Freehold Township High School
The Patriot Press
Issue 5
281 Elton-Adelphia Road Freehold, NJ 07728
June 2009
Here’s to the night: Senior Prom 2009 by Valentyna Olynyk
Senior Prom is always known as a momentous occasion, a milestone in a fulfilling high school career. And so it is, class of 2009, that we have reached yet another milestone in our lives as students by attending the totally festive Senior Prom 2009 on May 29 at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch. Leaving early on that Friday afternoon was a senior privilege, sincerely appreciated by the flocks of students who left to make their appointments and get ready for a fun filled and memorable night. After hundreds of pictures being snapped by family members and friends, students climbed into their limos, party buses and cars to make their way to Long Branch and the beautiful, beach-front facility where prom was to be held. Expectations were high all around. Upon entering, students were greeted by teachers and administrators and more pictures were taken. While some students were shuffled off for the random breathalyzer testing others after checking in had the option of mingling during cocktail hour and sipping specialty beverages or posing for professional pictures. But once the lights turned low in to main ballroom, it was clear it was time to get down to prom partying. Even before the DJ began speaking and ordering
people onto the dance floor, it was already packed with students decked out in glamorous gowns and classic tuxedoes. The music kept the night alive and it was difficult to drag dancers off the floor
dance floor and although Senior Melissa Taustine had differing musical tastes with the DJ she said, “It was great to see all my friends dressed up.” Senior Kate Ronan playfully joked, “Prom
ment was made after another great period of dancing and everyone took their seats for the last time to hear the Prom Superlatives and Prom King and Queen announced. Among the superla-
Accardi took one of the “Most Dramatic” awards in an eye catching pin stripe suit topped off with hat and cane and complete with Playboy Bunny earrings. “Most Unique” was bestowed upon Megan Jacobson and Frank Falisi and the “Best Matching” couple was Brandi Schwartz and Ryan Gergely, expertly matching in head to toe white and gold. Scooter Ibriham and Julia Freire were named cutest couple. Then Prom Queen title went to Mackenzie Berry, and in an unprecedented moment, both Kevin Brusotti and Bobby Searby were named Prom Kings. It seemed as though Senior Prom was over as quickly as it came and Dean Douvikas echoed this sentiment saying, “I had such a good time. I wished it lasted longer.” As prom came to an end it was a bittersweet moment filing out of the banquet hall and watching everyone climb into their respective rides. It was like standing on the edge of a new horizon, as one of the final big events of senior year came to a close Kady Stockman, Brianna Tobey, Jake Makely, Jenn Cacace, Dan Czarnowski, Emily DeLuca Daly and Justin and was now behind us, and Moore strike a pose before attending the senior prom. we look toward Graduation, you could not help but agree once dinner was announced and was magical,” but followed up by tives: Nicole Merkent and Kevin with Andrew Jaegar, “It was the everyone had to take their seats to saying, “No, seriously, it was a re- Weber were awarded “Most Clas- perfect ending to an overall awebe served. ally good time.” sic,” Adrianna Shashaty took the some year.” After dinner it was back to the A most anticipated announce- female “Best Dressed” and Gene
Seniors take over during Senior Week 2009 by Alexa Greenberg
The Monday after Senior Prom, one would think students would show up to school looking exhausted and unhappy to be there. However, this was not the case for FTHS’ seniors. On Monday, June 1, seniors happily piled into the cafeteria during periods one and two to enjoy a free and catered breakfast. This was just the beginning of Senior Week 2009, which occurred during the week of June 1. The week was hosted by FTHS’ Student Government and included fun and memorable activities for the senior class. As previously mentioned, Monday morning seniors enjoyed their breakfast. On Tuesday, the senior barbeque was held during lunch periods. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the variety of foods, snacks, and chips, including hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, water, and soda. Of course, a big thank you to Kevin Decker who provided music throughout the event. “It was such a nice day for a barbeque and the food was
awesome,” Jared Bornstein com- signing party. “It was a great time morning, students got onto their mented. and it allowed all of us seniors assigned busses to go to Black On Wednesday, students had to bond together. The food and Bear Lake Day Camp for the day. the opportunity to take over drinks also made it great,” Alan There, seniors could enjoy differteachers and teach the underclass- Stern remarked. However, due ent activities such as volleyball, man lessons. Some students and to inclement weather on Friday, paddle boats, basketball, tennis, teachers even s w i m coordinated ming, catheir outfits. noeing, Mr Grimes and footand Lauren ball. The Grimes (not weather related) went was good all out wearing for most black pants of the day, and a “Grimes but in the squared” tlate aftershirt. Many noon, the teachers later rain came. said that they However, were surprised this did not at how prestop FTHS pared and reseniors sponsible the for havseniors were. Gabrielle Codacovi, Kate Curran, Kate Feola, Amy Kirchmer, and Teddi Silver- ing a good On Thursday,berg take a moment to relax at the senior picnic. time. “It seniors had a was great! chance to pick up their yearbooks the senior trip was pushed to the Everybody started dancing in the after school for the yearbook following Monday. On Monday rain and it was so much fun,” Ni-
cole Tower stated. In the end, Senior Week 2009 was filled with lots of fun and many good memories for everyone. For SGA members, who spent countless hours working to make the week perfect, they could not have asked for anything less. “We put a lot of time and energy into our Senior Week, but in the end it was all worth it,” Nicole Merkent said. So as the time comes to graduate, we seniors can look back on Senior Week ‘09 with fond memories. We will always remember how we felt the Monday morning after prom, dancing in the rain during the class trip, attempting to “storm the lake” and the yearbook signing party, where we realized the end was coming near. Lastly, a big thanks to Ms. Galinski, for without you, none of the activities during the senior year could have been possible.
