April Issue

The Norwalk High School

Paw Print “How the Bears make their mark”

April 2012

iN tHiS iSSUE:

NEWS:

OPINION:

SPORTS:

GET’EM FOR GUATEMALA: DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT 2012 Read Ryan Halloran’s article on the event at: http://norwalkhighschoolpawprint.wordpress.com/ Photo Credits: Hayley Gola, Carly Mammolitti, and Kendall Sturges

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

Bringing In Briggs Brings Controversy Taylor DeMarco ’12 Staff Writer

ATTENTION:

This is the Paw Print’s second to last issue for the year! Got any ideas for stories?

Come to either room 116B or 107D and tell us! Or E-mail us at nhspawprint@gmail. com

VOlUME Vi, iSSUE 4

Rumor had it that extreme budget cuts were going to have Briggs’ building shut down and merge into Norwalk High School at the start of the 2012-2013 school years. Many know about the rumor and are nervous for the new students merging into the building.

If Briggs is merged into NHS, it is planned that they will be separated and isolated from regular Norwalk High School’s students. Rumors have been said that they might use A house, or first floor D and E house.

The talk of Briggs coming to NHS all started at the beginning of the school year, and it has been mentioned in faculty meetings.

“I think if it happens, there will be a big impact on how we provide instruction to our students”, said Mecca. He also says that teacher’s classrooms will be moved around, and nothing in the school will feel the same anymore.

Budget cuts are supposed to be the main reason the school

is shutting down, but students are wondering if there is any other possible solution for them to keep the schools apart as it always has been.

The Hour has also submitted an article on March 14, 2012 about how Briggs has had recent renovations added to their school. The alternative school never offered a library, and felt it was time for change. Students wonder the irony of the renovation while the school is questioned to merge into NHS. “The kids put in a great effort,” Dr. Allen, principle of Briggs said to The Hour. “We’re doing a whole lot. It’s a collaborative effort with the staff and the students. The students are active in shaping their environment here. It’s their school. They have to take some ownership. We’re teaching the students to advocate for themselves positively.”

Students at NHS are shocked about how Briggs could renovate during a time of discussion. “It’s a waste of money if they end up coming here”, stated Rachel Haddon (’12), “Why renovate if there might be a possibility of them ending up here?”

Gun Violence Moves Closer To NHS Caylie Sheridan ’12

...continued on page 2

PGP Fashion Show: A Huge Success

On March 24, 2012 right before 8 p.m. a shot struck out at the American Legion.

The ironic part of the shooting was that it occurred during a baby shower. A man was shot right before 8 p.m. and the only evidence that was found was a backpack on the lawn.

According to Nancy Chapman, reporter for the Daily Norwalk, “Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling could not provide details but said he expected the victim to survive. He could not say how old the victim was because the investigation is fresh, and the police are not releasing details.”

Having a shooting occur across from Norwalk High has some students worry that their safety can be at stake. “I think that the shooting that occurred Saturday night affects Norwalk High because it is really close to the school,’’ said Jenna Jewell (’13) “I think it is really sad that it happened, so close to a school, so close to a residential area, and the fact that it was at a baby shower,” according to Matt Harbilas, Norwalk High Schools librarian/ aid and intern at NHS. When it comes down to it the shooting can scare

some students in this school because of its close proximity to the school.

“The shooting i s not related to the area or location. The incident was not random and appears to have resulted in connection with one of more of the guests who rented the hall for a private party on Saturday evening. I don’t recall any previous serious incidents at the American Legion and it was an isolated incident,” said Deputy Chief Thomas Kulhawik.

After hearing from Deputy Chief Kulhawik that the incident was not related to the area or location, students should feel more safe and secure with the neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Kendall Sturgess

Staff Writer

Thanks to the Sponsors

Page 2

April 2012

Briggs Brings Change “I’m not in favor of it,” said Mr. Stein, an 11th grade English teacher, “From what I heard about the students who go to Briggs, having them at NHS would have a negative impact.”

“If anything they should take more extracurricular activities away,” states Roger Gousse (’14). “There are plenty of options to choose,” he continued.

“I feel like I would be scared coming to school,” said Karoline Lisowski (’14).

“They were separated for a reason,” said Lilliana Garcia (’15).

“If they were sent to Briggs, wouldn’t there be a reason for it?”

Every student who was asked about the subject had the same answer; Briggs being moved to NHS would have a negative impact on the school.

However, Tomar Joseph (’13) said that only if it is completely necessary, should they come here. “I think if they live in NHS’ district they should come here,” stated Tomar, “If they don’t, they should attend Brian McMahon instead.”

Parents worry that their children might be in danger. While putting the school’s students under the ‘Briggs Stereotype,’ parents worry about the increase of school fights and substance abuse within the high school.

“Students from Briggs were sent there for a reason: to be in a smaller and more attentive environment,” admited a parent of a NHS student.

“Bringing them into a bigger school could possibly trigger something in students to become more outraged and rebellious. They are better off where they are now,” they continued.

In response to multiple emails, Doctor Allen, the principle of Briggs, would like to state that there has been no final decision on the move to NHS. Until that decision has been made, she has no comment.

Mr. Jack Chiaramonte, the chairman for the Board of Education,

stated that the movement of Briggs has not been discussed through the Board of Education. “We don’t have a lot of money in our budget, we are looking for cuts in every way,” said Mr. Chiaramonte, “We may or may not do it. We have not discussed it seriously yet.”

Superintendent, Dr. Susan Marks, wanted to make it clear that the final decision has not been made yet or officially brought to the Board of Education. “We are looking for every possible solution,” said Dr. Marks, “One million dollars must be cut from our budget.”

Dr. Marks said merging Briggs with NHS would be the most logical solution, considering BMHS cannot hold as many students as NHS can.

“The school was built to hold 1700 kids, and is currently holding 1300. There is plenty of room,” she continued.

She also said that she is always looking out for her students and would never put them in danger. She looks at all the needs of the students involved in the change, and how possibly moving them into NHS could fit their needs with a small program.

The Superintendent is looking everywhere for possible cuts. She states they are looking through cost savings, benefits and insurance of employees, and utility costs.

With all aside, she believes that at this point in time, the adjustment of Briggs coming to NHS may be pushed aside. “At this point in time, I don’t think it is going to happen,” she stated. However, all decisions remain indefinite.

Dr. Marks also wanted to state that she is always looking out for her students and would never put them in danger. She looks at all the needs of the students involved in the change, and how possibly moving them into NHS could fit their needs with a small program.

THE PAW PRINT

Yearbook 2012: True Colors Kendall Sturges ’12 Staff Writer

Norwalk High School Yearbook Coordinator Mr. Smith and his staff of photographers, graphic organizers, and editors have created a high school memento for students and teachers to treasure for decades while expanding the yearbook production process from club to class starting next fall.

The NHS yearbook commemorates significant moments and captures the memories of dances, musical theatre performances, odes to athletic teams, and photos of students partaking in extracurricular activities.

Smith and his staff had the vision of going beyond the concept of mere pictures of the stereotypical yearbook by using captions to identify all members of the student body in a more personal manner. The captions allow those who may not have associated in the same social circles to become more familiar with their peers.

The 2011-2012 yearbook is themed after NHS showing its “True Colors” and the book itself expresses this through the use of vivid colors and designs on each page.

“The editors liked color and we wanted a book that was full of a bright color pallet,” said Smith.

Beyond the literal use of bright colors encapsulating each page, the “True Colors” theme represents diversity among students and a symbol of colorful traditional events like Spirit Week and Color War at Norwalk High.

Editors Anastasia Koskerelos and Elle O’Hara agree that this theme is an accurate reflection of NHS. “The theme for the yearbook represents NHS because it is based on the colors we use for spirit week. These colors distinguish the different grades and their years,” Koskerelos stated. “It reflects our school because it has

Photo Credit: Kendall Sturges

Continued from page 1

NEWS

our ‘true colors’ and captures the moments students will want to remember forever.”

O’Hara believes that the yearbook is a significant improvement from previous years and accurately represents the school as well.

“It’s not just a bunch of pictures on a page, but each page tells a different story. We wanted every student to be in the yearbook at least twice because people want to be remembered,” O’Hara added.

Smith’s underlying goal was to provide an object of remembrance and essentially a time capsule that circulates around the school. It also symbolizes graduation, progression from one chapter of life to the next, and the start of summer.

He clarified that the yearbook is printed before events like prom and gradation due to the budget and production time required.

The yearbook club will also be offered as a class next fall, “McMahon expanded the class and we’re doing it too. I’m excited about it because the club doesn’t offer much time for the photography and computer skills needed,” said Smith. The class will offer lessons to those who choose to become members of the staff in the upcoming year.

Pre-order your Yearbook today.

Only $75.

Official sale starts at the beginning of June.

Teacher’s Attire Causes Controversy Amongst Parents Matt Brown ’13

Web Editor

“I visited Norwalk High School today and was extremely disappointed to see teachers walking in the hall wearing tight jeans, tucked into high boots with a too tight top, or sloppy jeans and a t-shirt”.

This passage was featured in Marissa Santangelo’s letter that was published in The Hour on February 26, 2012 and it sparked a lot of controversy between the staff at NHS. Many of the Norwalk High School teachers themselves were uncomfortable with talking about this subject.

Cartoon By: Nicole Chiramonte

“It was embarrassing to read, It can make us look at one another and see what they have on them,” explained School to Career Counselor Ms. Rivieccio.

NHS is no doubt a school of diversity, not just with the students, but the teachers as well. Now with over 140 courses being taught at NHS, so many teachers work here in 13 different departments.

“I think that some of the comments mentioned within the article make sense, I do not think it is appropriate for teachers to wear clothing that is distracting, revealing, or provocative, nor do I think it is professional for educators to appear slovenly,” explained A-House counselor Ms. Docimo.

The Peoria Unified School District in Arizona had proposed a dress code for teachers in their school district. The men would need to wear a collared shirt while women’s tops or shirts must have, at least a two-inch strap.

