Calhoun returns to a new normal by Kacie Moschella Editor-in-Chief
Following a calamitous academic year, Calhoun is making a gradual return to normalcy. At this time last year, students were choosing to remain fully online or a end school in-person. While this was a crucial and necessary development with the uncertainty of the coronavirus epidemic, technological issues of remote education plagued the process and contributed to a rise in stress for students and teachers alike. District officials decided to remove the virtual learning option and remove the plastic dividers at every classroom desk. “The district knows how important it is for students to be in the building, in classrooms, learning,” said Principal Nicole Hollings. “We know from the data that the chance of transmission is quite low in a school building when everyone is three feet apart wearing a mask.” Now that the general public is more informed of what the coronavirus is and how it is spread, many safety measures from last year are not necessarily ones that needed to persist. Upon arriving at school every morning last year, all students and faculty were required to complete a daily questionnaire concerning the status of their health and security guards conducted temperature checks. This year, however, the only requirement for entering
the building is to show a Calhoun identification card. “We wanted to get back to normal as much as possible,” Ms. Hollings said. “Showing a screen that a ested to the fact that you were not showing any symptoms of illness seemed unnecessary.” While there are many elements of last year that did not carry forth into this one, traditional parts of school are making a return. Every
Bring it on
student is now permi ed to use their locker, as social distancing at least six feet is no longer a primary concern. The stairwells are now open to everyone regardless of direction, and hallways are not divided in half. “Having a locker in high school is so important,” Ms. Hollings said. “You must be able to have a place to throw your stuff and meet your friends.”
The clear advantages of in-person learning have been acknowledged by the Calhoun community and administration. However, remote learning became second nature for many students from the middle of the 2019-2020 academic year through the end of the 20202021 academic year. The full return to in-person learning has been a bit of a culture shock for some stu(See FRESH on page 3)
(photo by Frankie Failla)
The varsity cheerleaders root on the football team at the 55-27 win against Roslyn.
Kanye finally releases album page 5
A crash course on crystals page 7
Perfect movies to binge page 8
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by Kacie Moschella Editor-in-Chief
While the school year is shaping up to be the most normal in recent memory, it is not without its rough patches. A new TikTok trend emerged in recent weeks known as “Devious licks,” which encourages students across the country to steal items from their school and vandalize facilities. Young TikTok users on the app have been posting videos of particularly impressive vandalism and thefts with a clear message: the more damage, the be er. The trend has apparently reached Merrick, as Calhoun has
October 2021
NEWS
suffered both disruptive vandalism and troubling graffiti. At Calhoun, both the boys and girls restrooms have suffered damages to the soap and towel dispensers, leading to several bathrooms being closed and the open bathrooms being more closely monitored. With student bathroom use still limited with COVID-19 restrictions and already locked between periods and for the first and last five minutes of each period, the bathroom vandalism has made using the facilities more difficult. In an email sent home to parents on September 17, Principal Nicole Hollings wrote that this “disturbing trend” is not “representative of
Spirited students
(photo by Kacie Moschella)
Soap and towel dispensers were damaged, leading to several bathrooms being closed.
(photos by Isabelle Pan)
Students show their creativity during Spirit Week by using “Anything but a back pack” to carry their books.
the standards of the community.” She added in the email, “Please know we will not permit nor tolerate any act of vandalism. I assure you there will be significant consequences as we address any vandalism directly and swiftly.” Ms. Hollings said she believes Internet trends can be dangerous to the behavior of modern students. “There is a mechanical piece on top of the toilets that, unfortunately, boys have been ripping off,” she said in an interview. “That is a real problem. That was concerning.” Ms. Hollings said the school is not going to start unlocking the bathrooms in-between periods until she “can trust students enough to be able to treat the bathrooms with respect.” While some students may find damaging the school and bothering the administration amusing, others are simply annoyed with how this trend is deteriorating the bathroom situation. Sophomore Megan Eisenstein said, “The vandalism is ge ing annoying when everyone’s day is ruined because of it. Stop stealing soap. It is stupid.” The TikTok vandalism trend
is not the only problem students have caused the administration and each other this school year. In an email sent to parents more recently on October 15, Ms. Hollings added more misbehaviors to the growing list, including “vaping in bathrooms, students not cleaning up after themselves in cafeterias and in hallways, and a hateful piece of graffiti on a desk.” She disclosed in the email, “There was also ‘kill yourself’ wri en on a girls’ bathroom wall.” Addressing the entire student body that morning during the announcements first period, she encouraged the Calhoun community to “do be er.” “While I was speaking, I was definitely heated and impressed upon the student body how this is not okay and how by a few doing these things it impacts everyone else,” Ms. Hollings wrote in the email to parents later that day. “As the day progressed, students definitely heard me because there was a noticeable improvement during lunch periods and in hallways. We will continue to explore ways for students to build empathy, become leaders, and be role models. We have great kids!” she added.
News
October 2021
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dents. “A ending classes from home provided a more self-determined learning environment that normal schooling does not have,” said senior Conlan Shea. “My learning methods have had to mold back to my typical ones.” Ms. Hollings said she thinks some transitioning has definitely occurred upon returning students to the traditional school environment. “It is so different being at home and taking an assessment on your computer to when you are in class taking a real assessment among your peers,” she said. “I think that students suffering from anxiety or general emotional unwellness are having a difficult time being back in the building regularly.” Ms. Hollings added that the district will meet the needs of these students to the best of its abilities. Many members of the Calhoun community can recall a constant fear of being contact-traced due to someone in a class testing positive for the virus. If you sat at a seat within one desk of another student who got sick last year, a phone call was made to your house informing you that you were in contact with
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someone who had COVID-19. Fortunately, the requirements for contact-tracing have become significantly kinder in these past few months. Contact-tracing will only occur if a student is within three feet of someone who has tested positive without a mask on. Additionally, anyone with the vaccine will not need to be contact traced. In an interview conducted with Ms. Hollings at the end of last year, she commented that being responsible for contact-tracing was “a very stressful experience,” but this year is much different. “I cannot begin to tell you how much be er it has been to be in the building this year; it is like a load has been lifted,” she said. “We are definitely still ge ing cases, but the amount of contact tracing has been so minimal this year. I am just glad to see classrooms being what they used to be.” There remains one consistent reminder that the world is still in a health crisis, and that reminder is above your nose at all times. Students and staff are required to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status. Signs are still up around the building as a reminder. Ms. Hollings remains optimis-
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(photo by Megan Bhansingh)
Signs are still up as a reminder to students and staff to wear masks at all times.
tic that the day that the New York State governor lifts the mask mandate, the district will not require it any longer. No one will soon forget their ex-
periences of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 20212022 academic year, however, is looking to be the most normal one students have had in two years.
