The Classic newspaper Volume 11 Issue no. 4

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PERMIT NO. 163 COMMACK, NY

Vol. 11, No. 4. June 1995 •

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Townsend Harris High School AT Queens College

149.-11 Melbourne Avenue. Flushing, NY 11367

Nix cancels Intrarnurals

by Seth Cohen style of play exhibited by the Sensing a deterioration of players this season. In the leadership,character, seven-year history of Intracomradeship and responsibility, murals, never before had so Dean Wanda Nix announced many technical fouls been that she will terminate her role called or so many arguments as advisor and·chief referee to been ignited and never before the Boys' Intramural Basketball had there been cheating.

Tournament next year. The "For the first tinie, there was decision came following a intentional and malicious season Ms. Nix calls "draining, cheating going on, on the court and shameful." "If this is the and at the scorer's table," said way the players are going to act, Ms. Nix. "It resulted from a I don't want to be involved with dislike of fellow players, and the tournament," she said. those that cheated put Although Ms. Nixs' exit themselves ahead of the leaves the arena open for tournament. Intramurals is another faculty member to fill really about fair play, respect for her sneakers, prospects for play oneself and others, being part of next year are remote as potential a group, and working toward a replacement candidates Harry · common goal. I feel that we are Rattien, Lawrence Ceraulo, moving away from that goal, Keith Hanson, and Craig and so I will move on as well."

Buchalter all said they would Seniors Set Standard not take over.

Ms. Nix felt this year's senior "I surely won't pick up the class players set the tone for a tournament," said physical dismal season. "In past years, education chairman Mr. Rattien. seniors set the standard," said "If it resumes, it will have to Ms. Nix .."This year they set a be through Ms. Nix. This was poor one." According to Ms. herbaby,anditalwayswillbe;" Nix, seniors demonstrated a he said. Asked if he would serve lack of maturity, responsibility, as advisor to the league, Mr. cooperation, and at times, "a .Ceraulo said, "No way, not after mean spiritedness that was what we saw this year." Mr. passed down to the Hanson laughed and shook his lowerclassmen." Ms. Nix said head. that players (particularly "I don't blame them," said seniors) were consistently late Ms. Nix. "My feeling is that to games, screamed at the there are a lot of lessons to be . referees, fought with eac.h other, . lea,med from competition. It is ,' and "were not willing to take on obvious that many boys have the responsibilities they lQst sight of this, and if that's inherited." ' the case, there is no reason for · Both Ms. Nix and Mr. Rattien anyone to continue this · wereparticularyoutraged by the tournament" "Senior Class Referee The reasoning behind Ms. Evaluation" that was posted in Nix's decision stems from the the boys' lavatory following the

First class in new facility Wins first-class honors

season, The evaluation belittled the officials, disparaging their abilities and physical appearance. "It was horrible," said Mr. Ratti en. "I'd like to think it was done tongue in cheek, but some of the things said had a sharp edge," he said.

"Considering we get paid nothing to officiate, we should have received thank you's. I certainly had no desire to stay · around school until 7 P.M. I did it for the kids, and I don't need to hear from them that I don't know what I am doing."

Senior Peter Silverman argued that the evaluation was . "done in good taste and spirit.

'Ceraulo's Corner' had a sarcastic sting, so why shouldn't we?" be asked. Peter was referring to Mr. Ceraulo's 'aledictorian and flutist Stefania Heim accompanies the chorus at htimorous postgame evaluations displayed on a bulletin board seniors stood center stage to be outside the cafetorium in tbe old by Kelly Villella honored with various service, Tuesday, June27.

Curtains will building. Senior Emilio leadership and academic for seniors tonight at fall Boehringer, who likes to be ·awards.

Colden Center, signifying tbe known as "the most vocal During his address, Principal . player," said, ...If the refs had finale to four years of high Malcolm Largmann asked the school.

Filing out of t~e done a better job, there would "honorees" to turn to their auditorium, the first class to be not have been as many parents and applaud them graduated from the new problems."

Rules Serve to Direct Players building on the Queens College loudly for their support. In his Ms. Nix attempted to put the campus will move on to face the speech, Dr. Largmann stated "failing" league back on track challenges of another drama - that "the key trait of tbis class is metamorphasis- change." He mid-season by instituting a college life. also added humor to the According to a list released plethora of rules. However, evening, mentioning the from the college office, 60 feedback on these mandates was changes that Senior graduates will attend a SUNY negative, and players either refused to follow them or (State University of New York) Coordinators John Hynes and school and 22 others will be at Mr. Sweetin had undergone. vocalized their discontent.