“It seems to me that the teachers need to put some effort into their attire, to think of themselves as role models and realize that what they wear really does matter,” added Santangelo.

Ms.Santagelo’s remarks have caused a lot of controversy within the staff at Norwalk High School. Her words have caused teachers at Norwalk High School to look at each other a little closely and wonder the impact her letter to The Hour has made through out NHS. “Personally, I have not noticed the kind of attire that Ms. Santangelo saw when she was here. I do think that our teachers and staff are role models for our students and need to act and dress accordingly,” explained D-House guidance counselor Ms. Verel.

Students and staff may wonder if dressing accordingly for school can truly make a difference at NHS. “I would even go so far as to say that school uniforms are a good thing. They level the playing field, cut out inequalities and let students focus on the task at hand, learning. They also save money and have an equalizing quality,” added Ms. Verel.

Ms. Santagelo’s letter to The Hour opened many eyes within the NHS community.

Only time will tell if her letter will truly cause a change in a dress code and a change in for the NHS staff in general.

NEWS

THE PAW PRINT

April 2012

Lillianna Byington ’14

Staff Writer

Many people believe that forcing a dog into a cage with no affection or companionship, but only to breed until they are dead is inexcusable. Unfortunately Puppy mills do just that.

Puppies of Westport has been protested for multiple years for allegedly buying their puppies from puppy mills.

“Millions of puppies are bred and brokered by up to 10,000 puppy mills each year and sold to pet stores across the country. Puppies of Westport is one of those stores,” stated Westport Coalition against Puppy Mills. “Thousands of pages of government inspection reports and health certificates support this fact.”

Lacey Fisher, a protestor of puppy mills, said “I started protesting because of a puppy mill rescue at Adopt-a-Dog in Greenwich. Seeing her broke my heart. She was terrified of the slightest sound or movement, and had lost many teeth. She died of a blood disorder in rescue after six years of living in a cage as a puppy making machine.”

People like Lacy Fisher speak for those without human voices. She also stated, “If you visit the store, each cage must have a card identifying the puppy’s breeder and license number.”

According to the summary of current breeders’ USDA inspection reports for Puppies of Westport comes with devastating news on the upkeep of their pets.

The breeder, Linda Baker, inspected the store on January 4, 2011, “The two dogs are taller than their shelters and when they enter and exit, their shoulders and backs rub along the top of the entrance. The dogs cannot sit or stand in a normal manner when in the shelter. When the dogs must crowd into the shelter, they don’t have enough room to sit, stand and lie in a normal manner and to turn about freely. This affects 21 adult dogs. There

Photo Credit: http://06880danwoog.com/

From Puppy Mills to Westport

were six water bowls in the facility that had green algae-like residue on the inside surfaces.”

Another breeder, Rhonda Gear, inspected the store on January 5, 2011, “An adult male dachshund is thin, has visibly prominent ribs and spinal column, and has a slightly tucked abdomen. There is severe tartar build up on A group protests puppy mills supplying dogs for Puppies of Westport. the teeth. A female Yorkie is reluctant to stand and has very long toe nails that are beginning to curl under. One of the inspectors saw a mouse running from behind this food container.”

According to the website of Puppies of Westport, “A small group of animal activists opposed to puppy mills (as are we) organized a rally against us at which they planned to wear yellow t-shirts to promote their cause so we created our own t-shirt messages.”

Also according to the Puppies of Westport’s website, “We didn’t know that in just over five years, we would sell over 4,000 puppies and that all but three percent would be to very satisfied customers- a track record we are very proud of.”

The debate trails on as whether buying from Puppies of Westport is the same as buying from puppy mills or if they are even associated with puppy mills whatsoever.

Whether or not puppy mills are suppliers to Puppies of Westport there are plenty of adoption options if there are any doubts that can give one man’s best friend.

Upset Family Offers $2,000 Reward for Lost Corgi Zoe Harris ’12

Andy also has a Facebook page with 1000 followers, a profile on pet-superstars. com, four youtube videos including multiple news channel clips commented on by fans looking for Andy, and his own website, along with many more pages. His owner, Jordina has also been seen on TV on Pet Talk. This is how Chris Denke (’14) first heard of Andy.

“They went on Pet Talk,” Denke said, “They said they had lost it for six months. If I saw it, I would jump out of the bus to get it!”

Other people first Andy, the lost Corgi, before he disappeared. heard about Andy

Staff Writer

Photo Credit: http://bringandyhome.wordpress.com

Everyone at some point in their normal schedules has seen the “Lost Corgi” signs posted all over Norwalk. Andy, the missing Corgi, is getting more and more publicity and even though he has been lost for three months, his owners are not giving up.

Andy was a white 11-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He lived with 3 other dogs, his corgi-wife Hallie, his corgi-son Taz, and Gretchen, a German Shepard. His owners, Jordina and Michael Ghiggeri, are devastated by his loss.

Andy disappeared on New Year’s Eve, scared off by fireworks, and has been missing ever since. His owners started posting paper signs all over Norwalk and Westport describing Andy. They also put up poster-sized signs at all major intersections.

Exploring Beyond the Classroom Kylie Coppola ’13

Staff Writer

For the past few years at Norwalk High an opportunity has been offered to all seniors that want to get an additional course credit and take one step further in their learning, but outside the usual classroom environment.

Project Explore is an optional “pass or fail” experiment that the participating students get to design completely on their own. They create the assignment and guidelines, and find the answers themselves through thorough hands on research.

Before pursuing research on this project, each applicant must get approval from the Project Explore advisors of the assignment at a mandatory interview that takes place their junior year.

“The whole initial point of the project is to see if it is worthy of the credit. One of the things that we look for is thought.”

- Mr. Seaburg

Current advisors Mr. Seaburg and Mr. Karl just recently took over this year from former advisors Ms. Radshaw, Ms. Doeberl, and Mr. Welsh. It is also necessary that each group or individual working on a project must pick a mentor to report to every so often with progress on their experiment on the Norwalk High School faculty or somebody within the community.

“The whole initial point of the project is to see if it is worthy of the credit. One of the things that we look for is thought,” said Mr. Seaburg. “You want to get something done.”

As of this year, there are between eight and ten projects in the process of completion, and getting prepared for the in school presentation on May 25. As for next year’s batch of student, there are thirty one applicants, and twenty one projects being worked on total.

“I’m taking a story and re-writing it with my own twist and adding my own aspects to it,” said Zoe Harris (’12) about her project. “I have an illustrator, Andrea Rosales, who is drawing two pictures per chapter and a cover,” continued Zoe. For some of next years projects there are a lot to look forward to as well, such as a cupcake business that juniors Kaitlyn Solano and Gaby Meza are starting, to a sports presentation on field hockey done by Nina Robertson (’13) and Mia Kutrubis (’13).

“We are really taking this project seriously, and going to try to actually make something out of it. I just hope people will take the time to see what we have done by next year,” said Gaby Meza (’13) about her project “KG Cupcakes”.

Project Explore is a project that more and more people decide to try out every year. It is an exciting way to expand interests and it should be considered to be done by all students in the years to come.

PROJECT EXPLORE

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PRESENTATIONS: MAY 21: AT NIGHT MAY 22: AT NIGHT MAY 25: IN SCHOOL

through the Pet Amber Alert in which people get phone calls about an animal missing that is thought to be in their neighborhood. However, there is still cause for hope.

Andy has been spotted periodically. He has been seen on a stretch of the highway from an overhead camera and near Cranbury Park. The last time he had been seen was on March 1st. The team even managed to find other missing dogs.

As an extra precaution, the Ghiggeri’s have hired a team that tracks down missing dogs. Karin TarQwyn is a private investigator and Missing Dog Expert and also the leader of this team. She uses tracking dogs to sniff the trail of the missing dog.

On February 21, there was also an auction, which raised $7,492.00 for finding Andy. People are also able to give donations to the cause, which go directly to finding Andy.

For more information about Andy and the continuing investigation visit his website at http://bringandyhome. wordpress.com/

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NEWS

April 2012

THE PAW PRINT

A Voice From Social Media

A Room Full of Our Best

Staff Writer

Web Content Design

Austin Boger ’12

Matt Brown ’13

Photo Credit: savingiceland.org

April 2, 2012 marks the day of the 2012 Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Spring Leadership Conference at which Norwalk High School’s own FBLA chapter will be in attendance, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, CT. FBLA itself is a nonprofit education association with a quarter million students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. It is also the largest business career student organization in the world. Business teachers, Ms. Gleason and Ms. Masek, operate Norwalk High School’s FBLA chapter.

“You meet a lot of new people and learn a lot about business,” explained Christian Bonebrake (’14), one of the members of the NHS FBLA chapter.

Some famous alumni of this organization include former first lady of the United States, Patricia Nixon, entertainer Johnny Mathis, and Hall of Famer NFL

quarterback, Troy Aikman.

During this conference many of the students will participate in various competitions that include “Emerging Business Issues,” “Public Speaking,” and “Entrepreneurship.”

“I am doing Entrepreneurship and I can’t wait for the competition to support my fellow FBLA Norwalk High School members,” said member Anthony Grancelli (’15).

Throughout the school year the NHS FBLA chapter has done many projects through out the community and helps many o rg a n i z a t i o n s from “Read Across America,” “March of Dimes,” and “Toys For Tots.”

The President of the NHS FBLA chapter Jessica Sebastian (’12) stated, “We have a lot of great people that love FBLA and we should be very successful at the conference. I want to see all the wonderful Fblaniacs win trophies to show that their hard work paid off.”

NHS applauds their FBLA chapter for all their hard work and all that they have done for their community while representing NHS. Photo Credit: Matt Brown

Young people commonly believe that they have little say in politics, but with the advent of social media, they have more say than any other recent generation.

Protests and activism in the last year has proved that. The Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, the SOPA Protests, and the Kony 2012 movement have all occurred thanks to social media.

