Verve Vol XIV Iss 3 Dec 2013

Shakespeare returns after a four-year drought.

District faculty vs Police Department in Ball for a Cause.

See page 4

See page 5

Summit High School

December 2013

Volume XIV Issue 3

125 Kent Place Blvd. Summit, NJ 07901

Beloved tradition leads into Thanksgiving break

By Anika Becker Staff Reporter

Hallway decorations took place on Tuesday, Nov. 26, just before Thanksgiving break. Hallway decorations have been a tradition for years, where each grade is assigned a hallway in the school to decorate according to a theme.

Student council president Max Graeb said that it is a totally student-run event, and added, “the student council came up with the judges and a prize for the winning grade, other than that it’s all up to the class councils to see what they make their hallways like.”

Junior Emily Chin said that she loves participating in the

decorations each year because “it’s a tradition, and it’s a chance for each class to work together, and it’s a lot of fun too.”

Each grade is very fortunate to have a large amount of students extremely talented in the fine arts. This event is a great opportunity for these gifted students to come together and display their talents in a fun atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all students and faculty.

This year, the senior class decorated their hall with the theme of Woodstock, the junior class decorated according to the theme Sesame Street, the sophomore class to winter wonderland, and the freshman class to outer space.

Administration forms team, begins search to fill vacant role

By Anna Tselevich Staff Reporter

On Oct. 18, Assistant Principal Anthony Akey officially resigned his position after 34 years, 25 of which were spent as Assistant Principal, and nine of which were spent as a history teacher, according to the “Summit Patch.” On Jan. 31, 2014 his resignation will be effective, and until then he is on medical leave, according to Principal Paul Sears.

Although the reason behind his departure is a personnel matter, Sears said, “Mr. Akey has done a tremendous job all of his 34 years here at the school; he will be missed, and we wish him well.”

A selection committee, including teachers, supervisors, a student, and a parent representative, is already set up for the process of hiring the new Assistant Principal.

There is one faculty member per department, from Physi-

cal Education, Special Education, E.S.L/Foreign Language, English, Practical and Fine Arts, Science, Guidance, History, and Mathematics.

This committee is spearheaded by Sears and Assistant Principal Stacy Grimaldi.

On the Job Postings section of the Summit Public Schools web-

Submit photos to the first ever Verve Photo Contest today!

By Nic Lalicato Art Editor

Photos by Alex Arias

2013 Hallway Murals... students and faculty came together the night before Thanksgiving break to continue the decorating tradition. Each class produced a themed mural in a secondary contest.

Attention all student photographers, Instagrammers, and cell phone users, this year the Verve will be hosting its firstever photo competition.

The theme of the contest is “Celebration of Summit.”

The submitted photo must be original and related to Summit. They must be appropriate enough to be published.

Contestants must submit photos to shsverve@gmail.com

by Jan. 2. The emailed photo should have the student’s first and last name and “Photo

Competition” in the headline.

If submitted without those specifications students will be eliminated. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded prizes and will be featured in an issue of the Verve!

All photos must be taken with a smartphone. This eliminates unfair advantages like having access to a higher quality camera but at the same time still requires all the same skill.

Remember the deadline is Jan. 2.

(continued on page 2)

site, the position opening was posted on Nov. 1 and closed on Nov. 18. There were over 170 applicants, both external and internal, from in the building and nationwide, Grimaldi said.

Once the committee has conducted candidate interviews, looked over all of the applications, and comes to a consensus, Sears will make a recommendation to the Board of Education.

Grimaldi said, “Although it will be extremely difficult to replace Mr. Akey, I wish him well and we are confident that the committee will find someone who will be a great addition to the administrative team.”

Sears said his recommendation to the board could be made as early as December.

The BOE will then make its final decision, and in Feb. 2014, the school will welcome a new Assistant Principal.

Image provided by whoeverdesires.com

Inside this issue of

Verve

Globe...

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Opine...

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S+S...

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Buzz...

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Clubs...

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Turf...

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Globe

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December 2013

Oil supplies plentiful, gas prices fall

All new drivers boast an obsession with joyriding after passing their drivers test. Blasting music while driving around with friends is a constant occurrence, especially with Summit students, however the extremely high gasoline prices make it difficult for licenses to be fully fueled.

In the past, foreign dependence on oil has driven up the price of gas to as high as $4.00 per gallon. However, as of late, the US has been producing their own oil at an astonishing rate.

In fact, the United States recently surpassed Saudi Arabia in the amount of oil it produces

Summit HS 125 Kent Pl. Blvd.

Summit, NJ 07901 Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Tony Akey Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Editor-in-Chief: Alex Arias Gwen Rogers Managing Editors: Tommy DiSibio Stephanie Ollom FRONT PAGE: Stephanie Ollom GLOBE: David Meyers OPINE: Ellie Schaffer SCREEN AND SOUND: Carly Leiter BUZZ: Meredith Robertson TURF: Niko Nyktas & Jamie Macpherson CLUBS: Megan Shaw ART EDITOR: Nic Lalicato CIRCULATION: Jackson Sidebottom STAFF REPORTERS: Cam Fuoti, Emily Gao, Alice Kim, Bobby Mori- arty, Ethan Mandelbaum Anna Tselevich, Ashley White, Nate Bowyer, Anika Becker, Laura Pasquale, Dan Montgomery

on a yearly basis. This, paired with the increased use of clean energy in the United States, has driven prices way down.

