Hoofbeats June 2023

Walk of life Seniors raise funds for mental health

by Julia Baguiao Sports

Spring’s highly anticipated event, the Senior Experience Fashion Show, raised over $10,000 for an important charity.

Students enrolled in the Senior Experience classes have organized an annual fashion show at Calhoun since 2006. Every year a charity is chosen through a voting process among the Senior Experience classes, and this year the winner was the JED Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults.

Within the classes, small groups of students each do research on various charities and then make their pitch to the entire group before a vote is conducted to choose where the raised funds will go.

“Picking the final charity, especially since mine was the one represented, meant so much to me and everyone in Senior Experience,” said senior Luke Gallo. “With an influx in mental illness in the youth across America, it was important to this year’s senior class to leave their mark by addressing current and relevant issues to their own age group.”

The fashion show is an exciting evening of students and teachers walking the runway as they model different types of clothing. Special gift baskets are raffled off, and student emcees host the night’s fun activities.

The Fashion Show is a huge un-

dertaking for Senior Experience students and teachers Mr. Jason Elias, Mrs. Liz Separ, Mrs. Jenna Tuminelli, Mrs. Tanya Cestaro, and Mrs. Nicole DeBonis. It takes months to plan and organize the event, along with the administration, teachers, and custodial staff.

The fashion show is dedicated to representing local businesses within Merrick. Students walked in clothing from local stores, such as Vanilla Sky, Esquire Tuxedos, and Calhoun’s very own Stable.

Last year’s Senior Experience group chose to work with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides happiness to hospitalized children through video games and other deliveries.

Past charities helped by the seniors include Invisible Children, Reason 2 Smile, Mercy Ships, Relay For Life, Project Safe Motherhood, Long Beach Schools, and many others.

This was the first mental health foundation chosen as the fashion show’s charity, and both organizers and attendees went above and beyond to show their support.

Within the school building, mental health resources have increased over recent years, such as adding a school therapy dog, an additional social worker, the Wellness Center, and various clubs dedicated to advocating for mental health and accessibility to therapists.

The JED Foundation was created by a family who lost their

Senior Experience raised over $10,000 at the fashion show for the JED Foundation.

(photo by Ava Kamlet)

(See WALK on page 2)

Editor

son to suicide in the late 90s. Their goals were to make mental health a household term, to end the shame that people may be feeling when dealing with mental health, and to create more safe spaces where

Walk of life

Currently, JED works with over 370 colleges and universities, representing just under 5 million students. A JED resource is also used by over 9,500 high schools, colleges, and universities to improve their mental health curriculum.

Additionally, they have also been involved in every state in America, with more than two million families using their high school program. JED is split into two categories, JED Campus and JED High School, which includes multiple platforms and programs to give accessibility to students.

ing and an internship opportunity. Students in the program are placed in an internship where they are able to gain experience and awareness for an occupation and for the world outside of high school.

those who are battling can be open emotionally.

“JED supports mental health, and that something that we could all get behind. More people struggle with it than some might think,” Gallo said.

JED strengthens educational institutions by working closely with high schools, colleges, and universities that serve millions of students to implement systems, programs, and policies that develop a caring culture. The foundation safeguards students’ mental health, stimulates the development of life skills, and increases the likelihood that struggling students will ask for help, be identified, receive support, and be connected to appropriate care.

The Calhoun Senior Experience program is a unique learning experience that combines English and Social Studies with service learn-

Throughout the year, the Senior Experience students take various field trips and work on special projects that culminate in the preparation and planning for the fashion show. After all of the seniors in the program voted for the JED Foundation as this year’s charity, student representatives visited teachers in department meetings to promote the event and the cause.

Whether Senior Experience is raising money to help brighten the day of sick children or assist at-risk and orphaned children in developing countries, the group comes together every year to help others.

In 2013 the seniors used their charitable efforts to assist Long Beach High School, which was devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Two years later in 2015, the group donated to Mercy Ships, an organization that sails around the African coast providing health care to children and adults in need.

(continued from page 1)

Calhoun teachers also model clothing and took the runway in the name of charity.

(photo by Ava Kamlet)

Seniors walked the runway modeling clothes from local businesses like Vanilla Sky, Esquire Tuxedos, and the Calhoun Stable.

(photos by Ava Kamlet)

The kids in the hall:

What is your spirit animal?

by Julia Baguiao Sports Editor

Taylor Halversen - Sophomore

“My spirit animal is a hummingbird because they represent grace, resilience, and boundless energy. These tiny, vibrant creatures flit from flower to flower, embodying the beauty and elegance of femininity. Just like the hummingbird,

symbolizing my own tenacity and ability to overcome challenges. They have an adventurous spirit and are always eager to explore their surroundings. Their powerful presence and spirit inspire me to push my limits.”

Kate Macnamara - Junior

“My spirit animal is more of an insect because I would pick a

my spirit animal symbolizes my fun-loving personality, as well as my tenderness. Plus, who can resist those adorable bunny hops? It’s like a walking embodiment of charm and sweetness.”

Kaitlyn Stibritz - Sophomore

“My spirit animal is a dog because of their boundless joy and ability to bring comfort and com-

life’s challenges with a sense of playfulness. Dolphins represent intuition and going with the flow, which are essential for personal growth and finding inner peace.”

Danielle Lawrence - Junior

“My spirit animal would be a fox. Foxes are fascinating creatures that evoke a sense of mystery and cunning. Foxes are adaptable crea-

I strive to live life with a sense of lightness and joy. Their ability to hover in mid-air reminds me to stay present, to savor each moment, and to find delight in life’s smallest wonders. Hummingbirds also symbolize determination and adaptability, as they undertake long migratory journeys each year. They inspire me to embrace change, to pursue my dreams fearlessly, and to find my own unique rhythm in this vast and everchanging world.”

Ethan Hertwig - Senior

“My spirit animal is a goat because they embody strength, resilience, and a rugged determination. Goats are known for their ability to climb steep mountains with ease,

butterfly. Butterflies are extremely colorful and whimsical and are these vibrant creatures that gracefully flutter around, spreading joy with their colorful wings. This is my spirit animal because I value trying new things and all kinds of foods and have an outgoing personality. They also reflect a desire for personal growth and have the ability to adapt to life’s changes.”

Sofia Zampella - Junior

“My spirit animal is a cute, little bunny. Bunnies are gentle, fluffy creatures that everyone seems to like. Bunnies are playful and curious by nature, which I believe are two traits I have. I also enjoy having an outdoor adventure and love a good carrot. A bunny being

panionship. Dogs embody qualities that are reflected within me, such as their ability to love unconditionally and enthusiasm for life. They teach the importance of living in the present, finding joy in simple pleasures, and offering support during challenging times. Dogs exemplify the kind of person I strive to be: loyal, compassionate, and ready to lend a helping paw.”

Jamie Menniger-Low - Freshman

“My spirit animal is a dolphin because they embody qualities that resonate with my soul. Dolphins are known for intelligence, grace, and a deep connection with the ocean. Like dolphins, I value strong social bonds, adaptability, and the ability to navigate through

tures, able to thrive in a variety of environments, which demonstrates my passion for acting and how I take on different character personas. I possess a quick wit and a resourceful nature, enabling me to navigate life’s obstacles. They are elusive creatures, representing my desire for self-reliance.”

P.J. Schramm - Senior

“I am choosing a capybara as my spirit animal. Capybaras are the ultimate chillers, lounging around in their social groups and soaking up the sun. They’re the embodiment of relaxation and go-with-the-flow attitude. Having a capybara as my spirit animal shows I prioritize a sense of peace and a slower pace of life to enjoy every moment.”