Much of the dissension CUNY (City University of New "Mr. Hynes was once an evenstemmed from the nature of the York), 19 of tbem at Queens tempered, soft-spoken social rules: players were ordered to College. Nineteen students will studies teacher - but tben you say "please" when asking for a be attending Ivy League never listened to him - who has universities in the fall; anotber been transformed into a stern tinieout, "thank you" upon 22 have enrolled in institutions first-sergeant type - to whom continued on p.ll on the lists of tbe top 25 private you do notlisten," he said. "Mr. colleges and universities. Many Sweetin began as an idealistt,c. other colleges accepted students erudite Renaissance man who into their honors programs. tbought every senior was just College Office Secretary Joan tops. But now he is a glass-eyed, Starr estiniated tbe total amount obsessed advisor whose one of scholarship money won by goal is to survive to graduation the class to equal $10.5 million. day. " l_be Baccalaureate gave many Many students took the spotlight in tbe final scenes of students tbe final opportunity to the high school saga. At the . shine, especially valedictorian Baccalaureate ceremo~y on Stefania Heim and salutatorian June 13, approximately 135 continued on p.ll

riters honored':::::::, Moving day p. 7 p.4 .

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Blowing the whistle On Intramural B:-ball With the budget axe thrUst into ~ education's lifeline, spirit is quickly draining. Next September's forecast: a reduced senior Bridge Year, possibly no electives, and no money to pull us through the winter storms. Ironically, among the things that won't be "sinking'' next year are jump-shots, three pointers, and lay-ups, as Ms. Nix has pulled the plug on the Boys' Intramurals Basketball Tournament for the first time in seven successful years. Believe it or not, the termination of the toumamentis nota result of budget cuts, but of bad attitudes, poor character and a lack of respect exhibited by players in this year's competition (See Nix cancels Intramurals, p.l) . .

Although Ms. Nix's decision appears to be another painful tum of the blade into an already deep wound, it would be a prodigious task to argue against her resolution. This year's tournament was an abomination: players screamed at referees and teammates, displayed little respect for each other, cheated, arrived late to games, and the seniors wrote a reprehensible referee review that was hung in the boys' lavatory. As the season progressed, it became clear that the foundations the tournament had been built uponcomradeship, spirit, responsibility and respect- were no longer holding down the court. Participants were taking shots at the very precepts of the Ephebic Oath. Rather than leaving Townsend Harris better than they had found it, players left behind vestiges of super-inflated egos and an acrid taste in the mouth of the league's dedicated creator and biggest fan, Ms. Nix. It would be out of character for one who champions the importance of integrity, control and respect to allow Intramurals to continue. True to her beliefs, Ms. Nix blew the whistle because the league was not accomplishing what it set out to do: build sportsmanship through healthy competition.

While many will be incensed because they will no longer be able to play basketball in a league setting, it is expected that others will wonder if Ms. Nix has lost hope in the good-natured students of our 'national school of excellence. Is she turning her back on us, and precluding room for . improvement? Maybe, but probably not. After all, Ms. Nix attempted to put the floundering league back on course when she instituted a handful of rules mid-season only to be met by angry objection and defiance on the part of the players. Ms. Nix did all she could; the players did nothing.

Now, students will get a new taste of a rather old didactic method Ms. Nix .. has used numerous times before: if you do something wrong, you must pay the price. One may recall two years ago when Ms. Nix ended the tournament . mid-season because a player's watch was stolen from the scorer's table and 'everyone clllimed innocence. We all learned our lesson and nothing has :been stolen since. Ultimately, the present decision will show players that ;there are consequences for flagrant behavior.

However, Ms. Nix should not put her whistle away for good. To do that would show Harris students that once sorhething is broken, it can't be fixed.

This certainly c.a n't be the message tha(s being sent from a lady who not @nly teaches negotiation skills, but as dean, successfully handles troublemaking students. Surely she would agr~ · that there should always be room for improvement. With this in mind, it is quite reasonable to hope that Ms. Nix would reconsider her decision after a layoff for one se~~on. Students Will then understand what is expected of them during a competitive tournament and that there are consequences for straying from decent behavior. .

To permanently terminate Intramurals after a bad season is like tossing a math problem aside because it is too difficult to solve. What would your te(!,cl)er say if you did that?

Editor's farewell

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·we are h-ere!

It has been a rough year, but we are fmally here!

As the 1994-95 school year ends, .so do the tribulations.we have all suffered.

Who qm forget packing up an entire school only to have moving day postponed again - and living out of boxes for two months? But now we are here!

Who will forget the loud ftre bells that ~ through the hallways of the new building, or the flood that inundated the ftrst floor? These events will now become part of the Townsend Harris legend, along with the classic stories of no chairs, desks, or textbooks when our school ftrst opened its doors at 75-40 Parsons Boulevard. Students and staff tackled each obstacle with patience and a sense of humor.