Over the Internet, information can be shared extremely fast. A photo uploaded to the Internet can be known worldwide within a day. In a tyrannical country, people can discover information on the Internet that would be otherwise hidden.

This free knowledge is frightening to dictators and tyrants. This is why the Internet is blocked or censored in oppressive countries such as North Korea and China.

These governments use lack of knowledge to control their people.

Not only does the Internet make it easi-

er to share information, but it also makes it easier to organize and protest. Plans to protest during the Arab Spring last year were spread all over Facebook and Twitter. This allowed the people to overthrow their tyrannical regimes and instill more democratic systems. During this time, many leaders blocked the Internet in hopes of disconnecting the protesters, but this just further angered them, who see communication over the Internet as a right.

The Occupy Wall Street movement also began on the Internet. Adbusters, a Canadian activism group, emailed its members, proposing the event. They then spread it to the rest of the Internet with social media.

Recent Internet activism proves that this is not just a trend. The proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) led websites such as Google and Wikipedia to block their sites in protest. Since these websites are visited almost everyday by nearly every Internet user, information on this topic spread to almost everyone within a day.

The Kony 2012 movement transpired in a similar way. After a few days, the video was impossible to avoid, and the video did indeed make Joseph Kony famous as it had intended.

Although it is true that one person alone cannot truly make a substantial difference in a democracy, the Internet enables one person to spread it to everyone else. If the majority demands something in a democracy, then it should get its wish. Anyone with a computer can cause this change.

Do Not Make Huffing the New High

Juliana Cole ’12

Staff Writer

DISCOUNT FOR STUDENTS 155 Main Street 203-849-1466 camillotux.com

tentiveness, lack of coordination, irritability, and weakness. More serious consequences, however, include permanent brain damage, sudden cardiac death, and suffocation.

“I think it’s really dumb,” said Kyle Buswell (’12). “You might as well be doing any other type of hardcore drug if you have to resort to huffing paint or markers to get high.”

Health teacher, Mr. Marchetti, gave his opinion on the subject. “I think anytime anyone makes the choice to use any type of illegal substance they’re playing Russian roulette.

No matter what the substance is, whether it has short term or long term effects, there is going to be a consequence,” he stated.

Although it may be more popular in lower-income areas of the country, huffing is a serious issue that should be noticed. It is so simple and easy to do that people forget how drastically harmful it can become in just a matter of seconds.

No matter what substance is being inhaled, huffing takes young people’s lives every day and deserves the attention of others everywhere.

Most commonly referred to as “huffing”, inhalant abuse refers to the deliberate inhalation of common, legal products found in homes and communities with the purpose of getting high. While this may seem harmless since such products have useful purposes on a daily basis, when intentionally used for the wrong reasons, they can and will be deadly.

As amusing and innocent as inhaling helium to speak in a funny voice may seem, on February 18, it took the life of fourteen-year-old Ashley Long of Eagle Point, Oregon after she took hits from an eight-gallon helium canister at a house party.

“I don’t really know that much about it, and I’ve never really heard about that going on at Norwalk High, but it’s obviously becoming an issue that people need to know about if there are people dying from it,” commented Alexis Noonan (’12).

While many people are unaware of the trend and its frightening consequences, huffing has become popular among teens all across the country, not just in Oregon, being that it is an easy, cheap way to get high.

Disclaimer: This picture was staged, and is not promoting ‘huffing’ The statistics are alarming.

Huffing Freon, the gas found in

Photo Credit: Haley Gola

SPECIAL

air conditioning systems, sent 2,000 kids to the hospital in 2009. There are over 1,000 household products that can be huffed, such as paint, deodorants, hairspray, whipped cream, and glue. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that one in five American teens have used Inhalants to get high.

Long-term inhalant abusers generally suffer from damaging health consequences, such as depression and mood changes, weight loss, inat-

THE PAW PRINT

NEWS

April 2012

It Is Time to Put Our Own Version of Staples in NHS

Imagine having a place, somewhere inside the walls of Norwalk High School, where students could go to buy anything from candy and snacks to notebooks and pencils.

Although it is in the early stages of its formation, the possibility of a school store has already gotten students talking and excited for such an opportunity.

Similar to the new school store at Brien McMahon, Norwalk High’s store would be run by students with help from staff and be a convenient place for anyone to stop by.

Celine Montaudy (’12) of Brien Mcmahon commented on her opinion of the new addition to the school.

“The school store is a great student center where we can do work during a study hall, socialize with our peers, or stop in and grab a quick snack before heading to class.”

Montaudy continued, “It’s nice to be able to have these options and not have to use a vending machine or wait to eat from the cafeteria if you have a late lunch.”

The creation of a school store is a project that students of National Honor Society will be working to accomplish from now until the end of the year. Alexa Connors (’12),

treasurer of the NHS’ National Honor Society, commented, “It would be a great place for students to go to pick up something they need for class or even something to eat. I think it would be really beneficial to the student body and a great way to raise money for the senior class every year.”

Mr. Welsh, who was here the last time NHS students ran a school store that lasted about ten years, thinks it is an excellent idea if done correctly. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to work there, manage it, and keep inventoryespecially for people going into business one day,” he said.

Although creatinly a school store seems like it would be a simple task, actually getting it started will require a lot of time and effort from students, as well as staff. Finding people willing to supervise and work at the store will certainly be a challenge and everyone will need to be on board for it to happen.

As Mr. Mecca stated, “I like the idea of it, but it’s a huge commitment. You need someone to supervise it and people to man it, and get the funds.”

“I’ve had two experiences with school stores; one was successful and the other was a disaster,” he continued.

While it will undoubtedly take a lot of hard work to

Photo Credit: Brian Manby

Juliana Cole ’12

Staff Writer

Page 5

accomplish, a school store would be a great addition to NHS and hopefully get students at least somewhat excited about school again.

New Laws Cause Teens to Remain Pale Until Sixteen

Nicole Dunsmore ’13

Connecticut, following the conduct of over thirty other states, has placed an age restriction on indoor tanning.

Enacted on March 1, 2012, children under 16 years old are prohibited from tanning. Any 16 or 17 year-old now requires the consent of a parent or legal guardian in order to tan. Once they appear in person at the child’s first use of the device, the consent is valid for twelve months and may be renewed annually. (Most professional organizations and research groups recommend a ban on indoor tanning for anyone under 18 years old.)

Tanning facilities in Norwalk also face new requirements such as participating in an annual inspection to determine whether these establishments are operating according to technical standards for safety, sanitation, and proper equipment maintenance.

Warnings must also be posted about the risks of tanning and can never claim that tanning is healthy or riskfree. Tanning salons will also be obligated to enforce the age restrictions and keep records on the way they implement the rules, which will be regulated by the Norwalk

Photo Credit: extremejohn.com

Opinion Editor

Health Department.

While some teenagers may seem horrified by these limitations, others are motivated to promote health and prevent disease in Norwalk. “A member of the Board of Health brought a scientific study to our attention showing

that rates of melanoma were rising in the United States, especially in young women. Some experts attribute these rising rates to the fact that more and more young women are tanning indoors,” mentioned Health Educator, Theresa Argondezzi.

The Norwalk Department of Health fact sheet, given

by Argondezzi, stated about one million people tan every day, and about 70% of tanning establishment patrons are Caucasian women ages 16 to 29. Additionally, around 35% of 17 year-old girls use tanning machines.

With the detrimental risk tanning causes, this number is appalling. Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer and the annual rates of melanoma are increasing, especially among women 18 to 35 years old. Melanoma risk is 74% higher in those who tan indoors before the age of 35, compared with those who have never tanned.

“This ordinance gives the Health Department the opportunity to better understand and inspect these tanning facilities in Norwalk and to ensure that young adults in Norwalk are protected,” confirmed Argondezzi. Hopefully the Norwalk Health Department’s decision to address indoor tanning will limit the damaging use of it among teenagers.

The Long Awaited Removal of “Appetizing” Pink Slime Zoe HARRIS ’12

Staff Writer

people around the world. The demand is so great for meat that our health is taking a backseat. We do not think too often about what is in our food and because of this it is easy to take advantage of what we buy at the grocery market. It is important to pay attention to nutrition facts and know what you are eating for your meals.

Photo Credit: Greta McConnell

Mystery Meat just took on a new name: pink slime. Pink slime is ammonia-treated ground beef, which is found in meat in public schools, grocery markets, and some fast food chains.

Beef Products Inc.’s Pink Slime is really just a cheap ingredient put in ground beef from leftover meat trimmings. These meat trimmings are more likely to contain E. coli and salmonella so they are fed to pets because their stomachs can handle these chemicals better.

It is heated to 100° F and exposed to ammonium hydroxide gas to get rid of E. coli and salmonella. The United States Department of Agriculture approved of the pink slime meat in 2007 because a study that they endorsed showed that the ammonia would kill these germs.

Beef Products Inc. has also decided not to label meat that has pink slime contained in their meat, even though it is contained in 70% of ground beef at the supermarket.

The USDA has allowed them not to label it.

Despite the results of this study, The New York Times acquired records showing that E. coli and salmonella have been found numerous times in Beef Products’ beef.

Thankfully, most of the time, the meat was taken away before it reached students.

Even McDonalds has chosen not to serve pink slime although the government is still feeding it to kids.

McDonalds has stopped using it since August 2011.

“It seems corrupt to me,” Irvin Saavedra (’12) theorized. “I disapprove because they’re putting themselves before everyone’s health.”

What is shocking, however, is that the person who approved the mixture of real beef and pink slime was Joann Smith, the Undersecretary of Agriculture. Afterwards, she took a job on the Board of Directors for Beef Products Inc. She has made $1 million since then.

Pink slime has been banned from the UK and schools in Boston. The USDA are letting schools decide for themselves whether or not they should ban the meat from their menus and the Boston school system is the first to do this. This meat is also found in our very own Norwalk Public Schools.

Nora Hanna (’13), a student at NHS, eats school lunch often. When she heard about the “Pink Slime” she said, “What if something leaks through and they don’t get it? I don’t want to get salmonella!”

