Verve February 2013 / Volume XIII Issue 5

Forensics Team goes on to the Harvard tournament page 4

Mike Gelber and Emma Standing enjoyed their blind date page 6

Union County Champ Nick Abbott avenges old rival. page 5

February 2013 Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd, Summit, NJ Volume 13 Issue 5

Students, faculty drill emergency event protocols

Liberato announces change to coaching role

By MIRIAM MELLER

World Lang.

Department changes leadership

By ALEX ARIAS-HERRADOR Mrs. Leslie Zimring, Supervisor for the World Language department, is ready to retire and start a new chapter in her life, Ana Ventoso will be replacing her. “I would like to thank teachers, parents, administrators, and the SEF who have supported the growth of the language department,” says Zimring.

“This has truly been a dream job, I have grown in these past eight and half years that I’ve been working here and I’m going to miss the community. We have become

Photo provided by Miriam Meller

By TOMMY DISIBIO

In case of emergency. The active shooter drill that took place on January 18th during period six proved to be an effective drill that taught students how to react incase of a real emergency.

months during which the school is open for instructional programs.”This means that along with a fire drill, our schools must either have an active shooter, evacuation (non-fire), bomb threat, or lockdown drill, every month. There has to be two each of these four types of drill during each academic year.

During a lockdown drill, students are required to stay in their classrooms quietly with the doors locked, staying out of window and door sightlines. Theoretically, if family,” continues Zimring.

The reason for her retirement is personal, “I just want to enjoy time with my husband and kids,” comments Zimring.

She will be moving to California where her children reside. She’s expecting a grandchild in a month and her son’s wedding in September.

“I’m looking forward to doing outdoor activities such as rock climbing and kayaking,” says Zimring.

Taking over the role as the district’s World Language Department Supervisor will be Ms. Ana Ventoso, or Senorita Ventosa as the elementary school students know her.

Ventoso has been a teacher at Jefferson, Lincoln-Hubbard, Brayton, and Washington over the past eight years.

Ventoso remarks, “I look forward to continue working with my team from K-12 but more in depth this time,” says Ventoso.

there were an active shooter in the building, he/she would not know which classrooms have students.

Students must not leave the building or classrom until directed to do so.

“The best security that we have in this school is the people... who know how to deal with an emergency situation.”

- Principal Paul Sears

a

Photo provided by Karen Greco

The Newtown school shooting has put school security to the front of all local politics these days. The Summit Public School system is following all guidelines to ensure student safety, particularly if there is an intruder in the building with the intent of harming students and/or faculty. Summit High School held an active shooter drill on January 18, 2013 and I was supposed to be a missing student. At 1:04PM, Mr. Sears used the intercom to broadcast an announcement: “Teachers, please hold students in classrooms. All students in the hall go to the nearest classroom.”As a designated missing student, I was walking the halls trying to reach the main office to witness the administration of the drill. However, when the announcement came on, Ms. Penner checked the hall, saw me, and scooped me into Mr. Weinfeldís room.

Although, I tried to tell her I was going to the main office, she refused my request and insisted on me staying in the classroom, drill or no drill. This shows the dedication of the teachers at the high school and in the importance of following protocol. When I entered the room, Mr. Weinfeld sent an email informing the office of my location.

Principal Sears says on the importance of such drills, “The best security that we have in this school is the people (students and staff) who know how to deal with an emergency situation.”

Each school is required by law to have a “safety and security plan,” including policies and procedures for drill performance. According to the state of New Jersey “As of November 1, 2010, every school is required to hold at least one fire drill and one school security drill each month within the school hours, including any summer

Ventoso and Zimring share their love for language. Ventoso has been approved by the Board of Education as the new World Language, ESL, and Bilingual Supervisor

“At this time all I’m focused on is learning, getting to know people here at the high school and middle school and seeing what our strengths are and continue moving forward together,” concludes Ventoso.

After a long winning streak under Coach John Liberato’s leadership, the Hilltoppers accumulated an astonishing 44-2 record in the last four years.

He announced last month that he’ll be relinquishing his role as head coach. .

When interviewed by the Star-Ledger, Liberato said, “It’s not really that big of a thing, I’ve been the head coach for 25 years, whether it was football, wrestling, winter track or spring track. It’s just the right time.”

Liberato will remain on staff as a Phys Ed teacher and he plans on being assistant coach for the freshman football squad, mainly because it requires less of a time commitment. One reason he gives for resignation is that both his sons, Sal ’11 and Nick ‘13, are playing college football next year and he really wants to see his sons play.

Liberato sums up his decision, as stated on the Summit Public Schools Website, “I’ve had a great career coaching football here in Summit, there’s no place quite like it. I’ve decided to go out on a positive and successful season. I look forward to watching my sons play ball in college, this time from the stand.”

In response to the decision, Athletic Director Mike Sandor said, “I was surprised.” Sandor said the vacant Varsity coaching spot is open internally to Summit teachers first, and then he will consider outside applicants.

He did mention Coach Kostibos has been a popular candidate with both players and fans.

Rising senior, linebacker Danny Childers reflected on the decision saying, “Coach Liberato was a great coach and a great mentor and, while we are sad to see him step down as head coach, we support his decision and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

According to the Alternative Press, Liberato described one of his best coaching moments when he and his team stood at the 50-yard line in Metlife Stadium in front of thousands of fans.

Liberato explains, “There’s no better place to coach than Summit High School,” he said. “I am so thankful for the opportunity that Summit gave me.”

