending it instead of killing it. What results is a story about not making judgments based on appearances and the value of smarts and understanding over brawn and brute force.

On the surface, Dragon may seem like generic kid fare but upon viewing, one finds that it is actually quite deep and extremely well-done. It

deals with some darker themes using comedy and the veneer of mythology.

The film is fast-paced but never rushed; it knows when to slow down and allow the viewer to absorb what he or she sees.

Character development is believable, with no sudden changes in character traits.

The comedy is spot on and accessible to people of all ages, and any switches from comedy to drama are given enough transition time to prevent any mood whiplash. The movie also has a talent for taking running jokes and making sure they don't bore you; each is given a new meaning when it's used.

This film is simply amazing. The animation is beautiful (the flight scenes standing out in particular), the voice acting is impeccable, and the writing is both moving and hilarious.

This is the best animated film, and possibly best film overall, since last year's Best Picture-nominated Up. One can only hope it gets the recognition it deserves come award season.

Babstock promotes world literature, independent thinking, social justice

by Sarah Mahmood "Be skeptical of technologists who come bearing gifts," warned English teacher Robert Babstock.

"Too many people in the world are trying to tum people into machines. People who profit from the Internet and TV sell it as a way of connecting, but we've never been more competitive, isolated, and alienated from each other than we are today," he said, in an interview with The Classic.

Perhaps it was this concern for society that led Mr. Babstock to take on the role of advisor of the school's chapter of Amnesty International, a "sad, but necessary club," as he described it.

"The world is growing more callous. Even wealthy countries seem not to care what happens in poorer countries. A lot of our students will go on to lead influential, affluent lives.

And people who are well-todo have to constantly check themselves that they don't become brutal, insensitive, and stupid," he said.

"I don't think the end result of a Humanities education should be merely a highpaying job. We need more independent thinkers who are

concerned with social justice than we do business leaders who believe in charity as a sideline," he continued.

According to Mr. Babstock, independent thinking is largely attained by reading extensively.

"If you simply read what you're told, you're a grade queen. Reading widely helps you develop your own perspective and think skeptically about the claims of the powerful," he said.

To expose his students to literature from different cultures, Mr. Babstock taught a new course this year, Russian Literature. Next year, he is offering another new course, South Asian Literature.

"When I was really young, I found this book called Whose Who in World Literature," he said. "It really spurred my fascination with not only English-speaking literature but translated works from around the world."

Mr. Babstock suggests three books that are must-reads for everyone.

One is The Collected Novellas of Anton Chekhov, because, he said, "no one combines compassion and imagination with the same

consistency." and visit four major battle sites worked at an investment bank, He also suggested The for the Battle of the Frontiers, helping rich people get richer.

Gallery, by John Home Bums, because the American I saw lots of wealth, greed describing it as the "most establishment portrays the and pointless substance abuse moving book about Americans French as cowards, because among people from my own discovering a larger world they are ignorant and have no generation and these people beyond America." idea ofthe sacrifices the French actually came from some ofthe Finally, he recommended made to stop the Germans best universities in the country.

The . Big Book I was really entertained, but of Hell, by Matt 'In a large, often passionate and I didn't want to participate in that - for lack of a better Groening. opinionated family, you develop term - culture."., "It has the your own survival technique Dissatisfied with his most deadly job, he decided to change accurate criticisms so it was either joke or die.' his career. He chose of American to become an English education," he from conquering their country teacher because, as he put it, said.

"I've always been a fanatical Mr. Babstock is not just in 1914," he explained.

He has already visited reader." a voracious reader; he also Mr. Babstock often tries frequently watches films. some battle sites in America. to make his English classes "Movies are just novels "I've gone to most of the battle by other means," explained sites where Native Americans fun by changing his voice Mr. Babstock, who is also an protected their land against for different characters while advisor of Cinephiles, a club the conquest of the American reading books out loud, a skill where students watch movies government. Since I've been a he acquired while spending from around the world. "I'm kid, I've always been inspired time with his many nieces and always fascinated by how by well-written accounts of nephews.

Also known for his clever screenplays mayor may battles on 'The Frontier,' witticisms and jokes,Mr. not be." often written by soldiers who Another of Mr. Babstock's are fighting the Indians and Babstock traces the source of his humor to his family. hobbies is traveling. admired them," he said.

"In a large, often He hastraveled everywhere Mr. Babstock grew up as in the American and Canadian one of seven children, which passionate and opinionated West. "I like those beautiful, was why he originally decided family, you develop your own survival technique - so it was lonesome places," he said. to work on Wall Street.

He especially likes "I wanted to get away from either joke or die," he said. "A traveling to battle sites. my house; [there were] too lot of family tensions can only "I want to go to France many people," he explained. "1 be eased with humor."

Th"l

Classic

May 2010

Green Day's American Idiot rocks Broadway stage

by Rebecca Seidel Through the Theater Development Fund's Open Doors Scholarship Program, I was lucky enough to catch the final dress rehearsal of American Idiot, Broadway's hottest new musical, the night before it opened to the general public.

My anticipation was already running high as we entered the St. James Theater. Then, on the way to my seat, I somehow found myself face-to-face with Tre Coo l, Green Day's drummer, as he was coming up the aisle. I nearly had a heart attack.

When the lights dimmed a few minutes later, I was still hyperventilating. And the show, an explosive theatrical rendition of Green Day's 2004 album, gave me no chance to recover.

American Idiot, directed by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), is everything a rock musical should be. It's loud, raw, and at times angry but it also has its moments of acoustic sentimentality.

Visually, it's grungy yet polished.

With expert vocal arrangements and exhilarating choreography, the show puts a striking spin on music that has long been limited to headphones.

Though the production certainly has its flaws, it convinced me that Green Day's music was meant for the stage.

