October 2017 Issue

nhspawprint.com--- nhspawprint@gmail.com --- @nhs_pawprint

The Norwalk High School

PAW PRINT “How

the

Bears

make

their

mark”

VOLUME XII, ISSUE I October 2017

IN THIS ISSUE: News A&E Feature

Hannah Keyes Co-Editor in Chief

Sports

The recycling process here at Norwalk High School has been called into question by many students and staff members, as some wonder if this process even exists.

Recycling has many benefits for the environment as it reduces waste, pollution, the need for raw materials, etc. Especially in the twenty-first century, it is common knowledge among many that recycling is helpful and important in maintaining a healthy and stable environment.

According to ct.gov, “Schools and institutions have many opportunities to recover resources by practicing waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. Recycling is mandated by Connecticut State law as well as in local municipal ordinances.

Schools and institutions are not exempt from recycling requirements!”

Here at NHS, there are recycling bins stationed within every classroom and in the cafeteria. Teachers are meant to encourage students to recycle, and students are meant to put the responsibility upon themselves to do the act of recycling. The reality of this is very different.

NHS student Gabrielle Nunez (’18) says, “I think we have a bad system because the recycling bins in most classes just act as a second trash bin.”

It is true that there are separate blue bins for recyclables and trash cans for trash, but where the contents of the two go afterwards is what has been questioned. It is the job of the custodial staff to separate the trash from the recyclables. What makes this difficult is that students and staff usually do not put trash and recyclables into the correct bins. Thus, the responsibility is placed upon the custodians to properly separate the contents and put them into the dumpsters outside by first floor A-House.

This process is nearly impossible to be carried out flawlessly and many believe that NHS needs to take steps towards improving the recycling that goes on within the school.

When asked if the recycling process here at NHS should be improved, Mr. Reynolds replies, “Could it be improved? I would say yes. What goes in where, community effort into really using it correctly - all of those could be improved. It’s a continuous cycle, and an improved structure would really correct and accelerate that.”

AP Environmental Science teacher, Mr. Foldeak mentioned, “It’s 2017, we really should be doing more. Schools should be progressive, and in this case, we’re behind. It doesn’t have to cost money. It could actually profit us, we just need the right program.”

Students Serena Jankovic (’18) and Alex Theoklitos (’18) have taken it upon themselves to conduct an independently run project getting to the bottom of this recycling debacle hoping to make NHS more environmentally conscious.

Theoklitos explained, “In the final weeks of Junior year, Serena and I wanted to test how many water bottles the cafeteria has to offer in just one lunch shift. To our surprise, Serena and I rallied up over sixty water bottles. This does not include the recycling bins in the houses and the garbage cans around the school.” This experiment proved that plenty of bottles are wasted and simply thrown out. The two seniors plan to garner money from collecting these bottles and will save it towards future investments for the project.

“Our future goal is to make it a reflex of the kids at NHS to throw their water bottles into the recycling bins and know they are making a difference. We, as kids, sometimes lose track of how ‘doing this will affect that.’” Added Theoklitos.

In order to improve upon the minimal recycling that happens here at NHS, there must be a joint effort made both students and staff in order to make the school a more environmentally friendly place.

Opinion

Improve Recycling at NHS

Table of Contents:

News.........................................2 Arts & Entertainment...............6 Artwork.........................................9 Feature.......................................10 Editorial......................................12 Opinon.......................................13 Fall Fashion...............................14 Sports.........................................17

NEWS

October 2017

The DACA Repeal

Student Spotlight: Serena Jankovic

Alex Francoeur Reporter

Hannah Keyes Co - Editor In Chief There are hundreds of students at Norwalk High School that continue to make a difference everyday. Whether it is playing a sport, being involved in the music or art departments, participating in student government, creating a club, or helping others within the community, these students deserve to be recognized by their teachers and peers.

Every issue, there will be a new student featured in this column who has impacted NHS in extraordinary ways. The Student Spotlight for the October issue is Serena Jankovic (’18).

With a long list of AP classes and high grades, Serena Jankovic is most definitely a hardworking and talented student, although she is also one who excels in many capacities beyond just academics. She is especially active within the music department, having been involved with the annual NHS play as both a performer and a member of the pit orchestra, a member of the chambers choir, first chair concert master in orchestra, and one of three drum majors in the marching band - all demanding yet honorable positions to be in. Serena is a member within what appears to be almost all of the music programs that NHS has to offer, however, her performance and dedication within these mediums is what truly makes her stand out.

“The music programs that I’m involved with outside of school are mainly for violin (having played for nine years). So I’ll do string quartets throughout the school year and we rehearse and have a concert at the end of the semester. And I also do Norwalk Youth symphony out of school for orchestra. We meet every Sunday for three hours and we have three concerts a year with special concerts as well. Last year we went to Carnegie Hall, and this year we’re doing a tour in Europe and it’s going to be really cool,” Jankovic explained.

Another passion of Serena’s is the environment. She and other NHS student Alex Theoklitos (’18) are working together on an independent student project focused on recycling within Norwalk High School. Serena mentioned, “With that project we’re trying to set up recycling for the school because a lot of people know that we don’t recycle well here.”

Even though the project has not been propelled into full gear yet, the two are working fervently by collecting water bottles and returning them to Stop & Shop. From the money they raise, they hope to be able to put it towards an item of a similar nature to the new water fountains in NHS, although they are not quite sure yet exactly what it will be.

Serena feels deeply connected to the environment and wants to make a difference within the environmental world, starting with recycling at NHS. In terms of the future, Jankovic is excited to be moving onto college next year. Although not positive of where she will go or what exactly she will do, Serena knows that it will end up being related to the environment somehow. Even though Jankovic does not plan on pursuing music as a career, she will without a doubt continue to keep it a major part of her life.

Serena’s advice to all underclassmen is, “Do not wish away time, everything goes by a lot faster than you think it will. And I wish that I didn’t always think ‘Oh I wish this week would be over or I wish this year would be over.’ You have to stop, smell the flowers, and enjoy high school while you can because you only get four years of it. It’s definitely an experience like no other and I’m definitely ready to move on now, but I’ll miss it.”

Serena Jankovic is an incredibly passionate and driven individual and NHS wishes her the best of luck in the future.

On September 5, Jeff Sessions, acting Attorney General of the United States, announced that the immigration program DACA, or Deferred Action for Child Arrivals, would be rescinded immediately due to legal problems with the way the Obama administration enacted it.

Brandon Hernandez (’20), said “Yes, I think it is important,” in reference to DACA. He expressed concerns that some people in his family will be affected if congress does not replace the bill in the allotted time.

On June 15, 2012 Janet Napolitano, acting secretary of Homeland Security under Obama announced DACA. Around 750,000 Americans have been accepted into the DACA program in the five years it has been going on. In 2016 nearly 125,000 people were accepted into the program.

The DACA program is for people who have been in this country since they were school aged and got through school in some way, ie graduating high school or an equivalent. In going through school and having no criminal record, they get to send an application to DACA who reviews them vigorously.

If accepted they get the benefits of not getting deported, being able to legally work, and having a

social security number. People in DACA must file taxes, but are not eligible for Obama care or other social welfare programs. If anyone in DACA gets in trouble with the law, their membership is immediately revoked. Every two years you must renew your membership, but now with Trumps rescinding of DACA, the State Department is phasing it out by not taking anymore applications, renewing memberships or otherwise.

Trump and Sessions both have said that they would like to see the bill passed again, but this time through congress, a more constitutionally sound approach. The amount of time is non disclosed, but Trump has advocated the RAISE act, which includes changing visa laws, gives the president the power to select the number of refugees let in, and changes how citizenship works in families of those born here.

With no replacement over 1.25 million good working people are going to be left without a legal job or get deported. This is going to affect NHS students who have DACA permits and ones who are planning on trying to get one.

According to ELL teacher, Mr. Heslip, many of his students will be hurt by the repeal of DACA, especially those who want to go to college.

To have been in DACA these kids would have to be in the country for most their lives, and now they have no chance in the current legal state to learn, work, or be some other productive member of society.

Harbor Watch Wiktoria Piktel Photo Editor

Photo Credit: Wiktoria Piktel ’18

This fall, Earth Place presented Norwalk High School students interested in a potential career in the environmental field with an opportunity to internship at Harbor Watch, a water quality research program at EarthPlace.

EarthPlace is an organization with a mission of building a passion in the community for nature and environment. With many programs in the organizations for children and adults of all ages, one in particular is relevant to the teens of NHS. Harbor Watch is the program that aims to control water quality in the Long Island Sound. This program was founded in 1982 by Dick Harris, a volunteer in a water quality monitor group. Since then the program grew and according to their website Harbor Watch “trained over 1,000 high school students, college interns, and adult volunteers in the work of protecting and improving the biological integrity of Long Island Sound.”

In September, a representative, Joshua Cooper the laboratory director, from the program spoke to Mr. Foldeak’s AP Environmental Science class. Both the teacher and representative emphasize the importance of keeping our local water clean. Mr. Foldeak explained further in detail the importance of the program and their mission. “The Long Island Sound, all the water that runs into the Sound gets a tremendous amount of use. After the water is returned into the environment and with it any improper and unwanted waste. Event proper filtration is not perfect. Due to that the marine life can suffer tremendously.”

Explained Cooper. Harbor Watch studies rivers

and streams that fill the Sound and form reports predicting how our local organism and their natural habitat can be affected.

Mr. Foldeak explained how our water quality changes with each rainfall or flood, therefore it is important to study the changes in order to be able to predict and prevent disastrous events. Not only nature can disturb water quality but human can too. “ There is a lot of different things that we can do. Do not over fertilize our lawns, when changing the oil in the car make sure to dispose of it properly, throw out batteries properly because all of those small things can have a huge impact on not only the water quality but the environment as a whole.” said Mr. Foldeak.

This internship opportunity allows young students to learn about the importance of keeping the environment safe and allows for them to gain experience in the field. The process of going into this internship can really help someone with their interview skills, resume building and a real experience that might be an opening door to a future career. It is truly a win-win for both the environment and the student. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to do my senior internship with Harbor Watch at the end of the year.

