Verve Vol XIII Iss 1 Oct 2012

Newspaper of Summit High School

October 2012 Volume 13 Issue 1

Sweet ‘16 Arrives At SHS

By NIC LALICATO

INSIDE this issue of Verve:

Each New Year at Summit High School brings a new class of freshmen.

The class of 2016 has broken the shackles of the middle school and is free with the flock that is the rest of SHS. The large group of students who have entered the school have brought with them new interests, worries, and excitements to the building. Five freshmen shared their reactions and expectations about high school with the Verve staff.

Anton Voci says “I like the school so far because it’s much bigger than the middle school was. I had a little trouble finding classes at first but, I am getting used to it. I'm really excited for the soccer season and the games we have coming up. High School seems like a fun experience.”

Lacrosse player Evan Vecchia believes "The high school is really interesting and new. I’m ready for lacrosse

but I’m worried about the homework and classes during the season. I like the rotating schedule but I am still not quite sure how it works just yet. I think the school is huge, however I didn’t have that hard of a time getting around.”

Simone Dilk who is ready for a great year stated “The school is awesome so far! It has a lot more privileges than the middle school did. Lunch is a little too crowded though and hard to get around. However, I am a big fan of the schedule because it always changes and keeps everything a little different. I can’t wait for lacrosse to start and I am pretty excited to see all the football games like Friday Night Lights. Although I’m a little worried about homework and grades, I think I will be able to adjust to it.”

Volleyball player and rotating schedule fan Angela Scott says, “The changing

schedule is great. I found all my classes fine and didn't have any trouble the first couple days. Study hall is fun because you can go to different places and you have a chance to get a lot of work done.

Also, I like the lunch lines here more than the middle school because you have a lot more options.In addition, the Volleyball season is very good so far.”

Athlete and proactive student, Connie Pollan feels that the high school "Is pretty cool so far. I am looking forward to the football games and the other sports this year. I went to freshmen orientation and found where all my classes were before the first day. It made it much easier to get around. I am only really worried about homework but other than that, I should be fine. I really want to join some clubs and I like how many you can choose from. Field hockey is fun and it should be a good season.”

the all-around competition with a total score of 32.

Summit Gymnastics Sticks the won Summit’s gymnasts have the chance to compete in up to four events, which include: vault, uneven bars, balLand

Fall Sports Preview Globe..............2 Opine..............3 Buzz...........4&5 S&S.................6 Turf.................7 In Case You Missed It.....................8 Whats Up? Oct 5.......Friday Night Lights Oct 9.......Leif Erikson Day Oct 20.....Homecoming Dance Oct 24.....National Bologna Day Oct 31.......Halloween Nov 6......Presidential Election

Photo provided by Lindsay Leiter

By LINDSAY LEITER

A glorious win. The girls cheer on their teammates at the competition against JDHS.

Why should watching the fab five from this summer stop when the high school has the Hilltopper fierce five? Summit High School has recently added a varsity gymnastics team to its athletic repertoire.

On September 13th, the Hilltoppers took on Johnathan Dayton High School and came out victorious. The girls won their meet 94.35 to 62.17.

Summit’s five competing varsity gymnasts, Kendra Lerner, Naomi Schachter, Emily Donohue, Noa Efron, and Callie DePhillips all performed their routines well and impressed the spectators and judges alike. Noa Efron

ance beam, and floor exercise. Currently the Union County Girls’ Gymnastics Conference consists of the following schools: Cranford, Westfield, Elizabeth, Union, Dayton, Union Catholic, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

Senior captains Brittany Coburn, Callie DePhillips, and Kendra Lerner inspire the team to become better gymnasts and teammates.

Gymnastics is a sport where motivation and team spirit are a necessary component to overall success.

Summit parents, Frankie Degen and Tracy Claus, have volunteered to coach the Hilltopper gymnastics team.

Both Degen and Claus were gymnasts themselves and are very knowledgeable. Additionally, middle school teacher Laurie McCormack, is helping out with the program.

Currently, the team is not part of the school’s athletic budget, so parents and supporters are funding the team.

Those involved in the program hope that the Summit Boosters will allocate some funds towards the team. Due to the volunteer coaches, the cost will be low, because the money would only have to go to uniforms and meet fees.

The team practices and has its home meets at the Connection for Women and Families on Maple Street in Summit were fans can come out and support the team!

Summit Performs a Play Within a Play

By WILLIAM LYCAN Announced by Mrs. Poyner, the fall play will be Play On, a modern comedy.

When asked if he was looking forward to the production, Ryan McDonald, head of sound crew as well as assistant stage manager, replied “I am very much looking forward to Play On, the different crews have been formed and stage crew is working very hard already.”

Consistently over the years, the Drama Program has won awards for its acting, sets, and costume design, and is arguably one of the finest in the state and among the best in the nation.

Work on the play started 10 minutes after the announcement, which just shows the amount of preparation and hard work that the members invest in each show. The stage crew even worked for a week before they knew what the production even was.

Play On is a comedy, about a play inside a play,

and there will be approximately 12 roles, with three of the female roles being played by males.