Taylor Halversen - Sophomore

Kate Macnamara - Junior

Ethan Hertwig - Senior Sofia Zampella - Junior

Jamie Menniger-Low - Freshman

Kaitlyn Stibritz - Sophomore P.J. Schramm - Senior Danielle Lawrence - Junior

Congratulations to

Skylar Dujardin - North Carolina State University

Danielle Dukofsky - Rochester Institute of Tech

Joshua Dukofsky - SUNY College at Oswego

Liam Elsasser - Michigan State University

Marian Escobar Lopez - Nassau Community

Ryan Ellis - Undecided

Amanda Falls - Eastman School of Music

Bryan Farfan - SUNY College at Old Westbury

Neda Farhangian - Binghamton University

Huzaina Farooq - New York Institute of Tech

Connor Faughnan - SUNY Cortland

Adrian Faustino - Baruch College

Anibal Fernandez-Iglesias - Undecided

Christian Ferrante - North Carolina State University

Jayden Finkelstein - Muhlenberg College

Joseph Fiscella - Brown University

Ava Fisher - University of Florida

Liam Fitzpatrick - Undecided

Denzel Folgar - Cornell University

Andrew Foy - Sacred Heart University

Anthony Franco - University of Connecticut

Alexandra Frank - York College

Emma Israel - Nassau Community College

Samantha Iuzzolino - Hofstra University

Sydney Jackson - University of South Carolina

Julian Jacome - SUNY at Albany

Alixandra Jean Pierre - Trade School

Cassie Johanson - Penn State University

Caleb John - Stony Brook University

Ryann Jordan - Binghamton University

Lucas Jovel - Nassau Community College

Peter Kakalos - Adelphi University

Matthew Kalfas - Fairfield University

Sundeep Kaur - Yale University

Riley Kazan - University of Rhode Island

John Keene - SUNY College at Geneseo

Deven Kirpalani - Trinity University

Gabriella Klimov - McGill University

Benjamin Knigin - Rochester Institute of Tech

Logan Koenig - University of Lynchburg

Michael Kosowski - SUNY Cortland

Christian Kraus - SUNY Delhi

KaYing Lai - Hofstra University

Julia Lawrence - University of Tennessee

Lojayn AbuQari - Nassau Community College

Raymond Adams - Duke University

Hagar Ahmed - Prep Academy

Paulina Aivaliotis - Prep Academy

Sude Akgun - Nassau Community College

Karen Alvarado - Binghamton University

Gabriella Alvarado-Clark - SUNY Cobleskill

Sara Antin - Binghamton University

Cassidy Antoine - Trade School

Matthew Araneo - Roger Williams University

Angelina Arceo - Duquesne University

Joseph Armienti - Trade School

Kyle Auty - University of Delaware

Jordan Babbo - St. Thomas Aquinas College

Matthew Baci - University at Buffalo

Jake Baglio - SUNY Cortland

Julia Baguiao - Loyola University

Joshua Bailey - Hofstra University

Jason Balboni - Undecided

James Baldi - Undecided

Saira Bano - CUNY College of Technology

David Barad - Adelphi University

Nicole Barcia - Aesthetician School

Ryan Barnett - Eckerd College

Micayla Barron - University of South Carolina

Julianna Belbol - Rider University

Marissa Bello - University of South Carolina

Thomas Bello - University of Delaware

Matthew Belmonte - University of Connecticut

Mia Belmonte - University of South Carolina

Michael Bennett - Prep Academy

Logan Bernstein - University of Rhode Island

Sophia Betancourt - University of Rhode Island

Shumaila Bibi - Undecided

Carrie Borg - Molloy University

Matthew Borger - University of Rhode Island

Jesse Bowden - United States Marines

Jillian Bowers - Penn State University

Parnel Boyer - St. John’s University

Brooke Brown - Manhattan College

Sophia Bruccoleri - Rochester Institute of Tech

Kinga Brulinska - University of Connecticut

Skylar Bruno - University of California

Charles Buckland - Sacred Heart University

Emely Caceres - Molloy University

Luke Caditz - United States Marines

Jeremy Camille - Nassau Community College

McGinley Campbell - SUNY New Paltz

Andrew Cardenas - Stony Brook University

Emily Carter - Adelphi University

Jaxon Carvalho - Nassau Community College

Margaret Casimano - Virginia Tech

Anthony Castiglia - Penn State University

Gabriela Castillo - University of Rhode Island

Leanna Cheeseman - Bryn Mawr College

Jie Chen - SUNY Buffalo

Joseph Ciniglio - New York Institute of Tech

Jack Cohen - Coastal Carolina University

Cameron Coleman - Nassau Community College

Evalice Colon - St. John’s University

Ian Conlon - Nassau Community College

Jill Conlon - Coastal Carolina University

Sarah Cousins - Loyola University

Daxia Crimmins - Prep Academy

Sophia Crowley - University of Tennessee

Brandon Cruz - Seton Hall University

Elijah Cruz - Stony Brook University

Matthew Cuda - Binghamton University

Nicholas Cuda - Hofstra University

Carly Curnutt - University of Delaware

Brayden Curtis - Eastern Connecticut State University

Emma Dachs - University of Tampa

Rabia Dar - Nassau Community College

Sofia DaSilva - College of the Holy Cross

Ella DeMato - St. John’s University

Frank DeTrano - Undecided

Nicholas DeVito - Undecided

Sean DiPaola - University of South Carolina

Hannah Friedman - Emerson College

Sophia Galano - Sacred Heart University

Ava Gallo - Marist College

Luke Gallo - SUNY Cortland

Andrea Garcia-Castillo - Nassau Community

Adam Gardner - Massachusetts Institute of Tech

Alexa Gardner - Sacred Heart University

Molly Gargan - University of South Carolina

Haley Gary - St. John’s University

Isabelle Gauthier - Quinnipiac University

Benjamin Geist - Vassar College

Christopher Giglio - Undecided

Gavin Giordano - University of Massachusetts

Katelyn Gladkowski - Hofstra University

Zoe Gleicher - University of Massachusetts

Bryce Gould-Anderson - Northeastern University

Anthony Granados - Undecided

Joshua Grening - LIU Post

John Guida - SUNY College at Old Westbury

Pearl Guilbert - Ohio State University

Michael Gunn - Boston College

Denilson Gutierrez-Bautista - Nassau Community

Quintin Handel - Hofstra University

Isaiah Hernandez - St. John’s University

Ethan Hertwig - Penn State University

Aidan Higgins - Utica University

Taryn Hilke - College of Staten Island

Meghan Hill - SUNY College at Canton

Melanie Hladky - University of Colorado

Collin Huber - Trade School

William Hughes - Undecided

Henry Hutchinson - Stony Brook University

Charlie Imhof - Molloy University

Samantha LeBlanc - Manhattanville College

Jorge Lemus-Perez - Nassau Community

David Lennon - Nassau Community College

Hayley Lennon - Nassau Community College

Michelle Lesniewski - Adelphi University

Douglas Leung - UCLA

Jake Lewis - LIU Post

Marissa Lewis Quinnipiac University

Ivy Lian - Cornell University

Yinqi Liang - Stony Brook University

(photo by ShirEl Wolfstein)

(photo by Molly Gargan) (photo by Gabriella Klimov)

(photo by Julia Baguiao)

“You are educated. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.”

- Tom Brokaw

“Real leadership comes from the quiet nudging of an inner voice. It comes from realizing the time has come to move beyond waiting to doing.”

