----------------nhspawprint.com------------------
The Norwalk High School
Paw Print
November 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Downfall of the Machines Nicole Dunsmore
editoR
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
OPINION:
Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
Chief
Walking into the Social Studies Resource Center, a student will easily notice the astounding number of out of order computers. The lack of computers is visible in every resource center at Norwalk High. “The MRC (Math Resource Center) is the worst one of all,” said Valerie Serrano (’14). The computers that we have pose no purpose if they are unusable. “The computers are crappy and we need new ones,” added Calvin Williams (’13). The student body of NHS is in desperate need of efficient, effective, well-working computers. Of the computers that still work, they are slow and might take ten minutes to load. When classes need to use the resource centers, students are forced to double or triple up on a computer. Mr. Seaburg explained that the computers’ capacitors have expanded, which is not good,
and it costs money to replace them. “If they are replaced, the computers still might not work well. Computers have a certain lifespan and they are close to the end of it.” The problem seems to lie in the fact that we have only six technicians for a district with over 4,000 computers. The IT Department has to split up their time over nineteen schools while working with limited funds and resources. Mr. Seaburg mentioned, “They are really good at what they do but they are swamped.” The plan for the Out of Order computers in the Social Studies Resource Center. district shows that we are not marked to get new comsource centers as a temporary solution. puters for a while. “Realistically, maybe, Until the situation can be completely alJanuary or February,” Seaburg predicted. leviated, students and faculty must patiently As teachers’ computers are up- deal with the obsolete computers and know dated to adapt with the SMART Boards that the district is aware of the predicament and Mobi’s in the classrooms, their and working on it to the best of their ability. old computers can be put in the re-
Congratulations to Boys Varsity Soccer for their FCIAC Championship and their success so far in States: Hamden: 5-1 Staples: 1-0 Newtown: 2-1
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
SPORTS:
in
VOLUME VII, ISSUE 1
Photo Credit: Amanda Somma
NEWS:
“How the Bears make their mark”
The Wall: Killing Students Slowly
Photo Credit: Vinny Ignizio
November 10, 2012, Staten Island, New York. Staten Island storm weary resident Frank McDaniel stands with seven year old daughter, Isabel in front of some of the Staten Island homes that Frank owns receiving a “Sandy Kit” filled with much needed supplies such as a blanket, gloves, hand warmers, batteries and a flashlight, from Red Cross volunteer Marcella Baum. NHS Donations can go to Mrs. Schlechter room 214D
N at h a l i a Ramirez R e p o Rt e R
Right outside the grounds of Norwalk High School is a “wall of cancer” where students are far enough from the school to legally smoke, yet close enough to walk right out and light a cigarette in peace. For many years this location next to the exit also known as “the wall” has been the place where students go and take social breaks, whether it is before school, inbetween periods, or at lunch. Many teachers feel that the wall causes many students to be distracted from their education. “It’s a social thing, you know; you go, you post up, you talk and you smoke at the same time, gives you something to do throughout the day,” said Dashaun Hall (’13).
Principal Roberts does not agree with it, but because the students are not on school grounds, they are not breaking the rules. He added, “If they are doing this to be cool or fit in, then that is a problem.” He explained that the only thing he could do is suspend them and offer them help. Tomar Joseph (’13) gave his opinion, “‘the wall’ defaces NHS in other words it makes the school look bad.” He also feels that is disrespectful for the people that live in the area. Joseph also brought up the point that there is a daycare at NHS and the wall is not a good example and he believes that could be pushing the parents away from leaving their kids around that environment. Mr. Seaburg, a Psychology and U.S. History teacher feels as if the school should reinforce the rules to help the students who are smoking quit their addictions. “I don’t think it’s good and by reinforcing the rules
about smoking near school property would help them break their habits, especially those who smoke a pack a day.” Officer Sgritta mentioned, “These are kids that are just trying to fit in.” He also said that some of these acts are illegal, such as, “18-year-olds selling cigarettes to younger people, underage smoking, and blocking the sidewalk.” Sgritta also suggested that every door around should have locks and alarms for the security and safety of the students. Additionally, the people that own the property where the wall is have complained multiple times and constantly make phone calls to complain. Those who are against the smoke sessions at the wall recommend working together to provide help for those who view the wall as a necessity. Smoking classes similar to rehab for nicotine was one idea as well as changing the distance allowed for smoking off school property.
If you are looking for more interesting articles and news pertaining to NHS, then head on down to www.nhspawprint.com
Founding Link Crew Haley Doran R e p o rt e r
The Paw Print November 2012
The Bear Pack Roars
homeroom to help guide them throughout their freshmen year. The team says there will be many out-of-school activities involved with the program as well. These after-school activities will emphasize how important the freshmen are not only in school but also out of school. “Link Crew leaders tend to be a friend and mentor outside of the school,” stated Falcone. “Either watching a bear sporting event together or saying hi walking down the street.” The general consensus of the Link Crew Team is that overall this program seems to be working. “I’m so excited that so many students applied to the program last year. My hope is that we can get many more students to apply this year,” said Ireland. Great things are coming up as the school year progresses and ultimately the team wants the program to be part of NHS culture.
Dav i d Bright R e p o rt e r
Photo Credit: Ms. Stamos
Many students may leave Norwalk High School feeling that they have not left a mark in the school community. This is not the case for two seniors, Jeremy Falcone (’13) and Edwin Rosales (‘13) who started Link Crew at Norwalk High School. The spring of their junior year, Falcone and Rosales decided to take the initiative to approach teachers about the adoption of a program to help the transition from middle school to high school be a comfortable and not overwhelming experience. “We didn’t want freshmen to feel intimidated by seniors, instead we wanted them to be high-fiving each other in the class,” Rosales said. After research and an opportunity to shadow Amity High School’s very popular mentoring program, two math teachers, Ms. Gardiner and Mrs. Ireland, as well as Falcone and Rosales, found a program that would be a perfect match for the NHS community: Link Crew. Before the school year ended, they came together and reviewed applicants from the current senior class for the new program. “We sought and chose people who had a positive attitude, could work well with others, and who wanted to commit and believe in this program. We found them,” said Rosales. So far, the Link Crew Team has been paired up and has been assigned a freshman homeroom. Throughout the year, during the advisory period, these senior pairs will meet with their freshman
NEWS
The Pack is back! Norwalk High School’s Bear Pack is back to filling the stands for our schools sporting events. Although the Bear Pack was quiet for a while, they are back to the fierce fan base they used to be back in the day. For those few who do not know who the Bear Pack is, it is a group of students led by chosen seniors that attend NHS sporting events and cheer the teams. This year the Bear Pack is led by Nick Lampman (’13), Tyler Brown (’13), and Emily Roddy (’13). These three seniors are taking the Pack to a whole new level this year. With big shoes to fill from last years leader, Mike Parlanti (’12), Jason Cotaling (’12), and Jennie Deering (’12), they are the right ones for the job. The Bear Pack’s prized possessions are the Bear Pack Flag, the Bear Pack Banner, Moses, the Elf, and the Morph Suits. Students within the Bear Pack are usually equipped with Bear Pack pennies and Bear Pack rally towels. Teams playing NHS will definitely know who the Bear Pack is by the time they leave. The Bear Pack is known for getting into players heads. Norwalk High’s teams have an outstanding home field advantage with the Pack in attendance.
“I would definitely have them there, it brings a whole new element to the game,” said Coach Ireland, who added “There’s a different feeling when you look up and see filled stands, and when you look up and there’s empty stands. Also there’s a different feeling when you look up and there’s an enthusiastic crowd, and when you look up and there’s a non enthusiastic crowd.” The Bear Pack is probably known for their famous. “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” chant, which is chanted when the opposing team commits a foul. This chant also happens to be coach Ireland’s favorite chant, with his second favorite being, “The Rollercoaster” in which the whole pack simulates being on a rollercoaster. The Bear Pack has had a huge influence on the school, considering its spirit has not been this live in years. Thanks to the Bear Pack students are now more involved in our school activities. “If there’s an award for the best fan club, we need to win it.” Said Principal Roberts. With the pack growing each year the future is looking bright.