“Whoever becomes head coach will get everybody’s best effort” - Mr. John Liberato

OPINE

Page 2

Ever see those movies where the cute celebrity singer is being chased by hundreds of screaming fans? Well, that isn’t just in the movies anymore; in this generation Americans are becoming more obsessive with their celebrity crushes. Teens of both genders are doing crazy things hoping to get the attention of their favorite celebrity. It has escalated from just simply downloading all of their songs, to now creating blogs and videos professing their love and so much more. Emily Lima, a sophomore and a huge fan of Justin Bieber reveals the fanatical thing she has done to prove her love for the pop sensation. “On the night that his newest album came out, I stayed up until midnight constantly refreshing iTunes until it appeared. I love him.”

There are fans with insane stories that could easily top Emily’s. Accorrding to the Huffington Post, one girl got celebrity Taylor Lautner’s signature and then proceeded to get it tattooed to her arm. Moreover, New York high school seniors, Sinaid Byrne and Becca Jude waited two days outside of the NBC studio in New York City to see Bieber perform on the “Today” show last spring and missing their senior prom. Sophomore, Dylan Diaz professes his love for Lindsay Lohan.

He explains, “Ever since that Disney movie with the car, I’ve had a bit of

Teenage girls watch thrillers over romance shows Photo from collegefashion.net

By MEGAN SHAW

Love -A. Tune in to PLL Tuesday’s at 8!

It seems SHS girls are watching their televisions on Tuesday nights from 8 to 9pm, anxiously awaiting for their show. The reason behind this over-the-top obsession is the melodramatic twisted plot line of the hit ABC Family show, Pretty Little Liars. Based on a series of books, this show recently entered its third season in January and the craze is back. The high school horror TV show is a delicate balance of typical girly issues with psychopathic killers

Akey Responds

You students were just great at the semi. What a nice night. Well behaved, polite. As a staff we received many compliments on your manners.

Well done. You even left on time. I didn’t have to wait in the freezing cold until midnight for the last pick up.

Good karma to all.

Hey, how about those New Providence basketball fans? Incredibly obnoxious but, in a sick sort of way, amusing. One of them yelled at the ref when Robbie Walsh scored, “That’s not fair. He’s so tall.” When Mad Max whacked a New Providence player to the floor someone yelled, “Hey, he’s just a boy.” Needless to say, New Providence lost the game.

When the lights went out at the Super Bowl, who besides me won-

and freaky school dances.

However, as odd as the pairing sounds, it surely has high school females on the edge of their seats. Each week, after the show ends, Twitter and Facebook newsfeed’s are inundating with the latest surprises and hints as to who “A” (the mysterious stalker of the main characters) is. Common posts are “OMG, I’m in shock” or “I can’t believe this!” The PLL mania can be overwhelming to those who do not follow the show, Adrian Wong explains, “I feel like all I ever hear girls talk about is this show, way too many people are obsessed.”

It seems the episodes constantly leave the viewers on their toes, frightened and terrified of going to sleep.

Why are teens such fanatics with PLL? The thrill. Summit High School girls just seem to have an undying infatuation with figuring out who A is and love the anticipation along the way. dered where the double murderer Ray Lewis was? I would’ve hidden under my seat knowing St. Ray was there.

In keeping with the theme from last month, naming a best or worst of, here come the best coaches in SHS over the past 33 years: Number 1. Jim Davidson, Lacrosse.

Best coach I’ve ever seen period. When he retires, let’s see how many AllAmericans we still have. 2. Jo Anne LaVorgna. Coached several sports to state championships. Amazing. 3.

Dave Pease. A three season impact coach and mentor. Greatly missed. 4.

Coach Liberato. Results are amazing, matched by efforts to help kids get in to college. 5. John Kratch. No one ran up scores more than this freshman football coach. Made Barry Switzer of Oklahoma look like a gentleman.

a celeb crush on her. I don’t care that she’s made some stupid mistakes. I think she’s so talented and so pretty.

And that is all that matters.”

People question why so many people are absorbed with these celebrities.

Alex Riba, a junior, and a proud super fan of One Direction, shares the root of her preoccupation with the boy band.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without these guys. There’s just something about them that makes them stand out and win over my heart.”

Although celebrity crazes are nothing new to society, in recent years the number of fanatic teenagers has exploded. According to the news source Knoji, this is “due to the explosion of television celebrity gossip shows, and an instant access to celebrity news on the internet.”

Personally, doing insane stunts to get the attention of celebrities is well-insane. Although I admit in eighth grade I had Bieber fever. On his birthday I was one of the tween girls dashing through the middle school hallways wearing a purple hoodie similar to his. His songs flooded my iPod and his posters all over my room.

I guess I grew out of it, and to tell the truth I’m a little disappointed in myself. Hearing stories my friends tell me of exciting concerts and meet and greats, I wish I could say “omg im obsessed with…”

By Maddie Simko

By MADDIE SIMKO

Hugs and Kisses. Alex Riba has a star crush on Harry Styles!

Photo from musicnewsjunkie.com

As we sat here pondering about what to write, we decided we are going bore our readers with another senior year rant. Here goes nothing: now that we came out of the dark depths of our bedrooms after midterms, we are looking ahead in hopes of a fun second semester. Although we’ve had senioritis since day one, our doctors have informed us that it’s now full fledge and irreversible —sorry A.P teachers. SHS studies show that 78.3% of seniors haven’t taken their backpacks out of their cars since last week. Good news: only eight days until the next long weekend.

Anyway, it’s scholarship time, for all of the seniors who thought they were done writing essays about their exciting lives, they’re wrong. It’s time to rework those Common App supplements into scholarship-worthy essays. Joy. Weren’t the first eight supplements enough? Why do these people have so much time on their hands? Some advice? Don’t wait until two hours before the deadline to start your essay… not that we know this from personal experience or anything.