Fair is foul
(photos by Isabelle Pan)
Members of On Tour’s paint crew (left) and lighting and sound crew (right) put the finishing touches on the sets for On Tour’s performances of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
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A talk to teachers:
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NEWS
Your favorite fall activity? Mr. George Lessig - Math “This is probably going to sound weird, but my favorite fall activity is spli ing wood with my friends. When the weather gets cool, we
Mrs. Lori Biscardi - Math “My favorite fall activity is watching my two kids in all of their activities that they do. My son Ryan plays soccer for Merrick PAL and also plays for the pretravel team. My daughter Lia participates in sports every day of the week. I look forward to watching her horseback ride, play basketball, perform in gymnastics, and of course, my favorite, play soc-
Mrs. Liz Separ - Social Studies “Fall is by far my favorite season. One of my favorite fall activities is decorating for the season. Pumpkins, haystacks, and scarecrows fill my front lawn. I enjoy watching my three daughters play soccer and lax. It is nice to be on the field during the beautiful weather. I like taking my dog for a walk during the fall evening and seeing all the trees change colors. There is noth-
Mr. Ryan Clark - Social Studies
Mrs. Nikole DeLuca - LOTE
Mr. George Lessig - Math
Ms. Sue Litwin - Math
would not be complete without some hot apple cider while looking for hearty root vegetables with my kids.”
get together and split chords and chords of wood together with a log spli er we own. We always have a lot of laughs and feel like we accomplished something at the end of the day.”
cer. Our weekends are jam-packed with a ending all their sporting events.”
ing about fall that I do not enjoy, except it leads up to winter!”
by Julie Moehringer Staff Writer
Mr. Ryan Clark - Social Studies “The perfect fall day starts with a pumpkin spice la e while driving upstate to find the trifecta: a corn maze, apple picking, and a farmers’ market. There is nothing more rewarding than finding the perfect apple for a pie after successfully navigating a corn maze. The day
Mrs. Nikole DeLuca - LOTE “Fall is my favorite season. I am back to work after a long, hot summer, football is in full swing, the days are ge ing shorter, the air is crisper (who doesn’t love sweater weather?), and the leaves begin to change. I love it all. My favorite part of all is spending the weekends doing “fall things” with my family. On Saturdays, we go out east to the farms to let the kids run around in the corn maze, pet the
Mrs. Lori Biscardi - Math
animals, and pick apples. On Sundays, we watch football. Whether it is watching our boys play flag football or spending time watching the games, Sundays are always for football.”
Ms. Sue Litwin - Math “Fall is my favorite season. I love the cooler air, the leaves changing colors, and sweater weather. My favorite fall activity is the pumpkin carving contest my friends have each year. We all carve intricate designs, and it takes us a while, but it’s so worth it. We have a blast doing it, and it’s become one of my favorite fall traditions.”
Ms. Keri Cinelli - Health “My favorite fall activity is to have my family over for football, food, and fun. I like to invite my family over on a Sunday after I have decorated the house. The ambiance is festive and the weather is still nice enough to be outside. We play and eat all day and then sit and talk by a fire as it gets colder. We throw a football around, play cornhole, or just sit and play board games. There is no be er time than family time.”
Mr. James Raucci - Physical Ed. “My favorite fall activity is spending time in and around the ocean with family and good friends. The air becomes crisp with offshore winds and the crowds have dwindled to only those that really appreciate the ocean. Surfing impacts my overall wellness and allows me to escape the world for a few moments. From surfing with Mr. Kaefer to pushing my own kids into waves, there are only good vibes and be er memories to be made.”
Ms. Keri Cinelli - Health
Mrs. Liz Separ - Social Studies
Mr. James Raucci - Physical Ed.
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October 2021
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“Donda” worth the wait? by Jack Rose News Editor
The long-awaited tenth studio album from one of the most controversial, successful, and influential artists of all-time has finally been released. Kanye West’s “Donda” is his longest album to date with 27 tracks, totaling an hour and 49 minutes. After an underwhelming ninth album, “Jesus Is King,” West finally rewards fans who have been clamoring for an in-depth project; his last album over 30 minutes was back in 2016.
For starters, this album’s rollout was genius. From July to August, there were three listening parties; all three were live streamed on Apple Music. At the end of each listening party, fans were fooled into believing that the album would actually release. When the album would not come out, their excitement for the album only increased. This made the eventual release of the album feel more rewarding, as fans had to wait a long month and a half. What made these listening parties even be er was the fact that the album got more complete each time; the
(photo courtesy of Def Jam Recordings)
Kanye West recently released his long-awaited tenth album, “Donda.”
first listening party felt raw while the album from the third and final party felt complete. “Donda” contains some of Kanye’s best tracks since “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” his 2010 album. The album’s lead single, “Hurricane,” is certainly one of those tracks. Featuring Lil Baby and The Weeknd, Hurricane contains the catchiest hook on the album. The Weeknd absolutely kills it, and Lil Baby has a great verse, as well. “Believe What I Say” is another enjoyable track. Kanye has made a living making something out of nothing, sampling random pieces of music and turning them into masterpieces. He does exactly that on “Believe What I Say,” sampling Ms. Lauryn Hill, creating one of the catchiest club songs out there. This song was actually teased well over a year ago, so it is great to see Kanye not scrapping old music like he usually does. Kanye steps outside of his comfort zone with the song “Off The Grid.” It is rare to see an artist experiment with a new style of music at 44 years old, but that is exactly what Kanye does here. West uses a drill beat, similar to one that Pop Smoke would rap on. Add in guest appearances from Playboi Carti and Fivio Foreign, and you have arguably the best song on the album. Kanye follows Fivio Foreign’s amazing verse with some of his best rapping ever. That is not an exaggeration; it is perfect. West steps back into his comfort zone with “Moon” and “Come to Life,” two of the slower tracks on the album, which are more typical Kanye songs. That does not mean they are boring though. “Moon” has a feature from Don Toliver, whose echoing vocals are absolutely chilling, and “Come To Life” has some of Kanye’s best singing ever. Both songs are spectacular. A few other songs worth men-
tioning are “Praise God,” “Jail,” and “Jonah.” While not as great as the other songs, they are still good tracks with good features accompanying them. This album is not without its fair share of skips and questionable decisions, however. There are some occasions in which Kanye experiments with a new style, and he falls flat on his face. “Junya,” featuring Playboi Carti, is just a boring track filled with ad-libs. Kanye completely steals Carti’s style, and it just doesn’t work. Next is the song “Jesus Lord.” At eight minutes and 59 seconds, the song is just way too long. The first six minutes are great, to be fair; the hook is catchy, and Kanye says some emotional lines about his mother. However, the last three minutes consist of Larry Hoover Jr. just talking, and it makes the song unlistenable. It is unfortunate; the song is great up until it gets ruined. Lastly, “Tell The Vision” should not be on a Kanye West album. Kanye does not even speak on the track; it has no place on “Donda.” The biggest problem with this entire album is the track listing. There is just no feel to the album. Kanye’s best albums flow from start to finish; they have a theme and an overall feel to them. “Donda” completely lacks that; one song is dark and fast, and then the next is slow and bright. It just feels like Kanye pressed shuffle on a compilation of songs. Overall, “Donda” is a great album. The majority of the 27 songs are enjoyable. It is his first true ambitious album since “The Life Of Pablo” in 2016, and it lived up to the hype. Admi edly, it has its flaws, and since some of Kanye’s albums are flawless, this album is not his best. With that being said, this is still one of the best projects that has been released in 2021.