We must do the same in light of the budget cuts that have been handed down by Governor George Pataki. Sure, ~chool programs will suffer and Bridge Year is being sliced, but we must face these setbacks as challenges to overcome, in the usual Townsend Harris spirit. We must once again write letters to state legislators, pester local assembly-people, and vote during election time. Most Importantly, we must see the bright side, not just the dark side of things. , After all, our school is very fortunate. We have just move4 into a phenomenal facility that has far-reaching capabilities. Next year,.we will be able to commtmicate globally using our ftber optics network; we have a T.V. and radio studio that will be ready for use in the near future; we have a state-of-the-art auditorium that will await us in September; and we have a faculty that is truly dedi~ated to its students.

ToWnsend Harris is still at the top of the list of excellent high schools and everyone who is part of the Townsend Harris family can be thanked for that. We all deserve a rou~d of applause. Have an excellent summer, and remember ';- we have arrived! .

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Letters to the Editor appear on page 11.

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Editor-in-Chief: Seth Cohen Junior Editor: Veronica Lee

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Townsend llarrls High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y•. 11J67

Phyllis Pei

Readers are invited to submit let· tars to the editor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in the ' ' general offiCe. The Classic reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request.

Erik Bloch

Sports ·Editor

Feature Edllor .

News Editor

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·:Michael Munoz

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Being Editor-in-Chief of The Classic for,the past two years has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It put me in touch with such wonderful people, all of whom have contributed.to making this an award-winning newspaper.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the lady who is not only a fantastic mentor, but a kind, generous and warm person as well. She has put more work and time into this paper than can be asked of any advisor. Without her, The Classic would be nothing: thank you Ms. Cowen. I would also like to single out some other people who have added to The Classic's success. Thanks to the dedicated student staff (Dionne, you saved us every time!); Dr. Largmann, for being the most frequently quoted person; all the AP' s, and especially Mr. Rattien, who despite his wisecracks has been gracious and a great friend to the paper!; Maria Barone, for mothering and putting up with us in the nurse's office at 75-40; Ms. Nix; Mr. Ceraulo; Leroy and · Marlene for guarding the fort; Mr. Rossman for his brilliant ideas; Mr. Tiffen for his computer and photographic experti~; and anyone else who may have lent a harid at one time or another. It is an indescribable feeling to roll the last board, hit it two times, and bring a complete issue to the printer. I'll miss it all. Good luck!

Seth Cohen Editor, 1993-1995 ,, , .. .,;, , l .t f · t ) '' ) ,

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Tara Balabushka and Gina Tufaro Lay-out Edllors

Desiree Clemente & Sarah Kim

David Iankelevich

Photography Edllors

Art Editor

Michael Garber Business Mi.nager

Dionne Fraser, Wendy Kemp, Violetta Ostafin, Kelly Villella Senior Contributing Editors

News Staff-

Michael Garber, Beth Mattucci, Cory McCrudcn, Fernando Maeno, Ronald Lee, O>ris Libby.

Jc;:!Jilifer Pare, Hcat!Er Paterson. Ellen Sclmabcl, Amanda Schoenberg, Lauren Sharett, Rena Vargb::sc, Marci Weiher, Jennjfcr Wolf, Bonnie Yce , Feature Staff· Dominika Bednanka, Demcirios Bertzikis, Matthew Chang, Jessica Gazsy, Helen Haritos, Nartlnlta Kapoor, Deana Loogobu=>, Natallca Palo•ynslti, Romina Perrone, Kathryn Rube. Scat Scher, JcmifC{ Silvemwt. Irina . .

Tsytsylin. Donna Vuic, Michael Weiss Sports Staff· Justin Fox, Heather Paterson, Cory Polonct.>ky, Scot Scher, Claise Schnabel, Llron Sh&P,ir, Jennifer Silverman ·· ·

Photographer . Dionne Fra""r Artists- Alvaro lbarguen, George Motaltis, Otto Pctcnen, Rena VarghelOC Typist- ,Leslie Offenbach Advisor - llsa Cowen

Principal - Dr. Ma!cohn Largmann I

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The Classic

3

June 1995

Air conditioned at last:

'Cool' new bu~lding presents surpnses .

by Veronica Lee SPACE: A new luxury enjoyed by many a Harrisite which allows one to walk through hallways without being

want to add that," he said.

Among the problems in the new building was the doorbell system, which throughout the entire school. "Most of our problems were from the students ringing the college bell, but I just disconnected that.

There will still be emergency bells and people using the bells for deliveries, but I've brought it into a more tolerable state," said Mr. DiGiacomo. "That doorbell kind of scared me," admitted Nancy Leib, social studies teacher.