Currently, the average U.S. gas price is $3.20 per gallon and continues to fall everyday.

Oil analysts predict the price of gas in the United Staes to fall as low as $3.00 per gallon within the next few months, according to Marilyn Geewax’s report for NPR. The continuous decline in gasoline prices is exciting to all drivers. Senior Olivia De Santis gushes, “I am beyond thrilled that the price of gas is going down because it will

make driving so much better knowing that I won’t have to pay as much money to fill up my tank.”

With the US producing more and more of its own gas, as well as becoming more involved in the clean energy market, the prospect of gas prices continuing their free fall looks good for drivers everywhere. As gas prices drop to levels not seen in years, expect more and more drivers on the road.

So while it might take us a little while to go from place to place, at least our pockets will be a little more full from the money we will save.

Rare double holiday in 2013 calendars

By Jackson Sidebottom Staff Reporter This year, Nov. 28 marks a rare occasion: Thanksgiving and Hanukkah intersect on the calendar. This has not happened since 1888, as Thanksgiving was not an official national holiday until Abraham Lincoln declared it so in 1863.

For the first time in 125 years, the first night of Hanukkah will fall on Thanksgiving, a rare occurrence indeed. The occurrence is so rare, in fact that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah will not overlap again until the year 79,811, according to Stephen P Morse, who invented the Intel 8086 chip and has degrees in Electrical Engineering from CCNY, the Polytechnic Institute Of Brooklyn and New York University.

The large jump in dates occurs because the Jewish calendar is drifting out of sync with the solar calendar.

Photo by David Meyers

By Carly Leiter Entertainment Editor

Slick! As the United States increases its oil production, gas prices are in a freefall, making driving as inexpensive as it has been in years.

For more information on the best gas prices in Summit, log on to www.newjerseygasprices.com/Summit/index and search your locale.

Are you a contestant?

Elevate camera snaps to high art Here are some smart camera tips (“Submit” Continued from page 1)

This will cause Hanukkah dates to move further and further away from Thanksgiving until it comes back full circle, or about 80,000 years from now.

This holiday mash-up also led the NYC Macy’s Thanksgiving parade to include its first ever Jewish-themed float, a giant dreidel.

Americans traditionally rejoice at Thanksgiving as it is the start of the year-end holiday festivities.

However, for those of the Jewish faith, the Thanksgiving menu this year may also include brisket, latkes, and matzo ball soup.

So in addition to the football and food, Jewish Americans also enjoyed opening presents, lighting the menorah, and playing a game of dreidel or two.

These tips are reprinted from“9 outstanding iPhone photography projects” by Dian Schaffhauser, in the November 2013 “T.H.E. Journal” Keep the following “SCARE” principles in mind: • Simplify: Get rid of excess objects — the water bottle on the picnic table, the junky papers — that clutter up the background; make the canvas as “blank” as possible.

• Close/closer: A lot of times people take pictures too far away. Get close and closer to your subject. That doesn’t mean using the zoom option; it means zoom with your feet.

• Angle: Be creative as you’re taking your picture. Try to find

an unusual angle from which to shoot. That could mean standing on a picnic table or tree stump and looking down or lying on the grass and shooting up.

• Rule of thirds: The best compositions are often the ones where the main subject is either in the right third or left third of the image. So shift the image that way.

• Even lighting. You want even lighting. If there’s some kind of shadow across the face, move the camera or the subject around to eliminate that. Consider early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the lighting isn’t as harsh. Foggy days, overcast, or rainy days are great for taking pictures.

Black Friday Deals Follow Thanksgiving Meals

By Bobby Moriarty Staff Reporter Dating back to as early as the late 1800s, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as the official start of the holiday shopping season in America. This year, November 29th marks the kick off of the holiday shopping season, and with that stores all around the country put their best offers of the year on the table. As is the case with every year, countless customers will line up outside

stores hours before they open and continue to file in as the day goes on in hopes of securing the best deals stores have to offer.

While Black Friday has become less hectic over the last decade due to new and improved online shopping options, Americans still seem to flock to their local department stores or shopping malls so they can save every penny they can when purchasing their gifts.

In fact, according to thechive.

com, those who want to receive Black Friday door busters will have to arrive as early as Thanksgiving morning in order to be first in line.

This Black Friday, some of the hottest new gadgets such as the Smart TV from Vizio and Samsung, to Apple’s all new iPhone 5s and 5c will be on sale for record low prices the day after Thanksgiving, according to Walmart. The 5s will be on sale for $189.99, the 5c will be avail-

able for $45, and the 55-inch Smart TV from Samsung can be purchased for only $727, which is about $500 lower than its normal price.

While Black Friday may seem like a hassle to many, there’s no denying some great deals are out there on normally expensive products. So, if you aren’t suffering from the Thanksgiving meal overload, go out and buy your holiday gifts while they’re cheap.

Opine

Failure; essential to success

We live in a society where every child receives a trophy for participating. In the third, fourth, and fifth grade, the winner of the annual elementary cross-country race is awarded the same prize as the last place finisher: a participation medal. The middle school baseball team was divided into two separate teams so that it no longer would have to cut anyone. If society continues on this path, America will be filled with young adults who have never felt failure before, and it will have devastating consequences. Summit New Jersey is a microcosm of the rest of the country, and each generation has become softer than the previous one. This softness stems from parents, schools, and communities that won’t let their children fail.