I am very passionate about environmental science and see myself in that field, this internship gives me a glimpse into my future.” says Natalie Kurek (’18) a senior at NHS. Some advice from Mr. Foldeak is that “we can all do something. We don't have to do everything, but we can all do something.” Whether it is participating in an internship, diving trash out of the river or disposing of batteries in the correct way, everyone has impact on the world around us.

The goal is to make that impact positive.

Photo Credit: Wiktoria Piktel ’18

Peter Fraboni, Josh Cooper, Sarah Crosby, Nikki Cantatore - left to right

October 2017

NEWS

New Norwalk High Choir Teacher

3

Students may be opposed to the new teaching style, but overall, it may prove to actually help them in the future. “My goal is to help students gain both an understanding, and a love for music,” Gomez claimed. He plans to change the music program for the better,

Torie Morin Reporter Walking by the music wing, many may have heard a different tune coming from the choir room. The cause of this change of pace is none other than the new choir teacher who filled the shoes of Mrs. Susan Pettibone following her retirement last year.

Pettibone retired after twenty-two years as the choral director of the Norwalk High School Music Department, and, after a long process, the board selected a new teacher to fill the esteemed position - Mr. David Gomez.

Gomez was definitely a front-runner in the selection process, with seventeen years of conducting under his belt in a variety of different fields, including the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music and at New Canaan High School. “I am honored to have received this position in such a honorable program,” stated Gomez, “I worked with Mrs. Pettibone in the past, she gave her life to her students and I plan to do the same.”

On the first day of school, many choir students met Mr. Gomez for the first time and experienced his unique teaching style for the first time. “It’s definitely different than in the past,” recalled TJ Boyrer (‘18). He continued to say, “It’s a lot more technical and strict than any of us were used to.” Mr. Gomez addresses his more technical teaching style by saying that he is “raising the bar for the students,” and is trying to “create a fun but challenging curriculum for his students.”

Many students were fearful for change in the music department, but now many of them have been reassured and are hopeful for the year to come. “What we’re doing in class is definitely different and harder,” noted Libby Christinat (‘20), “But I think it will definitely make us sound good if we just try.”

Seniors vs. Freshmen Experiences Elise Sullivan Co-Editor in Chief It is common for many high school students to have initial thoughts, stresses, and concerns about the year ahead of them, but these feelings often differ based on age and grade level, in particular, freshmen and seniors.

Nearly two months ago, freshmen commenced their four-year long journey at Norwalk High School, while seniors began the final chapter of their high school careers.

As the seniors started another year at NHS for one last time, they were accompanied with many thoughts and often concerns about this challenging, yet exciting year.

Many are worried because they are taking a very challenging course load, running a myriad of clubs and organizations within NHS, and are preparing their post-graduation plans.

These factors can cause abundant stress, anxiety, and challenges among many seniors. In regard to her senior year, NHS student, Sarah Arena (’18) stated, “I expected it to be stressful and it is very stressful. These college applications are no joke. How am I supposed to pick what I

want to do the rest of my life if I can’t even figure out what to wear to school.”

The feelings that Arena expressed are ones commonly shared by many high school seniors, as NHS senior TJ Boyrer (’18) stated, “There have been a lot of changes in the school atmosphere from this year to last, and a lot more is expected of you as a senior than as an underclassman.”

While high school students of all ages have stresses and worries, what they are stressed about often varies based on grade level. For example, the main concerns that seniors have are different from what freshmen currently feel, such as, worrying about finding classes, figuring out their schedules, and navigating the cafeteria. NHS freshman, Dylan Armitage (’21) claimed, “The most challenging part of high school is probably getting around and getting lost, also remembering my classes are very different and difficult for me.”

Freshmen are also very concerned about memorizing their classes, schedule, and remembering where they have to go to get from point a to point b throughout the day.

“I’m still trying to figure out my schedule and where each class is. Everyday it gets a little easier but it is still hard to keep track,” said NHS freshman, Alyssa Gayle (’21) The teachers and counselors at NHS devote much

time and effort to helping assist students with the challenges that they face. NHS Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Denke, explained, “Seniors will have individual meetings with us throughout the year, and counselors will come into every English class to start thinking about post secondary plans (for the seniors.” As for the freshmen, Denke noted, “Freshmen don’t understand the GPA piece yet, block scheduling, social aspects, or self advocacy. I encourage them to talk to their teachers and to me.”

Though freshmen do have many nerves and concerns about their next four years, they also have many things to look forward to. “I’m looking forward to sports, clubs, getting involved, the pep rallies, and proms. It is everyone’s dream to enjoy and participate in all of their high school activities,” Gayle explained.

Likewise, while there are many aspects of high school that seniors are worried and stressed about, they also experience excitement and suspense during their final year.

Arena exclaimed, “I’m looking forward to making memories that are going to last a lifetime with friends who are going to last just as long! I can’t wait to just finally enjoy my senior year, and take it all in. High school is over, that chapter in my life is ending...wow...that’s insane.”

NECA’s First Graduation: Class of ’18 Mateo Roldan Reporter The Norwalk Early College Academy or NECA is in its fourth year here at Norwalk High School, and according to the NECA director, Ms. Amaker, fourteen seniors out of sixty six will graduate with an associate’s degree from Norwalk Community College in May this year.

NECA is a program that gives students an opportunity at completing their associate’s degree in Mobile Programming or Software Engineering within the four years at NHS. In 2015, a grade 9-14 (14 being year two of college) school, like NECA, named PTECH Brooklyn had six students graduate high school with an associate’s degree. NECA will top this number with twice the amount of graduates.

“In addition to the fourteen graduating this May, four to five more students are set to finish NCC classes this August,” stated Ms. Amaker.

When joining NECA, you are made aware that you can drop out at any point, and that is exactly what some students do. Sean Essig (’18) dropped out of the program because he did not want to deal with the amount of stress that came with the program. Essig claimed, “When NECA first started, they did not have everything figured out, and I did not want to feel like a guinea pig. I felt like my edu-

cation could be affected if I was in a program that was not set in stone with a system that has worked before”.

On the other hand, four year graduate Erin Aymerich (’18) supports NECA by explaining, “While the classes continue to challenge me (something I want), I am provided this amazing support system.” Aymerich claims that the staff remains focused on her success, and with such a small class, she was able to make closer relationships with the teachers.

High schoolers are constantly overwhelmed with stress and challenges, and they all have a lot on their plate.

These fourteen students managed to pass these college courses and complete their degrees.

NECA student Katrell Clay (’18) explained, “There are a few times when everything in my life is balanced, but most of the time it’s not and I need to manage my time.

Sometimes that means sacrificing things.”

Clay has had to give up school dances for studying, or track practice for NCC Pre-Calculus work. “When I feel like life is impossible, I look into the future and I see myself graduating with all my friends, and that image brings me back to reality.” Clay plans on moving on to a four year university after leaving NECA. Ms. Amaker expects to see the number of students graduating with an associate’s by their senior year nearly double in coming years. She noted, “We have a lot of bright students in our program, and they are definitely ca-

pable to stay on this program’s four-year track.”

Ms. Amaker is also working on adding a Web Development and Design degree option to the program. “It’s all about making sure the student’s needs are taken into consideration, and that they can get as much as they can from their high school experience,” she explained.

4

NEWS

October 2017

AP Studio Art’s Large Class Sizes Photo Credit: Wiktoria Piktel

Jorgie Villalobos Reporter

Photo Credit:Wiktoria Piktel

The AP Studio art class has doubled its roster since last year; with this drastic increase in students, the school may see a decrease in supplies.

“It’s exciting that there are enough students to fill the twenty four slots for an AP art class, but also overwhelming because it is like teaching twenty four different subjects,” NHS art teacher, Ms. DeLong said.

With the class size growing, so does the amount of artwork produced, and in turn the supplies get used a lot quicker and working space becomes an issue when the students have multiple pieces of all shapes and sizes to work

on. There are a small number of high quality supplies that have to be shared between multiple classes and students.

In this class the students create a total of twenty-four pieces for the entire year, four concentration pieces (a topic that is focused on for the entire year that cannot be changed) and four breadth pieces (work that shows overall range and skill as an artist) each quarter, creating a portfolio for the AP National Exam in May. “The breadth and depth of the content is rigorous and demanding,” explained Art department chair Ms. O’Connor. She continued, “AP Studio Art requires intense individual study, group work, and contact time with the instructor.”

Last year’s AP Studio class had ten students enrolled and this year there are twenty four. Former AP Studio student, Wiktoria Piktel (’18) had offered her opinion about this change. “It’s definitely a big difference from last year and a challenge to get ahold of the teacher, but she balances it well.” Wiktoria took both the ten student class and is

currently taking the same class again to try and beat her score of a four out of five by getting a perfect score on the AP Exam.

It is very early in the year to get a feel of the class, but so far everything seems to be going well, the school has to see what happens when the art show comes around.

“Talent and art comes in waves. Last year and this year we had a huge amount of sophomores, juniors, and seniors with talent who possibly and hopefully want to pursue the arts.” DeLong said. She added, “I work with students and see what they make, and I wouldn’t feel right censoring their work, but sometimes I talk to students, and tell them it may not be student appropriate, and tell them that it’s important for students to express themselves, but sometimes school isn’t the best place, but I don’t want to discourage them to show it anywhere else.”

Later this year the school can come see what the art students produce at the art show.

Cell Phone Issue in Gender Neutral Schools Today Bathrooms Masira Vohora Reporter

Photo Cerdit: Wiktoria Piktel

Jaquell Wilson Reporter There are no gender neutral bathrooms at Norwalk High School.

Gender neutral bathrooms are very important in high school because that is when the students figure out who they are as a individual. “We know roughly 8 Percent of high school students in america report being gay,” according to Quarts. com. Studies show that the LGBT students would be more comfortable using an neutral bathroom then a bathroom with specific genders attached to it.

In the Westport News, Staples High School introduced a new gender neutral bathroom to promote tolerance according to Bossis News. Students would see this as step in the right direction. NHS should provide have that comfortability to all students, allowing them to go to whichever bathroom of their choice.