In respect to the other bell system, the one that signals the beginning and end of each band, Ms. Leib said, "I liked it better when we had no bell you had time to finish things. But I can see """"'why we have them Borough President Claire Schulman, who played a vital now. The building's role in the acquisition of the new building, addresses the school on moving day. larger and the kids need time to get to class." clobbered by a bookbag or shoved in the English teacher Paula Weyne felt the bell opposite direction from one's original system was "better than I had expected destination. it to be. Now classes are the same length Aside from the much-appreciated and they don't run overtime." " "space" in the new Townsend Harris at "These bells sound like the Land of Queens College; the last two months Make-Believe from Mister Rogers' since the April24 move offered a number Neighborhood," stated Marlon Daniels, of surprises, both good and bad, from junior.

Despite the problems in the school, the the state-of-the-art (no shoes on the shiny floor!) gymnasium, to the ear- most Harrisites are just happy to be in piercing ring of the doorbell throughout the new building. "I was awestruck by the school, to the air-conditioning the size of the school...and happy that system, fmally in working order three lemonade was fin~!ly made," said freshman Vicki Realmuto. weeks ago.

In an emotional address to the entire According · to Joe DiGiacomo, Custodian Engineer, "The building is school after the: parade to the new about 75% complete and the work is building on April24, Principal Malcolm progressing at a nice, slow pace." The Largmann said, "Great institutions are greatly anticipated auditorium, equipped the products of great efforts .. .I am overwhelmed and with catwalks, dressing rooms and a personally high-tech lighting system, is 90-95% grateful...Today's parade is an event I've finished. Mr. DiGiacomo and his crew been promising students for 11 years."

Alumni, Board of Education, Queens still have to give it a full inspection and al)d Parent-Teachers' write up a "punch list," which is a record College of everything that is missing, incomplete Association members, and other or not working. dignitaries arrived to commemorate the "I'm looking forward to finally seeing day which went down in history as the the auditorium. I've tried looking inside, frrst time aNew York City school moved but the windows are all boarded up. It in the middle of a term. Borough sounds like it's going to be great, President Claire Schulman said, ''This though," said junior Diana Lee. is a wonderful school for our wonderful In addition to the auditorium, a one children ... you are really the best." million dollar fiber optics system is to Marvin Liner, liaison between be installed over the summer. "The fact Townsend Harris and Queens College, that the computers weren't set up [in declared, "It is the most exciting, April] made things a little difficult," said exhilerating day! My heart is filled with Harry Rattien, Assistant Principal of warm feelings for faculty, students and Mathematics. "We anticipate that it will alumni."

After the speeches, official·classes took be done over the summer. That's really - . wfslifuitliiiiking·, but I dbn ~t k~bwif you turns tour'irig the building,- handling··

paperwork in homeroom, and eating lunch. ''The library and gymnasium were impressive, -but I thought the cafeteria was dimly lit and the green color contributed to the cold atmosphere," commented junior Annie Kuo after the tour. "The lighting in the bathroom makes everyone look better, but the mirrors are too high," added junior Assimina Kiouressis. Angel Saez, the school's fireman~ e~plained, "One mirror

is lower for the handicapped, but the others are standard height."

Next September, many people are looking forward to the new facilities that will be in place and hopefully in working condition. "A lot of equipment hasn't arrived - physical education equipment and something as simple as garbage cans. Everything needs to be adjusted a little bit," said Mr. Rattien.

Ke{ly Villella contributed to this article.

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Writers triumph in prestigious contests

by Fernando Moreno Talent. creativity, and hard work paid off for many of the school's writers, poets, and journalists as Harrisites collected a plethora of prizes from the various contests entered during this term.

"Bones," a poem by senior Danisa Colic, won the Grand Prize at the New York City Poetry Festival. Danisa was also awarded a cash prize for her third place-winning poem in the City College Poetry Contest. while sophomore "J" Cristobal won a Certificate of Merit. Both recited their poems in a ceremony held at City College on May 5 and received their prizes, including a book presented to them by the poet M.L. Rosenthal.

Danisa won for her poem, "Vacation," which talks about her family leaving Croatia. and J was honored for "Discovery," which tells of a girl's regrets about entering into a relationship.

Meanwhile, J and senior Jennifer Chau were both named winners in the Barnard College Poetry Contest, a

competition which is open exclusively to women writers.

Both received a certificate and cash prize and recited their poems at Baruch College.

Jennifer was' honored for her poem "Check Other' and J was honored for her poem "Immigration Song."

The school had five winners in this year's Barnard College "Women I Admire" essay contest. including the ftrSt place finisher, junior Amelia Chamberlain. Amelia's essay about her mother earned her $1000 and was printed in the Op-Ed section of The New York Times. Mi Hui Pak:, a junior, won Third Prize and a $200 cash award, and three other juniors, Veronica Lee, Andrea Pasternak, a:nd Akiba Smith, were chosen as Certificate of Merit winners.