Due to people like Hanna that voice their opinion, Lisa DePaolo who manages the menu for the Norwalk public school system is taking pink slime off the menu for students. This decision was made public on March 20th.

This issue has only recently become prominent among

Page 6

April 2012

Arts and entertainment

THE PAW PRINT

Dubstep Drops the Bass at the 2012 Grammy Awards

Dubstep on the map and informed more people about this newly developed type of electronic music.

Staff Writer Dubstep falls under the category of electronic dance The 2012 Grammy Awards seem to have swept the crowds music. It starts with an intro, then a main section that often incorporates a bass drop, away. One new big name that a midsection, a second came up on nominations and was main section similar to very successful was the American the first usually with electronic music producer Sonny another drop, and an Moore, better known as “Skrillex.” outro.

Nominated for five Grammys, This genre of music Skrillex came out victorious by has only been around winning three of the ones he was since 1999, and little by nominated for; he won “Best Dance little it is gaining more Recording” with his song “Scary audiences and slowly Monsters and Nice Sprites,” “Best changing the electronic Dance/Electronic Album” with his “Dubstep is album by the same name, and last but Skrillex accepts his Grammy at the award show earlier this year. scene. becoming to be more not least “Best Remixed Recording” mainstream now,” said Peter Ostasiewicz (’12), “More with his remix to Benny Benassi’s track “Cinema.”

2011 was a big year for electronic music; more names people are attending the shows which is what keeps the are starting to rise up and more people seem to be getting artist coming!”

DJs and producers are usually on tours around the more and more interested in this genre of music. With Skrillex winning these three Grammys, it put the genre of world and booked at popular venues with their own high

Danny Muñoz ’12

Photo Credit: www.mixmag.net

quality sound systems. Since Dubstep first started, it has made drastic advances and changes for the better. It is not only dubstep, but also all the categories of dance music that fall under the electronic genre. Little by little it is taking over the music industry. It is the music of the future.

Other than Skrillex putting EDM (Electronic Dance Music) on the map, it was quite an amazing night. Adele took home six Grammys, Kanye West, the most nominated act of the night took home trophies as well and The Foo Fighters took their first Grammy, followed by four more.

There were performances by Bruce Springsteen, followed

by LL Cool J, Adele, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry and Chris Brown.

“The 54th Grammy Awards will be remembered as a story of two women with towering, timeless voices — Adele and Whitney Houston — one representing youthful triumph and boundless possibility, the other a reminder of fresh tragedy and a life unraveled,” quoted the Los Angeles Times. It was an astonishing night where the recently deaceased Whitney Huston’s presence was felt.

It will be interesting to see what’s in store for next year’s 55th annual Grammy Awards.

Norwalk High School Duo Finds the Right Flow Ryan Halloran ’12

Staff Writer

After Norwalk High School’s popular rappers Jesse “J-Fresh” Levitt (’11) and Jovani “PRE” Jean-Charles (’10) graduated, two current seniors decided to fill the empty shoes.

Dozens of people at Norwalk High School claim they can write music, but Michael McRoy (’12) and Miles Thomas (’12) are serious about what they are doing. They are both currently working on a mixtape that they plan on finishing in mid-April. When it is completed, the track list will be released online where listeners can download it to their computers.

Although a name for the mixtape has not been chosen

yet, Miles stated, “The title has to be something to reflect our feelings and statements about life.” However, right now they call themselves “Miles & Mikey Productions”.

“Mike and I both love rap and music in general. We’ve been messing around with rapping for a while now, but we finally decided to make it official,” stated Miles about his musical inspiration.

The rappers do not have a studio to record in, yet they still get the job done in McRoy’s basement by using a microphone that is connected to the computer.

Today, both artists have recorded six songs; “Kasta”, “Stay Scheming Remix”, “The Motto Remix”, and “Masterpiece” are some of them. Michael and Miles are reaching for a total of ten to fifteen songs on the mixtape.

Gil Araujo (’12), a good friend of the duo, said, “I am excited for their music to come out because I know their bars are straight fire.”

Mike is optimistic that only positive feedback will be given when their lyrics go viral. “One thing I want people to know is that we spit about real life. We are always going to be ourselves in our raps and that’s what I hope people will respect,” he stated.

Along with writing their own lyrics, Miles and Mike also make their own instrumentals using a program called Mixcraft. As if writing lyrics was not hard enough, creating high quality instrumentals could take hours to do.

There is a lot of undiscovered talent in NHS that can only be discovered by keeping your eyes and ears open.

Making An ‘Earl’y Return

NOW OPEN

After a nearly two-year hiatus from the music world, Thebe Kgositsile, better known by his stage name Earl Sweatshirt of rap sensation Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), has finally returned to resume his position as one of the group’s premier emcees.

Sweatshirt made his unannounced return this past March 20 during a performance at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom alongside his fellow members of Odd Future for the first time in his newborn music career.

Rumors circulated about his presence in Manhattan, but nothing was confirmed until he stepped on stage to rap his verse during the classic crowd-pleaser, “Orange Juice”. Even the crowd was momentarily struck silent by his shocking presence, and then erupted in chaos and excitement. “At first it didn’t seem real to me. It seemed so magical,” said Jenny Ramirez (’12), who attended the concert.

After privately disappearing from seemingly the entire world as OFWGKTA’s success skyrocketed some two years ago, countless rumors originated regarding the eighteen-yearold’s whereabouts. Some ranged from him being incarcerated in his home state of California; to him simply being no longer musically affiliated with Odd Future. However, his fellow members kept a strict code of silence to keep the ordeal private and only emphasized how much they missed him and wanted him home soon, thus affirming his “disappearance”.

Earl’s rumored location became apparent to fans after Complex Magazine broke a story in April 2011 revealinvvag via a fellow student that Earl had been

Photo Credit: www.hiphopwired.com

Brian Manby ’12

A&E Editor

sent to an all-boys reform school for troubled youth in Samoa.

As Odd Future’s fan base grew exponentially overnight, as did the ubiquitous “Free Earl” campaign that pushed for Sweatshirt’s return to musical limelight. The group and its supporters regularly expressed their desire for his return in lyrics, concert chants, and endless posts on social networking sites. Within no time, the “Free Earl” slogan became synonymous in association with the rap group counterpart.

With extremely little publicity, Sweatshirt was rumored to have returned to his hometown of Los Angeles, CA in early February when a YouTube video surfaced of him rapping a new song entitled “Home”, which mysteriously ended with the line “…and I’m back. Bye.” It was later confirmed via his Twitter account and Tyler, the Creator’s Formspring that he had indeed arrived back in Los Angeles. However, it was not until his surprise performance in that the world discovered his intention to continue performing with OFWGKTA. Earl’s return to the controversial rap collective is bound to undoubtedly shake the foundation of hip-hop as the world knows it. Although expectations are high for the prodigy emcee, he seems to be handling his newfound celebrity quite comfortably.

Without a doubt, Earl Sweatshirt seems to be picking up right where he left off.

THE PAW PRINT

Arts And Entertainment

NHS Alumni Hits the Big Screen

April 2012

Page 7

submitted an audition on tape to be reviewed, and eventually got picked for the role.

Working on the film was also not a very easy feat. Many people dedicated their entire days towards the production.

“We worked Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for about 12 or 13 hours with little break,” stated Attanasio, who added, “It was a very rigorous and draining shoot.”

Many NHS students were even invited to be extras in the shoot. Students from Mr. Seaburg’s History In The Making class, the NHS film club, and many others came down to the cafeteria after school to be in the background during the shoot.

“It taught me the true importance of cinema,” said Matt Brown (’13), “I could tell that these people have a future and are passionate, and I really hope the best for them.”

Annabelle Attanasio acts on the set “Youth and Death” This film will not be hidden to the public School becomes a little bit more cultured. The students either. In fact, it will be uploaded for everyone to see once who participated in the shoot worked hard to participate it is finished. with these filmmakers and got a great experience out “We’re going to put the trailer to the film, as well as of it as well. Finishing up, Dicambio said it best, “This my other films on my website, www.AlexaDiCambio.com, whole thing wouldn’t be possible to shoot without Mr. and once Youth & Death is finished it will be uploaded as Mecca and Mr. Seaburg. It’s been great shooting at this well,” stated DiCambio. school.”

As another opportunity comes and goes, Norwalk High

Lucas Keogh ’13

Photo Credit: Alexa DiCambio

Feature Editor Norwalk High School is home to many famous graduates.

Some of these include NBA All-Star Calvin Murphy and Nobel Prize winner Edward C. Kendall. One recent graduate however may be right on the way to stardom, just as all the others.

This past January, NHS alumnus Alexa DiCambio (’08) returned to the school to work on her short film, which was her senior thesis at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

“Since I graduated from NHS, I figured there would be no better place to shoot some of my scenes,” stated DiCambio, who went on to say, “Mr. Mecca and Mr. Seaburg were also a huge help in letting me work inside the school.”

The film, entitled “Youth & Death”, is a story about a young girl, Andrea, who experiences the loss of her best friend, Mark, and is put into a very vulnerable place as she has no one to rely on.

“People would react selfishly and pretend they knew him to feel better about themselves,” said Annabelle Attanasio, the lead actress in the film.

Attanasio, along with others in the film, did not even know DiCambio before the production of the film. She

Makeup Fake-Up

WWII Violin Arrives at NHS

Staff Writer

Staff Writers

Juliana Cole ’12 & Caylie Sheridan ’12

Chloe Cappo ’12

t: w

edi .wikip a.org ww

Thanks to the generous donation of Norwalk your sound and playing skills.”

High School alumni and World War II Veteran, She continued, “This violin is different from Leonard Greene, the Norwalk High School others because it has history behind it that’s Music Department is now the owner of a relevant to us, and it was also handcrafted in beautiful, historical violin that was made in Germany. The bow itself is a very well-made Germany in the 1920s. bow that will help the violin sound its best.”