When NHS students were asked their opinion on this issue, there were varying responses. “I think NHS Should have gender neutral bathrooms because the separation is pointless,” stated Trinity Sawyer (’19). Sawyer continued on to say, “to have gender neutral bathroom would be more than fair.”

Cindy Makaba (’18) offered her opinion about whether NHS should have transgender bathrooms for the students.

“No, because if you were transgender,

Photo Cerdit: Wiktoria Piktel

Cell phones create a very controversial discussion in many schools, as some see them as useful educational tools, and other view them as a major distraction that can take away from the learning environment.

Many students in school spend their class time texting, posting on social media and listening to music.They plug in their headphones while class is going on, as well as while walking in hallways and up and down staircases. As a result, there are many instances of people bumping into each other, since they do not see who is coming as they are constantly looking at four inch screen.

Students often check their phones every two minutes while class is going on, therefore, not paying attention to what teachers are talking about or the lesson they are teaching. Mr. Franco, an art teacher at Norwalk High School stated, “When students use their cellphones while I am talking, that keeps bothering me a lot.” According to Franco, students should be there where they are at that exact moment. He keeps telling students to take their earbuds

out and put cellphones away, but after a few minutes, he must keep repeating those words.

According to Pew Research Center, 71% of teens use their time on social sites and more than half of teens are texters. Since 2008 and 2009, the teens who own cell phones and use text messaging has rapidly increased.

NHS student, Anika Vahora (’20), stated, “when a phone rings, our brain automatically reacts.” She continued, “they just want to know who texted and what.”

In addition, students use cell phones so they can look up answers to homework assignments, or in a language class to translate words and phrases. “While in class students google what they do not know and and easily get the answer of the question,” noted Antonio Aragon, an NHS (’20).

Mr. Franco also said, “I ask students to use their phones in class but for academic purposes only.” Every teacher treats cells phones in a different way, as some of the teachers do not allow students to use their phones because they disobey their instructions and they feel like students are being disrespectful if they have their devices out. Students said that they use their phone as a calendar, calculator and reminder for upcoming assignments, so they can easily be notified and never forget an important date.

Many teachers believe that cell phones can be used as a learning tool in the classroom, but also have the position cell phones can be a major distraction if not used in this way.

you’d feel like you will be labeled as different. I feel like it is not that necessary, but it would not bother me if we had it,” Makaba said.

Principal Roberts explained, “it will be difficult and some students might feel embarrassed but the students are welcomed to use the nurse’s bathroom and the staff bathroom.” Roberts also stated, “The students can use the nurse’s bathroom and or the staff bathroom if needed, as we make accommodations for everyone. In order for students to feel unbothered they need to be comfortable in their own skin.”

From students point of view, it would appear that it would not affect the students if gender neutral bathrooms were implemented in Norwalk high, but it could make things better and possibly meet many more students own personal needs.

The Digital Media Pathways Program is here to help anyone who needs designs or posters made. Contact Seaburg, Pagano, Karl, Franco, or Milne with any questions or proposals.

The Innovation Center is 1st floor B house

NEWS

October 2017

Traffic Concerns Existing at School Briana Cortese Reporter Morning or afternoon, car driver or bus rider, traffic is an unbeatable, unchanging matter that plays a strong role in the commute back and forth from school, work, and other activities. No matter the method of transportation the concern of traffic is always taken into consideration while traveling to a destination. The traffic conditions at Norwalk High School have been responsible for countless students tardiness as well as minor accidents that have occurred on campus.

Various high schools were contacted across the nation to further investigate the concern regarding schools traffic conditions, the responses received back in Connecticut

conveyed that traffic is a huge problem on campus for both public and private schools.

Research showed that a lot of high schools had come up with different methods to eliminate traffic problems such as assigned parking spots, or separate parking areas for students and drop off lines. Kevin J Altieri, Director of Admissions at Fairfield Prep, stated that “students have two lots for parking and faculty has one.” This was quite surprising considering FP’s student population is 901 students nearly half the size of NHS’s whopping 1700.

100% of the responses back reported that their was at least one person directing traffic in the morning and after school. “We have at least 4 folks to help to direct traffic both on the road and inside the parking lot,” noted Patti Boutilier, English Department Chair at Ridgefield High.

Skepticism was a concern regarding the security officer in the mornings at Norwalk High’s own parking lot.

5

The following question was noted, does he do more harm than good? Investigation of his performance was conducted before the school day began, just as morning traffic started to pile in.

It was observed that many parents and students were extremely angry when he stops them from proceeding through the parking lot to allow the other lane of parents who already dropped off their children to pass. “I get pissed off when the security officer stops the entire left lane of cars so that the right lane can pass. Those people already dropped off their kids! I still have to park my car and get to class!” says Efrosini Haijan (’18).

There is no doubt that traffic is a major issue at school, as well as other schools statewide. Not all problem`s have a solution, but there are surely things that can be done to alleviate the issue.

NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE

In the NHS gym on November 10th, 2017 If you want to donate contact Mr. O’Shaughnessey in room 112A Every pint of blood saves as many as 3 lives

Handing in Homework Jaydn Grant Reporter Students failing classes because they get pounded with tons of homework is a common problem around the world with teenagers in high school. Teachers leave students with the same thoughts every night: “Should I do my homework or go to sleep?”

It has been stated by Education Week that adolescents around the world get about three and a half hours of homework a night.

After discussing the argument at Norwalk High School with social studies teacher, Mr. Keyes, he proclaimed the purpose of homework is to further increase comprehension of the topic covered in class.

“I try to give homework that reinforces what students learned in class that day or homework that will preview what will be learned next class.” Mr. Keyes stated. Also, when asked about the daily amount of homework he gives his students, Keyes replied “Twenty to thirty minutes. Usually I try not to give homework on weekends unless we are working on a project or major essay.”

An NHS student D’Andre Bullock (’19) explained that teachers, “give homework to make sure students comprehend and understand the subjects taught in class. Also, I think they give homework so students do not forget any topics taught in class. On a typical night I have about one to two hours of homework.”

Students at NHS should be aware of the impact of homework and how serious it is to get all of their work done and to become a successful students.

Speaking of homework...

If any students are struggling in any classes or just simply need help with a homework assignment, then come to Peer Tutoring. It runs from 2:15-3:15 Monday Thursday after school in the library.

A&E

October 2017

The Legendary NHS Marching Band Jaquell Wilson Reporter Norwalk High School Marching Band is legendary.

After Mr. Smith retired from Norwalk High School, “Mr. Rivera was Mr. Smith’s Best replacement” according to the Norwalk Hour. As legendary as the NHS Marching band is, the students put in a lot of time and hard work during the summer and the fall season.

In the summer, the marching band has a band camp where they practice on the field for two weeks straight from nine a.m. to eight p.m. for a total of fifty-five hours in those two weeks. When the season begins, the students put in twenty-two hours a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

With all that time comes great rewards from winning shows and competitions to going Flordia to walk in the Walt Disney Parade every other year.

The band stays in Florida for four days and three nights.

In Florida the band goes to Epcot, Universal Studios and Dis-

ney. In 2014 the NHS Marching Band won a fourteen foot trophy, earning 1st place in National Class at Metlife Stadium. The NHS Marching Band and their shows have been iconic, original and creative from each past year and they are renown across the country.

Currently NHS has been undefeated in towns such as Norwalk, Naugatuck, Stratford and hopefully more throughout the season.

This is what some students had to say about the 2017 fall season. “This fall season has been great so far. We have been winning and hope to keep it like that,” stated Jason beltran (’19).

NHS student, Kendon McClain (’18) said, “ The season is going well and we are doing well.”

Director Mr. Rivera has been fulfilling his duties and setting the bar higher.

Each marching season he continues to push his students harder and harder.

Once one is in the marching band they become apart of the marching band family. A band who plays together stays together. As the band always says, “Eyes with pride!”

USBands New England Regional Championship at Trumbull HS November 4, 2017

Bear Pack is Back Torie Morin Reporter “I believe that we will win!” is a cheer often heard coming from the massive crowd of students otherwise known as the Bear Pack. They are at pretty much every game and are always there to give support to the teams, win or lose.

The Bear Pack has been around for decades, but only in the past six years did it really gain momentum. New cheers and leaders were implemented and the “Pack” has never been the same since. Every year, seniors are selected during the summer to be leaders for the upcoming season. This year’s leaders are Joey Somma (’18), Joey Benincaso (’18), and Eddy Boccanfuso (’18). “I was really excited to be named a leader for this year,” claimed Joey Somma (’18), “When I was a freshman, we all really looked up to the seniors/leaders because

Wiktoria Piktel Photo Editor As their Project Explore, two seniors at Norwalk High School, Natalie Kurek (‘18) and Melissa Hawkes (‘18), take over the Little Bear Cafe and will bring it back to life.

of how entertaining and fun they were as a class and a fan section, and I want people to look at our class like that.”

The leaders carry the responsibility of hyping up the teams and getting the crowd energized. There are multiple different cheers, including the roller coaster, the parting of the Green Sea, and, the iconic, “I believe that we will win” baby powder toss. With all these fun chants, it is really important that everyone in it must be involved. “Don’t come to the games if you’re not going to participate,” said Somma, “Just cheer for your team because it’s actually a lot of fun!”

The Bear Pack will be attending most sporting events for the duration of the school year, through all three sports seasons. It is highly likely that, if a Norwalk HS team is playing, the Bear Pack will be there in full spirit.

With the 2017-18 school year unwinding, two students have taken on the task of managing the Little Bear Cafe under the supervision of Mrs. Dolan. During the 2014-15 school year the Little Bear Cafe was originally opened by Anthony Granchelli and Claire Rudden in March of 2015. Starting with bare walls and unfinished floors, the place was transformed.

Isabella Ranci-Ortigosa enjoys the first event of the year at The LBC

With the help of students, staff, and the Fathers Club, the former woodshop room transformed into a student driven cafe.