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
2
Equal Treatment for All Students at NHS Jeanette H a m i lt o n R e p o rt e r Special education students at Norwalk High School may not always be treated with the respect and decency they deserve. In 2008, 35% more disabled students across the United States reported being bullied than did non-disabled students, as was noted on AbilityPath.org. Opinions vary on whether or not this statistic is reflected at NHS. In the eyes of educators, special education students at NHS are treated very well by their general education peers. “There’s never really been any bullying whatsoever,” stated Mrs. Pettibone of her choir classes, where special education students have class with general education students. “80% of the time, the majority of them are with general education students,” said Mrs. Ireland, a special education teacher. “This is my eighth year teaching, and I have had the lucky experience of having students have a good experience with general education students.” While the faculty of the school seems
to have a great outlook on how students interact with each other, some students see a slightly different experience. “They’ll pull on their backpacks, and they’ll make fun of them,” said Shaniece Brown (’13) in reference to the occasional bullying which targets special education students. Shelby Vetare (’13) added, about how special education students are mocked at NHS, “People say things so they react in a certain way. They think it’s funny.” This behavior does not seem to happen in NHS as much as it does across the nation, but it does happen to some extent, and it can be very upsetting for the students. As Ms. Jenkins, a special education aid, says, “They don’t want to be isolated.” However, she added that, “The [general education students’] interactions with special education students are very pleasing. They are very respectful and very helpful.” It seems clear that the negative behavior is happening outside of the supervision of adults. Students at NHS are not as cruel to their special education peers as students in other parts of the country, but some are disrespectful when they think no one is looking.
~LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK~ email: nhspawprint@gmail.com website: nhspawprint.com Room #107D ~ We are everywhere~
The Paw Print November 2012
NEWS
The New Guy at Norwalk High Nicole Dunsmore Chief
ps.org
America’s Youth Begin to Pay Attention to Their Country R e p o Rt e R As history repeats itself, stats recently have shown that politics and teenagers do not mix. With 46 million teenagers from the age range of 18-29, most would think that younger people would outnumber the voting polls. Sources show that this is not the case. The teens at Norwalk High School seem to be in agreement that they do not care much about politics. “I don’t really care because it doesn’t affect me now,” said Allie Hall (’15). Several other students expressed their feelings towards the topic with the same reaction.
“As a teenager you don’t really care that much because it’s not really your problem.” explained Gabriella D’Acunto (’15). “You’ve got so many things on your mind like school and sports, politics is just something else.” Students do not express interest towards what could possibly affect their life later on. One of the faculty members at Norwalk High, Mr.Welsh stated, “The fact that it’s complicated discourages young people from caring about politics. Kids feel powerless.” This generation of teens is the same that is going to be voting in four years at the next election. If they do not know that there is a debt that is now at about $15.23 trillion that rises six percent every year, it is proven that the debt will just keep piling on. It is estimated that this debt
Photo CredIt: cnn.com
J o r da n Arena
will reach twenty-six trillion dollars a decade from now. Teens today will be loaded with debt that they do not have any knowledge of. According to the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) on the gop.gov website they stated that, “children born in 2010 will start life with a personal share of the public debt equaling $29,178.” And in 2023 they stated, “By the time they are 13 years old, their share of public debt will have doubled to $58,971.” Moving forward will be difficult if there is no interest in what is going on now. The present generation and future is stuck with debt that they have no knowledge of. The outcome the nation will either be positive or negative depending on what people take into account now.
creative services print • web • imaging contact: ian kelly p: 203-613-4105 f: 203-846-6943 info@ikdigital.com www.ikdigital.com
Sophie K at z R e p o Rt e R Photo Credit: www.allenamerican.com
By now, every student and staff member of Norwalk High School has heard the name Reginald Roberts; yet many do not know anything about this unfamiliar man, besides the fact that he now holds the optimal position at Norwalk High. Mr. Roberts’ original plan did not include becoming a principal. He was enrolled in pre-med as an aspiring surgeon when he realized, “You know, I don’t really like blood.” He moved up North and has lived in Norwalk on and off for fifteen years, even hearing the endearing music that floated to his house from Andrew’s Field, not knowing the NHS Marching Band was the source. Now that he is the Principal of NHS, he feels comfortable here and has been genuinely welcomed to the school, remarking that, “I have never seen anything like it; people just stop me in the hallway and say, ‘Hi Principal Roberts!’ I guess that’s my new name, Principal Roberts!” He loves the friendly environment of the school and feels that he is part of a pack, which every student should feel a part of as well. Mr. Roberts also greatly
alk norw tal. por w. ww
in
like to make a bigger demand on teachers. He wants to improve Ph “How teachers present oto Cr information, make it more interesting and relevant, make you want to come back. Students shouldn’t leave class not knowing something.” H e implicates the same strategy for sports, “Getting coaches and making them make you work and see that you can do what you’ve never done before.” Mr. Roberts wants students to “Leave NHS with a different understanding of yourself than when you came, find what makes you tick.” He defines success as “being able to articulate what your own vision is and define what your standards are.” To him, everything about being a principal is enjoyable, “I like people, I like talking to parents, even when they’re angry. I don’t see this as a challenge, this job is very fun.” it: ed
editoR
appreciates the spirited Bear Pack and mentioned, “We need to win Best Fan Group in Fairfield County this year.” Mr. Roberts makes clear that students play a big role in the school, “To think 120 teachers are more important than 1500 students is wrong. Your opinions are very important to me.” He is currently working on some issues that have been brought to his attention such as the bathrooms, “I talked to the custodial staff and I can change some policies to keep the bathrooms open.” Mr. Roberts also enforced the cell phone policy, which he explained was made a law in 1996 due to pagers being distracting to the school environment. He admitted, “It probably needs to be changed, but it hasn’t.” The rule also entails the consequence of a fine, which he is not asking anyone to pay. Additionally, Mr. Roberts would
Life or Text
3
“Where r.” These were the last two words the driver saw before Wil Craig had to learn how to read again. AT&T sponsored a commercial called “Where r”. This commercial describes the true story of a 20 year old, Wil Craig, struggling to put on a t-shirt, explaining to the audience that his whole life has changed because of one simple text message. Craig was just a passanger on the way to the movies, when the driver glanced at a text, causing the car to slide off the road and hit a tree. Because of that one text message, Craig is now suffering from traumatic brain injury. He now needs to learn how to walk, talk, read, and write all over again. In only 29 seconds, this commercial can completely change a person’s view on texting and driving. Though the commercial impacts people differently, every person has a strong reaction to it. At Norwalk High, Psychology teacher Ms. Morris expressed her feelings on the commercial. “I feel bad for the guy, but I like the commercial. We need commercials where it really hits you and you realize, ‘Wow that could be me’.” Reading facts about texting and driving being a problem does not appear as effective as actually seeing a real life situation. That really opens people’s eyes to recognize that it could happen to anyone you know or yourself. “It is not a voice over. You can see it and it makes you realize, ‘that could be someone I know, or me’,” explained Ryan Page (’13). The commercial is essentially directed at teenagers because of the fact that we text five times more a day than the typical adult. Because of this, some teenagers may not be mature enough to focus on the actual message of the commercial. Another problem is the amount of kids that say their parents are texting while driving. “One time, I had the phone on speaker in my lap, and my mom and her boyfriend yelled at me to pull over. The funny thing is, they’re constantly texting while driving,” said Vanessa Gaddy (‘13). However, some people do not think texting while driving is a problem. According to textinganddrivingsafey.com, 1.3 million automobile crashes involve cell phones. One in four people admit to texting while driving. Looking at your phone takes your attention away for five seconds, which is the length of a football field if you are driving at about 55 mph. One text. That is all it takes to change a life forever. It is a life or “text” situation.