Leonard Greene obtained the violin during Although he now lives in New Canaan, his time overseas from 1943 Leonard Greene grew up in to 1945. He had gone to a Norwalk and played in the trade where a man working Norwalk Symphony when he there insisted that he take a was thirteen and fourteen years beautiful pair of shoes, even old, then went on to play at though they were too big for Norwalk High School, which him. A few days later, while was then the current City Hall. in town in Germany, another When asked what he hopes soldier came up to him, students get out of having the complimented the stunning violin at NHS, Lenoard stated, shoes, and asked him where “I just hope you enjoy it, that’s he got them. Since the shoes all. I just figured there were did not fit him, Leonard gave more kids here that would the shoes to the man, and in be able to use it than in New return, the man offered him Canaan. I’m satisfied that his violin. Without asking any someone can use it.”

Disclaimer: Not The WWII Violin questions, Leonard happily Orchestra students are accepted the violin and never saw certainly excited to make use of the man again. the violin. “I’m looking forward to Leonard somehow managed to keep the trying out the violin because it’s very old, and it violin intact during the rest of his time fighting would be cool to play a violin that’s from around in World War II. He brought it back to the US, the time period of the Great Depression and other where he has played it over the years for his own historical events,” said Richard Cruz (’14). enjoyment.

Because of Leonard Greene’s generous Jennifer Burkhalter, NHS’ orchestra teacher, donation, students who actively play the violin is looking forward to having the violin in class will be able to enjoy the beautiful instrument and once it is done being fixed. “I want students hopefully learn something from using it. The to have an appreciation for our Norwalk High Music Department is very appreciative of his School alumni, and appreciate the beauty of the contribution and looks forward to thanking Mr. instrument. I would like students to understand Greene on May 22 when a violin concerto will how a well maintained instrument can affect be played on it.

Photo Credit: www.compweb.com

on the sides.

It is one thing to want to look older but 16 going on 65 is not a cute look.

This is high school not a runway, there is no need for full frontal lipstick or makeup caked eyes.

It is okay to apply small amounts of make up like concealer and eye liner but do not leave Ph moisturizers oto out Cr from your e daily routine.

Moisturizers not only help keep pores clean but also add more of a glow to the face than any bronzer.

Additionally if you are going to wear bronzer please know your color.

For even better skin care attempt using all natural products. By using organic products it is easier to get a better look and prevent animal testing.

For clear and fresh faces, do not even bother with the ten pounds of makeup that many girls seem to apply and go with your own look. It will benefit self esteem, cosmetics, and not have you waste money on overpriced branded cosmetics. di

Feeling prim and prepped in the morning with the small application of eyeliner and mascara can improve a girls self esteem on any morning.

But when a girl comes to school and looks like someone who stepped out of a circus, then that girl has gone one shade of mascara too far.

Many of the female students at NHS do a fairly good job of not looking like they are about to go out for the night, but some need to be careful with overdoing their do.

One thing to remember, make up is not used to cover but to accentuate the face. One way to tell if you are wearing too much make up is if you can press your face against a cloth and half of it is staring back; that is way to much.

Try skipping foundation or applying as little as possible.

Foundation was originally made for women over 35 meaning more than half of the teens at NHS are not only looking older in a non-flattering way but also causing opportunities from zits to pop up.

Less is more ladies.

Too much eye liner not only gives off the raccoon look but causes bags under the eyes and crows feet

Celebrities Fall Under the Influence of Creativity Ana Galarza ’13

Staff Writer

The abuse of alcohol and drugs has affected artists and creative people throughout history and the myth that a direct correlation exists between creativity and substance abuse has prevailed.

The truth is that such substances do not enhance creativity; they do not let artists discover untapped riches to create fantastic works of art, music, and literature. Instead, those toxic substances have just ruined, and in multiple cases ended the lives of many great artists, such as Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix. Creative people everywhere should not think that those who had the disease of addiction were that much more creative because of it.

Truman Capote, an American writer of the twentieth century, famously known for the classic novella “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” appeared on a talk show drunk and rambling.

“I drink,” he said after one binge, “because it’s the only time I can stand it.”

Johnny Depp once said, “Drug use has less to do with recreation and more to do with the fact we need to escape from our brains. We need to escape from everyday life. It’s self-medication.”

All the way back to Sigmund Freud, most psychological theorists credit inner fears, anxieties, and primitive urges as the fuel that drives intellectual growth. The ordinary person seeks to avoid them, but the true artist immerses in those dark emotions.

Perhaps these super talented individuals seek relief afterwards in drinking and in drug abuse so they can numb down and dull their passions, anxieties, and sensitivities.

This might explain why so many artists relapse: after years of struggle with their demons, withdrawal can seem too ordinary and boring for them. They miss the ecstasy and euphoria that drugs and alcohol caused them to feel.

Even though many great artists created their works of art, literature, and music under the influence of drugs or alcohol many wonder what they could have created if their sensitivities and passions had not been numbed.

pAgE 8

FEAt

April 2012

WHATS WRONG WITH T

BATHROOM STATISTICS

REAL LIFE BATHROOM PHOTOS

Girl’s Bathrooms

At it’s worst...

March 2nd Open Bathrooms: 1st Floor B-House Available Stalls: 4 Unavailable Stalls: 2 Toliet Paper: 3 No Toilet Paper: 1 At it’s best...

March 5th Open Bathrooms: 1st + 2nd Floor B-House and D-House Available Stalls: 13 Unavailable Stalls: 8 Toliet Paper: 11 No Toilet Paper: 10

During School Day

After School

Boy’s Bathrooms

At it’s worst...

February 28th Open Bathrooms: 2nd Floor D-House Available Stalls: 2 Unavailable Stalls: 1 Toliet Paper: 0 No Toilet Paper: 3

After School

At it’s best...

March 7th Open Bathrooms: 1st + 2nd Floor B-House and 2nd Floor D-House Available Stalls: 7 Unavailable Stalls: 1 Toliet Paper: 6 No Toilet Paper: 2

HEARD IN THE STALLS WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE NHS BATHROOMS?

Michael O’Callaghan ’12

“They don’t give me the fresh clean feeling I need.”

Monica Harrington ’12

“They should be opened more.

They don’t put in TP, soap, it’s kind of gross.”

During School Day

Peter Garcia ’13

“There aren’t enough supplies of material.”

Katie Uzar ’13

“They’re disgusting, and basic needs. Only one sta be used.”

tUrE

April 2012

THE NHS BATHROOMS?

pAgE 9

THINGS STUDENTS FIND IN THE BATHROOM

• People smoking • People eating lunch in stalls • Sleeping on the floor of the bathroom

• Obscenities written on various items • Arguments written on stall walls • Used paper towels next to the trash can

Q: Who is in charge of the more major repairs?

Q: Who is in charge of installing and replacing toilet seats and soap dispensers?

FACTOIDS (Q&A)

A: More major type repairs, such as leaking or broken pipes, sinks & toilets are fixed by our maintenance plumbers.

A: The custodians. If repairs are not accomplished at a school, it is normally an indication that either the custodians have not yet completed the work, or the repairs are not being reported to the To maintenance department. all NHS students:

Q: Are any of the bathrooms scheduled to go through any improvements sometime soon?

The cleanliness of the bathrooms starts with you... keep them clean!

A: First floor B- house is scheduled for an over the summer touch up.

Q: What is the most likely reason a bathroom may be closed on any given day?

A: The bathrooms, boys and girls, may be closed at any time due to the lack of security to monitor them.

A Letter Concerning the NHS Bathrooms From Student Government

Editor: Over the past two years, members of the Norwalk High School Student Government, as well as teachers and staff members, have pleaded to clean up the bathrooms at Norwalk High. Of the facilities that should be open to students during the day, only half are actually unlocked for use. Of the remaining open rest rooms, the conditions in which they are kept are unsanitary, hazardous, and possibly illegal according to the CT General Statutes.

Past presidents of NHS Student Government started the project to clean up our bathrooms a few years ago. After years of struggling, current President Juliana Cole has continued this extensive effort. During this past year alone, the Student Government organization has met with the Principal and head custodian in an effort to restore our bathrooms to an acceptable condition.

Furthermore, the Student Government has taken multiple photographs of the bathrooms, and brought them to the attention of many staff members.

The teachers’ union filed informational requests for repair about the current conditions of our bathrooms and the serious health hazards of not having toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels available on a consistent basis. We have found that we are struggling to achieve something that is not a difficult request. The horrendous conditions of our bathrooms need to be addressed and fixed immediately.

Norwalk High School, with an enrollment of about 1,600 kids, contains roughly 10 bathrooms for student use. Only about half of these bathrooms are actually available during the school day. Of the remaining “open” restrooms, there are numerous problems with missing toilet seats, broken stall locks, and flooding valves. Frequently, the stalls in both the girls and boys bathrooms are not stocked with toilet paper. Sometimes, if you are able to find one of the stalls with toilet paper, it is clogged and not working. When making your way to the sink, do not even bother pushing on the soap container, because nine times out of ten, it’s completely empty, and has been for the past week.

Because one must search for an “open” rest room, what should take 4 minutes ends up becoming a 20 minute process for a student attempting to use one of the facilities. It is becoming a pressing issue at Norwalk High, as more and more students are beginning to complain to their parents about the facilities they are forced to use. It simply is not healthy.

However, a few actions have been taken in order to restore our bathrooms. Recently, two bathrooms have been repainted at Norwalk High School. Although this new paint job makes the bathroom look tidier, there are still many problems within. The small fraction of students that disrespect the bathrooms need to be held responsible too.

It is our goal to resolve the problem at Norwalk High in the interest of public health. It is then the students’ responsibility to respect these bathrooms once repaired.

Senator Matthew Favazzo Norwalk High School Student Government

3

have no tall could

Troy Stumpf ’14

“Most appliances are broken. It’s pretty dirty in there.”

Rachel Carriera ’14

“There’s trash on the floors, and it smells badly of smoke.”

Nathaniel Lewis ’15

“All bathrooms should be opened.

It’s dirty.”

