December 2009

The Norwalk High School

Paw Print DECEMBER 2009

“How the Bears make their mark”

T H E N H S P A W P R I N T .

O R G www.thenhspawprint.org.

VOLuME IV, ISSuE 3

Kimberly Pratt ’10

Candle Lights the Stage Kristen Cordero (’10)

Co- Executive Editor

This past week, Candlelight, New England’s oldest high school winter concert, graced the stage of Norwalk High School once again. The seasonal spectacular consists of performances by the band, orchestra, and choral groups of NHS. This year, the theme was “Around the World,” allowing audiences to be immersed in the holiday traditions of different cultures.

Chambers, the highest-level choral group at NHS, performed a skit titles “Christmas Bells,” in which the students were required to learn how to sing variations of the song “Jingle Bells” in different languages.

The Woman’s choir performed a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is you,” which included solos by Victoria Giannitti, Jennie Deering, Marcela Osario, Kelly Rodriguez, Christina Franco, and Shelly Clark. They also sang Josh Groban’s “Believe,” from the beloved movie adaptation of The

IN THIS ISSuE:

NEWS

FEATURE

A&E

OPINION

Photo Credit: Craig Jolicoeur (‘10)

Adverising Editor For the first time ever, The Paw Print is going into cyber space. Norwalk High School’s newspaper is launching their own website in addition to their paper publication. Although it can now be viewed online, the paper will continue to be printed.

The website is teenager friendly and has been a great addition to the journalism students’ resources.

This is the first time Norwalk High School’s Paw Print has hit the web and it hopes to be a great success.

The site will feature constantly updated photographs, videos, along with articles that the journalism students have written.

Mr. Karl, the only journalism teacher, explained, “After four years of students printing their articles, I decided I wanted to be on the same level as the other schools in the area and believed that our students at Norwalk High are more than capable of producing and maintaining a website that’s as good or better than anyone else.”

He also noted, “There are over forty students in journalism and they produce at least one article a week. A website is the best way to get their work to the public. In addition, we hope to have videos and photos that show life at Norwalk High School.”

Although the template was priced at seventy dollars, it was a good buy because the program made it a lot easier when starting from scratch for the students working on it. The CMS, which hosted the system, is called Joomla.

Jason Parraga (’10) is the main student starting the websites operation. “Well Mr. Karl wanted a site for the school newspaper and I had previous experience with a content moderating system or CMS called Joomla. It has great features that allow students to submit work from home that can be edited by users with higher permissions (ex. Mr. Karl). This allows Mr. Karl to have a control panel that contains all the work submitted by students, making grading editing, and publishing easier. ” Kristen Cordero (’10) and Stefani Gospodinova (’10) are head editors of the school’s newspaper and are excited to hold such a large role with the new website on its way.

Cordero explained, “it is still underway so its hard to tell if it will truly be successful or not; I think once there is even more focus put on the development of it, it should have a lot of potential.”

Gospodinova responded, “I am really excited about the website because I feel that it will help students interact more with the newspaper, it should overall make a greater connection with students and the school.”

One journalist, Eric Scatamacchia (’11), thinks the website will be a good attribute as well for the class and students alike. He has already started using it and is happy that more articles can be published with the unlimited online space versus having only a confining print version.

Over all, the online domain hosting the newspaper should be a great resource for students, parents, and teachers alike.

Mr. Karl added, “for four years we haved worked on building a culture in the school that works and respects the school paper. This website is another testiment to the hard work students put in at NHS. Remember to check out what is going on at

Polar Express. Their performance paved the way for a medley of songs from the movie played by the orchestra.

The wind symphony played tunes from The Nutcracker and was accompanied by seniors Anna Theodoridis, Eloise Libre, Emily Bonebrake, and junior Amy Lalime, who choreographed and danced to their own version of the ballet.

As tradition, the show came to a close with a moving presentation of “O Holy night,” with solos performed by seniors Katie Swindler, Nicole Monahan, Alex Handler, Gina Cunsolo, Devin Powers, Kimberly Fusci, Siena Dryden and Anthony Dicanstanzo. At the final performance, any alumni of NHS who are present are welcomed to stand and sing along to the last stanza of the song.

Students have been preparing for the show for the past couple of months with the help of Choral director, Susan Pettibone; Orchestra director, Dana Saccomano; and band director, Jeffrey Smith. This will be Smith’s last Candlelight as he is retiring after teaching music for over thirty years.

TABLE OF CONTENTS News........................................1 Arts and Entertainment............6 Feature.....................................8 Editorial.............................10 O p i n i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sports.....................................14

SPORTS

Page 2

NEWS

DECEMBER 2009

Poinsettia Ball Norwalk High School’s annual Poinsettia Ball for seniors is coming up! The cost for this dance is $80, and it is being held at Continental Manor on Friday, January 9th, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this fun filled dance.

Mistletoe Ball The Junior Class is also going to have their Mistletoe Ball at Continental Manor. It is being held on Saturday, January 10th, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Make sure the deadline for the money is handed in on time!

AP Exam Registration All AP students must sign up for their AP Exams online from January 11th to January 29th.

See your counselor or contact Chelsea Docimo if you have any questions.

SAT Dates Juniors and seniors should watch out for upcoming SAT tests. The dates for 2010 will be January 23rd, March 13th, May 1st, and June 5th. Ask your counselor to find out when the registration deadlines are, or go to the Career Center (209C) for the registration packet. The regular fee is $45 and the late fee is $68.

Practice SAT A practice SAT test including an essay will be kept at Norwalk High School on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sign up at the main office.

Creating A Passion For Fashion Gina LaRochelle (’10) Public Relations

Only four months ago, the Norwalk High School fashion club received grants, scholarship opportunities, supplies, and members. On Wednesday, December 2, 2009, members of the Norwalk High School Fashion Club met in room 307A for their first activity.

The club’s first meeting was held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009. Only seven students showed because the majority of the students at NHS are unaware of the fact the high school has a new Fashion Club.

“I had no idea there was even a fashion club here,” says Emily Bonebrake (’10), who speaks for most NHS students.

In their second meeting, members of the fashion club took part in dying, cutting, and bleaching jeans.

Presidents of the club, Nataly Monsalve (’11) and Stephanie Casolino (’11), each have an interest of fashion they hope to carry with them to college.

“We started the club because we are both really into fashion,” says Monsalve. “I want this to be a place for comfort, a place to express yourself using fashion.”

Currently, the club meets every Wednesday after school and welcomes any new members to join. The object of the fashion club is to teach students how to design and construct fashion.

“This is a good club for students who want to be artistic but just need direction,” says advisor Miss Engle, “A way to use your artistic ability.” Casolino, Monsalve, and Engle have high hopes for the new addition to NHS; each cannot wait to see the impact it has on the school. They hope to host a fashion

Staff Writer The geese on the field of Norwalk High School have been getting on the nerves of quite a few. Many students are fed up and want to see change.

The geese leave the lawn a mess and the students have to step in this. Billy Reyes (’11) said, “I do not like the geese because they leave their feces on the lawn and it is hard to avoid stepping on it.”

This happens to quite a few students, some even miss their bus because of this mess.

James Liberte (’11) stated, “If my last period class is in “S Photo Credit: Olivia Bonilla

Yearbooks are already on sale for the 20092010 school year. Order early online and place an order to hold a yearbook at jostens.com.

Ads are due Wednesday, December 23rd. See Mr. Segers or Mr. Pagano for more details on the upcoming yearbook.

Common Scholarship

Congratulations to all Fall Sports teams for a great season and all your hard work. Good luck to winter athletes for the upcoming season.

Happy Holidays All Norwalk Public Schools will have a half day with an early dismissal on Wednesday, December 23rd. Winter Break is from December 24th to January 3rd. Happy Holidays and enjoy your break!

show at the end of the school year, showing off what they have made throughout the year.

Recently, presidents of the club reached out to a fashion college in California, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). They sent out an email asking if the college would donate any materials, such as sewing machines or dresses, to the club at NHS. FIDM’s promotion manager, Clarissa Ramirez-Hamm, responded to the email explaining the sponsorship program the institute offers. The program grants the fashion club $400 along with free t-shirts, a welcome kit, and sketch pads; anything the club would need to grow this school year.

Any Norwalk High School student can attend a Fashion Club meeting to see what the club entails. The club is welcoming as many new members as possible.

Geese outside of Norwalk High School on the lawn near the buses.

House”, I would try to avoid the “goose poop” by walking all the way to “E House” and come out the doors leading to the buses. Sometimes I will miss my bus.”

Others say it does not bother them. Aziz Velez (’13) for example explains, “I like the geese because I think they add some personality to the school.”

Reyes disagrees, “My sneakers are always dirty because I step in the geese droppings. Also I have to take time and clean them, which is tiring.”

“I think the geese make the school look bad.” said Daniel Molina (’12). Velez believes, “They are here because they need to eat and do their business.”

Some students wonder what the school can do about the problem. Reyes (’11) said, “Maybe the school can get the state to put pesticides in the grass so the birds will go away and never come back.” Velez had something different to say. “Why should the birds go away? They did not do anything to us. I like them.”

The geese just do not affect the students after school, but during school as well. The gym classes that play softball have to contend with the geese.