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October 2021
by Ava Stanek Music Editor
When we think of football season in the fall, there are countless things that come to mind. The food, the weather, and the incredible spirit of the teams. One of the aspects of college, high school, and professional football that really ties it all together is the music. Here are some songs that are almost guaranteed to be played at any football game during this amazing time of year. “Seven Nation Army” - The White Stripes. This 2003 hit is one of the most popular songs to be played at any sporting event because of its distinct intro and how the song progresses from a single bass line to a riff that incorporates the percussion in a very catchy way. The crowd at any game loves to clap along to the drum beat as it begins, and it is also a popular song to be performed by rock and marching bands that play throughout the games. “We Will Rock You” - Queen. The classic Queen song that changed the dynamic of live music forever by including the crowd as a part of the percussion is probably the most popular stadium song of all time. The song includes chants, stomping, and clapping that is a surefire way to get everyone motivated and ready for a great game, while also providing a sense of intimida-
(photo with permission from The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
The distinct laughter of Ozzy Osbourne (center) can be heard at most athletic games.
tion upon the opposing team. “The Final Countdown” - Europe. This anthem has an incredible intro that begins with a soft melody, then escalates to include more drums and guitars that amplify throughout the entire stadium, ge ing everybody ready for a great game. The song includes inspiring lyrics about unity and fighting for each other, which is appropriate and encourages teamwork in or-
der to achieve success. Though it’s played at every type of sporting event, the song is often connected to the Chicago Bulls and the Michael Jordan era. “Enter Sandman” - Metallica. Metallica has countless hits that are played at football games and are powerful enough to fill an entire arena with encouragement. For example, for the last two home games, the Calhoun varsity football team ran onto the field to the
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song “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ride the Lightning,” both off of Metallica’s 1984 album “Ride the Lightning.” These heavy riffs are guaranteed to be played at almost any sporting event, especially as a walkout song for the team to run onto the field to. Virginia Tech’s football team currently runs onto the field to “Enter Sandman,” a classic that features an introduction with an acoustic guitar, which leads to heavily distorted guitars that turn the song into metal. If you’ve never seen the effect of a Metallica introduction, just check YouTube to see how the Virginia Tech fans react. Of course, fans of the New York Yankees will also remember that Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera famously used this song when he came into a game from the bullpen for a save. “Crazy Train” - Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy’s hit “Crazy Train” is immensely popular and easily recognizable when it comes to sporting events and can be often heard inbetween plays at any level of football. You know it when you hear it. The song has a distinct introduction that begins with Ozzy’s yelling and cackling, then features an Eddie Van Halen-like guitar slide that brings the song into a fullblown rock feature and is known for its popularity in the world of sports music.
(photo with permission from The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
From “Enter Sandman” to “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” many of Metallica’s classics are used at sporting events to hype up the crowd.
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7 by Amanda Falls Staff Writer
To some people they might just be brightly-colored rocks, but to others they do so much more. They can heal, bring out qualities one could never imagine having, and even help with physical ailments. So let’s dive in together and find the root of what made these shiny and precious stones blossom. Crystals have become extremely popular in 2021 in the era of the well-known pandemic, as they are said to improve physical and emotional help. This belief is nothing new; the first historical reference to these stones was from the Ancient Sumerians who used them in their magical healing potions back in the 4th millennium BC. Through the years and from China to Egypt, different cultures used these stones as a way to heal and as a way to rid someone of illness. These stones also open up different chakras, meaning “disks” or “wheels” of energy in the body. According to the Chakra Guide, published by Best Crystals, “Through our chakras, we transmit and receive physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. The most effective way to do this is with crystals.”
Although one specific crystal can’t open every chakra at once, there are many stones someone can have with them that can be beneficial. Rose quar is a great beginner crystal and is used to open the heart chakra. It’s used mainly for the purpose of love. Whether it be self-love, love with family and friends, or strengthening deeper connections with people, rose quar is the one to use. It is also used in helping the heart heal; if a friend is lost or there’s a rough breakup in someone’s life, the rose quar stone will be a great aid. The stone itself has a pale pink hue or color to it. It is a great beginner’s stone because it helps the wearer allow new love into their life, and who can’t use that? It’s much easier to continue with the journey of life and one’s crystal journey when self-love is the focus. Another great crystal to begin with is amethyst, which has a purple hue. Some raw pieces of this stone tend to have sharp edges, but it’s a lot more common to wear and own tumbled pieces, which are pieces that have been smoothed out for the wearer. This stone opens up one’s crown (photo by Samantha Iuzzolino)
Each crystal is said to have its own quality that helps the wearer in a different way.
(photo by Samantha Iuzzolino)
The amethyst focuses on peace and healing, helping you deal with your worries.
chakra and focuses on healing and ge ing past the worries or doubts someone may have. Amethyst is a natural tranquilizer and can help someone calm down. It is also a great stone for beginners because the main reason they resurfaced and hit the markets was because of COVID-19. These stones are believed to help get rid of any stressors relating to the pandemic, school or work, relationships, or any “what if” thoughts someone may have. It’s believed to profusely relieve stress and anxiety, which everyone can use a li le bit of in these crazy times. Now, these stones will not be as effective if one doesn’t take proper precautions and follow the guidelines to keep them to work. One way of doing this is to rest them on top of a selenite dish. Selenite is another crystal with a transparent white coloring, but doing this helps to cleanse them. There are bowls, dishes, even individual pieces of selenite one could put their crystals on top of in order for them to work to their full potential. Pu ing crystals out during a full
moon can restore and renew their energy. Full moons are beneficial to take advantage of; they let one’s crystals recharge. Keeping them near windows or plants can also help crystals regain natural healing energies that will be good for the wearer. According to the Earth Crystals website, selenite cleanses and charges other crystals, clears negative energy, and self-cleanses. For the stones to be in full effect and open chakras, the user needs to have the stones on them. They can be worn on a necklace or earrings or kept on one’s bare skin. The most common ways to adorn yourself are by wearing jewelry with these stones in them, like rings or bracelets, or by pu ing them in your pocket. Crystals also balance many properties like confidence or tranquility. There are so many different stones that can tend to the needs of the wearer; you just have to find the right one. It’s not hard to too expensive to become a crystal enthusiast. Centering your heart chakra could be just around the corner.