- Madeleine Albright

the Class of 2023

Mia Licari - Clemson University

Julian Liguori - Clemson University

Jayda Liriano - SUNY New Paltz

Emily Livingston - University of Georgia

Sergio Lopez - Nassau Community College

Devin Luffman - SUNY at Albany

Patrick Lundrigan - Marist College

Jason Lustig - Adelphi University

Sofia Macias - University of Pittsburgh

Timothy Maiorano - Nassau Community

Ella Maldonado - Binghamton University

Michael Mallia - University at Buffalo

Gabriella Manfre - University of South Carolina

Brian Manson - Prep Academy

Sara Manson - University of Delaware

Isabel Maraglio - Fashion Institute of Tech

Victoria Marciano - Adelphi University

Ava Marcus - Cornell University

Georgios Margaronis - University of Delaware

Kimberly Marin - Hofstra University

Jayvean Marmol - Undecided

Jake Martin - Iona University

Braden McMahon - SUNY Cortland

Mario Medina - University at Buffalo

Ryan Menghi - Georgia Institute of Technology

Maxwell Mescolotto - SUNY Cortland

Sofia Mescolotto - LeMoyne College

Zuza Michalski - Pace University

Gillian Miller - SUNY New Paltz

Isak Misiaszek - Adelphi University

Andrew Molinari - LIU Post

Estefany Montoya Cuadros - Nassau Community

Ashlee Moran - Molloy University

Thomas Morash - Fairfield University

Traceyleah Moussignac - Florida A&M

Liam Murray - Central Connecticut State

Riley Nadeau - Adelphi University

Nicholas Nangle - United States Air Force

Alfonso Nappi - Undecided

Maria Nasieb - Penn State University

Abhishek Nayyar - Queens College

Daniella Nevins - University of North Carolina

Makaela Nicolas - Fashion Institute of Tech

Melissa O’Connor - Nassau Community

Michael Postilio - University at Buffalo

Thomas Prappas - Undecided

Tyler Pratt - Quinnipiac University

Keith Presti - St. John’s University

Kellen Pryor - Florida State University

Ryan Pucella - College of the Holy Cross

Mariel Pusateri - Fairfield University

Michael Rainone - SUNY College at Oswego

Makenzie Reilly - SUNY Oneonta

Tyler Rinzler - Baruch College

Danielle Ritchie - Quinnipiac University

Kaitlin Slattery - Farmingdale State College

Aaron Small - SUNY College at Oswego

Tyler Smith - University of Tampa

Vanessa Sotero - Nassau Community College

Lorenzo Spilabotte - Hofstra University

Alexa Stabile - University of Scranton

Megan Stress - University of Alabama

Caitlin Sullivan - Hofstra University

Brandon Sully - Adelphi University

Jack Sylvia - SUNY Delhi

Sean Taglianetti - University of Delaware

Ava O’Keefe - Penn State University

Umar Ogeer - St. John’s University

Hayden Okonowitz - Rensselaer Polytechnic

Mackenzie Olson - SUNY Brockport

Mia Orellana - Undecided

Sophie Orlich - Nova Southeastern University

Aleyna Ozay - Undecided

Ryan Pagliari - Undecided

Dylan Palmer - St. Joseph’s University

Serena Palmer - Binghamton University

Isabelle Pan - Emerson College

Julia Parente - University of Connecticut

McKayla Parra - Marist College

Noah Paymer - SUNY New Paltz

Gabriela Paz - Undecided

Gabriell Paz - Undecided

Allison Penna - Adelphi University

Joshua Persaud - St. John’s University

Norah Petrozak - Undecided

Gabriella Piacquadio - Nova Southeastern

Sophia Philis - North Carolina State University

Megan Piedras Happel - Mercy College

Elizabeth Pleva - University at Buffalo

Amy Rivas - Adelphi University

Ashley Romero - New York Institute of Tech

Steven Rosenthal - Undecided

Mason Rosensweig - SUNY College of ESF

Meghan Rowell - University of South Carolina

Brianna Rossi - Undecided

Madeline Ryan - SUNY Cortland

Carolina Saldana-Beltran - Nassau Community

Ashley Salmeron - Hawaii Pacific University

Brian Sanchez - St. Joseph’s University

Matthew Sansano - Coastal Carolina University

Emily Saporito - Adelphi University

Cody Schanstra - University of Rhode Island

Daniela Scheffler - Adelphi University

Peter John Schramm - Hofstra University

Jhon Schleicher - Farmingdale State College

Kaitlyn Schreck - Hofstra University

Jonathan Sferratore - Lehigh University

Gage Shabica - Rochester Institute of Tech

Rohan Shetty - New York University

Leo Shkolnik - Penn State University

Matthew Siedlewicz - Undecided

Athena Silver - University at Buffalo

Maya Mason - Hofstra University

Kevin Mathew - St. John’s University

Jake Mauro - Prep Academy

Michael Mavashev - SUNY Maritime

Meghan McCarron - Binghamton University

Grace McCulloch - University of Delaware

Douglas McDonough - Undecided

Shannon McGuire - St. Joseph’s University

Liam McInerney - University of Utah

Owen McKenna - Adelphi University

Ella Simpkins - Johnson & Wales University

Shardul Singh - UCLA

Jeremy Sirof - University of Colorado

Nico Theodores - Nassau Community College

Peter Thomann - University of North Carolina

Douglas Toback - SUNY Maritime College

Axavier Tobias - Prep Academy

Gavin Toohey - Undecided

Abrahan Toribio - Nassau Community College

Evana Toumazatos - Amherst College

Sophia Tripiccione - St. Joseph’s University

Benjamin Turner - Cornell University

Stephen Vicino - Adelphi University

Angela Villalona - University of Connecticut

Connor Volz - University of Delaware

Gabriel Weredyk - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Randhula Wickramasinghe - Stony Brook University

Kayley Wilcha - Adelphi University

Isabel Wilkins - Binghamton University

Danielle Williams - Ohio State University

Mia Williams - University of Delaware

Liam Wilson - University at Buffalo

ShirEl Wolfstein - SUNY New Paltz

Kenan Yavuz - Cornell University

Mert Yolseven - Binghamton University

Ashley Zacconi - University of Delaware

Johnson Zheng - Hofstra University

Victoria Zovich - Penn State University

(photo by Molly Gargan)

(photo by Allie Frank)

(photo by ShirEl Wolfstein)

(photo by Molly Gargan)

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

- Henry Stanley Haskins

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

- Maya Angelou

Thrillers that will chill you

by Sophia Philis Staff Writer

There’s nothing better than a classic thriller to keep you guessing until the end. Here are five great films that will have you on the edge of your seat.

No. 5: “Prisoners”

The scariest part about the 2013 film “Prisoners” is that it feels like a story that is all too real.

The film follows Keller Dover (played by Hugh Jackman) in search of his missing 6-year-old daughter and her friend. The only lead is an old motor home, but a lack of evidence forces Detective Loki (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) to release the prime suspect. Upset with how Detective Loki is handling the case, Dover takes matters into his own hands.

This film will make you feel all different types of emotions: disgust, anger, sadness, hope, fear. Director Denis Villeneuve uses the viewers’ own emotions to force them to become invested and connected to the story.

No. 4: “Fight Club”

Although the 1999 film “Fight Club” failed to meet the studio’s box office expectations, it has now joined the elite club of cult classics.

This film follows the story of an insomniac (played by Edward Norton) who meets a peculiar soap salesman, Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt). The two find themselves forming a unique bond with one another and decide to form an underground fight club for others like themselves: people fed up with their tedious lives.

One reason this film failed at the box office was because of its complex storytelling. To the average viewer, it’s easy to not understand the nuances of “Fight Club,” as it has so many layers. It definitely needs to be watched multiple

times to be fully understood.

From its subtle themes to the ending, “Fight Club” provides an experience that is guaranteed to leave you with your head spinning and in need of another viewing.

No. 3: “Gone Girl”

“Gone Girl” is a beautifullycrafted psychological thriller. Director David Fincher is a genius filmmaker.

The 2014 hit film follows the story of a married couple, Nick and Amy Dunne (played by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike). To

the outside world, their lives are perfect, but when Amy goes missing on their five-year anniversary, it’s revealed that Nick and Amy’s marriage may not have been as perfect as everyone suspected.

One of the best parts of this film is how Fincher slowly reveals the major mystery about Amy’s disappearance. This creates even more suspense, as some answers are revealed earlier on, while others are revealed at the end.

No. 2: “Black Swan”

The 2010 film “Black Swan” is

one of the most intense psychological thrillers to be released in the past 15 years.

When ballet director Thomas Leroy (played by Vincent Cassel) decides to recast his prima ballerina, Nina (played by Natalie Portman) is determined to be cast. But Nina finds that this will not come easy, as newcomer Lily (played by Mila Kunis) has her eyes set on the same part. The two spark up a twisted rivalry where a new side of Nina emerges.

What makes “Black Swan” a memorable psychological thriller is its captivating cinematography. The use of creative camera angles at different parts in the film amplifies the internal and external challenges Nina faces. The handheld shot signifies the uneasiness Nina feels while the use of the close-up shot is meant to ramp up her internal struggles. Each scene has been beautify crafted, and each camera angle adds a significant value to the film.