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Reflections
Ode to FTHS by Michael Interrante
A farewell letter from Editor-in-Chief Brianna Tobey For a few weeks now, it has been raining. The dreariness and bleakness of the rain depicts the remorse that I feel about having to leave the newspaper. This newspaper is like a part of myself; not everyone reads it and it’s very small, but it’s got spunk. A cliché state-
ment will now follow. It’s been an interesting year, to say the least. The year started off with a skimpy editorial board and ended with one that was even more meager. There have been articles that have needed serious doctoring, and there have been articles
Freehold Township High School
P A T S T A T S
The Patriot Press
Brianna Tobey Editor-in-Chief Jeff Fox Managing Editor Alexa Greenberg Valentyna Olynyk Senior Section Editors Frank Falisi Columnist Justin Moore Asst. Layout Editor Michael Interrante Cartoonist Ms. Kimberly Aleski Adviser
Photo Contributors Taylor Defeo Yulissa Frederick Alexa Greenberg Jonathan Levin Andrew Posen Ms. Kathleen Quinn Brianna Tobey
that have shown wisdom and hope for our future. This paper has entertained me, floored me, frustrated me, and inspired me. I see promise in the writing of the staff of the Patriot Press. Though the paper might not consist of many pages or many people, we are a dedicated crew. The staff has banded together in their love for writing, for the desire to make our voices heard. For many, it has been an outlet. Many of my proudest moments in high school have been with this club. Nothing will match the feeling of seeing my name in print, the smell of newspapers eagerly waiting to be folded, the inky hands that result from that folding, nor the happiness one feels when someone simply asks for a newspaper - that they want to read this small part of myself. In the hallways, auditorium, media center, cafeteria, gym, classrooms, computer labs, and even the highly secured bathrooms of FTHS, I have changed as a person. I
think that I can proudly say that I’ve changed for the better. I started off a shy, quiet bookworm who didn’t know where she belonged or what she really wanted to do. Now I am graduating a confident, outgoing bookworm who knows her
that I’ll have to make. I’ve grown, and I’ll miss the hallways, auditorium, media center, cafeteria, gym, classrooms, computer labs, and even the highly secured bathrooms of FTHS. I have spent hours here in front of a glowing computer screen. Sometimes as I’m driving away at 7 or 8 at night, I drive away thinking, “I’m going to miss this.” The mindless editing, the stressing over a serious lack of articles, black-and-whiting pictures we don’t even use, thinking up lame headlines, joking around: it’s all part of the newspaper experience. For me, the newspaper experience has helped to define my high school experience. place in the world. I’ve It is hard to say goodbye made friends I’ll have for to this array of unbeatable the rest of my life and I’ve feelings. I have bonded with met people that changed my Ms. Aleski, someone who is perspective on life and I’ve more than an advisor to me: met people who have made she is a friend. I’m trusting me laugh. In this school, next year’s editorial staff I’ve laughed and cried and with this small part of myloved and hated and com- self. Go and do great things. plained and vented, and I’m Goodbye, Patriot Press, and dreading the teary goodbyes good luck.
reflections
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Top: Sam Pagut, Kevin Duerkes, Nicole Beletz, Nicole Bottalico, and Jon Dafick get ready for the end of senior year; bottom left: Ms. Barsolona and Ashante Ivery, Ms. Quinn and Ryan Spadola, and Mr. D’Antonio and Lisa Martino take a break from teacher during Senior Take Over Day; Ally Eskenazi and Mackenzie Berry getting burgers at the senior barbeque.
Frankly Speaking: SPECIAL EDITION FEAR AND LOATHING AT FTHS
or How I learned to stop worrying and love my life by Frank Falisi
Freshman year, a brand new, innocent, naïve (and relatively short haired) young fellow by the name of Frank Falisi moseyed meekly through the doors of our semi-hallowed FTHS. He wore a black Cream t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and brand new Chuck Taylors, still at the point of shockingly white laces against the black of the shoe. His eyes were in a constant state of awareness and shock: this alien landscape meant nothing to him but fear and surprise. There were (what appeared to be) large hulking men wandering the hallways, professing to be students enrolled in the school, while their impressive mastery of facial hair spoke to the contrary (full facial hair, not simply the peach fuzz mustache that had miserably found it’s way to Frank’s upper lip mid 8th grade). And there were girls, strutting up and down hallways, girls who had (up until very recently) possessed some mutant mutation of the cootie virus; girls that now seemed cured of this affliction. And there were lockers, and teachers (male teachers! Not simply the arche-
typal female teacher of elementary school, and more than the rare and odd male instructor in middle school), and there were suspect lunches and suspect students with suspect behavior, and this scared young Frank Falisi quite a bit. But life advanced, and time both flew and crawled. And Frank began to adapt to life in his new environment (though he still expressed concern at the lack of an F-Hall. What statement was a place of learning and language making in having hallways A-E and a G, thus excluding the letter F?) And as his hair grew longer and his peach fuzz ‘stache turned more to a “peach-fuzz-stubble-inpatches” combo, he learned. He learned that all of literature seldom meant exactly what it said, and that (so he was told) books he’d up until recently simply enjoyed for the sake of reading were chock full of symbolism and meaning and all manner of complex literary devices (though he still continues to express distaste at everything in “To Kill a Mockingbird” apparently being an indication of racism and prejudice:
Jem’s pink coloured shirt on page 89 may be some form of very personal statement on his part about some very personal business, but it’s simply no symbol of the struggle of races.) Frank learned that the cells in his body divided in some form of meiosis or mitosis (a process he’s since forgotten: evidently his cells are doing fine, though). He learned very little math, being a very lazy boy. He learned that if you made enough people march around in formations while playing instruments and made them do this for a long enough time, eventually, they’d form some vague pattern on a football field and that this practice was commonly known as “marching band.” He learned that deciding not to take notes or pay attention in honors chemistry is seldom a good plan, while ignoring honors chemistry lectures to play Pokémon is traditionally the more emotionally rewarding option. He learned that certain teachers will always care about the students, and that some simply never will. He learned that life and love are
a mix tape, and that sometimes, all you need is some terrible music from the 1980s to make things a little better (see The Bangles). He learned the unending rewards of growing facial hair, of sweater vests on Thursdays, and of performing on stage. He learned that the absolute coolest people in the entire school are the custodial & maintenance staff (though they prefer the term “Connoisseurs of the Custodial Arts,” thank you kindly) and that life is like a box of chocolates: the caramel ones are usually the first to go. He learned that you can get by with a little help from your friends, and that rock n’ roll isn’t noise pollution. He learned that the girls with whom you can find two-pound Rice Krispie treats are the best girls to waste time with, and that the friends that you can do absolutely nothing with and have a blast doing it are the friends you should keep for life. But most of all he learned that life moves pretty fast, and if you don’t stop and look around, you might miss is, and that life in high school is a lot like a Bruce Spring-
steen song: it’s a little wordy, a little confusing, and sometimes, you just can’t understand what’s going on. But in the end, you realize that it’s about love (and usually New Jersey). So thank you, Class of ‘09, and all the people along the way, for taking that little Frank Falisi with the peach-fuzz mustache and brand new Chuck Taylors with shocking white laces and molding him into this dashingly handsome (and shockingly humble) young man, quite a bit bolder and confident, and quite ready to take what he’s learned in four years of Township and face the world. It may be hard, and it may be long, and he may have to spend long, hard hours at a job at the local movie theater, assuring customers that yes, they do in fact serve popcorn, and yes, they do, from time to time, show movies. But life (even when working at a local movie theater) moves fast. And if you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it, annoying customers and all. Thanks Freehold Township, for the memories: stay gold.
4 senior colleges
Where will you be in the fall?
New Jersey Brookdale Community College
Justin Almeidinha Chris Anselmo Alex Babjak Chelsea Bacic Greg Benedict Pete Caccioppoli Vinny Campagnola Kaitlynn Catanzaro Gerard Castronova Chris Caufield Alyssa Ceravolo Dominic Chirichella Alex Coccarro Austin Cole Isabel Contreras Joe Crispino Aaron D’Addio Kevin Dakassian Reem Darkhabani Andrew DeCostole Nicole DiGiaimo Kevin Dziuba Gina Marie Etlinger Joe Ferretti
Yulissa Frederick Tim Fuller Nicole Gandino Emily Ganley Eric Germadnig Ivan Gonzalez Lauren Grimes Sarah Hazell Alessandra Heck Austin Henderson Sean Hruska Zaneta Hudocova Kim Hulsart Michael Interrante Kyle Kasten Anna Kibrick Keith Leming Eddie Lopez Katelyn MacWhorter Jake Makely Krystina Malfa Sydney Marhefka Kathleen Martin Chelsea McGowan
Cetenary College Amanda Estomin
Michelle McKee Katelyne McMahon Richard Nerod II Becca Nurbin James Novotny Gerard Oakley Bola Odesobi Keith Olivero Noelle Olshewitz Ryan Paul Michael Petrillo Stephanie Pontes Zan Rizvi Jacob Rizzo Natalie Roberts Kristi Rosa Jaclyn Rosenberg Mike Sabino Samantha Schlau Rob Soriano Krista Spicuzza Olivia Szendi Chelsea Traina Zach Trendy
Fairleigh Dickinson University Jon Bennett Jaclyn DePinho Kaity Glovich Dominic Panettiere Joe Pivinski Jessica Qualls
Monmouth University Nicole Bottalico Elyssa Bucceri Ryan Clark Amanda DiVita Kevin Decker Kevin Duerkes Ryan Gergely Brian Grande Garrett Haas Abe Hamami Christina Joyce Kimberly Kravitz Dina Russo Conrad Sawicki
Montclair State University Jennifer Hosson Tyler McKinnon Colin Rosen Jason Sheets
Cristina Barthel Frank DeRose Dana Major Nicole Sada
Stockton College
Ocean County College DJ Thomas
Tyshawn Wright
Princeton University Lisa Goldman
Ramapo University
Nicole Eugenio Heidi Hinkes Aly Rosenthal Christina Tuozzolo
TCNJ Nicole Cinman Christina Codispoti Jon Dafick Zach Gall Victoria Talbot
John Howard Danielle Kuchar
Tabitha Chaviano
Cody Cermak Andrew Esposito Malcolm Hill Ahmed “Scooter” Ibrahim Jess Matusaitis Rafael Mendez Adria Janelle Powell
Seton Hall University
Ed O’Brien Amin Sharifi Rainelle Thomas
Georgian Court University Kean University
Pat Walsh Alex Weber Christina Williams Tom Wojciechowski Shaina Zupa
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Dental Assistant Services Megan Grant
77
Rider University Anastasia Bischoff Licia Keevill Brenden Noesges Randy Orlowsky Dani Peterson
Rowan University Laura Blanc Andrew Branin Chris Gero Rachel Gorsky Stefanie Klein
Justin Lamb Corey Schimpf Kayla Smith Alan Stern James Windels
Westminster Choir College Jurae Kim
William Patterson University Matt Cadigan Zachary Caruso
Rutgers University 31 Aisha Akhter Niketan Avani Joe Caiola Vincent Casazza Tom Coghlan Michael Chai Courtney Davis Dean Douvikas Ryan Edgeworth Frank Falisi Alexis Fedorchak
Julia Freire Briana Glantz Tiffany Foy Michael Ippolito Andrew Jaeger Allison Karr Abiha Kazim Kevin Lee Jonathan Levin Devon Moore Hani Nasr
Valentyna Olynyk Mehreen Parveen Ryan Pinnock Matthew Potter Hydah Raoofi Will Rocher Christina Steele Brianna Tobey Nadir Williams
senior colleges 5
Where will you be in the fall?