At the end of every school year, the journalism staff votes for two students to be editorsin-chief of the Verve. Last year, four candidates applied for the role, and instead of the two people with the most votes from the staff getting the job, all four were appointed co-co-co-co editors in chief.

In 2010, a high school in Oregon crowned 21 valedictori-

ans. Isn’t the valedictorian the single student with the highest cumulative Grade Point Average during high school? At Franklin Elementary School, football has been banned at recess. This is a part of American culture that disgusts me.

Children and young adults

Winning! 7th grader Anna Bowyer’s shelf is stacked with prizes.

Photo by Nate Bowyer

By Nate Bowyer Staff Reporter

in today’s American culture aren’t learning what failure feels like. What will happen when some of these children enter college and then the real world?

Something needs to be done about this problem, and it needs to happen now. The responsibility falls on administrators, parents, and community leaders. These leaders need to let kids experience failure.

If a student doesn’t receive high enough grades to earn a spot in an AP class, don’t let the student in, regardless of how much his/her parents complain. There should be only one or two players given awards on a sports team, not an individualized award for every participant.

A great example of where initial failure led to success is the story of Nick Woodman. Nick Woodman raised almost 4 million dollars from investors to start the marketing company FunBug, which went bankrupt in 2001. After his first initial failure, Woodman learned from the mistakes he made and invented GoPro video cameras; small, durable, waterproof cameras that can be attached to almost anything. GoPro is America’s fastest growing digital imaging company, and Nick Woodman is a billionaire.

There are always situations where everyone should be included, such as gym class or intramural athletics. By letting children and young adults understand failure in other areas, they will understand that being successful requires hard work, determination, and competition.

Photo Bobby Moriarty

Faculty voice: built with strength in mind

By Mr. Wayne Mallette Chorus Teacher When thinking about what to write, the wheels in my mind began to spin. Should I write about the stress that seniors are under when they are trying to get into the right college, preferably an ivy-league one!

Maybe complain about the freshmen that haven’t quite learned that they are supposed to be the lowest on the food chain in the jungle that is called high school. Or maybe I should write about how teach-

Verve letters and editorial policy: Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Please submit all letters

ers are tired of hearing kids complain about both these things!

Then, I decided that my time would be better spent if I talked about hurricanes.

Hurricanes you ask!? Think about it, just over a year ago we were all reeling from the aftermath of Sandy. People didn’t have power, some lost homes, and many lost hope.

But what does that have to do with anything today?

It’s what happened during the storm that we need to remember. You see it is imperative for us to recall the inner strength that we found during the storm. We didn’t think we could survive without being attached to our iPhones, but we did it.

We didn’t think we could live without Facebook or Twitter, but our lives went on and we are able to communicate in more than 140 characters!

Many times we will do whatever we can to avoid catastro-

phe and discomfort; but I have found that it is in these times of stress that you learn how strong you really are. You see when they rebuilt the homes in the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina; they build stronger homes that could withstand a Category 5 hurricane. They rebuild the houses with the strongest storm in mind.

You, too, are “stronger than the storm” because you have been built with the strongest storm in mind. So seniors when you’re afraid that you’ll never get into college, remember, you were built with the storm in mind. Juniors you can take the stress of 5 A’s and nagging parents. And sophomores and freshmen don’t worry about losing those friends from middle school or not getting asked to hang out with the “in” crowd. You will survive it. Why? Because you were built with the strongest storm in mind.

to shsverve@fc.summit.k12. nj.us. Letters must be signed, and will be subject to editing for space, grammar, and factual accuracy; however, all efforts will be made to preserve

the writer’s intent.

Libelous and inappropriate writing will not be published in Verve. If Verve has made an error and a correction is warranted, the editors take

Verve 3

From the Editors’ Desk Verve would like to take time to thank Mr. Akey for his constant support in the process of the newspaper’s production every month.

As the administrators and the committee have begun interviews to fill Akey’s position, news arrived that our superintendent, Dr. Nathan Parker, announced during the Nov. 21 Board of Education meeting that he will not seek to renew his contract, ending in June 2015. Parker has been the superintendent of the district since August 2008.

Congratulations are in order to everyone involved in the Shakespeare production “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Despite all the obstacles going on backstage, the play received glorious reviews. Great job everyone!

Congratulations continue with cheers to the Varsity football team, led by first-

year head coach Mr. Kevin Kostibos, for making it to the State Championship.

The team will be defending its championship title against Parsippany Hills on Dec. 6 at Kean University.

And yes, failure can be key to success, it’s true. Verve has four, count them, skillful editors-in-chief who lead its production. This decision wasn’t made to keep everyone on board with happy faces. It was made to have a more successful production process.

Sharing copy-editing, training, and production makes a big difference in what our staff is able to produce monthly Lastly, everyone interested in entering the photo contest... go for it. Student original art and involvement are greatly appreciated.

Photo by Nic Lalicato

December 2013

Decisions... senior David Meyers considers going down the up stairs.

Time celebrates teen role models

By Drew Schwendiman Contributing Writer

In a society dominated by adults, it’s nice to see youth leaders who are paving the way for our generation to succeed.

TIME Magazine recently released its annual list of the “16 Most Influential Teens of 2013.” Some are already household names -- Malala Yousafzai, Lorde -- while others, like Nick D’Aloisio, are making waves behind the scenes. Whether their influence resides in the public eye or not, it’s reassuring to know that age is not an obstacle.