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Streaming suggestions by Ava Fisher Staff Writer
The pain of scrolling aimlessly through streaming platforms looking for the perfect movie is all too common. To help deal with this agonizing pain, here are a few movies that are definitely worth the watch. “Dead Poets Society” tells the perfect story. It’s heart-wrenching, inspires laughs, and pulls you into the lives of the teens it portrays. Taking place in its release year, 1989, a new English teacher begins his job at a traditional all-boys boarding school. He teaches English in an extremely unorthodox way, despite receiving negative feedback from both the boys’ parents and the principal. The teacher helps break these boys out of their shell and gets them to look at English and literature in a new perspective. The boys are so inspired by their teacher they decide to break the strict school rules and meet during the night to have their own club. This movie tells a story about betrayal, friendship, hidden relationships, and more. As we are all in high school, we are the perfect age to watch this movie and understand it in a way like no other. I could not stress how much this movie impacted me, and it left me thinking about it for days after. If you’re interested in watching this movie, it is available for free on YouTube. My favorite movie of all-time is “Twilight.” This well-known story draws the viewers in as it shows a love story between the main characters, Bella and Edward. The “Twilight” series consists of five movies, and I would recommend all of them. This movie has action, love, and angst all in one. In the movie (and the book), Bella Swan moves in with her father in Forks, Washington. She begins going to a new school and is immediately captivated by the Cullen family, especially Edward. She has a hard time staying away from the Cullens, even though that is what’s best for her, and the series builds from there. “Twilight” is a roller coaster of emotions, and by the end, you’ll be rooting for Edward and Bella. The characters are so lovable, and every time I watch the movie, I wish I were a part of the Cullen family a li le bit more. This movie was just made available for viewing on Netflix.
(photo with permission from Marvel Studios 2020)
Scarle Johansson and Florence Pugh star as Natasha Romanoff and Yelena in Marvel’s “Black Widow.”
The Marvel movies tell an epic story like no other. While following each character through their movies and TV shows, fans feel like they truly know and are a part of the Avengers. “Black Widow” came out this July and fans went crazy. This movie takes us through a wild adventure with Natasha Romanoff, as she has to deal with relation-
ships from long before becoming an Avenger and a force that has a need to bring her down. The movie also stars Florence Pugh as Yelena, Black Widow’s younger sister. Much like the other Marvel movies, it’s worth waiting for the post-credit scene. “Black Widow” movie is full of action and surprises, and it allows viewers to get to know Natasha in
(photo with permission from Netflix Media Center)
The first film in the “Twilight” series from 2008 is now available on Netflix.
a way fans weren’t previously able to. Honestly, I would recommend any Marvel movie, but this was definitely one of my favorites in the series. This movie is available to watch on Disney+. “Now You See Me: The Second Act” came out in 2016, and it continues telling the captivating story we see in the first movie. The main characters in this movie, the Four Horsemen, are amazing illusionists and magicians. They use their magic abilities to pull off crazy and captivating stunts and crimes, although they always seem to avoid the police. This movie leaves you dumbfounded due to the insane magic they’re able to pull off, and although the Four Horseman aren’t following the laws and rules to a T, you find yourself rooting for their stunts to be pulled off nonetheless. It leaves you thinking and wondering how they were able to accomplish half of the things they did. The cast has many talented and famous actors in it as well, including Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Daniel Radcliffe, Jesse Eisenberg, Liszt Caplan, and Morgan Freeman. “Now You See Me: The Second Act” is definitely worth the watch, along with the prequel, and it is available to watch on Hulu.
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October 2021
by Frankie Failla Colture Editor
Decor can be a tricky subject for many people, especially if you’re on a budget and change your tastes often. If you’re like me and have multiple aesthetics that shift day to day, it can be hard to pick and choose the best pieces while making sure you don’t break the bank. The place you are decorating is what reflects you. Picking the best decor can be hard if your personality is all over the place. Think long and hard about what you really enjoy looking at. Ask loved ones what style fits you the best if you are stuck between ideas. Pinterest is a great resource to get inspiration for your room. Your room should be a comforting and exciting place for you to hang out and to sleep every night. What you use to decorate your room should be up to you, and the choices are limitless. Some ideas of decor are posters, tapestries, pictures, throw pillows, stickers, and arts and crafts. Where to find the pieces you are looking for is a whole other debacle. Urban Outfi ers and other higher-end stores sell more “trendy” decor for skyrocketing prices. Fortunately, there are other shops and places to look to save money while still ge ing what you really want. Start your search at the nearest thrift store. Thrifting is so great for decor because it is unique. There is no other piece in the store just like it. Thrift stores carry aisles upon aisles of vintage to brand new items of decor. Great pieces that you can find in almost any store are vases for flowers, picture frames, li le knickknacks for a
(photo by Frankie Failla)
This framed Audrey Hepburn photo was purchased at Long Island Pickers.
dresser or desk, pillows and blankets (make sure they pass the smell and stain test in the store and wash multiple times in an antibacterial wash), mugs and other kitchen decor, and jewelry boxes. If you do end up purchasing something from the store, just make sure you sanitize all items. One of my latest purchases was a framed Audrey Hepburn photograph bought at Long Island Pickers located in Westbury. A more local thrift shop is Long Island Antiques, located on Newbridge Road in Bellmore, which has great finds like the Paris tea ke le I found for about $5. (The employees there will give you a good deal if you buy multiple items.) Buying from an antique store or consignment store can be more pricey for a second-hand item since the employees of the store do the research on what they buy. Online thrift stores such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace are good if you are looking for a more specific second-hand item.
Another great place for posters and tapestries is from Amazon. Amazon has a great selection of tapestries like my floral pa ern tapestry. Tapestries are great since you can put them anywhere you want, and for my seniors going away to school soon and dorming, they can easily come with you. Tapestries range from about $10 to $20, depending on the size and design. Make sure to measure your walls before buying one. Posters are a great option as well. Some of my posters are from my favorite television shows, movies, and artists; some companies even make posters into tapestries.
Another great idea for decor is photos. CVS is always running deals to develop your photos. Pictures can consist of you, your friends, and other interests. The great thing about pictures is that they are customizable whatever image you would like to use. Lastly, arts and crafts are a great way to decorate on a budget. If allowed by parental figures, painting a medium-sized square with chalkboard paint on the wall is a fun way to add some spice to your room. There are many ways to decorate your room, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Page turners
(photo by Sofia Mescolo o)
There are plenty of new books to choose from if you’re looking to read for fun.
by Sofia Mescolo o Staff Writer
(photo by Frankie Failla)
Hanging tapestries is an easy and colorful way to liven up your room.
