w w w. t h e n h s p a w p r i n t . o r g
The Norwalk High School
Paw Print “How the Bears make their mark”
DEcEmbEr 2010
Photo Credit: www.google.com
No more mr. Nice guy Farrah Marin ’12
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: www.google.com
There is a new substance on the market that is becoming a concern for the government and parents, referred to as “fake weed”. The herbal smoke blend is locally known as Mr. Nice Guy, a brand of salvia. Mr. Nice Guy and other brand names of the substance are sold in stores around the country, including Norwalk. On the packaging of the product it says, “Not for human consumption.” It is sold in stores such as the Utopia Skate Shop on Connecticut Avenue under the name of incense. The real issue is, is this incense really incense? When the managers were asked about the substance being sold in their store, they denied to comment. Ever since the substance has caught the attention of the DEA, the active chemicals in the drugs: JWH-073, CP-47,497, JWH-018, JWH-200, and cannabicyclohexanol have all been banned for a period of one year beginning in late December. The Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies are trying to determine if the chemicals will be on the list of controlled substances that are considered dangerous. Stores continued to sell the product although the substance was banned in Kansas due to a recent suicide blamed on Mr. Nice Guy. On www.mrniceguy-incense. com, they address the ban by advertising a new product. “Mr Nice Guy has a new blend that is AMAZING and is legal in ALL 50 STATES, called Barely Legal! It will be available soon, and so will many more incredible blends,” stated the website. The product has caught the attention
VOLUmE V, ISSUE 2
of students as well as staff here at NHS. Some students have admitted to smoking the “incense” for personal reasons. “It doesn’t have THC,” responded Luis Santos (’13) when asked why he smokes Mr. Nice Guy. The substance resembles marijuana and is administered in the same manner but unlike marijuana, it was legal. Peter Ferguson (’12) claimed that marijuana did not compare to the fake weed. He said, “It is so much stronger.” When asked what happens if a student is caught smoking or selling any forms of salvia, Officer Murray responded by saying, “The school can take discipline under their code of conduct. Until it becomes illegal there is no criminal offense they can be charged with.” Mr. Nice Guy comes in many different flavors such as mango and pineapple that can be appealing towards the younger populations and can also produce a strong high. Smokers of the substance have claimed that they hallucinate, have a rapid heartbeat, become extremely paranoid, and some have even had seizures. “I felt myself start to have a heart attack but I don’t know if it was that I was just really blasted. Should I smoke this from now on whenever I want to get high? Or will it eventually give me brain damage?” claimed Carlos from Miami on the review website. After having been asked if he knew a lot of kids who smoked the smoke blend, Jake Loperesti (’11) said, “Everyone is now. I don’t know why everyone stopped smoking weed for Mr. Nice Guy. It is so much worse for you.” People who buy the substance must be eighteen or older, but students still get their hands on it. During the one-year ban, further research of the drug will be conducted.
Norwalk reacts to Increased Local Poverty
Nataly Monsalve ’11
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Business Editor In the city of Norwalk, CT the population is 82,951. According to the American Community Survey released in September, 15.1% of the total population of Norwalk is in poverty, and that number has grown in the past two years. According to Jonathon Kantrowitz, writer for the blog www.ctnews.com, Norwalk is ranked one of the top cities in terms of increases in poverty among cities in Connecticut. Norwalk High is celebrating its 28th year of the Helping Hands fundraiser that allows kids in poverty to ask for help. The various ways that students and families at Norwalk High are assisted by Helping Hands are fees for college applications, costs for senior photos, music lessons, prom tickets, yearbook, cap and gown, purchasing clothes, shoes, eye wear and even testing fees. Mr. O’Donnell, counselor of D-house, runs Helping Hands and sends out a letter at the beginning of every school year asking teachers if they can help by donating fifty-eight dollars as a one time payment. He then asks if they could contribute by donating two dollars a day to the department they pertain to. Many organizations besides Norwalk High’s Helping Hands have donated their money and time to help others.
The Manna House or Emergency Shelter have helped people with food and shelter The Christan Community Action is a non-profit, nonsectarian agency that works to provide food, furniture,
A homeless man enters the Norwalk Emergency Shelter
financial assistance, and other necessities to people in need who are living in the greater Norwalk area. CCA currently feeds around seventy people a day, receiving six days worth of food. In 2007, CCA fed 11,516 people, in 2008 they fed 15,769, and last year they fed 20,793. In emergency assistance, CCA has given $25,000 in security deposits, rent, and utility payments this year. Poverty in Norwalk has grown because, “A bunch of it is historic, there are neighborhoods where there are third generation in poverty, places where education isn’t priority,” said Christi from CCA. Christi, the person in charge of CCA, has words for the people living below the poverty the, “there is help available, if they reach out, there are people that will help.” Similar to CCA, Kiwanis is a non-profit organization, with a mission to serve the children and community to change the world. The projects that Kiwanis have been working on this year include a food drive at St. Vincent de Paul of Norwalk, painting a room in the Norwalk Senior Center located on Allen Road, and most recently working with “Row for the Cure.” Hilda Salerno, President of Kiwanis, stated that she joined Kiwanis because she has “always been interested in helping adults and children.”
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NEWS
FEATURE
IN
T H IS A&E
IS S U E: SPORTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS News............................1 Editorial............................7 Arts and Entertainment......8 Feature.............................10 Opinion.........................12 Sports.............................17
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NEWS
December 2010
N E W S BR I E F S Candlelight Norwalk High School’s winter concert, Candlelight, will be held on December 20th, 21st, and 22nd in the school auditorium at 8:00 P.M. Over six hundred members of the NHS choir, orchestra, and band are performing so come see your peers for a low price of $4 per ticket.
College Panel
Poinsettia and Mistletoe Balls The 47th annual Poinsettia and Mistletoe Balls will be held this year for seniors and juniors, respectively. Both will be held at the Continental Manor in Norwalk at 7:00 P.M. Mistletoe will be on Friday, January 7th and Poinsettia will be on Saturday, January 8th.
Yearbook The 2010-2011 Norwalk High School Yearbook, with the theme of “Game board”, can be ordered online for about $90. See the NHS website for more details and act now before they run out. Also, see Mr. Segers or Mr. Pagano to insert advertisements.
Midterm Schedule Midterms are just around the corner, coming up towards the end of January. There will be an early dismissal on all of the following test dates: January 20 Periods 1,2 January 21 Periods 3,4 January 24 Periods 5,6 January 25 Periods 7,8
Western Regional Western Regionals will be held on January 14th and 15th at New Canaan High School. Good luck to all those who are taking part in it!
Holiday Recess With the holidays approaching, students have only been thinking about the upcoming break. On December 23rd, there will be a 12:35 early dismissal and there will be no school from December 24th, 2010 to January 2nd, 2011. Have a great break and stay safe throughout the holidays!
Poverty 1:7 Continued from Page 1
Ashley Cortes ’11 Photo, Web Editor
Missy Melfi (’11). When Melfi was asked what the general prices are she said “fifty cents”. Students are also getting cigarettes another way and while questioning students, it became obvious that it was common knowledge. When Annie Dejesus (’12) was asked about the gas station on Westport Ave. selling tobacco products illegally to minors, she said, “I don’t think he checks I.D.” Oravez reported, “I have friends that do that.” After hearing the rumors of this gas station selling to minors a seventeen-year-old high school student went undercover to see
Often a person is hit with an overwhelming amount of smoke walking towards first floor E-house. Sometimes you can even witness the students in the act of smoking as you walk down the stairs. Smoking is obviously happening on school grounds, otherwise E-house would not smell this way. When Mr. Mecca was asked if he knew that students are smoking on campus he said, “It’s certainly not done with our permission; we follow the code of conduct.” He then proceeded to ask when it was happening. It is probably safe to answer Mr. Mecca and say it happens at least everyday. “I have smelled smoke…I see security within the area often,” said Sergeant Fesseden. Officer Murray has caught students in the act of smoking and said that he usually brings them to their housemaster where they receive their punishment. “We have three steps if a person is smoking. We follow the code of conduct…we follow this thing precisely; it is defined,” said A-house housemaster Dr. Karagus. In the Norwalk High School Code of Conduct, punishment for tobacco products is defined by the act of either using or possessing. The first offense if caught using it is “two days of OSS (out of school suspension) $10.00 fine”. For the first offense, possessing will result in “confiscation/parental contact”. The second offense of using is “four days of OSS $15.00 fine.” For possession it then falls under defiance of authority, which states a student would then get “1-3 days Saturday detention/ISS A Norwalk High School student smoking outside the building (in school suspension)”. On the third offense for if she could buy cigarettes from the gas station. The undercover either possession or use is “five days of OSS $25.00 Fine”. student walked into the gas station and waited in line behind “The fine becomes an obligation…a person will not be able two people. When she got to the front she asked the man behind to receive a diploma,” said Dr. Karagus. the counter for a pack of Marlboro Lights. The man looked at Minors are not the only ones who can get in trouble with her and she smiled back at him. He turned to get the pack of illegally obtaining cigarettes; there are also fines for people cigarettes and set them on the counter. selling to minors. “They would get a fine…they can lose their The student then proceeded to “check” her pockets for cash license,” said Officer Murray. and pretended as though she left it in her car. She told the man The root to Norwalk High’s smoking problem is: where are she would get the money from her car. The guy sighed and said the students getting the cigarettes? It is a common business at “ok”. The student went to her car and left. NHS to sell cigarettes. Chris Oravez (’11) said, “They mostly Although the pack of cigarettes was not sold, it is implied that get it from people who can buy cigarettes.” this gas station was ready to sell to a minor. Though the school Students are either buying them from people outside of might not be able to control off campus smoking it would also be school or peers are selling to peers. “You just ask and hope wise to not let it simply float in the background unnoticed. you’re asking the right person and it’s not expensive,” said
NHS Blood Drive: R U My Type?
because they were sick, had visited foreign countries recently, or had low iron levels. News Editor Jake Dunsmore (’11) said, “It was a scary experience Every year, Norwalk High School’s National Honor Society because of the risk of passing out, but I think everyone found seniors host a blood drive with the American Red Cross that it was worth it when they thought about who they could Association in an effort to save lives and help out those in be helping. A lot more people came than were able to give need. blood, and as one of the people who was turned down during the Each student in the National Honor Society was in charge examination process, I would say that the only downside was of recruiting three people to donate blood. The chairs of how difficult it was to fit the requirements of donating.” the blood drive; Jocelin Linares, Jake Dunsmore, Marcela In fact, there were a couple of unfortunate events, with one Osorio, and Hannah Halsey worked together with the chairs student who had a seizure and collapsed on the floor and others of National Honors Society; Gabby Nowack, Ryan Swick, who felt very dizzy, in addition to a nurse who had to be taken to Katie Pachkovsky, and Mark Andino to make sure the event the Emergency Room. However, three lives were saved by every ran smoothly. person who donated blood so the event was deemed successful. Once donators arrived to the gym the day of the drive on “The people who got sick were the ones who didn’t listen Wednesday, November 3rd, they were asked a series of detailed or weren’t told to eat and drink lots of fluids before they arrived. and lengthy questions about their past to assure they would be Still, there was a good turnout of people,” Jocelin Linares said. eligible to donate. In total, 83 people signed up to donate but Mr. Hariton, coordinator of NHS and the blood drive, only 65 pints of blood were given. Many were not allowed to thought that this year was excessively well organized because of everyone’s participation. “The need for blood is critical; Connecticut right now has a three day supply of blood. If there was an emergency, we’d be prepared.” Peggy O’Hara (’11) after donating blood, said, “I felt really queasy afterwards but I felt so good about myself after knowing that three lives out there were better off because of me. It was a satisfying experience.” “At the end of the day when the nurses and staff are leaving the school, everybody’s complimenting me on how well behaved, cooperative, and nice you all are. They say you guys are the best people to work with,” Mr. Hariton said. Another blood drive will be held at Norwalk High sometime in May. The annual blood drive at Norwalk High School, run by the National Honor Society seniors
Neha Patel ’11
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Mrs. Hilda joined Kiwanis in 2006 because, “We have the ability to help you, we never refuse to help anyone.” Norwalk High and the community that surrounds it has its hands open to who ever needs the help. Shockingly, 5,493 people in Norwalk were earning less than $21,756 a year, which is the poverty line income for a family of two parents and two kids. In Norwalk, one in seven people live in poverty was a shocking fact for Jamie Warning (’13) who said, “ Just stay strong”, for those dealing with poverty as an issue. She also explained that people should help those that are impovished by helping at charities and donating to them. It is evident that poverty has become a huge problem in Norwalk. That is why it important that students and community members continue fighting against poverty with the help of several organizations.
Norwalk High School Lights Up
Phjoto Credit: Ashley Cortes
On January 5th at 8:30 A.M, current college students will return to NHS to talk to high school seniors about the transition from high school to college. In addition to this College Panel, there will be a College Night held on January 11th. College admission representatives will speak about the process at 7:00 P.M.
THE PAW PRINT
NEWS
THE PAW PRINT
December 2010
Page 3
California Tries To Go Green Brian Manby ’12
Staff Writer
On Election Day 2010, the fate of one of the most controversial ballot votes in United States history was decided upon in California. Based on the turnout of voters in California, the debatable Proposition 19 ballot was not passed. Proposition 19 has drawn attention since its proposal about decriminalizing the use and possession of the popular recreational drug marijuana significantly in the state. According to the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy, marijuana is the number one most commonly used illicit drug throughout the country, and is even the number one or two grown crop in the states of Florida, New York, and California. The controversy surrounding Proposition 19 was widely debated throughout the country. However, many admitted marijuana consumers supported the ballot for the wrong reasons. They saw it more as an opportunity to be able to use the drug without getting in trouble with the law rather than something that can actually benefit the country from a social and economic standpoint. The official advocacy group “Yes on 19” for the ballot claimed that the legal changes would aid California’s existing budget shortfall, relinquish funding to violent drug cartels, and redirect law enforcement to more dangerous crimes. Student Jack Kelly (’12) agrees that passing the ballot would have done the country some good. He says, “I think it should have been passed because it could create an entire new industry of jobs and stimulate the economy
P R O J E C T E X P L O R E
and fix the unemployment rate.” Conversely, the official opposition group “No on Proposition 19” said that the bill contained flaws that may have serious unintended consequences on public safety, workplaces, and federal funding. If the ballot were voted for, the legal changes made to California’s drug policy would take effect the following day. People age 21 and over would have been allowed to possess up to 28.5 grams (1 ounce) of marijuana for personal consumption only. They also would have been allowed to grow the plant at a private residence in a space up to twenty-five square feet. Additionally, marijuana use would be permitted in non-public places, or public establishments licensed for onsite consumption. As a result, the government would be able to regulate these activities and impose fees and taxes on them had the ballot been passed. The only limit placed on users age twenty-one and over was much like the restrictions imposed with the consumption of alcohol. Marijuana use will not be permitted within school zones, in work environments without consent, or while operating motor vehicles. With the loss, existing laws applying to the sale of the drug as well as other banned substances will still be imposed under the United States Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, laws against consumption, distribution, and possession for minors will still be enforced as they exist today.