Arizona California University of Arizona Arielle Witlin
California State University
Academy of Art University Omar Dzlieri
Alexis Khatanbaatar
Connecticut Quinnipiac University
Fairfield University
Sacred Heart University
Alex Becker Zach Goldstein
Andrew Hiss
Courtney L. Kozal
University of Connecticut Jennifer Donnelly
Delaware University of Delaware
Florida
Mackenzie Berry Kimberly Borkowski Maddie Coburn Danielle Fafalios Kaitlyn Parry
Florida Atlantic University Sydni Lewin-Epstein Kaitlin Percheski
University of South Florida Brittany Weissman
University of Miami
Florida Gulf Coast University
Megan Jacobson
Mallory Russo
University of Tampa Gabrielle Codacovi Ally Eskenaski
Palm Beach Community College Charles Sacco
Iowa
Maine
Maharishi University
University of Maine
Cassandra Havenor
Will Saunders
Maryland Frostburg State University Kyle Letizia
University of Maryland College Park Nicole Merkent
Towson University Laura DelGuercio Amy Kirchmer Stephen Rose Kate Ronan
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Jacquie Wilson
6 senior colleges
Where will you be in the fall?
Massachusetts Boston University
Boston Conservatory Kevin Natoli
Boston Hellenic College
Danielle Angelo Megan Riedinger
Marci Xyloportas
Emerson College Melissa Taustine
University of Massachusetts Boston
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Rob Tagle
Jacob Czarnowski
Michigan University of Michigan Jenna Kaufman-Ross
New York Binghamton University Brian Matza
College of Staten Island
Colgate University Britany Schram
Hofstra University Chris Gheraldi Greg Lewis
Manhattan College Matthew Preston Claro Greg Gitto
Pace University Deanna DeRose Brittany Marcucci
Derrick W. Meyer Becca Rosenblatt
School of Visual Arts Christopher Kwon
Syracuse University Riana Bauman Nicole Beletz Alexa Greenberg
Taylor DeFeo
Cornell University
Culinary Institute of America
Kim Schlossberg
Rosemary Hurrey
Iona College
Ithaca College
Adrianna Shashaty
Jordan Medley Teddi Silverberg
New York University
Rachel Rosenberg
Parsons School of Design
Union College
Nicole Tower
SUNY New Paltz Matt Devine
SUNY Purchase Kady Stockman
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Jessica Barofsky
Sean Carpenter
University of North Carolina Charlotte Ryan Powderly
Chris Vitella
Matthew Faiella Jackie Wolfe
North Carolina Elon University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University
St. John’s University Nadia Maknoun Katie Sapson Shanyce Walker
Alex Hurwitz Samantha Morales
Nyack College
Grace Kwon Puja Patel
Arion Sochorow
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising
Wagner College Keri O’Keefe
Ohio
Ohio State University Kimberley Maugeri
senior colleges 7
Where will you be in the fall?
Pennsylvania La Salle University
Albright College
Cody Goodlow Robert Mara Michelle Musolino Corey Rutenberg Vinny Verdolino
Sam Pagut
Chestnut Hill College Allie Golding
Lehigh University
Delaware Valley College
Messiah College
Ryan Spadola
Maddie Comfort
Moravian College
Jeff Koubek
Ursinus College
Phillip Wallens
Drexel University
Muhlenberg College
Jenn Cacace Vincent DiMaria
St. Joseph’s University Amy Bennett
Arianna Bates
East Shroudsburg University
Penn State University
Mark Chilton Angela Tuchol
Villanova University Alyssa Critelli Joseph Szesko
Temple University Samantha Marx Monica Mansour
Jared Bornstein Billy Hicks Amy Palmer
West Chester University
University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania College Justin Moore of Technology Gettysburg College University of the Sciences Lucas Alvarez Allie Cooper
Kutztown University
Shippensburg University
Kerry O’Sullivan
Anthony dePierro Jordan Hager
Allyson Moskal
Danielle Cantalupo Joseen Chundamala Tatyana Labovskaya
Sam Belli Craig Cohen Colin Gorman Lisa Martino
Jessica Mersereau Danielle Paglino Carli Rosa Tom Wegener
Widener University Haley Zuk
Rhode Island Johnson and Wales University
University of Rhode Island Samantha Santore
Brittany Bestafka
South Carolina Clemson University
Vermont Champlain College
Matt Loftus Andrew Posen
Katie Woolley
Virginia
College of William and Mary Paul Kelechi Amakihe, Jr.
University of Virginia Brandon Egan Phil Levin
Washington, D.C. American University Christy Hayek
Catholic University Alexis Stenftennagel
George Washington University Matt Selick
8 senior colleges
Where will you be in the fall?