Roles:

AGGIE MANVILLE

Isabelle Sacks JEROME DUNBAR

Greg Archer HENRY BENISH

Keenan Buckley POLLY BENISH

Cristina Tsanas MARLA “SMITTY” SMITH Hayley Dalton SAUL WATSON

Keller Gordon BILLY CAREWE

Jack LeGoff VIOLET IMBRY

Lynsey Newsham LOUISE PEARY

Emily Claypoole PHYLLIS MONTAGUE Beth Ann Powers

Verve Views: Fall Fashion Trends BY: MEGAN SHAW

Back-to-school shopping has brought the latest runway trends right to the Summit High School hallways. Be prepared for students rocking printed jeans, peplums, stripes, jewel tones, and much more. Do not be intimidated by these fashionable looks! In order to get the inside scoop on who’s wearing what, here are some student opinions.

Megan Beier ’15, envied for her polished wardrobe details, “I will be wearing lots of peplum (I’m obsessed with it), navy blue cords, and stripes, I love stripes!”

Grace Newcomb ’13 a fashion fanatic will be accessorizing "with soft colors like pink or light blue, or just a pretty lace. Whether it’s the classic leather jacket or pieces with leather accents, I’ll definitely be incorporating it into my wardrobe”.

From a boy who loves taking risks in his wardrobe, Danny Araya ’15 adds, “I think I’m going to get really into colors like wine and orange and also headbands and dark blue jeans.”

Finally, Marissa Murray ’14 a chic junior revealed, “I will be wearing colored jeans because they are fun and comfy”.

Photos provided By Megan Shaw

Drug Traffickers Go Below the Surface

By GWEN ROGERS

The illegal drug market in the United States is one of the most profitable in the world. This attracts the most sophisticated, ruthless, and aggressive drug traffickers. The drug trade is a global underground black market, which is used to cultivate, manufacture, distribute, and sell drugs, all of which are illegal. Colombian drug traffickers are using a new hidden weapon to smuggle cocaine into the United States- drug submarines. These new modes of transportation could be up to 30 meters long and nearly impossible to detect. These vessels are capable of distributing several tons of cocaine in just one shipment. American authorities have discovered at least three models of a new and sophisticated drug trafficking submarine capable of traveling completely underwater.

What is even more troubling for Americans is the belief that these underwater submarines pose a new threat to national security.

Since they are undetectable and can-

Summit High School 125 Kent Place Blvd.

Summit, NJ 07901 Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Tony Akey Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Advisor: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber

Page 2

not be spotted without the right equipment, our borders are left unprotected.

Terrorist radicals can potentially use these vessels to transport attackers or weapons. “Drug networks historically were organized to combine the tasks of production, transportation and distribution, and they have seen little reason to cooperate with terrorists. But these new advanced submarines are built, in some cases, by independent contractors who may be more willing to sell the vessels to anybody offering the right price,” New York Times’ reporter, Michael Schmidt explain's.

Currently, the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Defense are joined by information and are analyzing of information on drug trafficking and these new submarines.

This 600-plus person task force is in control of the northern hemisphere as they aquire ships, aircrafts, and counter-narcotics units on land for various missions to stop the drug trafficking.

Prime Time for the Presidential Race

By JAMIE MACPHERSON

Last year at this time, all the talk revolved around which Republican candidate would face Obama come election time. After a long race, the nomination was given to Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts Governor. Romney was a founding partner of Bain Capital, a company designed to save business that are failing. Romney left Bain in 1999, when he was to help save the Olympics from the scandal and corruption.

In 2002, Romney entered the position of governor of Massachusetts, his final political position before entering the race for the presidency.

After much secrecy, Romney chose Paul Ryan as his running mate who is a member of the House of Representatives from Wisconsin. Ryan, a member of the house since 1998, has served on the House budget committee as well as Chairman of the House. Ryan is currently running for the House, Wisconsin law allows him to run for both the Vice Presidency and the House concurrently.

Barrack Obama, the current U.S. president, is running for his second term. Obama is the former 7 year Senator for the state Illinois, followed by a 3-year stint as a Senator of Illinois.

Back in 2009, Barrack Obama chose his running mate for the presidential race that landed him in the oval of-

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Miriam Meller & Carly Nyman

SCREEN AND SOUND Section Editor: Gwen Rogers

FRONT PAGE Section Editor: Jamie Macpherson

BUZZ Section Editor: Felisa Delli Santi and Tommy DiSibio

GLOBE Section Editor: Alex Arias OPINE Section Editor: Lindsay Leiter

TURF Section Editor: Stephanie Ollom

fice. His choice was Joe Biden; Biden was a senator of Delaware for 36 years before he resigned to join Obama.

Biden left his private law practice after just 2 years and entered politics, eventually becoming a senator at the age of 30; the youngest age possible for the position.

Since 2008, the economy has been in trouble causing frequent layoffs and rising unemployment from 5.8% to 8.1% in the past five years. The issue of unemployment has been at the forefront of the election. Romney believes that not enough has been done to lower the unemployment while Obama has pointed out that he has lowered national unemployment from its high at 10.1%.

Another issue in the race is health care. Obama set up his own version of health care reform, dubbed Obama care, which is a free healthcare for those who cannot afford it. Romney and his supporters have been trying to reform the Obama care policies because it is using money originally meant for social security. Obama has been attempting to show the benefits of his health care plan, which has pushed this issue to the head of the election.

The latest Fox News poll showed Obama at 48% of the national vote while Romney has 43%. However, with less than two months left till the November 6th voting day, the election is still either of theirs to win.