No. 1: “Shutter Island”

The top spot goes to “Shutter Island.” If you want a film that will leave you with a dropped jaw, then this is the film for you.

It takes place on a remote island that houses Ashecliffe Hospital, a psychiatric hospital for criminals. One night a murderess escapes and U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck Aule, (played by Mark Ruffalo) are called in to investigate the peculiar disappearance.

The brilliance of Martin Scorsese’s screenwriting and cinematography is perfectly captured. One of the key elements that truly makes this film incredible is the little details of foreshadowing that are staring you in the face.

With every re-watch you will find a new piece of foreshadowing. That’s the beauty of this film.

Books for the beach

by Ava Fisher Editorial Editor

As summer rapidly approaches, I’m eagerly awaiting lying on the beach, feeling the sand on my feet, and having a good book in my hands.

Summer reading doesn’t always have to be a tedious chore one puts off until the last possible moment. In fact, I look forward to the days that I get to spend outside reading for pleasure.

I, too, drag my feet while completing my English summer reading assignments, but when you have a good book in your hands and you’re the one who decided to read it, it becomes enjoyable.

Beach reads are important, so this is my list of beach must-reads for this upcoming summer.

The most recent book I finished was The Other Woman, by Sadie Jones. This book was chosen by Reese Witherspoon as her book club pick, which immediately drew my attention.

I started this book and finished it in the same day. That’s how good it was. I read all day and even continued to read throughout dinner and into the night. It was truly a book that I could not put down.

The story is about a woman who begins dating a new guy but feels as if she is in constant competition with another girl...who just so happens to be his mother. This book is full of twists and turns, and while reading, you truly won’t be able to

put it down. When the final page was finished, it was one of those moments where I physically had to put the book down to reflect on what I had just read.

If you’re looking for the perfect beach read this summer, don’t look any further than The Other Woman

These next two books are more mysterious, but they definitely aren’t too heavy to be a beach read.

14 Ways to Die, by Vincent Ralph, is about a girl whose mother was murdered by a serial killer, the Magpie Man, and now Jess is the next target. She is determined to uncover who killed her mother and get justice before the Magpie Man gets to her.

While it may seem like a dark story, this book is easy to read, and it is a New York Times bestseller.

Another New York Times bestseller is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson. The main character, Pip, dedicates her final project to closely examining a closed murder case, but as she examines it more closely, people begin to notice, and her own life begins to be in danger.

One thing I loved about this book is that full pages were dedicated to showing the things that Pip was digging up along with her thoughts. For example, one page includes a web that she created connecting different aspects of the murder. It made me feel as if I were solving the case and was able to insert my own thoughts directly

onto the page. This book has a sequel, Good Girl, Bad Blood, and while I haven’t read it yet, it is certainly on my beach read list for this summer.

The final must-read for Summer 2023 is a little bit on the heavy side, but I read it so many years ago, and to this day it is still my favorite book.

Flowers in the Attic, by V.C. Andrews, is a twisted tale of a family dealing with the loss of their father. With no money left, the mother must turn to her parents who cast her out of the family many years prior. The four children must live in the attic of their grandparents’ mansion until their mother is for-

given by their grandfather, but a few days turn into much longer, and they don’t see an end to their never-ending torture.

I read this book laying by the pool in Florida, and I was so intrigued and unable to put it down that the blaring sun melted the glue, and my copy is falling apart.

While it may be heavier, you will get lost at the beach for hours immersed in this book. I will never stop recommending it to anyone who will listen, so if you’re looking for a beach read, trust me and read Flowers in the Attic

Once you’re finished and in love with the story, read the sequels. You will not regret it.

There’s nothing better than reading a good book down by the beach on a summer day.

(photo by Ava Kamlet)

Swift is a mastermind

by Isabelle Pan Colture Editor

Taylor Swift kicked off her 52-performance “Eras Tour” and has already broken records. This show completely takes over whatever city it goes to, and the tour is predicted to be the highest-grossing tour of all time. Bad Bunny’s “World’s Hottest Tour” is estimated to gross $400 million, and Ed Sheeran’s “Divide” Tour grossed $432 million in a year. It is estimated that Swift will bring in over $600 million.

Having just seen her perform at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, here are some things you should know about the “Eras Tour.”

A huge deal made by fans on each night is the outfit. It’s called the “Eras Tour” because of the different eras that Taylor Swift has gone through from her debut as a country girl all the way to her current “Midnights” era.

The goal of an outfit for a Taylor Swift concert is to emulate one of the ten eras she has been through. You want glitter, feathers, and any over the top outfit. And as much as you want the whole outfit to look cute, the shows are at stadiums, so you’re going to want to wear comfy shoes.

The tour isn’t just a small show, so you have to mentally prepare yourself for being with such a large group of people.

Another thing you want to remember is to leave as early as possible to get to the venue. The last time I went to a stadium show was when I saw One Direction in 2015, and all I remember is how bad the traffic was. If you’re driving to the stadium, there are going to be so many cars and so many people trying to get into one area. Bring snacks, a credit card, and make sure to be patient.

Stadiums also have strict bag policies. For Taylor’s shows, a majority of the stadiums require you to have a certain sized bag that’s clear. Make sure you have whatever bag is necessary at your stadium, so you have no trouble getting inside.

Taylor does two surprise songs every show: one on the piano and one on the guitar. It’s time to brush up on all her music. The surprise songs occur before her last era, “Midnights,” and she has a deal that if she ever messes up a song during a performance, she’s allowed to redo it on another night.

It seems as though the songs she chooses are based on the opener, any guests that have attended, and the location. For example, when

Gracie Abrams opened her first “Eras Tour” show, Taylor played the song, “Clean” from her album “1989,” which is Gracie’s favorite Taylor song. She also played “Gold Rush” in Philadelphia, which has the line, “with my Eagles t-shirt hanging from your door.”

It’s almost like a lottery every

weekend with Taylor Swift fans joining random live streams just so they can hear what surprise song she chose (and to see if their favorite songs are safe).

Taylor added the rule that if she doesn’t like the way she performed a song she can repeat it. This led to me hearing “Clean” on the last night of her Met Life Stadium shows, which I absolutely adored since it is in my Top 5 Taylor songs ever.

The tour has two openers for every show. If you want to be there for the openers, you should get there extra early, but even if you don’t know the opening act, they all have somewhat similar styles of music as Taylor, or Taylor is just fans of them in general, so I highly recommend checking them out. Bracelets have also become another thing to plan before going to a concert. In one of Taylor’s songs, “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” there’s a line that says, “Take the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.” This inspired many Taylor fans to make and trade friendship bracelets at the “Eras Tour.”

If you want to participate, all you have to do is make beaded or string friendship bracelets and be ready to trade among other fans. You can make a bracelet for your favorite song, your location, or even an opener that you like and trade with people.

The show begins with the open-

(See MASTERMIND on page 14)

Swift is lifted above the stage as she sings “Cruel Summer” during the “Lover” set.

(photo by Isabelle Pan)

As Swift goes through her eras throughout the concert, she lies on top of the roof of the “Folklore” house.

(photo by Isabelle Pan)

What should we watch?

by London Basco Staff Writer

You’ve gathered your snacks, the lights are dimmed, and you’ve got a cozy blanket draped across your shoulders.

But what’s next is a heavy and tedious challenge that you and I and the rest of the world have been faced with in the past: deciding on the perfect movie to spend the rest of your evening watching.

Here are five must-see films that will solve the obstacle that is choosing the perfect movie.

“The Truman Show” (1998)

“The Truman Show” is a psychological sci-fi comedy starring comedy actor Jim Carrey. The movie follows the life of Truman Burbank, a “nothing special” yet lovable and charismatic man. Unbeknownst to Truman, every action from his childhood to adulthood is broadcast to the whole world from the television studio that, to him, is home.

All his bubbly and perfect friends, neighbors, and strangers on the street are actors on “The Truman Show,” of which he is the main character. With the growing desire to see more of the world beyond his town, Truman carries out multiple attempts to leave and begins to unfold the lie that is his life.