Wisconsin University of Wisconsin Madison Taylor Harvey
Israel Bar-Ilan University
Military U.S. Navy
Dylan Burst
U.S. Air Force Brandon Hertler
Ariella Winard
India Bar-Ilan University Rebecca Cherian
Heads of the Class Valedictorian Lisa Goldman and salutatorian Justin Moore share memories, advice
Spotlight on Lisa Goldman The valedictorian is defined as “a student, usually the one ranking highest academically in a school graduating class, who delivers the valedictory at the commencement exercises.” Lisa Goldman is not only the highest ranking academically as well as someone who will be making a speech at graduation; she is an overachieving student who has received the highest possible academic honor. In the fall, Goldman will be attending Princeton University, but she admits that she will miss FTHS. “I always have a really
hard time picking out specific memories, but I don’t think I will ever forget the senior trip to Black Bear,” Goldman confesses. “The class of 2009 is full of some really amazing people. I wish I had the chance to get to know them.” Though Goldman is unsure of where she will land in thirty years, she hopes that she will have “a family and some sort
by Brianna Tobey of career.” Goldman hopes that Princeton University will help her achieve this goal. Princeton University is ranked number two nationally, according to U.S. News
Spotlight on Justin Moore Justin Moore walked into FTHS casually, in basketball shorts and a plain white t-shirt. He swung his keys around nonchalantly. The salutatorian believes that his best personality trait is not his relaxed disposition, however; Moore believes that his success is due to his “ability to adapt.” Moore’s GPA is approximately a 5.1, an impressive score for someone not in the International Studies program. He also received a 35 out of a possible 36 on the ACT. The exemplary student’s grades haven’t come completely easily to him, though – he admits that the most difficult part about school is “learning expectations. For example, every year I need to learn how to write and re-write essays.” Motivation for Moore’s success comes from his “wanting success in his future,” as well as “knowing that everything you do today will somehow translate into
something that will happen to you in the future.” The hopeful doctor will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and plans on majoring in Pre-Med Biology. “I want to have a career in pediatric medicine and I really like working with kids,” Moore explains. Moore has noble professional goals, and his plans clearly reflect that. “I think while college is definitely about having a good time, it’s important to remember that you’re going to school to go to go to school and you’re paying a lot of money. I think academics should be your number one focus in college.” In college, Moore looks forward to “more freedom.
& Report, right after Harvard University. “I am most definitely looking forward to college. I am excited for the freedom and the variety of study,” she says. Goldman has filled her high school years with activities including tennis and forensics; she also holds the position of president
of the National Honors Society. Courses she has taken include AP English, AP Physics, AP Spanish, and basically every other AP class one can take. She is also a student in the International Studies program. The future has a lot in store for this valedictorian. In addition to her stellar grades and school involvement, Goldman has a unique “personality and character,” which is what she hopes to be remembered for. When it comes to college, Goldman advises her peers to “know yourself.”
by Brianna Tobey
And more focus on things that I’m interested in -- like more choices as far as how deep I want to get involved in certain subjects and things like that.” High school has been filled with extra-curricular activities such as drama, peer leadership, International Thespian Society, and Science League for the salutatorian.
Moore goes as far as saying that the best part of his high school experience has been “getting involved in not only clubs and things like that, but all of the school functions where you get to kind of be a part of our entire school community,” Outside of school-sanctioned clubs, though, Moore also likes to spend his time “laughing with friends and goofing off.” Moore thanks his favorite teacher, Mrs. Lanza, for many of his successes. “From freshman year, she gave me confidence that carried me through the rest of
my high school career,” Moore says. Though Mrs. Lanza was his favorite teacher, Moore also thanks Doc P for making his two years in Physics – once in Honors Physics, and another year in AP Physics. Moore describes his two years with Doc P as “enjoyable,” and says that he’ll miss the times he spent in Physics with Doc P. “More often than not we spent the class getting advice, listening to her stories or listening to her trying to tell stories, but we also learned a lot and I think we’re more prepared for whatever college Physics course we decide to take.” FTHS has provided Moore with times he’ll cherish, and says that graduating is a bittersweet departure. Amongst the things he’ll miss most is “having teachers who know you really well and who have the time and desire to focus time on getting to know students individually.”
Senior Awards
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FTHS’s best and brightest awarded at Patriot Scholars Night AWARDS GIVEN BY GUEST PRESENTERS Anton Brothers Memorial Scholarship Kimberly Kravitz & Taylor Harvey
Gellman Family and Molly Pitcher Women’s Club Scholarship Amanda Estomin Jack Kuhnert Memorial Scholarship Stephen Talbott Monica Talcott Memorial Scholarship Elyssa Bucceri Nicholas V. Novielli Memorial Scholarship Frank DeRose Special K Vending Scholarship Courtney Davis David Allan Krebs Scholarship Nicole Taieb
FTHS Perfect Senior Attendance Award Ralph Cretella & Isabella Contreras
The Frederick Zuck Award Philip Levin
Herff Jones Principal’s Leadership Award Kevin Weber
Mathematics Dr. H. Victor Crespy Memorial Scholarship Dean Douvikas