Stephanie Canales ’11
Staff Writer
Jennifer Wing, Moira Whalen, Torey Tirpack:
Nataly Monsalve and Stephanie Casolino:
The team of Jennifer Wing, Moira Whalen and Torey Tirpack are working together to have a radio station at Norwalk High School. Trying to team up with Brien McMahon who already has a station, they want to use the stations to talk about every day teens and there lives.
Nataly Monsalve’s and Stephanie Casolino’s passion is to work for a fashion magazine. For Project Explore they are working on there very own fashion magazine. The magazine will include many things like advice, outfits, shopping and much more. This magazine will be revolved around Boho Chic and vintage with a touch of color splash. They are also using all types of beautiful models that are naturally pretty, not what society wants them to be. Look out for the magazine in May 2011.
Meredith Pramer: Photo shoots, articles, trend reports and fashion industry; All this and more can be found in Meredith Pramer’s spring 2011 fashion magazine. She was inspired to do a fashion magazine because fashion is her passion. She loves styling people and expressing her styling skills. If you want to know what is in, look out for this magazine.
Abby Fry: Abby Fry is current working on making a video about sign language. She was inspired by a cousin who is deaf. After spending time with her cousin she wanted to learn more and be able to communicate with her cousin better. “Is sign language the true language of paradise?” – Hugo Ball
Jillian Winters: Attention to all juniors and seniors in Norwalk, there is a magazine heading your way. Jillian Winters is working on a magazine for all juniors and seniors. “The magazine will include things about your friends and your surroundings rather than faceless people in a magazine”. Watch out for this magazine in May of 2011.
Student refused to take photo
Megha Nadig: Megha Nadig is working on translating a piano piece into a 12 part movement string quartet. She was inspired to do this when she was listening to The Seasons written by Tchaikovsky.
Kristin Harris:
Grace Holleran:
Most seniors are thinking about college, Kristen Harris is thinking about the possible issues that may come up in college, growing up and the transition from high school to college. She wrote a screen play that she will direct and act in . Her passions are acting and writing and this was a great way to express herself.
Ever wonder what it is like to live with an autistic person? Grace Holleran’s project happens to be just about that. She has an autistic brother and she has been inspired to write about living with an autistic sibling. This story is about events in her life with a touch of fiction. “ I’m really looking forward to not only sharing my writing with others, but also spreading awareness about a cause I truly care about, autism.”
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NEWS
December 2010
THE PAW PRINT
Dylan Byrne ’11 Staff Writer
As the holiday season approaches so does the colder weather. The Air Force Jr. ROTC once again held their third annual winter coat drive. Although it is called a coat drive, the program asked for more than just winter coats. Hoodies and forms of warm winter jackets were brought in to help those who cannot afford such clothing. The price of winter coats has risen over the past decade and now coats can cost well over one hundred dollars. Students were asked to help this truly noble and festive cause in order to help those who cannot afford their own winterwear. Started for the idea of community support, the coat drive began in 2008. Created by Sergeant Fessenden, the coat drive has become an ROTC tradition of giving back to the community. Fessenden was adamant about supporting those in need and instilling a sense of humbleness in all of his ROTC cadets
and the student body. “The purpose of this coat drive is so the students realize that they are not the center of the universe and how important it is to give back to the community,” said Fessenden. The coat drive has grown every year and this year the ROTC cadets set out to collect 200 coats and hoodies. After reaching their intended goal, the coats were given to the Norwalk shelter following the end of the coat drive on December 8, 2010. With growing support throughout the community, the annual coat drive will undoubtedly look to expand next year and help even more people throughout the city. In April, the ROTC cadets will be hosting another drive for school supplies. They are asking for pens, pencils, notebooks, and any other school supplies that will directly benefit students. Following that drive for supplies, the donations will be divided up and given to those students who need them the most.
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
ROTC Coat Drive Success
ROTC members who have helped make the coat drive successful this year. These seventeen members have given much needed jackets to the less fortunate around the city of Norwalk.
Mandatory Juice Policy Fills Trash and Wastes Money Kevin Lawrence ’11 Staff Writer
Photo Credits: Ricky Squires
Along with other debatable rules that have been implemented into our school system this year, the forcing of fruit and juice upon students when purchasing their lunch has become a controversy. A student is now forced to take a fruit and juice with the purchase of a sandwich, pizza, or any hot lunch. But what if a person has no interest in taking a fruit and juice or he or she actually is allergic to either of the two? Peggy O’Hara (’11) ran into one of these problems while simply trying to buy a lunch she would enjoy. “She [the lunch lady] forced me to get a fruit or juice even though I told her I was allergic,” O’Hara said. “She said I would have to get a fruit or juice or
else I would have to pay an extra dollar.” Of course having the option to take a fruit or juice for free would be a great idea but forcing it upon students who do not want either is ridiculous. Few people in the cafeteria actually consume their fruit and juice and have found a simple solution to ridding their trays of unwanted garbage. Now the students are just transferring all undesirable items directly into the garbage. O’Hara agrees with this solution and said “I think they should just let the kids have a choice. I get that they want us to eat healthier but there is no reason to force food on people. They are just going to throw it away and then that’s a waste.” While some take advantage of the offers, most refuse it. Most students at NHS who are not content with the implications of getting a fruit or juice are unhappy due to personal tastes. Tevin Christopher (’11) said, “Although I do enjoy the nutritious fruits, I stick to drinking water when eating lunch. However, sometimes I take the fruit or juice and offer it to a kid who wants it.” Although there are some who choose to take advantage of the free fruit and juice they are given, the number of those who do not is far too great to be ignored. In these hard times of economic crisis we must really make sure that our schools’ money is going towards what really is important instead of watching our mass purchase of fruit and juice go straight into the garbage. Instead maybe the money that is wasted should help buy some printing paper so that resource centers will be able to provide it to students when needed. Perhaps some money can go towards the paper towel dispensers in the bathroom to ensure that a student will have paper towels to dry their hands after they wash them. Overall, there needs to be someone who steps up and addresses this problem with administrators who decide how much to purchase of each item in the lunch room. There clearly needs to be cuts in juice and fruit purchases.
Sex Offenders in Area
No I.D. No Laptop
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Meredith Pramer ’11
While students at Norwalk High School are still adapting to the new study hall rules, a new library policy came out. As of November eighteenth, students can no longer present their schedules when they ask for a laptop. Instead, they must present their student ID or any form of photo ID such as drivers license, state ID, YMCA card, etc. “We ask for IDs just for security and privacy reasons,” said Miss Mackowski, who has been working at the library for two years. “Any student can find a schedule on the floor and ask for a laptop with it; if someone might damage a laptop, we would not know who did it.” It is not the first time that this policy is applied at the library. In previous years the same method was implemented. “The first two months of the school year, we gave the students the opportunity to get an ID, so we just ask for schedules” stated Miss
Mackowski, telling that there is no excuse for not having one. The library is not the only place where students can use computers, the resource centers are available for all students without presenting an ID. “In the resource centers, students just sit in front of the desktops and work there,” said Miss Mackowski, who agreed that in the library students can take laptops and sit where they want. “ We want to create a university enviroment in the library, where students have flexibility to study. Every day NHS students use laptops. There are twenty-four laptops available in the library, of which just eighteen to twenty are being used. “Kids are doing pretty good so far, I have not had any complaints about it,” Miss Mackowsi said, “We do not do all these rules to make the students’ lives miserable, it is just the best way to verify who is the student asking for a laptop.” Photo Credit: Eric Scatamacchia
In the Norwalk High School area, through a one-mile radius there are five registered sex offenders, according to www.city-data.com. Moving out the radius to five miles, there are twelve and in all of Connecticut there are fortyfive. This data to some may seem unsettling for their children’s safety, but children are not the only ones affected by sex offenders. Fifty five percent of the sexual assaults occur to people over the age of twelve. These attacks can often be forgotten because of societies focus towards children’s assaults. These registered sex offenders are labeled for the rest of their life for the public to view. Torey Tirpack (’11) has lived in Norwalk her entire life and says, “Coming to school I feel safe and even the word sex offender is not on my mind or is a worry.” Also most people just think sex offenders target girls, but according to the Connecticut State Registry’s Safety Tips “Approximately one-third of sex offenders report assaulting both males and females.” The public is able to access the registered sex offenders. There can still be many more, but they have not gotten caught yet. Like Tirpack, our principal, Mr. Mecca, states, “Although I do not hear much notifications about any sex offenders, it is best to take necessary precautions. Always walk with a friend to keep yourself away from bad situations. Also do not accept any kind of offers from strangers.” If you witness any suspicious activity or you are involved with any kind of sexual harassment please contact Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (SACS) at 1-888-999-5545.
Silvia Luque ’12
NEWS
THE PAW PRINT
December 2010
Page 5
High School Stress Causes Teenage Suicide Rates to Rise
Kristin Harris ’11
opinions. “I think they are having trouble dealing with feelings and things that happened in their past,” replied Meagan Henry (’11). “People keep their feelings inside, and it builds up and that’s what causes it,” said Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among fifteen to twenty-four year olds. Stephanie Casolino (’11). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and “It’s more common than you think…it’s more dangerous than just racing thoughts. Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) this number has increased more this year than in the Most teenagers are drawn to suicide because they believe there are no other options… past fifteen. more are related to school than at home issues,” said Tori Ruocco Many people are unaware of teen suicide and how often (’12). “Go to an adult you trust, and tell it occurs. The seriousness of it is being conveyed as more NHS Psychology teacher, Ms. Morris, offered more insight teen suicide cases appear in the media. them, ‘I think I need help.’ It’s not a on the situation. “Everything in their life is magnified. Like “Teenagers care a lot about what their peers think and sign of weakness.” -Ms. Morris break-ups are huge. Everything is huge and causes stress and it if they think bad things they decide to end their lives,” said can possibly, probably, be a chemical imbalance.” Nicole Date-Ampofo (’11). Teen suicide is an issue that grows as time goes on. So, how can they be helped? “Go A poll of one hundred Norwalk High School students shows that sixty-two students to an adult they trust, and tell them ‘I think I need help’,” says Morris. “Teenagers need were not aware that teen suicide is the third leading cause of death amoung fifteen to easier access to therapists so they can have help without having to worry about money,” twenty-four year olds, yet fifty-eight of the one hundred students knew someone who has said Olivia Taylor (’11). talked about, tried, or actually committed suicide. Visit this website for more information: http://teensuicidestatistics.com/ When asked about what causes these suicidal tendencies people had different “It’s not a sign of weakness” concluded Morris. Staff Writer
Graffiti in the Bathrooms NHS Newcomers Assimilate Mike Corasaniti ’11
Carly Mammoliti ’12
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
VISIT US AT OUR WEBSITE AT
thenhspawprint.org
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE CALLED “10 TIPS OF NUTRITION ADVICE OVER THE HOLIDAYS” BY ASHLEY COTO
Photo Credit: Dylan Byrne
If artistic ability in Norwalk High School is ever doubted, one would only need to venture into one of the many decorated bathroom stalls to find some creativity. “Writing on bathroom stalls is one of the purist forms of art,” wrote an anonymous artist in the third floor B-house girls bathroom stall amongst gang signs, misspelled swear words, and countless “I hate fill-in-the-blanks.” “I obviously don’t really care for [the graffiti], but it’s pretty funny what they write sometimes,” said Patrick Odierno (’12). Some of the more entertavining comments come in the form of political propaganda (“Taco for President!”), love messages (“I’ll wait forever on this stall for a kiss from you.”), and poetry (“Roses is red, violets is blue, you say you hate school, but school hate you to”). “It’s amazing to see how some people go out of their way to write their sob stories on the walls when they could be doing something productive instead,” said Erin Kelly (’13). The NHS Code of Conduct, bathroom expression’s greatest dissenter, specifically defines graffiti vandalism as an offense that is rewarded with anything from three days of detention for the smallest offenses to ten days of suspension with an expulsion hearing for multiple bad offenses. “It’s a situation that’s not that serious but if we let it continue it can become serious,” added Mr. Price. “It’s something we have to continue to monitor.” Mr. Price’s feelings reflect beliefs held by scientists James Wilson and George Kelling, founders of the Broken Windows Theory. The theory, which has been debated since its first documentation in 1982, states that “maintaining urban environments in a well-ordered condition may prevent further vandalism.” In other words, if the graffiti problem is addressed then maybe other problems will begin fixing themselves as well. “The graffiti makes people think of the bathrooms as such a grimy place,” added Ian McGrath (’13), “and it’s only contributing to all the other trash.” The graffiti situation will continue to be monitored as NHS enters the second half of the school year and it will be interesting to see how or if students find other ways to express their feelings and creativity.
Example of graffiti in bathrrom stall at Norwalk High School.