Jake Tobias ’15

“They are disgusting and dirty.

There is always urine on the floors.”

pAgE 10

April 2012

Staff Box the paw print

Norwalk High School 23 Calvin Murphy Drive Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 838-4481 ext. 1808 The Paw Print would like to thank all Journalism students for their work in the creation of this newspaper.

The following names are the students who worked to produce the paper.

Executive Editors Carly Mammoliti Lydia Krenicki ___________design team___________ News Editor Hayley Gola Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Manby Feature Editors Lucas Keogh Mikayla Beckwith Lillianna Byington Opinion Editor Nicole Dunsmore Sports Editors Erin Kelly Kylie Coppola Web Editor Matthew Brown photo Editor: Taylor Demarco Staff Writers: Nora Blake Austin Boger Tyler Brown Kyle Capone Nicole Chiaramonte Juan Colon Chloe Cappo Juliana Cole Emily Crosby Jennie Deering Andrew Fitzgerald Ana Lucía Galarza Stephanie Gonzalez

Taylor Greene Ryan Halloran Zoe Harris Devin Long Greta McConnell Caitlin Monahan Daniel Muñoz Anastasia Phillips Jennifer Sanchez Caylie Sheridan Jared Smith Kendall Sturges

Advisor: Mr. Karl Did you recently recieve a parking ticket on school grounds?

Go to www.norwalkhighschoolpawprint. wordpress.com OR send us an email at nhspawprint@gmail.com to tell us about it!

EditOriAl

THE PAW PRINT

The Teenage Driving Disaster Lydia Krenicki ’12 Executive Editor

On Saturday, March 24, a 43-year-old Norwalk man by the name of Kenneth Dorsey was hit by an SUV driven by a 16-year old. While no charges were filed, one has to wonder what this says about teen driving.

There has been much debate in recent years on changing the driving restrictions for teenagers. Including that said driver may only drive with parents, legal guardians, licensed driving instructors, or a person who is at least 20 years old and has had their license for four years with no suspensions during that time for the first six months the new driver is driving.

After these initial 6 months, the driver is allowed to drive immediate family members such as brothers and sisters for a second 6 months.

However, after all of these changes to the rules, Connecticut no longer requires a written test to pass the license test, but only uses the road test to see if the driver is ready to hit the streets. It is assumed that the knowledge gained when taking the permit test is still with the driver.

Newly permitted driver, Emma Turchick (’14) said, “There are so many idiots out there, it would have been nice if they kept the test.”

According to the Connecticut website and the safety tips for teen drivers “Motor vehicle crashes are

the #1 cause of death for 15-19 year- old teenagers.” They even go further to prove that the first six months of having a license is the most dangerous time period, “Most teen crashes occur during the first two years of having their license.”

A study done by AAA found that “While electronics were the dominant cause for distraction, secondary behaviors were eating or drinking, grooming, or adjusting controls which together distracted 15 percent of drivers.”

“Texting and driving is stupid. Nothing is more important than safety,” continued Turchick.

Some of the statistics are said to come from the fact that the part of the brain that reacts to danger and risk does not finish developing until a person reaches their mid twenties.

While this is true, some argue that teens should have enough common sense to be able to assess the risks that come with life.

However, the minimum age to become a driving instructor is 21 which is still not over the age at which ones brain becomes fully developed. In fact the only other requirements are to fill out an application, complete a fourhour driving instructor course, and pass a written test at the DMV. While it may not be true that those who cannot do, teach, it is true that one can only be as good as the person from which they were taught.

Importance of The Paw Print Carly Mammoliti ’12 Executive Editor Once every other month, the Norwalk High School’s Journalism class produces a news paper that is known all over Fairfield County for its great work.

The NHS Paw Print is running its sixth issue this year, and has been succeeding due to the continued support of the community. The editors and staff, along with Mr. Karl our advisor, have been working hard to get the job done with the resources that have been made available to us.

Many may be unaware that the journalism world is changing. In a world where news is expected with

the click of a button, print journalism is a dying art.

As a result of this, the class has incorporated the beginnings of a website by and for the students of NHS, http://norwalkhighschoolpawprint. wordpress.com/. It is here that the community can see the full depth of the work that the 39 students produce.

As a member of NHS who is used to sitting down in his or her Social Studies class and reading the paper, it is our hope that this information is relevant to you and the community.

The student’s that work on this paper deal with every aspect of education, from the written word,

Policies: Our newspaper reserves the right to edit all submissions for space and clarity. All entries must include name, year in school, and phone number for verification.

Linda Dunsmore

art, design, and inter-personal relationships. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong, but that is what learning is all about.

The Paw Print is an important aspect of not only the NHS community, but the city of Norwalk as well. The paper itself has become a symbol of pride for not only those who work hard to put it out, but those who can say they are part of the community that publishes it.

The staff is grateful for the amazing support it has received over the last six years, and hopes it is around to keep up the reputation and status it has come to be known for.

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Students and Staff of Norwalk High School: Thank you to everyone who helped make our first ever Indoor Campus Cleanup on March 10 a success. Although the turnout was fairly small, we were able to significantly improve the appearance of our stairwells with everyone’s hard work.

The event would not have been possible without the help of Mr. Mecca and Mr. O’Shaughnessy, who spent most of the two and a half hour cleanup on their hands and knees, scrubbing gum off of the floors.

While this may have not been the most fun event of the year, the results were certainly rewarding. We appreciate all students and staff who took time out of their Saturday afternoon to improve the appearance Norwalk High and make a little bit of a difference. We also want to thank Panera Bread for being generous enough to donate bagels and pastries for us to eat before the event began.

In the next few weeks, Student Government will be focusing on organizing a fundraiser for the Paw Print, now that Indoor Campus Cleanup and the annual Dodgeball Tournament has passed. Since the Paw Print is in danger next year with the constantly decreasing budget, Student Government is going to help raise funds to hopefully prevent this from happening.

Details of the fundraiser will be revealed shortly.

Sincerely, Juliana Cole Student Government President

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THE PAW PRINT

Opinion

April 2012

Page 11

Congratulations to Norwalk High School and their Student Body and Faculty. You have a great student paper.

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Page 12

Opinion

April 2012

THE PAW PRINT

The Art of Being Informed

Devin Long ’12 Staff Writer

graphic design or architecture.

Art literally is everywhere.

Everyone’s clothes, from the pattern right down to the shape, were made by fashion and textile majors. The layout of websites like Facebook or Twitter were designed by web page designers.

The advertisements consumers buy into, the packaging that everything is stored in, and even the specific color of the walls, were most likely designed by people who went to art school.

So to say that in this economy, art is not the best major to choose if someone is looking for a job is illogical. If everyone’s career choice depended solely on its financial benefits rather than personal reward, there would be no artists, making capitalist nations appear socialist.

Photo Credit: Chloe Cappo

Staying Scheduled nicole Dunsmore ’13

Opinion Editor

Starting the 2012-2013 school year, Norwalk High and Brien McMahon are expecting to incorporate the same type of schedule. With NHS operating on an eight-period, rotating schedule and BMHS on a stagnant, sevenperiod one, a controversy of which schedule to implement arises.

Other high schools in Fairfield County use the eightperiod schedule such as New Canaan, Wilton, and Darien.

Their employment of this rotating schedule provides them with the numerous benefits that are experienced at Norwalk High.

The most apparent is the accumulation of an extra period, which provides students with the chance to fit in all the classes they want to enroll in, or have the privilege of a study hall. For instance, the additional period could aid students by providing them with enough room to fit in all of their gym classes in freshman year.

Many students have a

packed schedule even with eight periods. With an option of only seven periods, students would be forced to relinquish one of their courses. Due to the amount of classes students are loaded with, a break from one class each day lightens the load. Since a school day consists of seven periods and there are eight in the schedule, a different period is dropped every day depending on the rotation.

This rotation also makes the classes fall at various times of the day. If a student does not function well in the morning, still in the midst of sleep, they may not be as focused in their first period class. Thankfully, they do not experience this lack of attention daily because the next day will not start with the same period.

Therefore if a student performs best after eating an energizing lunch, they will encounter each class in these vigorous circumstances.

Having a new class for lunch every day allows students to then have numerous lunch shifts that continuously vary. Plus, the lunch period is lengthened to one hour, presenting room for three lunch shifts instead of two and offering more space in the cafeteria. Not only does the extended period length affect the students, but the teachers as well. Spending an hour with a class provides extra time to complete a more complex lesson or present more information and guidance to their students.

Overall, the eight-period schedule is immensely more valuable to the students than a meager seven periods. One of the most favorable parts of Norwalk High is the advantageous schedule; it should not be replaced.

Jennie Deering ’12 Staff Writer

Photo Credit: Bear Pack

When teachers of academic subjects assign a creative project, where do they first turn to supply their students with the proper materials?

If you answered Staples or WalMart, you are sadly mistaken.

It is not uncommon for art teachers to receive requests for craft supplies like markers or glitter from other teachers in the building. This is just one example that signifies that most people are misinformed about the art department’s legitimacy.

The AP Studio Art class has bragging rights as the highest scoring AP class in the building.

Last year, every single student in the class scored a 3 or higher on the AP test and the class average was 4.2. This does not indicate that the

art exam is easier than its academic counterparts; the average NHS AP Studio Art score was higher than the national average for the particular exam.

Even those who respect the art department are misinformed about an art major’s ability to find a job after they receive their degree. One of the most common questions that high school students who plan to attend art school receive is “But what do you plan to do after college?” On the contrary, on tours, schools like Pratt Institute and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is that the idea of a “starving artist” is a misconception.

Of all the graduates from RISD, for instance, 96% find a job within the first year after graduation, the majority of which are in their major- and not everyone majors in

Power of the Pack

With the 2012 school year starting to come to an end, it is disappointing and unfortunate that some students feel the need to bash other people’s hard work. A standout topic going around seems to be Bear Pack.