The musical derives its entire score from American Idiot, the album - Green Day's widely acclaimed "rock opera" snapshot of desolation in the post-9fll Bush-era world. It tells the story of three good-for-nothing guys who have been wasting their lives away

in "Jingletown, USA," where their days revolve around sleep, beer, and television. They decide that they're fed up with suburbia and want to escape into the real world.

From there, the paths of these three characters diverge. Johnny, also known as the "Jesus of Suburbia" (played by Tony-winning John Gallagher, Jr., of Spring Awakening), gets on a bus to the city with Tunny (Stark Sands) and a bunch of other near-delinquents from his hometown. The third character, Will (Michael Esper), finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant and he is forced to stay home.

Johnny immediately gets entangled in the world of sex and drugs. He falls into the clutches of "Saint Jimmy" (Tony Vincent) - a manic drug dealer who also seems to be Johnny's own alter ego - and meets "Whatsemame" (Rebecca Naomi Jones), a spunky city girl who rocks his world. In a show where the characters tend to lack depth, Saint Jimmy and Whatsemame radiate personality.

While Johnny loses himself in the whirlwind of city life, Tunny finds himself mesmerized by a television ad for the United States Army. In a trance, he joins the white-clad, statuesque ranks of the military. This scene, set to the song "Are We the Waiting," gives the show its first much-needed serious twist. Tunny's transformation

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and deployment to Iraq are the show's as the show progressed. "American strongest tie- ins to 21st -century Idiot," the song, just isn't Green Day's America. strongest piece - and it didn't make for The storyline that the best opening number, either. But follows is fairly typical. by "Whatsemame," the last song, the Tunny, predictably, entire cast had stepped up its game. gets wounded You just have to stay with it until the in combat and end. wakes up in the American Idiot transformed what hospital, facing .was really just a concept album into an imminent a fully fleshed-out story. In Green leg amputation. Day's album, the story was Johnny's Johnny finds alone; Tunny and Will didn't exist. In himself tom this musical, the plot has a bit more between his substance - although you still don't allegiance to have to be a literary genius to figure it Whatsername out. and the growing The most impressive thing about influence of Saint this production is its allegiance to Jimmy's drugs. And Green Day's music. It uses all of the Will - well, he sits at songs from the album, plus some from home and wastes his life Green Day's 2009 release, 21st Century away.

Breakdown. A few bonus tracks are Each character takes a startlingly thrown in as well. different journey of rage and love. But Every single song does justice with the clever manipulation of vocals to the original, in some cases even and scenery, their paths continually surpassing Green Day's recordings. I could never imagine a female voice intertwine.

A particularly memorable singing "Letterbomb" or "21 Guns," instance of this was the song "Give but it worked really well. For those me Novacaine." At center stage are songs that started out as the bare Johnny and Whatsemame, shooting minimum - Green Day is known for heroin together for the first time and its simple chord progressions and bass fading into a haze of oblivion. Will, off lines - the theatrical element added a to the side, sings of his longing for an whole new dimension.

This show is a must-see for any escape from his purposeless life. And the bridge guitar solo is punctuated by Green Day fan, and it's worth seeing gunshots and blinding white lights as even if you're not familiar with their Tunny falls on the battlefield. music. And for all you Green Day . I found 'that the ' actors' singing ' haters, this musical .just might change wasn't quite on par with other shows your mind. artwork by Rebecca Seidel I've seen, but it strengthened somewhat

One-Woman show explores body image across multiple cultures

by Pearl Bhatnagar She begrudgingly paints her nails a neutral beige because her father thinks red is too flashy.

A second after she complains to the audience, who becomes her invisible diary, her neck hunches into her chest and she lets out a deep, manly shout that pervades the room.

Her demeanor then becomes more womanly and she screeches a few words in Hindi, all the while pointing her finger at what seems to be an invisible body.

She is first Sonu, then her father, then her mother, and it is seamless.

Sometime after the first half hour, Deepti Gupta makes her viewers forget that a single soul on stage is representing the dozen others in her life.

The premise of her show "Bodylogue" involves a woman talking, arguing and even flirting with herself. If done wrong, the show may have just as well been a foray into the effects of multiple personality disorder. But this one-woman show is executed in such a way that Deepti's continual altering of egos simply seems like the norm in storytelling.

The show begins as Deepti turns back the clock 20 years. Like most little Indian girls, the main character Sonu intends on starring in Bollywood movies once she reaches womanhood.

In preparation for her future roles, Sonu

orders a little boy to chase her as she so coyly hides her beauty from his gaze.

They also prance around makeshift trees and partake in a pretend Hindu wedding. Unlike most little Indian girls, Sonu is clearly serious about realizing her dream. She tells the Hindu god Ganesh of her plans for superstardom through rewritten versions of prayer songs.

Sonu matures in front of the viewers' eyes, and she is soon making her attempts at fame. She quickly learns that the Indian film industry thinks only light skinned women worthy enough to be projected on movie screens.

Directors reject her - amused that she ' would even try out for the lead roles, annoyed because so many like her already have. .

But Sonu's plight is not limited to those trying to make it in show business. The media's obsession with casting women who look nothing like the majority clearly has an adverse affect on the country's population.

Deepti .takes the role of yet another character, makes yet another transformation: this time as Sonu's sariclad aunt. This most unfortunate aunt was abandoned by her husband and she blamed it on the color of her skin. To her, this would no~ have happened if she were whiter.

If it was hard for the audience to grasp the aunt's mentality, things

were made clearer after the projection the superficial. Not only does her color of this clip: www.youtube.com/user/ make her "ugly," but she is labeled as a dguptapontius#p/u/6/XyVASV-Y6nc. threat to others' security because of it.