For both Norwalk High and Brien McMahon, all students are given a course selection guide to choose what classes they want There is a never-ending routine at Norwalk and have to take. Even though new students are High School, particularly with its students. given the book and are helped to choose the They take the same route from one class classes that would best fit them, there really are to the next, sit at the same table during not any programs at NHS designed specifically lunch, and pass the same people in the halls for new students to get socially adjusted as well everyday. as academically. Usually at NHS, the guidance counselor of the new student will call them down for a meeting to ask them about how they are adjusting and help them out, but some schools just hand them their schedules. By just handing a new student a schedule and telling them where to go is not beneficial to the student at all. Students who have attended Norwalk High since their freshman year New students (left to right) Austin Wooten, Eric Deda, Stephen Arnold, Will McCormack may not notice when there are new students New students like Stephanie Dominick unless they are in one of their classes, clubs, (‘12) and Will McCormack (‘12) stated that or sports teams; but what if there was a club they were taken aback at first by Norwalk designed just for transfer students, or a program High’s large building and student body. NHS to help them become socially adjusted to the seems to exceed the size and population of new environment? most new students’ previous high school With Norwalk High being so diverse, and except for the case of Stephen Arnold at times “cliquey”, it may seem hard for new (’13). Stephen moved to Norwalk from students to want to come out of their shells Danbury where he attended Danbury High and make an effort to talk to other people, but School which has a student population of maybe the roles should be reversed. approximately 3,000, opposed to NHS’s 1,500. “At first I felt like an outsider, As a result students tend to notice when something or someone new happens to but sooner or later I met new appear in the halls. However, do they make friends” an effort to care, or just go on with their -Eric Deda (’12) day? One new student, Eric Deda (’12), who moved to Norwalk from New York, said, “At Students who have been attending NHS first (felt like an outsider), but sooner or later for a longer amount of time should make the I met new friends.” effort to help them. A simple gesture like asking Eric also explained “teachers helped about homework or sitting with new students at me adjust, especially Docimo.” However, lunch could have a lot of effect on someone. Austin Wooten (’13) stated that teachers It could make a person feel a lot better about did “nothing” to help him adjust to Norwalk being in a new place. High. Staff Writer
Page 6
DECEMBER 2010
NEWS
THE PAW PRINT
Norwalk High is “Smarter” Than Your Average School Lydia krenicki ’12 Staff Writer SMART Boards are infiltrating the classrooms of Norwalk High School and creating more learning and teaching variety for students and teachers. These technologically advanced, but expensive machines, are slowly being added to departments at NHS and making students more excited to learn and participate in class. Jackie Hernandez (’12), who uses a SMART Board in her Algebra II class with Mr. Cundiff said, “ It keeps me attentive during class. It is cool and easier to read.” She spoke of how they used it almost everyday in class and how it is easier to use the calculator when it is up on the smart board. Samantha Wood (’12) also was in favor of the touchable electronic whiteboard in her Psychology class with Mr. Seaburg. Wood said, “ We are more involved and he lets us write on the board and its cool because we can do a lot of stuff on it. It is more technological and it engages kids more than a regular white board that does not do much.”
The teachers also love these new tools. Mrs. and the projector light bulb. While these prices may seem shocking for just one Todeschini talked about how it helped her two A.P. classes while preparing for the A.P. test, especially because of the machine, smarttech.com, the SMART Board website, has a listening activities that can be used on the board. They even whole section related to grants and educational programs. On the other side, a watch the news in blog called A Plethora of Spanish while she is “Even if Kids come to the board, that is only Technology, showed how taking attendance to 1 kid out of 25 or more.” the board does have some increase the cultural experience. negative qualities. “Even if A Plethora Of Technology She also talked kids come to the board, that about how this tool is only 1 kid out of 25 or allows for people of more. What are the other all learning styles to learn in their own way. It has auditory 24 doing while one is using the cool tools? For $6000.00 learning programs and visual learning tools that make it you could get 20 netbooks and you are almost at a 1:1 very convenient. computing model.” These tools are innovative and of the newest Alexa Cordero (’12) said, “It freezes a lot and once in technology, however, new technology costs new and higher a while it shuts off randomly.” prices. The SMART Board cost can range from $3,450.00 Mrs.Todeschini could not think of anything that she to $10,050.00 when taking into consideration all of the did not like about the tool except that every teacher did not necessary parts and maintenance. The board itself can cost have one. However, she did think that over a long amount from $1,200.00 to $3,000.00. Then the purchaser has to of time, SMART Boards would become regular sightings buy an LCD projector, the PC or Mac to run the machine at NHS.
A Community That Builds Pen Chewing Habits Eric Scatamacchia ’11
Mike Corasaniti ’11
Executive Feature Editor
BuildOn has organized pizza sales, candy sales, and coin drives. The NHS club has also done work outside of school including food drives, car washes, park cleanups, and volunteering at the YMCA. Currently, BuildOn is brainstorming new ideas for fundraising such as raffles, an arm wrestling contest, and many more plans to raise money. James Huang said, “BuildOn has had such a huge influence on me. It inspires me to do a lot of the good that I do and now I just want to spread that inspiration to as many people as I can.” Along with James and Nataly there are Global Educator Yatish Parmar (’12), Treasurer Tiffany Arredondo (’12), Program Coordinator Laura Reardon, Advisor Mr. Franco as well as about thirty more members in the NHS club. Meetings for BuildOn are every Tuesday at 2:30 in Mr. Franco’s room, 308E. The club invites anyone who wants to help to join and is open to new ideas for fundraising. Photo Credit: BuildOn.Org
When reaching into a teacher’s pencil cup or when scooping up a pen from off the ground, Norwalk High School students are all too familiar with the soggy, jagged feel off a chewed up writing utensil. “I think it’s unsanitary,” said Emmy Roddy (’13), “especially during this time of year when everyone is getting sick. I don’t know why people do it.” “It’s a really gross habit, but I have to admit I find myself doing it subconsciously,” said Sarah Bonebrake (’11), “it’s one of those nervous habits that you find disgusting when A chewed up pen is a common scene in many NHS classrooms. others do it until you realize you have been doing it for the past five minutes.” These feelings represent the general opposition to the habit, but also the general ignorance as to the causes of the habit. The main causes, as believed by psychologist Sigmund Freud, can be attributed to the “oral fixation” stage of human development. The stage, which lasts from birth up until around age two, is based upon the fact that young humans gain pleasure through their mouth (mostly by the act of chewing or sucking). “When you’re a little baby, everything centers around the mouth,” said Mrs. Morris, Norwalk High’s AP Psychology teacher, “so anything that happens in the feeding process can make people need to chew gum, gossip a lot, or do other things with their mouth.” With these “other things” including pen chewing, it is easy to see how it can easily become a habit. “I know for some people it’s a hard habit to break,” said Matt Favazzo (’13), “and I personally don’t have anything against it, unless of course I have to borrow a pen or pencil.” Photo Credit: Matt Cranston
BuildOn runs 118 after-school programs and clubs in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, San Francisco and Connecticut, including a club at Norwalk High. The mission of this club is to empower youths by doing volunteer work in the community as well as raise money to help build schools in underdeveloped countries such as Nicaragua, Mali, Malawi, and Nepal. Nationwide, students in BuildOn have performed over 700,000 hours of service since 2000. During these hours of service they have raised money to build schools in other countries and have completed 377 schools. This previous summer Co-Presidents of BuildOn at NHS, James Huang (’11) and Nataly Monsalve (’11) went to Nicaragua to help build a school. Nataly said of the experience, “My experience in Nicaragua has expanded my mind to think of experiences in a different light. It even got me thinking of doing peace corp. work after college.” On a smaller scale at Norwalk High,
Staff Writer
Norwalk High Teachers Avoid Social Networking Conflicts “It is a betrayal of trust” states Principal Mr. Mecca on this subject. “Parents need to trust their children in our care and it is our job to teach students when they are with us. Staff Writer This breaks that seal of trust.” Whatever is put online is there forever, even if the delete button is hit, information Recently, three educators in the New York area have been arrested for flirting with students stays on the Internet forever. It is a high-risk subject when comments or photos are posted on Facebook and writing creepy comments to students. on social networking sites such as Facebook, it never goes away. The biggest thing that One of the male ex-employees “friended” a half dozen female students and wrote Mr. Mecca stressed was, “There is no fine line, and there is a definite line that should never comments under their pictures such as, “This is sexy” according to investigators. The be crossed between the two.” Teachers at teacher had allegedly tried to get one teen to go out with him Norwalk High School have the policy of either never “It is a betrayal of trust” by getting her phone number and sending flowers, candy, and adding students as Facebook friends, or adding students a teddy bear in the attempt of a date. One female teacher even Principal Mr. Mecca once they graduate. When asked about the issue, Mr. posted a picture of her kissing an eighteen year old former Anastasia said, “I don’t add students at all.” student whom she had contacted 2,700 times through the Mr. Couture believes in a similar philosophy of Mr. phone and had sexual contact ten times in her apartment. Anastasia of adding students on Facebook. “I don’t add current students. Students must Students at Norwalk High School have different opinions on the topic of teachers have graduated NHS before they can be added” stated Mr. Couture. Teachers find it weird friend requesting students. “If they request the kids, that is weird unless they are related to have current students as Facebook friends until the graduate, if at all. These events have or a family friend. But if they accept a student that friend requests them, then that is okay” sparked outrage with parents, they do not want anything to happen to their children. stated Kevin Daniele (’11). Students would not add their teachers until after graduation, and teachers would not “I think it is really creepy and more of a way for them to control our already controlled add students until they graduate, if they even want too. NHS staff sticks to the policy of lives. It is also just really weird…” said Nicole Boeckle (’11) on the topic. Students of not adding students to avoid conflict. With their policy, we should not be seeing any of NHS are under the impression that if a teacher requests them as a friend on Facebook, the the events that happened in the New York area happening at NHS anytime soon. teacher is very creepy.
James Cooksey ’11
EDITOrIaL
THE PAW PRINT
Staff Box The Paw Print
Norwalk High School 23 Calvin Murphy Drive Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 838-4481 ext. 1808 The Paw Print would like to thank all Journalism students for their work in the creation of this newspaper. The following writers are those whose work appears in this issue. Executive Editors Matt Cranston Eric Scatamacchia ___________Design Team:___________ News Editor Neha Patel a&E Editor Jillian Winters Feature Editor Eric Scatamacchia Opinion Editor Brendon Prescott Sports Editor James Welch Photography, Web Editor Ashley Cortes buisness Editor Nataly Monsalve Staff Writers: Stephanie Bosworth Lydia Krenicki Jamel Brown Kevin Lawrence Matt Brown Silvia Luque Carly Mammoliti Dylan Byrne Stephanie Canales Brian Manby Tevin Christopher Farrah Marin James Cooksey Nick Milliman Mike Corasaniti Evan Opdahl Ashley Coto Jared Phillips Meredith Pramer Nicole Dunsmore Hayley Gola Clifton Prophete Kristin Harris Angelica Reyes advisor: Mr. Karl
Our Next Issue Will Be out In February
Policies: Our newspaper reserves the right to edit all submissions for space and clarity. All entries must include name, year in school, and phone number for verification.
PagE 7
Effects of Technology on Society Matt Cranston ’11 Executive Editor
Twenty years ago it was unheard of to text somebody a thousand times a day or spend eight hours on Facebook. Technology has taken today’s society by storm in all the wrong ways. Constant and unlimited communication with people has been known to cause many problems. Back when there were no cell phones or social networking websites, you would either call someone to talk to them or see them in person. The continuous communication was not there to make an individual feel that they cannot ever be alone. All over the news, there are countless stories of teens taking their own lives becuase of bullying. What many do not come to notice is that most of these cases have to do with cyberbullying on social networking websites. The two social problems that our generation faces today is too much communication and no communication at all. Having too much
communication causes risks for misunderstanding and pressure to always be there to talk. Not communicating at all leaves individuals alone with themselves and the unknown feeling of social isolation. People of this genaration cannot deal with being alone. They feel panic and pressure if they are socially isolated from texting their friends and visting Facebook non-stop. Being alone is something that all of us have had to face at least one point in our lives. The problem is that our brains have been programmed to feel like we always need to be communicating with someone else. A true friend is hard to come across in this age of communication. One who is able to leave you alone and understand that you do not need to be constanly communicating every minute of the day is what a real friend is. So take a step back and face reality. Texting and social networking do and will cause problems. Log off of Facebook, turn off your cell phone and ask yourself, can you deal with being left alone?
High School Decision making Eric Scatamacchia ’11 Executive, Feature Editor
Throughout life individuals face countless decisions, some big and some small. These decisions, in one way or another, will impact the rest of our lives. As high school students, this is one of the most important times in our lives in which we will encounter decisions that can alter the path our life takes. “Am I going to work hard in school or slack off?” “Do I want to go to college?” “Am I going to drink and/or do drugs?” “What pants will I wear today?” All of these choices and many more will help dictate our future. With so many important decisions to make it is easy for us to get overwhelmed and make mistakes. Since these are the first truly significant decisions most of us are faced with, it is not uncommon to feel lost. That is why it is essential to take guidance from others who have more experience. Whether it be a parent, a teacher, or someone else, the advice they have for us is invaluable.
Letter to the Editor:
Dear Editor,
Please let us know what you think. Students are welcome to submit writing either in person to room 116B or visit our website at thenhspawprint.org
DEcEmbEr 2010
Fifth period comes around and what is on everyone’s mind would most definetly be lunch. A time where you can get food which gives you energy. However I feel lke lunch gets rushed. We only get thirty minutes for lunch and we have a big population here at NHS. Part of the problem is that this year the lines are way too long and sometimes it takes me fifteen to twenty minutes just to get through the long line. First and third both have really long endless lines. Second shift seems to be the only shift I find when the lines are not that bad. The reason behind all this frustration is that we have a larger population and as well as some departments some of the lunch ladies are not doing a lot. When I am getting a sandwhich there are two ladies and only one of them is making the sandwhich while the other is toasting it. If the other lady did both toasting and making the sandwhich than maybe the lines would move a little bit quicker. Something has got to be done to fix the line problem. All I have to say is without some patience the problem is probally not going to go away anytime soon. Sincerely Danny Barrand Class of 2011
Some may think they do not need help or guidance, but numerous instances have shown teenagers do need guidance. For those who feel asking for help is a sign of weakness or a lack of intelligence, they are wrong. Since nobody can always make the right decisions, how you respond to your wrong decisions is just as important as making the right ones. It is important to learn from these mistakes and benefit from this experience in the future. In our society we are faced with an abundance of difficult conflicts. With the expansion of the Internet many more doors are being opened for us, some that should remain closed. The idea of sex amongst teenagers is being more ordinary and it seems like there are new drugs available on the streets everyday targeting teenagers as the main clients. On top of these issues we have to make decisions about college and what we want to do the rest of our lives. The ability to assess situations and make decisions is a vital skill needed by us, but without help it is much more difficult for us to succeed.