Now, three years later the Cafe gains new ownership. “Our goal is to make the Little Bear Cafe more accessible to students. That does not mean necessarily selling food during lunch, but organizing events for classes and starting some new events that students can enjoy after school.” said Kurek (‘18). Some of those events will include various art shows, the Great Gatsby party for the English departments and award ceremonies throughout the year.

One new event is especially exciting for the young managers. “Not only do we want to manage the Cafe but we want to make it our own. The plan is to add an event that students can enjoy and one of them will be an open mic night.” explained Hawkes (‘18) with excitement.

Both girls are excited to be able to bring people together through various events and food. With a dream to open a vegan restaurant in the city during her retirement,“I love the experience I will gain from this project. The most rewarding part is seeing all the smiling faces when people try the food after we put all our effort

in perfecting the event as a whole.” said Kurek (‘18) . She believes food is the best way to connect people, “If someone will tell me they don’t love food I will not believe them, with a variety of options satisfying vegans, vegetarians, meat lovers and everyone in between, everyone will find something they love.” Kurek (‘18) explained.

The first event hosted in the cafe was The Bear Gallery, a student run gallery which is a part of another project explore. Melissa reflected on the first event and claimed “We definitely have a lot to learn but with the help from our mentor, friends and staff we have come a long way.

We really cannot wait to see the upcoming events unfold.”

Make sure to keep a look out for more information on the events taking place in the Little Bear Cafe and do not forget to stop by.

To inquire about Little Bear Cafe talk with Ms. Dolan or speak with Melissa Hawkes & Natalie Kurek

A&E

October 2017

7

Nationally Controversial: Taking a Knee Frideriki Kolestos

understanding of why he kneels during the pledge. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” said Kaepernick.

This was shot out after Trump, former president of the United States, decided to comment during a football game when he noticed Colin Kaepernick kneeling. “...total disrespect of our heritage. That’s a total disrespect for everything we stand for.” (Donald Trump) Although this act of kneeling during the pledge has happened in the past and there was no controversy.

Through all of this, this issue should not cost a statistically talented player his career due to a political statement.

Kaepernick has a 90.7 passing rate, a comp of 126, and a rush of sixty nine, through the stats of NFL based on his past season in 2016. Recently many have been standing up for Kaepernick and began taking a knee during the pledge to stand up for him during this time.

Not only is this occurring in national leagues but also in high school and college leagues. These small acts help link equality, taking kneeling as respect not a form of disrespect, and shows hope for the best to come.

Since childhood, kids are taught to stand, face the flag, and show respect during the national anthem. In the NFL, standing for the pledge is formal, but a controversy concerning kneeling for the pledge is stated as disgraceful. In this case, the NFL players did not intend to show any disrespect for the country; it is their way of taking a knee in respect and gratitude for the U.S.A. Colin Kaepernick is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. Kaepernick is a former San Francisco Forty-Niners player. As a free agent, after this controversial act occurred, he has now received very few looks or callbacks from teams. There have been reports of why this may be. “..some teams fear the backlash from fans after getting him. They think there might be protests or [President Donald] Trump will tweet about the team. I’d say that number is around 10 percent.

Then there’s another 10 percent that has a mix of those feelings.” according to BleacherReport.com. Through all of this, Kaepernick still fires back giving his reasoning and

Photo: Kelley L. Cox, Kelley L. Cox-USA Today Sports

Reporter

Concerts on a School Night

South Park S21 Alexander Francoeur

Reporter

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone

Mateo Roldan-Vasco Being a loyal fan to a favorite artist can be tricky, especially for students, when the artist or musician go on tour and the closest concert is on a school night, and the student is left wondering if it is worth going.

Going to a concert on a school night takes a lot of work if a student plans on going to school the next day. They need to make sure they get all of their homework done and they need to study for any tests that may be administered the following day. In addition, since concerts may run late, they need to set many alarms just so that they can wake up in the morning.

Many people, especially parents, believe that it is not okay to go to a concert on a school night, but that is not the case.

Concerts are a great way to interact with people who share the same interests, and they also release a lot of stressors and worries in someone’s life. When someone is at a concert, he/she usually gets lost in the music during the show.

Frequent concert goer and NHS student Asha Locke (’18) explained, “Going to concerts is a great way to connect with people, and if you can handle the work that it to school after the concert, then you should go.”

Locke also said that if the student’s work ethic is not the best, it is not the con-

Photo: Mateo Roldan-Vasco

Reporter

cert’s fault for their bad grades, but it is the student’s own fault for failing to keep a good work ethic.

If a student has the opportunity to go to a concert, they should definitely take it, but they should also keep in mind that education is very important, and that they should be prepared for school the next day.

When assignments are due, teachers will not accept the excuse, “sorry I did not do my work, I was at a concert.”

Photo: Mateo Roldan_Vasco

own suicide prevention, competing with distracted driving due to the president’s tweets.

Not many shows anywhere can make jokes about suicide prevention as they did with a large theatrical number poking fun at the rapper Logic’s performance at the VMAs. Almost every comedy and news show pokes fun at the president’s tweets, but South Park does not allow themselves to be normal.

They poke fun at the president’s inflammatory tweets to Korea, and America’s morbid fascination with them, by having people run over children because they are distracted by them. Just the shock value alone is one of the reasons why they are one of the few TV shows that have the support to come back for a twenty first season.

Everything they have covered have been hot topics in the news. This new season is proving to have the spunk it has had in the past, and seems more fit than ever to cover recent and divisive topics.

Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone

On September 13, Matt Stone and Trey Parker released a new season of the South Park cartoon. Season twenty-one is the same format as season twenty, if you tuned in for that one. In its current style it responds to current events in their satirical, always over the top style.

The first episode of the series, “White People Renovating Houses,” found white supremacists protesting amazon echoes, Siris, and Google homes. They present the reasons people turn to white supremacy through one of the main characters’ house flipping shows.

They masterfully insult those who refuse to change in the modern job market and our new found love of electronic personal assistants. And somehow all of this on the backdrop of the American house flipping show phenomenon.

When you watch South Park you come to expect some outrageous things, like a house flipping show solving disputes with white supremacists over Amazon echoes. If that sentence had ever been said before that pitch meeting, I would be amazed. With the sheer amount of absurdity in the show it would feel extremely silly if these were not topics that considerably affect our everyday lives.

In the current political climate the tensions between the United States and a nuclear threat have not been higher since the cold war. In the second episode, “Put it Down,” they explore the fear culture and the escalation of the North Korean situation. Tied in, Eric Cartman tries to get more support for his

8

A&E

October 2017

Senior Students Making Their Mark Jorgie Villalobos Reporter The Bear Gallery is a Project Explore by Wiktoria Piktel (’18) that displays the art of students and staff of Norwalk High School.

Wiktoria stated “I wanted to expose more students and teachers to ark work. Her first show featured summer work from the AP Studio art students.”

Wiktoria is planning to put on seven shows (one each month) and has a website for any featured work and plans for upcoming shows.

She plans on putting on shows with themes (i.e. senior spotlight, photography, and

Comic Evolution Briana Cortese Reporter

Season two of the CW’s series, Riverdale premiered on October 11th; fans waited five months since season one ended for the show to return.

“When I first watched the trailer for Riverdale I was so excited because I’ve been looking for another teenage show to watch and this one had a dramatic and mysterious plotline.” said NHS student Solei Colon (’18) If you are infatuated with the comics and want to see how the show compares to the original content… Here is what has changed from paper to screen.

Archie is a heart throb: The televised version the redheaded hero is not that different from the comic versions: a nice guy who just wants to do the right thing.

Though he is missing his iconic freckles, and has gained a six-pack.

Ms. Grundy is young: On TV she is a mysterious music teacher who has a love affair with Archie. The complete opposite of the comic series version; an old woman with grey hair.

Jughead is a loner: In the original comics he serves as the comic relief, the televised Jughead serves as the narrator. He sits in his booth at the diner all hours of the night drinking coffee and writing about the town’s secrets.

Veronica’s dad is missing: Mr. Lodge does not appear at all in season one of Riverdale; he is said to be behind bars and that the family is struggling to keep up with their wealthy New York past life.

Veronica is not the mean girl.: Lodge played the cliche “mean girl” in the comic series. Still a rich girl, but Betty and her team up against the real mean girl, Cheryl Blossom. Veronica and Betty are friends in the TV series, a true shock for all comic fans.

Jason Blossom is dead: In the comics, he plays a mean rich-kid who has a crush on Betty, on TV he has a love affair with Betty’s sister, Polly. His death kicks off season one of Riverdale, and the question of who killed him is the plotline for season one.

Take into consideration these changes and what say about our society now versus when the comic books were first published in 1942. The G-rated goofy comic series has transformed into a dark, mysterious television series with multiple plotlines surfacing as the series unfolds.

teachers work) her mentor is Ms. DeLong. When asked about the first show she said “The show was a huge success in its inaugural opening” as a mentor, DeLong helps Wiktoria organize monthly shows, helps her in the process of choosing and hanging artwork, and organizing opening nights.

In her first show, she teamed up with another Project Explore group and hosted the gallery in the Little Bear Cafe. Natalie Kurek (’18) and Melissa Hawkes (’18) are the two seniors behind the reopening, serving their culinary skills for opening night. Natalie and Melissa’s mentor Mrs. Dolan said “Wiktoria’s first night as a curator was tremendous, she worked really hard and I’m glad she worked with another Project Explore” Check out her gallery at: https://www.piktelwiktoria.wixsite.com/thebeargallery.

Come to NHS’s Open Mic Night on November 20th at 7:00pm

October 2017

A&E

Artist Spotlight

Lauren DeLong

9

Norwalk High School

ur T a

Juli

Hispanic mixed: 41.7% White: 32.9% Black: 19.1% Asian: 4.7% Multiracial(black and white): 1.2% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: less than 1% Native American: less than 1%

o s t a (’ C a 2

1)

Norwalk High School Demographics

by Race

Emm

The Norwalk High Schoool student body is extremely diverse, as it consists o world. Many students feel deeply connected to their culture, consisting of These students also shared some of the many misunderstanings or ster

“Every year my family and I attend the Brazilian Pride Festival in New York. It is a festival where we celebrate our food, music, and lifestyle.” (Columbian/Brazilian)

*As of 9/12/17*

g

An

“In the summer there is a celebration called Carnaval where you embrace with people. There are feathers and animal costumes which demonstrates the mix of all the different people and nations of Trinidad. Also, sometimes people think ‘aren’t all Caribbeans the same?’

