4 Pates’ Post
The Forum
March 2013
“When the music ends you will be late…” By Kate Dawson Editorial Editor
"When the music ends you will be late. I repeat, when the music ends you will be late." Every Freedom High School Student knows these words all too well, as well as the peppy (maybe too peppy for 7:45 in the morning) tune that follows. But what's the real story behind the music in the morning? First of all, the title of the song is "The Stars and Stripes Forever," which is a march that is considered to
be the magnum opus of renowned American composer John Philip Sousa, who is oft en called the "American M a r c h King." This song is not only the National March of the United States of America, but also the morning ritual march of the students of Freedom High -- I'm sure the selection of a song with such an inspiring beat is no accident.
What you may not know is that "The Stars and Stripes Forever," is not the first song used at Freedom to get its students up and running every morning at 7:43. According to the FHS Band Director, Mr. Moran, during his 14 or so years at Freedom High school, a switch was made to "The Stars and Stripes Forever," from a song called "The Syncopated Clock." Also an Army inspired composition, "The Syncopated Clock" was written by American composer Leroy Anderson in 1945 while serv-
ing with the U.S. Army. Then in 1950 the piece was discovered by WCBS-TV and used as the theme music for The Late Show for 25 years to follow. Although "The Syncopated Clock" may not have had the same longevity here at Freedom High as it had during is quarter century run on The Late Show, it is quite possible that "The Stars and Stripes Forever," will continue on as a Freedom tradition for years to come. .
Cleaning up chaos in Freedom parking lots Sweeping away old methods to make drop-off easier. By Kevin Devine Journalism Student
After years of chaotic conditions, Principal Michael LaPorta has instituted an organized and practical method of morning drop-offs. The new drop-off procedure implemented at Freedom is requiring parents to enter through the bus loop by the athletic office and drop their children off there. The change was spurred by the chaotic drop-off conditions witnessed by Mr. La-
Porta and resource officer Grimaldi Gonzalez. Officer Gonzalez commented on the new procedure saying it was necessary, “Because we did not have an organized drop off zone.” Parents and guardians who do not follow the new policy are subject to a warning before they are issued a one hundred dollar parking ticket. Administration is hopeful the fine will deter most offenders. Mr. LaPorta chose the front bus loop for the new proce-
dure because it was the most common spot for parents to drop their children off in the morning. “For the last number of years, we have had so many people ignore the do not enter signs that it seems like an appropriate place for the drop off location, and it offers quick access to the school.” Mr. LaPorta will establish new stop signs that are adjacent to the campus to indicate to parents the proper location to drop students off .
Photo by Kevin Devine
Who is watching? By Julia Stahl Journalism Student
A topic that has a lot of kids talking is the new cameras being put up around school. The need for the new cameras are mostly for security reasons and to prevent more problematic incidents from occurring. The old cameras were outdated and many areas were left uncovered, almost all
areas are now covered including the main entrance, athletic doors, and behind the school. There is a total of 90 cameras currently. Hopes for wireless cameras on the tennis courts are also in store for the future to capture a view of the back parking lot. New digital systems allow these cameras to zoom in and identify individuals easily. Although there is not always someone watching the live
feed 24/7, footage can be easily be reviewed at any time. Minor adjustments are still being made to improve the focus of the cameras although for the most part they are done being set up. This was a great expense to the school, but as Officer Gonzales said, “If it’s for safety, what really is the cost?” Freedom has high hopes that this new system will de-
ter students from wrongdoing. So if you are doing something you know you shouldn’t be, watch out, because someone is always watching.
Teacher flees Liberty for job at Freedom By Walter Ogozaly Journalism Student
Mr. Ali Nabavian is fresh out of college and has already landed his first permanent job within the walls of Freedom High. A Liberty alumnus, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. He played volleyball for the school. “I think there was something enjoyable about the
atmosphere in school. It can better if I had a better be a strong support system teacher. It made me want to for people,” said Mr. Na- try to do better,” he said. He bavian. currently teaches His experiacademic English ence in school 10. has helped to If he were not a model and focus teacher. Mr. Nahis career. bavian said he “I had a lot of would probably be a teachers who I garbage man. He is didn’t like, and I fascinated by the thought it idea of water falling would’ve been Photo by Walter Ogozaly from the sky in the
form of rain, is an aficionado of political novels, and likes comedy shows like “The Office,” “Arrested Development,” and “Seinfeld.” Mr. Nabavian likes hiking. If he had the money, he would go to places as far-off as Hawaii. He is already done a forty-mile hike at Yosemite National Park. He also keeps healthy by running occasionally. Mr. Nabavian reported
that he loves his job and working with his students. After years of trauma at Liberty High School, you can only hope so.