Chopin Piano Award Christine Codispoti John Philip Sousa Award Frank Falisi Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award Kerry O’Sullivan National School Marching Band Award Jennifer Donnelly & William Rocher Monmouth County Guidance Directors Caring Award Tyler McKinnon
Music FTHS Music Parents Association President’s Scholarship Nicole Cinman Science Lee Wagner Memorial Scholarship Justin Moore Social Studies Dr. Walter Baronowsky Memorial Scholarship Jonathan Bosa
SCHOLARSHIPS
Al Frank Memorial Scholarship Kevin Dziuba
Investors Savings Bank Outstanding Effort Award Kendall Ryan
Musical Theatre Award Nicole Cinman, Anthony Crudo, Jennifer Donnelly, Rosemary Hurrey, Michael Ippolito, Kevin Lee, Rebecca Mizrahi, Kevin Natoli, Kerry O’Sullivan and CeCe Vacca
The Leonard Christoforo Scholarship Nino Azrumelashvili
NJPSA Student Leadership Scholarship Brandon Egan
Doug Withstandley Memorial Wrestling Award Anthony DePierro
The Mary Ann Steward Scholarship Tyler McKinnon
NJSIAA Scholar – Athlete Award Lisa Goldman & Robert Searby
Dr. James J. Hayden Scholarship Tyler McKinnon
The Sharon Gray Scholarship Kimberly Kravitz
Star Ledger Scholar Nominee Lisa Goldman
Nicholas Napoliello Scholarship Kaitlin Feola
U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award Jenna Kaufman-Ross & Kevin Weber
John Fitzsimmons Patriot PTO Scholarships Academic - Seniors Ranked 4th and 5th in the Class Activities - Julia Freire, Tyler McKinnon Athletics - Andrew Posen, Robert Searby
Michael Fogler Memorial Scholarship Christine Codispoti
FFA Scholarship Aaron D’Addio, Amanda DiVita, Allison Karr, Kaitlyn Lord and Jennifer Roe
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
American Association of University Women Achievement Award Lisa Goldman DECA Students of the Year Andrew Posen & Kendall Ryan English Department Excellence in Drama Award Jennifer Cacace Kady Stockman English Department Excellence in Journalism Award Brianna Tobey Katie Woolley English Department Excellence in Poetry Award Nicole Taieb Kelsey Tuchol English Department Excellence in Writing Award Frank Falisi Justin Moore Fashion Technology Award Samantha Santore, Arion Sochorow and Alexandra Hurwitz FTHS Classical and World Languages Award in French Aisha Akhter FTHS Classical and World Languages Award in Italian Danielle Cantalupo FTHS Classical and World Languages Award in Russian Matthew Selick FTHS Classical and World Languages Award in Spanish Justin Moore
PATRIOT SCHOLARS
Animal and Botanical Sciences Nicholas D’Orazio Memorial Scholarship Kaitlyn Lord Technology Education James Spizzirri Memorial Scholarship Matthew Szura Business Administration and Technology Thomas Judge Memorial Scholarship Lyle Jacobson Classical and World Languages Richard F. Cayea Academic Scholarship Lisa Goldman English Sylvia Canter Memorial Scholarship Jonathan Levin Family and Consumer Sciences Nancy Pierson Memorial Scholarship Madeline Coburn Fine Arts Dr. H. Victor Crespy Memorial Scholarship in Fine Arts Michael Interrante Guidance Al “Duke” Emmons Scholarship Valentyna Olynyk Health and Physical Education The Bernard Goldwater Award Joseph Szesko International Studies
Bernard T. Lyons Scholarship Victoria Talbot
FTHS Music Parents Association Scholarship- Instrumental Kevin Natoli, Michael Ippolito and Phillip Wallens Francisco A. Guzman Loan Kimberly Kravitz Graeme Preston Foundation for Life Scholarship Megan Riedinger Jack Vietoris Memorial Scholarship Dean Douvikas Matthew Herman Memorial Scholarship Matthew Devine Richard F. Cayea Scholarship for Technical Expertise in Theatrical Arts Jacob Czarnowski & Edmund O’Brien Roberta Borgerson/Rhoda Tarnoff Memorial Scholarship Kimberly Kravitz Steve Smith Memorial Scholarship Ryan Spadola United States Merchant Marine Academy Acceptance Sean Carpenter Walter Zuber Principal’s Award Kevin Brusotti Zieber Stetler Memorial Scholarship Rosemary Hurrey Dr. Anthony G. Procopio Scholarship Senior Ranked 3rd H. Victor Crespy Scholarship Salutatorian Charles Bishoff Memorial Scholarship Valedictorian
10 Remember Whens * Complied By: Jeff Fox and Brianna Tobey
Greg Lewis tried to kiss Kim Kravitz at Mr. FTHS and she spun away? Kevin Duerkes Sessa and Leahy stole Mr. Orlinsky’s tennis balls? - Kevin Decker Tyler gave us a look back in English’s class… every day? - Teddi Silverberg We wrote on these little pieces of paper that asked us our name, college, city of college, and a “remember when…” question? Vinny Verdolino We won Battle of the Classes? - Andrew Hiss The basketball team beat CBA for the Shore Conference Championship? - Corey Schimpf We went on the senior trip? Vincent Casazza
Frank was, is, and will always be the man? - Dean Douvikas We thought seniors really threw us in lockers and garbage cans freshmen year? - Yulissa Frederick Period 6/7 stole English’s cell phone number? Kayla Smith Ed O’Brien ate 32 cookies on a bet? Christy Hayek The soccer team won the Shore Conference Tournament? - Brenden Noesges
Mr. D stapled his pants to his leg and did the Pepto-Bismol dance on a desk? Some - Jackie Wolfe
of the Seniors for Hire costumes ranged from hilarious to fun to strange and disturbing over the years? Andrew Branin
I was taking a history final and Mr. O hit me with a tennis ball? Jennifer Donnelly
We were all stressed about college applications and the acceptances? - Niketan Avani
Mrs. Santora convinced me to eat a piece of plastic and I almost did? Aaron D’Addio Titus’s radiator exploded and destroyed all of our research papers in a boiling rain? - Devon Moore
Tutz almost slapped a girl while trying to wave to me in the hallway? Aisha Akhter
We had the senior citizen prom for Peer Leadership? It was the most fun I had this year! It was almost as fun as our actual prom! - Amy Bennett
Bobby Searby dressed up as a banana and sang “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” during Battle of the Classes? - Adrianna Shashaty
Keith Leming was the Joker for Senior for Hire? - Brandon Hertler