Not only does the film provide viewers with an amazing performance from Carrey, but it also emphasizes important themes that are still applicable today like the media’s effect on an individual and society as a whole, the acceptance of reality, and many more.

“The Truman Show” is truly a movie that will leave a lasting impression on the way one may approach life.

“500 Days of Summer” (2009)

The majority of movies involving love end the same. Two people meet by chance, have some conflict that separates them, and find their way back to each other again.

“500 Days of Summer” ventures off the path of a regular, sappy romance by portraying the highs and lows that come with creating a deep connection with another person.

The main character, Tom Hansen, didn’t grow up with much experience when it came to romantic partners. Not being considered conventionally attractive and also being a bit of an outcast in school, Tom’s perspective when it came to

love derived from romance stories he would observe on screen. Highly contrasting is his love interest, Summer Finn. Though she’s had a long history of being intimate with others, Summer was never one to obsess over love, sometimes even opposed to the general idea of it.

The two cross paths and create a close relationship. However, it’s easy to assume that things can go wrong between a hopeless romantic and a non-believer in true love. This is what separates “500 Days” from other romance films. It shows viewers the frustrating and unfortunate reality of falling in love.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009)

Originally a Roald Dahl picture book marketed toward children, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is a beautiful stop motion animation movie that kids and adults alike can learn valuable lessons from.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” covers the story of a father fox’s pursuit to ensure the safety and happiness of his family. Through his actions, one can reflect on the struggles of

balancing their own desires and habits with maintaining the comfort of the people and environment around you. Most children’s movies have a main character who seems perfect to create a good role model for a young audience, but Mr. Fox captures real characteristics and behaviors of addiction, depression, and anxiety in ways that are light enough to be appropriate for a 6-year-old, yet strong enough to resonate with an adult.

“Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (2018)

I’m not sure if there has ever been a time where a movie so entirely captured everything that I love about art, music, emotion, and film quite like “Into the Spider-Verse.”

Miles Morales, an Afro-Latino teen in NYC, develops spider-like qualities in the same iconic way that the live actions characters do. After coming across another Spider-Man, Miles realizes he is not alone in his abilities and neither is the universe that he lives in.

On top of his obligation to save the multiverse, Miles faces struggles as a normal teenager. His journey through loss, acceptance, and sacrifice are what make the character so lovable and relatable to many teens.

This movie challenges the world of animation in ways that even the most amazing animation pictures haven’t. Instead of replicating that cartoony yet realistic style that almost every other animated film is made with, “Into the SpiderVerse” explores a new style that embodies the classic look of comic books while still preserving the vibrancy that a proper animated film should have.

The soundtrack and graffiti art add so much layer, understanding, and pure enjoyment to each scene by perfectly reflecting the desired tone and personalities of each character. And the way it pushes toward emphasizing the importance of representation in the entertainment industry is just another reason why “Into the Spider-Verse” is a must-watch.

“Whiplash” (2014)

I don’t think any formation of words could capture how much I love this film. From the terrific acting performances to the stunning coloration and visuals, “Whiplash” has become one of my favorite movies of all time.

Who knew that the story of a guy with a passion for jazz and drumming could top all the other incredible movies that I’ve seen?

Andrew Neiman begins his journey to (hopefully) becoming one of the world’s greatest jazz drummers at Shaffer Conservatory. There he meets and is accepted into the jazz band of Terence Fletcher. Fletcher is no ordinary conductor and musician, as he uses both physically and emotionally abusive methods in order to keep his ensemble to a high standard that is nothing but perfection. When I say nothing, I mean absolutely nothing.

If you were to ask me to describe “Whiplash” in one word, I wouldn’t hesitate to say “intense.”

The music, the coloration, the deep cutting words of the sadistic yet inspiring conductor, and even points of silence in the film were powerful in that they perfectly, yet subtly complement the story while still maintaining the organic plot.

The film flawlessly hammers home themes and emotions to the audience in a way that I have never seen in theaters before.

Moving up in the world

As we step into the month of June, seniors start their long chain of goodbyes and farewells, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

They look back with a sad yet grateful heart to the building that nurtured friendships, cultivated minds, and provided unforgettable experiences. Time does fly when you’re young, so appreciate the four years of youth high school has to offer.

The juniors are now at the top of the food chain, but there are some things they should take into consideration before assuming their new role.

Seniors set the tone for the building. If the senior class is out of control, the underclassmen will think they can do whatever they want, and by the time they become the top dogs, it will be nothing but chaos. We’re in an era where

younger kids tend to mask their intimidation with rolled eyes and rude comments. As seniors, it’s your role to make sure the underclassmen know what behavior is going to fly in high school and what behavior should be left behind for good in middle school.

a middle schooler in high school or like a freshman as a junior will undeniably end terribly.

Staff

Talk to your younger siblings or young teammates about how littering the hallways, vandalizing the bathrooms or vaping in a stall (or anywhere) isn’t okay.

When damage is done to our bathrooms, the whole school has to pay the price. No one wants to deal with bathrooms opening and closing at the most inconvenient times or being late to class because of long lines for one bathroom.

Nobody enjoys getting grounded by their parents or taking trips to the principal’s office. Acting like

As much as the rising seniors need to realize their role as leaders, the underclassmen need to also take a step back and realize it’s time to face reality. High school is a time to enjoy your youth and have fun, but it goes faster than you think, so it’s best to set early goals to keep you on the right path.

instead of going out. There will be plenty of time to have fun and mess around with your friends after your work is done.

The knowledge you gain from the classes you take as an underclassman lays the foundation to build upon as you become older. The skills you learn in that freshman class will undoubtedly come up later in your academic journey, so don’t take education lightly.

Recognized by Columbia University, ASPA, NYPA, LIPA, and Newsday for journalistic excellence

News Editor Sofia Mescolotto

Colture Editor Isabelle Pan

Editorial Editor Ava Fisher

Sports Editor Julia Baguiao

Faculty Adviser Jason Boland

Staff Members: Kate Ammirati, London Basco, Megan Bhansingh, Jacob Graber, Samantha Iuzzolino, Arav Kapoor, Daniella Knigin, Sara Mascitelli, Penelope Orlando, Sophia Philis, Ella Stanek

Hoofbeats

Sanford H. Calhoun High School 1786 State Street Merrick, NY 11566 (516) 992-1300

Email: hoofbeatseditor@yahoo.com

Twitter: @hoofbeatspaper

Instagram: @calhounhoofbeats Volume 65 No. 5 June 2023

Hoofbeats is the official student newspaper of Calhoun High School. Hoofbeats serves as a source to inform its readers of news and events and as a forum for the students of Calhoun to express their ideas and opinions. Hoofbeats accepts letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or refuse the publication of submissions. Letters should be sent to the school or placed in the Hoofbeats mailbox. All letters must be signed and include a contact number for the writer. The paper also accepts advertisements for a fee, but reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any or no reason. The views expressed in Hoofbeats do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the teachers, administrators, editors, or faculty adviser.

Unfortunately, it’s time to grow up. It’s best to keep in mind that your freshman, sophomore, and junior year transcripts are extremely important in your looming college acceptance process.

Come September, the current freshmen and sophomores will find their workloads increase and becoming more challenging. Spend that extra hour studying

Join a club or sport to help yourself and the school. Yes, it will look good for college, but it will also help you create memories that last long after you leave here.

As each grade takes a step up on the pyramid, they claim a new set of expectations and take on a new role. It’s best to realize this early on instead of learning how to grow up the hard way.

It’s time to move up and claim your new role. Are you ready?

APs worth it?

by Sara Mascitelli Staff Writer

AP exams should not determine whether a student gets into college or if they have mastered a subject.

As AP season has finally come to an end, it should feel like a weight lifted off of your shoulders, right?

For some? Maybe. But for others? Maybe not.

Sophomores and upperclassmen may have taken their exams, but the waiting begins for the grades.

Let’s get one thing straight: taking an AP course is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication to be able to get the best score possible. Yes, it may boost your GPA, but is it really worth all of the stress, anxiety, and time?

As a person with first-hand experience in that department, I can say the answer depends on what type of student you truly are. Your approach to school and to your classes can really make a difference in whether taking an AP course is right for you.