Reporters:

Emily Harris, Julia Heckelman, Nicholas Lalicato, Carly Leiter, Will Lycan, Max Macpherson, David Meyers, Sarina Musallam, Meredith Robertson, Elizabeth Schaffer, Megan Shaw, Jackson Sidebottom, Madeline Simko, Emma Standing, and Xiaoying Yu

BACK PAGE: Section Editor: Miriam Meller

October 2012

Freshmen

By JULIA HECKELMAN Summer nightmares all start the same way: walk into school on the first day and everything begins to go wrong.

Maybe first period classroom is nowhere to be found, or the lunchroom is filled with unfamiliar faces. Regardless, summer has come and gone and the nightmares are reality. High school is a difficult adjustment for a freshman; there are more responsibilities and more homework than ever before. However, there are ways to make the transition into high school easier, and to ensure that freshman year is a successful one.

One advantage of high school is that students have the opportunity to join a multitude of clubs and extracurricular activities. Try to become involved in a variety of clubs that appeal to your interests and hobbies. This is a great way to meet new people. If the idea of walking into a room filled with fresh faces is daunting to you, consider joining clubs with a friend or two. Bringing a friend along to a meeting makes the process less intimidating and allows you to spend time with friends that you

don’t see during the day. If there is a club that would benefit the school that does not already exist, you can even start your own club. Chances are, other students will be interested in it as well.

Teachers in high school expect more of their students than freshmen are used to. A great way to ensure academic success this year is to stay organized. Use the agenda provided by the school to write down homework and afterschool activities so you don't forget. Also, maintain a neat binder because worksheets used throughout the year become great studying material for midterms and finals. Misplacing the homework in a binder that doubles as a black hole is a horrible reason to lose credit. When a semester ends remove important sheets from the previous months and place them in a safe folder somewhere at home, they will be crucial for midterm and final study guides.

Freshman year is a year filled with change and new opportunities. Make an effort to try something new and take advantage of all of that high school has to offer. Managing your time may be stressful and difficult in the beginning, but if you persevere this year will be a phenomenal start to an exceptional high school career.

which has been considered by many upperclassmen to be “the hardest class in Summit High School.” However, still expect an increase in workload and higher expectations from teachers.

Despite all of the challenging work, sophomore year still has its perks. Perhaps the biggest perk is the fact that you are no longer the babies of the school.

The feeling is great to know that you are no longer the “new kids” and that you have at least a little respect from the upperclassmen and your teachers. Sophomore year will be a fun and challenging year. Keep your head up and work hard and you are sure to enjoy everything that sophomore year has to offer.

Juniors

By EMMA STANDING

I remember the days of junior year like it was just yesterday. Well let’s face it; that was only a few months ago. There is so much to deal with like the stresses of college, the excitement of being an upperclassman, and a whole new league of responsibilities. It’s a totally

different world for the students experiencing this new year. There are a few things however that I wish I knew before enduring the taxing events that are to come through these next ten months.

First off, if you haven’t already started studying for the standardized test of your choice, you should start doing so! Whether it’s taking an SAT class or getting a tutor for the ACT, the preparation makes all the difference.

Second off, start researching and visiting schools. These next ten months may seem impossible at times, but if I can get through it anyone can. Go to as many of the college representative meetings in the guidance department as possible and try to get a sense of what you’re looking for in a college. The college search should be enjoyable, so make the most out of it!

Remember to have a lot of fun and try new activities because you’re running out of time in High School. This year should be challenging but also filled with great memories that you can share with your fellow classmates.

Photo provided by Lindsay Leiter

Photo provided by Lindsay Leiter

Helping Hand. Upperclassmen Emma Standing and David Meyers help Sophomore, Julia Heckelman.

Advice String: Upperclassmen Dish Out

Sophomores

By DAVID MEYERS

Sophomore year is here and there are a few key things to remember for the new “sophies.” First of all, this year is hard, this is the first year you will have the opportunity to take honors English and history, and for those of you choosing to take these classes, expect a large workload. Also, many of you will be taking the infamous AP Biology,

Akey Responds

It’s a little too early in the year for the seniors to have become exhaustively annoying, but they’re getting there. It’s going to be déjà vu all over again. The lovely new furniture in the senior lounge is already covered in post-lunch debris, because the class of 2013 is too rude to clean up after itself. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were unnecessary to assign a faculty member to sit in the senior lounge and insure the place is not destroyed?

News flash: There is a presidential election in a month. One would never know it by talking to the students here. Get involved, nitwits. Someone who is concerned about getting into college should know which candidate might make it easier to get a loan or scholarship. After earning a degree in 4 years, which candidate offers the best platform to help land a job and start a career?

Here’s a tip to seniors and juniors going to visit colleges: leave cell phones in the car! Friends in admissions offices have shared the unspeakable lack of manners some kids demonstrate on college visits, by constantly checking phones and texting. Colleges often keep a tally of which students seem genuinely interested. Did you visit? Don’t forget to write follow-up letters after a visit etc. Guess what. They remember the rude visitors, too…unfavorably.

And while broaching the subject of texting, perhaps during family dinnertime the damn cell phones could be shut off for 30 minutes so news of the day can be shared in real time? Honestly, try speaking to one another. Social media? Socially maladjusted is more like it.