The Paw Print would like to thank the following efforts that Norwalk High School students have successfully taken part in:
National Honor Society Blood Drive and Christmas Fundraising FBLA: Toys for Tots Build On: Candy Cane Sales ROTC: Coat Drive
go to our website at thenhspawprint.org
- see pictures - watch video - read articles
PagE 8
DEcEmbEr 2010
arTS aND ENTErTaINmENT
candlelight Is coming
christmas With a Stephanie Bosworth ’13
Ashley Coto ’11
Staff Writer
Staff Writer actors. Doing comedy is hard because of the timing. Well, these actors were precision in motion. Not only in how they delivered their lines, but also in their physical movements. In a comic format, they did the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future while incorporating the Scrooge as he realizes his dastardly ways. Seeing Scrooge during these scenes with his trademark night gown, sleep hat, and also wearing womens’ gold bed slippers that were several sizes too small was a riot. All details were well planned out. Tiny Twist was an orphan like Oliver Twist, but was also crippled like Tiny Tim. The funny part of it was that not only was he twenty years old, but he was also made a terrible pickpocket. He was taken in by Fagin, compliments of Mr. Bumble, but ended up living with Bob Cratchet and his wife. The cast earned a standing ovation and it was quite well deserved. Hats off to the Norwalk High School’s “Illegitimate Players” for an outstanding evening of fun and laugher. Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
I had a most enjoyable evening watching Norwalk High School’s very talented “Illegitimate Players” perform in their play, A Christmas Twist. It was a laugh out loud comedy that kept your attention. This play was a blend of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. For example, Oliver Twist and Tiny Tim were combined to make the character, Tiny Twist. It was cleverly written by Doug Armstrong, Keith Cooper and Maureen Morley. It was produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc. I had to remind myself that old Ebenezer Scrooge was really a high school student and not an old man. Kudos to the makeup crew who made the characters seem so realistic. The authentic costumes just added to the realness of an 1843 Christmas in London. The set designs were simple, yet complemented the atmosphere of that time. The light design team was always on target and the stage crew was quiet, quick, and hardly noticeable. The acting was amazing for a high school production and it was nice to see that Norwalk High has such talented
THE PAW PRINT
The holiday spirit and life of the December season is finally midway, and for Norwalk High School that means that Candlelight is drawing near. “It is a great concert because it brings people together for the holidays with music,” said Brandon Eckert (’11). Candlelight is a holiday production that has become a tradition at NHS since its origin in 1937. For Candlelight 2010 however, there are some expected changes. In addition to the two new directors for band and orchestra, Mr. Rivera and Ms. Burkhalter, there is a minor adjustment in the songs that will be played. Instead of Festival of Carols which usually opens the concert, Christmas Festival will be its new replacement. These changes, have been suggested, changed, and approved by Mrs. Pettibone, Mr. Rivera, and Ms. Burkhalter. “Hallelujah Chorus and Silent Night are two songs that will never change. A little change is good, and we want the “Candlelight is one of the main audience to stay interested every year,” said Mrs. Pettibone. Despite events that the students in the the replacement of a couple of music department look foward to songs, Mr. Rivera makes it clear that it is his intention to leave every year.” Candlelight the way it is. Like -Jake Dunsmore (’11) Mr. Rivera, Ms. Burkhalter is also an alumni of NHS with the plan of keeping Candlelight in its traditional format. “It’s fantastic!” said the D house counselor Mr. O’Donnell. Teachers, alumni, the performers, their families, students of Norwalk and other local towns join in the auditorium every year for the concert. Due to the changes, attitudes may change. “Candlelight is one of the main events that the students in the music department look forward to every year. We put a lot of effort into the performances , and I will miss waiting behind the curtain waiting for the magic of the show to begin,” Jake Dunsmore (‘11). Teachers, students, and locals alike open their hearts and hold up their hands every year for Candlelight. Whether it be an alumni of the program or a senior performer, nothing will ever change Candlelight from the way it is known in the heart.
Jamel Brown ’11
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: chipandco.com
Everyone who grew up in the 1990s remembers the hit movie sensation Toy Story. Toy Story made its debut on November 22, 1995. The story began with a toy cowboy named Woody, who gets jealous when his owner, Andy, gets a new toy named Buzz and supposedly neglects Woody. Later on throughout the movie, the two toys become friends and learn to put their problems behind them. The movie, in my point of view, shows kids how they may seem jealous at first of others, but in the end it is better to share some times and it will make you feel better. The movie was a hit, and therefore a sequel was made four years later in the same month. The sequel involved the story plot of Woody being
Photo Credit: www.google.com
Toy Story’s Story: Life Lessons From Toys
stolen by a collector. The collector was intent on selling him, with other valuable collector items, to a Japan toy company. This plan was ruined by the other toys who went and rescued him. The sequel shows that friends should be chosen wisely, and that good friends are those who risk their life for yours when needed. After this movie, a third movie to the series was made about eleven years later in June 2010. This movie showed Andy all grown up and ready to leave for college. He had not played with his toys for years and was contemplating on throwing them out. However, the memories that he shared with the toys could not be overcome as they were a part of him. This shows the viewers that no matter how old you get, there will always be that little kid inside of you that is waiting to be released and enjoy life. Overall, the Toy Story series has always taught me lessons about life, as I was two when the first movie came out and sixteen when the last one came out. So, I have to say that these movies showed me a way of living. (sheviewer.com-buzz photo cred)
Top 10 Free (or cheap!) Things to do Over Winter Break 10. Throw a
Christmas Party Gather your friends, put on some music and have a blast!
9. After Holiday Christmas Shopping
8. Outdoor Skating Ditch the indoor thing and put your skates on for some real ice skating at a local lake!
7. Sleep
Catch up on sleep (you need it and deserve it!)
Take advantage of those sales and get to the mall!
6. Bake a Cake For your family, your friends or even yourself! Dig up a recipe and get cooking.
3. Volunteer Get some spirit dress up as 2. Drink Hot Choco at a Holiday and an elf at a local by the Fire Holiday event! Event up some of 4. Donate Scrap your old clothes toys and to a Charity and bring them to
your local shelter.
5. Caroling Grab some friends and belt out those tunes for your neighbors!
Warm up a big cup of cocoa, sit by the fire and enjoy the snowy weather!
1. Sledding/ Toboganning
Get back to your child hood roots! Take some friends to a big hill, find some sleds and let the good times slide!
THE PAW PRINT
arTS aND ENTErTaINmENT
boobies bracelets at NHS Neha Patel ’11
News Editor
Principal Mecca and teachers see no problem with them. However, many schools on the West Coast such as Utah, California, and Washington have banned them because they are a violation of dress codes, which forbid sexual and inappropriate articles of clothing. Pounds stated, “I don’t think it’s fair they’re being banned from schools; they aren’t harming or offending anyone. They’re like the Livestrong bracelets, just a little more to the point.” Besides raising money for their cause, the Keep A Breast foundation’s goal was to ease the awkwardness of topics such as breast cancer by making it easier to talk about. Clearly, they have succeeded with both goals.
Kanye gets Twisted
cudi back on the m
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
An album release from Mr. West is not typical – surpassing hype and evoking hysteria, the unconventional and controversial rapper blares past audio stereotypes, blending soul searching raps backed by avant-garde productions. On his new release My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, the rapper willfully toys with fears, ambitions, and deeper introspections. The album glistens with a gritty cadence of roaring tracks, all written and produced by Kanye, showing his true artistic abilities which have earned him countless awards and critical acclaim. The album opens with the Nicki Minaj narrated ‘Dark Fantasy’ which sets the intended fair for the rest of the album. The song vocalizes the self-proclaimed ‘ego-maniac’ that he shamelessly wants to be and boasts a chorus pattern fully fronted by a bravado brazen Kanye triumphing effortlessly as he declares his dark fantasies and asserting his need to rise to the top. In a cleverly depicted fantasy such as this, Kanye emerges victorious. On Twisted Fantasy, this may be the first time where Kanye is able to make his point clear, a snapshot of more than just another rapper he becomes a man outweighing the dilemmas and travesties of life. From this braveness to paint a surreal picture of how beautiful, dark and twisted life can get comes fueled moments of honesty and creativity. This is attested by “Power” where chaotically chanted braveness echoes his true goals in a star dominated industry, where everyone seeks the power. Kanye seamlessly transforms into one of us; someone wanting to achieve something, as if he has not achieved much yet. While other rappers do not prove brave enough to these subjects, Kanye walks on held-close topics, such as on “All of the Lights” (featuring a super host of heavyweights as eclectic from Rihanna to Elton John), where he is matched by highcylindered bass pattern, daring to explain the sweet addictions and perils of fame and where he stands. This ferocious attitude is escalated on “Hell of a Life” as themes of a decadent lifestyle in Hollywood prone to sex, drugs, and more hold him to question his path in life. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, may be his best album release yet. The bravest and most commendable moments on this album come at the expense of his public persona, where Kanye dares to announce his flaws and more. In true West fashion, this leads to the creation of more than just rap songs, but another ‘Kanye did it again moment.’
The month of November 2010 has brought a massive amount of excitement in the world of teenage entertainment. On November 9th, the teenage craving for the release of hip-hop sensation Kid Cudi’s latest album entitled Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager was finally quenched. Man on the Moon II is a sequel to Cudi’s first album Man on the Moon: The End of the Day, from which he gained tremendous popularity and stardom from in its September 2009 release. Within the past year, Kid Cudi has become perhaps the most prominent artist in the world of teenagers and young adults alike. It is safe to say that his stylistic lyrics infused with an experimental and psychedelic sound have invaded the iPods and computers of young people around the world, and his sophomore album is once again nothing but Cudi at his finest. Much like his rookie album, Man on the Moon II mixes lyrics from the depths of Cudi’s mind within an aura of synthesized psychedelia to produce an album that people
Brian Manby ’12
tevin christopher ’11
Photo, Web Editor
There are hundreds of kites flying in the sky, you can hear screaming and cheering in the background as the kites tangle and fight until one is cut free. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is a strong powerful book that will leave you stunned chapter after chapter. The book takes place in 1960 Afghanistan and starts with the story of two boys both separated but somehow strongly tied together. They were raised as brothers, but told by culture that they were not equal. Amir, the narrator, is an aspiring writer and will do anything for his father’s affection no matter what is at stake. His urge to make his father love him stems to the very beginning,
The Kite Runner is a strong powerful book that will leave you stunned chapter after chapter. down upon for something he cannot control. The beginning of the book is a slow start but after the first chapter or so you will be hooked. Normally, high school students do not like books that have to do with history or something that they cannot realtet to, but this
n
cannot seem to get enough of. Of course, it simply would not be the Cudi teenagers know and love without the inclusion of other musical superstars, such as Cee-Lo Green, Mary J. Blige, “Chip tha Ripper”, and Kanye West. Some Norwalk High School students offered their opinion about Cudi’s newest work. Larry McGonigle (’11) says that the album “shows us the raw emotions that he faces everyday which makes for a very relatable experience for his listeners.” Thenya Taiyanides (’12) also adds, “I loved his first album and you can see a lot of the problems he faces in it in the second one. It is like a continuation.” Overall, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, as well its prequel Man on the Moon: The End of the Day, are two historic albums that create a new branch of hip-hop music. They present their listeners with forms of emotion and expression so unique that they are almost impossible to replicate, and without a doubt Kid Cudi deserves his newfound success. But with his first two albums gaining so much support, there is only one question left to ask: what can we expect from Kid Cudi in the future? Photo Credit: www.loyalkng.com
Ashley Cortes ’11
Amir blames himself for his mother’s death. Hassan is Amir’s servant and also his loyal best friend who would sacrifice his life if Amir asked him to. Hassan is Hazara, which in Afghanistan is like being African American during segregation in America. He is looked
Photo Credit: www.thetonygrand.wordpress.com
Photo Credit: www.chartattack.com
Kite runner
PagE 9
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
The non-profit breast cancer association called Keep A Breast has left its trademark in the halls of Norwalk High School as the “I Love Boobies (Keep A Breast)” bracelets can be spotted on the wrists of male and female students alike. This organization wanted to create an item that would catch the attention of students during October, which is breast cancer awareness month. They knew that writing ‘boobies’ on a wristband would be bound to become popular with teenagers. However, there have been controversies nationwide as to whether or not students should be allowed to wear the bracelets, and whether or not they were wearing them with the right mindset or not. Principal Mecca, although he had not seen a bracelet prior to the interview, said, “I think it’s perfectly alright for kids to be wearing them, as long as there are no inappropriate pictures on them. Breast cancer awareness is a big deal and deserves attention. I wear my pink breast cancer cap out, what’s the big deal if kids are wearing bracelets as long as it promotes a good cause?” Both Sabrina Church (’11) and Jasmine Pounds (’11) wear them because breast cancer runs in their family. Church said, “A lot of kids wear it because it looks cool. Everyone has them and people think ‘boobies’ is a funny word. People are inappropriate about it, laughing at things like, ‘I heart boobies too’.” Ms. Morris, AP Psychology teacher, has not noticed inappropriate behavior as a result of the bracelets and sees no problem with them. However, she said, “If students aren’t wearing them for the right reason, then they shouldn’t be wearing them at all. If they aren’t wearing the pink colored ones, they shouldn’t be either.” For now, it is highly unlikely that these bracelets will be banned from NHS, as
OcTObEr 2010
book grasps onto you and holds on tight. As the story progresses Amir gets caught in a web of lies and guilt and to top it off the Russians invade Afghanistan. Amir and his father must flee the country and a whole new set of troubles unfold while Amir’s past chases him. The Kite Runner is a story of father and son relationships, the idea that no one is perfect, and everyone has a secret somewhere in their past that they are not proud of. The book comes full circle and not in the annoying “everyone is happy” kind of way, but in a realistic scenario of redemption and hope. Everyone should read this book if not just for the amazing story, but for the lesson it teaches and the questions it presents that all high school students could benefit from.
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FEaT
DEcEmbEr 2010
Neha Patel ’11
News Editor
National Stats Underage drinkers are far more likely to have unprotected sex and to contract sexually transmitted diseases, and young women who binge drink are 63 percent likelier to become teen mothers, according to one major study.
The Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse at Columbia University estimates 20% of alcohol consumed in America Nearly 5,000 traces to underminors die annually age drinkers. from excessive drinking, six times the number who die from all other illicit drugs combined.
All this has a dollar cost, too: $60 billion a year nationally, and $621 million in Connecticut, mainly from youth violence and traffic crashes.
Kids who start drinking at age 18 have a two times normal risk of developing an alcohol problem later in life; at age 15 a four times normal risk, and at age 12 an eight times normal risk.
Although the legal drinking age is twenty-one, underage drinking has become a problem nationwide, specifically in Fairfield County. Urban Dictionary categorizes Fairfield County as the underage drinking capital of the world. Although there is no definite evidence to support this claim, many statistics do point toward this conclusion. Underage alcohol consumption is 20% above the average in Connecticut compared to nationwide, according to Columbia’s Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health also concluded that Connecticut has the eighth highest propensity for underage drinking among states. In addition, Fairfield County kids start drinking at an average age of 11.7 years, while the national average for onset drinking is 14 years (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
The sources for this information are: Greenwich Maga-
zine’s Message in a Bottle Article, The Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, EIC/NAAA Spotlight on Underage Drinking.