Mr. Calzone, one of the gym teachers here at NHS, stated, “They leave a mess with their droppings.” Mr. English, another gym teacher, stated, “It gets to be a mess and I fear that the kids will fall in the feces.” The geese have been willing to move with force. Calzone, said, “I usually have one or two kids chase the geese from the spot where we are playing. Then they will leave us alone.”

Wi n t e r S a l e s

Photo Credit: Olivia Bonillla (‘10)

Sports

Students with a passion for fashion!

M o t h e r G o o s e I s O n T h e L o o s e jamel Brown (’11)

Yearbooks On Sale

March 1st, 2010 is the deadline for the Common Scholarship Application for Norwalk High School students. You need to have a minimum of 2.0 GPA to be eligible to recieve any of the 75 scholarships being offered. For more information, seniors should contact their counselor.

photp credit: Neha Patel

NEWS BRIEFS

THE PAW PRINT

Cam Piasecki (’10)

Staff Writer After a trip to New York City and weeks of planning, the Winter Sales Event was a success.

Every year, students from the Entrepreneurship classes venture to New York, hoping to find deals on items they can profit on.

“All the stuff is really cool. I got a hat,” exclaimed Aline Araujo (’11).

The sales event offered hats, belts, and sunglasses. Some students even took the opportunity to sell clothing they made themselves, such as Philip Post (’12).

“I got the name out there; People went away with a lot of free stickers and beanies from Dertbag designs,” he said.

The Entrepreneurship classes spend a good part of first quarter working hard to plan their booths and promote the event.

Ms. Gleason is one of the teachers for Entrepreneurship, and she believes the sales event is, “a great opportunity for students to experience what real business could be like.”

Two students at the Entrepreneurship Fair selling items.

It seemed like a lot of the items being offered this year were an improvement compared to last year, and it left many students wishing they had brought some money with them to school.

“I had more people asking me for money than I had people trying to sell me stuff,” Brian Vargas (’10) said.

NEWS

THE PAW PRINT

DECEMBER 2009

PagE 3

What’s Cookin’ good Lookin’

A&E Editor and Staff Writer When you walk past first floor D-house, there is a good chance you will smell something good cooking. Norwalk High School now has a culinary course fully equipped with a professional kitchen and tools. Food Service and Careers I and II are the newest electives to join the already large number to choose from.

In its second year of existence, Ms. Dolan, who runs the culinary program, is now able to give students a real culinary experience. The big difference in this year’s program as opposed to last year is that there is an actual kitchen to work with. “The cost was well over $100,000.

The new room was rebuilt from the ground up,” said Ms. Dolan.

Along with the hefty price of refurbishing the classroom into a culinary kitchen comes an opportunity for

the students at NHS. The goal for Food Services is, “For students who are interested in pursuing culinary arts or want to pursue secondary teaching Culinary arts...also for students interested in food and cooking,” Dolan continued.

So far, the students have been having great hands on experiences. “We’ve made the principle mother sauces, eggs benedict, different dough like cookie dough and pizza dough, and we just started pastry and baking for the holiday season.”

With the new kitchen ready to use, the attitude towards the program has improved.

Allena said, “This year is more fun because we actually cook. We got to make cinnamon rolls A stude d nt ro de r lls l up ls u the do d ug ugh gh and buttermilk cake.”

Ms. Dolan.

The Food Service classes are also planning When asked about her experience last year, Allena to contribute to the community this season. “We’re doing McFadden (’10) said, “It was boring because we had no cookie trays to donate to the community for the holidays, to local areas like the soup “I think that most students kitchen so we just learned out of the book and watched a lot of movies.” kitchen,” stated Ms. Dolan. are really excited about the The attitude towards the The new equipment in program has improved. Allena said, the student’s culinary kitchen kitchen and about the new “This year is fun because we actually is impressive. The tables are program.” cook.

We got to make cinnamon rolls made of shiny stainless-steel -Ms. Dolan and buttermilk cake.” and a sink at every wall. It Even with the array of classes includes a dishwasher, a provided at NHS, a culinary class was excluded in the stove capable of boiling water in 90 seconds, past.

“I think that most students are really excited about a ventilation system, two refrigerators and a the kitchen and about the new program...I see a lot of freezer. Building this kitchen was not easy. enthusiasm,” said Ms. Dolan.

Construction on this kitchen has been ongoing As the new kitchen is put into action there are a since last year into the first week of this school few precautions Ms. Dolan does not overlook. “Safety year. and sanitation are my primary focus and there is a zero “It was very difficult to teach because tolerance policy for misbehavior since we have professional there was no kitchen to work with. You can equipment,” fi nalized Ms. Dolan. imagine we didn’t cook a lot because all we The culinary program is in full swing here at NHS and had was two donated microwaves and a burner, is one of the more popular electives offered here. so we had very limited resources,” explained

Photo Credit: Craig Jolicoeur (‘10)

Anna Theodoridis (’10) Craig Jolicoeur (’10)

Photo Credit:Craig Jolicoeur (‘10)

Flora Jakaj (’11) and Alyssa Phillips (’11) making cookies.

We provide ourselves on our quality education, flexible scheduling, and genuine care for the safety and success of each student.

PagE 4

NEWS

DECEMBER 2009

THE PAW PRINT

The View From the Little Chair in the Corner neha patel ’11

Staff Writer In cities across America, including Chicago, Austin, and Minneapolis, police enforce city curfews for minors in order to keep youths safe from crime. In other cities such as Albuquerque, New Haven, and New York, this topic is being fiercely debated among officials.

Those in favor of curfews say that a restriction on the time children can spend on the streets would help reduce juvenile crime as well as keep young people from becoming victims of crime.

Mr. Welsh, a history teacher at Norwalk High said, “I believe it would be good if we had curfews in some places where it is more dangerous for children to be. Even though this may not be fair, it is the best possible choice.”

Others argue that any curfew forced upon minors is unconstitutional. They claim that it violates the Fourth Amendment and its protections against unreasonable search and seizure along with minors’ First Amendment rights during curfew hours.

Billy Reyes (’11) says, “I stay out late on weekends but I don’t do anything wrong.” He went on to say, “I don’t think many teens would follow a curfew. Some parents let their children do whatever they want and it would be nearly impossible for the police to catch teenagers pass the curfew.”

With the varying enforcement and restrictions on curfews, it is difficult to determine the overall opinion of the country.

In June of 2008, the Austin City Council unanimously approved a city curfew for children age seventeen and younger. On the other side of the spectrum, in April of 2007, the council of Vernon, Connecticut decided to do away with their decade-long city curfew.

Here in Norwalk, Mayor Moccia considered implementing a curfew two years ago after a trend of incidents and vandalism. According to Mayor Moccia the threat of a city curfew was simply “to impress on everyone that I took the matter seriously”. Since then, Mayor Moccia has been pleased with the fewer crimes involving teens.

“It appeared that the message was heard and while things are not perfect there have been less incidents of the activities that concerned me. We still have some of course, but it is better than it was”. Moccia continued, “As far as future curfews, unless there is an epidemic of vandalism and violent acts, there are no plans at the present time for a curfew.”

Dr. Bess holding her children’s book, The View From the Little Chair in the Corner.

Problems arise in the Cafeteria

Matt Cranston ’11

Sports Editor Buying lunch at Norwalk High School has now become more of a hassle than ever before for students. As of November 2009, on top of raising lunch prices, NHS is requiring students to enter their pin number or scan their student ID when buying lunch.

On top of having to scan your ID during lunch, the price of a water bottle at NHS was recently changed from $1.00 to $1.10 due to increased deposits on recycling.

This has affected both the students and cafeteria workers.

James Cooksey (’11) stated, “Increasing the price by ten cents in pointless. It just puts more work on both the students and cafeteria workers.”

Barbara Canty is the manager of the cafeteria at NHS, and she knows for a fact that these new prices affect both sides of the cafeteria. “These prices annoy the cafeteria workers just as much as the students,” stated Canty.

Odd prices and having to scan your student ID are some of the problems that prevail at lunch each day. “The reason behind this is to make sure that the person using the ID is the real student,” said Mr. Mecca. “We don’t want students using or stealing other students’ ID’s.”

Some students, like Vicki Giannitti (’10), have Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes

Curfew Changes Eric Scatamacchia ’11

“I’m proud of her for getting it done. It’s been a long process. So finally having the book sitting right there in hard cover, it’s great,” Kenzie said.

Mr. O’Shaugnessy, history teacher at NHS, bought a copy for his niece, who is a kindergarten teacher in Ohio, and says, “I’m looking forward to reading it.”

“I just really have an investment in children having a good experience,” Dr. Bess said.

Photo Credit: Olivia Bonilla

News Editor Norwalk High School’s temporary AP Psychology teacher, Cindy Rsaza Bess, is now a published author. Her book, The View From the Little Chair In the Corner, was published in November.

Dr. Bess is a developmental psychologist, so she taught early childhood experience and child development. Her purpose in writing this book was to inform teachers, specifically kindergarten teachers, how to properly introduce schooling and education to young children by applying proper techniques from the very beginning to enhance practice in the class later on.

“From three years onto senior year of high school, if you learn from somebody that’s really enjoying what they’re doing, then it really makes a difference in their understanding of education, themselves, and the world,” she said.