In this popular series of commercials The show ends as Sonu stares in a aired in India in 2008, a tan woman trancelike gaze towards the audience. (shockingly played by Miss World .She fastens a blonde wig on her head, 2000) wins back her now-famous covering her beautiful black hair. She boyfriend after she uses skin lightening slathers bleach on her cheeks, forehead bleach. and arms, altering the golden tan skin Sonu fortunately does not resort of her ancestors. The lights slowly to such measures. She decides that fade to black and you're left-with the she need not deal with the hypocritical glowing image of a ghost.

Although it is disappointing that standards ofIndian show business. She will travel to Hollywood, to America, Sonu did not become a world-famous an equal opportunity employer. A video movie star, the ' dismal ending helps of Halle Berry accepting the Oscar for viewers realize that the problem being Best Actress is projected on a screen addressed is a real one. It helps us realize that the issue in itself has not behind her.

"Thin, thin, thin, thin, thin, thin," been resolved. As much as it is Sonu's Sonu recites, as she points to members . personal story, it is also the story of in the audience. She does cry out "fat" thousands of young girls struggling once, just when you think she's pointing with their outer appearance. The ending to you. "Thin, thin, thin, thin, thin," she of the play does not have license to continues. Then her finger touches her change until society's perceptions of own chest. "Fat," she says dejectedly, as beauty do too.

Deepti Gupta created this play if just having an epiphany. Creating a name for herself as an actress is no easy precisely to help alter these perceptions, ' task in America, either. The lead roles especially in the young women wyo go to her thinner, blonde counterparts. are most directly affected. She hopes Sonu is one of only two "fat" students to introduce "Bodylogue" to teenagers through arts-in-education programs in in her acting classes.

Being racially profiled is the last high schools. For more information on straw for Sonu. When she goes through how to help Deepti spread her message extra security checks in an airport in through this one-woman show, please Mexico, she realizes that society's visit www.bodylogue.com/outreach. hatred for her darker skin goes beyond htrnl.

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8-The Classic May 2010

Phoenix hosts slam poetry reading Final blood drive of school year I thought it would scare some people

by Daniel Pecoraro draws more pints than before A crowd of about 30 people attend- away, considering not many people ed the slam-poetry-themed reading The

write or read poems in that style. It was

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Phoenix editor Clare Mao recites a poem at the slam-poetry-themed reading on March 26.

Phoenix hosted in the library on March 26.

Slam poetry is meant to be performedlive in front of an audience.

After The Phoenix editors, seniors Angie Dylgjeri, Clare Mao, and Isabella (lzzy) Ocampo, opened the reading, senior Daniel Pecoraro began the festivities with a piece from George Carlin's comedy act, "A Modern Man." Some performances included sophomore Max Bachhuber and junior Kelly ~,O!4!~.l)::~;,(eadmg 路ptselectiQ~ fw.

Eugene ~Mirm[n's- "Letters to Mouns and "Ads for Shapes," and Jamie Kennedy's "Bumpin' Uglies."

Junior Stacy D'Cunha performed Eminem's "Lose Yourself," and senior Deano Kritikos read an original poem, "Ode to Rich Girl."

"All of us enjoy slam poetry, so we thought it'd be nice to bring it to Townsend, beyond the wonderful pieces [senior] Thiahera [Nurse] does at each reading," said Clare, who added that the theme was a group decision among the editors.

"Themes are usually decided 10 seconds after we 've agreed to have another poetry reading," said Izzy.

"Slam poetry is really specific, so

nice to see people interpret the theme in the different ways that they did," said Angie.

Regarding the crowd for the reading, Izzy said, "I'm waiting for the day that I'm totally surprised by 99% of the school at a poetry reading . It boggles my mind sometimes that we go to a Humanities school, and we only get a certain crowd at our readings each time . However, I'm always delighted to see die-hard attendees and some

people should do it. I regret that didn't start donating earlier in life and admire the students for doing it."

Mike Nittolo, a sophomore am first-time donor, was encouraged t( donate by a friend and plans to contimu giving blood now that he is 16 year old. , Junior Edwin Rosendo fel similarly, explaining that he "alway wanted to donate, but I turned 16 las year and I wanted to save lives." Ever: blood donation can save three to si: lives.

Senior and second-time dono Michelle Ciesielska believes ii donating blood because "this i something anyone can and should do. hope that if! ever need blood, it will b available for me."

Junior and third time donor Philij Kim reassures apprehensive donor that "10 minutes of a little discomfor can't compare to the feeling ofknowin) I just saved three lives."

Junior Sebastian Derien said tha donating blood "is worth so much mon than any amount ofmoney I could rais for a charity."

Donors must be 16 years old ane weigh at least 11 pounds. There wil be more blood drives during the 2010 2011 school year.

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fre~~~~;~1:~~:~~;n acfdeQ,'~~~ri..:;,.. provement's always nice, and the more people who show up, the more money the event makes, which in turn makes publishing the magazine easier."

The Phoenix advisor Rafal Olechowski handed out prompts to help attendees write their own poems.

Izzy stated, "I' d like to believe that people come to the readings, hear something really wonderful, go home inspired to write, and submit their work to The Phoenix . Who knows how often that happen s, but it definitely exposes people to stuff they'd never hear or read otherwise. Plus, an opportunity to plug The Phoenix magazine is always a good thing."

March of 'Dimes participants raise $1,000 to help premature babies

by Genna Mastellone Participants in the March ofDimes' .

'March for Babies' walk at Flushing Meadows Park raised over $1,000 on April 18. The money donated is given to help more than half a million babies born prematurely.

With the funds raised for the organization, 76 cents of every dollar is used to support research on birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The organizer of the Harris team, junior Elaine Yu, said, "Doing things like this is, especially for such a great cause, so important because it brings our community together and gives a fighting chance to innocent babies . I

by Abigail Kofler Donors gave 81 pints of blood at the final blood drive of the year on April 21, making it the most successful . in the school's history.