Staff members of The Classic had a lot to smile about. The newspaper was cited as "one of the best high school papers in the state" by the New York Press Association, sponsors of the 1994 Better Newspaper Contest. Editor-in-Chief Seth Cohen received a first place

award for his editorial -on recentering the ~ATs in both the Quill & Scroll National Writing Competition for High School Journalists and the New York Newsday scholastic journalism contest. Also, junior Amanda Schoenberg won third prize in the Sportswriting category in the New York Newsday competition for her feature on junior Kelly Olino, and Seth won thrid prize for his feature on the Information Superhighway.

The Queens Chapter of the National Cancer Society honored The Classic, juniors Heather Patterson and Veronica Lee, and sophomores Nicole Bruno and Demetri Bertzikis with a Second Place award for their coverage of the society's press conference on smoking.

An article on senior Mariella Martinez written by sophomores Fernando Moreno and Jennifer Pare won a contest sponsored by the Queens Courier and appeared in one of its issues.

Juniors Alex Villafane, Michael Munoz, Kelly Olino, and Annie Kuo won awards in the citywide "I Am N.Y." Gateway American Contest, sponsored by the Port Authority. Alex won the first prize of $1000, Michael re.c eived $500 for finishing second, and $100 went to Kelly and Annie for placing within the Top Ten. Along with the cash prizes, Alex and Michael will be treated to a "dream weekend" in the city, and all the winners are offered a job in the tourist industry this summer.

Sylvia Yue, junior, received $500 for her. winning essay, "The Power of Words," which she entered in the English Speaking Union contest.

Sophomore Annie Socci won $100 and a plaque for her First Place finish in the Jewish Heritage Essay Contest and junior Odelia Levy received $25 along with a plaque for her third place entry.

"I was very happy to find out I had won," said Annie. "I worked really hard on the essay, and I'm glad it paid off."

"We really do have the most creative students in the city," said Lynne Greenfield, Assistant Principal of the Humanities Department, "and this, mixed with hard work, is why we are successful in producing winning entries."

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YouthCaN conference promotes world preservation reflected this concern. The Swedish This year's conference drew over

by Tara Helfman watched a presentation describing a environmental organization, Globetree, wastestream audit conducted by S.P.E., The world is growing smaller and 1200 people to the museum from all organized a Uniting Water Ceremony, · smaller, even as you sit here, reading this over the United States and abroad. determining the quantity of garbage through which water from all over the article. Technological advances make it About 22 workshops were presented, produced by Townsend Harris on a daily, w<;>rld was united in a crystal bOwl, increasingly easy for people all over the stressing the importance of weekly, monthly and annual basis. planet to talk to each other, write to each Among the many presenters of the other, and even meet each other without workshop were junior Marlon Daniels, leaving the comfort of their own homes. and sophomores Mirella DeRose and These new innovations have opened · Annie Socci. "I was happy to see that gateways for .the improvement of the many people were enthusiastic to help . preserve the earth," said Marlon, world and education. By taking advantage of the gpportunities offered Hae Young Kim, sophomore, facilitated a chat between Korea, Japan by telecommunications, the YouthCaN and audience ,members at the museum '95 conference united young people via video-telephone links. Presentations from all over the world in order to pursue a common goal- H.E.L.P.-Helping Earth were made by all the participating groups regarding the environmental situation in Live and Prosper.

Townsend Harris students, all members their local communities and their . of Students for the Preservation of the attempts to resolve problems. The Earth (S.P.E.), led three conference audience interacted freely , asking questions and receiving answers from the workshops. .

YouthCaN (Youth Communicating groups overseas as if they were in the You won'tsee him in "Jurassic Park" because 1this Triceratops was same room together. and Networking) is a global constructed by members of the Internet-based organization, YouthCaN. Townsend Harris students also telecommunications conference presented a workshop featuring a sponsored primarily by the American symbolizing a universal concern for the telephone link between a group of Museum of Natural History, the United environmental protection as well as environment. Samples of water were youth . to use students in Mansfield, Australia, who are Nations Environmental Programme, and encouraging sent by YouthCaN' s participants all over several New York puplic schools, . telecommunications to achieve their making strong steps forward in the world, from the East River here in including Townsend Harris. The goals. By using videophones, students improving the environmental situation in New York, to the Delatite River in · their area. The facilitator of this conference utilizes telecommunications in Canada were able to "attend" the tools such as e-mail, video phones and. opening ceremonies of the conference, Australia. Once these waters were workshop was senior Tara Helfman, and picture-tel in order to bring together as well as interact with the audience. combined, they were used to water the presenters included S uzamie vines planted to commemorate the youth-oriented environmental groups Using links such as picture-tels, through Guarnieri and juniors Ronit Troner and 125th anniversary of the American and organizations which use computer which photo images can be sent using Sigalit Ambalu, all of whom focused on Museum of Natural History, and to communications in their work. Months a small camera implanted in a ecologic~l threats prevalent in the urban commemorate YouthCaN '95 . environment. before ~e conference takes place, telephone, students from Korea and Townsend Harris' .participation iri students from all over the world begin Japan were brought into a New York In addition to facilitating the sharing YouthCaN can be seen in the three collaborating on projects . for auditorium without leaving their of information concerning the workshops organize·d by S.P.E. presentation at the conference. Classes country or even their school. Students environmental well-being of ·.from Argentina to Kenya to Korea work in San Francisco were able to have an members under the guidance of science communi.ties throughout the world, teachers Susan Appel, Odile Garcia, YouthCaN '95 enabled young people together to resolve issues affecting local on-line chat with students at the environments and share their progress museum through computers, without and Richard Tiffen. The "Secondary living oceans apart to make personal Statuary" workshop featured a massive with one another via the Internet. Finally, ever bearing each other's voices. contact with people sharing the same dinosaur made of the School's they have the opportunity to share their YoutbCaN utilizes this power by concerns and interests as they did. discarded Veryfine juice cans.