4
NEWS
The Paw Print November 2012
Photo Credit: Bonnie Judkins
Marching Bears in NY Putting the ‘Physical’ M At t h e w in Physical Education B ro w n M e d i a M a nag e r Six years; it has been six entire years since the Norwalk High School Marching Bears last competed in the Empire State. The New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFB) was where the Marching Bears competed. Throughout this past marching season, the Marching Bears competed in both their usual Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competitions throughout the state of Connecticut, as well as the NYSFB. “We’re looking for something different to do,” explained the Marching Bears director, Mr. Rivera. “We are competing against bands we do not normally compete against, and we had such a good experience before then, so I wanted to do it again.” The many different schools that the marching band competed in included Arlington High School in LaGrange, New York; Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station, New York; and Phoenix High School in Phoenix, New York. “I’m going to practice all of my music and try to help the others learn and perform to the best of their ability,” said percussionist Conor Mulford (‘13) regarding how he is preparing for the new Marching Conference. The Marching Bears had many things to look forward to this year, because the championship competition was held in the
Blair Roberts performing at MAC Championships
Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. “I am ecstatic for our upcoming trip to Syracuse. For all my time being a part of the band, I have not traveled far. It’s good that we can travel across the state line so other people can hear how we play,” explained the brass captain of the Marching Bears, Sam Genovese (‘13). The New York State Field Band Championship was held on Sunday, October 28th at Syracuse University. The Marching Bears competed that evening and finished with a score of 95 points, earning them 2nd place. After their accomplishments that evening, they returned to Norwalk that very same morning. The Norwalk High School community would like to congratulate all of the Marching Bears musicians and color guard on their wonderful accomplishments this year, showing their “eyes with pride”.
Christina Deblasi R e p o rt e r Schools around the nation have already taken action to reduce the spread of childhood and teenage obesity. Many schools are influenced by Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. The campaign’s goal is for America to promote getting active and raising a healthier generation of kids. NHS strongly encourages students to join sports teams, and has also recently decreased the school lunch portions sold in the cafeteria. In order to graduate at NHS, students are required to pass four quarters, or one full credit, of mandatory physical education classes, which students could easily finish sophomore year. There are not any additional opportunities offered to students who seek a chance to get active during the long academic school day. Thus, NHS should offer phys. ed. electives. Phys. ed. electives could include, for example, courses such as Zumba, Pilates, and kickboxing. These courses are offered at public and private gyms, like The Edge Fitness Club. Since many students dread phys. ed. class, these electives would be fun and a great way for students to get active during the school day. Mr. Marchetti, the head of the Physical Education department at NHS, agrees
that in the future the Phys. Ed. Department needs to reformulate the curriculum and possibly change the graduation requirements. Marchetti stated, “The goal is to get students to understand the concept of movement and its benefits.” Many students struggle to make time in their busy schedules to fit in exercise, so students would definitely benefit from phys. ed. courses offered during the school day. The leading cause of childhood and teenage obesity is an unhealthy diet and poor physical activity. The food we consume everyday contributes to our wellbeing. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight. A recent study performed by the New York University School of Medicine found that the chemical BPA links to obesity in children and teens. The study has proven that BPA disrupts children and teens’ metabolisms and unbalances their hormones. Aerobic exercises are a great way to stay active and improve one’s health. Examples of aerobic exercise are as simple as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, and dancing. Getting active and living a healthy lifestyle must become a goal that individuals are determined to accomplish for themselves. Gym electives can allow individuals to achieve this goal, not alone, but with the help and encouragement of their peers in a school environment.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
6
The Paw Print November 2012
Rapper Redefines the Classic “Princess” A&E Editor
Do you want your artwork featured in the next issue of The Paw Print? Drop it off to Mr. Karl in 106B or email us at nhspawprint@ gmail.com!
Although sophomoric to the fame and hype, Azealia Banks seems unscathed by artists standing higher on the pedestal such as Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. Her aggressive lyrics and demanding attitude combined with a million-dollar smile are a sure blend of success.
Cartoon by: Miles Cooper
Since the 1920s, Harlem, New York has been renowned for its plethora of groundbreaking artists, and it continues to birth such successful fames to this day. 21-year-old Azealia Banks is certainly no exception to this trend. As a rising hip hop and R&B artist, Banks presents herself with a sassy don’t-give-a-damn attitude paired with provocative lyrics, verbal dexterity and beats that make one feel as though they are sashaying down the runway during Fashion Week. Fitting to her sound, her style is equally as scandalous as she sports fishnet tights, bras constructed entirely of blue LEDs and Swarovski crystals, dark lipstick and mermaid-like extensions flowing down to her waist.
Photo Credit: www.billboard.com
Erin K e l ly
In September 2011, Azealia Banks released her debut single “212”, which quickly reached top 20 charts in Europe. She has also been featured on various singles from artists such as Lana Del Rey, M.I.A. and Lady Gaga. Banks is best known for her hit singles “1991”, “Van Vogue”, “Liquorice”, and “212”. Although fresh to the lifestyle of a celebrity, Banks seems to have no problem adjusting. “I’m very hot,” she proclaimed while performing at Concorde 2, a music club in Brighton, UK. To diverge from similar artists of the genre, Azealia incorporates many Disney princess references in her music, including calling herself “young Rapunzel” and dressing up like the little mermaid from the hood.
Bashing Generations Causes Internet Turmoil Lucas Keogh News Editor In any tabloid magazine or website, the front pages are filled with shots of Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, or Lady Gaga. Most people look at these gossip machines and blame their generation for the technically useless material. However, they do not realize that they can be the catalysts to change what their generation represents. Go to any music video on Youtube for a new teen pop star. It is almost guaranteed that one of the most recent comments, if not one of the top comments, is one that says, “I am so sorry for my generation to produce garbage like this!” or something along the lines of that. The same goes for music videos for songs twenty years ago. People flood the comments trying to say that they are “true 90s kids” and they prefer Chumbawamba to today’s music. The problem is not the music at hand. There have been extremely controversial artists and one-hit-wonders for decades, producing bad music while being extremely
popular. Vanilla Ice is somehow still relevant every once in a while despite his only two famous songs reaching the charts twentythree years ago. The real problem is how these people who complain are just in denial of the fact that there is plenty of great music still being released to this day. For example, Alternative Rock is a music genre that does not get nearly as much attention as Pop does. If one of these people online complaining was a fan of that genre, they could do a quick Google search for “Alt Rock Bands” and find an entire list on Wikipedia of almost all the famous Alternative Rock bands throughout the decades. A quick scan through this list brings up names like Gorillaz, Foo Fighters, and Kings of Leon, all groups that are still active today and do not get a lot of airtime on Kiss 95.7. Maybe the people who complain never bothered to listen to other genres. Maybe they would rather sit at the computer and complain. Whichever reason it is, the fact still lies that people like Justin Bieber and One Direction have gotten most of their popularity by the people who feel the need to complain about them every moment they can.