She based this book on her ten- years of experience writing reports for ECERS, Early Childhood Environment Reasoning Skills. These reports told people how to improve their classroom to make things better for their children and themselves, and she wished to compile it into a single piece of writing.

“I saw some awesome things in ECERS and I saw some things I was really concerned about. I thought of putting that in one place for people to access since there’s nothing like that out there,” she continued.

Mackenzie Bess (’10), who helped edit her mother’s book, described how her mother has been writing and illustrating ever since she and her sister were young.

“Her other books are for children with special needs, to teach kids not to grow up with the ridiculous notion that these special children are weird or different. I really think they need to be published. A whole market is now open with this publication.”

Although Dr. Bess’ thirty other children’s books remain unpublished, she has been asked to write a follow-up novel for toddlers, since they require a completely different type of educational nourishment than kindergartners. Hiding Behind Highchairs for Pre-K teachers is the idea in progress.

As for now, there is no doubt that her college dream has been fulfilled with this publication. “I even put the cover on the refrigerator as if I were a three year old child bringing home artwork,” Mrs. Bess joked.

A student uses her pin number to purchase lunch.

gotten money charged to their account that they did not even spend. “Five dollars was charged to my account, and I don’t even buy lunch in the cafeteria,” said Giannitti. “They sent a note home, and it was eventually taken care of.”

This new method is targeted more towards students who have accounts with the school. It is done to help

“It just puts more work on both the students and cafeteria workers.”

- Manager of the Cafeteria, Barbara Canty keep track of how much students owe and how much they are paying each day.

Mrs. Canty also feels as if this new method will increase the bond between the students and the cafeteria workers behind the registers. “We are hoping that by having students scan their ID every day that the women behind the registers will get to know the students by name. We are hoping to create a more comfortable atmosphere.”

Dylan Byrne (’11) agrees with Ms. Canty “In the beginning, this process was slow, but it sped up as time went on. Having the cafeteria workers know me by name does not bother me; it creates a more friendly atmosphere.”

Along with creating more of a bond between students and cafeteria workers, Barbara believes that this new process will help record meal counts, and money paid and owed by students. “I can pull up any student’s record on my computer and tell you how much they owe, what they bought, and how much they paid.

Hopefully this will increase accountability and responsibility among the students of NHS.”

NEWS

THE PAW PRINT

STuDENT gOVERNMENT

On November 18th the Student Government organized an Open Session for students to voice their opinions about NHS. This is what we heard:

s

t n e d u t : S d e k s A e Can w

a. “ star Can w t lun to eat e ch o side u ?” tC. “Wh B. “ ere ore m n e t e he mon does p h o t n i ey oms from bu earned bathro y i ?” ing stic ng parkschool k e r s go?”

D. “ Can w pep rally e have s a spor f ent ave ts?” or sprin d u h g st ill ble to d?”

W “ a en F. “ E. r be pen Can e o stud m ev ble u ents ore do whe h a v n e Colo we de a say c s id r Wa ent s to r the e d s tu mes n s acce nters ?” a e “C re H. g. e mo rce c y?” u eve “Wil hav reso librar l r e h tow be on th the o GP ards weigh rs cl and a As s t ?” tude ed m sses nts ’ ore

DECEMBER 2009

PagE 5

Mecca Answered:

a.

This is a security issue. Supervision is needed but not available because of the limited amount of security guards/ other staff members available. When the weather gets warmer in the spring, Mr. Mecca is planning on taking small groups of students into the courtyards during lunch sometimes. He doesn’t know exactly how he’ll work everything out though.

C. Mr. Mecca says that it goes back into the school. The budget was cut and the money is used towards furniture and other things that are not included in the budget. Ultimately it goes back to benefit the students.

B. The problem is that when more bathrooms are opened, they get dirtier. However, Mr. Mecca will be talking to the custodians to get more opened.

D. Mr. Mecca didn’t like the idea because it would be unfair for winter sports.

However, it is not an impossibility, and Student Government is going to continue to work with it.

F. Once Color War comes closer, Student Government is going to have an Open Session devoted to Color War. Students will be able to make suggestions of themed days for that week.

E. A district-wide issue. Double open end has never been offered at Norwalk High School or any other Norwalk schools. It is a district issue. If G. Student Government NHS has it, McMahon will talked to Mr. Mecca about access have to have it as well, H. This is a disto resources centers and computer and they don’t like that trict wide issue. access in the library. Though it many more students Student Government varies from department to departoutside of school asked Mr. Mecca ment, he is going to look into for longer about it and he says this more and work with Student periods of it’s going to be reconGovernment to potentially change time. sidered this summer. the pass situation.

Now O Cus ffering to Tann m Airbr ing & ush T Whi tenin eeth g!!

Students with valid photo ID. Can not be combined. Restrictions may apply. See Store For Details. Expires Feb 1st

PagE 6

aRTS & ENTERTaINMENT

DECEMBER 2009

THE PAW PRINT

Journey to the Jungle

Artists Of The Month: O Holy Night Soloists

Kim Fusci ’10

Jillian Winters ’11

Staff Writer

com ing. ionk

t: L redi to c Pho

A&E Editor How did you feel when you found out you got the O Holy Night solo? anthony DiCostanzo (’10) - I was excited to finally be a senior and get a chance to have an “O Holy Night” solo.

Siena Dryden (’10) – I was a little surprised, but also excited.

Is singing something you will pursue as a career?

Devin Powers (’10) – No, I don’t think I will pursue it as a career but I will do it on the side for fun. gina Cunsolo (’10) – No, I won’t pursue it, but I know I want to be singing for the rest of my life, but not professionally. If I stop singing, I stop breathing.

Kim Fusci (’10) – No, but I wish to carry it on in college. I’m minoring in voice, but I don’t plan on doing it as a career.

up and I felt really good after.

What is some advice you would give any future Candlelight soloists? anna Theodoridis (’10) – Make sure you enjoy it because waiting four years to get a solo and getting it is an awesome feeling. So if you get it, enjoy it while it lasts.

Michael LePoutre (’10) – As a first year member of choir its important to not have any

Photo Credit: Jillian wintersb

The sound of African drums filled the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway while a diverse group of senior English students eagerly waited for The Lion King to begin.

Ms. Aarons, Mrs. Cutuli-Block and Ms. Abrahamsen put together the wonderful senior English trip to see The Lion King.

The show is based off of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which will be read by the senior English students.

As The Lion King began, there was a variety of colors and magnificent animal costumes. The stage lifted and made many twists and turns, spins and rotations while the characters danced around and sang. Each costume was detailed and the actors moved as if they were the actual animal. The actors interacted with the audience by dancing through the isles of the theatre. What appeared to be flying birds soared above the audiences’ heads while African dancers graced the stage with chanting and African dance steps for the opening of the

second act.

The audience watched the transformation of young Simba becoming a grown lion. As the story goes on, Simba meets new friends, Timon and Pumba, who help him learn and survive after Simba runs away from the animal kingdom after the death of his father, Mufasa the king of pride rock. He then reconnects with his childhood friend Nala, witth who he later falls in love.

Simba must return to the kingdom to claim the thrown from his uncle, Scar who has ruined and destroyed the pride rock. Simba fights for the thrown and the circle of life continues.

The Lion King has been on Broadway since 1998 and is still going strong. It won six Tony awards in 1998 including “Best musical,” the most coveted Tony award. The Lion King plays in the Minskoff theatre eight times a week, Tuesday through Sunday.

The Lion King is a wonderful family musical for all ages. I guarantee you will walk out of the theatre amazed.

How did you feel before and after The gang of soloists just before the show singing your solo?

Nikki Monahan (’10) – Okay, before, regrets. Just go out there and do it, just do it. And I was a nervous wreck, but after I felt so good.

Katie Swindler (’10) – Before, I was freaking know the words. out like we all were, but afterwards it was quite Eloise Libre (’10) – Don’t be nervous. Take a chance and go with it because you never know possibly the coolest thing I’ve ever felt. alex Handler (’10) – I was nervous before I went what will happen.

Lying and Tigers and affairs, Oh My! James Welch ’11 Staff Writer Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time and he prides himself on conducting himself responsibly on and off the golf course. However, on November 27th he got into a one car crash just outside of his home in Florida, which caused a chain of events that have led to unfortunate findings in his personal life.

The things that Tiger did were wrong and bad, however, it is wrong to try to make Woods out to be a horrible person. He made some mistakes, but they should not affect his status as a person.

Woods admitted to multiple “transgressions” with other women and also apologized to his wife, Elin, and his family. The media has been swarming all over this story because it is the first serious public thing that has happened to Tiger.

Tiger is an excellent golfer and I am a big fan of his.

It’s terrible to see him go through this and awful to see people try to turn him into a terrible person.

Yes, he cheated on his wife multiple times but that gives people no reason to say that he is a terrible man.

This is the first and only thing that he has done wrong.

Everyone makes bad choices in their lives. He is not the first one to do so.

The last time I checked the only perfect person to ever walk the earth was nailed to a cross, over two thousand years ago. It is not fair to criticize Tiger so brutally, when he has only done one wrong by cheating on his wife.

There are numerous amounts of other men out there who cheat on their wives everyday and get caught, but people pass it over after a day or two because they are not superstars like Woods.