Mr. Balsavage sang the National Anthem and Mr. McCarthy told us about his crazy dreams? - Christina Steele
We came back to win Homecoming with a goal line stand sophomore year? - Colin Rosen
We went to prom? - Sydney Marhefka
That old couple got caught making out at the Senior-Senior Prom? Justin Moore
All of the senior boys did the “Single Ladies” dance for Mr. FTHS? - Rachel Gorsky
Ms. Aleski made the universal symbol for sphinx attack? - Kate Ronan
We played WalleYball?! - Chris Gero
The baseball team beat CBA 7-3 to win the Monmouth Country Tourrnament Championship? - Dan Klinsky
We won the Thanksgiving Day game at Howell this year? It was my last game and it was in my hometown. - Ryan Spadola Coach D during frosh football ran onto the field jumping up and down and broke his ankle? - Andrew Esposito We had the senior breakfast and hung out with everyone after a long weekend with prom? - Deanna DeRose
Girls Lacrosse was A-North Champs 3 times!? - Anna Kibrick
Seniors beat juniors in the powderpuff game? - Alyssa Ceravolo
Fro Dan and Ed dumped Gatorade on Giblin after the show? Elyssa Bucceri
I met Joe Crispino? - Kelly Estenes
I helped out with the Darfur Concert? - Anthony Lanzaro
Remember Whens 11 The bathrooms were open during the weight room? - Matthew Claro
The first day of band camp when we were all terrified and now we’re not? Freshman year, my tech drawing class was being really annoying? One person was fling- Nicole Cinman
I choreographed my friends’ multicultural performance? I had so much fun! - Mehreen Parveen I shaved the center of my head for Halloween? - Eric Germandig
ing paper wasps around the room. - Jacob Rizzo
I was cast in my first high school play? Zachary Caruso We stayed up all night in school for the Lock-In ’09?! - Angela Tuchol
Nicole Tower tried to run us all into the ground during our class’ performance of “Antigone”? - Brandon Egan
I coordinated the fashion show with Vanessa Carlucci, Sam Santore, and Alex Hurwitz? - Aly Rosenthal The girls’ soccer team beat Manalapan 3-2 in the Shore Conference Tournament first round? - Cristina Barthel
Ms. McCoy fell in the puddle outside during fitness walking? - Samantha Schlau
The Bleacher Creatures were amazing throughout high school? Hydah Raoofi
I fell down in the middle of an AP Psychology lesson? - Nadia Maknoun I met my favorite teacher Mrs. Titus freshman year – then three years later I was her for Senior Take-Over day?! - Brittany Bestafka I got to spend an entire day with the greatest men and women this side of the Mississippi – a.k.a. the custodial staff? - Frank Falisi
Woody threw water at us? - Chris Caufield
When I got a ticket in front of the school building? - Jurae Kim
I met my best friend when we both “failed” our permit test sophomore year? - Gina Marie Etlinger
sophomore and I played a little on varsity basketball and we won the Shore Conference Tournament Championship? I didn’t get to play in the game, but it was a great moment. - Matt Devine
There actually used to be soda in the soda machines? - Ryan Edgeworth
I dressed up as Ms. Costantini? - Pete Caccioppoli
In gym Mr. Turtle was our sub? He took us out for football and told us to jog a lap. We all stood there and he says “Go on, don’t be shy, your mother wasn’t!” in a British accent. - Allyson Moskal
We all got a chance to be lawyers during McCarthy’s sophomore debates? - Marci Xyloportas I was a
Tom Wegner fell asleep on the toilet? - Dylan Burst
I did Shakespeare festival with Ralph Cretella and Dan Lardaro? - Colin Gorman
The wrestling team beat Manalapan on Senior Night and the team celebrated by frolicking on the mat? - Joseph Szesko
Tom Gibbs drank the onion milk at the gym during HSPA week? - Kim Schlossberg
No one could speak and we all played f-f-f-four square? - Jess Matusaitis
The bus driver on the way to our DECA states trip flipped out on Tim Fuller and told him that he hated rap music more than he hated Tim? - Tatyana Labovskaya
Andrew found that dresses suited him just fine? - Sean Carpenter There was a fire drill in the first week of school during fifth period and everyone took their lunch outside to eat? - Amanda DiVita
I had my first day of high school? I got lost and wound up in H-Hall. - Kevin Dziuba
Chris Gheraldi was in the girls’ locker room because he really needed to use the bathroom, and when he did two girls looked down at his hairy legs and said, “Wow, that one needs a wax!”? - Eddie Lopez We could wear costumes for Halloween to school? Rachel Rosenberg
Phil Sebor stole Doc P’s phone number from her cell phone and called her for a week straight, leaving her love messages? Victoria Talbot We had freshman orientation? … Wow, long time ago. - Alex Weber
I first heard Alex Weber’s deep man voice? The bass rumbled the foundation of my soul. - Zach Trendy
I ate cupcakes? - Michael Interrante I managed the Ice Hockey team?! Lauren Grimes B-Ball won the Shore Conference? Tyler McKinnon
13 Remember Whens Aleski Andrew Jaeger wore a was swinging her keys dress? much too overzealously, lost control, and - Kate Ronan hit herself in the throat? Phill Wallens was playing the trombone in marching band, tripped, and knocked - Brianna Tobey
We down the entire line? performed for Justin Moore seven straight periods at the Multicultural We put on a play for a month? Festival? - Lisa Goldman - Puja Patel Ms. I made a shower scene for Mr. Aleski licked FTHS and the crowd went wild? a highlighter? - Ryan Gergely - Jenn Cacace & Vin DiMaria IS Ms. Dunn took eight of the walked ISers to Europe?! into our period 11 class - Jenna Kaufman-Ross and this kid from the last class was still sleeping on his desk (no one woke him up!)? Jessica Barofsky
Frank, Mike and I became custodians on Senior Take-Over Day? - Kevin Natoli
Flashball became the greatest game at FTHS? - Phil Levin
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We were freshmen and would get lost in the school and be late to class? Amanda Estomin
Sophomore year Mr. DiGuiseppe jumped on a desk and sang the song from the Pepto-Bismol commercial? - Becca Rosenblatt