Coordinator of Student Activities Aleeza Widman, who organized the blood drive, said she tries to "give back by organizing this event and encouraging students to donate."

Health and Physical Education teacher Maria Assante said she feels it is "a civic duty to donate blood [since] we all have it; we all need it and we never know when we're going to need it. Blood is a renewable resource and there shouldn 't be blood shortages in the largest industrial nation."

The New York Blood Center is facing shortages at this time, and blood drives at high schools are particularly important, as 24% of blood donations are from high school students.

Karina Hain, a junior and first-time donor, explained, "My father needed a whole body blood transplant last year and I wanted to give back to the people who helped him. I will definitely donate again."

Parent Coordinator Dafne Manhart donated blood for the third time for several reasons. She said, "It is something so simple that honestly

hope that next year we will be able to make a bigger impact."

Freshman Klaudia Garncarz said, "I am doing this walk to support premature babies because I was a premature baby too."

"March for Babies is a cause unlike many others. It is to help newborns, while a great number of the others are to help those who have already had a chance to experience some of what life has in store for them," said Archon member Natasha Bankay. "It's to give children a chance to live."

"I feel accomplished and that I helped a really great cause. I cannot wait to participate in it next year." said freshman Morta Bautrenaite.

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Th'l

Classic

May 2010

Survey reveals widely differing views towards gender equality

by Sarah Mahmood Her classmates were giving her strange looks. In a room of about 30 students, she was the only one who had responded.

Surprised by the reaction in her class, senior Yena Punnasir decided to conduct an informal survey of students on the third floor. With her friend senior Clare Mao, she repeated the question that had been posed in class: "Are you a feminist?"

"The way my classmates looked at me, almost in bewilderment, I felt like they thought I was some form of bra-burning, non-leg-shaving lesbian," said Yena. "After that, I spoke to Clare and on a whim I decided to randomly ask people if they were feminists. Most of the people I asked said no." , In a Classic survey of 185 students on feminism in April, 54% of students stated they were feminists, 40% said they were not, and 5% weren't sure.

Feminism is defined by MerriamWebster Dictionary as the "theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes" but it connotes different ideas for some people.

"I do believe that in modem America, there is a negative connotation to the world for most people. Most don't know what feminism means, and there is general ignorance about the subject," said a male senior.

Many respondents characterized feminists as overly aggressive .

"Feminists are perceived to be very anti-male and people seem to think that all feminists hate all men and are lesbians." said senior Cindy Kei. "That's probably the furthest thing from what feminism is about," said social studies teacher Franco Scardino. "To me, feminism means that women should be accorded the same opportunities and the same rights as men," he continued.

Others feel that feminism is hypocritical.

"I believe feminism is a double standard. Women want to be treated like men in terms of earnings and privileges, but at the same time they want special treatment, too. Women want the best of both genders at once," said a senior boy.

"I think some people are feminists when it's convenient for them. In . emergencies, women and children are the first to be evacuated; I don't see anybody complaining about that," said a junior girl.

"Feminism threatens some women . who like the idea that 'I'm going to be taken care of,' but what is the price of that?" asked Mr. Scardino, pointing out ' what he referred to as "the caricature" ofwomen as weaker beings who needed to be taken care of and protected.

In her Pscyhology of Fairytales class, English teacher Raquel Chung, who majored in Women's Studies at college, said, "The girls all said that they felt liberated and ;independent enough to pay for a date, but at the same time, they expected certain behaviors from the man that showed submission on their part as well. They were still looking at men as financial supporters ."

"I was teasing them. I said, 'What . if someone asks you on a date and he

doesn't have enough money for car insult a man's mother by saying he is teasing." service, so he gives you a MetroCard illegitimate.

Others, however, feel that gender instead. How would you feel?'" she Because of societal and economic equality has been achieved. One of the continued. "They said, 'Oh, no, we barriers, some feel that that it is harder most common reasons students cited would never date him; what do you to be a woman today. for not being feminists was their belief mean, he can't pay for car service? He "As I look at our culture and that feminism was no longer relevant has to have enough money to take me students ....it is particularly difficult to in American society, be a young woman today. I'm sure it out on a date. '" "I feel that sometimes misogyny "There is definitely a double is difficult to be a young man, too, but and sexism are overplayed, and that it's standard," said English teacher Judy historically women have been second really not as big a deal in some cases Biener, who is also advisor of Club of class citizens," said Ms. Biener as feminists make it out to be," said She mentioned that young women Esther.

Women. "We should not be picking and today have to struggle with "body "There are also, however, situations choosing when to be treated equally."

Many students don't feel that image, being sexualized before they on the other end of the spectrum: those that are not being given enough gender equality has been achieved in are ready, and eating disorders."

American society.

Mr. Scardino agreed, saying attention, such as child brides and girls "Generally, men and women are that socially and economically, it is who are kidnapped to serve in brothels meant to be seen as being treated undoubtedly easier to be a man in for the rest of their lives, which tum equally in American society, but this America. out to be rather short and harsh. We is often simply a facade. It is a fact "I don't think men are discriminated need to learn to focus our efforts on that men earn more than women in [against] in society at all. Men are the situations that need them, not those the same occupation," said sophomore . formally known as 'strong' and the that can wait," she continued.

Club of Women and the Harris Esther Portyansky. head offamilies, and usually societies," According to a 2003 United States said a sophomore girl. chapter , of Amnesty International Others, however, pointed out hosted a Week of Women this month to General Accounting Office Report, for full-time wage and salary workers in difficulties that men face. draw attention to causes such as those 2001, women's weekly earnings were "Men are discriminated against, but Esther mentioned, as well as others about 75% of men's. it is not spotlighted," said a sophomore like domestic violence and maternal mortality (see page 1).