The amount of work that each AP course requires is more than one may think. It’s not like the teachers give you free grades for being in a harder class, and the workload and pacing is much faster than a Regents-level class. College won’t be that way, so it shouldn’t be like that here, and learning at any level is so much more than just a grade.

AP courses may give you college credit, but does that one score determine whether or not you have mastered the subject? According to the College Board’s website, the mean score for the 2022 AP exams was 2.92, which falls below the grade of 3 one would need to get college credit. (Let alone the schools that don’t accept anything but a 4.)

That’s not how school should work. What if you were having an off day on the day of the test or you were in a fight with your parents before you got to school? These things can happen; I have seen them happen.

Think about it. The day of the test comes, and your mind is in another world. You have just lost all brain cells to be able to ace this test, and you lack confidence. You walk out of the test feeling miserable, and you don’t know what to do with yourself. Then July comes, the day everyone dreads. AP scores have just come out and you go to check on the College Board website. You see the score, and you’re sick to your stomach: you failed. Thoughts racing through your mind: What kind of a student am I? Where did I go wrong? How could this have happened?

As bad as this might make you feel, the test should not dictate whether or not you learned that year. The test doesn’t know how

Editorial (see WORTH on page 11)

Worth

(continued from page 10)

much you had to deal with or who you are as a person. How can a three-hour exam sum up the depth of knowledge you learned that entire school year?

APs are meant to be challenging, but they shouldn’t be bringing people down and making them feel like a failure if they don’t do well on the test.

The students who sign up for AP courses are trying to make their schedule more rigorous and prove to themselves that they are smart individuals.

Let’s also discuss the fact that an AP exam costs $96 to take. When signing up for a course, students have to pay in the beginning of the school year to be able to take the test administered in May. If students fail the test, they may feel like they have wasted valuable time, effort, and money to have taken the course. They may feel defeated.

If a student who really put in the work all year failed that one test, think of how they feel once they find out their score. Let me tell you that it stings, and it’s not a fun situation to be in. Plus, you or your parents paid all that money for nothing.

Isn’t there a better way for the College Board to determine whether or not a student worked hard all year and learned the curriculum?

Also, why are test results not available to us until July? It makes sense that grading takes a while, since the tests are so utterly long and miserable, but why July?

Most students have forgotten about how they felt coming out of the test and are in summer mode. Summer has started, so why ruin that feeling by showing us a test grade that we took two months prior? It’s like they are ripping apart our souls out of pure enjoyment. Seriously, how do they enjoy that?

If a test is taken in early May, why can’t it be graded and back to us by the end of the school year in June? We are just teenagers wanting to kick off the summer; instead, we get the email saying our AP test results are here in the beginning of July. Now we have to go back to that disappointing mood when we see the test results.

AP courses leave a lot to be desired. If you take one here and there, it’s fine, but don’t let them ruin your life. A score is just a score.

Rethink beauty

by Penelope Orlando Staff Writer

Although often unnoticed by the untrained eye, beauty standards for women are everywhere.

From diet culture to plastic surgery, the desire for beauty is ingrained in our culture. How do we bring an end to it?

The answer lies not in meaningless mantras that self-help gurus and confidence coaches urge you to repeat every day in front of the mirror but in the reevaluation of beauty itself.

The modern feminist approach to beauty is characterized by its emphasis on body positivity — a movement advocating for the incorporation of different looks into what is traditionally deemed beautiful. A tenet of body positivity is the reassurance of one’s beauty. Between the lines of this seemingly innocent and confidence-building practice lies a hidden meaning: self-worth is derived from beauty.

While body positivity’s objective is to eradicate beauty standards, it fails to recognize the only way to kill toxic standards is to attack the head: beauty itself.

Beauty is a trait that people grant special meaning, especially concerning women. Beauty is con-

Senior day

sidered a gift to those born with it and demonized in those who have created it via unnatural means.

Most of all, beauty is something demanded of women like no other trait. Body positivity condemns beauty standards but fails to recognize the exploitative nature of beauty itself.

The patriarchy and the body positivity movement alike rely on beauty to shape self-importance. In the patriarchal mind-set, beauty is a privilege awarded via birth or effort, and that privilege comes with respect and admiration. Body positivists grant beauty to those that subscribe to the concept.

In turn, they get confidence and security. Beauty is worthy of praise, while the lack of beauty is neither mentioned nor worthy. To body positivists, beauty is a state of the mind rather than the body. It requires that women judge themselves based on beauty rather than society.

Supporters of the movement have argued that body positivity has changed the portrayal of women in media, making the beauty standard more inclusive towards different looks.

Although this sounds like progress, it misses the point. Beauty is valued because it is exclusive.

Beauty can only exist in opposition to ugly. Though the beauty gap waxes and wanes as different faces, colors, and shapes are introduced, there is still a gap.

Simultaneously, what is deemed beautiful constantly changes as looks go in and out of style. What was beautiful in the 50s is not what is beautiful today. Though beauty evolves, the principle it thrives on — that some women are always left out — remains.

The solution is simple yet daunting: abolish beauty. It is difficult to imagine a world where the way women look isn’t moralized, and the constant push to uphold an impossible standard ceases. Though isn’t it enticing? It is a great demand for women, but the first step is to stop chasing beauty.

Recognize that the existence of beauty is not a choice, but that you can reject it. Women who do not believe in the promise of beauty in the face of shame and judgment are not weak or insecure. Women who refuse keep up with the meticulous and monotonous routines that beauty requires are not lazy.

To exist as yourself, despite all excesses and deficiencies society claims you have, is a powerful and conscious choice that affirms trust in character.

The varsity boys’ lacrosse team celebrate their graduating players on Senior Day.

(photo by Julia Baguiao)

Should teachers have to respond?

Concerned students would like a response

by Sara Mascitelli Staff Writer

Sometimes we need to email or Remind text a teacher after school to ask a question about the assigned homework or to ask a lastminute question about a test the following day.

We expect a response from our teacher at some point. Maybe not right away, but it’s a common courtesy to answer an email, especially from a concerned student with a genuine question.

We all know teachers have lives of their own, but once in a while, it would be nice for them to get back to us to answer our question. The reason we are emailing is to show we care about the work we are doing and want a little extra help. Teachers are the ones who gave us the work to do at home, so how could they not answer our emails after assigning homework to do after school? It’s the same argument because either way, one of us is doing something school-related after hours, so shouldn’t we all be doing something to help each other out?

A lot of teachers in our school don’t answer emails after school is over. That doesn’t mean they are bad teachers in any way. It just means that they have lives of their own, which is totally normal and completely fine, but it would be even better if they just checked their emails one time after work is over to make sure none of their hard-working students had any questions.

If the teacher was super busy and literally had no time to answer their emails, then fine, but how do some not return an email for days? We need to respect their privacy, but after all, it’s their job to teach us and be there for us.

Let’s say a student got sick and could not come into school for a few days. It’s the student’s responsibility to email the teacher to know what work they need to make up for that week and what needs to be done while they are home. The teacher should answer those emails and be working with the student to help them with whatever they had missed.

This could mean communicating with the student after school hours in order for the student to understand what they need to do. If that student has a question, they should be able to contact the teach-

er without worrying that the email was sent in at 2:16 p.m.

The only reason they email the teacher is because they care about what they missed and know that they have to do it. You think the student wants to be doing that from home while they are sick? No, but they are because they have to. In this case, the teacher should be making an accommodation for the student through emails and other ways of communication.

Teachers should always have some sort of communication out side of the classroom for sending out reminder texts or just sending out a heads up for an assignment that’s going to be due. If they don’t want to spend their off hours writ ing that message, they can write it during the school day and sched ule it to be sent later on.

Students can attend extra help sessions held after school hours, so they should also be allowed to email their teacher after school. What if they need help from teachers who only holds early morning sessions or are not there on days when they are supposed to be? What if the student attends the extra help session, but the room is packed with dozens of students?

We are here for four years to better ourselves and do the best we can in each class. It shouldn’t be frowned upon to email a teacher when you have a question about an upcoming test because it happens to be dark outside.