Summit High School has some wonderful new teachers on staff; part of what makes this a special place. New staff, 25% new kids. Welcome to the big leagues everyone. There is a lot to love here. Get involved.

Special note to Ms. Angelo, our SAC, who had her last day just this past week. The more venomous my column got, the more she enjoyed it. God, I’m going to miss her.

Freedom! Seniors Carly Nyman, Miriam Meller, and Emma Standing enjoy newfound Senior priviledges, such as having a parking spot.

Seniors: That Same Ludicrous Senior Column You Read Every September

By MIRIAM MELLER and CARLY NYMAN

Yay we are finally seniors, can we get senior lounge. When I arrived I had to a “woo woo?” Oh, no one has seen that awkwardly walk up and down the hallvideo, “Whistle Tips with Bub Rub,” way in order to find my friends. The awkward. Anyway, after the thrilling oversized seats made it difficult to spot feeling of parking in your own spot in them. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the Senior Lot wears off, you think to the clean new seating without demeanyourself “alright, time to graduate.” ing graffiti, I’m just saying it would Then you realize you still have to go be nice to be able to look over to the to school everyday for the next 180 next table and talk to my other friends. days. With an accident tally at four Another added benefit to being a seafter the first day, seniors should be nior: varsity. After three long years wary of who they are parking next to. struggling among underclassman on When I walked into school after the JV, I can finally be guaranteed a spot on big parking ordeal, I made sure to have the varsity bench. Seniority is now in my keys in my hands to ensure I wasn’t my favor, and I no longer have to strugmistaken for a freshman. Speaking of gle with the water cooler or be stuck freshmen, they need to learn that the with the leftover extra large uniform. lobby outside of the auditorium isn’t While juniors battle with the SAT and meant for loitering in the morning... find ACT tests, seniors can officially say, a hallway or there will be repercussions. “I’m done.” After the tenth wasted SatAs I searched for my friends in the urday and disappointing results, I can cafeteria at our usual table, I realized say with great pleasure that I am shifting that there were sophomores sitting my focus from testing to college apps! there. Then it hit me! As a senior I no On that note, I wish you all a stress longer have to endure the cafeteria and free senior year and good luck taking Peace Love and The Woodstock nation. have leftover food and bottle caps cat- on the duties of being a big, bad senior. apulted at me; I can eat in the sacred Verve Editorial Policy: Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Please submit all letters to shsletters2editor@gmail.com. Letters much 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.

October 2012

Page 3

Awesome Autumn Activties

Photo Provided by Meredith Robertson Robertson

By FELISA DELLI SANTI

A scenic autumn view. As the leaves turn, take advantage by being active outside.

Compared to summer’s record-breaking temperatures, the air may feel a little brisk.

However, autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of New Jersey’s outdoor attractions; from apple picking, to corn mazes, to simply watching the leaves turn from green to gold, crimson, and brown; this time of year has so much fun to offer.

Alstede Farms in Chester has activities for every age group. Throughout this month and the next, the orchard will host Harvest weekends, every Saturday and Sunday, featuring scenic hayrides through the orchards, apple picking from the farm’s bountiful trees, and pumpkin picking in the fields.

Alstede Farms is only a half an hour away, so traveling far shouldn’t hold an nature-goer back from enjoying the great activities they have to offer.

Basking Ridge’s Ripple Hill Farm is for the ambitious apple pickers out there. Ripple Hill is a small family-owned farm that has been operating for over 50 years, and is famous for it’s full and succulent apples. Besides apples, the farm grows peaches and tomatoes in the summer, and offers a variety of pumpkins for the Halloween season.

If freshmen, thought high school was scary, they ain’t seen nothing yet.

Every weekend night through October, and the first week of November, C. Casola Farms in Marlboro, NJ features four terrifying attractions from the hayride of terror, a ride on a rickety old wagon through the backwoods of South Jersey, to the haunted 3D barn. They also have a haunted wooden trail that entails a guideless route in the middle of the dark forest. Lastly, the brand new living corn maze is sure to be a fright! Marlboro, is an hour away, but the attractions are worth the drive for the brave hearted. Fall shouldn’t be wasted indoors! Get out and enjoy what New Jersey has to offer!

z z u B

to the expectations. It was already obvious to me that I would bring Verve staff member and junior Nic Lalicato this month because I knew he was on the prowl for a new girlfriend. However, it was a taxing job to find someone who would live up to his expectations. I pondered about a couple of different people and even asked them to come along. After two attempts over the weekend though, I was unable to set up the ideal date. Then, on a chilly Monday night, I finally came up with the greatest idea ever. The next night, I picked up Nic and his date, junior Josie Persson, my recently damaged but still cool sedan, after my job at Red Mango. After collecting Nic from his house on the other side of the world, we made our way back to civilization to get Josie.

Once we arrived on Josie’s street, it became evident that Nic knew exactly where we were going. I had no idea they were friends! Josie came barreling over to the car and excitedly screamed when she saw Nic. It was a surprise to me that these two already had a great friendship, or possible love connection?