Reading has become more of a trend among teenagers recently, so here are some recommendations for any readers looking for a good book to se le down with. If you’re looking for a good mystery book, The Inheritance Games, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, is the way to go. This book follows the wellknown concept of a Cinderella story. Protagonist Avery Grambs is nothing but an average teenage girl until she receives notice that
billionaire Tobias Hawthorne has passed away and left Avery his entire fortune. The catch is that this man is a total stranger to Avery; she has no idea who he is. To receive her inheritance, she must move into the “Hawthorne House‘’ with Tobias’s family, including his four grandsons: Grayson Hawthorne, Jameson Hawthorne, Nash Hawthorne, and Xander Hawthorne. Tobias Hawthorne was a mysterious man who loved puzzles, and Avery must play his game to survive this life. If you’re into myster(See PAGE on page 14)
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T
he freshman class has been thrown into a seemingly normal environment upon their arrival. However, nothing is truly going to feel normal in a post-pandemic world, at least not for a while. But don’t worry — the Calhoun community is not going to leave the Class of 2025 in the dust. Every student this year, including those new to the building, has experienced pandemic schooling for two years. Regardless of your grade level when the coronavirus shredded our mindset regarding education to pieces, we all have felt the brunt of a brutal past few years at school and at home. However, we chose to adapt through virtual learning, desk barriers, and a generally positive a itude. But just because not every safety measure has been car-
October 2021
ried forth into this academic year ness wishes of those around you. does not mean that the pandemic Academics may have, underdoes not affect us every single day. standably, taken second seat last Mask wearing is still a complete year, as there were a plethora of necessity. Mental health is still a other concerns on our minds. It major struggle is still important Staff Editorial for many. And, as ever to priorimost importanttize your studies. ly, the sense of togetherness we If you are planning on eventually developed during the pandemic a ending college or the workforce must not dissolve. in the coming years, academics are Following health guidelines will currently laying the groundwork help keep you (and your peers) for your basis of knowledge. Being safe. Just because you may not a well-informed member of society have known of someone who was requires education; don’t forget it. deeply affected by COVID-19 cerAnd now that we are all back tainly does not mean that there are in the building, it’s time to make it not many students in your classes feel like home again. The hallways who were. Remaining empathetic looked fantastic the day before and supportive during these still Homecoming, decorated to reflect uncertain times is key. An excel- our school spirit. Don’t be afraid lent method for accomplishing this to take part in spirit days the next goal is by wearing a mask (over time they come around. Hopefully your nose) and respecting the well- you have joined at least one of the
Staff Writer
Recognized by Columbia University, ASPA, NYPA, LIPA, and Newsday for journalistic excellence
Kacie Moschella Jack Rose Frankie Failla Ava Stanek Jason Boland
Staff Members: Megan Bhansingh, Zach Dumelle, Amanda Falls, Ava Fisher, Megan Hansen, Samantha Iuzzolino, Sofia Mescolo o, Julie Moehringer, Isabelle Pan, Conlan Shea, Grant Weinstein
Hoo eats Sanford H. Calhoun High School 1786 State Street Merrick, NY 11566 (516) 992-1300 E-mail: hoo eatseditor@yahoo.com Twi er: @hoo eatspaper Volume 64 No. 1
teams and clubs here that make you feel a part of something. If you haven’t, there’s still plenty of time. And to make this place your home, you should also treat it that way. Vandalism in the bathrooms? Leaving lunch trays and garbage in the halls? That’s not how you would treat your home, and that’s not the way things are done around here. Busting soap dispensers and breaking toilets is not only disrespectful and expensive to fix, but it also affects us all. Aren’t you tired of the bathrooms being locked between periods and for 10 minutes every period? Imagine how the 99 percent of students who didn’t destruct property feel? Sports are back, field trips are back, concerts are back, and we are all back. Let’s make this place our home again and treat it that way.
Lethal laws by Megan Hansen
Editor-in-Chief News Editor Colture Editor Music Editor Faculty Adviser
Editorial
October 2021
Hoo eats is the official student newspaper of Calhoun High School. Hoo eats 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. Hoo eats accepts le ers to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or refuse the publication of submissions. Le ers should be sent to the school or placed in the Hoo eats mailbox. All le ers 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 Hoo eats do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the administrators, teachers, editors, or faculty adviser.
Ah, summer in Texas. Kickin’ back at the beach, goin’ out on the town, hangin’ with the boys while you discuss ways to ruin the lives of the women in your state. This is just a typical day in the life of a Texas lawmaker. Our country really decided to kick off the fall with a banger this year: new Texas abortion laws. A recent law makes it illegal for women to get an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. This is way too early on in a pregnancy, as most women statistically don’t even know they are pregnant until four to seven weeks in. Therefore, there is a high chance that women will miss this new mark and be too late. If they are “fortunate” enough to find out four or five weeks in, that only gives women about a week or two to make a lifechanging decision. The law is truly making it almost impossible for anyone to get an abortion. To make ma ers worse, now that there is a framework for an abortion regulation law, there is a blue print for other conservative states to follow. It was recently announced that Florida is considering following in Texas’s footsteps. The problem that I have with these laws, other than the fact that they were created by men in order to regulate a woman’s body (classic misogyny), is the people who
support it. We all know the saying “My body, my choice,” the prochoice chant that women should be able to make decisions about their own body without being controlled. Pro-life people ignore this completely. This argument, and the whole idea of deciding what to do with your own body and health, sounds very familiar though, right? I always think of mask mandates now when I hear it. Not to generalize, but I feel many anti-maskers are also pro-lifers and vice versa, given the politicizing of both issues. In both Texas and Florida, people have argued against the mask mandate by saying that to force them to wear a mask is “an infringement of freedom” and that “the government cannot mandate what they choose to do in terms of their health and well being.” Kinda funny, isn’t it? I am fearful this Texas law is going to spread like wildfire through southern states. It’s as if any progress we’ve made in terms of feminism is being erased right before our eyes. I have been signing petitions and doing research for weeks, trying to figure out what the women of America can do to take back control over their own bodies, and I urge you to do the same. Follow the news about this, go to rallies, sign petitions, use your internet platforms, and never stay silent.
Editorial
October 2021
Hoofbeats
11
by Megan Bhansingh Staff Writer
We have faced a whirlwind of unexpected changes over the past year and a half: online school, hybrid, and now in-person learning once again. The 2021-2022 school year has the possibility of being the year where things go back to postpandemic “normal.” With the option of online being gone, this year can resemble school life before the pandemic. We can finally enjoy the benefits and luxury of having a somewhat normal school year. School spirit is finally coming back to life and excitement is in the air for Calhoun traditions. Activities such as the Homecoming game, Spirit Week and the pep rally have already brought us back to previous years. Sports and clubs are no longer restricted by the limitations they were under last year. At last the weight room is open. We can now use regular lockers and gym lockers and not have to deal with the unbearing weight of lugging around a heavy backpack. In addition, many of us and our peers have received the COVID-19 vaccine, a major factor that has played a significant role in reducing the severity of the pandemic. This is not to say we have all picked up where we left off before March of 2020. Some of us may have struggled ge ing sick with the virus, helping sick relatives, losing a family member to the virus, or their parents losing their jobs unexpectedly, presenting a unique set of challenges that we are still in the process of overcoming. The country is recovering from the first wave of the pandemic and still dealing with the coronavirus and its variants. As an incoming freshman navigating high school for the first time and steering a new path that will set the foundation for the next four years, it’s tough figuring out how to balance school activities while learning in-person at a new school during the coronavirus. In the middle of this, I find it can be difficult to adjust to the reality of coming back to full-time learning after the experience we have all had since March 2020. While some kids remained online last school year, others like myself transitioned from hybrid and constantly went back and forth with in-person learning.