Until next time! Thanks to those seven readers for making it to the end of our lovely editorial. And a special thanks to Mr. Kevin Schauer for re-designing the Verve banner on the front page.

Celebrity-crazy fans incline to obsession

Ahhh! Teenage Girls scream over the glorified Justin Beiber.

Companies across America “unfriend” potential employees

By WILL LYCAN

Growing since its birth in 2004, half of all teenagers (ages 12-18) have a Facebook and log Facebook... Becomes a on regularly. With primary tools for backsuch a staggering ground checks!

Photo by Emme Harris figure, one can see such a social media giant having an immense amount of power and influence.

Over the last three years companies across the nation have been picking up on a useful practice. Observing potential employees’ Facebook profiles and using this depiction to influence the decision to hire this employee or not has become common practice. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 37% of employers are checking out potential employees on social media such as Facebook before they make the decision to hire or not. Another 11% of employers plan to implement such a hiring strategy in the future.

One of the many things employers

look for are compromising photos, such as photos of underage drinking, illegal use of narcotics, or nude photos on the prospect’s Facebook. As many teenagers today know, Facebook is filled with photos, likes, comments, and posts that are compromising to a person’s character and content that they might regret in five or ten years down the road.

On top of looking for compromising content, employers also try to get a feel for the prospect’s work ethic as well as just who they are as a person and if they would be a good fit for the company. Additionally, research using Facebook and other means are used to verify credentials or claims of past experience in the workforce. This “Social Media Snooping” has gone so far as to having employers ask for Facebook passwords upon hiring. A word of advice to many members of this school would be to watch what you put on social media, it’s permanent, it’s public, and it is information that reflects who you are as a person.

Cartoon of the month

Photo by Laura Burvill

Letters From The Editor

February 2013

Verve Editorial Policy: Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Please submit all letters to shsletters2editor@gmail.com. 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 the Verve.

SCREEN AND SOUND The Forensics Team goes to Harvard

February 2013

Page 3

BY EMME HARRIS

The Summit High School forensics team is Harvard bound in more ways than one. The team, led by Mrs. Poyner, is going to Harvard on February 16th through the 18th for the 39th Annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament.

This yearly tournament is the most anticipated tournaments of the season besides nationals.

They will be competing against schools from all over the country.

The tournament is reserved for varsity members, which is anyone who has competed on the team for over a year, but accepts dedicated freshman if there is space available Forensics is made up of debate consisting of Lincoln Douglas debate, Policy Debate, and Public Forum. Interpretation, another component of Forensics,

comes in many variations including Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, original oratory, improvisation, dramatic, humorous, duo, poetry, and prose. Each interpretation piece is a work of literature that is five to ten minutes long.

Beth Ann Powers, president of the dramatic interpretation group, shares her excitement for the tournament, “The team is having a really great year and we are so proud of everyone and what we have achieved. All of our members have worked really hard since this summer and it reflects in their success. Harvard is going to be an amazing experience for us to compete against people from all over the country and in some cases the world! These are some of the most talented students

around and we are so lucky to get meet and work with them.”

So far both Varsity and Freshmen forensics team members have been placing in the top six at every tournment. At a tournament in Hanover Park, the team won second place sweepstakes, taking the second most awards of any team competing.

The team hopes to continue their successful season at this tournament.

Poyner says she is looking forward to the competition, and her goal is that Harvard will, “Make us better performers.” Currently, forensics team members are raising money to finance the team’s trip by selling candy afterschool.

To support the team on their way to Harvard, be sure to pitch in by Photo Provided By Allison Scott Forensic Team waits for their prize.The team now prepares buying some candy bars!

Premier action Movie: Gangster Squad hits the big screen Moviefone.com critic rating – only three stars -viewers gave it a four and a Director Ruben half star rating. Summit’s Fleischer’s Gangster Clearview Cinema’s viewSquad hit the box office on ers enjoyed it as well.

January 11, 2013, with a AL Johnson High bang. Based on a true School’s Gianna story, the film takes Valeri gave us her place in 1949 Los input: “Great movie, Angeles, California, cool effects, easy during a time of plotline, and action organized crime, and packed”. Summit limited police conHigh School’s Danny trol.

The antagoKennedy said, nist, Mickey Cohen, “it was a strong, played by Sean Penn, absorbing, funny, is a mob super power and suspenseful everywhere west of action movie -- my Chicago. His power advice, go see it!” and wealth stems If that’s not confrom illegal drugs, vincing enough, the prostitutes, schemed movie has already bets and gambles; been nominated he’s untouchable, for a 2013 Oscar. and does it all with The film is rated the help of his paid R, and does deserve protection and bribed this rating for its police and politicians. explicit scenes and However, his growDespite ing control and Gangster Squad: Starring Shawn Penn, Ryan violence. this down side it’s power isn’t enough Gosling, and Emma Stone a captivating action to scare away the bravest and baddest mem- ents to crush Cohen’s movie, with a romantic side bers of the LAPD: a small, rein over LA, and end his plot and a family dynamic special, yet obscure group illicit and illegal lifestyle. intertwined, so if you’re of Despite the poor age, definitely check it out. of officers and war vets.

Sergeant John O’Mara, played by Josh Brolin, and honest cop Jerry Wooters, played by Ryan Gosling, lead the squad. The squad combined all of their tal-

From www.aceshowbiz.com

BY FELISA DELLI SANTI

Verve picks: best Superbowl commercial Non-scientific poll conducted by Verve staff 2/5/13.

for the 39th annual tournament at Harvard University.