The report could not account for the girl.

Sources Ms. Chung discussed the burden total discrepancy between the earnings United States. Women's Earnings: Work Patterns gap between men and women, but it that men have with the "expectation Partially Explain Difference between Men's partially attributed it to findings that that the man has to be at least the and Women's Earnings . Washington, D.C.: state women have less work experience primary provider in a household and 2003. Web. 27 May 2010. and are more likely to take breaks from that the man has to propose, or buy a Jamieson, Kathleen, and Jacqueline Dunn. "The 'B' Word in Traditional News and on the work, a trend some people link to the ring to prove love."

Web." Nieman Reports 2008: n. p. Web. 27 "Men are not allowed to cry or show fact that women do more housework.

May 2010.

According to a 2005 study by the emotion," said a female senior. "They Mixon, Bobbie . "Chore Wars: Men, Women and Housework." National Science Foundation University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, cannot be virgins in their teenage years 28 Apr 2008: n. p. Web. 27 May 2010. on average, married women with no without being subjected to bullying or children do 17 hours of housework a week whereas married men with no children do seven hours a week.

This has been attributed to the attitude that women are primarily responsible for household work, which still prevails in America today.

Recently, on Facebook, people have been joining groups like "I'm The Boy. You're The Girl. Make Me A Sandwich Or We Don't Talk Today."

Over 100,000 people have joined that group.

"If someone were to talk about racism, no one would dare joke about it. Same with homophob ia. But antifeminism? Totally game to be laughed at. It's that double standard that disgusts me and makes me so, so sad," said Clare.

An article in the Harvard Nieman Reports discussed finding over 500 videos on YouTube calling Clinton a 'bitch.'

Few videos denounced such namecalling. One, "Hillary Rodham ClintonEnd Sexism and the 'B' Word," posed the question, "If Obama was called the 'n' word, would you be so calm?"

Ms. Chung has students in her VVith s state-&ponsorad NYHELP. loan available to students Girlhood classes make lists of the words associated with 'male' and ' attarxUng pa~ng cottages, you can clo$tl1he gap between 'female.' The students then categorize college costs and available fllancial aid. the words as having positive or negative connotations; she has found that the female lists usually feature more negative words.

It* H ~ Eduarlkn lQ!II1 F'i'e\J'OOJ "Almost all the English curse words have a derogatory connection to women," said a sophomore girl.

"Why is it that when a guy is a real jerk, the mother gets drawn in? He is the 'son of a b-.''' Even the word 'bastard,' Ms. Chung pointed out, is meant to

his

NYHELPs

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The Classic

10-May 2010

ALICE IN HARRISLAND

. ' II â&#x20AC;˘

by Lory Martinez Alice was beginning to get very tired of all the free time on her hands: once or twice she had googled "fun things" _ but there were no words attached to .4 . . the pictures, and what is the use of pictures without words?

And so, she was considering finding a \~~"'< dictionary of sorts, one that \...~ '\\ ~t(ilf{-::.. would provide her with new lilt. Viii- ~~.;;::,. and in.teresting ways to confuse herself and her cat. '~ She contemplated .. l' whether it would ./.J.. r be worth the trouble to get up and find one when suddenly a rabbit carrying a very heavy bookbag and an ~... uncomfortably large '\ pocket-watch ~ ~ scurried past her.

She thought (O~ nothing of this (although upon later reflection she ... thought it quite strange) until she heard the rabbit exclaim, "I'm late, I'm late! Oh dear, I shall be late!"

When this happened, Alice immediately decided to run and chase the rabbit to discover exactly what it was late for and exactly where it was going. She chased it across her very small front yard just in time to see it jump into ~ hole. Alice went in after it and fell, and fell, and kept falling for a very long while.

As she fell, she came across some interesting things. She didn't want to call them things per se, but in her mind, everything was something and things in general were strangely in the same category in this place. She had plenty of time to observe her surroundings. She saw a desk with a left-sided seat. It was labeled in bold, "LEFTY DESK - for ambidextrous use ."

She saw a sign that said: "NO J.D., NO ENTRANCE." Alice wondered if she was headed toward some kind of club or night scene, while contemplating at the same time whether or not to tell her older sister that she even thought of going there in the first place.

Alice said to herself, "Oh, how wonderful falling is! I wonder if! stopped falling, would I get hurt? Would I even feel it?" She floated down onto something hard and felt only a slight bump.

It appeared to be a gym floor. Commands came from every which way. "Jog 50%!"

"Where's your uniform, young lady?" "Sprint 90%!" So Alice kep~ running and eventually came to a stop.

She walked and came across a green hallway. This hallway was very stuffy as there weren't any windows. And then came another command, this time from a young man walking in the opposite direction, "Run! Run! Where's your J.D.? Don't get a referral! Run!" And so Alice ran up the stairs, all the while wondering where that rabbit was. "He could show m the way around this place. He certainly had somewhere to go," she said to herself.

She panted as she got to the fourth floor and saw what appeared to be classrooms.

She walked past a room where she saw a teacher flailing what appeared to be a hatchet.

"What a curious method of teaching," she said to no one in particular.

She then walked past a room in which students were diligently taking notes from a giant computer screen. She giggled as one of them started to snore. She walked toward yet another room which she entered without realizing it. She sat at a desk and looked around. There was a giant black dictionary at the front of the room. She stared at it, thinking it might be the key to understanding this place.

The teacher turned to her and said, "I would hate to be draconian, but please vacate the premises at once as you are not my student, and I must continue providing my students with this sanguine n~ws. Class, your exam is on the morrow, so you must not dawdle and hit the books as soon as you 'check-in' (he made a full-handed air quote) to your domiciles."