YouthCaN continuesto stress the results with the audience of the attempting to create a unified global Participants in the workshop helped importance of cooperation as the key to YouthCaN conference at the American community of youth with a genuine create a habitat for the dinosaur out of resolving the problems that plague the 'Museum of Natural History through concern for the well-being of our planet.

YouthCaN's opening ceremonies scraps collected from the school, and world. various telecommunications links.

Grant brings teachers back to classroom, i·nto future

by Bonnie Yee . Through a grant provided by the New York State Department of Education, Townsend Harris teachers were given the opportunity to "go back to school." · In a series of five two-hour workshops made possible by a Goals 2000 Grant, 24 Townsend Harris teachers were taught to use Microsoft Works, e-mail, the Internet, CD-rom, and Netscape software that enables one to see images downloaded from the Internet.

The workshops, which spanned from May 25 to June _5, were conducted at · Powdermaker Hall and the New Science Building (Queens College campus).

Applications to participate were accepted from staff members on a first come, first-served basis. Dr. Brian Murfin, a member of the Secondary Education Department at Queens . C~llFge, led the work:ShOPs with the aid . .,.._

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of three Townsend Harris students juniors Adam Carroll, Craig Spitzkoff, and Eddie Lee.

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'When you are teaching a dead language, how do you prevent it from becoming deadly?'

Adam relished the opportunity to play teacher. "It's re~ly cool,;' he said. "I teach and the teachers ask questions."

During a session at the New Science Building, the role reversal was apparent.

The teachers sat quietly at their perfectly arranged desks waiting for instructions.

Once the directions were given by Dr. Murfin, the students walked around the

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room, monitoring the progress of ~eir men tees.

The lesson called for the use of a textbook and the Windows tutorial, which demonstrated the proper functioning of a mouse and explained the basics of Windows.

The grant proposal, which was organized · by an interdisciplinary planning team of English teacher Debra Michlewitz, Assistant Principal of Science Susan Appel, Assistant Principal of Humanities Lynne Greenfield, science teacher Richard Tiffen and Dr. Murfin, envisioned teachers utilizing advanced technology in the classrooms.

Ms. Michlewitz,. who wrote the proposal, said, "I.hope the teachers feel that the program . fulfills their expectations and that they are able to use these new ideas in their classrooms." ' -~

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"When you are teaching a dead language, how do you prevent it from becoming deadly?" asked Latin and Greek teacher Richard Russo . The new ' technology might "assist students in mastering the complexities of Latin and Greek," he said. For the past four years, Mr. Russo himself has been studying Arabic using the program Computer Assisted Language Learning.

Adel Kadamani, chemistry teacher, sees another advantage to using new technology to supplement academic courses. "I would ·like to connect with students in other parts of the world, to find out if they are having the same problems in science as we are, and look for solutions together," Mr. Kadamani said. "I would like to have my students work with certain programs that have to do with science and apply new ways to solve problems."

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June 1995

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The moment has arrived! Dr. Larg!lllmn cuts tlie red ribbon, officially kicking off a new era in Townsend Hanis' new building.

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.Juniors Chiara Bartlett, Raquel A~ramante, Amelia Chamberlain and Allison Brant bolo up the school banner as Harris embarks on its mass exodus to 149-11 Melbourne Ave.

School-reknowned Ephebic Oaf "Charlie" gets dressed up to march to the new buildmg.

Leading the parade of new pioneers, Dr. Largmann, Sheila Orner, and Saul Cohen, member of the New York State Board of Regents, approach the front gate.

April24,1995 r·

. Sophomores EUen Schnabel, Amy Stockman, Amelia Rakowicz and Marcus McCoy file into tbei,r uew "home away from home."

photos courtesy of the P.T.A.