The article, “Bear Pack Cheers, Brings Other Fans to Tears”

by Taylor Greene (’12), specifically caught the attention of the members and leaders of Bear Pack stating comments such as, “The Bear Pack is supposed to be a symbol of school spirit, but in reality, it does not even cheer on its teams,” and “In basketball games, they do not cheer much except in random bursts. When they do cheer it is as plain spectators not a spirited group.”

In reaction to the previous quotes, during one specific football game, the cheerleading coach reprimanded Bear Pack for ‘cheering too loudly’ and ‘overpowering the cheerleaders.’ However, I was not aware there was such a thing as ‘cheering too loudly’ to root for your school.

Regardless, instead of continuing on with the negative comments and offensive slurs towards Bear Pack that were stated in the article, a positive approach to keep Bear Pack’s good name is a necessity.

Bear Pack was first created at Norwalk High in 2008 by alumni Nick Caroll. His vision was to encourage students to attend sporting games and cheer on their fellow classmates. Unfortunately, after Caroll had graduated, Bear Pack began to die down making it inexistent to the future graduating class of 2012.

As underclassmen it was evident to, now seniors, Mike Parlanti, Jason Cotaling, and I that school spirit was lacking all throughout NHS. In response, we decided to bring Bear Pack back in full force for the upcoming 2011-2012 year.

Pinnies were made and sold to Norwalk High Students and staff making over $500 all of which was donated to decorate games or buy food for tailgates so everyone would be able to eat for free.

During spirit week Mr. Mecca stated that ‘in all his years here at Norwalk High he had never seen so much school spirit.’ With support from Mr. Mecca, parents, teachers, athletes, and students alike, Bear Pack was able to bring back the school spirit that Norwalk High was missing for so long.

It is sad and a disappointment to find current students at NHS bashing an organization of students whose only goal was to cheer on athletes and fill every student with a sense of pride for their school.

Some students fail to remember what NHS was like before Bear Pack and the lack of student attendance to games as well as school spirit throughout the school. We collectively tried our best to make sure there was always a cheering section at every game although it is solely up to the students to attend but still the members of Bear Pack dedicated time and effort for our school.

Regardless of the bashing against Bear Pack, the leaders can only hope that the current freshman, sophomore, and junior classes will only remember NHS as a school bursting with spirit and pride and that the class of 2012 left a legacy for future classes to continue to be proud of the place Mike, Jason, and I call home.

I See London, I See France...

Brian Manby ’12

A&E Editor

Photo Credit: Brian Manby

Photo Credit:Cori Bonaddio

The world is a vast, beautiful place filled with discovery as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of countries spread throughout two hemispheres offer unique insight into the marvelous culture that create the planet’s population of seven billion people.

Unfortunately, many people never take advantage of nor initiate the opportunity to escape the confines of their own borders and travel to a foreign place they have never visited before. This is particularly disappointing, since traveling outside one’s native land offers more than what meets the eye.

Besides the obvious opportunity to get away from home for a while, exploring the rest of the world offers an incredible glance into the multitude of cultures found throughout it. From the moment one begins packing, the anticipation of diving into a brand

new cultural universe sets in and is there to stay.

The moment he or she sets foot in the airport and eventually on the plane, the journey of a lifetime begins.

Upon stepping out of the airport in this foreign place, the opportunity to embrace the new culture commences.

From the smell of cleanlier air than that of New York City, to the architecturally distinct buildings that appear to be from paintings, to the chatter of foreigners speaking in their native tongue, it is a world starkly different than that of the one back home.

The chance to experience foreign cuisine is an experience in itself. Breaking away from the American kitchen style of fried, fattening, and greasy food to taste something authentic is intriguing.

However, as the trip winds down many travelers are hesitant to leave so willingly.

Students from Norwalk High who returned from this past February’s trip to Barcelona and Madrid in Spain were very reluctant to come home. In the immediate days after returning to the U.S., Twitter was flooded with tweets from these students expressing how much they missed Spain and how they desired to go back.

That is what creates such an amazing atmosphere when traveling. Although it sometimes establishes an inevitable language barrier and some discomfort being away from

home in an unfamiliar place, the chance to experience life elsewhere in the world is certainly one worth taking, and it is sad that it is one that some people never take.

Although it is sometimes financially binding, even domestic trips to other parts of the United States serve a similar purpose. American culture in the North and South and the East and West are all drastically different from one another, but the only way anyone will recognize that is to go out and explore it for themselves.

No matter what corner of the world, or country, one may choose to go to, there is no doubt that any voyage will make for an unforgettable experience. Although this kind of traveling is not always easy to make happen, it certainly paves the way to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

THE PAW PRINT

Opinion

April 2012

Pressure to be Skinny Lessening Juliana Cole ’12

Staff Writer While people in the world today are programmed to believe that the size of a person’s waist means just about everything, it is starting to seem as though this may no longer be the case as stars of all shapes and sizes continue to rise.

Celebrities such as Adele, Tyra Banks, and Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes on the TV show “Glee,” have proved that being skinny is not all one needs to be successful in Hollywood, or anywhere for that matter.

Therefore, it seems that the pressure to be stick thin may be beginning to lessen.

Lately, even the fashion world has started to accept more and more full-figured women, making girls feel less pressured to look like beautiful, six-foot tall, onehundred-pound models. Plus-size models, such as Alyona Osmanova, Gitte Lill, and Marquita Pring, are booking major editorials and ad campaigns and walking in top designer shows.

While this would have caused major controversy just years ago, it is beginning to become the norm in the most

superficial industry out there, which is allowing it to be accepted in the real world as well.

Adele, possibly the most successful recording artist of 2011, embraces her full-figured body and refuses to fall victim to the pressures of society. She has shown the world that being plus-size does not really matter, even in the most critical industries. When it comes down to it, talent overrides looks and establishes a long-term artist, as opposed to one that just disappears after a while.

She has been quoted saying, “I’d lose weight if I was an actress and had to play a role where you’re supposed to be 40 pounds lighter, but weight has nothing to do with my career. Even when I was signing [a contract], most of the industry knew if anyone ever dared say [lose weight] to me, they wouldn’t be working with me.”

In the past ten years, almost anyone who looked the part of a pop singer could become famous (i.e. Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and Paris Hilton) even if they had no natural ability at all. However, it seems that people are beginning to focus on the true talent of stars instead of constantly criticizing them for their appearance.

Now, stars are advising people to embrace themselves for who they are as opposed to the size or shape of their bodies. No matter what, people will always idolize and

Page 13

look up to celebrities, which could now mean that being overweight will become more and more acceptable.

Although society will always pressure people to look a certain way to some extent, it is nice to see that the way someone looks no longer necessarily determines success or failure.

My Body, My Own Style Mikayla Beckwith ’14 Staff Writer

Every person wants to have his or her own sections they so often are in.

When a person changes their style and personality. Certain physical and mental changes make them unique appearance, many can argue that is it to to society, but others often criticize the make them unique or to stand out for attention. In some cases this may be true, individual’s choice in appearance.

Walking through the halls of NHS is but the reasoning behind why a person very interesting sometimes. There oto Credit: Essortment. changes their appearance and style co Ph m is not the place for anyone else’s are students with multi-colored negative opinion. hair, piercings in unusual

People have their own places, and tattoos. All of style choices, and it seems these choices are reflections like the society around them of the individual’s opinion. always has an opinion about There are always going to what it sees. It is easy to notice be those who disagree with others commenting on someone’s these choices, but why are these appearance, and there is always some unique aspects of their appearance a real issue? sort of controversy.

If you look through any fashion or teen Gauging my ears over break was my magazine, there are frequently quizzes alternative to having regular earrings. and questionnaires about the reader’s Since then, people who see them have had personal style. Many cannot embrace the an assortment of comments, ranging from, fact that personal styles are different, not “oh, they look really cool,” to, “what were just punk, vintage, romantic, etcetera. you thinking?”

What people do with their appearance One person can be classic, but with a hint of prep while also having a skull should not be the newest scandal. It should tattooed to their ankle. Personal style does be a decision that is only questioned, not need to be categorized in the basic changed, and addressed by the individual.

Obsessing over Celebrites Lillianna Byington ’14 Staff Writer

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When a drug abuser with a good voice has flags at half-mast, you know there is something wrong.

Celebrities are considered gods to paparazzi and the general public, but they are undeserving of this dire fame.

Growing bigger than ever before is the essence of Americans being completely star- struck. On the covers of magazines and tabloids, stars are always making the headlines and the front page. However, the reasons are not always highly regarded.

Many children and adults have celebrities as their role models but they are nothing to look up to. Hearing that Ashton Kutcher is divorcing Demi Moore or Miley Cyrus is into “pot”, fascinates the general public more than anything else.

These celebrities are considered the role models and heroes ofAmerica. However, what is society really looking up to? The majority of stars cannot cope with the paparazzi or the fame and turn to drugs, alcohol and insane actions to get away. The rate for divorce is always higher in celebrity marriages.

By taking focus off of their own lives and focusing all their energy on the lives of celebrities can cause problems like depression, anxiety, decrease in self-esteem, and plenty more.

Maybe the fascination derives from the fact that Americans are brought up with super stars filling the news and they begin to feel close to them. However, it is not acceptable to ignore personal lives and follow celebrities instead.

Many people live vicariously through celebrities’ lives; wanting the celebrities’ homes and crazy adventures to be their own secret desires.

There is a huge obsession with celebrities in America, but what many do not realize is that doctors, lawyers, and soldiers who are saving lives, achieving justice, and fighting for our country are much more intriguing.

Damaging ourselves, future generations, and being completely pointless; if this is what is going on with the expulsion of celebrities then, why do it?

pAgE 14

SpOrtS

April 2012

THE PAW PRINT

Student Sports Attendance Enhancing Equipment jared smith ’14

Staff Writer

ryan halloran ’12 Staff Writer

Talent is seen everywhere at Norwalk High School, whether it is in the art rooms, in the auditorium, or on the turf.

A majority of students at NHS play sports, but each individual should use the same equipment to differentiate true skill from performance enhancement equipment.