The average age teens start to drink nationwide is fourteen years old.
To share your thoughts and experiences with alcohol as well as observe other students opinions visit our website www.thenhspawprint.org and participate in our survey by answering the following questions: Have you ever consumed alcohol? If so, how often do you do so? Have you ever been drunk? If so, how often? How do you obtain your alcohol?
TAKE THE ONLINE SURVEY
Why do you drink?
Note: Your answers to these questions will remain anonymous
Keep Drinking Age
Matt Cransto Executive Editor
While the nationwide drinking age may be this law is taken advantage of each day. Teenagers post statuses and comments social networking accounts with things s “where is the party at tonight.” By lowering the drinking age it will underage drinking students of today a be even younger teens or preteens the idea t According to a 2008 study, about 5,0 one die each year as a result of underage are from auto accidents. About one in t a passenger in a car driven by some Even more startling, alcohol is involv fatalities. Though some may argue that if you of eighteen, why can’t you consume a choice I would raise the age to purch doing so I believe it would give youn bad smoking is and hopefully make Throughout the halls of Norwalk overhear students talking about und worse, I have heard of multiple a drinking which have lead to suspe There is no excuse to lower the will only make an already sociall Unless underage age drinking health or extending lives, then give the already immature tee greater opportunity to do somet
regardless of the answers you select on this survey.
Heard in the Halls: Why do
David Smith (’11) “I don’t know, to tell you the truth, maybe because it tastes good.”
Denisha cobbs (’11) “Peer pressure.”
mike Doyle (’12) “To get bucked (drunk).”
ghallyah bullock (’10) “They think it’s popular.”
UrE
DEcEmbEr 2010
Services). Most people think this is the case because of two reasons: Fairfield County is wealthy and socially competitive, making drinks affordable and a way to rid of stress. Principal Mecca, although he did not believe this was true in every case, said, “Wealth brings accessibility; it’s easy to get the booze and drugs are accessible. Sometimes with wealth also comes neglect. Parents are involved with their jobs, trips, and lives and leave their children unsupervised. Parents leave their home open, kids have parties, and everything’s trashed. It changes things.” In his opinion, wealthy communities create circumstances that change the situation. Mrs. Rodriguez, English teacher at NHS, said, “It appears to me that drinking is becoming more acceptable and not as stigmatized as other substance abuse, and that scares me. Young people are dying too quickly.” Greenwich Magazine stated that 700,000 assaults, 600,000 injuries, and 100,000 sexual assaults are alcohol related yearly. Studies have even proven
that underage drinkers are more likely to receive STDs, have unprotected sex, and become pregnant. Also, underage drinking costs $621 million dollars in Connecticut alone, as a result of violence and accidents. People wonder why so many teens still drink with the risk so high. Dylan Morsanutto (’12) said, “Kids drink to be ‘cool’ for breaking the law, to get buzzed, and to handle pressure, school work, their social life, or anything they’re unhappy with.” Norwalk High School, in particular, is not far off from this statement. “I’ve seen kids come to school high, but not drunk. They do come to school events and football games drunk though,” explained Jenny Teng (’11). Both Principal Mecca and Mrs. Rodriguez agree that adults should advise their children as much as possible on the issue. In fact, teenagers who learn a lot about the risks of drug use from their parents are 50% less likely to use drugs. However, only three out of ten
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teens report learning a lot about drugs from their parents. “I have heard there are parties and as long as parents take keys at the door, they find it acceptable to drink. It’s still illegal and dangerous, even if they’re walking home. Until adults come together on this issue, the problem’s going to continue,” Mrs. Rodriguez continued. Freedom given to kids can be harmful for them in the future. Marisa Shields, former NHS student and now a freshman at Connecticut College, said, “Drinking in college is much more dangerous compared to high school. With a small campus, the need to drive and find a way home safely is eliminated, so students don’t feel limited to drink. ‘Blacking out’ is much more common with college partying, it has turned into some type of cool.” She believes it is “life threatening” for a first-time drinker to come to college and not know how to control themselves. Morsanutto continued, “The difference between Fairfield County and any city in Europe is the drinking age. In Europe, not many kids drink because the law is you have to be over 16 years old to consume alcohol. And because it is less strict over there, fewer people do it. The laws have to be either more strict or less harsh; and there are the pros and cons of each.”
Lower Drinking Age Brendon Pfrescott ’11
on ’11
Opinion Editor
e twenty-one, it has become clear that
everyday on their Facebook and other such as “when we getting drizzy” or
VS.
l not only give the already immature etter chance to drink, but it may give to start drinking illegally. 000 people under the age of twentye drinking, and 1,900 of those deaths three high school students has been eone who has consumed alcohol. ved in 31% of teenage car accident
u can purchase cigarettes at the age alcohol? Simply put, if it were my hase cigarettes to twenty-one. By ng teens more time to realize how e the choice to never do it. k High School alone, I witness and derage drinking each day. Even accounts of freshman underage ensions. e drinking age because overall it ly wrong situation even worse. magically begins improving I see absolutely no reason to enagers of today’s society a thing wrong.
A group of students at a local college are at a fraternity party. Most of the attendees are underage and there is an assortment of alcoholic beverages. The night appears to go smoothly until an eighteen-year-old boy passes out on campus, succumbing to alcohol poisoning. There are no stomach pumps on campus because the dean is not legally allowed to provide them for students due to the legal drinking age being twenty-one. The boy is rushed to the hospital and dies. This problem can be prevented. The legal drinking age should be changed to eighteen. The boy may have been saved if the dean was legally allowed to purchase stomach pumps and better alcohol security on campus. It is inevitable that teenagers will drink in college but there is no reason why provisions should not be made to make drinking safer for students. Fairfield County is the underage drinking capital of the world. No matter what the drinking age is, underage teenagers will never stop partying with alcohol. There is a high fatality rate among teenagers because of drunk driving and alcohol poisoning. The problem, besides the poor decisions any twenty-one-year-old could make, lies in the main goal of the teenager. Giving teenagers the right to drink at the age of eighteen also eliminates the sometimes unfortunate blame a drinking mishap is placed on parents. If a child throws a party while his or her parents are away without the parents knowing about it, cops can charge the parents with a misdemeanor. Teenagers have the mindset that doing something crazy and wild is cool. Phrases such as “we gettin’ drizzy tonight” are fueled by the drive and rush of being “bad.” Teens mainly focus on finding a sneaky way to get their alcohol and not getting caught. It would be much safer if teenagers could just go to their local liquor store and buy their alcohol. It not only decreasing the rate at which teenagers steal alcohol, but also allowing teenagers to focus on the more important goal: being safe while drinking.
o students partake in underage drinking?
andy Lovo (’13) “Because they have older brothers and sisters and learn from them.”
Nicole Saez (’13) “To fit in.”
Joe Neilsen (’14) “Because they are bored.”
Felicity Henson (’14) “Because their friends are doing it and it is a way to release stress.
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DEcEmbEr 2010
OPINION
THE PAW PRINT
Norwalk High Needs To Learn How To Stay Positive Matt Brown ’13
Staff Writer
All students at Norwalk High School have those days when nothing goes their way. Some of us just give up on the situation. Sometimes it appears as though there is nothing to gain, but students are not alone. We all struggle with our everyday problems with school, weight, sports, friendship, etc. We should all keep our heads up. Students should all fight back and give it everything they have in any type of situation. Michael Ventrella was a contestant on “The Biggest Loser”. He was the heaviest contestant in the show’s
history. He weighed 566 pounds when he entered the show. Ventrella felt like he was useless, but that did not stop him. He became The Biggest Loser and lost a total of 264 pounds and never gave up. Ventrella won this by having great motivation and in the end, he lost a lot of weight and won 250,000 dollars. If Ventrella can be a success through motivation, so can you. Students may think, “Oh this is too hard, I cannot do this. I am going to fail.” If you believe that then you will fail. My good friend gave me great advice. “If you think you will succeed, then you will succeed.” I have dealt with bad situations myself. I have had a
Drop Off Is a Disaster Mike Corasaniti ’11
Staff Writer
The fact that there is even a need for police officers to monitor school parking is a startling thought. Is it that hard to abide by the simple rules of pulling up to the right, dropping off your student, and pulling away to the left in a safe and timely manner? On paper, the idea seems all too simple. Yet once the process is in play, people need be prepared to have to dodge cutters, rogue jaywalkers, and avoid crazed cell-phone talking drivers each morning. As the year progresses and the roads get icier, we can only hope that drivers find a little courtesy for the sake of our safety and the cleanliness of my blouses. Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
As I made the left from Strawberry Hill Road onto County Street on a rainy Wednesday morning, I had to hold in my shrieks of terror as I realized my poor timing put me right in the middle of another student drop-off caused traffic jam. Already upset about scratching my Miley Cyrus CD, I would now have to deal with the ensuing twelve minute long stress fest held each morning in front of Norwalk High School. To see if I was alone on the matter, I asked some fellow student drivers. “It’s so annoying,” said Sassy Bradshaw (’11). “It’s like people don’t know how to drive. If I time it wrong, it takes another five minutes just to get through the “Do people know how to take parking lot.” The worst characteristics of the turns anymore?” drop off situation come from the many - Megan O’Callaghan ’13 sloppy, if not utterly terrifying, merges and turns. Even students who are yet to attain their licenses see the chaos. “Do people know how to take turns anymore?” asked Megan O’Callaghan (’13). “Because it sure doesn’t seem like it.” The sad part is that the answer is itself very much in question. If drivers remembered their kindergarten lessons about sharing and taking turns, then I would not have to fret each morning about crashing into a Volkswagen or spilling my morning iced latte down my blouse. “What I should do is get a couple cops out there,” joked Mr. Mecca, “but I just don’t have the manpower to do that.”
lot of problems with my CD, The Chairmen. I will admit people ask, “Where’s my mixtape?’ They say, “Your mixtape is fake, your mixtape doesn’t exist.” I did not give up. I ignored my critics, and was able to fight through it. My mixtape does exist. They now work and they are better then ever. Now I am going to come back with a new mixtape “Work” coming out on 1.11.11. It is going to be one of my big accomplishments this year. Motivation is the key to being successful. “Go big or go home.” If you do that then you will be big. In the end you will live the good life. So go out and do what you have to do.
The drop off situation at Norwalk High may be getting out of control
Debate: Is capital Punishment constitutional James Cooksey ’11
Evan Opdahl ’11
Staff Writer
Capital Punishment is viewed as an abomination to the American society, with many viewing its methods as immoral and too disastrous to American life. Written in the Fifth Amendment in our Bill of Rights, it states that no human under a capital crime shall not be deprived of life. Also, written in the Eighth Amendment in the Bill of Rights, no human shall undergo cruel and unusual punishment. The death penalty is violating these human rights, because by executing a human being, they are being deprived of life. Regardless of whether they broke the law or not, they should not be put to death. Yes, they should be killed because they killed another person, but most people who are in prison for life would rather die than spend life in prison. If the government takes away the death penalty, then the murderer will have to live with the haunting of the person they killed and go through the emotional pain, rather than dying and having no pain. Emotional agony is much worse than going through a painless death because emotions end up affecting your body and mind. It will eventually cause them to go insane, if they are not already. American citizens who commit the act of murder in the United States, should not have to go through the death penalty because their rights are protected by the Constitution. If the
Staff Writer person is not an American citizen who committed the act of murder in the United States should go through the death penalty because they are not protected by the rights Americans have. The death penalty is an abomination to the United States, let alone the world. The d e a t h
penalty downright violates the rights of every human being. Prisoners who commit murder should rot in jail for the rest of their life, living with the emotional pain, rather than having a painless death. The death penalty in the United States should be abolished.
Capital punishment: the decision to end a criminal’s life due to the reasoning that this particular human being no longer deserves to live. This sounds harsh, truly, but these are cruel people who end up with this consequence. Only people who do unimaginable things get in this situation. Photo Cre dit: B rendo n Pr People do not esco tt get this
punishment by accident. Although the wrong person has ended up in this position before, new technology makes ways that the prosecutors can double and triple check themselves to make sure the process is completed correctly. The only ways to get
capital punishment have to be planned out and these risks are known. Many would argue that these people have rights and should not die; they say human rights still apply for these mass murderers and serial killers. But what about the people killed? Where were their rights when they were purposely taken from this earth? What do you say to the families whose loved ones were killed; what rights do they have, how is that fair for them? “Three years ago, on the morning of July 7, Steven J. Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky fled the home of the Petit family in Cheshire, Conn. As the police forcibly apprehended the two men, flames rose in the background; the Petit family’s house began to burn. Once the fire was eventually contained, police discovered inside Dr. William Petit Jr., beaten to within inches of his life, lying feet from his wife and two daughters — all three of whom were murdered, two of which were sexually assaulted.” This is an excerpt of an article published this month. Steven J. Hayes has been put under for the death penalty. This monster of a man killed three people including William Petit’s wife and two daughters. Put yourself in the shoes of this man, capital punishment is the only option. Although this is only one example of capital punishment this shows the severity of the crime it takes to receive the death penalty. The people who receive this punishment do not commit petty crimes, they commit the most heinous acts possible. This is why capital punishment should remain in place in Connecticut.
OPINION
THE PAW PRINT
Dylan Byrne ’11
Staff Writer
Like many other busy students at Norwalk High School, I often rush out of my house without eating breakfast. I go to the first four periods of my day without food in my stomach. Sometimes it growls so loud I wonder if others can hear me. Besides when I have first lunch shift, I sit in my fifth period class, waiting for lunch to begin. My apologies to my teachers, but during fifth period, lunch is the only thing on my mind. I wait anxiously, constantly looking at the clock. I remain on the edge of my seat until I hear my teacher say those fateful words: “Go to lunch.” Once that sweet phrase is uttered it is every man for himself. I usually race for the door and run down the stairs to the cafeteria.
I burst through the double doors and I round the corner towards the pizza line. I am confronted with a line that is straight out of Six Flags Great Adventure…not a slice of pepperoni. A feeling of dread runs through my body as I wonder how long it will be before I can get my lunch. Many have blamed the long lines in the cafeteria on the incompetence of the lunch workers, the placement of the lines, and even number of lunch shifts. I, however, believe the real cause is the students. Several years ago our lunch and purchasing system was upgraded to digital read outs, key pads, and barcode scanners. Many students are not aware of these barcode scanners or their purpose. Every student ID is printed with its own individual barcode that is linked directly to that student’s lunch money account. Many students do not know there account numbers or they take the time to punch in their account number. This slows down the lines drastically. One day the lines were so bad that I was not even able to get lunch until about three minutes left in the lunch shift. This problem of extremely long lines could be avoided if student would just use our new lunchroom technology like
PagE 13 Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Lunch Lines Show No Love
DEcEmbEr 2010
Are lunch lines at Norwalk High cutting into precious meal time?
they are supposed to. Your school ID is the same size as any credit card and can easily fit into your wallet or pocket. There is absolutely no reason why students cannot carry them in the lunch line to speed up the overly complicated process of purchasing lunch. As a student of Norwalk High School and a purchaser of lunch, I ask you, my peers, do what is best for your school and carry your ID’s at all times. It will make everyone’s life easier.