Fans await award season results anxiously

BY JULIA HECKLEMAN Award season began this year with the Golden Globes, premiering on January 13. Everyone had their favorites going into the ceremony, but any of the movies nominated were worthy of the prestigious award. Sophomore Emily Chin confesses, “there were a lot of great nominees this year! Les Misérables was beautifully done and deserved all of its awards, although I was hoping Moonrise Kingdom would win best picture.”

Les Misérables struck gold, taking home three awards; Best Actress went to Anne Hathaway, Best Actor went to Hugh Jackman, and it won in the impressive Best Musical or Comedy category. Les Misérables will go on to the Oscars, for which it received eight nominations.

Both Hathaway and Jackman are fan favorites for an Oscar win as well. The Oscars premiere on February 24th.

However, the odds may be against Les Misérables.

A musical has not received the Best Picture award since 2002. Steven Spielberg, who has received three Oscars and five Golden Globes, is no newcomer to the awards.

His film Lincoln is a frontrunner for the Oscars. It is speculated that Lincoln did not win Best Motion Picture because the voters for the

Golden Globe awards work with foreign entertainment.

Some viewers were surprised that Ben Affleck’s Argo took home the award for Best Picture and Best Director. Although Affleck won the Golden Globes award for his direction, he was not even nominated for an Oscar in that category.

Amour, an Austrian film, recieved a lot of media attention. The film is in French and is available for screening with subtitles. It is nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Although the film was not as successful in the box office as films such as Argo and Lincoln, it has been touching the hearts of those who got the chance to view it.

The Washington Times states, “It’s a harrowing yet intermittently joyful cinematic experience worthy of all the acclaim it has received including the Oscar nominations for best picture, best foreign film and best actress announced Thursday.”

For the movie lovers who have not yet seen this year’s nominees yet, hurry to the closest movie theater to form an opinion on this past year’s greatest films. And for those who have, make sure to tune into the upcoming award shows to see if Hollywood enjoyed the films as well.

SCREEN AND SOUND

Page 4

February 2013

Photo provided by TruTV

Photo provided by Lifetime

Photo provided by NBC

Photo provided by TruTV

Photo provided by Showtime

What’s on? Student critics recommend reality TV; drama, sitcom, too

Killer Karaoke

Homeland

Guys with Kids

Dance Moms

Impractical Jokers

This is no ordinary singing competition. Instead of preening in the limelight on a brightly lit stage like most ho-hum singing showdowns, contestants here forcibly sing their favorite tunes under extreme and unusual circumstances.

Host and stuntman Steve-O, known from Jackass: The Movie and Jackass Number Two, places contestants in outrageous situations. In a recently viewed episode, an enthusiastic country girl sang her way through a cactus maze while wearing a balloon dress and drunk goggles. An ex-marine had his body waxed while singing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s southern rock anthem, “Sweet Home Alabama.” In the end, a wedding singer won $6,200.

Some challenges may be disturbing to some viewers, but executive producer David Hurwitz ensures that no plants, animals, or contestants are ever harmed.

Nick Brody, a Marine Sergeant who was held captive in a terrorist compound in Iraq for eight years, is at the center of each episode.

A squad of Delta Force soldiers infiltrated the compound of infamous al-Qaeda leader, and there they found the missing Brody.

He is then returned home a war hero and elected into Congress. While everyone thinks Brody a war hero, CIA officer Carrie Mathison suspects he may have been brainwashed during his long imprisonment and may plot an attack against America. Storylines also track Mathison as she tries to prove Brody is a terrorist and public threat.

Claire Danes is cast as Mathison, Damian Lewis is Congressman Brody, and Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson, the CIA operative in Beirut who organizes Mathison’s research to prove Brody to be a terrorist.

The cast alone gives Homeland its bona fides.

Showtime: Sun. 10 PM.

The plot revolves around the daily lives of three dads, with flashbacks of their children doing memorable things like their first words or first Halloween.

The show’s premise is: Nick and Chris have been best buds for a while, and each got married and had kids. Chris’ marriage didn’t work out, so he is divorced, but his ex-wife Sheila is in just about every episode.

Nick and Chris eventually meet Gary, who is also married and has four boys.

Anthony Anderson plays the role of Gary, and fans of Law and Order and Transformers might recognize him. Jesse Bradford (Chris) has appeared in a few episodes of The West Wing and played the lead in Clockstoppers. Finally Zach Cregger (Nick) is best known for his work on the television comedy The Whitest Kids U’ Know.

My advice would be to watch a few episodes, because this show could get really good really fast.

NBC: Weds. 8:30 PM

The series follows the Abby Lee Dance Company’s junior division, a half-dozen sevento thirteen-year-old girls who compete in national dance competitions, and its instructor, Abby Miller.

Along with this troupe of daughters comes a pack of mothers, and each of them would do anything to help her daughter land atop Abby’s infamous pyramid, a visual aid showing how each of the girls in the Junior Company ranks in relation to one another. Miller uses last week’s behavior, attendance, and performance in the competition as criteria for forming her pyramid.

Miller is notorious for her harsh teaching style and “Everybody’s replaceable!” attitude, but her dancers do become quite talented and successful. Count on stage moms to provide sniping.

Dance Moms has generated spin-off shows: Cheer Perfection and Dance Moms: Miami.

Brian Quinn (a.k.a. “Q”), Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto and James Murray (“Murr”) are the four pranksters who grew up together in Staten Island and call themselves The Tenderloins.

These lifelong friends compete, daring each other to perform embarrassing acts in public.

Members must perform solo, while the others lurk off-camera and deliver commands into the player’s hidden earpiece. At the end of the night’s embarrassing stunts, whoever has lost, disobeyed, or cheated the most will have to perform one last humiliating act, which cannot be refused.