The Paw Print November 2012
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Spotlights on a Timeless Talent Lillianna Byington B u s i n e s s M a nag e r
The One-Hit Wonder of the Summer
“I threw a wish in a well. Don’t ask me, I’ll never tell. Samantha I looked to you as it fell, but Ricci still you’re in my way.” These are the beginning words to this R e p o rt e r summer’s hit song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. It seems there is not a pop radio station in America that has escaped from this song. “Call Me Maybe”, released in the early summer, was number one Top Purchased on iTunes for weeks. “When you write a bunch of songs, it’s like being asked to pick a favorite kid. You wonder what will be loved and what will just be my own personal journal entry. It was a surprise that it took off the way it did,” said Jepsen in a recent interview. This song, about a girl trying to get a guys attention and give him her phone number, is stuck in the heads of so many people from children, to teens, and even grown ups. The upbeat melody and well-thought lyrics are what make this song such a success. “Since I was seven, music has been a big part of my life,” said Jepsen. “At every party or family event I would always find my way up to the stage.” Carly Rae Jepsen is originally from Canada and competed in “Canadian Idol”, a Canadian version of “American Idol.” Jepsen won third place in this competition and immediately began her pop star career. She came up with “Call Me Maybe” hoping that she could get a few iTunes downloads. She intended it to be a starter song to her career, not knowing that the song created by an average girl, living in a small town in Canada, would become a big hit everywhere. A new hit for Carly Rae Jepsen has just been released. The song is called “The Kiss,” and she hopes that it will be as big as a success as “Call Me Maybe.” “It’s all blowing my mind, totally. I don’t know what happened. I got really lucky, I guess. Justin [Bieber] came home [to Canada] for Christmas, heard the song, and he loved it. He listened to it with his girlfriend and friends and tweeted about it innocently. That is when the recording labels targeted me.” The song has now died down. Radio stations are rarely playing the song. “I think that this is what happens with every song,” says Jepsen. “It is popular for a few weeks then it is just old news. I am just so grateful that the hype lasted as long as it did.”
Photo Credit: www/ryanseacrest.com
Cartoon by: Miles Cooper
Photo Credit: www.silive.com
Times change, and in our fast pace world, most things expire or become outdated. However, there is one woman whose comic act has proven to move with the times, Joan Rivers. Attempting to break into the tough world of celebrity since her appearance on the Johnny Carson show during the late 1950’s, she has most definitely broken in at the age of 79. O n e may think everything is a joke to a comedian, but after her husband, Edgar, committed suicide, not everything was so funny anymore. Through e v e r y hardship and hurdle Rivers has overcome, she has learned and grown. Some may know Rivers strictly from her extensive plastic surgeries, which has hit the high number of 739. However, she has worked a lot harder at her career than being solely known for a tight face. Recently writing a New York Times best seller, “I Hate Everyone Starting With Me,” she was praised for her funny, yet harsh opinions.
Some find her work offensive, while others find her inspiring with the ability to write what she feels with no regrets. She has made a documentary, “A Piece of Work,” which exhibits her perseverance and hardships but also her great life, tolerating friends, and experiences. E! News has had the pleasure of hosting Joan Rivers as a part of their team since 1994 first when she started with her daughter. To this day, she has an intriguing reputation known as the host who gives the truth in a hysterical way through the extremely popular show, Fashion Police. In the show, Joan Rivers and her team of fashion critics closely watch and laugh at fashion do’s and don’ts of the most popular celebrities. W i t h struggle and years of hard work, Joan Rivers has reached the point of tremendous success. Though vulgar and brutally honest at times, Rivers is a role model, driven through her life to be successful and earned recognition. At age 79, remaining devoted to her career, a zeal for life and retirement far off in the horizon; Joan Rivers has become an icon. If only Norwalk High students could find such a passion. Oh, the places they would go.
7
8
THE FE
The Paw Print November 2012
What did you do over the week long power outage?
Photo Credit by Matt Brown
Photo Credit by Lillianna Byington
Heard in the Halls
Photo Credit by Shore and Country Club
Photo Credit by Matt Brown
“ I went to South Carolina.” Lilly Bento (‘16)
“I went to my friends’s houses.” Jimmy Berne (‘16)
Photo Credit by Lillianna Byington
Staten Island Storm Relief
Following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, we are collecting the following items to provide relief to those in need “I stayed home and played on Staten Island: board games.” Allie Hall • Cleaning Supplies (‘15) • • • • • • •
Work & Latex Gloves Face Masks Tarps Plastic Storage Bins w/ Tops Batter-Operated Lanterns Flashlights Undergarments for Men, Women, and Children • Laundry Detergent • Bleach
• • • • • •
Diapers Baby Clothing & Coats Formula/Baby Food Toys Baby Toiletries Gift Cards to Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Costco, etc.
“I stayed at my friends’s houses and read books.” Supplies can be brought to 214D (Mrs. Schlechter’s Room). All supplies will be distributed throught the Staten Island Lions Club, with direction Evie Jenkins (‘15) from the Red Cross.
EATURE
The Paw Print November 2012
9
Heard in the Halls
Sandy Pauses Life for Norwalk’s Citizens M At t h e w B ro w n Media editoR
Overton’s by the beach was photographed flooded and partially under water.
Photo Credit by Shore and Country Club
Photo Credit by Mr. Brookshire
Photo Credit by Shore and Country Club
It was an event that many people will remember for the rest of their lives. Hurricane Sandy entered into the Tri-State area on October 29th and left that area the following day leaving devastation, which changed lives and the landscape forever. This storm created power outages, destroyed homes, left trees on the ground and even caused fatalities. Yet, even after the painful aftermath of Sandy, people all over the east coast were able to come together and overcome the obstacles the storm left them. “One of the most devastating storms we have had in awhile,” explained Eric Arena (‘13). The City of Norwalk was an example of a town that was devastated from the events of Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy left approximately sixty percent of customers (17,910) in Norwalk without power the morning after the storm hit according to The Hour. There were homes that were said to be “unlivable” after the damages as well as many trees and debris that fell on the ground in the aftermath of Sandy. This storm caused people to be away from work as well as causing Norwalk Public Schools to cancel school for a total of six school days. The storm also caused the cancellation of Norwalk High School’s annual “Cavalcade of Bands”. The storm also resulted in a reduced amount of Trick or Treaters in Norwalk on Halloween. This hurricane also caused many inconveniences
for many other students who lived in Norwalk. “The Storm was horrible for everyone,” explained Lindsey Soderstrom (’14), who continued, “We had no power, and many more people lost power. I spent the week staying home trying to light my house.” Though the storm may have knocked some people down, many people were still able to get up once again. “This was a historic storm that we knew would be bad for our area,” explained State Senator Bob Duff. He commented that people should “remember that during this storm, we need to work together and help our loved ones.” Hurricane Sandy has changed some forever. The United States itself had a peak of 8.5 million power outages according to the Huffington Post. This storm affected 60 million people all together in the United States according to the Red Cross. “We will put 120 percent toward the recovery of Sandy,” explained President Barack Obama. The road ahead may not look like an easy road to recover from, but with much help from the armed forces, the Red Cross Foundation, and NBC’s “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” relief benefit concert, that road may not be as difficult as others may think. With all those organizations and many others coming together to help everyone out, then there will be better days ahead for every person affected in the storm. “As long as we’re safe, that is the most important thing,” said Senator Duff. If you would like to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
What did you do over the week long power outage?
“Since I never lost power, I played videogames and watched TV.” Chase Rombout (‘14) “I read eight books.” Tevi Murillo (‘14)
“I played field hockey, went shopping, and hung out with friends.” Sarah Krysiuk (‘13)
“I charged my iPhone in various coffeehouses.” Michael Aldana (‘13)
EDITORIAL
10
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.
The Paw Print November 2012
Editor in Chief Nicole Dunsmore
Staff Writers William Angione Jordan Arena David Bright Shaniece Brown Christine Busardo Alyssa Chariott Karen Cuellar Christina DeBlasi Haley Doran Jeanette Hamilton Sophie Katz Kyshawna McCrae Samantha Northrop Nathalia Ramirez Samantha Ricci Christina Sawyer Mia Singleton William Wilkinson
___________Design Team___________ News Editor Lucas Keogh Arts & Entertainment Editor Erin Kelly Opinion Editor Mikayla Beckwith Media Manager Matthew Brown Sports Editor
Advisor Mr. Karl
Kylie Coppola Business Manager Lillianna Byington
A special thank you to Father’s Club, without their support, The Paw Print would not be possible.