Passing Time at Norwalk High Is Just Un‘bear’able In the last issue of the Paw Print an article was written about traffic plaguing the hallOpinion Editor ways of Norwalk High. When C House continuously backs up every school day, it not only presents a safety hazard, but also contributes to another problem at NHS; tardiness. Every student at least once in their careers at NHS has been late to a class. Many can pinpoint their reason for tardiness to the limited amount of time students are allowed to Norwalk High students walk through the crowded hallways near B House
photo credit: Ricky Squires
Brendon Prescott ’11
make their ways from class to class. Sometimes four unbearably fast minutes is not enough time for students to successfully maneuver their way from E house to the Science Wing. Traffic combined with uncontrollable urges such as the need to go to the bathroom hinder students in their quest to walk through the door of their sixth period class before the dreaded bell rings. Freshmen can be seen sprinting through the stairwell, desperately clutching their fifty pound backpacks. They do not dare make a trip to the lavatory, knowing all too well that time is of the essence. Passing time should be extended by a minute to allow students sufficient time to do their business or go to their lockers. Not only would this prevent a generation of scoliosis diagnosed freshmen but it would also make student life a lot easier. The problem has gotten so serious that Student Government has even formed a committee
specifically designed for the extension of passing time for future students. Although it would cut into class time, the change would not be much different than the original forty five minute class schedule that was in place up until 2008. In 2007, homeroom was a daily occurrence and cut into fifteen minutes of every day. This new schedule with a five minute passing time would only cut seven minutes out of class time. Some may be concerned that the extension of passing time would only make the kids who are a minute late to class a minute later. While this is inevitable, no longer will excuses such as “I had to go to my locker” or “I was talking to my teacher” be tolerated. Students will be forced to get to class on time or else they will automatically be marked tardy. The rules on passing time are very unfair and the proposal of a longer passing time should be brought to the BOE.
It Doesn’ t Weigh In 2022 World cup a ‘Qatar’strophe Kristin Harris ’11
Brian Manby ’12
Staff Writer
Some students work really hard in their classes, they take all AP’s and get 5.0 GPAs. Other students take all level five classes, and breeze by that, getting a 4.0 GPA with their eyes closed: but what about the students in-between? Honors students work really hard throughout their high school career. A hard-working honors students should not get the same GPA as a level five or eight student who is not even trying. Some honors students work really hard in high school, but struggle and get Bs, and do not do as well as a level five or eight student. This does mean a level five or eight student should be applicable for the national honor society as opposed to a hard working honors student. This is why honors classes should be weighted. It is not fair for someone taking all honors classes and only one AP to not be
As I sat in one of my classes on Thursday December 2, I, like the other millions of international soccer fans around the world, patiently awaited the decisions to be read aloud live as to what lucky countries will host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. In a matter of moments, I sat back in a tidal wave of depression while the winner of the 2018 bid was announced. Russia, the former Communist and dictator-ruled country had beaten out the likes of soccer powerhouses Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. As I sat in disgust while Russian representatives celebrated and hugged each other as if they had just won the whole tournament, I clung tight to my final beam of hope that the United States would win the whereabouts for the 2022 tournament which they were a strong contender in along with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and some other country I had never heard of. Unfortunately, I still cannot remember their name as I write this. In a single instant, my entire hopes and dreams for the immediate future of the world’ most popular sports tournament were shattered. Not only was the aspiration that my home country would host such an event in recent years destroyed, but who won the ballot made it even worse. What was that country’s name again? Oh yeah, Qatar. To my surprise, I did not start shouting obscenities (out loud) as to how much of a horrible decision this is. Even more surprising, was the fact that I managed to not break down and cry – in public. I would understand if we lost to a country that
“Honors students deserve to be regarded for their work.” recognized as a high achiever just because someone who is taking lower level classes is earning As. Weighting affects class rank, which colleges regard highly. Honors students deserve to be regarded for their high work, just because they do not reach as highly as AP students does not mean they should be thrown in with people who take lower level classes. Administration should seriously consider weighting honors classes. If they do not, honors student’s integrity, pride, encouragement, and self-esteem are at risk. We should not have honors classes if they are not going to help us.. If honors classes do not help us get into college, then we should not bother having them. Honors classes should be weighted and extra .5 as a median between weighting other classes and AP classes.
photo credit: www.google.com
Staff Writer
had been heard of, and I would understand if we lost to a country that had even had a team in the 2010 tournament. However, the winning nation was one who missed both of those criteria. In fact, both countries did not have a competing team in South Africa this past summer. After a few Wikipedia searches, I have determined the following about the diminutive middle-east nation. Qatar, other than a few major cities, is predominantly filled with oil rich desert-land. The average temperature in the months of June and July when the World Cup takes place is 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, Qatar is smaller than the state of Connecticut and is located in a region where religious hostility has been dominant in the past few decades. While Russia’s victory is upsetting, a United States defeat at the hands of Qatar, a country whose name I still do not know how to pronounce, is just embarrassing.
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DEcEmbEr 2010
OPINION
Let’s Get Ready to Grind Clifton Prophete ‘11
Staff Writer
What? . . . S u re y a r i g h t Evan Opdahl ‘11
Staff Writer
Students dancing with each other..
Homework Is Music To My Ears James Cooksey ‘11 Staff Writer
The Norwalk High School staff has plagued students with the fact that they cannot use their iPods during silent periods in class. Students are told to put their iPods away throughout the course of the day either during passing time, or during class. Yes, iPods should not be on when a teacher is teaching their class, but there is no need to put
“With music playing, it blocks out others’ voices and allows for less of a distraction for a person to work in.”
time you are sitting there doing nothing but staring at the person across from you, trying to start a conversation that has been discussed countless times. An iPod gives you something to do during that time until it is time to go back to class. Especially at lunch, an iPod is not distracting others because of the voice levels during lunch. The person across from you can barely hear you speak in the first place. Teachers and security should not tell us to take out earphones from our ears when it causes no distraction to others. If the music is a bit loud and others can hear it, all you need to do is tap the person on their shoulder and say, “Hey can you turn it down a bit?” The person will probably turn their music down when asked. When people are listening to their iPod during class, they are not talking. When they are not talking, they are not posing a distraction. Talking is more of a distraction to others than having music playing that they cannot even hear. I believe iPods are a helpful tactic to lower class distractions during silent time in classes.
them away if the class is doing nothing, or if the class is silently working. There is also no reason to not be able to listen to our music during lunch. During teaching periods, iPods are just plain annoying to teachers when students have them in their ears. During silent work periods, I find that I work much more quickly when there is music playing in my ears. Also music keeps me from getting distracted, while keeping myself focused and on task. When I do not have music in my ears, it leads me to talk and distract others around me who are trying to get their work done. With music playing, it blocks out others’ voices and allows for less of a distraction for a person to work in. What is most annoying is when I am told to take off my earphones during lunch. We are doing nothing but eating and talking at lunchtime. Half the A group of students iPods
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Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
“Hey Evan,” “What?” “HAHA sureyaright!!!!” I’m sure many people have the same question I have, what exactly does this mean? What’s the purpose and excitement behind this poorly developed slang of the English language. Why are people so infatuated with something that is so pathetically pointless? It began approximately eight years ago, when I was eight years old, the objective was to get your friend to say what and in turn they had five minutes to get rid of it and in turn get someone else to say what. But what is it exactly. Who ever let the five minutes run out to see what would actually happen. I never saw any death by words in the news so I think everyone was okay. What dumb reasoning is behind these words, who could have possibly had the excess time to come up with something to make people sound so dumb? The worst part is when someone asks what it means, no one is able to explain it. As children we are taught throughout elementary school all the way to high school to use the five W’s of who, what, where, when why, and how, but now in high school where we are supposed to be nearing the peak of our maturity, we get scorn by our peers for saying a simple word. As a member of Norwalk High I never thought the action of the students could get more childish. Apparently I was sorely mistaken. The student body has been flooded with this new uprising and the overall IQ drops a fraction of a point every time it is said. Compared to any other generation there are more distractions in our lives. During a conversation with a teen they will text, lose focus, or even ignore you. Now to even throw off the slow minded teens even more, the first natural reaction to the word ‘what’ is to scream SUREYARIGHT and break out laughing. You hear on a daily basis the elders of our society complaining of the stupidity of the teens these days, why do we feel it necessary to make ourselves look much dumber in the public eye?
you’re dancing.” Our generation has made a huge impact on the definition of a school dance, and yet there’s nothing really anyone can do about it now to stop it. But take a second and ask yourself, would you ever dance the way you do in front of your parents? I know for a fact that I would not dance the way I do if my parents were around because they would slap some sense into me. There has been a significant change in the way our parents use to dance and the way we do, so students should respect it when some chaperones at dances stop them, out of respect. Photo Credit: Facebook
Social dancing has come a long way. From the stately waltzes that remind people of fairytale balls in huge, palace-like ballrooms to the novelty dances both evergreen and Ephemeral, people dance on special occasions. School dances, including prom and homecoming, are no exceptions. But one fad dance is lewd for school dances: grinding. So what is grinding? You grab a partner, get close to his or her hips, and rub his or her body together while he or she rubs yours. Sometimes, others join in and form a grind chain and dance that way. Derick Edwards (’12) describes grinding as, “when a girl shakes her rear end right on me.” Many students have realized that more freedom comes with high school and this comes to show at dances because back in middle school teachers would walk around making sure that the girl and the boy were not too close to each other by separating them with a ruler. I remember middle school dances and how students would have to dance in a big circle to get close to a girl. But in high school, the teachers are a more lenient to the way our generation dances. They cannot control teenage hormones because once they start flying they cannot be stopped. To get a good comparison on dances and how they have developed over the years, I ask my little stepbrother how his dances are. Tyler Simeon (’19) said, “At my dances we don’t really dance, the guys just run around and play with each other and the girls do their own little girly stuff.” Danley Sainsmyr (’17) who is in middle school said, “I love girls and I want to dance with them, but Dr. Moore is always around and a teacher is always looking to see how
THE PAW PRINT
Cedar Court Housing LLC Paula Conte 75 Rampart Road Norwalk CT 06854 203-838-5779 cedar.court@sbcglobal.net
opinion
THE PAW PRINT
december 2010
Page 15
A L i t t l e M a t u r i t y C a n G o A L o n g , C l e a n Wa y using the bathroom and apparently do not care that they are making it difficult for other girls to use it. Staff Writer I can never find a decent stall, the toilets are constantly clogged, and it bothers me to know that students could The following article is not to blame the school or any even leave the bathrooms the way they do. custodians. When students go to the bathroom at Norwalk It is a sad sight to see how the bathrooms are treated. High, they expect a place to comfortably do their business. Unfortunately, the bathrooms in Norwalk High are not Seriously, it is not that hard to throw something in the clean enough. When students leave their classroom, they garbage when you are done, whether it is a paper towel, usually have to visit two or three different bathrooms. It tampon, or other piece of trash. Girls need to be more responsible for school property is disgusting to go into a school that many people use. bathroom and see unflushed “Smells like urine, floors are It is not just the girls’bathrooms toilets, feminine products, and though. Salaam Bullock (’13) says toilet paper all over the stalls. sticky, it’s nasty in general.” the boys’ bathrooms are equally This shows that students in -Salaam Bullock (’13) dirty. “It smells like urine, floors the school do not just ignore are sticky, it’s nasty in general.” hygiene, but are also extremely He feels that the students can fix the issue by simply immature. Many security guards in the school have to yell at growing up and cleaning up after themselves. The bathrooms need some real improvements, and the students to leave the bathrooms when it gets too loud. Honestly, I can see why the administrators would close the fast. This means students need to take better care of it bathrooms. There is graffiti on almost every stall, paper and make an effort to keep it clean. This is a really nasty towels everywhere, and toilet paper all over the place. I find situation but putting forth the effort to fix it can easily it hard to believe that so many girls can relieve themselves solve it. Students need to clean after themselves and do in such a nasty place. Many girls abuse the privilege of what they can do to keep the bathrooms clean.
Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes
ANGELICA REYES ’12
There’s No “We” In Group Projects $AT On A Silver Platter NICOLE DUNSMORE ‘13
Working in a group does help get the work done quicker than if you had to compose it all by Staff Writer yourself. It also engages discussions about ideas in The daunting word “project” has just slipped out which you never would have thought of if you were of the teacher’s mouth, and just to make it more not working with other people. difficult, the teacher adds that it is a group project. In general, group projects are a facilitated way Having to work in a group for a project has its to get work done. It gives the privilege of splitting pros and cons. If the teacher has allowed the ability up the work; so each person in the group is assigned to pick a group, it makes working on the project a different task and when finished every task is easier with the capability of choosing friends or combined into one project. The problem with this amiable classmates. is that not everyone does When the teacher his or her part. picks the groups, the “If one person does all the Each member is probability of ending appointed a certain job, work, the only thing students up with people who do but not everyone always learn is how to slack off.” not blend well together follows through with it. increases greatly. This So some team members -Nicole Dunsmore (’13) causes tension in the have to complete their group and it creates dread work along with the of working on the project. With the aptitude to work other person’s failed work. Because it is a group with friends it makes the working environment project, the group is graded as a whole. This means much more pleasant and the feeling of dread is that everyone gets the same grade and the teacher eliminated. has no way of knowing who really did the work. Group projects usually require work outside of The students also have no motivation to do school, but when working with people you do not any work since they can easily get away with not know, it may be uncomfortable going to one of their doing anything. With the facility to pick a group, houses. This leads to the avoidance of working at the opportunity to choose people that get their work someone’s house, which ends up with the work not done is granted. getting done. Evidently, the ability to work with The point of group projects is to learn; but if friends makes the getting together outside of school one person does all the work, the only thing students effortless. are learning is how to slack off.
Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes
NHS students work together on a group project
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Kevin Lawrence ‘11 Staff Writer
Everyone dreads the day that they have to sit down and take the notorious test known as the SAT. Some may be confident about taking this test on, but I cannot think of one person who would actually look forward to this cruel test. So why do some colleges make it seem to be a deciding factor in whether or not someone actually gets into their college? Allie Megale (’11) said, “They are the most pointless things in the entire world because not everyone tests well, even if they’re smart. ” I find it absolutely ridiculous that the College Board truly believes they can predict how well someone will do in college based on their results on a 4+ hour test. Although your GPA obviously has a bigger impact than your SAT scores, your SAT scores can still crush a child’s dream of getting into their dream college. It just does not seem fair that those who worked hard throughout their entire high school career to maintain high GPAs can be stripped of their hard work by getting miserable SAT scores. “The SATs cater the rich and hurt the poor. They are
“The SAT’s cater the rich and and hurt the poor.” -Larry McGonigle (’11) unrepresentative of a student’s capability and should not be such a great factor in college admissions,” Larry McGonigle (’11) said. It seems that those who are less fortunate just go to the test and hope they do well. Most people with enough money to prepare themselves end up finding someway to raise their chances of doing well. “It’s actually proven that minorities statistically do worse than the upper class majority. It’s all about socioeconomic status, ” added McGonigle. Some hire private tutors to enhance their math, critical reading, and writing skills while others attend more public tutoring with other students. Either way, those with more money seem to be put in a better situation and are much more likely to do well on these tests. Kevin Daniele (’11) also disagrees with their importance of getting into college, “They say they (the SATs) predict how you are going to do in college by the scores but I don’t think that has anything to do with the success you have in school.” To those who do not test well at all, the SA-Ts just seem to be a perfect obstacle from preventing a student with a great GPA from getting into their dream college. Colleges need to realize the fact that some students just are not good test takers but their hard work and dedication in the classroom is the reason for their success.
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opinion
December 2010
THE PAW PRINT
The Truth About Appearance: The Beauty Advantage Photo Cred: www.bodyofwealth.com
Hayley Gola ’12 Staff Writer
The conflict of beauty in the workplace is centuries old, but the reality of it today is ugly. Studies have recently shown that more attractive people have a better advantage of not only life in the workplace, but even getting a job at all. One study even showed that looks trumped education in importance. Are these studies saying that you should not go to college and get plastic surgery? Plastic surgery has strengthened this trend. With more and more people spending millions of dollars on their looks, it has caused companies to look at the candidates they are interviewing The unspoken rules of the workplace are like the unspoken rules for elected officials. ‘Would you elect someone who was sloppy and foul?’ is the same as asking ‘Would you hire someone for your office who was sloppy and foul?’ When asked, fourteen out of sixteen students said that yes, in the job world looks towered over education. It makes sense that the company would want a good reputation about their employees, but
to go as far as hiring someone on their looks and not their education is a little far-fetched. In a poll, 59% of hiring managers said that as a suggestion, candidates should spend as much money on their looks as they do on their résumé. It is sickening to know that companies today care more about how much money you spend on yourself rather than where you went to college or your experience. People want to be hired for what they offer the company intellectually, not for how attractive they are. And what happens when people do show off their body and dress nice and end up getting fired for it? Such as the case of Debrahlee Lorenzana who was fired from Citibank for dressing “too hot”. Companies are setting a double standard, especially for women. Managers are telling them to wear clothes to show off their body, and then they are getting fired for it. It does not make sense. And what about the students entering the job field right now, how is it going to affect them? They are not going to get hired because they do not have the kind of money to spend on themselves, hence why they are going for the job in the first place. The double standards are creating more hassle for candidates to find jobs.
HvZ Overload
Can Money Buy Happiness?
jared Phillips ’12
Lydia Krenicki ’12
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: google.com
Humans vs. Zombies is a live action massive multiplayer role-playing game, tag with a twist, where humans have to fight off hoards of undead. The brainchild of Brad Sappington and Chris Weed, like a virus, HvZ massively spread across the web. In the game, there is an original zombie and humans. Humans can fight the hoards with Nerf foam dart guns, socks, and a few non-Nerf foam dart guns. When hit by a sock or dart, a zombie cannot attack humans or help other zombies for a set amount of time, specified in the game rules. The original zombie must tag a human to ‘infect him’. Once infected, the new zombie must ‘feed’ by tagging another player in the given amount of time in the rules. There are many different rule sets for
the many places this game is played as well as many game variations. Ranging from extermination missions, to defensive missions, to escape missions and escort missions, it seems HvZ has a lot to offer, and that helps catch the eyes of many. Some people go all out with their Nerf weapons, modifying their Nerf guns for better accuracy or faster reload speed or re-paint them and sometimes add useless bits to make it look cooler.. Some players even wear costumes to help make it a different experience every time. HvZ has gotten a lot of press, ranging from an article in USA Today to a number one spot on The Colbert Report’s Threatdown. It looks like the infection is just getting started, and Humans Vs Zombies will be around for a long time. So give it a try, what do you have to lose, aside from your humanity and being turned into a flesh-eating ghoul for a few days.
Staff Writer The lottery is a prized possession that many people dream of winning. There are even commercials that show people giving lottery tickets for presents, giving the receiver a chance to win big. Winning the lottery comes with stories of good deeds and changed lives, the underdog making it big, however money is not the most important thing. Society places extreme stress on money and brands. The United States especially has a dependence on money and social status that is unhealthy and unrealistic. It is true that during hard economic times people suffer from depression more often than in good economic times. People are generally less happy when they are worried about money and financial security. Many people think that by winning the lottery their lives will be made into a magical world where all their problems will be solved, and that may be true for a while. However, real problems will follow you wherever you go. Why is it that stars who acquire money at a certain age seem to have dramatic breakdowns
that end in rehab and jail? Money is the answer. As a result of the high demand for paper people who have it feel better than others who do not have it. For years people have based their self worth on the dollar amount found in their bank account. The real question is can you buy happiness? This question has been asked for generations. Look around you at the celebrities and fancy stars. There are a multitude of them who are on drugs and drink to find happiness. Granted there are many normal stars out there but that is because they are doing what they love not a job for the money. Winning the lottery is a blessing and a curse that can be looked at many ways. It can supply a life with security and comfort that was greatly needed. However, it can add a burden to an already comfortable lifestyle that got pushed over the edge and now you cannot live without. The other day, I heard adults talking about how when they were young brands and what clothes you were wearing did not matter as much as it does lately. Piling someone with money will do nothing for life if not make it worse.
$ $
We Really Could Have Used A Little Help Ronald Nick Milliman, Evan Opdahl, and Clifton Prophete ’11 Staff Writers
down immediately. This crude statement was followed by the threat that if any of us needed to use the bathroom they would have been killed and no one would have ever known. As the words left his lips, the boys began to shake in their seats. The fourth boy tried to cut the conversation off short, which came to be poor decision number four. The man put his hand gently on the back of the nearest boy’s head, and said, ”One move you’re done, cut off from the world.” The first and fastest response was, “yes sir!” The man put his hand to his waist and said, “if we were in a more disclosed area I would show you what I’m working with,” referring to his gun. The man reached out a fist showing his love for the boys and gave each boy a separate fist bump. Then, the man asked their names and reached out for individual handshakes. The boys did not feel comfortable giving him their real names, so the first boy made up a name and passed it on to the next, Evan Bonenfant, Nick Milliman, Clifton Prophete, and Evan Opdahl at McDonalds who was not mentally ready to
Photo Credit: Evan Opdahl
November 14, 2010, four teens decided to take a hunger expedition to McDonalds. As they arrived at McDonalds the four decided to eat inside instead of going through the drive-thru, poor decision number one. After they completed their order, they decided to take the long walk upstairs to enjoy their meal, poor decision number two. As the four of them were quietly enjoying their food, two mysterious figures appeared and sat at the table adjacent to them. Between laughs and the sharing of jokes, odd sayings such as “the few, the proud, the marines,” spread throughout the air, but they were not coming from the boy’s mouths. The four boys continue to giggle as one of the mysterious men begins to walk over. He then comes to the table of boys and asked, “Have any of you ever thought about the Marines?” They all quickly respond saying, “No!” which was poor decision number three. That answer was not the one he was looking for, so he quickly corners the four males to their seats and makes sure that they cannot get up, and he continues with his speech and tells the boys he was in the marines for fourteen years and was a level five black belt. He added he was one of the men who pulled Saddam Hussein out of the hole. The man then removed his sunglasses revealing the painfully discolored eyes underneath them and the soulless man behind them. He proceeded to tell the boys that he was “the devil dog”, if anyone was to come at him they would be put
fabricate a name so he gave his real name. This was poor decision number five. The man took the boys hand firmly and paused, “take your finger off my trigger before you get hurt,” the boy’s finger had been misplaced mid handshake and it almost cost him. This was the final poor decision. Finally the boys were let go, with their lives at the tips of their fingers and the memories of their childhoods in their minds.
THE PAW PRINT
Spo rts
december 2010
Page 17
NFL=Never Hey NHS, Join the Crew Following Laws Carly Mammoliti ’12
Brian Manby ’12 Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Carly Mammoliti
The National Football League has always been idolized by fans around the world for producing some of the greatest athletes and role models. They have always kept their players and coaches to strict guidelines so they do not bring about a bad reputation to the league. Since the NFL’s creation in 1920, that positive image has been maintained year after year, until just recently. In the past ten seasons alone there have been 451 arrests and major citations of NFL players, including 61 in the past year. It seems to fans such as myself that, more players, coaches, and associates have gotten themselves into trouble with the law; defiling the league’s name in the process. The question however is: why? Critics of the NFL believe that players sometimes take their standards of living a bit too high. Sometimes their financial freedom leads them to put themselves in situations that the general public cannot really afford. That then leads them to do extravagant things, such as carrying weaponry or possessing marijuana which they ultimately get arrested for. The majority of football fans undoubtedly remember the Michael Vick saga quite well. It To an NFL athlete, 50,000 was the tale of a potential hall-ofdollars is mere chump change. fame quarterback gone bad due to his involvement in an underground dog-fighting ring. While the league’s handling of this particular scenario was entirely proper in suspending Vick, many other players seem to get by with minimal punishment when they are bested. Recently, New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards was arrested for a DUI with two other teammates in his vehicle. Both his teammates were let off the hook as they did nothing wrong, but Edwards, if convicted, will face a maximum of a $50,000 fine. To an NFL athlete, 50,000 dollars is mere chump change. That is nothing but a scratch on Edwards back that he could pay in front immediately. To the rest of the world, this would be a debt that would take a lifetime to repay. For most people, $50,000 is an expense that is simply unaffordable. Despite the minimal financial blow, Edwards still practiced all week and played the entire game against the Miami Dolphins the following week. While being a proud Jets fan, it is still difficult to agree with the NFL’s handling of Braylon’s blunders. Why do they fail to realize that this is one of their players tarnishing the league’s name? They are expected to keep these players to standards above that of the general population. For the amount of money they make in a season alone, should not they be expected to know how to be civilized role models? All in all, the reputation of the National Football League has steadily declined in the past few seasons. While the league still has the talent of players it had decades ago, if not more, the quality of the men the league produces has been shameful, and it is sad to see that they are okay with it.
Staff Writer Not many people at Norwalk High really understand what the sport of rowing is, or even know about it. The main concern for rowers at NHS is that they are not recognized, that students feel rowing is not a sport. Though, on November 7, as a gold medal was handed to me, I felt the accomplishment and pride everyone feel when they win. To be acknowledged for your accomplishments is something not only athletes, but also everyone should feel at one point in their lives. There are two types of rowing, sweeping and sculling. When someone sweeps, there are usually four to eight rowers in a boat, and one person who
for Norwalk High to open up rowing as a sport, the school would also have to open the varsity letters to every other outside sport that students participate in. Students practice year round eveyday and have two racing seasons, yet crew is being compared to sports like dancing and skiing. Having nothing against the two, and knowing they take a lot of skill and effort, dancers do not have half hour non-stop races like we do. Skiers have to be alert, but only have major competitions during the winter. Rowing is something bigger and takes more effort. For those who do crew, having a crew team at Norwalk High with coaches who understand that academics is a part of our lives and we are not just rowers 24/7, would be beneficial.
The NRRA Girl’s Novice team
gives the commands called the coxswain (cox-sin). Sculling is a type of rowing where there is no separate person in command, and there are less rowers in a boat each having two oars. Practice is for two and half hours a day, sometimes three depending on if students have to stay longer to practice with varsity. Together, that is fifteen hours a week, not including having to wake up at early hours on the weekends to go to races. The school cannot recognize the students who do this sport because the school does not sponsor the sport or athletes. Varsity athletes feel accomplished when they receive their varsity letter, though for varsity rowers it is not an opportunity they get. The students work hard to make it to the top, and some even train harder in hopes to make it to the Olympics. In order
Given not only the school’s but the country’s economic state, starting a new team in general at the school would not be realistic. Being able to hold a first place trophy or wear a gold medal around your neck is an immense amount of pride that everyone should be given the privilege to experience and be acknowledged for as well. While in the boat, it is easy to get tired. Though, I am often reminded of what my coxswain frequently screams at us, “pain is only temporary, but pride is forever.” Such a simple little phrase helped give the boat not only the mental encouragement to keep rowing, but the physical reminder that in a boat you are part of a team and that you never give up on your team. I only wish my school could recognize my accomplishments and the amount of hardships I put myself through to do what I love to do.