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June 1995

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'Siideless' Snowshoes climb to top; Clinch first prize in Nynex competition The "No-Slip Winter Shoe" is designed as a low-cut boot. It is lined with a waterproof and wind-proof material called gore-tex. The shoe is held up by an insulator called duratherm polyester. "What is unique about this material is that it doesn't compress and lose its strength over time," said Peggy. "The most important feature of our shoe, the whole point of it actually, is the five metal prongs," she explained. The prongs create a strong hold between the slippery ice and the shoe. Three of them are placed near the ball of the foot, while the other two are placed near the heel.

"The main idea of our project was to do an experiment in which we c.o mpared our idea to that of a winter boot," said Jamie.

The girls designed a pulley system that was used to measure how fast the "NoSlip Winter Shoe" would slide down a .

14- inch sheet of ice compared to a regular boot. The "No-Slip Winter Shoe" came out on top, not moving an inch.

The girls were inspired to make such a shoe after the harsh winter of 1993-1994.

'The snow caused a lot of damage during that winter," said Jamie. "We saw this as ? serious community problem and chose to address itfor our project."

Peggy, who desired to enter some sort of science contest, chose the Nynex

by Cory McCruden The "No-Slip Winter Shoe," an invention created by sophomore Peggy Kong and freshman Jamie Tong, took first prize in the Nynex Science and Technology competition. Each won $3,000 along with a certificate that was presented to them on an all-expense-paid trip to Boston over the weekend of May 6. The two, who had worked on the winter boot si'nce October, were also honored at a small ceremony at Townsend Harris on May I, where. Susan Appel, Assistant Principal of Science, accepted an award to the winners' teacher of $1,500. In addition, the school received aplaqueanda$2,000 check on L'1e same day 'in Principal Malcolm Largmann's conference room.

The award was presented by Claudia Toback, a representative of the National Science Teachers Association, and Bill Martin, director of Nynex communications in Queens. · "It's important for studentS to be involved in science and technology. I think that the idea the girls came up with is fantastic," stated Mr. Martin. Ms. Appel, science teacher Octile Garcia and other members of the faculty were also present at the ceremony.

Ms. Appel and other staff members aided Peggy and Jamie with their project.

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competition. Being an in-coming sophomore, Peggy asked Ms. Appel to find her a partner. "I didn't really know anyone well enough to want to do a project with them," said Peggy. Through Ms. Appel, however, Peggy met Jamie and the two have worked together on their project ever since. · The project, which consisted of pictures and a 10-page essay, was due in February.

When the girls learned of their success in mid-April, they were shocked. "I didn't expect it. The contest received over 500 entries. I would have never thought that

we could have won. It's unbelievable," said Peggy; "The award presentation was another event that has made Townsend Harris a little more interesting for me," said Peggy.

As Ms. Toback presented the plaque, she stated, "It is an honor to meet such nice, intuitive, and creative young ladies who have added to the honor and prestige of their school. I can sec that you can add this plaque to your rnimy other awards."

She also stated that, "considering ttiis contest is a relatively new one, this award will be an outstanding motivator for students throughout the district."

Energy contest slashed By latest b·ud·get cuts

by Jennifer Pare more about the environment and how Aiong with the good news that sopho- they can make a difference. They folmores Kate Margalit, Ronit Schwartz, lowed up with a discussion and a journal and Jinyi Wu Ling had won first prize .in in which the students wrote about, among the Student Energy.Research Competi- other things, how they conserve energy. tion (SERC) cam@ the disappointing Although Ronit Schwartz was thrilled announcement that there will be no con- with their win, she doesn't consider the test next year. project a big success yet. ''We may have "I find the whole thing very sad," said won, but truthfully I won't consider this Assistant Principal of Science Susan a great victory until we get this video all Appel, who is upset over the fact that the around New York State, We all pitched fourteen-year-oldcompetitionisanother in, and I know this video works. But this victim of George Pataki's budget cut [the ~in] is just one small step," she said. program. She feels that SERC allows The girls each received a $500 savings students to work like scientists and lets bo.nd as their prize. , teachers brainstorm teaching ideas. When Other students who participated in the the actual day of competition finally competition were sophomores Dimitri arrives, "the students network with other Papanagnou, Erin Troy, and · Ilan bright students from all over the state," Yagudaev for their project "Recycling said Ms. Appel.