(photo by Megan Bhansingh)
Though the barriers are down in the classrooms, they still remain in the cafeterias.
I’d say it was easier to log in from home and sit behind a screen rather than go to school. Others felt they didn’t get enough help while they were online. It certainly was not easy being taught behind a screen. It made it easier to procrastinate and not pay a ention to what we were learning. Even those who came into school last year had their difficulties with masks, si ing in desks with plastic barriers, and social distancing. This constant transitioning environment took a toll on our mental health. But this year we have some normalcy, which will help us avoid ge ing burned out, and make sure our mental health is an important priority. We are relearning social skills as we re-enter in-person activities. You could say students like me and a handful of other classmates have had to adapt to speaking in class with their masks on and having to wait in line to use the bathroom due to capacity restrictions. Perhaps some of us struggled with anxiety or depression, or have lost motivation and focus. Hopefully, that has changed with things being closer to normal, but many people could still be dealing with the remnants of a difficult time. There is an immense amount of pressure, especially with conversa-
tions about college and long-term topics such as career paths starting up. I find it difficult to plan out the future and decide now on what I would like to do in college. Of course, it is important that goals are set so that as students, we
can maintain the process of figuring out our future. But many of us haven’t had the chance to really consider some of those things from the confines of our homes. It’s great if some teenagers have their futures planned, but others may struggle with figuring out what they want to do when they grow up or finding things that interest them. They might struggle choosing the right college and finding out what they want to do. What we all can do is understand that change is a normal and an essential part of life. Hopefully, we are on the path to recovery as a society and each of us can either get back on track or get started on our track to the future. The years 2020 to 2021 have brought about unforeseen changes. Some may interpret change as bad; others may see it as good. But what most don’t realize is wherever we go there will always be change no ma er what. It’s inevitable. Whether the changes are from COVID-19, transitioning to a new school, moving to a new town, learning online, or something else, we all face and must cope with change. Experiencing the pandemic and dealing with changes will hopefully teach us that change is good and that we can overcome it — even when it feels like a forever-lasting experience.
Equality ma ers
(photo by Samantha Iuzzolino)
Now in its fifth year, the Gender Equality Club meets Thursdays to discuss important issues facing society.
Hoofbeats
12
Pt./Counterpoint:
October 2021
Editorial
Is TikTok a positive influence? Time on this app is not on your side
Popular app gives everyone a voice by Conlan Shea Staff Writer
TikTok, a video-based social media platform, has taken hold of a large chunk of the social media market over the past few years. Originating from a merger with the social media giant Musical.ly in August 2018, TikTok exploded in popularity in 2019 and 2020, quickly becoming the seventh most popular social media network, especially among younger generations. According to Morning Consult, a data intelligence company, TikTok was the third fastest growing brand of 2020, right after Zoom and Peacock. Regardless of its explosive growth, TikTok itself is a great social media platform for the times that society is in right now, allowing easy communication of ideas and change among its users and for almost anyone to become a social media influencer practically overnight. TikTok has many positive aspects that are often overlooked due to a minute amount of faults. TikTok became the primary social media platform throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with people of all ages connecting and sharing videos and their respective messages. In the early months of the pandemic, TikTok became one of the few ways to maintain social interaction and helped to characterize Generation Z. In June of 2020, radical racial change was occurring globally, fueled by the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, and TikTok helped to disseminate ideas from all sides of the argument, helping many get a more unbiased view of what was happening in the world as opposed to traditional media (which can often be skewed toward one end of the spectrum over the other). Although most media on TikTok is user-created and posted, TikTok’s algorithms make sure that any one user does not necessarily see biased videos one after another, which helps users make more informed decisions on current events. Furthermore, TikTok has multiple features that allow users to easily communicate with each other and collaborate on their videos, leading to a community feel-
ing. Features such as Duet, Stitch, and commenting in general allow for interaction between users, and Duet and Stitch, if used properly, can make the video makers feel as if they are in the same room, even if they are across the globe when the videos are filmed. Many platforms were quick to adopt the method of “due ing,” such as Instagram with its Reels platform; however, TikTok was the first to do it and inarguably is still the most popular. TikTok’s ability to turn someone into a social media star overnight is also a strong selling point. A notable example is Charli D’Amelio, a 17-year-old influencer who went from having 1 million followers in November 2019 to having 100 million followers in November 2020. As of September 2021, she has reached 125 million followers on TikTok. To put that into perspective, 125 million is equivalent to 38 percent of the U.S. population. Apart from followers, the amount of traffic that TikTok influencers garner is exponential, with Charli alone receiving 9.9 billion (yes, billion with a B) likes. If every single human on Earth interacted with one of Charli’s videos once, that would still not be enough to catch up to the number of likes she has. And remember, before the fall of 2019, Charli was just a normal girl in Connecticut, frequenting school like every other 15-year-old in America. Though she is the most notable TikTok influencer, Charli is far from a fluke and is certainly not alone in the overnight-influencer world. Her sister Dixie has reached 55.2 million followers, Addison Rae has reached 84.7 million followers, and Chase Hudson (aka Lil Huddy) has reached 32.2 million followers as of September 2021. These are just a few of the thousands of new influencers. Before TikTok and its predecessor Musical.ly, these individuals were relatively unknown, but this platform has launched them into stardom, and it could do the same for practically anyone on the platform. Although many tend to harp on the negatives when it comes to TikTok, it is be er to look at the app in a more positive light and examine all of the things it has truly done for our society and our generation as a whole over its brief few years of existence.