However, if Woods was not as good as a golfer and as world renowned as he is, would you really care? Probably

not. Unfortunately, he has to pay the price of his mistake even worse because of his fame.

Tiger does not deserve to be treated so badly by the general public. He does so much to give back to us and now that he makes mistake, he Tiger does not deserve to one becomes a terrible be treated so badly by the person. That is just not fair. Give general public. the man a break.

So before you question Tiger Woods and the women he allegedly had “transgressions” with, think about this: The school that we all go to is on a road named after a famous basketball player who has fathered fourteen children with nine different women.

Most of those women were not married to him either.

What’s On Your iPod?

Ordinary People by John Legend Always & Forever by Luther Vandross Hypnotized by Notorious B.I.G

Michael Kurytskyy (’11)

Stephanie Gonzalez (’12)

Marla Jolicoeur (’13)

Storm to Pass by Atreyu Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey Bad Day by Daniel Powter

Bad Romance by Lady Gaga Shots by LMFAO feat. Lil John Tik Tok by Kesha

Pretty Brown Eyes by Ameri Pusha by Lloyd Fame by Jazmine Sullivan Source: www.ama

zon.com

Jonathan Cohen (’10)

THE PAW PRINT

arts & entertainment

DECEMBER 2009

The “Skinny” of the Controversy

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Total Gross: $402,111,807

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

Christopher Santaniello ’10

DISNEY PIXAR’S UP

Photo Credit: www.boxofficemojo.com

Writer’s block is a point in a writer’s articles and become uninspired or life where they find trouble trying lose interest half way through. to create When you are literature in a class where due to their all you see is brain being people writing completely and being able out of ideas. to find ideas that T h e actually reach first part the keyboard, of having and get in to writer ’s the paper, it can block is become rather admitting depressing and it.

Once very uninspiring. the writer Inspiration can admit tends to come at that they Student struggles to find inspiration to write. the worst times, do not have anything to write when you least expect it and you about, eventually ideas will start do not have anything to write on to appear. It is like hitting rock or with which to write. Sometimes bottom, the only place to go is up. by the time you get to produce the As one of the many staff idea you have in your head the writers for The Paw Print at due date has already passed, the Norwalk High School, having day is done and all the time has writer’s block is the worst because been lost. if one does not write articles for So before the period is over the class, the chance of passing in this case, I personally have or getting anything above a D about five articles that I really is very low. I myself have been need to finish, and I cannot think suffering from writer’s block for of a thing to write about, so this over a quarter now because I start might take a while…

Total Gross: $293,004,164

THE HANGOVER Total Gross: $277,294,415 press.com

Photo Credit: www.thepeoplesmovies.fils.word

Many fashion trends this year persuade girls to wear high heels. Some know how to rock them, while others disgrace themselves by looking like they are walking sideways.

Some girls think it’s a way to boost the confidence. “The woman makes the heels.”

Amber Bracey (’10) said.

Whether it is short heels, or six inch heels, there are always a handful of girls who are bold enough to wear them to school. Whenever I am in the hall and hear the clicking of heels, I automatically think it is a teacher. Often, though, when I turn around, I see a teenage girl struggling to stand in her heels.

Sometimes I ask myself, why would these girls decide to wear six inch heels to school? I am not the only one that feels this way.

Larhonda Landrou (‘10) explained, “I think they are doing too much, it’s not that serious.”

After all, Norwalk High School is a building with many staircases and crowded hallways. I understand that many omano rt R girls want to come e b o t: R di to school looking nice, but that can be done without high heels.

Heels should be left for parties and late night weekends, not school.

Total Gross: $301,951,830

Just go to thenhspawprint.org to read the Paw Print Online Where should I go if I want to see the Paw Print on my computer?

Photo Credit: www.boxofficemojo.com

Staff Writer

Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes

Staff Writer

Pho to Cr e

FROM BOXOFFICEMOJO.COM

Photo Credit: www.boxofficemojo.com

What The Heel? No Words, No Title...

Emely Montenegro ’10

5

THE TWILIGHT SAGA:NEW MOON Total Gross: $267,360,000

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

Norwalk High School is known not only for its student diversity, but also for the styles seen throughout the school.

Different types of clothing can be seen throughout the halls; colors and neutrals, tight and loose, long and short. In Norwalk High School, there is little protest as to how students wear their clothing, but in other schools, that is not the case.

Some schools do not permit certain clothing that some NHS students find ordinary. Specifically, skinny jeans have been banned in the Mesquite School System in Texas.

A student who attended Kimbrough Middle School was sent home because his pants, which were tight and low-cut, were “disruptive”. Andrea Baja (’10) stated, “They shouldn’t do that because it’s the students’ choice what they wear.” Others, like Alexandra Oviedo (’10), feel that the rule is unfair simply because they do not see the problem. Oviedo continued, “There’s nothing wrong with them. [Skinny jeans]”

Some disagree entirely and feel that what the school did was not a problem, “I think what they [the school] did was fine,” stated Debora Reyes (’11).Though the way the situation was handled was done professionally, some disagree with the very nature of NHS student shows his love for skinny jeans. the issue.

According to the school’s policy, clothes must be “appropriately sized,” not too big, not too small. The school gave the student a choice: change into a provided pair of pants or be sent home. The boy chose to go home.

Photo Credit: www.boxofficemojo.com

Staff Writer

top GROSSING FILMS OF 2009

Photo Credit: Robert Romano

Jeniece Roman ’10

Page 7

Page 8

DECEMBER 2009

Feat

ture

DECEMBER 2009

Page 9

PagE 10

EDITORIaL

DECEMBER 2009

Staff Box The Paw Print

THE PAW PRINT

The Power of the Reward Theory Stefani gospodinova ’10 Executive Editor

High school is a crucial transitional point in one’s pops for every positive classroom contribution, life. In high school, we grow up, we fail, we but just a mere acknowledgment of effort is more Norwalk High School succeed, and we try to find our own identity. At than enough. Just imagine the appreciation and 23 Calvin Murphy Drive Norwalk High School, the range of these identi- self worth students will feel if rewarded small Norwalk, CT 06851 ties seems endless compared to the homogenous privileges or even a simple compliment for their (203) 838-4481 hard work. towns in our surroundings. ext. 1808 NHS students come from many different soThis is not a one way street though. Often, cioeconomic backgrounds with very different life- teachers feel under appreciated when they find The Paw Print would like to thank all styles creating a heterogenous environment. There themselves talking for an hour, only to turn around Journalism students for their work in the are students who come to school knowing they and see half the class typing away on their cell creation of this newspaper.

The following writers are those whose work have food and shelter at the end of the day, while phones. Praise will not only help students work there others who come to school in the morning harder but it will also teach them more valuable appears in this issue. and have no idea what awaits them at the end of lessons than just the periodic table as explained the day..

by Cameron Fuller (page 13).

Executive Editor: There is nothing better than smile on a face As educators, teachers and administrators seem Stefani Gospodinova to have a difficult time balancing the attention of and the flutter of the heart when one is praised.

Co- Executive editor: these two extremes. At times, the success and hard Such good feelings internally make one try even Kristen Cordero ___________Design Team:___________ work of students is ignored and other times the harder and succeed farther in the future. It makes a student want to work hard for their teacher and struggle and cry for help of others is overlooked.

News Editor: teachers feel appreciated. In between the comWith this in mind, the power of the reward Neha Patel theory appears to have an influence on the major- motion of grading paper, writing papers, and just Eric Scatamacchia ity of high school students. I am not suggesting plain stress, we, as a NHA family, need to share arts & Entertainment Editorsthat teachers begin handing out candy and lolli- the love.

Anna Theodoridis Jillian Winters Feature Editor- Kristen Cordero Opinion Editors- Brendon Prescott Matthew Cranston ’11 Ryan Tolmich Sports Editor James Welch Sports Editors- Matthew Cranston The life of a high school journalist is no easy task. Having to sometimes spend thirteen straight hours Robert Romano at school is proof of this. It may be stressful, tiring, and demanding, but in the end, it is all worth it.

Photography Editors: Entering year two of my high school journalism class, I have come to notice how demanding Olivia Bonilla journalism really is. Each month, we are expected to compile a sixteen page newspaper to send to the Ashley Cortes printer.

Business Editors: This may sound like an easy task, but you will never know how difficult this is until you experience Kimberly Pratt it firsthand. Through the sweat, pain, and sometimes even tears, everything from a comma to a period Public Relations: Gina Larochelle at the end of a sentence has to be painstakingly scrutinized. Nobody wants to spend between eight and Staff Writers: nine hundred dollars on a rushed piece.

Jamel Brown Emely Montenegro Some may see this class as an easy elective just to obtain an “easy A”, but they are wrong. This is Jacob Corsi Nataly Monsalve more than a class; it is a dedication and a job. Overall, this class may in the end be the most demanding Jinsil Chun Cammann Piasecki and time consuming time class at Norwalk High School.

Cameron Fuller Luke Porco In a school where information is hard to distribute, the life of a high school journalist becomes Kimberly Fusci Vernece Richardson crucial. Going to the limit to the best sources for the most interesting topics is something that high Victoria Giannitti Jeniece Roman school journalist face every day. Dedication is key to the success of a high school journalist.