But they are not all the same. Carnival is a lot different in Haiti than it is in Trinidad.”

(Trinidadian, Puerto Rican, Black/White mix)

’1 9

1lo9i)sa ’ i ( h k C ( lre

)

iIas aTrue

Festive Carnival Dress and Dancing

)

Dragon Seen During Traditional Chinese New Year Celebration. This year‛s Chinese New Year will be on February 16, 2018

18

e

y e e s (’ R l

“Sometimes I feel like people don’t understand me when I talk or that I don’t understand others.”

(Ecuadorian)

“Try to be more open minded and don’t brand. This only creates m barriers between people.” - Angel Reyes (’18)

l’s Captivating Cultures

of students with many distinctive backgrounds and who come from all over the holidays, food, and traditions, and wanted to express that to their peers. reotypes that they face, many of which people are often not aware of.

n

ho wd C a

Am

“I have never been to Bangladesh, so the fact that I eat authentic Bengali food everyday is me carrying out the traditions of my culture. Whenever there’s a function, I will wear my traditional Bengali clothes. The only discrimination I’ve faced because of my culture is being called an Indian.

I’m not Indian, and absolutely no offense to Indian people because their culture is beautiful. But Bangladesh is its own country in its own way and the same goes for India.”

(Bengali)

Traditional Bengali Clothing, a Sari

Ab b

y

r y (’ 1 8)

’ 2 ( 0) u i L

Barszcz, a Polish Beet Soup with Mushroom Ravioli traditionally eaten during Christmas

hu

more

“In today’s time here in America, it’s not so much discrimination against my culture but discrimination against the fact that I’m an immigrant. There are so many times I’ve seen people smile, and as soon as they hear my parents accents, they go on a rant about stupid immigrants. There’s so much misunderstanding about the concept, along with the ingrain fear that we are parasites. That we drain on the economy, that we are content to live off the government, and steal jobs. It’s really heartbreaking to see my parents who at one point worked 16 hour work days in hopes of living a better life. It’s really toxic especially considering that this is America the country made of immigrants, proud of its melding of culture, ideas, and customs.” (Polish)

i

9)

re k ( ’ 1

American Demographics by Race “On my dad’s side we have huge extended family get togethers. We also celebrate Chinese New Year.

When I was younger one or two kids may have made fun of me for being Chinese but luckily it really hasn’t been an issue for me other than occasional comments about ethnic stereotypes.”

(Chinese, Scottish, Irish, German, and Welsh)

White: 61% Hispanic: 18% Black: 12% Asian: 6% Two or more races: 2% American Indian/Alaskan Native: 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: less than 1%

4

nhspawprint@gmail.com - @nhs_pawprint - nhspawprint.com

STAFF BOX The Paw Print

EDITORIAL

Demolishing Differences Elise Sullivan Co-Editor in Chief

E Norwalk High School 23 Calvin Murphy Drive Norwalk, CT (203) 838-4481 The Paw Print would like to thank all journalism students for their work in the creation of the paper.

Advisor Mr. Karl Co-Editors in Chief Hannah Keyes Elise Sullivan ______Designers______ Photo Editor Wiktoria Piktel Staff Writers Sam Alegria Richie Cordero Briana Cortese Sean Essig Alex Francoeur Jadyn Grant Sazzas Hossan Savana Jaques Frideriki Koletsos Torie Morin Mateo Roldan-Vasco Ta’Myshia Taylor Jorge Villalobos Masira Vahora Jaquell Wilson

POLICY: 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. The opinions expressed in the opinion section are those of the writers, not the entire staff.

October 2015

very day I walk from class to class without a second thought, but I often fail to realize that not everyone has the ability to walk at all.

There are so many aspects of life that we take for granted—getting up to go the bathroom in the middle of the night or running up stairs to answer the phone. This year, I learned just how important it is for us to be grateful for what we have.

A friend and classmate recently put into perspective how truly challenging it is to use a wheelchair, even temporarily. Norwalk High School student Katerina Karaiskos (’18), a captain of the varsity volleyball team, suffered from a serious injury during one of her volleyball games this fall, resulting in the need for her to use a wheelchair for three following weeks.

Katerina faced many obstacles—things that I often take for granted and never even think about. “The handicapped stalls in public bathrooms are not publicly accessible, as the bars don’t extend far out enough for me to grab.

Also, a lot of the able bodied people use the handicapped stalls, so even if I had to go, I would have to wait for a really long time to use the bathroom, even if it was an emergency,”

she explained.

People who have disabilities are often looked at or treated differently by others, even if unintentionally. I have found myself asking people who have disabilities if they need help, when in fact they might be able to take care of themselves. Katerina expressed, “I volunteered at the Wolfpit Pumpkin Festival and I was there with several other volunteers. I noticed that when patrons needed assistance, they never asked me for help. The underlying thing is, ‘Oh, we’ll ask the normal people.’ The only thing that got me through it is knowing that it was temporary.” After talking to Katerina, I learned that people who have a disability, even if it is temporary, want is to be treated normally.

While Katerina’s experience was difficult, it was temporary. This is not the case for everyone. If someone experiences numerous challenges from using a wheelchair for only a period of three weeks, then I wonder how it is for someone who has to use a wheelchair forever.

I think I can speak for many in saying that when we see people who use wheelchairs or have a disability, we probably feel sympathetic. However, do we all really stop and think, “What if that was me? How would my life be different?” In all honesty, before talking to Katerina, I had not given this much thought. I have learned how important it is to never take anything for granted.

Desensitized Generation Hannah Keyes Co - Editor In Chief

T

here is no question that the world has been in a rough place lately, and the United States is no exception to this. Over the past couple of months America has faced many disastrous tragedies with political decisions, the Charlottesville rally and attacks, the Las Vegas mass shooting, Hurricanes, and the list continues on and on. There seems to be a trend of perpetual violence and disagreements that is not dying down.

Our generation has grown up with this violence always being present. Since the start of the Afghanistan War in 2001, this is what we have become accustomed to knowing and accepting.

It has gotten to the point where no one is surprised when something terrible happens such as a mass shooting or an occurrence of extreme violence and pain in both the physical and emotional sense. A serious question lies in whether or not people have become desensitized to it all.

Undoubtedly it is a scary prospect, but it is also a likely possibility.

The nation can spend days covering news about the horrid shooting at the Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas, the largest mass shooting to ever happen in the U.S. However, within the span of around two or three days, coverage is back on Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy.

This is not to say that America should wallow in

pity and sadness. However, news of such serious content should not be something that subsides within a few days or weeks. The focus of the media seems to quickly dissipate, and instantaneously reporters leach onto the next story that will garner the most attention.

With social media and evolving technologies it has become quite easy to share and even alter photos, this has likely aided in a downfall of some aspects of humanity. Pictures swarm the internet and it has become difficult to be able to discern truth from lie. These everyday visions of massacres and tragedies have become ‘normal.’

There is no question that these pictures and images are absolutely necessary as a way to make people aware of what is happening throughout the world, however, the constant influx can also normalize these types of situations.

Being someone who has grown up with these continuous foreign wars and tragic deaths, but never being personally affected has left me feeling that yes, of course it is all bad, but it is also nothing new. Violence is something that should not be tolerated, but instead it has become expected. At the very least, as a generation we can recognize what is happening and try to simply stay aware and change our own outlooks. Regardless of whether you are personally affected by a large scale tragedy or not, there is still a nation that should collectively go through a grieving process, as both a form of respect and a means of striving to stay united.

OPINION

13

Political Apathy

Alex Francoeur

Elise Sullivan

Reporter

Co-editor in chief

It is quite alarming to hear a graduating high school senior, who is about to embark on a four year college career, express that he/she has never heard of Steve Bannon, or that he/she does not know what the Environmental Protection Agency is. These are two indicators that teenagers and young adults are often unaware of occurrences in the political world surrounding them, and that something should be done to change this.

While there are teenagers and young adults who are interested in and hold an appreciation for politics, including political and governmental news and events in the United States of America and around the world, the majority are usually uninformed about the political world. Whether it is due to a lack of interest, motivation, or the feeling that political events do not affect them, BBC news states that less than a third of young people (aging from sixteen to twenty-four years old) express any interest in politics.

Though it is fulfilling to be knowledgeable about the occurrences on Capitol Hill, it is even more important for young people to know how they can be truly affected by political decisions made by people such as President Trump, or groups like the House of Representatives, or the Senate, that make decisions regarding national security, taxation, health-care, and social security. These are four major elements that concern young people today, especial-

Unnoticed News

ly as they will be graduating or already have graduated college, and are about to enter adulthood, in which they will have to pay taxes and will receive health care and social security benefits. Therefore, people should be knowledgeable about political decisions that are made, which can have direct impacts on them.

In addition, as many young adults are turning or have turned eighteen years old, they will be getting ready to vote for a presidential candidate in a few years. If they are not informed about the policies and goals that the candidate will pursue, they will not have many factors to base this crucial decision on.

Young people can become more informed about the political world around them in a myriad of ways, which include, watching a news channel for five minutes everyday, reading a handful of articles in a local newspaper every week, or conversing with their teachers and parents about important political events and decisions that occur.

The news in America today is a whirlwind of blisteringly fast consumption, where the story either gets a week of infographics in newspapers and TV, or half a column on the second page. Stories today come all at once, and people must sort through it and pick what is newsworthy, what their audience wants to hear about. I think this leaves some important stories without coverage The recent hurricanes that gripped the nation were hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. During Harvey, stations put weathermen in the thick of it, battling winds they probably should not have been in. The following week, they covered the rescue effort, celebrities donating, and the community coming together, yet after two weeks of almost twenty-four hour coverage the news outlets were still not letting it go.