The Tenderloins dared to work at White Castle, act as Times Square tour guides, and work at a Costco.

Vulcano, a huge germaphobe, had to go to a public park and pick up dog droppings with a thin latex glove and hold it for a certain amount of time. If that cracks you up, then the Tenderloins are for you.

TruTV: Thurs. 10PM

By ARIANA TSANAS

TruTV: Fri. 9:00 PM

By BEN HENNING

By ANDREW WEISS

By LAURA PASQUALE

Lifetime: Tues, 9:00 PM

By ROB CARBONE

New MTV show snags online dating phonies

By KATIE MALTESE

According to Urban Dictionary, a catfish is someone who “pretends to be someone they are not online,” thereby creating a false identity “to pursue deceptive online romances.”

Even though contemporary online dating sites like Match. com, JDate, and Christian Mingle have made matches all over the world, the most flirtatious site of all is proving to be Facebook.

The lovelorn are now entering into relationships without having ever met their virtual counterparts: relationships are completely online.

Catfish, the new hit MTV show, airing on Monday nights at 11:00, illustrates how alarmingly things have changed with this new way for singles to find a significant other.

Each episode of Catfish fol-

“a catfish is someone who ‘pretends to be someone they are not online,’ thereby creating a false identity ‘to pursue deceptive online romances.’”

- Urban Dictionary

lows the story of two people dating online, and what happens when they first meet IRL. The television show was developed after the positive success of the Catfish (2010) documentary movie starring Nev Schulman and his filmmaker friend Max Joseph.

The film follows Schulman’s real life as he enters into an online relationship with a woman named Megan, but concludes when he realizes that the young woman he thinks he is in love with is full of lies.

The documentary struck a cord with its audience, who wrote emails to Schulman begging for help with their own failed online dating adventures.

So many reached out to him that MTV pitched the idea of a TV show to Schulman.

Schulman and Joseph reprise their roles in the TV

show, and each episode highlights a different relationship.

Not only is the show exciting, the suspense keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Mainly, it makes one question the evolution of social networking and its negative consequences.

Fifteen years ago, before the Internet became habit, dating was strictly face-to-face.

Social media websites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have enabled folks to misrepresent themselves, even completely change their looks via online avatars.

Every day, strangely, people enter into serious relationships without ever stepping outside.

The first episode titled “Sunny & Jamison” premiered to a viewing of 2.68 million people.

Sunny is a southern gal who falls in love with a model named Jamison via Facebook.

Though they have never

met, Sunny is smitten, blindsided by lust, and already buying wedding magazines and planning how many children she’ll have with this man.

Schulman and Joseph set out to find out if Jamison is the real deal or a “catfish.”

In the end, they and Sunny travel to Jamison’s home -only to discover that Jamison is a bisexual girl using her Jamison Facebook profile as a façade.

Catfish captures online dating with its own hook, chronicling the truths and lies behind social networking relationships.

Next Monday night when you’re procrastinating from doing that AP Euro homework, make sure to check out the latest riveting episode of Catfish – you’ll be glad you did.

MTV: Mon 11:00 PM

TURF

February 2013

SHS bowling rolls into 20122013 season

By SARINA MUSALLAM

Page 5

Monthly Sports Star: Union County wrestling title champ returns for senior season

Most high schoolers tend to participate in fall or spring sports, instead of a winter sport. That is why the SHS bowling team is a great sport to join.

The SHS Bowling team has been around since the 1970’s and is coached by history teacher John Kratch who states, “The best thing about the bowling team is the variety of people that can be great at bowling. We have some great all-around athletes and some people who haven’t played a sport since their junior t-ball league. It doesn’t matter how hard you hit the pins but where you hit them and so a lot of different people can be good at it.” In recent years, the bowling team has grown in popularity, as it now has fifteen students on the team. There are a total of five varsity spots and 5 junior varsity spots during competition. The team is having a nice season with a 4-5 record.

Standout players on the team include Brianna Boze who has won second at the Union County Tournament for bowling twice and has scored a 222, and junior David Berardi who has scored a 245.

To those that are nervous to join the team, don’t be! The bowling team is all-inclusive and welcomes anyone to join!

Hope Trisler a senior on the bowling team says, “Bowling is such a random sport, and honestly I joined not knowing what to expect. I have met some of the funniest people while on the team and we always have a blast. Plus, it’s free bowling!”

Pinned! Nick Abbott attempts to pin Columbia High School wrestler Alex Lopez in a match preceeding the 2012 Union County Championship

Johnson in the semi-finals and Chris Ferreira of Xavier HS in the finals.

Nick is pleased with his efforts and results of the team, which placed fifth out of the nine-team championship.

With a smile, assistant coach, John Liberato comments, “He’s

Basketball trains for Union County Tournament

By XIAOYING YU

Hustle! Senior Ba’Shawn Mickens attempts to save the ball in an unfortunate 49-48 loss to Jonathan Dayton

The Union County Championship preliminary round for girls’ basketball will take place on February 9, and the boys’ round will begin on February 10.

Junior basketball player, Madeleine Gramigna, states they train every day except Sunday. “We try to train like we play in games. We work hard and put the effort in so that it is second nature come game time. The coaches are great.

They’re positive and always help with every aspect of the

just done a great job. He did a great job at the Paul Finn tournament recently. He wrestled smart and aggressive. Opened up his arsenal of moves and avenged a previous loss.”

As his last season of wrestling at SHS unfolds, Nick says

he’s more than excited for the challenges before him. He has definitely left an impression as an athletic star at SHS and his achievements will inspire future underclassmen to live up to his legacy.