The Rewarding Experience of Journalism
As a senior, this is my third year taking Journalism. I chose to take this course Editor in Chief three years in a row because having a voice in this school and potentially making a difference, even as minimal as altering someone’s view on a subject, is an opportunity I cannot pass up. Seeing my articles published in a newspaper and distributed for countless individuals to read is a feeling that will never get old. Through the Paw Print, the staff can cover any topic that is important to them and make students aware of subjects unknown to most. The staff also learns to work as a team in a production process
Nicole Dunsmore
that relies heavily on each member’s effort. After getting a better grip on how a newspaper is run, I was granted the opportunity to attempt the position of Editor in Chief. The pressure and stress to produce a quality paper in a short amount of time is challenging, but I have already learned a lot about working in this environment and all the chaos that comes with it, enjoying myself through it all. Like past editors and staff of the Paw Print, my experience in journalism has been rewarding and I hope to expand my knowledge even more throughout the year. Hopefully we will continue to produce newspapers this year that everyone, especially alumni, can be proud of.
The Importance of the Paw Print According to Alumni
SASHA DIAS (’08) The journalism program is great for students, who like me, are interested in making writing their career. It also got me interested in what was going on in the world when looking for stories, which in a world where mindless TV is at your finger tips, just reading the news is a feat. Journalism was one of those classes that didn’t make me feel as though I were sitting in a class. It was a class where voicing your objections was the point and any forum for a student to stretch their creative muscles is worth the money. ERIC SCATAMACCHIA (’11)Working for the Paw Print is the memory that
stands out the most for me from my years at NHS. Having been apart of the school newspaper in various roles from staff writer to head editor the Paw Print helped me improve my work ethic, writing ability and leadership skills. Now as a copy editor for the University of Connecticut newspaper I am able to use my experiences while on the Paw Print to help me succeed in both the journalism field and also in all areas of life after high school.
DANIEL CONKLIN (‘09) Journalism gives the individual who has a voice usually reserved for a few the ability to reach the masses. Whether it is the school paper, local paper, or national paper the ability to express opinions publicly and widely is a luxury that must not be taken for granted. There is no better place to find that voice than as a young adult in high school. The Paw Print helped me find my voice and I hope it helps many more in the years to come. SARA LEDUC (‘09) My experience working on the Norwalk High School Paw
Print enhanced my life in many ways. It made me a better student, a better writer, a better thinker, and most importantly a more effective leader. Being editor of this paper allowed me to confidently become the founding president of my sorority and be the first leader of my chapter, gave me the writing skills to successfully complete three internships, and has given me an academic advantage in my classes. Working on the Paw Print is a great opportunity for Norwalk High students that will enrich their studies and give them skills to utilize for years to come.
CHELSEA JACOBY (‘09) Without the Paw Print I don’t think my high school experience would have been the same. The paper allowed me to gain responsibility, be knowledgeable of current events that affected the student body, meet new people and form new friendships. All of these things and the lessons I learned just by being a part of the Paw Print staff have carried over even after I graduated and will stay with me forever. Having graduated in 2009 and am still an avid reader of the Paw Print says a lot and Norwalk High School as well as its students it’s won’t be the same without it. LINDSAY MEGALE (‘08) It is hard to put into words how one class has affected me so much, but I can say I would not be where I am today without journalism. Although I will not be pursuing a career in journalism, my experiences at the Paw Print have guided me in my studies in college and my plans for afterwards. Everyone deserves the chance to be apart of something as great as the Paw Print. SAMANTHA TUOZZOLO (‘08) Looking back now, taking journalism was one
of the best choices I made in my high school career. The journalism program at Norwalk High School allowed me to design, write, and explore. When I got involved in Journalism I developed a passion for writing, designing and reporting that I never had before. The program allowed me to work on and improve my writing and leadership skills without ever realizing I was doing work. With NHS distributing “The Paw Print” once a month and seeing the response we got from students and staff made me encouraged and feel good about a part of myself that I never had the chance to explore before.
KATIE RENDE (‘08) Working on The Paw Print was by far the most rewarding
experience of my high school career. I was given the unique opportunity to build and shape a newspaper. But this newspaper came to symbolize so much more. For me, it was what built a sense of community within the walls of Norwalk High. I learned how to write, how to edit, and how to collaborate with my peers – all skills that would come to be incredibly useful in college. I was (and still am) so proud of what Mr. Karl’s Journalism class accomplished. The Paw Print turned me into a better writer and allowed me to become deeply involved in Norwalk High in a way that I would never have been able to accomplish otherwise. I am so proud to have been a part of it!
HELP WANTED Staff Writers Needed
Sign up for Journalism second semester!
OPINION
The NHS courtyard.
Photo Credit: Christina DeBlasi
For the average student, four minutes may seem to be a decent amount of time to go from one class to another, but in Norwalk High School this is not always the case. The hallways in NHS are overcrowded to the point where people are just standing there, shoulder to shoulder, and not even moving. It makes it hard for students to get to class and they end up being late. The area that would have to be the most congested hallway is second floor D house near the stairs. Most students go through that hallway at least once a day and have to deal with the so-called “traffic”. It starts off with people getting annoyed and ends with people yelling and pushing to get through the crowd. Security should not just be in A house, but should be near the stairs to prevent this and tell the students to start moving just like they do in A house. When a student is walking in the hallways during passing time, it should be exactly like a road or a highway. People going a certain way should be on one side, people going the opposite way should be on the other side. But of course there will be those people who are going to go the wrong way in the wrong “lane” causing more traffic and more annoyed students. Lastly, there are always those people, usually girls, who stop right in the middle of the halls to have small talk or hug their best friend. During passing time it is perfectly fine to say hi to friends, but there
For years, students have attempted to get permission for the courtyards to be open during lunch; seniors should be granted the opportunity to benefit from this privilege. The Norwalk High School cafeteria is a crowded, stuffy place that many seniors attempt to avoid. Instead, they seek haven in various classrooms around the school. Since faculty does not want students wandering the halls, they should provide an area for all seniors to enjoy and eat in peace. Norwalk High’s courtyards are the perfect spot for this, yet they are not used by anyone. The problem seems to revolve around supervision of students. But if given the chance, seniors could be trusted to utilize the courtyards without the presence of administration. In a matter of months, these seniors will be alone twenty-four hours a day while away at college. Therefore, they are already mature enough to handle themselves now, and if not, this opportunity will teach them some responsibility. Instead of banning students from the courtyards, they should be allowed to try it out, and then if it does not work out, the privilege can be removed. Rather than unfairly preventing seniors from a benefit because of a potential downfall, they should be rewarded because of the fact that they behave appropriately. An additional predicament resides in custodians. Students eating lunch outside
R e p o rt e r
is a certain place for that, and the middle of the hall is not that place. Passing time should not be an issue in school. It should not be a time where students get pushed or yelled at, it should simply be to get from one class to another without any difficulty. These situations could easily be avoided. If students would start walking at a decent pace, stop the pushing and the shoving, and not stop in the middle of the halls, and causing “traffic jams” Norwalk High School would be less congested.
Chief
Passing time in the 2nd floor, C-house hallway.
What Will UBecome? We Have a Few Suggestions. With more than 125 innovative programs, the University of Bridgeport makes it easier for you to become the person you want to be. If you’re interested in engineering, UB offers the largest program in Connecticut. Our Health Science Division is the leader in integrated health science education. For your creative side, UB’s fashion merchandising program and the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design programs in graphic, industrial and interior design provide students with an award-winning learning experience. And if business is your passion, no other private university in Connecticut can prepare you for the global economy like UB. Experience UB’s state-of-the-art learning facilities, industry experienced faculty, and careerfocused curriculum delivered in a small-class setting. Take the first step to a rewarding career and becoming the person you always wanted to be at the University of Bridgeport.
Call us today at 1.800.EXCEL.UB or visit bridgeport.edu for more information.