Malala Yousafzai, once just a Pakistani schoolgirl, is now the face of education. After being shot by Taliban members in 2012, Malala strengthened her protest for better education for girls under Taliban rule. She shares, “I speak for education of every child, in every corner of the world.” Now 16, reader feedback seriously and will promptly deal with concerns.

Reader corrections welcome at shsverve@fc.summit.k12. nj.us.

she received a Clinton Global Citizen Award, the Sakharov Price for Freedom of Thought, and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Lorde upset the balance of the pop charts with the New Zealander’s hit single “Royals” but she doesn’t plan on being a one-hit wonder. Her debut album “Pure Heroine” peaked at Number 3 on the US Billboard 200. “Royals” already attacks the materialism of hip-hop culture; Lorde is definitely on the road to stardom.

British-Australian genius Nick D’Aloisio may not be a household name yet, but he sure has made his mark in the technology industry. “The Wall Street Journal” awarded him its “Innovator of the Year” award for Summly, a news-reading and summarizing app that shortens longform stories for readers using smartphones, selling his invention to Yahoo for $30 million, making him one of the youngest self-made millionaires.

Check out rest of the “Time” list at time.com.

Screen & Sound

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December 2013

During a crisis involving sick actors a few hours before the show, a handful of costume crew members stepped up and assumed the role of backstage nurses, because the show had to go on!

Senior Kayleigh Fowler, one of the costume crew heads, stated, “This was a particularly challenging show because of the consistent illness in the cast. This forced us to all come together, especially the costume crew and the cast in a way we’ve never had to before,” she explained.

“Everyone bonded through mutual sympathy and respect to form a tight knit group that worked brilliantly to put on this spectacular show.”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was impressive, considering what went on backstage the night of the show, as the actors and crew members really pulled together to create an unforgettable work of art.

Allison Scott as Titania overlooked by Oberon, played by Keenan Buckley.

The beautiful sets and lighting created magic on stage that made the show incredible.

Photo by Verve Staff

Ulyana Volodin as Hermia and Jack LeGoff as Lysander, had incredible chemistry onstage.

(From left to right ) Greg Archer, Sam Theriot and Jack LeGoff as Demetrius, Helena and Lysander.

Photo by Verve Staff

Photo by Verve Staff

In order for each drama student to experience the work of Shakespeare at least once in their high school careers, one of his works is chosen for the fall play every four years.

Following this rotation, the fall production was the magical “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Despite some difficulties backstage regarding a stomach bug that plagued the lead actors on Friday night, the cast and crew worked together brilliantly to overcome the obstacle and put on another outstanding show.

This performance, which was on Nov. 14, 15 and 16, portrayed the adventures of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors, as well as the marriage of a duke and duchess and the interactions of

some manipulative woodland fairies.

The young lovers which this tale focuses on were cast as follows: junior Samantha Theriot as Helena, senior Ulyana Volodin as Hermia, senior Jack Legoff as Lysander, and senior Greg Archer as Demetrius.

When asked about the performance, Director Anne Poyner stated, “I am so proud of the kids for being so able to master Shakespeare and the language, making it both relative to today and conversational.

They really put in great effort both on stage and off.”

The marvelous set, created by the set crew and Ben Molnar, along with the stellar costumes and makeup added to the talented actors which were each perfect for their role—everyone had something to offer to the show creating an excellent final product.

Photo by Verve Staff

By Meredith Robertson Buzz Editor

Scott, as Titiana, surrounded by fairy minions.

By the beard of Zeus, Book Thief movie excites fans and stars Alice Kim Ron Burgundy returns By Staff Reporter

In 2004 director Adam McKay released the original “Anchorman”, which became an instant comedic hit. The box office is reported by IMDB to have had an opening weekend gross of $24,416,365, but the crazy humor and quotable lines ensured continuous support for the movie.

To build on the success of the original, “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is in the works and should reach theatres on Dec. 20.

Original cast members such as Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Ben Stiller, Christina Applegate, and David Koechner will continue their roles as Ron Burgundy’s news crew.

The movie is set in the time period right after the news team leaves channel 4 news, in the 80s, to make a name for themselves somewhere else. Nothing seems to be working out for them until a 24-hour news channel recruits them. The movie follows

the road trip from San Diego to New York and their work with the 24-hour news station.

Trailers promise outrageously funny, and often racy humor that characterized the first Anchorman.

Certain critics on Rottentomatoe.com expressed worries that the plot would be a repeat of the original. However recent reviews and information from the trailers have shown a different story.

Though the plot is a continuation of the original Anchorman, the second Anchorman explores different stereotypes than the first, which was a major plot point. Race in the 80s has become the focus in a comedic setting.

Senior Harold Esquivel stated, “I am very excited for the new Anchorman. I loved the first one and have re-watched it many times. My plans are to go to the midnight premiere, so it better not disappoint.”

International best selling novel, “The Book Thief,” came out as a feature-length film on Nov. 8. It remains a popular read among the sophomore English honors class, and it was one of the optional summer reading books this year.

Juliana Rustum said, “ I really liked the storyline and would

www.imdb.com

By Jamie Macpherson Sports Editor

Boxoffice Hit! The Book Thief movie is predicted to be a hit in the boxoffice and in the hearts of viewers all around the world.

Photo by Verve Staff

Stomach flu no match for drama cast & crew

watch the movie to compare. ” it with the film.

The story is about a young girl, Liesel, played by Sophie Nelisse. She is adopted by the nicest German couple, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson) during World War II because her mother was a communist. After not having her mother and losing her brother, she leans toward books for support.