Think about it. It only takes a few seconds out of a teacher’s busy life after school hours to send back a quick response. And it’s just an email; it’s not like we are going to show up to their house begging for a response. We all know that would be weird, right?

Teachers should be able to prioritize their schedules and answer a few emails after school has ended. It’s a common courtesy, and it’s the right thing to do. They don’t have to answer all of the time, but in some cases like when a student is sick or if it’s the night before a big test, students need a question answered or a little help.

Teachers usually get into their field because they like their subject area and they want to help people. With that comes a full classroom of kids who need their help every day. They should be willing to answer us if we have a question or concern after the school day ends.

Students must respect personal time

by Ava Kamlet Staff Writer

Without a doubt, we all hope for an immediate response when we send a text or an email, but in reality, this isn’t always possible.

In this day and age, we have become so glued to our phones that we expect everyone to answer in a snap. This classification includes

Students, parents, coworkers, and others expect teachers to answer their messages all day and night. What about their personal lives? Although it varies, a typical school teacher leaves school around 3:00 p.m. This is when their work day ends; therefore, the expectations of immediate responses are unrealistic.

Some may feel that since teachers end earlier than a typical 9 to 5 job, they have the whole rest of the day to answer emails. All jobs have work hours, so whether they are different or not because they start earlier, those are still the hours for which they are paid for their time. In fact, one of the motivators for becoming a teacher is to have time at home to be with your family, care for your children, or run your errands. The majority of teachers are not leaving school, going home, and doing nothing for the rest of the night.

Teachers should not be required nor expected to answer emails and messages after work hours. This is simply because their job is done for the day. It’s their time to go do what they need to do for the rest of their day, for themselves, or their family. Teachers are normal human beings. They have a life outside of school and that should be respected. Teachers are allowed to take their personal time and separate it from their work.

This is similar to if schools and teachers began telling students that they need to be able to answer their teachers or complete assignments immediately from home. Students would be agitated that their home time is being interrupted with more school.

Students spend five long days a week in school, so why should they be expected to answer their teachers or complete an immediate assignment in the middle of the evening? Of course, they wouldn’t. Students have sports, clubs, jobs, and other after school activities

and responsibilities to complete at home. That is why students should have ample time to complete their work at home and communicate with their teachers throughout their school week during the day. The same ideology goes for teachers. Teachers, too, have an after school life of their own.

A major issue with the expectations that students hold for their teachers is the impractical times students will send messages. Students are busy, and many have late and long work schedules. Teachers get messages at all hours of the night and find themselves waking up to messages from students that were sent between midnight and early hours of morning. Teachers may even receive follow-up messages when they don’t answer the student promptly. This teacher’s morning is then spent catching up on their messages, and the student is spending their all-nighter disappointed in their teacher’s delayed response.

Students will go so far as to even blame teachers for late assignments or low test scores. They will place the blame on the teacher because they didn’t answer their email and answer their questions. The teacher’s job is to teach and help students during school. The majority of teachers also have “office hours“ or “extra help” times for students to advocate for themselves and receive help with their struggling topics or assignments.

Teachers have specific times and hours when students can communicate with them during their work day and during extra help hours. It is only fair that teachers (as well as students) receive personal time at home after working an entire day in the classroom.

It is vital for personal well-being to have a separate work life from your personal life. For this reason, schools must prioritize teachers’ well-being by aiding in the creation of boundaries.

The issue at hand is the lack of respect for teachers’ personal time. With the technology and methods of communication today, teachers are “always on.” There is a blur between their home life and school life that must be made clear.

Although it is helpful for students when teachers answer, it is in everyone’s best interest to create boundaries between teacher-student communications.

No reason to be afraid

by Isabelle Pan Colture Editor

I sit here writing this thinking about how there’s absolutely no way I can fit my last four years of life into one newspaper article.

To leave a place where I basically spent more time than my own home feels surreal (thank you, On Tour, for that one). For so long when I was a little kid, my main goal was to be grown up. Having an older sister who was able to do all the cool teenage things you wanted to do as a kid gave me such an urge to be on the same level she was.

I don’t think I realized that every time you are given opportunities to act like an adult, you can also have adult consequences. From taking college classes and learning you need a strong work ethic and not just a brain to pass them to leading a student-run club where all the responsibility of it being successful relies on you to simply getting your driver’s license and

A powerful project

knowing that you are now responsible for getting from point A to point B safely.

There’s so much more to being a senior than being at the top of the school or what I picture as walking around with my car keys in one hand and a Starbucks drink in the other.

I wish I could tell my freshman year self to just slow down, to take it all in, and to stop being your own worst enemy. Stop yearning for the end to come and take a minute to appreciate all the people you have and the opportunities around you.

I always wanted to write for the newspaper, but I never did until my junior year because I was so in my head about it. I was in my head about my writing, my opinions, and just being able to use my voice. It took me so long to get the courage to do it, and I feel like I missed out on an opportunity to find something I love to do so much earlier.

At the same time, I’m fully

aware that as much as I am reminiscing and romanticizing about high school, I also had my toughest moments here. From a cut off freshman year, to losing friends, to failing tests, to losing class night (too soon?), to losing those coveted Harry Styles tickets that I probably would’ve gotten if it weren’t in the middle of APUSH. Quite simply, some moments just sucked.

In hindsight, those were the moments that turned me most into the so-called “grown up” I desired to be when I was younger. All those moments that made me excitedly count down the date to graduation also revealed to me the friendships I know will last even if we are a hundred miles apart and the resilience that has grown within me that I didn’t know was possible.

And I know that there will be more challenges and setbacks in my future, but now I have more confidence and hope that I will get through it.

I don’t want to say I’m such a wise owl, but here is some advice

I would give to those who aren’t graduating. If there’s that one thing you want to try, but you’re too nervous, just do it. There’s no reason not to. Calhoun has so many different opportunities, whether that be sports or clubs, it’d be a waste to start your school day at 7:30 a.m. and end it at 2:15 p.m. on the dot.

To the rising seniors, first off, start saving money; senior year is very expensive.

But more importantly, things are probably not going to go the way you envision, but that doesn’t mean you should just give up. If it’s not in your control, breathe in, breathe through, breath out, and move on. You’ll end up in a place that is perfect for you whether it’s a top choice or wasn’t even on your list.

It’s bittersweet to be ending such an important chapter in my life, but I’m ready to see what a new city has in store for me. Here’s to my last article in Hoofbeats, but I know for sure more articles will be written in the future.

(photos by Samantha Iuzzolino)

On Tour completed its final production of the year, “The Laramie Project.” The play presents a portrait of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man, in Laramie, Wyoming.

Mastermind

(continued from page 8)

ing act at 6:25 p.m. on the dot, and the second opener goes on at 7 p.m. Taylor goes on at 8 p.m. sharp. The whole time I was waiting for Taylor the time flew by so quickly, so make sure to get to the stadium early, especially if you also want to get merch.

The show itself is absolutely amazing with Taylor cycling through all of her eras (minus “Debut”). There are set changes, crazy lighting, background dancers, and even fire. It’s actually insane to see a show of this magnitude be possible in the five days they have to go from city to city and set up such crazy equipment and staging. It’s quite similar to the elements that a Broadway show would have.

Because the show goes through the eras, you get so much nostalgia from the iconic “Fearless” era, to the poetic-driven songs of “Evermore” to another whiplash sensation in the “Reputation” era. There is something for every fan.

First place for Hoofbeats

For the 15th year in a row, Hoofbeats won a first place rating in the American Scholastic Press Association’s annual newspaper contest.

First place is given to a publication that scores over 850 points out of 1,000 and, in the opinion of the judges, is an outstanding example of a scholastic publication in format, content, and presentation.

Also, in the New York Press Association’s “Better Newspaper Contest” for the 2022-2023 school

year, the Calhoun student newspaper finished in second place in the most prestigious category, “General Excellence.”

According to the judges, “This is a wonderful publication that exhibits a high degree of professionalism and has earned an award in this competitive category.”

The NYPA also awarded Hoofbeats with third place for design.

“Nice articles, nice headlines, consistency, photo use, and use of graphics was good,” the judges commented.