B
R
I
D
G
E
P
O
R
T
t
S
T
A
M
F
O
R
D
t
W
A
T
E
11
in
Christine Busardo
Editor
comes with garbage and litter. Therefore, custodians would have to be reassigned to clean up the courtyards. This might not be a possibility, so maybe students could control the trash situation themselves. If a garbage can is left outside, seniors are responsible enough to dispose of their own food. If there is flyaway food left at the end of the lunch period, a few students could be assigned to make sure all the fragments are picked up. Opening the courtyards would provide seniors an appealing section of the school that is solely for them. Underclassmen could look forward to this advantage when they become seniors, and they will deserve it for making it through three challenging years to their final year of high school.
Photo Credit: Christina DeBlasi
Nicole Dunsmore
Crowded Hallways
Closed Courtyards
The Paw Print November 2012
R
B
U
R
Y
OPINION
12
The Paw Print November 2012
Tweetin’ Up Your Life TLC’s Newest Star J o r da n Arena R e p o rt e r
Haley Doran R e p o rt e r Here Comes Honey Boo Boo has become the latest reality television craze. Although some people watch this show for entertainment, others are disgusted because it exploits the life of an innocent seven-year-old. This television show centers around seven-year-old, Alana Thompson, a beauty pageant contestant, and how she lives her day to day life with her not so commonly named family: Mama, Sugar Bear, Pumpkin, Chubbs, and Chickadee. Ever since the show first aired, it has brought in close to three million viewers an episode. It even had the same ratings as “Bill Clinton’s Democratic National Convention speech”. People watch the show because they are entertained by the craziness of it, but do not realize how hurtful this show is for Alana’s future. Mama’s quote from one of the episodes is, “Life is about having fun and making memories. And if you’re not doing that, you’re not living it.” As much truth as there is in that quote, there are many concerns about exploiting children on television and how it will affect them in the future. “To subject your kid to all this
attention obviously isn’t healthy. You have a situation where the kid is calling the shots. There are no boundaries. It’s very damaging developmentally,” states Michael Brody, psychiatrist and chair of the Television and Media Committee of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Photo Credit: santarosfamilyblog
Photo Credit: Christina Sawyer
Since many Americans watch this show for their own humorous pleasure, this very confident seven-year-old may suffer. When she grows into her teenage years, she may be more aware of how most Americans viewed her show and she might even regret some of her behavior. Obviously, for Alana’s sake, we hope that there can be more structure in the show and that people will not see Here Comes Honey Boo Boo as such a mockery.
Photo Credit: booksnreview
Having the urge to tweet for teens is almost as difficult as having the urge to eat. Twitter has become a major role in the daily lives of teens, speaking for myself especially. Right as the clock turns 2:15 the phones come out and the tweeting begins. Teens today breathe and live on twitter. When something, that happens in their lives, teens feel the need to share it with the public. Healthy or not, twitter is also a place teens go to clear their heads after a long day of school; but when is enough, enough? There are other alternative ways to stay satisfied rather than being on a social network 24/7. Maybe twitter could also affect the stress and dissatisfaction that teens sometimes feel. Twitter is the home base for drama and fights, which leads to unnecessary situations. Putting your self through that in a whole 24 hour day cycle is not essential to living life. Twitter also is a major distraction. When in the process of doing my homework, my phone is always next to me, when in school, my phone is always near
me, when just relaxing my phone is always by my side. Constantly checking twitter every 5 seconds can lead to an addiction. Going the whole entire time not tweeting or checking twitter while doing homework is very hard and nearly impossible. Staying on task while doing something important is harder then anything when a phone is right next to me. All that is going through my mind is, “what is going on now on twitter? I wonder if there is a fight going on? Was that sub tweet earlier about me?” Getting through studying for a test, completing a project, or a homework assignment is always interrupted by that one distraction. If that distraction was limited to the amount of time you could be on it or use it a day, maybe homework and important tasks would be able to get done. Twitter may not be the only thing that may distract teens, but it plays a huge role. Yes, phones in general are incorporated with that, but twitter is something that seems to always cause you to go back to in the end. Entire lives are focused around this one social media website, and once you are caught up in an addiction it is hard to get out of it.
Confessions of an Unwilling Only Child
about how boring it is here and how badly they want to escape, and I had always thought things were not so bad. Now, seeing him off on his own, completely free and independent, has me thirsty for new places, new faces, new adventures, new classes, and everything else. Since he has been gone, I have visited him a few times. It is interesting to see how different life is on the collegiate level. He has reported his new bedtime being about 4:30 a.m. and his new favorite spot to play guitar is atop a small cliff right outside of campus where his friends have frequent bonfire gatherings. Although his life is on a completely new and different level than mine, we have found ourselves keeping in touch more than when he lived at home. Being apart means there is more to talk about and more things to teach one another.
Photo Credit: Erin Kelly
A student moving into their first year of college can be overwhelmed by the perplexing and dissimilar experience, but they are not the only ones affected by the move. My whole life was spent side by side with my older brother. Being only fifteen months apart, we could do everything together. Our adolescence was filled with summers of afternoons in Grandpa’s pool until our fingers pruned like raisins, weekends camping out at state parks with childhood friends roasting marshmallows and exploring the wilderness, late night games of manhunt, staying up all night on Christmas Eve eagerly anticipating the magic we would feel in a few hours, make-believe
A&E Editor
games merging Barbies and Star Wars action figures, the memories are innumerable. Even as teenagers our bond held strong as we endured hectic family vacations, attended music festivals and concerts, and aimlessly drove around Fairfield County blasting Oasis when my brother passed his license test. Now, those days are behind us ever since he left for college in August. Although it is a mere 45-minute drive to New Haven, it is still bizarre not having him around at home. Endless hours of hearing that guitar from the basement strumming familiar tunes from the car rides to school have become pure silence. Strangely enough the garbage can needs to be emptied half as much prior to his departure, as well as the amount of dishes in the sink that need washing. I guess we had never realized how much a growing teen boy’s
Erin K e l ly
stomach demands. His departure has also opened my eyes to the whole college experience. Over the years, countless friends have complained
420 Westport Ave Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-840-1120 Fax: 203-840-1130 Hours: 11am - 10pm Every Day
Cranbury Market 343 Newtown Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 845-0026
OPINION
The Paw Print November 2012
13
Lies Taught Early on Respect for Sept. 11th Lucas Keogh News Editor
Historic Architecture M i k ay l a Beckwith Opinion Editor Architecture of the 21st century has adapted to the style and preferences of our new age taste, but the beauty that is architecture of past centuries can never be forgotten and can still be appreciated as modern innovation. Whenever people visit historic places, a lot of times they will dread the touring and learning included in exploring the old churches, buildings, statues, and sculptures. Many will complain that the old fashioned style is boring and irrelevant to their personal taste. British politician Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” When the design of a building becomes a modern version of our historical architecture, our opinions of these seemingly ancient creations become outdated, boring, and unappealing. So the question is why is architecture from hundreds of years ago not interesting to the general public? The answer is: it should be. Take for instance the famous cathedral in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia. This cathedral is the existing proof that architecture can still be interesting even if it was design over a hundred years ago. La Sagrada Familia was first designed and constructed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar in 1882. Antoni Gaudi,
Photo Credit: Lucas Keogh
Elementary school is meant to be a place for children to learn. Kids spend six years of their life in the school to learn the basics of Math, English, and History. However, some of the lessons taught in elementary schools across the country are outdated, or even complete lies. Young adults occasionally look back on their elementary school lives, and some of them remember being taught very strange things that are not true. For example, the most famous culprit is being told that our tongues have a “map” of taste buds, where people distinguish certain tastes on different parts of their tongue (the tip of our tongue tastes sweet foods, the sides taste sour food). Even as a child I was skeptical about this being true. Another false lesson I remember being taught was that Christopher Columbus discovered America because he accidentally traveled west when he meant to travel east. A more popular misconception about him is the belief that he discovered that the Earth was round, which many people still believe to this day. In fact he never actually landed on the continental United States, and instead landed in Haiti. Some people may say that this is because a first grader may not be able to comprehend all the factors behind the discovery of America, but if that is the The much younger and more innocent days. case there should be no effort put into teaching it until the
who continued construction until his death in 1926, replaced Villar in 1883. To this day, the cathedral is in the midst of construction. It started about 130 years ago and has a good 30 years left. Inside the cathedral is an expected religious influence and silence demeanor, but modern lighting, beautiful stained glass window art, and modern design makes La Sagrada Familia an architectural amazement. So if one building can be started in 1882 and look as modern and astonishing as La Sagrada Familia, why cannot other architecture? When the students of Norwalk High School travel to Italy, Spain, Germany, etcetera, they should be able to enjoy their trip for more than a getaway with friends in a foreign country. These trips should be appreciated for their ancient cities and attractions. They should be an exciting part of these trips. “Maybe kids’ brains have not developed. When I was 15, was I this way too?” commented Mr. Von Arter, an NHS world history teacher. Maybe we students are not programmed to appreciate ancient architecture, but that in no way means that it has to be shied away from and frowned upon. Old is not always boring, and beautiful architecture like La Sagrada Familia and many more can be what gives architecture from past centuries and our 21st century architecture new meaning and appeal to the students of NHS and the rest of the world.