As the economy continues to fail and the price of sporting equipment gradually increases, it is becoming harder and harder for some people to purchase the latest technology to give them a slight upper edge on their opponents. However, others come from wealthy families and are able to afford the best equipment.

All students that play a sport for a high school should be limited to the same equipment. Doing this would make the talent of the player shine more than the items they use. Instead of enhancing performance with drugs, athletes are doing it legally by purchasing the latest technology.

For example, baseball bats are made up of different structures that allow a hitter to hit the ball farther. However a baseball bat made out of better material, like composite as opposed to wood, can cost up to $400, which is unaffordable to some people.

Many lacrosse players at NHS want to get their hands on a Cascade Pro 7 helmet. Not only is it visual appealing for the players, but also the manufacturing behind it gives it advantages over other helmets. For example, these helmets

Photo Credit; Jon Wilkins

Photo Credit: Anastasia Koskorelos

Many movies involve high school sports and show full bleachers with most of the town in attendance, but this may just be something shown on the big screen.

Here at Norwalk High School we have many sports that have had very good seasons such as football, soccer, and basketball, which all made it to state tournament. With teams doing so well you would expect to see full bleachers, but the unfortunate fact is that if you go to a NHS game for almost any sport you will have no problem finding a seat.

The people who do come are great at representing our teams. “I go because the crowd and spirit of our crowd is exciting,” says Billy Passero (’15) when asked what attracts him to our schools sporting events.

The Bear Pack makes up most of the NHS student crowd at home and away games.

The Bear Pack goes to almost every game for any team. The group is over a hundred people and a great way for us to show school spirit.

The more fans at the game the more school spirit it looks like the school has.

Having school spirit is a

great thing to have. It gives students pride in their school and shows they care for something that is bigger than them.

Some would think why would people not go if the team is good and there is a good energy. “I’d rather stay home and relax than go to a game and be bored,” Said Brendan Hanzlik (’14).

Other than thinking they will be bored some students do not want to go. “ I’m too busy and lazy to go,” said Thomas Henderson (’14).

Some people will not go to the games because the prices. “ I don’t want to pay,” says Jon Matos (’12). It is inconvenient to have to pay and students should be able to get into games for free.

Showing up to sporting events is a great way to encourage athletes who spend weeks preparing for their seasons.

Next time a student hears there is a game that is home he or she should think twice before blowing it off.

are lighter, better ventilation for airflow and coolness, and technology that absorbs impacts to do less damage to the player.

Players would have to pay over $200 to get their hands on one of these.

The shocking thing here is that several parents are dishing out hundreds of dollars to make their children the best athletes they can possibly be with no certainty at all. This should not make it fair that a person gets a starting spot over another because they have access to better equipment.

It would only make sense if every team and athlete used the same equipment rather than giving their teams a slight upper edge.

There should be more FCIAC regulations to Athletes should be spending less on equipment and more in the gym and on the field.

The Lone Gymnast of NHS matt brown ’13 Web Editor

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During the day, Julia Gorman (’14) is a typical and successful student at Norwalk High School, at night Gorman is flying through the air and ranking high in the state of Connecticut in gymnastics.

Gorman competes as an independent gymnast during the gymnastics season.

Gorman competes in the USAG (United States Academy of Gymnastics). Gorman competes in four different events at her gymnastics meets, which are the beam, bar, floor, and vault.

“I like the vault, I have improved in that the most over the years, and I am pretty good at it” explained Gorman.

Gorman first got into the sport when she was seven years old, her early days of gymnastics began at Tumble Bugs gym when she would go watch her younger sister participate in the sport. She would soon love the sport then start taking classes when she was nine years old. Gorman would compete in her first competition at the age of eleven.

Gorman got where she is with lots of hard work and practice.

Gorman practices for her events through out the whole year and she practices three times a week with two-hour practices. She can practice as much as four or five times the week of a competition.

“It is a lot of hard work and it gets hard with other activities like social events and things like after school clubs and such because if the two interfere I can only pick one and honestly gymnastics usually wins,” explained Gorman.

Hard work really does pay off for Gorman with all the accomplishments she has earned.

When she was thirteen she ranked 1st in the state and 3rd in the region in her age group in all of her events. Last year she was ranked 3rd in the state and 2nd in the region in all of her events as well.

“I would have to say gymnastics is a unique sport. You have to work at it for a long time to enjoy it. Gymnastics sets me and other people apart because of the determination and motivation it requires to succeed.”

Gorman deserves credit for her perseverance and hard work in representing Norwalk in gymnastics.

Sports

THE PAW PRINT

April 2012

Page 15

No Hibernation For These Bears This Winter Season

Kylie Coppola ’13

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When winter sports came to an end, it was safe to say that Norwalk High had a season they could be proud of when it came to all sports. Each winter sport had a decent record, and a lot of hard work behind their games when they played.

The combined Norwalk/Mcmahon hockey team had a pretty deceiving record. By the last game they had a total of three wins, and seventeen losses. Two of the victories against Housatonic, from upstate. This team was their biggest competition and both wins were deserved. The team was coached by Dan Feighan, Mr. Von Arter, Mike Cox, and Derrick Benny, and captains Mike McRoy (’12) and Rocco Bocchetta (’12) helped run the team as well. Team goalie, Richie Henderson (’12), made his team proud and was named all conference second team, and all state second team honors for his hard work.

Boys’ basketball however had a fair season with a final record of 10-10. The team being supervised and directed by Thomas Keyes, and captains Rasheen Thompson (’12), Spencer Murray (’12), and Robert Stringfellow (’12). Due to their success the team qualified for states. “Our goal for this team was to make it to states, and we did,” said Nicholas Boccanfuso (’13).

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The girls’ basketball team was lead by Cr ed i Katie Schmidt (’12), Zayna Fulton (’12), Alexis Noonan (’12), and coached by Ms. Gardiner. They had a final record of fifteen wins and seven losses. Their success did not go unnoticed, especially when they won a divisional title and went to states.

Mr. Fernandez coach of the wrestling team watched Brandon Riggins (’12) go undefeated with a re-

Photo Credit: Kylie Coppola

Staff Writer

Varsity athelete representatives at a sports meeting on March 28, 2012 to talk to freshmen about their promising sports future at Norwalk High School.

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cord of 46-0. He was a New England Champion, and will soon be attending nationals in Virginia Beach. As for the rest of the wrestling team they held a record of 5-22.

As for track, Adam Robertino (’12) was named second place honors New England on the high hurdles. Sherman Lau (’13) from AITE, representing Norwalk High in swimming was named All State breast stroke champion.

“Like the fall we had a tremendous winter season, both our teams, and individual athletes did phenomenal,” said Wayne Mones for his final comments on the winter sports season.

NHS spring SPORTS

NHS Softball

NHS Baseball

Erin Kelly ’13

Erin Kelly ’13

Sports Editor

Sports Editor

“This season should be an exciting one because we have a lot of talent.”

- Katie Schmidt, Co-captain

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“This years team is a young group with inexperience but talent, we are hoping our hard work pays off.”

- Mike Parlanti, Co-captain

Boys Lacrosse

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“We didn’t lose as many players last year as we did the year before and I think we have one of our strongest lineups in years.”

-Alex Libre, Captain

Girls Lacrosse

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Girls Tennis

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“We play in a really tough conference but we definitely have the talent and the ability to go far and make it to states.”

- Victoria Price, Co-captain

Kylie Coppola ’13

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“We’ve just been playing matches to see who is going to play where in the lineup. There is a lot of new people this yeat so it will be interesting to asee how the year plays out.”

-Elle O’Hara, Co-Captain

Girls Track

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“This year is going to be tough just like any other season in the FCIAC. But this group of kids is very mature and has a lot of experience and chemistry so we should be able to compete well with the top teams.”

Jon Wilkins, Co-Captain

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Boys Golf

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Tyler Brown ’13

“We, as a team, are optimistic and very anxious to start this season.”

- Mr. Kodel, Coach

“We have a lot of returning Sports Editor runners from cross country and indoor track, so this season should be the best, stats wise.”

-Jess Sebastian, Co-captain

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SPRING SPORTS (Upcoming Home Games)

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4/7 Trumbull - 4 pm 4/9 Trinity Catholic - 4 pm 4/13 Brien McMahon - 4 pm

4/18 Bassick - 4 pm 4/20 Fairfield Ludlowe - 4pm

BOYS LACROSSE

4/4 St. Joseph - 4:30 pm 4/7 Newtown - 12 am 4/9 New Canaan - 7:30 pm 4/21 Fairfield Ludlowe

SOFTBALL

GIRLS LACROSSE

4/7 New Canaan - 11 pm 4/11 Fairfield Warde - 4 pm 4/16 Ridgefield - 4 pm 4/25 Wilton - 4:30 pm

4/21 Bethel - 1 pm 4/24 New Fairfield - 4:30 pm 4/26 Trumbull - 6 pm 4/28 Westhill - 2 pm

4/4 Staples - 4 pm

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BASEBALL

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Sports Editor “There should hopefully be alot of people to go far in the season and we are prepared to win the most meets we can.”

- Adam Robertino, Captain

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Erin Kelly ’13

4/13 Staples - 4 pm

BOYS TENNIS

4/4 Westhill - 4 pm 4/11 New Canaan - 4 pm 4/12 Fairfield Ludlowe - 4 pm 4/23 Stamford - 4 pm

GIRLS TENNIS

4/5 Brien McMahon - 4 pm

4/10 Trinity Catholic - 4 pm 4/16 Bridgeport Central - 4 pm

BOYS TRACK

5/1 Darien & Wilton - 4 pm 5/8 Bassick & Danbury - 4 pm

GIRLS TRACK

4/9 Fairfield Warde & Harding - 4 pm 5/14 Staples & Stamford - 4 pm

GOLF (Oak Hills)

4/4 Norwalk Invite - 3:15 pm 4/11 Ridgefield/Brien Mcmahon - 3:15 pm 4/12 Trinity Catholic - 3:15 pm