Celebrating football’s biggest game

By JAMIE MACPHERSON

Photo from Summit.patch.com

Strike! Summit bowling squad strikes a pose after practice

As Union County Champion of 2012 and winner of the Rahway Christmas Tournament for the third consecutive year, Senior Nick Abbott, captain of the SHS Wrestling team had been deemed this month’s Sports Star.

Repeatedly a top performer on this team, Nick is having yet another successful season, with a current 14-1. record The team as a whole has a 3-9 record this season and has just began to hit their stride.

After placing third in Union County Championships in 2011, Nick finally earned the prestigious first place title in 2012. That same year he was also the named the District 10 Champion, after placing 3rd in 2011.

Along with those titles, his team also earned Union County 2nd team in 2011 and Union County 1st team in 2012.

Nick recently placed first in the Rahway Christmas tournament for the 3rd time in a row.

He dominated the wrestling mat on December 28th, pinning both Brian Mooney of AL

Photo provided by Anthony Iarussi

By MEREDITH ROBERTSON

game.” When asked about the team’s dynamic she said, “Our team gets along very well; we think of ourselves as a family.”

She looks forward to the competition and hopes to win it all.

Junior, Matt Fischetti of the boys’ team said, “The Union County Tournament is the toughest basketball game we play all year. Every team comes in with hopes of winning and only those who play their best to move on.”

Come to the games and cheer for the Hilltopper teams!

Last year’s Giants vs. Patriots Super Bowl was the most popular sporting event by almost 50 million views, more popular than the Olympics opening ceremony. Parties and gatherings go on long into the night to celebrate or attempt to forget the outcome of the game. Not every party though is the same; many crazy traditions come out for just this one night.

The most common way to celebrate and watch the game is hosting party consisting of friends and family. Junior, Harold Esquivel says, “My family hosts a large party of friends and extended family members. My parents cook chili and serve finger foods, but most of the emphasis is put on the game.” Though the Esquivel family consists

of primarily Giants fans, they allow all friends and family regardless of their favorite team.

The Connolly family however has a far less inclusive way to celebrate. They choose who they hope will win and only allow fans of that team to attend their celebration. Junior David Connolly explains the tradition by stating, “This is a running joke in the family.

The last time the Ravens, their preferred team, reached the Super Bowl my family only allowed Ravens fans to attend.

Since then we’ve just kept up the tradition because it’s a fun way to celebrate.”

Others celebrate alone, but regardless of a person’s preferred method of celebration, almost 1/3 of the country turn ed on their TVs for the game.

Page 6

BUZZ

February 2013

Blind Date: Miniature golf brings maximum potential for love As I stood in line I received a slew of messages from Senior Mikey Gelber regarding his anxiousness of who his mystery girl would be. “What can I get for you today?” asked the cashier at Dunkin’ Donuts on Friday January 11, the day of the blind date. I placed my order and skillfully balanced three cups of coffee and a bag of donuts as I walked back to my car. I started the engine and turned my seat heater on as quickly as humanly possible to combat the frigid January air. Despite the cold weather, I knew this date would heat up with potential romance.

Soon I was off to Verve staff member Emma Standing (more commonly known as Jemma)’s house. The remarks that Mr. Standing, Emma’s dad and SHS photography teacher, made about Mikey were ringing in my ears.

“Mikey and I have a long history. If this relationship works out, at least I know he comes from a good family,” justified Mr. Standing when he discovered the identity of Emma’s suitor.

As she ran down her driveway to my car I laughed in anticipation of the impending evening – there was no doubt in my mind that we would have a fun time!

We rode across town to Mikey’s

house and when he opened the door he was pleasantly surprised when he saw Jemma in the passenger seat. Fellow Senior, Scott Burian, was coming along to help chaperone the two lovebirds, so he got into the front seat and Emma and Mikey climbed into the back. Thankfully, the dates already knew each other so we were spared the awkward getting-to-know-each-other

banter as they jumped right into conversation. Scott gave me a thumbs-up and I put the car in drive and headed toward Route 22 and our destination: Monster Mini-Golf.

For those of you who are not familiar with Monster, it is a glow-inthe-dark miniature golf course. From glowing pumpkins to a haunted wishing well, the decorations are bizarre

Photo by Lindsay Leiter

By LINDSAY LEITER

Young and in love. Sparks fly as Mikey and Emma (AKA Memma) bond over a classic date night at Monster Mini-golf.

and even frightening at times; especially the 18th hole which is home to a gigantic, glow-in-the-dark clown (one of my biggest fears). The teams were assembled and the game began; however by the 5th hole the scorecard was completely forgotten about. It was around this time that things began to get more dangerous; whenever Mikey wound up his club to putt, we would duck our heads in fear of being struck by the unpredictable golf ball. As the game progressed, everyone’s skills seemed to rapidly decline, however Emma and Mikey’s romance seemed to be evolving quite nicely.

Once the game was finished, we enjoyed a deliciously extravagant meal at a local IHOP. Emma and Mikey laughed about some new inside jokes as they devoured breakfast food.

Mikey even convinced Emma, a committed vegetarian of two years, to taste a piece of chicken. I found this to be a true testament of the possible love that could be fostered between these two.

Mikey, being the gentleman that he is, paid for Emma’s meal in entirety.

As Mikey bid farewell to his date he gushed, “Emma, I’ve had the time of my life tonight. This date was definitely – as I knew it would be – a hole in one.”

The Eatery serves sea- Anonymous praise genersonal American classics ates curiosity, anxiety

Every year seems to bring a new restaurant that quickly gains popularity in town and hopes to remain successful. One new restaurant that seems promising to stand the test of time is The Eatery, located on the corner of Springfield and Woodland in downtown Summit.