still trying to fully recover from the tragic event of 9/11, which they witnessed. 9/11 should be a countrywide holiday, not one that we celebrate in happiness R e p o rt e r but one we celebrate in respect to those that died, were injured, or involved in the On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 between terrible event. 8:46am and 10:28am America experienced Young American students should be the most tragic day ever. On that day 2,996 educated on 9/11 via Television News, people were killed and more than 6,000 newspaper articles, stories from their were injured by a series of four coordinated parents, or movies that can be watched at suicide attacks from 19 terrorists from the their homes where Islamist group al-Qaeda. they can ask their Firefighters raising the American flag. The terrorists parents, guardian, intentionally flew two of or relatives those planes, American questions about Airlines Flight 11 and what happened. United Airlines flight They can get a better 175, into In the North understanding of and South towers of what a huge impact the World Trade Center the event had on complex in New York our country. And City; both towers unlike some of collapsed within two hours. The hijackers their teachers, their parents, guardian, or also crashed American Airlines Flight 77 relatives can be comfortable and explain into the pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, what happened to them. and intended to crash the fourth hijacked It just is not respectful that the jet, United Airlines Flight 93 into the United American people are required to attend States Capitol Building in Washington, work or school on a day that has changed D.C. our country. Similar to the Fourth of July, Yet after this tragedy, American children 9/11 has changed our country greatly so it are still required to attend school on the should also be a holiday, In memory of the Memorial Day of September 11th. Schools wonderful Americans that were affected by reasoning’s are so students can study the the attack. tragic event. But a majority of the teachers are not comfortable talking to students about the event, for it was so horrific and they are
Dav i d Bright
Photo credit:: fangbites.com
children are old enough. Many people are ridiculed by their peers across the country because they are taught these fake lessons. While most people eventually realize that they were taught wrong in elementary school, some shrug it off because they do not question the things they were taught as children. These misconceptions eventually catch up to them and could lead to an embarrassing situation. The truth is, teachers know better. They know that some of the things that they are telling their students are wrong. Whether it is the teachers just trying to fill up space in their curriculum, or administration still insisting on teaching outdated beliefs. These fake lessons really do not do anything to help kids.
Cheating for AP Credit
SAT/ACT classmates between $500-$3,600 to score well on the exam for them. These actions are not surprising due to the pressure students feel to score well on R e p o rt e r a single test, which in some cases, students believe will make or break their college There is no denying cheating is an ongoing career. “It is truly a culture of academic problem. Whether your strategy may be dishonesty,” stated an editorial in The sneaking a vocabulary word behind the Spectator. teacher’s back, hiding the answers up your Due to the unhealthy, competitive arm and under your sleeve, taking a quick atmosphere of schools, parents and educators glance at the smart kid’s paper beside you, at Horace Mann School in New York City or whether you are slick enough to sneak reevaluated their academic environment due the answers under the label of your water to the rise of students cheating. They now bottle. limit the amount of AP classes a student can take per trimester to aid students in managing their workload and prevent cheating. While Beaver Country Day School in Chesnut Hill, MA banned AP classes altogether. Many students need a reality check because it is impossible to do it all. There is no need to revolve your life around Some students will try anything to get an advantage a never-ending stressful schedule of constant homework and activities that one person is Students are willing to go above and not capable of managing. beyond to get accepted into their top choice For those who stay up all night college. There is an increasing pressure for completing homework, relax. Health students to enroll in AP classes. According experts say that high school students should to The College Board, the enrollment in AP be getting a minimum of eight to nine hours courses and exams continue to increase. of sleep per night. AP classes offer college credit, a weighted Cheating is not the answer to getting GPA, and are viewed upon as “gold medals” ahead. Students must be self-sufficient and on a competitive college application. Many be proud to earn an A for the hard work they people wonder if this academic pressure put into a class, not by taking the easy way is even worth it. For some this consists out. of staying up until 4 a.m. studying, while AP classes are an opportunity for others resort to a much simpler solution to students to further their education in a course assist them in their busy lives. in which they are interested in pursuing in As students push themselves harder the future. Taking five AP classes that you and harder to succeed, many students are not even interested in is unrealistic and are agreeing to do it at any cost. A recent not worth the stress, time, and in some cases, cheating scandal took place in Long Island cheating. involving dozens of high school students. Students were paying their high scoring
Christina Deblasi
SPORTS
14
Wins on Wins on Wins Opinion Editor Boys’ Soccer has turned heads this season with a record that not only wows, but follows through with the success of the past year’s unbelievable season. As the season progresses, the boy’s soccer players of Norwalk High School have finished the regular season with a record of 19 wins, 1 tie, and 1 lost and moved into the State Tournament. Having won co-champions in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference with Ridgefield High School, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference is next on the team’s checklist.
Norwalk Boys Soccer after their championship FCIAC game coming out with a win, making them co-champs with Ridgefield.
On Tuesday, November 13th, the team defeated Newtown High School 2-1, both goals scored by senior Kevin Joslyn, advancing the team past the quarterfinals and into the semi-finals. “You do not always play pretty but if you stay strong and grind it out, you will always win,” commented co-captain Alejandro Rivera (’13). The team celebrated on the field with the fans, enjoying their well-disserved win. “To make it to semi’s for the second year in a row is really exciting for us. It is great to see the resilience of the players and that they refuse to lose,” stated Head Coach Christopher Laughton. The fans of NHS are rooting them on, and the boys of Norwalk soccer are truly making us proud to be Bears.
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
M i k ay l a Beckwith
The Paw Print November 2012
Lady Bears Keep Dribbling Race to a Winning Season The Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team has faced a challenging season. Unfortunately, several players from the starting lineup have struggled with numerous injuries. Not until recently has the team successfully put out a consistent lineup. Coach Fernandez stated, “While the girls that filled in did an excellent job, it is difficult for a team to ‘gel’ when there is a constant change in personnel. With the majority of our starters back from injury, I hope to finish out the season on a positive note, demonstrating progress in each game.” The team currently holds a total of two wins, with a score of 1-0 against Trinity Catholic, 5-0 against Bridgeport Central, and a 0-0 tie against Danbury. Captain Emmy Roddy commented, “Even though we don't have a winning record, I’m always proud of my team for never giving up. It's hard to stay positive when you play some of the best teams in the state, but I thought this year especially no one gave up and tried their best to win every game. Each player always had individual goals for themselves to make them
Kylie Coppola S p o rt s E d i to r Rosales (’13) thought this year was one to remember. “Though we faced challenges early on in the season with losing our coach and trying to replace him, the team still had a very successful season,” said Rosales. “I couldn’t be more proud of how the team worked and how we finished in our meets,” he continued. With a new coach and new captains taking over there is a lot of excitement coming up. It goes without saying that there
Photo Credit: Edwin Rosales
R e p o rt e r
This year’s Boy’s Cross-country Team here at Norwalk High School went above and beyond with a record of 11 wins and only 6 losses. Beating last year’s record of 8 wins and 9 losses, this is a huge improvement. With their winning record they qualified for States and FCIAC’s this season. Although it is all over now, the victory lives on. Coming home with 6th place in the FCIAC competition, and several personal records made in states in both long distance and sprinting. Along with a 10th place ranking in states the team really showed how hard they have been working. Second year captain Edwin
a better player and I thought most of them were reached.” Senior, Olta Shkembi recalls, “When I made my first goal I was obviously very happy, but it also felt very rewarding that all my hard work finally paid off.” The team has not given up, but is rather driven by their determination to finish out the season strongly.