We made our way over to Cold Stone, the destination for the greatest date. Nic impressed Josie by telling the cashier the name of a Mumford and Sons song after she only recited three lines. Josie swooned and I knew I had definitely set up the Cutest Couple of 2014! Go Emma. Nic was the only one who ordered something and he even shared with Josie. What a gentleman. I drove the two lovebirds back to Summit, where we conversed the whole time. Not once on the date was there an awkward silence. I drove Nic back to China and he lingere in the car for a few seconds to say goodbye to Josie. After we drove away from his house, Josie seemed genuinely upset that the night was over. When I asked if there would be a possibility for another date, Josie instantly said yes! I hope that all of the upcoming blind dates will be as successful as this one, and I wish Nic and Josie the best of luck in their future endeavors as a new couple.

Verve Wins Silver Publication Medal

By CARLY NYMAN AND MIRIAM MELLER

Blind Date: Young Lovers Enjoy A Bite At Coldstone

Coldstone warms hearts! Blind date goers enjoy their ice cream.

It was definitely a difficult task coming up with the first blind date of the year.

Being one who went as a sophomore. I wanted to ensure that this one lived up

Page 4

Photo Provided by Verve stafff

Last year the Verve staff submitted several of its issues to the Columbia University Scholastic Press Association to be judged. For all its efforts, Verve received a Silver Medal as well as objective and constructive critiques. Verve is now an award-winning publication and we look forward to improving our paper in hopes of a Gold Medal.

Ms. Mongno: Math Photo Provided by: Meredith Robertson

Photo Provided by Emma Standing

By EMMA STANDING

Mrs. Mongno is one of many new teachers at SHS this year. She has been teaching math for seven years.

She taught in Long Island for one year and then at Pequannock High School in Northern New Jersey for six years.

Mrs. Mongno was not always a teacher, she was first a financial major but found it “too boring.” She discovered she wanted to be a teacher

October 2012

Mr. Eric Fontes is now the newest member of the SHS mathematical department and is more than excited to begin his career in the Summit district.

He studied at Syracuse where received his undergraduate degree, majoring in both Math and Journalism where he was also Otto the Orange, the Syracuse Mascot. He then later recieved his master’s degree from City College of NYC and taught at the Law and Public Service High School in New York City where he worked for five years.

Mr. Fontes is also one of the assistant coaches for the boys cross country team, and enjoys running, as well as snowboarding.

When asked if he had anything to say to his new students, he replied, “I just keep telling them over and over: you guys are great! You Summit students are so awesome!” Mr. Fontes is excited to be here, and we are just as excited to have him!

Page 5

Photo Provided by Sarina Mulasum

Ms. Barto: Study Skills

Walking into the high school at the beginning of the year, it might have been surprising to see yet another new fac.

Mr. Elizabeth Barto has just started her first year at Summit High School as a new Study Skills teacher and in-class help teacher for Algebra and World History students.

Prior to teaching the last three years, Ms. Barto graduated from New York University with a degree in Social Studies Education. She then taught at Lincoln Middle School, Glenridge High, and University Neighborhood High School in New York City.

Along with teaching, she enjoys a good road trip and going on adventures across the country.

When asked about her hobbies, Mrs. Barto smiled and replied, “Well, I collect vinyl records and I’m really into classic rock!”

Ms. Barto is excited about her first year at Summit High, and says she can already tell that there are some amazing people here.

Welcome to SHS Ms. Barto--its great to h a v e y o u !

Mr. Hills: Latin

One of the newest members of the SHS staff is Mr. Jonathan Hills, who teaches all levels of Latin.

With a distinct British accent, there is no mistaking that this teacher grew up in the UK. It was there that he attended Colchester Royal Grammar School, and then later studied at Cambridge where he received his BA, MA, MPHIL, and his PGCE. He previously worked in Guernsey and Houston, Texas, and has been teaching for a total of five years. Along with Latin, Mr. Hills is also an assistant coach for the boys cross country team, and enjoys running in his free time. When asked if there was anything unusual about himself, he proudly stated that he could run a 2:59 marathon! (And for all those who don’t know if that’s good or bad… the average marathon time estimated for a male in 2005 was 4:32). When asked if he was excited to be here, Mr. Hills smiled and stated, “I love you all.”

Well, salve Magister Hills, welcome to the Hilltopper family!

Ms. Paraboschi: Secretary Photo Provided by Meredith Robertson

Photo Provided by Meredith Robertson

Mr. Fontes: Math

By MEREDITH ROBERTSON amd SARINA MULASUM

Photo Provided by Meredith Robertson Robertson

at a dinner party with friends, “It was like an epiphany. I was talking with my friends and was saying how I wish I could combine math and teaching and then it hit me, I should be a math teacher.”

She received her undergraduate from the University of Vermont and her postgraduate from Long Island University.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Mongno enjoys horseback riding as well as training horses three times a week.

Mrs. Mongno is very excited to teach at SHS and is looking forward to a great year.

Whether you’re coming into school late or handing in a note, you will encounter a new face in the attendance office this year. Ms. Paraboschi is the new attendence secretary and although she is new to the staff at SHS, Ms. Paraboschi is not new to Summit.

For the past five and half years Ms. Paraboschi was the secretary at Special services located in Wilson Primary Center. She also worked on the child study team at Lincoln Hubbard and Brayton Elementry School.

Before coming to Summit Ms. Paraboschi worked in Scotch Plains for twelve years. Ms. Paraboschi has not always worked at schools. She first worked as a paralegal but left her job when her son was born. She decided to go back to work but wanted to stay close to home. She felt that

working at the local school seemed like the ideal job. In her free time, Ms. Paraboschi likes to read, walk, and spend time with family. Her favorite author is James Patterson because “his storylines are interesting and the books are quick reads.” One fun hobby she enjoys is baking. She even knows how to professionally decorate cakes.