The book is narrated by Death, voiced by British actor Roger Allam, whose character not only embodies human grief but also is interested in Liesel.

Sophomore Ariana Tsanas said, “It would be interesting to watch the movie to see how Death contributes to it.”

When the movie debuted, there were some negative reviews. The director Brian Percival put in enormous amount of information in a two-hour film.

The theme of the redemptive and destructing power of words loses its meaning throughout the plot.

According to Huffington Post, the biggest problem with the movie is that it lacks anything of new, or informative, making it looks like it was written by someone who doesn’t have any knowledge about the Holocaust.

HuffPo said, “The Book Thief feels like a curiously sanitized take on Holocaust movies’ greatest clichés.”

The movie received praise, too, and there are moments of gentle comedy and the credit goes to Rush’s and Watson’s outstanding delivery.

Ben Schnetzer, who plays Max, the Jew the family is saving is not so popular, but was acknowledged for his performance.

Nelisse commented in an interview with Sheila Roberts that she “loved the book.” She read it after the filming had begun, and remarked, “It’s like reading myself.” The actress said that, in the future, she’ll always read the book before seeing a filmed adaptation.

Buzz

By Ethan Mandelbaum Staff Reporter With new things like Chromebooks, TVs in the hallways, and a school store, Verve takes a look back to what this place used to be like in the past.

History teacher John Kratch, who earlier this year received recognition for being in his 25th year as a teacher, has noticed several differences between the present and past in his workplace.

“It was like a cat and mouse game -- it was the teacher’s goal to catch the kids.”

--John Kratch “The main thing I’ve noticed over the years is kids be-

have better now,” said Kratch.

“Also, overall, there are less disciplinary problems and the kids really buy into the system.”

Maybe ten, fifteen years ago, I would catch kids smoking cigarettes in the bathrooms and all around school. It was like a cat and mouse game- it was a teacher’s goal to catch the kids.

“Now, we have the new Chromebooks, but when I started, we had a TV on a cart.

Kids would get excited when they saw it in the classroom, because we would spend entire periods watching videos.

Now, with TVs in every classroom, overhead projectors and YouTube, we can spend five minutes learning what took 45 and a rolling cart when I started” Kratch said.

Former student and current history teacher Ms. Jude McGuire also reminisced on her time as a student.

“When we were students, there was none of that technol-

ogy or computer stuff. You know what we got excited for?

We got excited for the weekends, pep rallies, and going to the library” McGuire said.

“Also, the size of the school has changed. Back then, it was just tenth, eleventh, and twelve grade. Now, we’ve added the English wing. For the kids, think a typical 80s scene; the music, the clothes. “ Photo teacher Don Standing graduated in 1984, and sees big change from then to now.

Standing said, “Now we get excited about new things, but back then, we got excited for big events. I remember every year on Thanksgiving the football team would have a game, and the entire town, literally, would show up. “The biggest change is probably Kent Place Boulevard in the afternoon.”

“think a typical 80s scene; the music, the clothes.”

--Jude McGuire “My room is right here, so I

Photo provided by Don Standing

Flashback: teachers compare then & now

Verve 5

Who is that! Above, Mr. Don Standing rocks out back in ‘84 and, below, 29 years later. Standing is still attending high school... as a Photography instructor.

Photo by Nic Lalicato

December 2013

see it everyday. Parents start lining up at 2:30. Back in my day we rode bikes to school, and the art hallway didn’t exist, and right here, it was all bike racks.”

However, probably the most important change in Stand-

ing’s eyes is the security and safety in the town. “Nowadays, we have lockdown drills, active shooter drills, bomb drills. All these safety precautions. Back then, we wouldn’t even lock our doors at night!” said Standing.

Music students knock Faculty, police play for charity up $27K pledges The Music Department held its annual pledge day fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 3. Pledge Day is the department’s one fundraiser for the band, orchestra, and chorus. The students all come together and from noon to 4:00 p.m, go from door to door, knocking and asking for donations. The proceeds are spent on enrichments, busses, and scholarships.

Mr. Wayne Mallette explains why pledge day is so important to the department and said, “it serves as the largest and primarily the only fundraiser for the Summit Music Parents Association.

This parent group helps support the music trips, capital projects such as acquiring pianos for the district. They were the original funders for the computer stations and set us for the music theory classroom.”

This year the SMPA leadership team is parent co-chairs Mrs. Patricia Maltese and Mrs. Leslie Coates.

The band teacher, Mr. Steven Rapp said that “it was no surprise that this year went extremely well, since the success

rate goes up every year.”

The almost two-hundred students that participated raised over $27,000 in only four hours.

Junior Dana Goodstein has participated in Pledge Day the last three years and when asked about her experience said, “not only is Pledge Day a great way to raise money for the department, but it brings us all closer together as a group.”

“It brings us all closer together as a group.”

-- Dana Goodstein Since the music department relies on this one fundraising tactic, it has helped them establish the outcome that they receive.

For the past few years, they have raised $25,000 and up.

Mrs. Barbara Vierschilling, the orchestra director, said that she thinks “the town appreciates that we don’t sell candy or magazine subscriptions, so it’s the one thing that they are prepared for and already know about each year.”

Photo by Nic Lalicato

By Anna Tselevich Staff Reporter

Champs! Mr. David Field coaches the other members of the faculty team to victory at the fundrasing Ball for a Cause event on Thursday, Nov. 21. The faculty first defeated the Police Department in a close match, and then won its game against teachers from Lawton C. Johnson school, securing bragging rights... until the next time.. This event raised money for the 2014 Police Unity Tour.