by Zach Dumelle Staff Writer
You get home, throw your backpack down, and comfortably lie down on your couch. You deserve some time off; it was a long, tedious school day. What should you do now? You think to yourself “Ah, yes, of course. I’ll watch some TikToks.” You have some homework to do, but an hour on your phone can’t hurt, right? Fast forward three hours. You are in the same exact position you were in before except the sun is se ing, dinner being made, and the clock reads 6:00 p.m. Somehow, a digital application managed to keep you in a 3-hourlong strangle hold you were completely unable to break out of. You did have the opportunity to put your phone down, but something kept you reeled in. The videos just kept ge ing be er and be er, and you could feel the happy chemicals running through your veins after every swipe. The app does just have so much to offer: comedy clips, sports highlights, dog videos, videos of people reacting to dog videos. And spending an eighth of your day on the app should be justifiable since the videos tend to be long and drawn out, right? Wrong. Videos typically range from 15 to 60 seconds at the most. This means that in even two hours, considering each video is 60 seconds, someone could have watched 120 videos, or if each video were 15 seconds long, 480 videos. Yup; pre y crazy huh? TikTok is a nuisance to society, and we should all delete this dopamine-pumping app. TikTok is causing a mass decrease in patience, it is a highly-addictive platform, and it is simply just a waste of time. You know why it’s called TikTok? Because as the clock “ticks” and “tocks,” your valuable time is quickly melting away. Have you tried reading a book or watching an old-time movie recently? If you answered yes, how long was it until you said something like “When is something going to happen?” or “This is boring.” I would guess not very long. This may be because of exposure to TikTok and its fast-paced, patience-killing principles. More specifically, patience levels are decreasing, and this has been more
prevalent regarding children and teens who use the app. USC professor and author Julie Albright was interested in TikTok and downloaded the app herself. Immediately, she was seeing the addictive factors. However, she was also seeing the subconscious loss of patience in her own students at USC. In one specific situation, one of Dr. Albright’s students “told her that she was planning to be a songwriter. But, the student declared, if she wasn’t a success within three months...she’ll think about something else to do.” This is a prime example of the lack of patience that is taking hold of thousands of young adults worldwide due to the effects of social media, specifically TikTok. Teens do not embrace the idea that in order to meet a goal it takes a lot of time and hard work. They want it now, not later. Now. Patience is a virtue; however, many teens are not acting virtuously. Terrifyingly, the average teenager spends 6 hours and 40 minutes a day looking at a screen, and “one report indicates that the average teen ages 13 to 18 spends about nine hours on social media each day.” Yup, each day. You may be asking, “How much of that time is spent on TikTok?” To answer your question, “younger people ages 4 to 15 spend an average of 80 minutes per day on the app.” Hypothetically, you get home at 3:00 p.m. and go to bed at 10:00 p.m. If you were to spend 80 minutes on TikTok that afternoon, you would have spent almost 18 percent of your afternoon looking at a screen (and this does not include watching TV or doing schoolwork on your computer). So why is this a problem? For starters, obesity rates are increasing and sleep quality is taking a hit. Studies have shown “risks of using social media to younger children may lead to short- and long-term problems, including increased rates of obesity” and “negative effects on sleep.” Instead of spending a couple of hours staring at a glaring screen watching pointless videos, do something else; go for a walk, do homework, meditate, read a book. Honestly, most things are be er than spending your valuable time on TikTok. And make sure to always remember: “Time waits for no one.”
Editorial
October 2021
Hoofbeats
13
College is not for everyone There exists enormous academic pressure, especially in the modern era, centered around college admissions. Standardized test scores are agonized over, essays and writing supplements are edited seemingly to death, and an application is crafted that reveals who the real you truly is. Or, rather, the you that would appeal to a college admissions counselor. No ma er how much we try to deny it, the college admissions process is really just a guessing game. Students agonize over AP coursework and extracurriculars for four years to sometimes a end their safety school because while you wasted many nights stressing over your academic future, college admissions counselors just read the essay of a student who overworked themselves just a li le bit more than you. Application questions are answered concerning identity and sexuality not because colleges really want to value different groups, but because they want to get diversity points from the general public. Out-of-touch, middle-aged essay readers can deny you admission into their institution simply because they deem you boring. As terrifying and stressful as this process is, many seniors, including myself, are powering through with it because we view college as a doorway leading us into an equally exciting and uncertain future. For some, however, college can be a door of opportunity forcefully slamming shut. For others, that door may not even be fully open for them to go through. I value my education and wish to expand my intellectual knowledge through a college education, but there are times when I sit back and ponder an important question: what, exactly, is the point?
I will still be able to grow intellectually without paying professors to explain things to me. I can get a job, start a family, and lead a life rich with happiness and success without a college education, or with an inexpensive one. None of these thoughts are ever enough to waver my excitement about going to college, but I do not think it would be such a bad thing if they did change my plans for the future. Maybe the only reason a lot of us are going to college is because no other viable option for our future has ever been presented to us as young adults. Can you recall a time when anything was discussed about your post-high school years that didn’t involve college? For creative minds that do not fit neatly into societal boxes, a ending college is simply too restrictive of a prospect. At 17 years old, you are expected to pick a career and learn how to be financially successful within that field during the span of four years (let alone if that student chooses to a end graduate school). Even after paying an ungodly amount of money to be taught how to maintain a career, many college graduates struggle for years afterward a empting to find a job that will earn them a liveable wage. And if you are lucky enough to find a job, you’ll be paying a large sum of your monthly income on the loans you had to take out to go to college in the first place. As much as we would love to imagine otherwise, college is simultaneously a valuable experience for some and a financiallydraining falsehood for others. If you are interested in doing something artistically for a living, a ending an elite college is counterproductive. Another aspect of college culture that particularly bothers me is the idea that the only valuable careers are the ones with money involved. I was recently watching
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by Kacie Moschella Editor-in-Chief
a video made by a college admissions counselor analyzing the importance of different college majors, and he claimed that ge ing a liberal arts degree was entirely useless. The only reasoning for this judgement, however, was the fact that a job such as journalism and creative writing does not pay well compared to a job in the science field. The claim that the liberal arts are “useless” only further outlines why we as a generation are being set up for failure. English and history are absolutely essential fields of study. We spend the majority of our lives interacting with other human beings, and the liberal arts give us skills for be er communication, social analysis, and, most crucially, critical thinking. I am in no way undermining students who choose to focus their
studies on the STEAM route; in fact, I believe that any job that involves science and math is equally crucial in our society. But there must be a balance between the two fields. We need scientists to further medicine and technology, but we also need historians in order to gain a be er understanding of humanity. We need accountants to take care of our finances, but we need journalists to inform us on world events. Any society needs a dynamic makeup. But we are being set up to be one that lacks this critical component. Many seniors will eventually struggle through a college experience that is not for them just because we have been told that college is the only path toward success. But I believe that this is a decision that must rest with the individual.
Wild, Wild West
(photos by Isabelle Pan)
Student Government’s Spirit Week featured Wild West Wednesday, and students were up for the challenge.
14
There is no place for hate age, the Confederate Flag has one connotation: racism. In the 1860s, variations of the flag Every day when I am driving were associated with the Confedhome from school, I pass the Bell- erate Army, and it was used for more train station, and every day decades to commemorate fallen I am completely disgusted. Confederate soldiers. Though the Since the 2020 elections, there symbol stood for years as an emhas been a group of people who blem of Southern heritage, it was gather regularly to spread their used as a violent image by hate political views. Or more like spew groups like the KKK and white them. Most of the flags seem to supremacist groups throughout show support the 1960s and for our former “I have absolutely no idea even in our lifepresident, Don- what statement that guy time. ald Trump. In 2015 a man with the Confederate Flag Of course, we was trying to make, but all I named Dylann live in America Roof shot and and freedom of saw was blatant racism.” killed nine speech and exBlack parishiopression is an ners at a church important thing, so they have the in Charleston, South Carolina. right to do it. I have not felt com- His online manifesto was li ered pelled to speak badly about them with images of the Confederate until now. Flag, as well as his hatred and As I recently passed through, racism. something caught my eye. A guy There’s so clearly a correlation was waving the Confederate Flag between the Confederate Flag from his pickup truck. It looked and racism that former president like it was a combination of the Barack Obama even addressed it American flag and the Confeder- in his eulogy for the Charleston ate Flag with a symbol that read, victims. “Don’t tread on me.” “For too long, we were blind to Why would we want that pa- the pain that the Confederate Flag rading down our road? It’s shock- stirred in too many of our citiing that the person flying the flag zens,” President Obama said in was a grown adult who seems to the eulogy. “For many, Black and have no concept of basic history. white, that flag was a reminder In New York and in this day and of systemic oppression and racial subjugation. We see that now.” There is no reason someone in our town should be waving a flag that only promotes hatred. You would think that in 160 years, we’ve learned something about the errors of our ways and would retire the flag from anything besides historical use. It’s clear we did not do that. Frankly, it’s not appealing to be from a town where something like this is common. I have absolutely no idea what statement that guy with the Confederate Flag was trying to make, but all I saw was blatant racism. We should be having open conversations about why symbols like these are u erly wrong and can’t be something that represents our community. Flying that flag shows the true colors of some people in our town (photo by Isabelle Pan) and that we have not unlearned Demonstrators in Bellmore with a flag that includes the Confederate Flag. any of the mistakes from our past.