Some advice she would give to students for this year is “don’t forget your notes, stay out of trouble, and be on time!” So next time you are passing the attendence office make sure to stop by and introduce yourself to SHS’s new attendance secretary, Ms. Paraboschi.

Ms. Kutsup: Broadcasting Photo Provided by Meredith Robertson

Students Welcome New Faces to the Hilltopper Family

This year the new broadcasting teacher is Carly Kutsup. Before becoming a teacher she worked at Fuse, a musical arts school in New York City. However, due to the economy crash, she lost her job at Fuse. That was when she discovered that with her job experience and degrees, she qualified to be a teacher.

For six years she worked at Garfield High School and has now come to teach at SHS. She received her undergraduate at William Patterson University in broadcast journalism.

Then she went on to pursue her masters at Kamapo College in educational technology. She also went back to college for professional makeup training at the Makeup Designory in New York City.

In her free time she loves to travel. She especially likes going to warm destinations. She explains, “traveling to new places has always been exciting to me. I love discovering new cultures and every place is different and tells a story. That is something that immensely sparks my interest.”

She also has a love for swimming.

Ms. Kutsup has been a swimmer her whole life and was even on her high school inaugural team.

This ambitious new teacher is clearly a great addition to the SHS staff and we can’t wait to get to know her better this year!

October 2012

J.K Rowling unvailed her new book The Casual Vacancy on September 27, 2012

As one of the most popular writers in the world, J.K. Rowling, has recently released a new book, called The Casual Vacancy, which has caught the attention of many avid fans. Many people have been anticipating this new book and were curious about its contents.

J.K. Rowling is known for her famous book series, Harry Potter. This series was adapted into several movies; the first one which hit theaters in 2001. The first of the seven popular movies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, had an overwhelming box office sales totaling $974,755,371 worldwide according to IMDB. Recently, Rowling was invited to the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Although she is well

known as a young adult novelist, J.K. Rowling has broken into the adultfiction category with her new novel.

The upcoming novel The Casual Vacancy was published on September 27, 2012. Zoe Chen, a student currently studying in Canada explained, "I think if a seriers of books is too lang it might lose its vigor. The new theme for the book is great and I'm hoping she can get more and more intresting ideas".

The story starts when a parish council member dies in a small town. "The community, rife with social conflict, must reconcile on their differences in order to find a replacement," explains Policymic.com. The Casual Vacancy is the first novel written by J.K. Rowling since the Harry Potter series and it's also the next milestone in her writing career

Boy Bands are Back

By STEPHANIE OLLOM

I Want it That Way? Bye Bye Bye? Sound familiar? Maybe? Years before One Direction and The Wanted burst onto the music scene, the Backstreet Boys and ‘Nsync were every teenage girl’s fantasy. There is a formula to the perfect boy band that all comes down to the roles of its members.

First: the “Heartthrob”. This member is always good looking and steals the hearts of millions of screaming girls.

Brian Littrell held this role as a member of the Backstreet Boys, and has passed this title down to Harry Styles of One Direction.

Then there is the “Cute One.” This member posses a boyish charm that every tween fawns over. Nick Carter was the undisputed winner of this title with his childish features and cute mushroom haircut. Now Niall Horan of One Direction is making girls faint while he flips his luscious blonde hair.

With all of these wild teenage boys running about, there should always be the “mature” member of the band.

In the Backstreet Boys, Kevin Rich-

Page 6

ardson fits this description perfectly with his sophisticated and mysterious look. Significantly older than the rest of the group, he was sure that the Backstreet Boys were kept in line.

Liam Payne on the other hand, isn’t the oldest, but is the most responsible.

Then there always is the “culturally diverse ” member of the band.

Howie D was the dark and handsome Puerto Rican, with a killer voice in Backstreet Boys. In One Direction, the ethnic member is Zayn Malik whose background is from Pakistan .

Now, for the “bad boy”, the “Prankster”, the “Rebel”, whatever you want to call him, there is always a band member to fill this description. Always pulling pranks on others and getting into trouble, there is no doubt that this is the crazy one. In the Backstreet Boys, AJ McLean rocked the crazy facial hair and clothing and was covered in tattoos from the very first moment he sang, “You are my fire....”.

Then there is Louis Tomlinson from One Direction. He tricks people into

By MADDIE SIMKO

Imagine Dragons has come a long way from “Battle of the Bands” competitors to being nominated for Best Rock Video at the Video Music Awards 2012. The indie rock band members, Dan Reynolds, D Wayne Sermon, Ben Mckee, and Daniel Platzman, had no idea what would happen when they decided to go professional in 2008.

After signing with Interescope Records in November of 2011 and having two albums released, people are starting to talk about Imagine Dragons.

Within a week of their latest release on Labor Day, their album, Night Visions, was number one on iTunes, selling over 83,213 copies. That is the best first week sales of a new rock band’s full length album since May 2006.

The band’s name might not familiar, however their song “It’s Time” has made appearances in a number of media productions. Without realizing it, fans of Glee were jamming out to the song during the show’s fourth season premiere on September 13th. The song was also featured

in the trailer of the new movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which came out in theatres on September 21st.