Leathia Johnson Chris Santaniello Overall, the life of a high school journalist demands a lot of time and effort. Running around the Carolyn Knowles Jeffrey Suarez school interviewing people, writing articles, taking photos, and finding the best story ideas are just Martine Liberte Kevin Tobias some of the major tasks that we perform each day. To prove that I am not lying, I am writing this at advisor: 10:00 p.m. on a Monday night, after just spending thirteen straight hours at school for already the third Mr. Karl time this year. With the creation of thenhspawprint.org our job has just become more difficult. In the end though, the entire staff deserves a round of applause.

The Life of a High School Journalist

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Student Government will be raffling off the right to park in Mr. Mecca’s parking spot for a week after we return from vacation.

Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria, please buy tickets and experience what it is like to have the best parking spot in the parking lot!

As always, Student Government appreciates Norwalk High School’s support. Email us at studentgovnhs@gmail.com with any comments or suggestions.

Many of you know Mr. Segers around the winter time when the snow starts tumbling.

Whenever a storm is coming, students wonder whether they are going to have school the next day, a delay, or even an early dismissal. Mr.Segers, an English teacher here at Norwalk High School, makes predictions on such exciting days. When he first started in 2006- 2007 school year, he was really successful at making guesses. He usually knows what the Superintendent is thinking.

Now students pray to him for excuses to keep there text books closed for the night.

Sincerely, Ellen Foster Student Government President

Sincerely, Danny Barrand Class of 2011

Dear Editor,

The Paw Print is Proud to Congratulate its first editor,

Megan Riley on her acceptance to Harvard Law School!

Please let us know what you think. Students are welcome to submit writing either in person to room 116B or email to nhspawprint@gmail. com.

Our Next issue will be out in January

Policies: Our newspaper reserves the right to edit all submissions for space and clarity. All entries must include name, year in school, and phone number for verification.

THE PAW PRINT

OPINION

DECEMBER 2009

PagE 11

Snowboarding is gnarly Brah two riding faces, this mountain is perfect.

Staff Writer While I do admit that New Jersey does not As the days pass and the winter countdown have the best snowfall, their ability to keep all continues, all I want is a little snow. the trails open and blow snow every night is Last season was a disappointment, to say the impressive. It easily beats out the efforts made least. Local mountains were practically sheets at Sundown or Mohawk which are both in of ice and the only real powder was more than Connecticut. I am tired of no-snow seasons and two hours away via car. My season was nothing icy, fake snow all year round. It is time for a little special. powder.

There is good news I’m sick of hearing “Whether you want to ride the though! According to the about all of the new Farmer’s Almanac, this slopes or hit jumps, this season and upcoming riders year’s snowfall should be is sure to be a promising one” coming out of the drastically different from West snowboarding the previous years and on the back country that means one thing: tons of snowboarding. powder of huge resorts while the East hopes But what about the crazy costs to ride, one for a few inches. Sure, I love going skating and may ask? Rumors. occasionally surfing when I am down South but Passes are at an all time low due to the nothing can compare to the feeling of popping recession, which means that riding at a mountain off a jump and stomping down into some fresh has never been cheaper. With resorts such as powder. Snowboarding is in a league of its own Mountain Creek offering night passes for thirty and cannot compare to any other sport in my nine dollars, and season passes for only two mind. hundred dollars, how could you not ride?

Whether you want to ride the slopes or hit The mountain is only an hour and a half jumps, this season is sure to be a promising one. away from Norwalk and has a wide variety of When it comes to saving money on lift tickets activities, and not to mention it’s history as a Mountain Creek is the place to be. Personally, I Playboy resort. Whether you are looking to hit the will be driving my Accord up there at least once park all night on their mountain face dedicated every other weekend with four other riders ready entirely to park, or just cruise all day on their for some long awaited powder.

Photo Credit: Will Marr

Cam piasecki ’10

A snowboarder enjoys a day in the snow

The Mystery of the Leaking Locker

her locker.

“I was worried about my lunch. What if that stuff Staff Writer was toxic?”

On October 30th Eloise Libre, a senior After the bizarre first at Norwalk High, walked into school occurrence, it seemed like leaking to find an unpleasant surprise in S lockers were a thing of the past house. until the strange fluid began “I went to my locker to get my seeping out of the ceiling again on books to find a yellow substance November 20th. Then it leaked yet dripping out of a hole in the ceiling again on the 28th, sending Eloise and into my locker,” said Libre (’10). into a panic both times.

Above the first section of lockers “I was worried because my in second floor S House, there was locker smelled like moldy eggs,” a hole in the ceiling surrounded by said Libre. several stained ceiling panels. Inside The hole and the stained ceiling the hole, there was a wet metal grating. panels still remain in S house with The substance that was dripping out no apparent attempts made to try of the hole seemed to drip only onto and fix them. In addition to strange Eloise’s locker. liquids, the hole now emits an odd “It was only dripping onto mine. hissing sound.

Like when Eeyore has that little rain As for Eloise, keeping her Eloise displays her leaky locker cloud over him,” said Libre. books in order are the least of her Eloise’s first concern was whether problems right now. This is not fair to her and something or not it was safe to keep the food she brought to school in has to be done!

Carolyn Knowles ’10

Photo Credit: Carolyn Knowles

all You Need Is Love... or Not? Neha Patel ’11

Martine Liberte ’10 Staff Writer

No matter where you are, whether it is in the halls, on the school bus, in class, or even the bathroom, you always hear someone talking about something.

It is not an option whether you want to hear it or not, it is still there and if you are like most people you will be interested in what others say. Usually, you hear people gossiping about others, which can start rumors or fights.

At times it can be interesting to listen to others, but sometimes people say things they would not say where everyone could hear. Usually, while walking into class, you hear girls discussing their boyfriends or guys bragging about their sexual relations with a girl. Most of these conversations can be disturbing and, at times, unnecessary.

If I tell someone that they are being too loud, they think I am being rude to them and putting my nose in their business. They do not understand that I am really trying to stop them from putting their business out where everyone can hear.

People do not want others to know about their business or secrets, but they continue to speak loudly in public places. So if someone is telling you to lower your voice, do not assume that they are trying to be rude or nosy. They might just be trying to watch out for you.

After all, it is not like people have a choice to tune you out when you are not making any attempt to whisper.

So, for those who speak out loud, watch your surroundings. People have ears and memories like elephants.

Photo Credit: Robert Romano

It should be said when the moment is right; on instinct, not planned timing. Saying it online or through texting Three little words. That is all it takes to make someone takes away from the meaning because it shows that you smile, to brighten up someone’s day. People crave to hear are scared to say it in person or that you may not truly care those words that can change your life, but does saying ‘I about the person. love you’ still hold the same Teens are usually wrong when meaning as it once did? they think they are in love. It is “Teens are usually wrong when Teenagers are obsessed with usually a crush, but they do not they think they are in love.” trying to plan the perfect time, realize this. Many of my friends place, and person to say their meet someone and say ‘I love you’ first “I love you.” Some even try to them within a week. A month to force their partner to say it first since they do not want to later, they meet someone else and the cycle repeats. The be the first. What I do not understand is, what is the rush? value of these words has deteriorated because they are In my opinion, saying the first “I love you” is a moment said so often and so easily. in your life that you can never take back or do over again; Next time someone has the urge to say those three it should not be rushed. There should not be planning little words, we should really consider what a powerful involved. “I’ll take her out to dinner, then say, ‘I love you’ meaning they have on us and our partner. We should be after we have dessert,” most guys think to themselves. able to look back fifty years from now and think, “I’m Even worse, the majority of first ‘I love you’s’ today are happy that he/she was the one I said my first ‘I love you’ said online or through texting. to. We should be able to remember that moment forever This takes away from the value of saying ‘I love you.’ and cherish it.

News Editor

Keep it to a Whisper guys

Students keep it to a whisper in the hallway

Page 12

DECEMBER 2009

opinion

THE PAW PRINT

New Year, Same Old Person Temporarily Out of Order Vernece richardson ’10

Ashley Cortes ’11

every day to go and get better lunches and snacks elsewhere.

What happened to the vending machines By making the vending machines in the lunch room? There were so many inaccessible students tend to leave school options until suddenly in search for the school decided something to eat. to limit them and The school should eventually remove the leave the vending vending machines. machines on all Although we have two day. They would vending machines, they make more money are far from the lunch and generally there room. There used to be would be less vending machine for skipping. juice, ice cream, and A student disappointed at the vending machines We should generally there was more move the variety. Now we have one type of pop vending machines back to the lunch rooms, tart and chips that we can get in the lunch or at least make them available during room for twenty-five cents cheaper. other periods because generally they turn Also, the juices that are in the lunch off after period one and until lunch. You room look like they are for five year can get the same thing from the vending olds! For the price of one, you could machine at the lunch line and it is cheaper. get a drink at McDonald’s or a double This school makes no sense sometimes; cheeseburger at Burger King. Thus, the school needs to stop fixing things that students are leaving the school just about are not broken.

Photo Editor

Sports Editor

Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes

Every year around this time, people like to think about what they could change about their lives for the New Year. Some say they are going to loose weight, while others say they are going to be more kind. But how many of these resolutions actually last through the year?