Spanish students embarking to Costa Rica on February break

By Ashley White Staff Reporter The Spanish classes are testing their skills in a dynamic way during February break by traveling to Costa Rica.

The spring break will span the week of Feb. 21-25, 2014.

This trip is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for many students, because it promises to be an educational and fun experience shared with friends in a completely different at-

mosphere.

Trip leader and Spanish teacher Mrs. Monika Bartlett said, “Señora Hermo and I are taking students to Costa Rica to experience the culture and to practice the Spanish that we have been learning in the classroom.

“During our trip, we enjoy the beaches, volcanoes and the rain forest of Costa Rica.”

Junior Megan Ophel shared

in the excitement. “ I’ve been to Costa Rica before, but I think going on the trip with my friends would give me an entirely different experience. I’m hoping to be able to go on the trip,” Ophel said.

Students will travel around Costa Rica and enjoy the culture. The tour will stop in cities including Puerto Viejo De Sarapiqui and Arenal.

Verve 6

Clubs and Events

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Club walks first 5K

Math club prepares for first competition

By Megan Shaw Buzz Editor

disease eventually have a cure.”

She and the other two founders had been inspired to aid the cause last year. With family members diagnosed with diabetes, Sarah Elia wanted to start the club “so my friends and I could raise awareness.”

The group recently participated in their first event, a walk on October 27th at Rutgers University.

The club was thrilled that they raised $1,715 to find a cure.

Looking forward, the club hopes to continue to expand, “We hope to have a few bake sales,” Beier detailed, “but we are thinking of ideas. If anyone has any ideas let me know!”

“I would also like to participate in bigger walks as well,” Elia described, “with more members in upcoming years.”

They even plan to attend a walk in New York City next year.

Listen to the annoucements for next month’s meeting.

By Niko Nyktas Turf Editor Dissatisfied with math class? Feel like teachers aren’t teaching enough? Maybe it’s just too easy, and not challenging enough. If yes to all of the above, then a solution could be the math club.

The math club is a club made for students who want to learn more about one of life’s most important subjects: math.

Its members compete in numerous mathematics competitions amongst each other as well as between schools to sharpen their math skills.

“We tend to practice problems

that are not normally taught in the classroom,” explained club adviser Frank Baragona.

“Anyone can join, and it’s a lot of fun.”

During one of their first competitions within the school, an entire room was filled with students eager to put their math skills to the test. Don’t be fooled by thinking only the out of school competitions are a challenge, because the in school ones are tough, too. If interested in joining the math club, talk to Mr. Baragona after school in the math hallway.

Photo by Megan Beier

Junior Megan Beier, junior Sarah Kohaut, and sophomore Sarah Elia co-founded the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation club at the start of this year. With teacher adviser Ms. Amelia Petrocelli, the club has already begun to make a difference since it was created in early September.

Megan Beier explained, “I created the club,” along with the other founders, “because the cause is so personal and I want to see this

December 2013

(Back Row Left to Right) Sarah Kohaut, Alex Shulman, Ariana Tsanas, Sarah Elia, Juliana Rustum, Grace Bebout, Sophie Pollinger (Front Row) Megan Beier, Miena De Jesus, Olivia Johanson, Bridget Beljan, and Tallujah Cardazone attended a 5K on Oct. 27.

By Megan Shaw Buzz Editor

Last spring junior Sarina Musallam and junior Emily Chin had the idea to co-found the first baking club. With the help of the adviser Mrs. Jane Jones, where proceeds are donated towards a local food bank after monthly bake sales.

The club donates all of its proceeds to NJ Food bank, Musallam explains, “So far we have managed to raise

one hundred dollars that we will donate to charity.”

“Sarina and I started the club because we love baking,” said Emily Chin, “and we wanted to get involved by benifitting a charitable cause, the NJ Food bank, through our bake sales.”

The club had meetings and bakes sales last year, and had their first meeting for this school year on Nov. 19th. “By the end of the year we hope

that all members will have fun at our meetings,” explained Chin, “and that we will raise money for the NJ Food Bank.”

Sarina adds, “For the rest of the year we would like to continue to have meetings once a month and have two bake sales!” These meetings take place in the foods room and the next meeting will be in the announcements mid-Dec.

Photo by Megan Shaw

Baking club’s fundraisers raise money for NJ Food Bank

(Left to right) Vice President Nic Lalicato and President Nate Bowyer of the video club prepare their next video at their meeting on Thursday Nov. 21.

Video club: making cine-magic

By Niko Nyktas Turf Editor

Photo by Maddie Simko

Enjoy making videos for fun? days, they take the time to If the answer is yes, then the watch some of the videos the video club is the club to join. In club’s members managed to the video club, students learn produce, while enjoying some how to properly edit videos snacks and refreshments. “I while hanging out with friends. personally think video club The video club not only is one of the best clubs in the films school events like Caba- school,” stated sophomore ret, volleyball games, and the Xavier McCormick. “I look school play, but also takes forward to it every week.”

“Anyone can join; it’s rethe time to make its own, independent, Youtube-style ally a club for people who videos about any topic they have an interest in film and Top of the Hill, the new choose.