What sets Imagine Dragons apart from other artists is their fresh sound; a blend of acoustic and electronic aspects. They are a delightful change from the overplayed “top 40” songs on the radio.

Sophomore, Emily Chin confesses she loves Imagine Dragons because “their songs are so unique. Each has a distinct vibe and message”. One of their songs, “Demons,” has a slow and solemn pace; on the contrary the songs, “It’s Time” and “On Top of the World” are upbeat and make the listener want to sing along.

Although some argue that their music is diverse and scattered, the band’s range of styles keeps the audience surprised and on its toes. Music lovers are tired of bands that compose the same song every time, but with different words.

Imagine Dragons breaks from this trend creating new sounds and lyrics with every song. They are a force to be reckoned with and a band to watch out for.

Hit that note!Imagine Dragon performs at the charity concert Billabong Design for Humanity on July 25th, 2012. Band members from left to right: D Wayne Sermon, Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman

pronouncing his name wrong and pranks the rest of the band. But he will need to up his ante if he wants to compete with AJ. He has big shoes to fill as the “bad boy” member.

Not much has changed in the world of the boy bands, the producers fol-

Photo from theskichannel.com

Photo from digitopoly.org

By XIAOYING YU

Music World Welcomes Imagine Dragons

low the same formula they did in the ‘90s, and the songs sound the same.

Whether you rock out to “Larger than Life” or “That’s What Makes You Beautiful”, there will always be a spot in a teenage girl’s heart for some “teeny bopper” boy band.

Photo from irishcentral.com

Harry Potter Ages, So Does Her Audience

Group shot! British heartthrobs of One Direction from left to right, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Liam Payne.

October 2012

40

30

20

New Divison? No Problem!

TURF

As the fall season approaches people begin to think about the excitement of the approaching months such as cooler nights, sweatshirts, and most importantly the return of football! The Varsity Boys’ Football team have been hard at work since the summer time and have been hitting the gym with full force to prepare for the season.

Although everyone is excited to go down to Metro Homes Field and cheer on football team, many have seen the posters around school with all the games and have noticed that the team is now playing new teams. So to answer everyone’s questions, yes the football team has changed divisions.

The Mid-state 38 conference has switched the football team into a harder division. The teams that are in this division are Somerville, AL Johnson, Cranford, North Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Warren Hills, Hillside, and Delaware Valley.

The change was based on the team’s record from the past two years. In 2010, the team went 9-1 and in 2011 the team went 11-1.

Coach Liberato doesn’t seem to mind the change.

“I’m very happy with the teams progress this year, yes were playing harder teams with higher percentages in record but our goal is to fix mistakes and improve on our last performance,” states Coach.

The team captains this year are Seniors AJ Iarussi, Nick Liberato, Mike Badgley, Tyler Carbone, and

Photo provided by Alicia Grysko

By ALEX ARIAS

Hilltopper Pride! Coach Liberato and the seniors of SHS's 2012 varsity football team.

Andrew Oristanio, who only have one thing on their minds, to win the state championship.

“Everyone is upset that we can’t get another chance at Madison. But we still need to concentrate on what we need to do to eventually achieve our main goal of winning a state championship. I’m very excited for the season and I expect great things from the team,” says Oristanio.

“The goal for this season is to definitely to win the state championship and win the conference title for the fourth straight year. The change in conference is a big challenge because we don’t know a lot about the new teams. But we have faith in our team and we are all really excited to get back on the field and show people what we can do and that we are a championship program,” says Iarussi.

2012 NFL Preview

By TOMMY DISIBIO

By ELLIE SCHAFFER AND CARLY LEITER

Photo provides by Felisa Delli Santi

As the new school year starts off, so do fall sports with daily practices.

With their hard work and determination, Brooke and Allison Daney have made the Summit High School Field Hockey Varsity team as freshman. Both twins have been chosen to be this month’s monthy sports stars due to their unique achievement.

After playing field hockey for two years in the middle school and putting in hours of practice, they have earned starting spots on the Varsity squad. They attended clinics during the summer to work on their skills and gave up soccer to focus on field hockey. They both are having a great time competing and appreciate having older teammates to look up to in school and on the field.

They like being freshman on a team with mostly upperclassmen because of their “big sisters,” Annie Schmidt

Double Take! Freshmen Brooke and Allison Daney sport their varsity uniforms at the beginning of the season.

October 2012

and Marissa Murray. Big sisters help the team by leading and setting an example in high school sports.

Senior Angelica Angelo said, “the twins are a great addition to the team and we are glad they are on varsity with us!” They also really like their coach, Jen Schwarzenbek, because she works with all the players and cares about everyone.

Brooke and Allison explain that being twin sisters is great because there is always someone to talk to and pass to. Their personal goal for the season is to win every game and score as many goals as they can. They emphasize team spirit, and say it is the main reason the team is able to pull together and win games. The sisters feel that cheering on the sidelines is just as important as playing on the field.

Ironically, they both play forward and substitute in and out for each other during the games. Playing on the same team makes field hockey especially fun and as well as competitve.

The field hockey team has multiple team dinners throughout the season as well various types of team bonding. For example, one night they had a bonfire and made s’mores that really helped build their team chemistry.

These twins exemplify what a Summit athlete should strive for and is why they are Septembers monthly sports stars. Make sure to go out and support the girls’ varsity field hockey team and look out for the Daney twins.