Hoofbeats
October 2021
Editorial
Pep in their step
by Isabelle Pan Staff Writer
(photo by Frankie Failla)
The boys’ cross country team takes a lap on the field during the annual pep rally.
Page turners (continued from page 9)
ies, this is a book you want to read. If you like it, you’re in luck. The sequel was just released, and it’s called The Hawthorne Legacy, and it is just as good as the first. The Five People You Meet In Heaven is a beautifully wri en novel by Mitch Albom that walks you through the life and afterlife of the main character, Eddie. Eddie has worked in an amusement park for many years, living an ordinary life fixing the rides. When he turns 83, a tragic accident happens that takes his life while trying to save a li le girl. When he wakes, he is in the afterlife and meets five strangers who explain his life and how they were impacted by him. Eddie continuously asks himself the question, “Why was I here?” and these five people provide him with answers. This is the kind of book that sticks with you for years to come. If you’re into bi ersweet life lessons about purpose, death, God, and life, read this book. It warms and breaks your heart at the same time, and it’s well worth your time to read. It Ends With Us, by Colleen Hoover, is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of contemporary romance fiction novels. This story follows a hard-working sweetheart, Lily, on her journey through adulthood when she meets Ryle Kincaid, a stubborn, arrogant, and a ractive neurosurgeon. They hit it off, but there are some concerning questions Lily has about her relationship with Ryle that overwhelm her, along with the reap-
pearance of Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s first love. Everything changes. People get hurt. Hearts are broken. Tears are shed, many of which will probably be yours. This book has so many overarching themes throughout that change your perception of the characters and the situations. It’s moving, deep, and personal. You hurt, you love, you feel with Lily, and you will not regret reading this novel. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has become popular and is well-worth the hype. Evelyn Hugo is a scandalous Hollywood movie star who is aging with time, and she decides to reveal many truths about her intriguing life. She chooses Monique Grant to do the job. But there’s one problem: nobody knows who Monique is. She doesn’t have a name for herself, and she’s not a big time reporter; she’s just ordinary, with her professional life on a steady decline. Although Monique has no idea why she was chosen for the job, she uses this opportunity to write Evelyn’s biography in order to kickstart her reporting career. Hence the title, Evelyn talks about her seven husbands and reveals shocking, heart-wrenching, and even ruthless information about some of these relationships. Monique starts to realize her life is beginning to intertwine with Evelyn’s in various ways. You’ll have to read this novel to find out the rest, and it’s well assured that this book is one of a kind and beyond worth it.
Sports
October 2021
Hoofbeats
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Rushing back to victory by Frankie Failla Colture Editor
High school football returned to the fall after COVID-19 delayed last year’s abbreviated season until the spring. After a tough season that saw only one win, the varsity football team is 2-4 in Conference II. The most exciting game of the season was the 27-20 double overtime victory at home against Herricks High School. Quarterback Joey Goodman scored his third touchdown of the game in the second overtime to win the game for the Colts. The Colts were actually losing late in the game, but scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Goodman scored on a rushing touchdown and set up his second touchdown of the quarter with a 50-yard pass to Ma Edouard. In the first overtime, Herricks scored a touchdown on their possession, but junior Josh Bailey then tied the game with a 3-yard run to make the score 20-20. Edouard was a key contributor in
(photo by Julia Baguiao)
High school football is back (and in the fall again), and the Colts are 2-4 in Conference II.
the 55-24 road win against Roslyn, rushing for 169 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Wya Knowles also scored two touchdowns (one
rushing and one receiving) in the high-scoring win. After the two wins, the Colts lost three games in a row, includ-
ing the Homecoming game, which they lost 36-6 against Glen Cove. The Colts are in tenth place in Conference II.
Senior send-off
(photo by Kelsey Walsh)
The Bellmore-Merrick swimming and diving team celebrated its seniors after finishing the season 8-2 in duel meets.
(photo by D.J. Toback)
Liv Perrone (No. 15) and the Colts defeated Bethpage in the second round of the Nassau A playoffs after the team finished first in its conference.
by Frankie Failla Colture Editor
The varsity girls’ soccer team returned to its winning ways by finishing first in the conference. With a stellar 9-1-2 record, the girls earned a first-round bye and then defeated Bethpage in the second round of the Nassau Class A playoffs. The home playoff match-up against Bethpage was an exciting game that ended in the third overtime when freshman Jordana Bello scored the winning goal from an assist by junior Mia Licari. Senior Holly DiPalo saved 17 shots and earned a shut-out for the team’s tenth win of the season. Bethpage played the Colts tough all year. In two regular season games, the teams tied twice, and each ended in a 0-0 tie. DiPalo was in goal for both games; she had six saves in one game and seven saves in the other.
The girls finished the regular season with four straight wins, starting with a 3-2 win against Bellmore JFK. Bello scored a hat trick in the Kennedy win. Miranda Toback and Gabby Novelli notched assists.
This marked the second win of the season against Kennedy. Earlier in the season, the Colts beat the Cougars, 3-1. Alyssa Crews scored a goal, and Bello had two goals of her own. Jill Conlon had two assists, and DiPalo saved three shots.
(photo by Sofia Macias)
The girls’ soccer team finished the regular season in first place with a 9-1-2 record.
Close games are nothing new for the Colts. They defeated New Hyde Park on the road, 1-0. Liv Perrone scored off an assist from Conlon to help Calhoun win the game. DiPalo made six saves. The only loss of the regular season came against North Shore, though DiPalo had seven saves in defeat. However, the team bounced back and began their winning streak, which now stands at five games entering the third round of the playoffs. An offensive explosion saw the team defeat Valley Stream South by a score of 5-0. Bello scored two of the goals, and Margaret Casimano and Makayla Condela each added a goal. Claire Phillips had two assists. The final win of the regular season was another defensive ba le, as DiPalo made six saves, and Phillips scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win against Seaford. Condela had the assist.