This allows students want to have fun doing it,” school store, celebrated a to get creative, and it results said club adviser Mr. Kevin successful kick-off. in some really cool and fun- Schauer. “It’s a great group Special Services superviny videos, such as the “Ball of kids, and a great club for sor, Mrs. Mary Beth Rearfor a Cause” highlight reel. kids who want something to don, explained that the Yum! Sophomore Dylan Diaz chooses To from of snacks, clif bars, gatorades, do after school.”

The chips, video topa wide it off,range the video clubincluding store is an important addiand even pizza at the Top of the Hill store, which is open at 3 p.m. everyday.

Behind the counter are club meets every Thursday in hosts a movie day every two Baking Club co-founders holiday desserts (L) at their tion to the high school. (left) Sarina Musallam and Emily Chin baked Mr. Scott Rebholz and Mr. Gary Pascal. room 120.

Talk to Mr. Schauer to three months.

On these meeting on Nov. 19.

December 2013

Clubs and Events

Verve 7

By Gwen Rogers Editor-in-Chief

Model UN, a club that allows students develop debate and interpersonal skills is planning for their upcoming competition.

Adviser Mr. Steven Ertz has been involved for the last seven years. This club is a great way to develop debate and interpersonal skills.

The club competes and meets with other high school kids from around the state.

So far there are 22 members in the club with all members

part of different commitees.

Ertz said, “The committees are used to address problems we are currently facing from our country’s perspective.

Committees such as Green Economy, Atomic Energy, Commission on Sustainable Development, Urban Transformation and Development.”

Then students present how they would solve the problem.The school’s country is Mexico; so all committees’ proposals to fix the chosen problem must be from

that countries’ perspective.

Multiple awards are given out per commission, such as “best new committee member” or “most influential”.

Upcoming conferences are at Universities like Georgetown, Harvard, and Rutgers.

The Rutgers competition is the first week in December for four days and all model UN members are welcome to come. Model UN meets weekly Wednesdays, so listen to the annoucements for the next meeting.

Photo by Nic Lalicato

Model UN club plans for Rutgers tournament in December

Read up! Librarians Mrs. Karen Putnam and Mrs. Judy Shoeposed with the book “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, which the book club will be reading in Dec. Mrs. Shue has “Wonder,” the next book club title pick.

Book club selects next month’s read

Provided by Nic Lalicato

By Megan Shaw Buzz Editor

(Back row left to right) Adviser Mr. Steven Ertz, Caitlin McNally, Alina Patrick, Liam Dwyer, Ethan Kantor, Chris Brown (Front row left to right) Jessica Salter, Morgan Freeman

Volleyball sets up for winning season

The Student Book Club will be meeting in the library on Thursday, Dec. 5th during period 1 to discuss “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green.The club’s new book tells the story of a girl and boy who meet in a support group for teens with cancer and fall in love.

Even though this month’s book is a serious subject, the

story contains humor as well as tragedy. In fact, critics have called the book funny, poignant, and luminous. The faculty advisers to the Student Book Club are Mrs. Judy Shue and Ms. Karen Putnam, and the club is open to all students who enjoy reading. For January, the club will be reading “Wonder,”by R.J. Palacio.

Decoda music professionals visit master class orchestra jazz string trio Speed Bump.

Claire Bryant, the cellist of Decoda, is from South Carolina and performs chamber music, contemporary music, and solo cello repertoire.

She is a founding member of the Decoda and a graduate of The Julliard School, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and was in the pilot class of The Academy.

Double Bassist Brian Ellingsen holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Hart School,

and a Masters from Yale. He has performed at the Spoleto Festival USA, New Music Hartford as a soloist. In addition, he has collaborated with visual artists, dancers, and actors through music and his own improvisations.

“I learned a lot from the Master Classes and I feel that I have taken a step towards becoming a better player,” said Nancy Liu, who plays first violin in the orchestra.

Orchestra classes gather for Master Classes with trained professionals. (Back) Ian Ferguson with the string bass, Brian Ellingsen with the string bass (Front) Nathan Scraniw with the viola, Fiona Bowen with the viola

shared training and experience in the leadership program known as Ensemble ACJW or The Academy. as well as across the globe.

This year, pianist David Kaplan became the Co-Artistic Director for the New Jersey concert series Lyrica Chamber Music and works to combine education and community events. He has had mentors from Yale School of Music, University of California, and worked with many renowned performers such as Emanuel Ax.

Violinist Owen Dalby is the concertmaster of NOVUS NY, the contemporary orchestra of Trinity Wall Street church and can also be heard on baroque violin with other orchestras. He completed a three-year term in The Academy. Dalby came from Berkeley, California and studied at Yale, with Syoko Aki. Violist Nathan Schramstudied at with Alan de Veritch Indiana University and at the Escuela Superior de Musica Reina Sofia in Madrid. He is a founding member of the

Photo by Nic Lalicato

On Nov. 15, string players from the Decoda Music Ensemble, pianist David Kaplan, violinist Owen Dalby, violist Nathan Schram, cellist Claire Bryant, and double bassist Brian Ellingsen, visited to hold master slasses and perform.

The master class was held for the entire orchestra during period three. Additional classes were given to the musicians of the quartet and chamber orchestras during periods six and eight.

“In the large master class where the musicians perform, the students [had] the opportunity to ask questions as well as absorb the musical experience. In the smaller master class sessions, students work[ed] on the chamber music they are learning with the musicians and gain[ed] insights into particular phrasing, fingerings and bowings that have worked for the professionals,” said Mrs. Barbara Vierschilling, the school orchestra’s teacher and conductor.