Photo Credit: Emmy Roddy
Christina Deblasi
Girls Soccer Captain Emmy Roddy (‘13) at the rival game against Mcmahon.
Norwalk boys XC captain Edwin Rosales (‘13) sprinting to the finish in his event at FCIACS.
Girls Sprint to the Finish Samantha Ricci R e p o rt e r
Photo Credit: Jess Balasa
The Norwalk High School Girls Cross Country Team finished the season with a 6-9 record. The state runners including Claire Turner (’14), Jessica Balasa (’15), Briana Fitzgerald (’16), and Ava Rosato (’16) all worked very hard and tried their best this season. The ladies were coached by Amy Fredricks and Carlos Rodriguez.
“Overall this season I was very proud of my girls,” says captain Alex Troetti (‘13), “They always gave every race all they had and through the season we really became such a solid and close knit family. I know I will miss the whole team dearly next year and I can’t wait to come back in future years and see them progress and grow!” Troietti continued. “We struggled for our first couple of meets, but we got out of our rut quick, and got back to running our best,” said Jenna Sheridan (’14).
CONGRATS TO ROTC FOR ALL YOUR SUCCESS!
Girls Track at the Norwalk High Pep Rally on 10/22/12.
Winners of The Stew Leonards Memorial Day Parade Marching
SPORTS
The Paw Print November 2012
15
Dav i d Bright R e p o rt e r After visiting the state semi-finals last year the Norwalk High School Varsity football team is back at it for another season. After losing a great number of key senior players, the team stands at 1-5 after week 6. With only three games left in the season Norwalk is in desperate need of some wins if they want to re-visit the State Playoffs. Quarterback of the Bears Andy Lovo (13’) believes that if the team plays their best they have a good chance to re-visit the State Playoffs. But they have to play their best all four quarters. Norwalk’s final three games are against Harding, Fairfield Ludlowe, and
their rival Brien McMahon. Captain Marc Lerebours (13’) says that after the tough loss against Ridgefield in their homecoming game, he is focused on nothing but winning. The exciting Thanksgiving Day rival game between both Norwalk teams, Norwalk High and Brien McMahon is scheduled to be played on Thursday November 22nd with a kickoff time of 10:30am. Brien McMahon is Norwalk Highs biggest game of the season every year. Bragging rights and the Sam Testa Trophy are at stake. After winning the big game last year Norwalk High has a ton of pressure on them to win, including having 3 must win games to conclude the season including the McMahon game the team has an enormous amount of pressure on them. The team is in clinch mode with the season coming to an end.
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
Football Keeps on Fighting
Norwalk’s number 1 assisting a tackle at a home game against Fairfield Ludlowe.
Norwalk Swimming Paddles to Success William Angione R e p o rt e r They have taken on some of the best teams in Connecticut and held their own. It is not hard to see the talent and potential of the team. “It has been great, a real good learning year. Many girls are going to make state times. So far our closest meet was against Trumbull where NHS girls made their best times,” said their coach Rebecca Rubin. Despite having to swim against tougher
teams this year, the girls swim team has held their own and are improving everyday. “We have had to swim against teams like Greenwich, Trumbull, and Darien but this season is still going good,” Added their captain Stephanie Czulewicz (’13). The girls on swim team are confident and optimistic, and they should be. They have worked hard and have gone above and beyond the norm. They practice two hours a night and in that time swim at least 5 thousand yards. Unlike many other teams at other high schools, the girls swim team is a really close group. Out side of swimming
they still are a team. “ The team has one of the closest bonds out of all the teams at FCIACs.” “Everyone has a really good relationship with each other.” Said Sydney Delago (’13). “ Really fun, all the girls are really nice and welcoming. It is a work out. Everything you do you are working hard and trying to make the team win.” Gemma Vitez (’16) another really great thing“ The ones we lost even though we lost them we did really well, we worked as a team and times were great. Not really worried about FCIACs. As long as we do good as a team and give it
your all it doesn’t madder what place you come in.” Jessica Rodney (’15). It is clear that girls swim has a bright future at NHS, and its sportsmanship, competitiveness, and tenacity make it the epitome of the perfect sports team.
“We have had to swim against teams like Greenwich, Trumbull, and Darien but this season is still going good.” ~Stephanie Czulewicz
M i k ay l a Beckwith Opinion Editor
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
As the fall season comes to a close, the Norwalk High School girls’ volleyball team finishes the season, breaking last years record. With a final record of 4-12, girls’ volleyball has broken a personal record by one win, making this season an improvement from the last. “Our record may not demonstrate our improvement but it is better than last year’s. We all have great skills and we just need to apply them as a team,” stated cocaptain Cori Bonaddio (’13). The team had a new head coach this year, Mr. Cundiff, who has returned to coaching after his step down in 2007. Being the head coach for five years along with
being the head coach for boys’ basketball in the past, Cundiff was ready to combat the season. “This year has presented a lot of challenges. It was definitely a learning experience,” commented Cundiff. He also mentioned the morale of the team, describing his players as a closeknit family. The energy and friendship among the team was notably positive to the returning coach. As far as goals go, the team decided to look past goal making so they could focus on the season without the pressure of failed objectives. “We did not have many goals set in stone because we did not know what to expect going into the season,” stated Cori. With a smile on their faces and a good season behind them, the players of the NHS volleyball team can hibernate until the next fall season.
Photo Credit: Sharon Cadden
Volleying for Victory
Norwalk High’s girls’ volleyball team in a group huddle during a time out at their game on 10/19/12.
Lady Bears, Hoorah! Nicole Dunsmore Editor
Norwalk’s Kylie Coppola (‘13) taking a shot on goal at their home game against Fairfield Ludlowe on 10/1/12.
in
Chief
The Norwalk High Varsity Field Hockey Team has worked particularly hard as a team and played well to make it a great season. With the loss of some major additions to their team this year, the girls had to adjust. Co-captain Efthimia Kutrubis (’13) explained, “I think the team has been doing very well. We are a new team so we had to make new habits that would help us as a whole. I am proud of everyone so far.” The field hockey team experienced a range of wins and losses, but this did not dampen their spirit. “I think the team has
been working really well together and even though our record may not show our full potential to people on the outside, I personally know that we are a great team,” added Co-captain Kelly McGonigle (’13). McGonigle went on to address, “This year we’re focusing more on working together than relying on one or two key players, and it really changes how we play but it also works out because we really are a close group of girls.” The girls hoped to make it to the State Finals, and they accomplished this impressive feat. Overall, the field hockey team stuck out an exciting season that the girls can be proud of. “I really have had a great season so far and cannot wait for the rest of it,” concluded Kutrubis.
Norwalk High School Bears 2012
Role Reversal Wednesday
Tuesday is Twin Day
Thursday is class day
Photo Credit: Lucas Keogh, Matt Brown, and Nicole Dunsmore
Show your colors, Pep Rally!
Congratulations to the Senior class of 2013 for winning Spirit Week!