The popular new cafe has become a hot spot with its delicious menu and relaxed open environment. The Eatery has floor to ceiling windows that light up the environment. The large windows, paired with the lofted view of Summit, helps make The Eatery serene.

With a menu that chef Teri Tyson describes as “seasonal American cuisine,” The Eatery offers a unique menu that is both satisfying and delicious. The menu consists of a wide range of soups, salads, sliders, and a selection of desserts.

The goal is to provide food that makes customers feel “good about eating.” The Eatery succeeds by having their eclectic menu filled with

healthy choices. However, for those who enjoy a heartier meal, The Eatery offers tasty meat sliders, such as their mouth-watering beef brisket sliders, topped with caramelized onions.

When asked about his experiences at The Eatery, sophomore, Zach Rissman commented, “I love The Eatery.

The food is delicious, but it’s also not too filling. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and also enjoy a great meal.”

A former vice president at AIG, owner, and chef Teri Tyson began her career in cooking following the financial crisis when she told herself that “life was too short” and decided to pursue her passion of cooking.

After working with various chefs including Bobby Flay and Ben Ford, Tyson finally opened her own restaurant in October this year. Describing her time owning The Eatery, she expressed nothing but happiness saying, “The best part of opening The Eatery has been...becoming part of the community in which I live.”

Wool and Grace knits its way into Summit

By CARLY LEITER

Calling all knitting and needlepointing addicts! A brand new knitting store, Wool and Grace, is opening in downtown Summit for those interested in learning how to knit, needlepoint, or crochet. For avid knitters who are just looking for a community of fellow weavers to share their hobby with, this is the perfect place. The innovative store provides classes, lessons, needles, and yarn.

The shop offers classes to knitters of

all skill levels; from people with little or no experience to the highly skilled and experienced knitters. All knitting classes are two-hour sessions, once a week, for four to six weeks. The store is planning to offer mother-daughter knitting classes. Co-owner Patty Perry’s daughter and SHS Sophomore, Lexie, gushed that “knitting is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.”

Wool and Grace has all of the supplies one may need to make their knitting life easier and more enjoyable. The store will more than satisfy the needs of

By ELLIE SCHAFFER

On Wednesday, January 9, tons of Summit High students logged onto Facebook and received a friend request from a user by the name of “Summit Compliments.” The page is a forum for SHS students to post positive remarks about each other and thus share those remarks with the entire student body.

While the creator of the page is unclear, the purpose is not. Summit Compliments is intended to be a place where students can submit their appreciation and praise for their fellow classmates.

After being complimented for his hairstyle, Junior Louis Richman exclaimed, “It made me feel really good because some people were making fun of me for my mullet, but knowing that someone appreciated it made me feel happy inside.”

Sophomore Matt Greenstein added, “I feel that Summit Compliments is a great way for students to be able to express their feelings about one another.” Students are standing taller in the halls knowing that some-

one out there spent their time posting sincere and thoughtful comments.

On the other side of the spectrum, students who have not received a compliment on the forum may be starting to feel down. Sophomore Regan Britt declared, “Not being written about makes me feel unappreciated.”

Junior Kyle Waldron cried, “I feel unwanted!” Summit Compliments, while having a positive effect on certain students, seems to be having depressing effects on others.

Though the idea may be new to Summit, several other schools around the area have similar pages. Kent Place, Riverdale, Randolph, Peddie, and many more schools have a page where students are encouraged to compliment one another.

One question is lingering in all Hilltopper’s minds: Who is Summit Compliments? Who is the face behind the screen, the one who knows everybody’s true feelings for one another?

Sadly, Summit High School, we may never know.

Photo from facebook.com

By DAVID MEYERS

Spreading the love. Summit Compliments’ kind statuses about SHS students have been bringing smiles to students’ faces

knitters from Summit and the surrounding towns. Enjoy a stress-free environment where everyone shares the same passion of knitting and needlepointing.

Co-owner Patty Perry explains, “Cathy, my co-owner, and I are extremely excited for the store opening, we couldn’t wait to share our passion for knitting

with others.”

Wool and Grace opened on January 29th at 102 Summit Avenue (across from Trattoria). More information can be found on their website, www.woolandgrace.net, or on their Facebook page. Stop by and begin your journey to become the best knitter that you can be.

GLOBE

Feburary 2013

Page 7

SHS student takes trip to President Obama’s second inauguration in Washington DC

By EMMA STANDING

Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Anthony Akey & Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Adviser: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber Photo by CiCi Flanagan

The second inauguration of President Barack Obama took place on January 21, Martin Luther King Day. Millions of excited Americans packed the National Mall to see Obama give a short, but riveting speech, saying, “We possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands: youth and drive; diversity and openness; an endless capacity for risk and a gift for reinvention.

My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.” Senior CiCi Flanagan was lucky enough to go.

Cici, her mom, and family friend packed their bags and took a road trip to the chilly capital to celebrate this exciting day. When asked how they got tickets to such an exclusive event, Cici responded, “While some people are invited, others are able to buy tickets … from the public. I was one Jumbotron away from the capital building. I could see the outline of people from where I was standing, but I could hear everything they were saying loud and clear!”

Obama’s speech focused a lot on what he plans to do with our country moving forward in his upcoming term.

He said, “We must harness new ideas and technology to remake our government, revamp our tax code, reform our schools, and empower our citizens with

Pledge alligance! Senior CiCi Flanagan and her mother stand in front of the Capitol building as they wait for President Obama to arrive for his inauguration.

the skills they need to work harder, learn more, and reach higher.”