On the night of September 8, exactly two weeks after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, the biggest earthquake in 100 years stuck a few miles off the coast of Mexico. It was so strong it caused damage in Mexico City 600 miles from the epicenter, and a small tsunami that traveled all the way to Peru and New Zealand. The state of Oaxaca was severely damaged with sixty one dead and 250,000 people without homes.

It is not like the news media is indifferent to the plights of other nations, on September 19 Mexico experienced a second devastating earthquake that killed 333 people according to their civil defense

secretary. Unlike the last earthquake this struck within the most populated areas of Mexico, but also the area that gets the most earthquakes. Their buildings are made to withstand this kind of natural disaster. The first earthquake hit a significantly poorer state that led to much more structural damage. Though deaths were five times higher in the second earthquake, many more were displaced, living without shelter, in the first earthquake.

It is strange where the news media decides to devote all their attention. It seems this time they gave priority to a disaster at home rather than abroad, and chose to cover greater loss of life rather than greater human suffering. It is primarily what the American consumers want to watch, and what will keep them hooked to the screen for those few minutes more. People must be informed, and you cannot be informed without information.

Thanks to this capitalistic phenomenon some stories get swept under the rug as more interesting ones get coverage. This can lead to not just an uninformed public, but also people in these disasters without foreign aid. When reading articles about the two earthquakes it shows the difference new coverage brings to international outreach. The first earthquake, there was no talk whatsoever of international volunteers or foreign militaries helping out. But, the second earthquake, people came from as far as Japan coming to Mexico to help in search and rescue. Without news coverage, a lot of people will not know to give help, or that people are in as much trouble as they are in.

Helping Someone Deal With Grief Torie Morin Reporter “I’m so sorry for your loss.” This is a phrase that I heard far too much this past summer. A few days after school ended, my father passed away from a very short and sudden battle with cancer, and myself and my family, obviously, were heartbroken.

Hundreds of people reached out to help us, or at least that is what they thought they were doing. I am not trying to say that I am ungrateful for the outpouring of love and support that my family was receiving at the time, not at all.

But, if I heard one more “I’m always here if you want to talk” from someone who I have never spoken to in my life, I would have exploded.

I get it. People are really weird about grief. It comes completely from a place of pure love and sorrow, but

sometimes it is a little suffocating. They just want to help so much, that it is just too much.

Let us start with the food. In the weeks following my father’s death, the amount of fruit baskets that I received caused my kitchen to overflow. There was not a surface not covered in some tray of fruit. I was grateful, but very quickly got tired of the almost disgusting concoctions of random fruit in my smoothies every morning.

Oh, and do not even get me started on the lasagna. I have never been one to enjoy lasagna, but this summer I was forced to. There was a point in time where all three shelves of my fridge were filled to the brim with containers of lasagna. It got to the point where we were storing it in my neighbors’ fridges and giving it away to friends because we could not bear to eat one more bite of lasagna.

Another thing I could not get over was all of the people. When a family experiences a loss, people do not want them to be lonely and want to be around them at all times.

I got to the point where all I wanted was to just be alone.

Sometimes, you just want to suffer in silence, and it was hard to find that tranquility even in my own home.

Last, but certainly not least, the comments! People I barely knew would text me their condolences, and tell me I could talk to them if I needed to. I understand that people feel like they must say something like that, just to be nice, but I obviously was not going to talk to them over my best friends if I really needed someone. It upset me that people would make baseless claims like this, even if it truly came from the bottom of their heart.

I want to clarify that I am not writing this to complain or say that I am ungrateful. It amazes me that so many people cared for me and my family, but I just wanted to write this to show people how the other side sees it.

I’ll leave you with some lasting advice: just show love to those who are suffering. Be there for them, but do not suffocate. Unless you’ve dealt with loss first hand, you do not understand how they feel, so, by all means, do not tell them you know how they feel.

Tomatoes: Fruit or Not a Fruit?

Jorgie Villalobos Reporter

We need to agree with The Supreme Court and call tomatoes vegetables because of how they are used, not how they are grown.

On May 10th, 1893, The US Supreme Court declared that the tomato is a vegetable because of their use in dinner with other vegetables, rather than in dessert with other fruits. (Nix v. Hedden (149 U.S. 304). However, tomatoes are classified as a fruit because they come from the ovary from the base of a flower and contain seeds from the plant.

Since tomatoes were ruled as a vegetable by The Supreme Court, but are classified as a fruit because of how they are grown like most fruits, people are torn over whether to call them a fruit or a vegetable. There should be no more confusion over this topic and we should all just call tomatoes vegetables.

A tomato should be considered a fruit because of how it is grown, but we do not treat tomatoes like fruits. They are not mixed in with a fruit salad. No one takes a bite out of a whole tomato during their lunch time.

If everyone could be honest with themselves for one minute, we could all agree that tomatoes are not fruits; despite how they are grown, they are vegetables.

Even though their method of growth resembles that of a fruit, we should identify them as vegetables because tomatoes are used as vegetables.

FALL 2017 BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

7

FAUX FURS

8

1 6

9 6 3

PLAIDS

2 4

5

5 4 1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism Palette ($42, anastasiabevelryhills.com) 2. Fenty Beauty GLOSS BOMB Universal Lip Luminizer ($18, fentybeauty.com) 3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Kit ($30, sephora.com) 4. LAURA MERCIER Limited Edition Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Puff ($42, sephora.com) 5. Kat Von D Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick Set ($49, sephora.com) 6. PRADA Prada Candy Hair Mist ($50, macys. com)

W

LIGHT WITH COOL UNDERTONES: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Moonchild Glow Kit in Blue Ice ($40) LIGHT TO MEDIUM: Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder in Luminous Light ($22-$46)

1

OLIVE: FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby ($34) DARK WITH WARM UNDERTONES: STILA Heaven’s Huge Highlighter in Bronze ($32) DARK WITH COOL UNDERTONES: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Glow Kit in Summer ($40)

sk in t o n e ?

LIGHT WITH WARM UNDERTONES: Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact in Golden Nude ($42)

a

ur

FAIR: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Aurora Glow Kit in Luna ($40)

VELVETS

yo

H I G H L I G H TER

3

s t’

MAKEUP SPOTLIGHT

h

2

1. Free People Cecile Velvet Boot in Wine ($168, zappos.com) 2. Blue Crushed-velvet Camisole Top ($9.99, H&M hm.com) 3.

Black Crushed-velvet Dress ($29.99, H&M hm.com) 4. Plaid Suit Pants ($34.99, H&M, hm.com) 5. Plaid Circle Skirt ($17.99, H&M) 6. Blouse with Stand-up Collar ($24.99, H&M) 7. Light brown Faux Fur Vest ($39.99, H&M) 8. Faux Fur Jacket ($119, H&M) 9.

Faux Fur Slides ($19.99, Victoria’s Secret, victoriassecret.com)

October 2017

15

Opinion

Briana Cortese Reporter The power of makeup is undeniably astonishing, with one swipe of a brush a person can completely transform their face… why does this arouse a problem for men.

In a recent survey handed out to a diverse group of women 85% said yes, they enjoy wearing makeup and wear it daily while the other fifteen percent said they did not like wearing makeup and only wear it on special occasions.

In a similar survey handed out to men, eighty-percent of guys said that they do not have preference as to whether women wear makeup or not. The other twenty percent of guys prefer women with no makeup.

When asked why women wear makeup guys answers included, “to im-

press guys”, “to cover up their face and not look like them self,” or “to hide insecurities but mostly just to look better.” Look better than what?

Men actually think that all of women use makeup as a security blanket to hide their imperfections. Since when do girls only wear makeup to impress guys? Makeup is a fun way to play around with colors and enhance your natural features.

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, the definition of makeup is “cosmetics such as lipstick or powder applied to the face, used to enhance the appearance.” Since when was makeup considered a cloaking method.

News for you guys, your opinion does not matter. The question, “do boys opinions about your makeup matter to you?” was asked in the same survey and 95% of women answered “NO”. Sorry guys, your opinion on our makeup has no effect on

Black Friday Irony Wiktoria Piktel Photo Editor

President Trump’s Trans Army Ban Savana Jaques Reporter “As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens.”

The president said he cared about them.

He said that he would protect them.

Although, many believe that he lied. The day he was elected the LGBT rights page was taken off of the white house website immediately, and now because of him, the citizens of the United States are getting involved with people who want to attack this country. Now he is banning people from the army who are here to do one job, serve and protect.

No matter what color skin or what gender a soldier identifies as, their main goal is to help protect and serve their country, especially in these times of need.

It should not matter what the soldiers look like or what they believe in. Their motivations are as pure as any other U.S. soldier, and thus, it should not matter. It is disgusting how someone who said he cares so much about all people just discards basic

www.pulseheadlines.com

As families celebrate Thanksgiving in their homes on the last Thursday of November, just a few hours later they storm into stores seeking to beat the crowd for the best deal on overpriced merchandise.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. Now, almost two centuries later, people all over the country celebrate this five day occasionwith friends and family.

The term “Black Friday” was used first to describe the financial crisis and the crash of the U.S. gold market on September 24, 1869. Now the term is used to describe the day after Thanksgiving where people forget about the things they are grateful for.

In my eyes, Black Friday is the new Halloween specifically aimed for adults. On October 31st children walk from house to house collecting candy, staying up late and telling tales of the monsters lurking in the dark. On Black Friday people do not need to

dress up as monster; they turn into monsters. They lurk in the dark, camping outside of stores, holding on to the money they are so eager to spend.

Their candy are the “amazing deals.”

As intriguing as the fifty, sixty or seventy-five percent off deals are, the prices are raised through the roof. The fact that a dress has a little tag in the back saying Gucci, Burberry or any other overpriced brand is fifty percent off once a year; the deal is worth it. That article of clothing is going to be sitting in someone's closet serving primarily as a reminder of the sweet deal they scored.

About 139.4 million adults visited stores and websites over the four day weekend, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. According to CNN total spending over Black Friday weekend hit a record $59.1 billion in 2012 and are constantly growing.