Decoda is a collection of chamber musicians, initiated by alumni of The Academy, a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute. The artists of this orchestra have

Photo by Nic Lalicato

By Emily Gao Staff Reporter

All orchestra students received extra time with the professionals. (Left to right) Deborah Lee, Claire Bryant, David Kaplan, Claire Pommier.

Turf

Verve 8

Athlete of the Month: Colm Dougherty

By Tommy DiSibio Managing Editor

December 2013

Sailing team reaches new heights with state championship

Summit Hilltopper, Colm Dougherty, starting Varsity linebacker, and running back, was November’s Athlete of the Month. He has been playing football for 11 years and was the featured athlete of the month because of his recent outstanding offensive and defensive plays, and statistics. Exceeding 100 yards a game he was looking to surpass 1000 yards in the next couple games. He had 18 touchdowns this season scoring both on offense and on defense. As a leader on the team, he performed on the field well, but was an even better motivator and role model on the sideline.

Teammate Danny Childers said, “Colm is the hardest working and hardest playing football player I have ever met. He puts everything he has into everything he does.”

He defensive totals reached an astonishing 83 tackles including one interception.

The interception came from his best game defensively, he recalls, “When we played against A.L. Johnson when I had 15 tackles and a pick six!” Offensively, he recalls his best game, “When we played against Roselle Park and I had 138 yards on 23 carries.”

Assistant coach Lawrence Seid explained, “Colm has been vital to our success over the past few years. He’s been there to help carry his teammates when they need him the most. Despite all of his success Colm keeps himself grounded and humble”.

Additionally, Colm proudly said, “One of my role models is Mr. Seid because he has power and patience.”

Football builds great relationships, and the one between Mr. Seid and Colm is truly great. His future plans are to play college football and to go to the National Football League, or as he refers to it “The League.”

Photo provided by John. Groskoph

Victory! Colm Dougherty poses after a 48-23 victory over A.L. Johnson.

Summit Sailing gives students a chance to compete nationally. The Sailing Team has joined the ranks of elite teams by capturing their first championship in only its third year of existence.

“This is the busiest year we’ve had so far,” Coach John Groskoph states about the team.

The team is lead by Amy Macdonald, Tyler Macdonald, Jake Groskoph, Will Elia, and Will Berkery. Captain Jake Groskoph, son of the coach, was proud of his team’s success.

He stated “we exceeded expectations for this season and we will continue to improve as a team!”

Summit Sailing is a two-season sport, sailing commences in the fall and spring. The team sails out of the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy. Sailors from seniors down to the freshmen are anticipating another great season.

Junior Dylan Diaz prepares for the upcoming spring season by training on dry land. Dry land days include a mixture of working out and lifting. Also,

Sail! From left to right: Jake Groskoph, Will Berkery, Amy Macdonald, Samantha Donahue, Will Elia, Marrissa Murray, and Tyler Macdonald.

he prepares in the summer by sailing as much as he can; as does the rest of the team.

Coach Groskoph tries to maintain this caliber of sailing by maintaining a schedule against tough teams in New Jersey.

In October, the team beat Southern Regional High School to win the team racing state championship. This gave them

a chance to compete in Virginia against some of the best team in the Northeast. The team didn’t win in Virginia, however, they are learning from experience.

The sailing team offers an endless amount of excitement along with a chance to compete nationally.

In San Diego this past fall, there was an all-girls regatta that girls of the sailing team finished

very high in the rankings for.

Also, in October the team traveled to The Coast Guard Academy to sail against teams from around the Northeast.

Although there is currently a waitlist for membership, the team is open to all members who want make it through tryouts and have a commitment to winning.

Cheerleaders Participate in UCCA Charity Event

By LAURA PASQUALE Staff Reporter

Photo provided by John Kratch

Photo from highschoolsports.nj.com/

By Cam Fuoti Staff Reporter

Strike! According to bowling team coach Mr. John Kratch, senior Brianna Boze had a league average of 176 last season, a single high game of 231, and a season high series of 616. She finished second in the Union County Tournament and was a top ten athlete in the North Jersey Section II Tournament, going all the way to the NJ Tournament of Champions! Look for Boze to keep rolling with it as the winter bowling season commences.

On Nov. 21, the Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleaders attended the Union County Cheerleader Association’s annual charity event to benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital. It was held at David Brearley High School in Kenilworth, NJ. Doors opened at 6:30 for spectators.

Varsity co-captain Erin McNanny said, “We’re all really happy that we got the chance to raise money for a good cause. And we did really well in the competitions so it was a win-win.”

At the event, all cheerleaders from Union County squads performed their halftime routines, which were critiqued by judges for team improvement purposes only.

In addition, they competed in smaller contests and participated in activities as individuals. Such contests included a basket toss competition, longest full extension competition, and a jump

competition.

Varsity co-captain Dana Engstrom said, “It was the perfect opportunity to practice our routines and other skills outside of practice, as well as observe and learn from the other teams in the area.”

Spectators were encouraged to bring as much change as possible for the penny war that aimed to boost the amount of funds raised. The school that raises the most money will receive recognition.

Coach Denise Velez said, “ I’m hoping that this fundraising event accomplished a few things for us: includes us into more Union County Cheerleading activities, making Summit more prominent in the county for our cheerleading accomplishments. . . and ignite the passion for performance in our girls. I’m hoping this introduces them to a new and exciting athletic world.”