Not many people know the actual meaning of a New Year resolution. According to Wikipedia.com, New Year resolution means: a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle.

The reason why New Year resolutions do not work out is because people lack the commitment factor. It is one thing to say that you want to change the way you live, but you have commit to what you say.

When it comes to New Year resolution, attempts the resolution lasts for about a month and then it is forgotten about or there seems to be no more time for it anymore.

I, like many others, am guilty of making a resolution for the New Year. Like many I am never successful at completing what I set out to do in the first place. The question is why is it so hard for us to see our resolutions through?

Some might say we have to great of an expectation for the New Year, and our new goals. I say we always flunk because we are lazy and we find excuses not to complete things even though we know we want to change.

Still, like many others, I will once again be taking part in the ritual of making a New Year resolution for the year 2010. Instead of making big resolutions like I have in previous years, I plan on making small adjustments in my life that I know I will eventually get used to.

For anyone who is planning on making a New Year resolution, I suggest that you make your resolution small enough so that you know you will be able to complete it.

The First Step is Admitting it: Shopaholics Anonymous Carolyn Knowles ’10

Staff Writer Getting a job in May during the economy’s downward spiral was like a dream come true. Right when everyone was freaking out about summer jobs disappearing, I had found one.

I would finally be able to buy the things I wanted without having to beg my parents or hear “wait until Christmas” the standard response to most of my requests.

But I should have remembered the words of Notorious B.I.G. “Mo’ money mo’ problems.”

I find myself spending money constantly even on unnecessary items. My wallet practically has an eating disorder; stuffed to bursting one minute and then super skinny within the hour. It only gets worse online, where my bank account shrinks without me ever seeing it happen.

Looking over all the printed receipts and cringing at

the total amount, it dawns on me that I must be addicted to shopping.

Sounds a little strange, but it is more common then people think. According to The Journal of Consumer Research more than twenty five million Americans are compulsive shoppers meaning they cannot control the urge to shop.

Growing up in the Age of Technology, credit cards and instant gratification, it is easy to develop such an ‘addiction’ of sorts. It seems as though sadness, boredom, anger and a slew of other negative emotions can all be soothed with a little online spending. But the one thing it cannot cure is guilt.

After splurging on another scarf or pair of sunglasses, I feel awful. In the few moments before I click to order, it seems like my temperature jumps about ten degrees every

second. Even afterwards, I get all jittery and jumpy, feeling horrible because there was no need for the item.

With a practically endless wealth of stores online, it is easy to spend hundreds of dollars in a month without even realizing it. Online shopping has made me even more susceptible to spending money because there is no concrete way of seeing how much you are buying. Unlike actually going to the store and having to lug all the clothes to the changing room and register, I can sit at home with my latte and add items with out realizing how many are actually in the cart until I go to check out and see there are twenty-five things; then the guilt trip sets in.

Somehow being able to recognize what was going on I stopped actually buying and now settle on just looking; like window shopping through the computer screen, staring wistfully at gorgeous sequined tunics and cozy knit cardigans. Wait until my parents see my Christmas list…

Debaters: Should girls ask guys to dances?

Ryan Tolmich ’10 Opinion Editor

Photo Credit: Matt Cranston

With the approaching holiday season, anticipation is mounting for the first formal dances of the year. These dances, although entertaining, feature the outlandish idea that women should be required to ask their male counterparts. This idea is against social norms, and generally awkward for the two participants. It is usually embarassing for a guy to have to deal with a girl doing something that he should be doing. Females typically make the process even more uncomfortable because of their immature tactics in wooing their potential date.

When I hear of a dance, I think of two things: when is it, and who am I going to ask? This whole process just messes with the mindset of a male. Males are raised to be the aggressor, and we are taught ways to attract a partner. When the girl is forced to ask a guy to a dance, it creates an awkward role reversal. When a girl asks a guy, it just completely goes agianst the nattural order of things.

The worst part of girls asking guys is that guys are just flat out better at doing it.

Guys don’t rely on cheap tactics such as painting cars, obnoxious sticky notes, or gift wrapping themselves to ask a girl. Men just step up and go for it. We ask, and hope for the best. We do not need to demoralize ourselves by making ourselves look idiotic

to find a date, who would probably go with Gina Larochelle ’10 us anyway. It is so much easier on both Public Relations parties to just get it over with in a normal, When the time comes for school dances, civil way. there is no doubt that girls are more I will admit, men are not perfect. creative than guys when deciding how to Sometimes we get nervous or make mistakes ask their date. when having to go through the stressful The way a girl asks a date to a school event of asking a girl. But at least we are dance will always be more thought out not immature enough to make ourselves look like straight up nitwits in the process.

The only thing more awkward then asking someone to a dance is asking someone to a dance while dressed as a giant Christmas present.

I am not here to say that I do not appreciate any effort a girl might give, because I understand how difficult it can be to ask. It takes alot of courage to talk to the opposite sex.

However, that is no excuse to make your A girl “thinks outside the box” while asking to go to a dance self look like a goober. than if a Let’s just stick to tradition of having males boy would. As winter break approaches, ask females. It will save us a lot of stress, you are bound to see a girl take a more and it will save the girls a few bucks on gift innovative step in taking a chance of wrap and car paint.

finding a date.

Guys do not take the time to think about how they are going to ask their date or if she is going to say yes. When I know Poinsettia or Mistletoe is coming, I have already thought of how I am going to ask my date and I have already decided who I am going with.

A girl will feel much more pressure than a guy does because girls just naturally care more about the whole process.

Thinking of original ideas whether it will be setting up a scavenger hunt, wrapping themselves up, and making sure their date has no idea what is going on, makes the entire idea of “asking your date” so much better.

For a girl, a major factor in the perfect school dance is how they are asked. Many times they are disappointed by the lame ways that guys ask them to dances. Although, I have to admit, sometimes guys may come up with a cute idea, but they never come up with it on their own. Guys are not creative enough to make the process of prom, Poinsettia, or Mistletoe perfect.

Coming up with a better, creative idea of asking a date comes naturally to girls while guys either wait to the last minute or never know what to do. Girls want to make the process of a school dance memorable, while a guy is more concerned about the actual night.

opinion

THE PAW PRINT

DECEMBER 2009

Page 13

To The Flag With Liberty And Justice For......Some Jacob Corsi ’10 Staff Writer

it:

elch es W Jam

Every American is very familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance. What o t annoys me personally is the last line. “…with liberty and justice for o all.” That line does not make sense because in 1892, when the pledge was written, a lot of people did not have rights, liberty or justice.

Ever since we were children we were taught to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. With our right hands over our hearts we recited the pledge. “With liberty and justice for all,” and with that we all sat back down. As I grew older, I started paying attention to these words. When we were children we stood up because we were told to, but now some of us sit for protest reasons. A few days ago I sat during the Pledge of Allegiance and a few minutes later I was almost being forced to stand by the teacher. They claimed that it is “disrespect towards our nation and troops.”

First off, it is my right to decide if I want to sit or stand during the pledge.

Second, teachers cannot legally force you to stand for the pledge, even though they are convinced that they can. Sure, it may seem like us “sitters” are just pompous, lazy, rude, and disrespectful, but we are not. We are protesting something with a cause, and exercising our 1st amendment rights.

Ph

ed Cr

The main reason I sit is because the pledge is a lie. It took women and minorities years to get the rights they have now, but it is still not equal to the married, white-collared, Caucasian business man. Another issue I have with the pledge is gay rights and marriage. Ordinary American citizens who spend years paying taxes and social security cannot get married for the legal benefits. You do understand that if your loved one is in the hospital, depending on the severity of the situation, you cannot visit them unless you are their spouse? Pretty sick huh? Someone you love is going to die and you will not be able to see them again.

Contrary to what bleeding heart patriots will say, America is not free. America is not free for gays, people of color and women.

Women who have babies are one of the most important groups of society because they are capable of building these societies. Everyday people complain about illegal immigrants just waiting along the street to get picked up to work. Sorry, them waiting out there for hours on end all day just proves how dedicated they are. Do not judge them by saying that they “live here for free,” either, because it takes years to become an American citizen.

When I protest this nation, I do it for a cause, not for the attention or because I feel like being rude. I want rights for everyone, and this pledge is not showing enough effort.

I do not believe in it and that is why I will not stand from this day on.

Learning More Than Just Facts At Norwalk High School Cameron Fuller ’10 Staff Writer

Some fault must be found in this educational system.

To place the blame solely on myself would be akin to a dog owner blaming their dog for becoming fat. Metaphorically speaking, it is the staff that chooses what to feed me; I can only decide how I will chew it.

Photo Credit: Olivia Bonilla

Looking back on these soon to be four years at the white walled wasteland more affectionately known as Norwalk High School, I find it extremely difficult to quantify exactly what it is I have learned.

Of course I have learned some things, like how to write an analytical essay, how to take notes, the parts of the brain, the pros and cons of communism et cetera et cetera.

I have learned all these things, but to me, all of these facts represent nothing but shallow knowledge.

When, in my future outside of education, am I going to need to know about the communist dictators of the past or how the stomach of a worm works? When will knowing the causes of the defeat of the Aztecs be detrimental to my success?