Michael Vick: Everyone Deserves an Audible Nick Milliman ’11
Photo Credit: www.thesmokinggun.com
Photo Credit: www.google.com
Staff Writer For some people it takes a second chance to get on the right path, and Michael Vick is a prime example of that. Convicted in 2007 on dog fighting charges, Vick was the target for societies ridicule. However, in 2010 he has taken all the right steps to improve his image. The previous number one pick has led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 7-4 record amongst the top in the division and many fans are starting to accept Vick in society. Kenny Francois (‘12) has supported Mike Vick before the dog-fighting incident and after. “I feel that everyone deserves a second chance. Before he went to jail, Vick was one of the most dynamic players in the league. Now that he is back, he gets to prove how versatile and agile he is and how he learned how to be a quarterback.” Michael Vick’s mugshot after being arrested for dogfighting Gil Araujo (‘12) expressed
a similar view on Vick. “Obviously he was wrong for what he did but everyone deserves a second chance. While he was in jail he learned how to be a quarterback and is now fulfilling his full potential. The Eagles may have interest in Kevin Kolb at the end of the season, but hopefully he can find a home eventually.” Andrew Santangelo (‘11) agreed, “I just feel that Vick overall is one of the best players in the league. He deserves to play in the NFL despite the dog fighting incident. Now that he has got an opportunity to play, he is starting to show his full potential. The sky is the limit for Vick and his skills.” All in all, Michael Vick is taking the right steps in order to improve his image. He is going about his business in the right way and trying to show that he is a changed man. It is up to the person to forgive him for what he did, but in the end Michael Vick’s journey is one that should never be forgotten. Michael Vick with his new team, the Phuiladelphia Eagles
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DECEMBER 2010
Spo rts
Talented Boys Swimming Team Swims Ahead
THE PAW PRINT
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Kevin Lawrence ’11
Staff Writer
After losing five key seniors to graduation most would think that the co-op Norwalk High/ Brien McMahon swimming team would be focusing on rebuilding this year. Oscar Castillo, Thomas DiGuglielmo, and Andy Rumore are all swimming at Southern Connecticut State University, Drew University, and Roger Williams University respectively. But the team seems to have other objectives in mind. Tri-Captain Leo Sweeney (’11) says, “We have set the expectations pretty high this year. We have a lot of talented swimmers and we have some new first year swimmers who have a lot of potential. As long as everyone goes to practice everyday and works hard it will all pay off.” The swim team will need to follow under the leadership of tri-captains Leo Sweeney, Chris Crothers (’11), and John Ospina (’11) from McMahon. They will also need key performances from sophomores Jake St. John (NHS), Eddie Skeen (NHS), and Sherman Lau (AITE). The junior class will be anchored by Justin Ramirez (NHS) while Shane Bogdanyi (NHS) and Jon-Carlos Arteaga (NHS) will also contribute their skills and leadership as seniors to the team. Due to the fact that it is so early in the season, who is going to swim what race has not officially been determined. But so far it appears to be that Crothers will swim the 200 meter individual medley and also take part in the 100 back stroke while Sweeney will take part in the 200 meter freestyle and the 500 meter freestyle. Lau will particiapate in
NHS swimmers dive into their first meet.
the 100 breast stroke while St. John will take on the task of racing the 100 meter back stroke and the 100 meter free style. “We really have to work hard if we want to win meets this year after losing 5 seniors from last year” said Crothers. “We are expecting to win at least 2 meets and hopefully get a relay team or two to qualify for states. Hopefully we can get some individual guys to get some qualifying times for states as well. Overall, I think we have the possibility of making this a great year but we just have to work hard to make sure things go right.”
Boys Basketball Looks To Rebound From Key Losses Staff Writer
With six seniors including All-American shooting guard Evan Kelly gone, the young Norwalk High School basketball team has some work cut out for them. “This is definitely going to be a rebuilding year,” said Coach Bobby Trimboli, “With all the young guys, we really don’t know what to expect yet.” The Bears, who will be on the prowl with much less varsity experienced players, look to build upon their 9-8 FCIAC record from 2009-10 which locked up a spot in the state playoffs. “It’s going to be tough,” said Kwazee Rice (’12), returning junior for the Bears, “If we work hard and play hard then we’ll have a chance to keep the momentum [from the last year] going.” “Our main goal is to make states again this year,” said Rasheen Thompson (’12), another returning junior for NHS, “If we play smart we can definitely make it.”
The team will have a fairly easy start to their season while not playing the likes of powerhouses Harding, Stamford, or Bridgeport Central until February which should give the Bears the opportunity to build up some momentum. Also circled on the boy’s calendar is their February 16th match-up at Brien McMahon in which the Bears hope to reassert their dominance in the city. “If we come together and play together like we did last year,” added Trimboli, “we will have more than enough to win eight games and make states. Without a doubt.”
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Mike Corasaniti ’11
While the coaches and players certainly have faith, Thompson believes some of their success will lie in the hands of their supporters as well as the team itself. “I hope that the fans come out and support us,” added Thompson about the McMahon game and the season in general, “Everybody thinks that since Evan and the other seniors left that we’re going to be bad but if we play hard, we can hang with anyone in or out of the FCIAC. There’s no doubt in my mind.” The first game on the boy’s calendar comes on December 15th at Westhill where the Bears hope to assert themselves as a threat early.
Kenneth Kingston of the NHS Boy’s Basketball team.
Photo Credit: Dylan Byrne
Big Numbers Boost Boys Indoor Track
Adam Robertino practices hurdles
Nicole Dunsmore ’13 Staff Writer
The Norwalk High boys indoor track team is stacked with a startling number of eighty boys. The head coach of the indoor track team is Coach Martin, along with a volunteer assistant, Miss Johnson. “It looks promising. Whenever you have a large number of athletes the odds are in your favor that some of them will do extremely well,” stated Coach Martin. “The coaches were both national runners and know a lot about the sport. We’re lucky to have them coaching us,” said co-captain of the team, Evan Bonenfant (‘11). Coach Martin takes a similar stance on the boys’ teamwork saying, “I expect that each individual will give one hundred percent effort and as a result we will become central division champions.
There is no reason to believe otherwise or we might as well go home.” Co-captain Mike Corasaniti (‘11) says, “Norwalk High has a great tradition of being this great force in track. If we can keep the numbers up, we can keep up the tradition.” “Track is one of the only sports where you can see your improvement throughout the season. As long as everyone stays motivated, we will do well,” admits Corasaniti (‘11). “I am really looking forward to seeing how my hurdlers do in the championship meets. Every season I look forward to finding new kids with talent and trying to help them develop into FCIAC qualifiers,” declared Coach Martin. Come support the Norwalk High boys indoor track team at their first meet on Saturday, December 18th at 4:00pm at Staples High School.
Ashley Coto ’11
Staff Writer
Norwalk High School’s wrestling season has begun, and these boys are ready for their matches to begin. A dedicated group of athletes, these competitors have the burden to be both physically fit, and strictly conscious about their weight. Unlike any other sport at NHS, the requirements include a high stamina like track, and eating discipline like no other. Most of all, being on this team requires dedication and love of the sport. “The practices are very demanding. If you are not fully dedicated and in love with the sport, it is likely that you will want to quit. And- the most stressful thing is weight.” Chris Mateo (’11). Concerning difficulties, Mateo stressed that watching the rest of the team eating a piece of pizza while being a pound over weight, remains being one of the hardest things to do.
“This season I hope to build on last year’s success. We have a large turnout this year with a fair amount of new wrestlers, so the emphasis will be on learning the sport and gaining experience as a team,” said head coach Mr. Fernandez. Monday through Friday after school and as late as 6:00pm, these wrestlers are working hard around the building. Also, you can find them on Saturday mornings as early as 8:00am, training for their matches in the mini gym. Their practices begin with a ten lap warm up around the school, followed by stairs and body carries. At the end of practice, these athletes do what is called ‘Live Wrestle,’ where they apply their moves on one another. During ‘Live Wrestle,’ Mr. Fernandez shows them new moves which he himself learned from wrestling himself at Brentwood High School in New York. As these athletes train hard and sacrifice calories, it is only fair as classmates and school friends that we sacrifice the time to support them at their matches.
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Wrestling Looks To Pin Some Wins
NHS Wrestlers practice for an upcoming meet.
sports
THE PAW PRINT
december 2010
Page 19
Hockey Team On The Rise with Arrival of New Players
Photo Credit: Dylan Byrne
Ashley Coto ’11
Staff Writer
Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon- rivals or friends? As far as the hockey team is concerned, they are more like a family. With an average of two games in one weekend, these athletes not only learn how to grow as a team, but also how to become a family. If it is after practice suicides or pre-game warm ups, it is a guarantee that this team sweats side by side and as one body. The team does consist of BMHS students such as captain Lucas Aubrey (‘11), and NHS students such as Captain Dylan Byrne (‘11), but on the ice one might as well call them brothers. "The interaction with players from different backgrounds, putting them together to make a team with a common goal is amazing," said head coach Daniel Feighan. Mr. VonArter, a history teacher at Norwalk High, is the assistant coach of the team. "This season will be a lot better. Most of our team are upperclassmen now so our confidence is high," said the athlete who led the most goals and points of last years season, Mike McRoy (‘12). Last season, the team got their first win in three seasons, and this year guarantees to be even more promising. “Not enough people at NHS know about our team. Most people in the school do not even know we have a hockey team. We have a banner hanging in the gym just like every other sports team,“ said captain Dylan Byrne (‘11). If it is blisters from breaking into new skates, or morning practices at 5:30am at the Darien Ice Rink, this team is ready to kick off their season positively. Friends or family, the hockey team deserves all the support they can get from both schools.
Dylan Byrne (’11) takes a shot during a recent game against Shepaug
Girls Basketball Shooting for a Solid Winter Season Nick Milliman ’11
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Matt Cranston
The 2010-2011 Girl’s Basketball team has high hopes entering the new winter season. With a good group of returning young players and a couple of seniors to lead the way, the Lady Bears will have their eyes set on states and a possible FCIAC berth. Junior point guard Katie Schmidt (’12), is hopeful of what the Bears might accomplish this year. “I definitely think we have a good team this year as compared to previous years. We have a lot of returning players that know how to play together. Our number one goal this year is to make states and once you’re there, anything can happen.” Assistant Coach Ms. Gardener is also looking forward to the upcoming winter season. “We have a lot of young players on the team. It is mostly made up of juniors but the fortunate thing is that they have been playing together for a long time. We have been working very hard in practice and if we continue to give it our all, we can accomplish our goals for this season.” In the preseason, the girls are definitely living up to their expectations. They have yet to receive a loss and are playing with tremendous confidence against tough competition. Senior captain Rotisha Lewis (‘11) is very pleased with their performance so far. “We have been playing very good in the scrimmages and hopefully will continue to elevate our level of play once the season starts. There are a lot of good teams in the FCIAC, so we will have to play our best each and every night. I am really excited because it is my senior year and I’m going to try my best every game.”
Overall, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team has a lot to look forward too in this upcoming season. They have high expectations for what they can accomplish and have showed nothing but promise in the preseason. The season is right around the corner and the Lady Bears are taking all the right steps to have a successful season.
The Girls’ Basketball team practicing their lay ups during a recent practice
Girls Track Sprints Up to the Starting Position
Evan Opdahl ’11
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Ricky Squires
Track Captains Jennifer Wing and Mike Corasaniti with Coach Martin.
On Monday, November 29, the girl’s indoor track season officially began. Coming off a strong season last year the girls are more than prepared for this one. The seniors are ready to end their time inside with a strong effort this season. Senior captains Jenn Wing (’11), Ivy Chen (’11), and Katie Pachkovsky (’11), hope to carry their girls all the way to FCIAC’s and states. With Coach Moffet giving his girls all the training they need to be successful, the girls hope that this year will be one to remember. With two to three hours of grueling practice a day, the girls are letting nothing keep them from greatness and success. With Coach Johnson on as her second year as the throwing coach, more girls have come out for throwing than ever before. “It’s definitely very different, the girls distance team went from eight girls last year to over fifteen for this season. I’m ecstatic that more girls are choosing to run distance this year, and I am hoping it will continue to rise for the years to come. We have a lot of potential this year and if we keep practicing hard I am sure we can make it very deep into the season. With the encouragement of our teammates we can do just about anything,” said Jenn Wing. The girls are looking forward to a great season to come, and with the group of girls that are running this year, it’s more than just a possibility.
Fa l l Sp ort s R e c or d s
Football: 4-6 Boys Soccer: 15-4 Girls Soccer: 5-11 field Hockey: 5-6-3 Girls Volleyball: 7-11 Boys XC: 8-9 Girls XC: 3-14 Girls swimming: 4-5
Congratulations to all NHS Fall Athletes Go to thenhspawprint.org to see Fall Sports Recap
THE PAW PRINT CONGRATULATES GIRLS VOLLEYBALL ON A GREAT SEASON. GO TO: www.thenhspawprint.org TO SEE THE ARTICLE ON GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL.
PagE 20
DEcEmbEr 2010
SPOrTS
THE PAW PRINT
Fall Rivalry Finishes One-Sided with NHS Victory
Brian Manby ’12
Staff Writer
The Norwalk-Brien McMahon rivalry has always been a competition of athletic prowess every year since the rivalry first began in the city decades ago. But fortunately for Norwalk this year, the 2010 fall rivalry was entirely one-sided. Norwalk concluded its 2010 fall sports season with an astounding undefeated record against Brien McMahon; beating them in every single sport where the teams competed, and even again in playoffs. This season the fortune fell in Norwalk’s favor – seven times. Beginning with the boys and girls cross country teams on September 14th, the streak was initiated through their defeat of McMahon at Waveny Park in New Canaan at the schools’ first meet of the season. McMahon even had the chance to settle the score later in the season in FCIACs, but they were once again denied by the hard running of the Bears. Girls’ Soccer continued the streak the next night, beating McMahon 1-0 on their very own Jack Casagrande Field to start their season. Boys’ Soccer was next in-line, dominating the Senators 3-1 in a hard fought battle here at Testa Field. The Field Hockey team replicated the game the next night by beating McMahon
3-1 yet again at home. Now at 5-0 in the fall sports season, the volleyball team then swept McMahon three games to none to beat them in a match in McMahon’s gym. With the scent of an undefeated fall sports season in the air, the Norwalk football team finished the job with an 8-7 victory over McMahon at home on Thanksgiving Day. Many Norwalk High School students expressed their pleasure with the school’s recent athletic success. Mike Corasaniti (’11), the leader of the student based fan group “Bear Pack” says, “This is definitely a time to be proud of the Norwalk High School sports program. Every year we circle the match-ups against McMahon on our calendars and the fact that we walked away victorious from each game is something that should be appreciated as a great accomplishment.” Without a doubt, the Norwalk-McMahon rivalry is as important to the city and its civilians as anything imaginable. And for Norwalk High School, this past season was something truly special and important for all to remember. While we await the next time seemingly all of the city of Norwalk will pack into a tiny gym, or flood the bleachers surrounding an outdoor field, the question will continue to remain; how will Norwalk handle the rest of the athletic year against their cross-town rivals?
2010 50th YEAR THANKSGIVING GAME NORWALK HIGH 8 Brien mcmahon 7
Photo Credits: Ricky Squires
Coach Pete Tucci
30 YEARS AS NHS COACH Overall Record: 59-72 Attended Fairfield pREP positions: wide reciever/defensive back fAVORITE fOOTBALL team: nEW york giants Favorite Player: Lawrence taylor Best Memory: Beating McMahon 11/25/10
NHS Football Coach Pete Tucci
Norwalk High would like to thank Pete for his many seasons here with us. You always have a home here at nhs and We wish You all the best in Your future.