Despite being in such a large stadium, Taylor finds a perfect way to captivate the audience and make it feel like she’s singing to each person in the crowd. It’s highly impressive that she’s able to keep up such an amazing vocal performance and stamina during her three and a half hour show. Even the audience began to get tired; more and more people were sitting down as the clock drew closer to 11:30 p.m.

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a tour quite like this. This takes the

Harry Styles “Love on Tour” to a whole new level.

Every single person there was dedicated to making the “Eras Tour” an all-day event, with the American Dream Mall next to Met Life having many Taylor events and photo ops ready for the Swifties.

It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that was so special to Taylor’s concerts. The bracelet trading occurred not only between fans but also between the stadium workers. As for merchandise, maybe this was just Met Life, but the cash-free stadium made it quick and easy to get in and out of the merch line.

Leaving the show was quite difficult, as you had 75,000 people dispersing at once, but even cramped in a walkway tunnel to the parking lot, the Swifties continued to sing; everyone wanted to get at least one more Taylor song.

Taylor did a great job of mashing up her diverse discography, and the fact that the openers were artists that a majority of her fans already were fans of made the night even more special. You can tell just by her performance that she’s truly doing something she loves to do.

There’s so much involved in the Taylor Swift “Eras Tour,” so it’s best to learn all about it now. If you were lucky enough to get tickets for the tour, in Taylor’s words, “Remember this moment” because the “Eras Tour” seems closer to a music festival than it does a normal concert.

Swift pauses a minute after “Champagne Problems” to soak in the Met Life crowd.

(photo by Isabelle Pan)

It is estimated that Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” will bring in over $600 million.

(photo by Isabelle Pan)

Girls make their pitch

by Sara Mascitelli Staff Writer

With two conference titles and two trips to the county finals in the last five years, the varsity softball team made another playoff run this year.

After a first round win against Floral Park, however, they lost to Wantagh in the Nassau County Class A quarterfinals, 6-0.

The Lady Colts were the No. 3 seed in the playoffs and defeated No. 14 Floral Park, 16-3, in the first round.

Johanna Esposito pitched five innings for the win. Her 14 strikeouts against Floral Park helped her eclipse 100 strikeouts on the season. She finished with 107 in total.

“We definitely fell short of our goal of getting back to the county finals,” Esposito said, “but I’m proud of the work we did.”

Gianna Nicastro smashed two home runs and had five RBI in the playoff win. Ruth Small went

3-for-4, and Gianna Haniff had three hits. Gia Pisicchio added two hits and three RBI

The team won the Conference II title last season, making it all the way to the county finals where they lost to Mepham. They defeated Wantagh and Island Trees in the playoffs and swept MacArthur in the County semifinals two games to none.

This season the team moved up to face the top teams in Conference I and had a league record of 7-9 and an overall record of 10-12.

“Even though we fell short, we know what we need to do to improve for next season,” said Gianna Lucchi. “We will be ready to take it all next year.”

Esposito was strong on the mound all season. She threw a no-hitter against district rival Mepham in a 4-0 victory.

Not only did Esposito hold the Pirates hitless, but she also did it in extra innings, as the game went into the eighth inning. The bats

came alive late in the game for Calhoun. Ava Giuliano had a tworun single, and Small had an RBI double. Lucchi went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Haniff went 2-for-4. Esposito also pitched a gem against Plainview JFK, striking out nine in a complete game. Lucchi went 2-for-3 and had an RBI, and Giuliano had an RBI double.

The team improved its overall record to 9-10 with a non-league win against Kellenberg on senior day.

Nicastro pitched five innings in the 6-3 win, and Hanniff finished the game to earn the save. Shannon McGuire went 3-for-3, and Ashleigh Coyne knocked in three runs on two hits.

Another key victory against a tough Conference I opponent was a 3-2 win against Plainview. Esposito went 2-for-3 at the plate and struck out nine batters in the complete game win. Lucchi went 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Ava Giuliano hit an RBI double.

The county finals will see No. 1 seed MacArthur play against No. 2 seed Clarke High School. Clarke defeated Wantagh two games to none in the semi-finals, and MacArthur swept Kennedy in its semi-final match-up.

MacArthur won the conference title this season with a spotless record of 18-0. Clarke finished with a 9-8 conference record.

Junior Johanna Esposito (center) celebrates her 100th strikeout of the season.

(photo by Gianna Nicastro)

The softball team made it to the Nassau County Class A quarterfinals this year.

(photo by Gianna Nicastro)

Reigning supreme

by Jacob Graber

The reigning Long Island baseball champions finished 24-4 last season, dominating opponents through the regular season and far into the playoffs.

Even after losing key seniors and having holes to fill, the team strived for greatness again, winning the conference this year with a 17-1 conference record.

Perhaps even more amazing was their Game 3 victory against Mepham in the Nassau County Class A semifinals.

The Colts were losing, 5-2, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, Joey Goodman hit a walk-off grand slam to win the game and send Calhoun into the county finals against Division.

Jordan Babbo went 2-for-3 at the plate and earned the win on the mound. The Colts now have an overall record of 24-3.

After defeating Wantagh in the quarterfinals, the Colts lost Game 1 against Mepham but bounced back to defeat them in Game 2 in extra innings, 5-4.

Ryan Pucella went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and Matt Kalfas went 3-for-3 in Game 2. Joey Goodman scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning.

P.J. Kakalos struck out five to earn the win, and Sean Dipaola got the save.

In the series with Wantagh, Aaron Small pitched five scoreless innings and had five strikeouts in Game 2. Charlie Imhof went 3-for4 from the plate with three RBIs, and Kalfas also knocked in three runs on two hits.

In the first game of the series, Kakalos pitched a three-hit shutout and struck out eight in the 1-0 Calhoun victory.

Pucella and Babbo hit back-toback doubles late in the game to score the only run of the game in the sixth inning.

Head Coach Art Canestro has definitely put the team in a position for success. Part of the reason he’s been such a successful coach has been from gaining knowledge from his own previous experiences. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 46th round of the 1988 MLB June Amateur Draft from New York Institute of Technology. He pitched a couple seasons in the Yankees minor league system before calling it a career.

Canestro, the long-time coach of the Calhoun team, is looking to lead them to their second consecutive Long Island Championship.

“We’re built similar to the championship winning team that we had last season,” he said. “We’ve leaped forward hitting and taken a small step back pitching. Running the bases has been the key to our success. No other team is on par with our base running.”

While Calhoun’s success has come from a group effort, a few players have led the way. In the last game of the regular season,

Calhoun defeated Mepham, 12-3.

Imhof went 4-for-5, and Babbo went 2-for-3 with a home run. Both of these seniors came up clutch when they were needed and have contributed to the team all season. Both will be playing in the future, as Imhof is committed to Molloy University for baseball, and Babbo is committed to St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Through a combination of skill, hard work, and good coaching, Calhoun has five players committed to playing baseball in the future. The others are Brian Sanchez (St. Joseph’s University), Small (SUNY Oswego), and Kalfas (Fairfield University).

“We’re a close team outside of baseball and are very confident in one another. We try to just do our jobs and work good counts, then hand it over to the next guy to do the same,” Kalfas said. “We stay positive throughout the game no matter the circumstance and stay out of our own heads.”

Right now the players only have

one goal in mind: another Long Island championship.

Last season they won the Nassau County championship for the first time since 2012, and it certainly wasn’t all lollipops and rainbows getting there. They faced elimination four times in the 2022 season, and various players came up clutch to save them from elimination.

Many of the juniors have been large contributors to the team’s success, as well. The Goodman twins, Joey and Danny, have been on the team since their freshman year and have assisted greatly.

Joey’s speed from center field helps defensively, and Danny’s dominance on the mound has made his presence felt, including a complete game earlier this season against MacArthur. Danny struck out six batters in the win.

Junior Matthew Sferratore also contributed, highlighted by a big double and RBI in a 2-for-3 performance in a close 4-3 win against Farmingdale.

(photo by Julia Baguiao)

Seniors on the varsity baseball team gather on Senior Day, as the defending Long Island Class A champions are back for more.

Staff Writer