There are more important lessons I should have learned, but unfortunately the things that seem to have stuck with me the most are the ones that I never should have learned in the first place. Such lessons include how to effectively and sneakily text in class, churn out an essay in the wee hours of Monday morning, change the wording of a friends homework so as to make it my own, craft a perfectly believable lie, and, of course, how to say something in a class discussion without saying anything at

all.

These are the things that school has taught me. These are the lessons that have defined my years of education and I am positive that other students have had similar experiences.

The worst thing about learning these lessons is the fact that these habits are beginning to make their way into my everyday life. I find myself lying more for no real reason. Everyday I hear a multitude of words spilling from my mouth that in reality mean nothing at all. I am just another lazy no good kid taking the path of least resistance.

The central question is this, has school made me a bad person?

My answer to this question is yes. But, of course, a lot of this is my fault. It was I who chose the paths that led to these lessons, but nobody ever punished me for my wrong-doings, and after years of repetition they have become engrained in my school-time persona. Is it that I have become too good at being bad? Have my lies become so believable that I am unable to be caught?

I refuse to believe that because frankly I am not that smart.

NHS student Cameron Fuller, pondering.

Four Wheels Better Than None Wiccans: Just Like Us Victroria Gianitti ’10

Photo Credit: Victoria Gianitti

reliable.

Staff Writer

Although my car seems like it would be a piece junk, it is actually the opposite. My car Getting from point A to B is supposed to be has 80,000+ miles on it, but it still runs and the most important thing when it comes to does its job. It is also fantastic on gas. This transportation, but what actually gets you kind of internal stuff that is the most important is completely overlooked there has become because of the exterior of the a bigger deal than car. essentially just Society has become so getting there. obsessed with the look of things

Driving a car that the quality of something that is the same age becomes almost invisible. as you is the not Driving is a privilege, not a the ideal concept right. Therefore the car that of a first car. But you are driving should be beggars cannot be under the same standards. choosers. My 1992 Having a sense of humor and Dodge Spirit with An old car in the parking lot at NHS. being humble has really helped blue chipped paint and a driver’s side window that is incapable of me get used to my car. My parents always say rolling down gets me everywhere I need to be. “It builds character.” I know I will look back on So why does it matter what it looks like? time and have tons of funny stories about my

When you are the youngest in a family of first car. four you are prone to get hand-me-downs. My But along the line I will appreciate a brand car was not my choice but I do not complain new car and treat it like gold. I am happy that about it. Although it went through three I even have a vehicle and driving is an option. people before me, it is still running and is very For now my seventeen year old car will do.

Natatly Monsalve ’11 Staff Writer

Students, teachers, and janitors looked at me as if someone had given my soul to the devil, when walking into the cafeteria to ask if anyone knew a Wiccan that attended Norwalk High School. The Wicca Religion is a neo-pagan, nature based religion that consists of magic, the basic code of morality, and the celebrations of the eight seasons.

The religion has various beliefs and codes that must be followed. The basic code of morality is the Wiccan rede that acts like a bible for the religion and those practicing it. The most common saying from the book is “And it harm none do as you will” imposing that do as you want as long as it does not harm the next person.

Some Wiccans may not follow the rule of the Rede, but still it does not mean that all Wiccan practice black magic. The Wiccan’s god and godess punish them as Christians would be by god. Usually their god is

the horned god and the godess is the triple goddess.

Today’s society is led to believe that paganism or the Wiccan Religion is wrong, when truly it does not consist of the worship or teachings of the devil. Wiccans worship the land they live on, such as trees, leaves, rain, water, the wind, and other things in nature.

The Wiccan religion is one of the oldest religions, which dates back to the early 20th century created by the Celts in Europe. The religion is celebrated on Halloween (All Hollows Eve) up until the next October 30th.

The celebrations of the eight seasons consist of Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Midsummer, lughnasadh, Mabon, and Samhain.

It is a religion of many faces, legends, and myths. Wiccan has become more accepted, but people still show fear of it. Do not fear the unknown.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2009

ultimate Extreme Hockey

SONO Field House

James welch ’11

vernece Richardson ’10 Sports Editor

Norwalk is known for its athletic programs, especially the fall and spring programs, but for many years teams have had to go outside of the town to participate in indoor leagues during their off-seasons. This year all that has changed. The city of Norwalk is proud to be the new home of the Sono Field House, located in South Norwalk.

The new field house contains three small turf fields that are collectively the size of a football field. The field house also offers many different activities, including indoor soccer, football, field hockey, rock climbing, and their very own rope course.

“The field house will be a positive influence because it provides kids with an opportunity to play sports, join a team, make friends, and overall be active,” said Michael Lepoutre (’10) a staff member at the Sono Field House.

The field house has been a muchneeded facility in Norwalk. “It is a very positive thing. It’s an outlet for kids to do well rather than to do bad. It is going to open up team opportunities to get better year around,” said Idris Price, head athletic trainer at the field house.

It has provided a way for athletic teams

THE PAW PRINT

Opinion Editor

to prepare for their seasons right here in town instead of going elsewhere. “It will affect Norwalk positively. It will definitely make our sport teams better because the field house runs clinics all year and has Sono teams. It is something else that Norwalk kids have to do since we always say there is nothing to do in Norwalk,” said Sailaja Shri (’10).

The field house is open to the public through memberships. The cost of the use of the field house is $49.00 a year, $4.08 a month per person. With this membership you have access to the three turf fields, the rock climbing course, and the rope course.

The field house has opened up many jobs for teens in Norwalk. “I have been working there since October, and I work in the Tribeca Coffee House which is a branch off the one in Sono, and I also work in retail when they need me,” said Shri, also an employee of the Sono Field House.

“The Field House is very exciting. It is very positive for Norwalk and all the surrounding towns,” said Jim Quinn, owner of the Sono Field House. The Field House is open to the public everyday of the week.

The Ultimate Extreme Hockey League is a street hockey league that was founded on May 15, 2009.

The league originally consisted of two teams, the Vulcans and the Jesters. Both teams had two players. On the Vulcans Photo Credit: Jennifer Wing

PagE 14

NHS students playing street hockey for the UXHL

Photo Credit: Vernece Richardson

were Mike Corasaniti (’11) and Mike Murawski (’11). The Jesters consisted of Kevin Lawrence (’11) and myself.

The league died down a bit when school returned, but over the past couple of weeks it has resurged out of its slumber.

The UXHL now consists of over twenty players, including the original four.

The league now has seven teams compared to the two that it had before.

The teams are the Chestnut Hill Vulcans, East Rock Bandits, St. Mary El Diablos, Bayside Jesters, Donohue All Stars, Live Oak Hornets, and the Oak Witch Titans.

The rules of the UXHL are pretty straight forward and simple: “The Ultimate Extreme Hockey League (UXHL) is the most ultimate, most extreme, most physical, and most deadly hockey league in all the land. The UXHL plays strict driveway hockey with no “blade” assistance, so of course only the quickest

of the quick survive. Pads are not allowed in the UXHL (except shin pads for the most fragile of the strong) so of course, only the brawniest of the brawny survive.”

(As stated on their page on Facebook) “The UXHL is a street hockey league where boys become men and men become extremely intimidating men,” said Corasaniti, the Commissioner and founder of the league, stated.

“I hope that as the league expands and matures we will attract more people who want to play hockey and who want to have fun,” he later said.

The league has rapidly increased in size and its players are excited about the attention. “Yeah, of course I’m excited. I think it even deserves more [attention], it’s a great league,” Spencer Jacoby (’11) said.

He went on to explain his skill level, “I used to play a lot in the park and of course I would like to thank my mom for letting me play in the first place.”

Players are mostly from Norwalk High, but there are also a few from Brien McMahon High School. Games are held at Corasaniti’s house in his driveway and sometimes in the parking lot of Cranbury School.

The league is still fairly new and is always accepting new players. Just contact Mike Corasaniti if you are interested in joining the most ultimate and most extreme league in all of the land.

The new Field House in South Norwalk

Just Play to Win the game Ryan Tolmich ’10

Opinion Editor Recently, it seems like there has been a surge of violent incidents in sporting events all across America. These violent acts are being explained as “in the heat of the moment”, but there is no competitive spirit in blindsiding a fellow competitor.

A few months ago, New Mexico University’s soccer team had a conference playoff game with BYU. Throughout the game, New Mexico player Elizabeth Lambert repeatedly elbowed numerous players from the other team. After repeated rough play, Lambert grabbed a BYU player by the ponytail, and violently threw her to the ground. Lambert has been indefinitely suspended for her actions and the university has been praised for handling this issue very professionally, and for actually putting character over athletic ability.

A high school girls’ soccer game in Rhode Island also featured a public display of violence recently. After a violent scrum on the field, parents and fans erupted into a full on melee while awards were being presented post game. This is an absolutely disgusting thing to hear about at a high school sports game, which is usually known for their good sportsmanship.

Early in the college football season, Oregon player Legarette Blount

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threw a punch at a Boise State player as Boise was celebrating their hard fought victory. After being restrained from jumping into the stands, Blount was violently dragged to the locker room by security and coaches, and was suspended indefinitely for his actions.

However, Blount was later reactivated , which shows that the school has no passion for discipline, and will let their players run wild if it wins them games.

