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MONROE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL |1629 PERRINEVILLE ROAD| MONROE TWP, NEW JERSEY 08831 | VOL. XI ISSUE 3 | November 9, 2009
Talent defines ‘Showcase’ 2009 by ELIZABETH RUSSO and RAEVIN WALTERS Staff Writers
The Marasco Theatre stage shined the light on the talents of the Footlights Club actors during its three day run of Showcase 2009, beginning October 26. Stellar performances, by the cast singing Broadway musical classics, more than made up for the minimalist stage setting and allowed the choreography to utilize much of the open space. The curtain opened with the spotlight on junior Jessica Sabanos’s singing Irving Berlin’s “When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabana,” from the play, When a melody Lingers On. The imaginary train quickly fills up with characters performed by seniors Melissa Sherwood, Sabella Lichthman and Erik Haramady, juniors Alyssa Consentino, Rishi Sharma,and Kyle Suarez, sophomores Alexis Hanna and
Anna Maynard, and freshman Zachary Levine. A line of six girls purge their bad relationships while washing their hair and singing the lyrics of Richard Roger’s song “I’m Gonna Wash That Man,” from the play South Pacific. Each lady displayed her feminist strength by advising the female audience members not to waste time on the wrong man. Senior Renee La Plante dressed in a red polka dot dress, sang “My Funny Valentine” from the play Babe in Arm by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart. Her solo performance displayed genuine talent and exquisite grace. In Mark O’Donnell’s Marred Bliss, Jane (Eisenberg) prepares to “tie the net” onto her fiancé, Dink (Kane). The scene is performed with a quirky Alaskan accent which the audience enjoyed because of the many mispronunciations leading to the subtle innuendo. “Everybody Oughta Have a cont’d pg. 2
Photo/Jackie Push BAD BREATH Jane (Junior, Kayla Eisenberg) pulls away as her fiancé, Dink (Senior, Stephen Kane), tries to sneak a kiss during the scene, “Marred Bliss”.
Superintendent Hamilton keeps school district moving forward by MICHAEL BAUMANN Editor-in-Chief
Graphic/Angela Wo
New Jersey chooses change in governor election by ALI DEITCHE Executive Editor New Jersey’s voters instituted a gubernatorial change on November 3, by electing Republican Christopher Christie as governor over Democratic incumbent, Jon Corzine. In light of the negative television advertisements produced by both candidates attacking their opponent, New Jersey voters had to decide which politician they would rather vote in as governor. Some lost hope in the election’s
ability to bring a true “change” to the state’s politics. “I’m not happy with Corzine, but I don’t know if Christie will be any better,” says Mrs. Catherine Simmons, Monroe Township High School Language Arts teacher. A New York Times poll published on October 16 reveals less than 24% of New Jersey residents believe corruption will decrease, regardless of whether Corzine or Christie was elected. The poll also states 50% of residents think corruption will stay the same and 18% believe
The fall of the Berlin Wall, 20 years ago today, marked the beginning of a new era in history. It was the end of the Cold War, and the beginning of a fully united Europe.
it will increase with Christie as governor. These results solidify the feeling that most New Jersey citizens are resigned to accept that dishonesty is present in state government. Simmons says, “I think there is a lot of corruption in New Jersey politics, but I don’t expect an overnight change.” Since taking gubernatorial office in 2006, Corzine has failed to solve or alleviate New Jersey’s considerable financial woes. Reflective of the nationwide recession, the state is cont’d pg. 11
The Monroe Falcon Staff salutes all American soldiers
Since replacing Dr. Ralph Ferrie, whose position was temporarily filled by Interim Superintendent Joseph King, in February, Dr. Kenneth Hamilton has worked toward resolving decisive issues faced by the district, such as the budget and ensuring the needs of students and teachers alike are met. “I came in during the middle of the [budget] cycle,” says Dr. Hamilton. “I had just developed a budget in my previous district while simultaneously coming into Monroe, so I had two budgets in my head, and I must familiarize myself with the Monroe budget, which is extremely extensive.” Hamilton is required to learn about the district’s programs, staff needs and sources of revenue and to gauge the state of Monroe’s schools. Explaining how the district is beginning to collect necessary information to create next year’s budget, the superintendent says the budget “is resolved as of now, but now we’re starting the process for the 2010-2011 school year.”
After eight months in office, Hamilton’s day-to-day responsibilities as Superintendent of Monroe Township Schools often vary greatly. “Most of the days are not at all consistent,” says Dr. Hamilton. “Part of the day is spent working directly with school principals. The other part of the day is spent reviewing information from the State Department of Education, the governor or commissioner, regarding changes in code.” While organizing the budget was an anticipated task, the superintendent has had to deal with the unexpected concern of preparing the district for the potential H1N1 virus pandemic. “So much goes into learning about a pandemic,” says Hamilton. “Planning to anticipate… is like on the job training… it’s new to everyone.” To prepare for the virus, a district committee is working to “generate in-class instruction in the events of a school closure” while another is “looking at the parameters [for the schools] to operate as a vaccination site, but there is concern with cont’d pg. 3
What’s Inside School News............. 2-3 Features........................ 4 Speacial Features....... 5 World News ................ 6 News .............................. 7
Double Truck.......... 8-9 School News......... 10-11 Entertainment..... 12-13 Op-Ed .......................... 14 Sports..................... 15-16