I was in “The Outsiders”?! - Kimberly Kravitz
Ed dressed like Santa? I - Jon Dafick stormed the after we beat Jackson The juniors won Battle of the Classes in our field Homecoming game? and the seniors claimed we cheated? Cody Goodlow The - Kerry O’Sullivan We scored with 1:20 left in the Homecoming game? - Jon Bennett
Ed O’Brien tried to eat 36 cookies as a bet but only made it to 27? - Randy Orlowsky I found a monstrous booger on my desk in Aleski’s class? Alessandra Heck
We went to see “Romeo and Juliet” freshman year with Mrs. Titus? John Howard We super-glued John Baker’s foot to the floor in P’s class? - Jason Sheets
I told Courtney Davis, on my first day of school junior year, “I will skin you”? - Sean Hruska
Lyle started a dancing circle at Homecoming? - Jordan Medley Courtney, Anastasia, and I used to have skits about how I should act and talk to a certain person during Stoia’s class junior year? - Tabitha Chaviano
Senior Citizen prom became one of my favorite high school memories? - Kimberly Borkowski We stopped caring? Zaneta Hudocova
I transferred here Mr. FTHS guys danced to Beyonce’s “Single La- junior year? dies”? Hilarious! - Alex Becker - Britany Schram
The AP class put on a fullscale play in a week? - Nicole Tower Varsity Girls’ Bowling team finally beat Howell in an important match? - Courtney Davis Joe Pivinski was playing Gameboy in Mrs. Titus’ class? Robert Mara
The bus taking the softball team to Hillsborough got lost for two hours and we ended up walking into a senior center to use the bathrooms? They gave us high fives. - Arianna Barres
We had our first homecoming dance? - Greg Lewis
I had to fake a fight in freshman history? - Anthony DePierro Junior year Homecoming game, my friends and I painted our chests and spelled P-AT-S-!? I was the P. Justin Almeidinha
Remember Whens 14
I made the swim team? Dominic Panettiere
Joseen, Akiti, Will and I were all caught by Mrs. Titus by the main office for copying an extra credit crossword puzzle for her class? - Aisha Akhter
We all failed Mr. Hinds’ Honors Chemistry class sophomore year? - Will Rocher
The PeerLeadership Lock-In? Mac played Jon Bosa in the skits – accent and all! - Alyssa Critelli
Gerard Oakley had to bob for onions in milk? - Katie Sapson
Mrs. Titus yelled at me? - Gerard Oakley
Honors English freshman year when the lights went out and we acted out “Romeo and Juliet” in the dark? - Christina Tuozzolo
I had study hall with Mr. Hinds freshman year? Mark Chilton
I sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of all the basketball scouts and I forgot the words?! - Danielle Kuchar
I got lost freshman year? Mike Sabino
Dawn and I ran around the halls all junior year making noise? Stephanie Pontes
The many ridiculous moments as Aisha, Akiti, Nadir, Jeni, Natasha, Puja and I practiced for Multicultural 2009? - Joseen Chundamala We watched “Dark Knight” in the auditorium? - Zach Goldstein
I fell down the stairs? - Brian Grande
It rained sideways in Mrs. Lanza’s room during Freshman year in her period 2 Honors class? Kady Stockman
At the Peer Leadership Lock-In, me, Spadola, Reem, Greg pooped our pants, peed our pants, vomited, and had a seizure during our skit? Funniest thing of my life! Joey Caiola
Sessa and Leahy took Mr. O’s tennis balls? Jordan Hager
We rocked out at the “Save Darfur” Concert? Rob- Keith Leming I fell down in the middle of an AP lesson? - Nadia Maknoun
bie hit the court shot during the Psychology half pep rally and the whole gym went absolutely nuts?! Andrew Posen
Kevin Lee broke Mr. Donovan’s We We watched “Taken” in Mehl’s class? put rotten window? - Dominic Chirichella eggs in Mr. St. Angelo’s Conrad Sawichi room? I did a dance for - Kevin Decker The The seniors shut out the Seniors for Hire? first day of high juniors in the powderpuff - Nicole Gandino I school, being nervous but excited game? dropped at the same time? Shanyce Walker Christina during gym - DJ Thomas sophomore year? The Hamwallets won the Walleyball tournament? We Stefanie Klein Matthew Faiella sat under a We all first came here with our tree all day on a beautiful We went to our first school events friends from our schools, but now as freshman, like Homecoming and day and talked? we have friends from everyBattle of the Champions? - Cassandra Havenor - Chelsea Traina where? - Will Saunders The whole school went to the Our junior class beat the seniors last year I boys soccer game instead of field at BOTC?! - Christina Codispoti hockey… but the boys lost and field hockey won? I first performed for the school? - Natalie Roberts - Ty Sief Wright
I had blue hair? Jennifer Hosson
The guidance counselor came in and talked about how much she loved pizza? - Taylor DeFeo
I was a custodian with Frank Falisi and Kevin Natoli on Senior Take-Over Day? We had good The baseball team won the Monmouth Country Championship 8-4 times with the custodians! - Michael Ippolito vs. CBA? -
Chris Gheraldi
got into college? Cody Cermak
I decided I had to pass English? - Kim Hulsart We brought the Thanksgiving Day football game trophy home? Jeff Koubek
14
Senior Prom
Puja Patel and Jackie Wolfe
Christina Steele and Rob Soriano
Jasmine Askew. Dawn Fowles, Yulissa Frederick, Brittany Bestafka, Jacquie Wilson, and Shanyce Walker
Jonathan Levin and Britany Schram
Lisa Martino and date
Tyshawm Wright and Mr. Giblin
senior prom
15
Joe Mascola and his date with Kayla Borden, Ross DiMaio
Tyler Humphries and Stephanie Clay.
Brianna Tobey and Justin Moore
Katie Sapson and Jonathan Levin
Andrew Esposito, Anthony Tango, Ms. Quinn and Kenny Woodson
Teresa Chapman and friend
16 photo essay
Clockwise from above: Senior class advisor, Ms. Galinski, and senior class vice president, Tyler McKinnon, are all smiles at the start of the evening; Dina Russo, Taylor Defeo, and Valentyna Olynyk pose for the camera; Brandon Egan and Aly Rosenthal show off their pearly whites; Joseen Chundamala, Nino Azrumelashvili, Akiti Kohli, Puja Patel, and Tabitha Chaviano huddle together for a group shot; Phill Wallens and Frank Falisi give the senior prom a “thumbs up.