I She ran out, dumbfounded by the eloquence of the people in this place, and scolded herself for not having a dictionary. She finally came across the rabbit in a classroom at the end of the hall . She walked in. The teacher was speaking a dead language. Alice pictured the ghostly words floating out of the room and collapsing lifeless on the ground. She laughed.

The teacher glared at her and demanded her pass.

"My pass?" .

II The teacher replied, "Yes, your pass. You need it to be able to leave any classroom."

Frustrated, Alice replied, "Passes, referrals, running until your lungs give out! Where am I?" The white rabbit jumped up from his seat and said, "Welcome to Townsend Harris, where everything in general is exactly what it is."

Alice started to panic. How she regretted complaining about not having anything to do.

She started to cry. Everything around her got blurry. She cleared her eyes to find herself sitting in her front yard with a dictionary in her hand.

She had learned her lesson: Never go anywhere without a dictionary - or a pass, or an J.D., whatever they were - because otherwise, you will be v~ry, very confused.

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Unique Harris lingo puzzles newcomers

by Niaz Ahmed Alice Lidell has lunch seventh band in the dining hall, but she'll be in the library working on her collateral instead.

She attends Townsend Harris, where words like periods, cafeteria, and projects were left behind in middle school.

"When I came into this school, two words scared me: 'collaterals' and 'exams,''' recalled junior Austin Yang. "I knewwhattheword 'collateral' meant, but had no idea how it related to school projects, or even school for that matter."

'Collateral' is an adjective meaning "serving to support or corroborate," according to the American Heritage

Just like the w 'collateral,' the term 'ba is also part of Harris lingo is a replacement for the w 'period.'

According to Eng ] teacher Judy Biener , the w is accurately used to descr Harris's "staggered schedul "For example, first b: does not meet every day; skip -it on Mondays," s Ms. Biener. "Since we miss some classes at le once a week, we like to cal 'bands of time. , Simply, thi because we do not have a fi: schedule," she said.

"I was really misled bef I came to Townsend HaJ High School," said sophom Bilbo Talukdar. "One of friends told me that I wo

Band [band] n : a unit of time, not a collecti on of lnstri ments

Cafetorium [kaf-i-tawr-ee-uh m] n : a room that serves both as a cafeteria and auditorium

Collateral [kuh-Iat-er-uh I] n : major class project assigned weeks ago but always started at the last minute

Dining Hall [dayhn-ing hawl]

I

n: a pretentious way of

referring to the student cafeteria

Dictionary.

According to Dean Wanda Nix, part of the school's founding faculty, "Collaterals are like projects, but they are supposed to challenge the mind and force students to think outside of the box.

For this reason, the word 'collateral' fits -, perfectly, since the meaning implies 'in addition to,' and students are encouraged to research further into their assignment, in addition to what they are already given."

"The intent of collaterals was, and still is, to add creative, interdisciplinary and! or research-orientated projects to the learning experience," said retired English teacher lIsa Cowen, who joined the school in its early years. "The original collaterals were very much like the current ones very varied."

Sophomore Wazed Ahmed thinks that using the word 'collateral' is a good idea, mainly because "it distinguishes Harris from its competition." "[We] students put a lot of work into these collaterals," said Wazed. "We don't just use Wikipedia and say we are done . Weperfectourworkwith creativity. I think we receive some sort ofrecognition by not calling our work 'projects. '"

have bands 1-9, and I thou, he meant that I would hr band class from 8am- 3pm. wasn't till I came to one of orientation meetings wher. realized that I would - le English, math, science 1 history in this school. I me when is lunch, if all I woi have is band classes?"

Once at Harris, Bilbo his lunch in the 'dining hal not a cafeteria.

"The auditorium and cafeteria used to be one plact the old Harris building. It v known as the 'cafetoriurr said Ms. Nix. "When we moved into c current building; we decic to call our cafeteria the 'din' hall' because it implied t we dine," she continu "A cafeteria involves st activities as yelling and fig} but when you hear 'dini hall' instead, it describes ambience where students down, eat, talk, and sh food. It's more of a dini experience."

The former cafetorii not only served as a cafete and an auditorium, but clas: were often taught there.

"I am glad that I t not go to Harris when tln was a cafetorium. Imag: being assigned a collateral the dining hall!" said jun Michael Lee.

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The Classic May 2010

My Life is Townsend Life is Stressful Today

Today, my last Humanities paper was due.

All of the computers in the library we re taken by seniors from my class. MLiT. Today, I walked by two students arguing in the hallways. About what? Whether Latin or Ancient Greek is better. MLiT. Today, I rea lized that I don't know what's going to be on my math test tom orrow, but I do know that the last day for working papers is June 1st. MLiT. Today, my English class wildly debated about whether the fire bell was a false alarm , ratherthan evacuating the premises.

MLiT. Today, I realized that I eat more food made by the street vendor Shah than foo d made by my own mother. MLIT. Today, the vending machine was locked until 1:00 pm and I was hung ry. No worries: I just bought some chocolate from a seni or I. fundraising for prom. MLiT. Today, I got a 63 on Dr. Mazza's statistics test. It curved to an 85 . MLi T.

BounceURule I" YOU're going to work, bave some fun while you.'r. the re!

NOW HIRING lJouncetJ of allege point is to<*ftlg fw ~andih9 PARTY PROS who ar6

fun, outgoing, matura and m ll'abte. PAtty Pl'O$ cmato 9fti'M momtl'ri4)$ 'for (I'~ry _ltd that eomo$ m our p,arti6t and f))laydatt6t.

SO it 'YOu're ready t;¢} b~«n6 amlm.ber tit t he groatBt t um In NYC,

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MUM III

JONAS SALK (1914-1995)

Today, I began studying for my AP exam.

It's to morrow. MLiT.

eonta<:t ~ t odQl

Alumnus of the Month

by Demetra Panagiotopoulos

The man who saved thousands from polio, Jonas Salk, almost didn't become a doctor.