It is not only amateurs that are getting into full on brawls. Chicago Bears defensive lineman Tommy Harris decided it was in his best interest to throw a punch at a defenseless player on the ground. These actions are reckless. These men are professionals, and should be setting an example for the younger generation to follow. Throwing a hammer fist is not a way to show kids what is right.

These actions are a terrible demonstration of what sportsmanship is all about. These players are looked up to in their communities, and for some, all over the country.

They should all be heavily disciplined for their actions to show that what they have done is unacceptable. It seems that sportsmanship has been forgotten about in modern times, and without discipline, it might not be found again.

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THE PAW PRINT

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2009

PagE 15

New Runners Show Heart

High Expectations for Boys

Opinion Editor

Sports Editor

Brendon Prescott ’11 Photo Credit: Rob Romano

When you play a team sport you can always rely on the guy next to you to pick any slack or get you out of a sticky situation. When it comes to wrestling, you are the only one person is responsible for success.

The 2009 Norwalk High School Wrestling team had just come off a solid year with a motley crew of boys, so expectations were high. Unfortunately, there was a minor set back. Long time coach, York Mario, had to step down as head coach because his wife was expecting a baby girl. This did not seem to frazzle the Bears as assistant coach Job Fernandez quickly filled the position.

Fernandez said, “It is sad to see him go, he was a great coach but I am excited for the season. I want to keep a disciplined, hardworking program, but ultimately I just want the guys to gain experience both on the mat and in life.”

This should not be a hard goal to achieve. Fernandez has four returning All FCIAC wrestlers along with a cornucopia of young men eager to learn.

With an immense amount of fresh underclassmen, the Norwalk High School Girls Indoor Track team is looking to make a big splash in the FCIAC this year. Due to the large size of the team, the girls will now be competing in the LL Division. Despite a new division, girls sprinting captain Libby Burr (’10) is not worried.

“We have a lot of new faces and underclassmen this year and everyone has been working really hard,” says Burr. “I feel confident we’ll be able to score some points this season.”

Looking to score big for the lady bears sprinting team is Burr, Amanda Otero, Ivy Chen, and Katie Paschovsky, who are all returning runners.

On the distance side, familiar faces such as Paige Crowley, Jennifer Wing,

and captain Nicole Brancaccio return for another season of running.

Brancaccio is also looking forward to the upcoming season. “We have a lot of returning runners this year and a great coach. Even though it is a rebuilding season for us, I feel confident we could do well this season,” says Brancaccio (’10).

Norwalk Track coach Pat Moffett said, “I am very excited for this season.

We have a lot of new runners that I feel confident in, and I am sure that we can do well even in a new division.”

Overall, the Girls Indoor Track team is relying on a few young runners along with their standout returning veterans.

Despite the young team, they hope they can get by with a top spot. Look for them to be a big contender in the FCIAC this year.

Photo Credit: Rob Romano

Members of the Girls Indoor Track Team

Rob Romano ’10

Tony Lato and Tommy Polumbo practice some moves

Rob Romano ’10

Sports Editor There is an old saying when it comes to track, “running is other sports’ punishment.”

That has been the motto for this year’s Norwalk High School Boys Indoor track team.

In the past, indoor track has been a sport with only a handful of participants.

Photo Credit: Rob Romano

“All the hard work and pain pays off individual dividends.”

-Dom Kruszewski (’ 10)

That is not the case this year.

The 2009 Boys Indoor Track Team consists of approximately fifty boys both sprinters and long distance runners. This number is due to the surprising amount of underclassmen who have joined the team.

Senior Captain Dom Kruszewski (’10) has good feelings about the underclassmen and the rest of the team. He stated, “We have a lot of young talent as well as some amazing seniors. You get whatever you put into this sport. All the hard work and pain pays off individual dividends.”

Along with a world class coach, a strong senior core, and underclassmen with good potential, this team is sure to turn some heads.

Photo Credit: Rob Romano

underclassmen Potential

Members of the boys indoor track team practicing their sprints.

Experience In the Pool Rob Romano ’10 Sports Editor The past few years have been rough for the Norwalk High School Boys Swim Team, but like any sport in the FCIAC, you will face some of the most competitive teams in

“The team is looking really good this year. Everyone has the ability to win points.”

-Thomas DiGuglielmo (’ 10)

Jake St. John dives during a recent practice

the country.

Experience is playing a big role in the boys 2009 season. According to Coach Doug Marchetti, this year’s senior class is the largest he has ever had.

This year’s team is depending on the seniors to win points. The races are based

on a point system. In order to receive points you have to finish in the top six. The higher you place the more points you get.

However, it is not all about coming in first.

The lower points add up and in the end and help achieve victory. Thomas DiGuglielmo (’10) feels strongly about his teammate’s talent. He said, “The team is looking really good this year. Everyone has the ability to win points.”

This positive outlook has filled the pool with dedicated swimmers. Optimism can fuel the fire for athletes to strive for excellence, something necassary for the boys to compete.

After four years, the senior boys are looking to go out with a bang. Their versatility and strength is sure to lead them to success.

Page 16

December 2009

Sports

THE PAW PRINT

Girls Look to Win High Hopes for Norwalk Hockey Rob Romano ’10 Sports Editor Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes

will happen.

“The energy level is high. We’re not setting our Public Relations goals unrealistically this year and we’re definitely going There is one team in particular that has high hopes for to have some wins,” comments Von Arter. their season this year. With a set back of having only Despite having only one senior, the team is not setting one senior, the team and coaches still seem hopeful for their expectations low. The team has many sophomores the upcoming season. which is allowing the program to have time to develop The Norwalk hockey team is a combination of their talent. “We can strengthen our core,” remarked Von hockey players from Brien McMahon High School Arter. and Norwalk High School. Between the two high Although the Norwalk Hockey team is split between schools only one senior exists on the team after losing two high schools, the team never seems to have many the second, Douglas Weeks, due to a shoulder injury. supporters in the Alex Lengyel (’10), who is stands. “I expect to captain of the hockey team see kids coming to and also the only remaining more games. People senior, comments, “We have need to come out a whole lot of new talent and support their this year. The future looks school,” hopes Von bright for the team.” Head Arter, who recently coach, Dan Feighan, and has joked with his assistant coach, Kevin Von students as making Arter, set high expectations a detention from for the players and the team his class to attend for the 2009-2010 season. “I a Norwalk hockey am expecting a lot better of game. a season,” says Von Arter, This team could “We had no wins last season not be more ready so hopefully this year will to start their season Dylan Byrne takes a shot during a pre-season practice. be better.” The players are off on a good note. filled with enthusiasm and cannot wait for the games The hockey team’s first home game will be on December of the season to begin. “We have all been working hard 28th at 8:00 p.m. at the Darien Ice Rink. Please come and and having great practices so far,” says Lengyel. Each support the team that is sure to break away on a clean of the players are waiting to have a far better record sheet of ice. than previous years and are very sure that this year it

Boys Shooting for Success Vernece Richardson ’10

They lost many people but they are not letting that get them down. “I think that we will be strong, and will do better than last season. We have good chemistry on the team,” said Andrew Sawyer (’12).

On Wednesday December 16 the boy’s basketball team opened their season home with a game against Bassick. The boys played well, and hard, though the outcome was not what they wanted they are not going to let that get them down.

The season just started and these boy’s have many other games to play to achieve their goals of this season.

Photo Credit: Ashley Cortes

Sports Editor For the past few years the boy’s basketball team has been successful with their seasons, always making it into the State or the FCIAC Tournaments. Their hopes for this season are the same as any other, with new faces on the team; they plan on being better that ever.

With a record of 10-11 last year the boys plan on improving. “I think we will do well, we are striving to be one of the better teams in the FCIAC this year,” said Evan Kelley (’10) captain of the varsity team.

The team lost eight seniors last year and out of those eight, four of them started.

They lost two forwards, and two guards who started last year. Going into this season they had to start fresh by taking underclassmen and bringing them up to play at the varsity level. “This is my first year playing varsity. I am excited that I am playing, and I hope that the season will go well,” said Malique Dailey (’11).

The team expects to be better than previous years. “We have all the potential in the world, we are going to be successful this season” said Coach Trimboli head coach of the varsity team. “I believe the team will do extremely well,” said Chris Maraglino (’10).

Phtoto Credit: vernece Richardson

A frustrating start will not stop the 2009 Girls Basketball Team as they look to win big.

Not enough freshmen forced the decision that they will not have a team this year. The importance of freshmen athletics is an overlooked facet of improving one’s game. This level Buji Lewis goes for a layup. of play is designed to slowly introduce young athletes into the fast pace style of varsity. The remaining players are not going to dwell on the situation, just work even harder to prove something this year.

The very young team will have to work extra hard to compensate for their lack of experience. With only two returning seniors and one junior, everyone will need to go the extra mile to ensure a successful season.

Senior captain Jessica Schmidt (’10) knows what it takes to win. “The theme this year is hard work. We work super hard in practice and are improving everyday. If we keep going at this rate, there will be no stopping us.”

The girls have also been working on their team chemistry.

They already have pasta parties planned for every home game and even have team movie nights. Dedication goes a long way when it comes to making or breaking a season.

Gina LaRochelle ’10

A typical day of practive for the boys basketball team Photo Credit: http://www.norwalkhighsports.org/

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON TO ALL NHS ATHLETES