CiCi exclaimed that she was extremely excited that he mentioned progressive thoughts on both gay rights and women’s equality in the workforce.

The musical performance by Beyonce was even as exciting for Cici and her family, CiCi shared, “I was

As flu outbreak spreads through country, sets students back, kills local freshman

By STEPHANIE OLLOM Photo from www.cbs19.tv

able to see two dreams of mine on the twenty-first, I saw Obama and Beyonce live! What an amazing day.”

She hopes to get to see another inauguration in the future. Hopefully after such a long and exhausting election, our country can finally come together as one and start moving forward.

Out cry for new gun regulations

By MAX MACPHERSON

Experiencing any headaches, runny noses, fever, or body aches? It could be a cold, but chances are it’s influenza.

Watch out! The flu Yes, it’s flu season again, and is going around this year seems to be the worst one in a long time.

Over the past couple of months, the country, especially the east coast, have seen more flu cases than average, compared to past years. 83 in 100,000 are hospitalized for their flu symptoms. which is a high number.

On average, around one hundred children die each year from flu related causes, and the toll is already past thirty. One which, coming from Westfield, where freshman Mark Hollaway died in mid- January. He was only 14, and will be missed by all of his classmates. (You can show your support on Facebook on the “RIP Mark Hollaway” page) It’s not only the children that are

Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd Summit, NJ 07901

getting hit hard by the flu, the elderly are as well. “It’s shaping up to be a worse than average season and a bad season particularly for the elderly,” says Tom Frieden, chief of Center of Disease Control.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) is urging people to get their shot, and encouraging them that it is not too late. A flu shot is needed every year because of the different strands that are present each year.

Staying home when one has the flu is the best way of keeping it away from others, who are healthy. It may not be ideal, missing a week of school, but it is absolutely necessary.

I missed a week of school, right before midterms. I actually wrote this article in the few days I had before midterms. Even though being sick was miserable, the make-up work might have been worse, however making others sick was not worth it.

Don’t forget to wash hands, cover mouths when sneezing, and don’t get sick. Having to go through a week feeling like terrible is bad enough, but to come back to school with a mountain of work to do makes it unbearable.

In wake of the recent outcry by the public for stricter gun laws, Vice President Joseph Biden and the National Rifle Association have agreed to meet and discuss the future of guns and new laws that can be put in place to prevent mass shootings from happening again.

Biden has three main things that he wants to change in the future about guns. He would like to see the reinstatement of the ban on assault rifles, universal background checks on any gun sale, -- this would eliminate the loop hole of no background checks at gun shows -- limiting the size of a magazine clip, and possibly banning high capacity magazine clips. He also wants to increase financial aid for families with a child with disabilities and increasing the number of police officers on the street to help enforce these new laws and to stop the illegal selling of firearms.

The NRA and other gun advocates do not agree with this and are saying their second amendment rights are under attack. They believe that there should be no ban

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Miriam Meller & Carly Nyman FRONT PAGE Section Editor: Alex Arias GLOBE Section Editor: Stephanie Ollom SEMI SPECIAL Section Editor: Gwen Rogers OPINE Section Editor: Tommy DiSibio SCREEN AND SOUND Section Editor: Felisa Delli Santi BUZZ Section Editor: Lindsay Leiter TURF Section Editor: Jamie Macpherson Reporters: Emily Harris, Julia Heckelman, Nicholas Lalicato, Carly Leiter, Will Lycan, Max Macpherson, David Meyers, Sarina Musallam, Meredith Robertson, Ellie Schaffer, Megan Shaw, Jackson Sidebottom, MaddieSimko, Emma Standing, and Xiaoying Yu

on any guns or the size of the magazine for the weapon. They are a strong supporter of training and arming teachers to protect their students if a gunman were to enter the school.

This however has caused some outrage among the public and they are worried that these weapons in school could get into the wrong hands. Whether or not new gun regulations are put into place there needs to be something done to prevent other shootings from happening in the future.

Verve Views: Valentines Day Drama

By NICHOLAS LALICATO

“What is your perfect Valentine’s Day Date?”

Emily Rowe ‘13

“Sitting at home and watching a movie with my two best friends, Ben and Jerry.”

Mrs. Retotar

“I want to go to Disney Studios to ride the Tower of Terror all day!”

Hammad Iqbal ‘16

“If the weather gets warmer I’d love to go for a walk in the park.”

Mr. Schauer

“Going go-karting followed by a lovely dinner with my woman.”

Photos by Nicholas Lalicato

Semi-Formal 2013

Annual Semi-Formal

By Gwen Rogers

Summit High School held its annual Semi-Formal on Friday February 1 at L’Affaire on Route 22 in Mountainside.

The dance was a hit that both students and chaperones enjoyed from 7-11pm. Over 400 students from grades 9-12 dressed up and came out to attend the 2013 Semi-Formal.

Starting in top left going clockwise and ending in center: Zach Rissman sophmore left and Abby DePhillips junior pose for a picture as they enter Semi. Matt Oristanio junior, from left with Alexa Krain, junior, Mike Bredahl senior, and Ashley Amodeo junior. Next, seniors Emma Olcott, Emily White and Catie Currie pose for a picture at their pre-party. From left group shot of Kerri Hannigan, Kayleigh Fowler and Drew Schwendiman juniors. From left Emma Standing, Emily Rowe, and Grace Newcomb, seniors, get together for a group shot at their last Semi while attending Summit High School. Senior girls from left to right, Callie DePhillips, Abby Rasweiler, Kelly Neuenshwander, Carly Wilson and Nikki Sharkin.

Finally, juniors Jake Groskoph and Jessica Martins strike a pose.

In the middle are juniors Kelly Haberl and Josie Persson.