Dr. Salk had originally enrolled in the City College of New York for pre-law studies. It was only when his mother convinced him that he wouldn't make a decent lawyer, as he had never once won an argument against her, that he switched to the premedical track and eventually attended the Medical Schoo l ,....--..,..-.......---..,..-..,..-=,.,. of New York University.

At NYU, Dr. Salk began his research in biochemistry.

The catechism at the time taught that of all the viruses, only tetanus and diphtheria could be prevented using a vaccine constructed from a dead pathogen. Salk began experimenting with these killed-virus vaccines.

Deciding not to practice medicine, but rather work as a medical scientist, Dr. Salk became an intern at Mount Sinai in Manhattan. He then went to the University of Michigan, where, with his mentor Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., he helped develop an influenza vaccine for the US Army after World War II erupted in Europe. Dr. Salk relocated to the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine in 1947, after being appointed as director of the school's Virus Research Laboratory. Soon after, the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes) provided him with the funds necessary to continue his killed-virus vaccine research and to develop a vaccine for polio, a menace that had exploded to terrifying proportions in the US. The Salk Vaccine was first tested on monkeys and polio-stricken children, then on the scientists themselves (including Salk) and their immediate families and finally, in 1954, on haifa million schoolchildren nationwide. On April 12, 1955, Dr. Francis announced the success of the trials; Salk 's anonymity wa s swept away by the media and the weight of public gratitude. He never sought to patent the vaccine; in one interview with newscaster Edward R. Murrow, Salk said, "Could you patent the sun?"

Dr. Salk autho red several books, among them Man Unfolding, Survival of the Wisest, WorldPopulation and Human Values: A New Reality, and Anatomy of Reality: A Merging of Reason and Intuition . In 1960, he founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, for creative scientists to pursue biomedical research together.

Dr. Salk began attending Harris at age 12 and was one ofthe guest speakers at the first annual Founders ' Day. "I'm sure we all feel the same thing today; we're seeing a dream come true.

I believe what this means and signifie s is an evolutionary experience," he said at the event, according to a Classic article from 198,4. "We can choose the future; we can create the future ....The purpose of the school will be to bring out the best in you, and your purpose will be to bring out the best in each other."

He died on June 23, 1995, aged 80, in La Jolla, after working for years as part of a team at his Institute searching for an HIV vacc ine.

Sources: Salk Institute. "About Jonas Salk ." Salk Institute for Biological Stud ies . Web. 26 May 20 10.

Salk, Jona s. "Jonas Salk Interview - Academy ofAchi evement. " Interview.Academy ofAchievement.

Web. 26 May 20 10.

Shee d, Wilfrid. "TIME 100: Jon as Salk." Time Inc. PortaL 29 Mar. 1999. Web. 26 May 20 10. photos from me.berkeley.edu and http://multivu.prnewswire .comi

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Classi c

May 2010

Runners sprint towards season's finish line at Queens Champs meet, and it seems to have Dimaculangan also finished about a second and a half. worked," she said. Wu also fourth in the 1500 meter run Apart from running or finished first in the pole vault (5 minutes, 47 seconds) and the second place 800-mete! competition, clearing a height fourth place in the 3000 meter relay team, Daring also set , of six feet. run (12 minutes , 8 seconds). personal record in the 400路 Senior Kristina Rodulfo Despite having several meter intermediate hurdles : finished first in the 1500- injured runners , the boys' running an impressive time meter racewalk 4 x 800 meter relay team of just over a minute. Daring competition. performed just as well as its who placed third in the event ~eam placed s~c~nd 'I know that hearing my team cheer for me put Rodulfo finished female counterpart, taking said, "Whenever I run at , first out of a pool second place in the borough championship meet, I think m Queens, finishing an extra kick in my step.' of eight athletes with a combined time of 9 less about time and more aboui behind Cardozo High with a time of 8 minutes and 11 seconds, and place." Daring also came ill School, while the boys' minutes and 14 just edging the third place fifth in the 400 meter run with team finished sixth in the seconds.

Freshman Ji Won team by four seconds. The a time just a shade above 52 the top six in the triple jump borough.

Kang finished two seconds relay team consisted of juniors seconds. The mark was just The girls' team got off competition. Senior Daniel Shoaib and a fraction of a second off oi to a fast start after taking the Baamonde placed fourth in after Rodulfo, making for a Muhammad dominant one-two finish and Emmanuel Daring, and seniors the competition with a jump the school 400-meter outdoor field events by storm. Junior providing more points for the Adam Mielnik and captain of 40 feet and 4.5 inches, record, held by David Vaughan Kerry McEnerney placed first lady Hawks. in Queens in the triple jump while junior Nicholas Nehau l The girls' 4 x 800 meter competition after jumping a finished in fifth place.

'The team spirit was wonderful; it really made The distance runners on relay team continued the trend distance of 32 feet, 3 inches. the meet fun' of success on the girls' team. the Hawks kept the pace, Said McEnerney, "My second jump was my strongest. I was using their endurance to keep Composed of Wu, sophomore just trying to push my body their teams in the hunt for - Marta Tomaszewski , and of the class of 2009. forward so I could get as far a title. Junior Ellie Wu ran seniors Amina Smith and Christopher Wang.

Tracy Dimaculangan, the relay "As the culminating event the first race of the day, the The coaches of both teams into the sand pit as possible."