People impulsively shop and fight over deals on a full stomach while over half a million people are living on the streets coming out not because they want to be the first to buy merchandise but because they do not have a place to live in.

whether or not we will wear it.

Makeup is a medium of art, and a bare face is the blank canvas.

Makeup is one of the best forms of expression a person can represent on their face, one of the first things someone notices about you. So wear that empowering black lipstick that others think is too dramatic for an everyday look, go for it! Nobody can stop you.

Whether you plan to spend hours in front of the mirror layering on foundation, highlighting your face to the gods, or simply spending five minutes in front of the mirror only applying one coat of mascara; your face is your choice. How you choose to represent yourself is totally up to you.

The Paw Print encourages everyone to attend the 4th annual NHS Haunted House this year!

i.pinimg.com

If It Is My Face, Then It Is My Choice

human rights.

The president should make all people feel protected and safe, but Donald Trump does the complete opposite. Trump puts fear in the hearts of many, consumes hatred, creates mobs, and puts many people against one another.

Transgender people just want the same human rights many others have, just because they have a different choice of lifestyle does not mean they should be shunned or placed at a disadvantage because of it.

Shaye Haver and Capt. Kristen Griest were the first two women to pass rager school which out of the 364 soldiers that started off the class, they were two of the forty to pass. Gender does not matter because no matter what one identifies as, they can all do the same thing and complete the same task. Just because the soldier is transgender, does not mean they can not serve and protect.

If people do not speak up for themselves or others, then people will continue to live in a world where they will get walked on.

16

SPORTS

Falling For Fall Frideriki Koletsos Reporter

The crunch of colored leaves grasping onto the bottom of shoes. When the cold crisp wind blows, scarves cradle around people’s necks. The sound of giggles and the creaking of swing sets which have not a whisper of noise until the life is brought back by playful children.

Imagination grows as carved faces are embellished into voluptuous orange pumpkins, soon to be set next to the front door of houses.

Adults and kids enjoy this season of family and friend activities which is a reason why fall is the most enjoyable season.

Fall is by far the best season of the year, as well as one of the most festive. Kids jumping in piles of leaves which are raveled into spheres as tall as mountain peaks. The scraping of rakes as they just so lightly, but yet harshly grasp onto the withering grass.

So innocently the children are running inside, just to get a whiff, or taste of the home baked goodies waiting for them in the kitchen.

While sitting at a table in a usual cafe, sipping a hot coffee which when swallowed warms the body in a sensational flow, is now filled with scents

of spices and sweets. These festive delights by far make the season of fall dominant to the other seasons.

As the night falls, the twirling of leaves hit the windowsill and the singing crickets begin their melody. It now becomes necessary to bundle up into the coziest blanket in the household and fall asleep on the couch watching a movie.

The following of damp cool air hits the tips of toes as they peek through the covers. Fall brings a refreshing morning dew which no other season brings. Fall is by far the most enjoyable and memorable season.

A season to celebrate the changing of seasons, a transition into a cherishable upbringing of another memorable change of weather and outdoor horizons, in which is in control by Mother Nature.

As she goes in to begin her hibernation, she quickly moves on to snow and blissful snowflakes, which in a wink of an eye melt into another new blossoming of the grand outdoors with healthy green colorful life. Until the next crisp breath of wind, scarves will be removed from the neck and awaken at the next glimpse of the beautiful season, fall.

October 2017

A Swimmer’s Rep Mateo Roldan-Vasco Reporter

Spending two hours in a pool with poor air quality, coughing your lungs out, crying from the sting of chlorine in your eyes, and an ear full of the coach yelling at you and telling you to push through it, is not fun.

Swimmers deal with these struggles everyday so when the time to compete comes, they can show off how much they have improved, and show the school that swimming is not the easiest sport in the world. The only problem is, no one shows up to the swim meets.

When a swimmer asks their friends if they can show up to a swim meet, the non swimmer usually says, “I’m so sorry, I wish I can go, but I’m really busy.” After the swim meet, the swimmer looks at their non-swimmer friends Snapchat story and sees that they were too busy grabbing coffee at Dunkin Donuts with other friends, to watch the swimmer compete. On the other hand, if a student was asked to go to a football or basketball game, the response is usually, “Yeah, definitely! What time?” This does not only apply to swimmers. It applies to the volleyball team, tennis team, outdoor track team, and more.

Girls Volleyball varsity captain Katerina Karaiskos (’18) agrees that, “Bear Pack should definitely try to get a bigger crowd at our games, we don’t get nearly as much support as the other teams.”

Students are constantly searching for attention and approval from their peers, and when the only people who show up to their competitions are their parents, the motivation can be lost.

Getting support from parents is great,

but for some teens, friends are on a higher pedestal than family.

NHS athletics are taken seriously, and a common goal for the teams is to make it to the top, but that will not happen unless there is more support for our teams. Our Bear Pack should make an effort to get a crowd going to a variety of sports games and not only football games.

Friends of athletes should try spending an hour or two after school cheering on their friends, and maybe NHS teams can finally make it to the top.

Swimmer Mateo Roldan-Vasco

SPORTS

October 2017

17

Sailing And Catching The Wave Sean Essig Reporter One interesting thing about Norwalk High School is that there is always something new going on. However, sports in general do not really change. There has always been a football, basketball, and lacrosse team. Although one sport that started at the beginning of the last school year that is not too well known about is sailing.

The sailing team is a co-ed team with Brien McMahon high school. It is still pretty new and not that many people know about it. Anyone who wants to join can sign up and be on the team because it is open to everyone, even if they do not have much prior experience. Sailing practice is after school on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The second season is going very well. Team captain, Sam Jones (`18), noted, “Everyone on the team is proficient on knowing how to sail so far and knows how to rig the boats, NHS junior Chase Latour had the opportunity to sail in the New England single handed championship re-

Take A Lap Frideriki Koletsos Reporter In a sport, there are many variables that come into play. The foot work, arm work, balance, strength, etc., those are all components that come into recognition. In short distance track and field, all those variables are the base of one important and main attribution. This variable is form. To have form, is not just to step on the line and run to the other end. There is a correct form to successfully start, push, accelerate, cruise, and finish a race.

When stepping to the starting line, the form to help intensify the start of the running position is the starting position. The beginner technique to “start” is the three point start. In the three point start position, the runner starts in a standing position at first, with one foot forward and one foot back and then enables a crouching position. Once in crouching position, the runner will place the hand opposite from the front foot just behind the line and the other arm is held up behind the hip. Before beginning to start, lift the hips slightly higher than the shoulders, head down, and push.

The runner is off.

After the “start” and the runner push-

cently.” If sailing gets spread to more schools throughout Fairfield county, it would create interesting connections between the other teams.

Sailing has gotten bigger since last year but everyone on the team would like it to expand to greater horizons.

es the body out of the starting position and begins to run, acceleration is a key part of building speed to begin and finish the race. During acceleration the runner pops up from the push that was added during the three point start. The hips stand taller, the strides begin to become wider, and the arms begin applying more force and pumping faster. The foot is in a flatter position for when making contact with the ground there will be very little rebound.

When the acceleration is complete, the body can then relax and cruise while still maintaining a constant speed and push in motion.

While cruising the body remains pushing and moving, but the shoulders and arms begin to relax. During “cruise form,” the hips should remain tall and the strides should remain open. Focus on breathing and the form of the body. After “cruising” the race is coming to an end. As the last meters come up and the body begins to become tired, intensify the last of the energy and strength into the finish. Finish the race, pass the finish line, and walk it off.

These components of form given will improve and transform the way the runner runs, and gives a sense of accomplishment when getting to have a new personal record.

Sailing is not even listed on the athletics website at Norwalk High School, but if it was, it would get much have recognition. Sailing is another sport to get excited about especially if Norwalk’s team becomes stronger.

Colorguard Pride

Savana Jaques Reporter Norwalk High School’s National color guard has been performing for 30 years and have won many national and state titles.

Many people think color guard is just flag spinning but it is much more than that.

It takes a lot of strength and hard work to master the big leaps and stay uniformed.

Norwalk High School offers Winter guard and Fall guard. There is two different types of guard, AA, for Middle School kid’s, and Open, for High School kids. Every other home Football game, the colorguard and bands performs at halftime.

In the fall, their busiest time of the year, the guard dose about eight to ten competitions.

They practice 4 times a week at Andrew’s field along with the band. Jaquell Wilson, a students at Norwalk High School who is new to colorguard say’s that, “One thing I like about color guard is that we perform. We all perform the same thing but, everyone’s individuality shines through out on the field” Jaquell Wilson (’19) The Color Guard recently had a competition at Bunnell High school in Stratford coming in first place with a score of eighty eight out of 100.

“It was very rividing. It made me very confident and I loved it. I feel like it made us unified as a team.” Kendon MClain (’18) The Norwalk High School color guard has an upcoming competition Saturday, 10/21 in Danbury and hope to take home a big win.

The Paw Print would like to thank everyone who makes this newspaper possible! A special thanks to everyone who donated or subscribed: Edgar Roldan, Jim & Lisa Sullivan, Andriopoulous, Diana & Ethan Carpio, Beth and Ed Long, Kimberly Wilcox, and Diane Tullio

18

SPORTS

October 2017

Norwalk High School Football Team Sam Alegria Reporter The Norwalk High School Football team started off on the right foot. They have worked immensely hard to start the season off well.

The football captains this year are A.J. Hall (’18), Jalen Elliott (’18), James Roberts (’18), and Niar Brown (’18).

Hall says, “We have a lot of very good football players, and it’s just a matter of everyone doing what they’re supposed to do.

When that happens, we are a very good football team.”

With that being said, NHS is currently at 2-2. They lost a game against Westhill but redeemed that loss by beating Ludlowe at the homecoming game, but lost again against Greenwich.

Elliott states, “The season is going well so far, we

are one of the top three teams of our division.”

The football team has also improved a considerable amount from last year. According to Elliott, “...compared to last year the team has improved a lot as in playing more physically and mentally. It all started this summer in the weight room leading up to when the conditioning week started…” he added, “At first it was up in the air of how good we were going to do because we had a lot of new players and we did not know how they were going to react to it, but everyone is doing their job…”

Although at the beginning everything was a bit confusing, both Hall and

Elliott believe it is all been going well and everyone is doing an incredible job and working together.