Photo from htto://www.cnbc.com

Monthly Sports Star: Double Trouble

Touchdown! The new NFL season kicked off with the Cowboys leading the Giants in a close game.

“You want some football? We want it too. Hey Jack, it’s a fact, the show’s back in town,” Faith Hill sings every Sunday night before another exciting game of football.

The upcoming NFL season is already in full swing. Between the Dallas Cowboys victory over the New York Giants, Tim Tebow’s trade to the New York Jets, and the Oakland Raiders’ expectations to win it all in the AFC, this season is sure to be an exciting one.

All eyes are on reigning Super Bowl MVP and New York Giant's starting quarterback Eli Manning.

Everyone wants to see if he will continue his dominance at the quarterback position. In addition, Peyton Manning, starting quarterback on the Denver Broncos, is making his return to the NFL this season. Despite being injured last year, Man-

ning didn’t miss a chance to defeat a tough team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in their season opener. Another player, Cam Newton, Panthers Quarterback and top prospect for this season, is not looking good from his loss against the Bucaneers. Unfortunately, Newton, who was also the recipient of The Heisman Trophy in 2010, is letting down many fans by not playing to the best of his expected ability.

Experts on the ESPN panel have already picked the top five teams to win the Super Bowl. They are the Saints, the Raiders, the Eagles, the Patriots and the Packers. Although the Giants were the Super Bowl champions last season, they are predicted not to do as well this year. The 2012 football season is looking as promising and exciting as ever so fans, “get on your feet for a star spangled flight, that’s why were waitin’ all day for Sunday night.”

Page 7

In Case You Missed it: Stokes Friday, September 21 Sunday, September 23

Stokes weekend is a bonding experience for the 6th grade class. The students are divided into twenty teams and spend a funfilled day-and-a-half at Fairview Lake in northern New jersey.

Photos provided by Max MacPherson

Fall Sports Preview

By DAVID MEYERS and EMME HARRIS

Football

Girls’ Volleyball

Boys’ Soccer

Girls’ Soccer

Boys’ Cross Country

Field Hockey

Girls’ Cross Country

Girls’ Tennis

The men’s varsity football team is looking forward to another promising season. After changing from the Iron Hills to the Raritan division, the team looks better than ever. Opening its season with a 41-7 victory over Somerville, Summit proved that it was ready for the new and challenging division. When asked about the team, junior offensive linemen, Eric Lyman replied, “I really think we are going to have a terrific season. We have a really talented team and we all believe that we can succeed.” The skill and confidence that the team has is a huge indicator that the Summit football team is sure to do well this fall.

The men’s soccer team began its season with a turbulent start with a 4-2 loss to Governor Livingston. However, the team has since rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Arthur L. Johnson in overtime. The victory was the result of a great team effort that was rewarded when senior co-captain, Nick Abbott scored after receiving a pass from junior teammate, Ryan Hughes, for the win. Hoping to build off a successful season of 11-9-1 last year, the soccer team is slowly gaining momentum for another promising year that is sure to be filled with excitement.

The men’s cross country team looks forward to a successful season. With avid runners like senior, Tom Huckfeldt and sophomore, Mitchell Booth leading the pack, this season looks promising. When asked about the team Mitchell Booth replied, “I really like our chances, we have a great group of guys and I think we can go far with this team.” With a positive attitude and a winning mentality, the men’s cross-country team is running straight towards a victorious year.

The team has been training hard for a long season with the most members ever at a whopping total of thirty-two athletes. According to Coach Fields, “We are looking to repeat as Union County Conference (Mountain Division) Champions for the fourth year in a row. We are also looking towards a fourth consecutive County title. We’d like to finish in the top three of the Sectional State Championship and advance to Groups.” The team is hoping to go undefeated in dual meets and finish in the top five in each of the four invitationals that they compete in.

Page 8

The girls have started off their season at Madison High School where according to Coach Madsen, “the team really came out of their shells.” This is following a terrific season last year where they made the NJSIAA Group 2 Sectional Semifinal, which is the best record for the girl’s volleyball program in over fifteen years. When asked about the team’s goals for the season Coach Madsen replied, “My goals for this season are to have our girls improve their individual skills and to have the girls improve their skills as a team.”

The players have started off working hard so that they can improve from game to game. With six freshmen on varsity, the team is sure to be a fierce competitor. According to Coach Poller, “The team’s goals for the season are to get better with every game, to win the league, county, and state championships, and to work hard and have a fun.” Coach Poller also remarked, “Last year we made it to the county and state sectional semifinal and this year we are working to get to that point again and hoping that we can go all the way”.

With a 6-1 victory over Newark Academy; the women’s field hockey team is off to a fast start. After a solid season of 8-6-1 last year, the girls look to building upon their momentum from last season. Determined to create a winning team this year, the field hockey team expects to meet last year’s expectations, if not exceed them.

With a winning environment and great talent throughout the team, the women’s field hockey team might just have found the winning formula they need for a great season.

The team has begun the season working and playing hard. Following a great season last year with a record of 6-2. Coach Turturiello says his goals for the season are, “to have every girl improve their tennis skills, enjoy the lifetime sport, and continue to give maximum effort at practice and matches.” According to Coach Turturiello, it makes his day to coach the team and the girls are fantastic.

October 2012