McEnerney also finished 2000-meter steeplechase, and team finished first in the race of my high school running commented on the performance finished first in the event. Wu with a total time of 10 minutes - experience, it is safe to say of their teams. "Despite all the fourth in the pentathlon. that our performance at this injuries, we were able to acquit The boys' team had similar won by the fairly wide margin and 40 seconds. meet is a testament to the ourselves well at the borough of 10 seconds, cruising past the " It was a great team success with field events, hard work put in by the team champ ionships," said boys ' as senior Adam Mielnik finish line with a time just over effort," said Dimaculangan. finished first in the pole vault 8 minutes . "It was important "My teammates did a .great throughout the season," said coach George Rio. Girls' coach competition. Mielnik went for me to get the team off to j ob of playing off of each Wang. Wang also finished just Timothy Connor commented , to a sudden-death jump-off a good start. I hoped that we other 's energy. I know that outside of the top six runners "It was an amazing day. The and came out on top, clearing could carry the momentum of hearing my team cheer for me in the individual 800-meter team spirit was wonderful; it a height of 11 feet. "Even an early win throughout the put an extra kick in my step." race, missing out on sixth by really made the meet fun."

by Eilin Perez Amidst signs reading "Go Hawks go" and the cheers of their teammates, the Boys ' and Girls' Track teams competed at the PSAL Queensborough Championships at the Bayside High School sports complex. The girls'

though I just missed eclipsing my personal record, I am very proud to represent the team at City Champs," he said.

The boys' team continued its success in field events after having two athletes place in

Hawks drop final two games; miss baseball playoffs effort, though only six were

by R ahul Bhasin The Hawks raced onto earned .

The Hawks as a team the field on May 20 with a swung the bat well, jumping substantial obstacle hindering their path to the playoffs: the to leads early on, but fell apart Robert F. Kennedy Panthers, a in the later innings. They were 10-4 team that was second in outscored 8-1 in the final three innings and were unable their division.

After a matchup betw een to make good contact once the two teams was rained out the Panthers relieved their earlier in the week, it was starter. Christopher Regan of decided that two games would the Panthers -came out of the be played on the same day. bullpen to hold the Hawks to The Hawks lost both games, just one hit over the final four innings while allowing no finishing the season at 6-10. walks.

A sweep seemed daunting, Senior captain Eilin Perez yet not unattainable, as fundamental defense, good said, "It was a positive sign pitching and some luck that we were able to make could have helped clinch contact and get the hits we a playoff spot. The Hawks wanted early. The final three sent sophomore Billy innings were tough because I Diakogeorgi os to the mound. think we let our mistakes on He did an excellent job of the field affect our hitting and . minimizing damage and we struggled."

The Hawks were unable working himself out of jams. to recover from the final With a great movement on his onslaught by the Panthers and fastball, Diakogeorgios was able to strike out batters and lost the first game 11-7.

The Hawks came out for - keep the Panthers off balance. game two well aware that Coach Raymond Adarnkiewicz showed great their playoff hopes had been faith in his young pitcher shattered . Their struggles at the . and allowed him to pitch the plate continued in game two, duration of the game, resting but this could be attributed the Hawks' bullpen for game to Panthers' pitcher Thoma s two and lessening the burden of Regan. Regan struck out more a lack of healthy arms. Despite than one hitter per inning pitching well, Diakogeorgios 's throughout the regular season defense behind him was and possessed an earned run unimpressive and he gave up average of 0.95. Regan ~as 11 runs in the complete game lights out, giving up only four

hits over seven innings with no runs to go along with 10 strikeouts and three walks.

For the Hawks, freshman Connor Doyle started the game and was later relieved by sophomore Adam Boiardi.

The defense was once again suspect behind the pitchers, as errors paved the way for the Panthers to take an early lead that they never surrendered.

Junior Benjamin Horowitz said, "Going forward, we need to be strong defensively behind our pitchers and give them as many chances as possible to get out of the inning. If we want to be successful, we need to be strong up the middle defensively."

Despite missing the playoffs, the Hawks were able to fight through adversity and injuries while developing a young core of players. With Horowitz leading the players returning to the Hawks next year, and a group of young players that gained a wealth of experience during the 2010 season, the Hawks should be better prepared for 2011.

It was a rewarding experience for the seniors.

Captain Arthur Tarley said, "I'm very grateful for the four years I was able to spend on the baseball team. It not only allowed me to excel in my passion but also improve as an individual. "

Girl fencers end strong run with loss at City Semifinals

by Daniel Pecoraro the individual championships With a loss to Brooklyn in Long Island City on May Technical High School, 16. Yenko led the team in wins 7.5- 1.5, the Girls' Fencing (16) and touches (80).

Team's season ended in a The Girls' Fencing team semifinal defeat at the City attributes its strong season to Champ ionships at City College its relationship with the Boys ' on May 8.

Fencing team, which trains The Hawks entered the with the girls in the spring. tournament with a 6-3 record, "The girls lost two very strong enough for second place in captains last year [Rupinder Division 3 behind Cardoz o.

Garcha and Margaret Ngo], Taking on Stuyvesant High School in the Quarterf in a ls , the Hawks, led by seniors Amanda Liew and Meng Zhu, swept Game A 4-0, eventually taking the match 6.5-2.5.

Although Liew, . .

Irene Yenko and Amanda Liew sparat practice.

Zh u, seniors Irene Yenko and Jenny Zhang, and they exceeded my and juniors Vivian Li and expectations," said senior Helen Wu fought hard, it was boys ' fencer and team manager not enough to beat Brooklyn Alexis Chavez .

Tech, coming into the playoffs Remaining on the team are at 10-0.

Li, who won the girls' Novice Under the direction of their Championship on April 18, coach, Debra Michlewitz, the Wu (3rd place in the Novice Hawks won five of their first Championship), and Kayla Ho six matche s, their only losses (5th place), along with juni or coming against Ca...dozo . In Gabriela Campoverd e and addition, all four senior Hawks freshmen Kimberly Chan, and - Liew, Yenko, Zhang , and Zhu Fariha Hussain , none of whom - were among the qualifiers for fen. -ed this season.