A key aspect to the amazing achievements of the football team does not only have to do with how well they are playing on the field but how close of a relationship they all have outside of the games and the practices. It is one thing working well on the field, but it all really starts out outside of it.

Hall says, concerning pressure as football captain, “Not a lot of pressure at all. I know that my team and coaches will always have my back. All I have to do is lead the team and play football. This is the closest group of friends and teammates that I’ve been a part of throughout all four years. There’s nothing better than being able to come to practice with forty-plus boys that I can truly call my brothers.”

It is clear the football team is doing phenomenal, and the fact that everyone is very close and there is support throughout is what contributes to their excellence.

We wish the NHS football team more glories throughout the season, and do not forget to attend the the Thanksgiving game against McMahon!

Girls Soccer Season Boys Kicking it Off Richie Cordero Reporter The Norwalk High School Girls Varsity Soccer team has dealt with much adversity during the majority of its sixteen-game season.

The team currently holds a record that consists of three wins and eight losses, having lost its first three games to Warde, Wilton, and St. Joseph High Schools. Momentum was quickly gained once the team

had won its next three games, defeating high schools like Westhill, Trinity Catholic, and Bridgeport Central. During their threegame winning streak, the Bears had scored a roaring total of eleven goals and had allowed opposing teams to score just two goals. In response to the Bears’ prevalent play, junior player Brianny Garcia (’19) had stated “It [the season] started off rough, but now we are getting the hang of it.”

Unfortunately, the Bears’ period of triumph came to a quick halt after they had lost their next five games to Staples, Greenwich, New Canaan, and Danbury, and Brien McMahon High Schools, in which they were outscored by a total of fifteen goals to one. “We are not getting the results we want, but we are working hard,” senior player Clara Lazaro (’18) exclaimed. “Our mistakes are ruining our chances of winning.”

Senior captain Jenna Smeriglio (’18) added “We can work on improving our attitudes.”

The Bears are determined to win the remainder of their games this season. The players are highly motivated towards bettering themselves, which will be accomplished through vigorous amounts of hard work, perseverance, and getting along with one another.

Jaquell Wilson Reporter

This years Fall soccer season has been off to a great start under the leadership of senior captains Cole Judkins (’18), Lucas Araujo (’18) and Sebastian Echeverri (’18).

As the season has improved, The Norwalk High School Boys Soccer Team has added another win to their list. On October 10, 2017 Norwalk Boys Soccer played against their rivalry team Brien McMahon and won.

Players on the team expressed their opinions on the players and season so far.

“I am most proud of how much dedication and heart the team has for the school, and for the sport,” player Lance garcia (’19) explained. He continued, “The team is

doing good but we are still not satisfied with what we have done, we all believe we can do so much more as a team and a family.”

With the team this close there is no cliques on the team this year. The boys are able to help each other out by keeping the atmosphere positive. “If someone doesn’t understand a drill or what they’re supposed to be doing in a particular position our teammates will help us understand it much better.

We even help each other out with homework if someone doesn’t understand it.” Judkins, one of the captains, proudly said.

The Boys Soccer Team puts in a lot of work throughout the practices and games, especially home games. In terms of what the team is proud of, Jorge Gonzalez (’19), said, “I am most proud of how much hard work we put in at our games and at practice. Our goal is to be in the state championship.”

The NHS Field Hockey Team At It Again Torie Morin Reporter Recently named the Ruden Report’s Team of the Week, the Norwalk High School Field Hockey team has been sweeping the FCIAC for weeks on end. With the way the season is looking so far, the team is poised to go to the state championship.

“The season so far is going really well,” stated player Alyssa Berardino (’18) “Everyday we come into practice and work hard regardless.” In past years, the Lady Bears have come close to the state championship, but this year they have hopes to go all the way. Due to a new “team chemistry,” the field hockey girls are practically unbeatable. “I think our team chemistry is what helps us in the games. We’re always spending time together outside of practice, which really makes us a family,” Berardino added.

It is all hands on deck for the team as the season continues. “Every practice we come out really strong,” said

player Shannon McEveney (’18), who was recently named the Ruden Report’s Player of The Week, “Everyone wants to be at practice and we all look forward to seeing eachother everyday which is what makes our team so special.”

Coach Kyle Seaburg is very proud of his team and all of their hard work. “I am very happy with the effort that the girls on all levels are putting in. Their hard work is paying off and that’s really all you can ask for as a coach.”

Another bonus to the team is the standout freshman player Tessa Albrecht (’21). Albrecht starts for the team as a freshman and has amazed everyone as a player as the season began. The freshman racks in multiple goals and assists for the team in every game, and is definitely a standout player.

In the upcoming weeks, the field hockey girls will be facing multiple FCIAC powerhouse teams, but they will not let that get them down. “We really are a family,” claimed Berardino. “That’s what makes everything we do that much easier and fun.”

SPORTS

October 2017

Girls Swim Team Making Waves

19

During the fall sport’s season most of the girls train twice a week with their club team and as well as attend high school practice for three hours six days a week.

Their rigorous training is rewarded with a just few weeks off during the summer. “We pretty much only get a few weeks off, other than that we swim almost everyday.”mMorin mentioned.

With everyday practice, long meets and balancing school life it can be difficult.

“Sometimes you don’t always want to practice but in the end it’s really worth it” claimed Morin. Czulewicz gave some great advice to her teammates that everyone can use in their life, “Just keep pushing. As cliche as it sounds it is the most important thing to remember. No matter how hard the journey will get, the end result is always rewarding.”

Make sure to come to the swim meets and support the girls swim team!

Wiktoria Piktel Reporter As we dive into another school year, captains Torie Morin (‘18) and Katie Czulewicz (‘18) have hopes of leading the Norwalk/McMahon girls swim team to the a good run in the state championships.

Morin and Czulewicz are very dedicated students, swimmers and captains. The team has approximately thirty girls, a combination of Norwalk High School and Brien McMahon High School with Pam Raila as their captain. As much competition as the two high schools have Morin said, “it’s a very close team and we have a lot of fun together. It’s a nice break from our more rigorous club teams in the winter, spring and summer.” The captains are proud to say that all the girls on the team have a close connection with each other.

Charming Cheerleeding Champions Sean Essig Reporter

The Norwalk High School Cheerleading team has had a good season so far. The team has been working very hard to accomplish all of their goals and all of their hard work is definitely paying off.

Team captain Emily Dougherty (’18) says, “The team definitely has a lot of potential and strength we just need to work on our team dynamic. As far as our season so far we’ve accomplished a lot and are pushing new skills such as tumbling and higher level stunts.”

One thing that is up for debate is whether or not cheerleading is a sport. Dougherty offers her views, “Cheerleading is absolutely

a sport. In fact it is very competitive especially down south. We do participate in competitions from December through February and it is a very physically demanding sport and requires a variation of intricate skills in order to score in the top range.”

According to Connecticut US district judge Stefan Underhill, “Today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletic participation opportunities for students.”

It is a topic open for debate but it is listed on the NHS athletics website. Also practices can go up to four hours for six days a week, and the team attends every football and basketball game both home and away, so be sure to look for them during the next game.

Country Running Mateo Roldan-Vasco Reporter

This fall, the girls cross country team has no seniors, so two juniors have been chosen to lead the runners as captains, Kelly Recinos (’19) and Dayanara Acuna (’19).

Junior captains are not really common, but it is a really big deal if one is chosen to help lead the team as a junior. Being a captain takes certain leadership qualities and a level of maturity. In addition, captains need to have a flame of school spirit that radiates positivity.

When describing her experience as a junior captain, Recinos says, “It’s honestly surreal at times but it’s amazing! I remember as a freshman I wanted to be captain, and have my team look up to me in a way, so now being a captain as a junior I get to experience it for two years and I love it!”

Recinos also described that being

a captain takes a lot of positivity and motivation. She pushes her girls to be their best whether it be at practice, or at a meet, and she makes the team as welcoming as possible.

Being a captain, you are a leader, motivator, and a friend. It is an amazing opportunity to be a captain as a junior because you get to lead for two years. Being a junior captain may catch attention of other captains, a few weird stares here and there, but Recinos and Acuna love being captains.

“It takes responsibility, and commitment. You have to set a good example and always make the team look good,” explained Acuna.

“It’s kind of a challenge because we are only juniors and already have to lead and set an example for the team. The pressure is on a little extra.”

Serving The Ball Hannah Keyes Co - Editor In Chief The Norwalk High School volleyball team has been working and playing hard to try to have a successful season.

The season has been a little slow, but the lady bears have been in good hands with senior captains: Katie Sciglimpaglia (’18), Dori Bartush (’18), and Katerina Karaiskos (’18).

Sciglimpaglia says, “Our team goal is to make it to states because Norwalk volleyball hasn’t made states in over twenty years.”

With this big goal in mind, the team has been hard at work attempting to improve from last year and improve throughout the course of the season.

“The season started off strong, but lately we’ve encountered a lot of unexpected obstacles and so it’s been a bit of a bumpy road.” Stated Karaiskos.

One of these unexpected obstacles has been the loss of Karaiskos, as she is out for the season due to injuries sustained during a game which has left her immobilized for a couple weeks, possibly months.

“My injury has been very hard for me personally and also for the team collectively. Overall I think team morale was weakened, because I’m typically known as one of the most positive people on the team. I’m also a very vocal leader; I always try to help keep our energy and spirits up. It’s one less captain, one less play-

er, one less motivator.” Said Karaiskos.

Bartush had similar thoughts and mentioned, “I think it’s going to be a challenge trying to replace one of your starting players. But she’s still on the side lines cheering for us.”

Both on and off the court, the team chemistry among the volleyball team is undeniable and has been a motivating factor when it comes to performance. Everyone is friends with each other and maintaining patience has been something the team has been focusing on together.

NHS wishes the volleyball team good luck!

NHS Fall Pep Rally

Photo Credit and Page Design: Wiktoria Piktel