Paper Trays to Help Solve GarbageProbJudgingtookplaceonMay23atSUNY lems"; juniors Shirley Levy and Maria Albany, but all participaring students Fox for their project "Natural Gas as a traveled to Albany a day earlier in order Solution to New York State's Fuel Dito set up their projects, :.Vrite speeches, lemma"; and junior Sylvia Yue for her arid relax before the big day. project "Automobile Catalytic ConvertTheir first-round win in the competi- ers: A Use for Low Grade Coal Burning." tion had paid for their trip to Albany and The students had a lot of praise for the gave them funding to proceed with their advisors who helped them with theirprojprojects. ects. Ilan Yagudaev said, "We bonded Kate, Ronit, and Jinyi were surprised with Ms. Appel. It was a great experiwhen they found out they'd won for their encc." project~ in the Technology and Transfer Sylvia Yue ·added, "Ms. Appel procategory. The two other categories were vided emotional support and advice. So DesignandDemonstrationandResearch ·did Ms. Garcia and Mr. Jones." and Experimental. Their projects, en- Theexperienceofparticipating in SERC titled "Education Makes Us What We was one Dimitri Papanagnou won't soon Are Today," is an educational and enter- forget. He said, "I had the opportunity to taining video geared toward schoo~-age · meet a lot of interesting people. I specifichildren. The twelve minute video stars cally enjoyed the idea of a large group of puppets, whose goal is to teach children ' individualssharingtheirtalentsandinterabout different types of energies and ests." how they can conserve energy In order to Since this seems to be the last year of help the environment.

SERC, it was especially gratifying for "It's a good idea to educate young kids Townsend Harris to win an award, somebecause they do a lot Of things without thing the school has never done, even though students began participating in thinking about it," said Kate.

The three sophomores showed their the competition in 1986. _Maria Fox said, ''I'm glad we broke video to third graders in two different schools, hoping to teach them a little our tradition of losing."

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Big bags weigh heavy On students' ·minds

by Romina Perrone You see them all around the hall; you get shoved by them once or twice. That's right, they're the infamous Townsend Harris schoolbags, and many students are complaining that their bags are a burden to them.

In a cafetorium survey and weigh-in conducted by The Classic shortly before the move to the new building, it was determined that the average weight of school bags in Townsend Harris is 13.6

have to go from the gym to chemistry on the sixth floor in three minutes. Need I say more?" Sesame Leonard, sophomore, commented on how her bag affeCts her transportation. "I run to the bus feeling as if someone dialed a slow motion button on my back," she said. Freshman Meredith Bettenhauser claimed that her heavy bag has caused her back problems.

According to the new locker policy . implemented after the move to the new building, students can only go to their lockers in the morning and after ninth band. Freshman Marlon Palanche said that his schoolbag is so big that it r doesn't even fit in his gym I locker. He suggested that the r students should be able to go to their locker more often.

In addition to finding the weight of bookbags, The Classic found the average perimeter of a Harrisite's bag to be 24.2 inches. Students com.plain that they have too many books compared to other schools. "We're the only school that has bookbags so .'/ big; everyone else has deflated bags," said sophomore Jeffrey Santos. Some, however, adapt more quickly than others. The tenth grade boys seem to have learned how to manage their ~5-~95 book bags better than most students. They had the smallest schoolbag perimeter, 19.3 pounds. inches. Meanwhile the ninth grade boys The typical person carries about seven had a schoolbag perimeter of32.3 inches, books (including notebooks) every day . the largest of all. The junior class' load The eleventh grade has the heaviest load averaged 24.3 inches.

For most pupils, the schoolbag is a of all. Their bags weigh an average of 14.5 pounds on a normal school day. The symbol of pai;t and unnecessary weight. ninth grade placed second, with an aver- However, junior Charles Drayton exage schoolbag weight of 13.3 pounds. pressed a different view. "I think it is "Everyone knows what school we came good that we have more floors and a from because of our bookbags. It's really heavy school bag so that the students can uncomfortable. My friends are always get more exercise. Students need more joking about how my back bends when I discipline. In the career world, they must have the bag on," complained freshman adapt to any hardships they encounter Vicki Realmulto. Freshman Naira Robles and they need a hard mind and body to said,"They should give us fewer books to survive," said Charles. Hugh Reid, socarry or let us leave our books at home." phomore, disagreed: "In the real world of bn a lighter note, the tenth grade has the today's technology, people don't worry lowest average schoolbag weight of 13 about heavy bookbags; they use elevapounds. · tors. It is very difficult squeezing into "My shoulder is usually black and blue public transportation buses and trains with because my schoolbag usually weighs an a ten-pound schoolbag," he said. excess of thirty pounds," joked sopho- Ninety-five percentofthestudents who more Dean Galitsis. When broken down took The Classic survey at Townsend by sex, boys have heavier bags than girls. Harris had pejorative things to say about They carry an average of 14.3 pounds, heavy school bags. Tara Berger, freshwhile a girl's schoolbag weighs about man, stated, "No matter what I do to 13.23 pounds. Even so, girls seem to lessen my load of books, there are just too carry most of the items unnecessary for many text books to be carried." Bookbags school in their backpacks. According to have become burdensome and according the survey, 75%ofthegirlscarrymakeup to one student, perhaps even dangerous. in their schoolbags, along with wallets, Freshman Jeraida Perez said, keys, etc.

"Schoolbags get in the way. When we are Most students feel that their schoolbags on the bus we get pulled and pushed are a large weight on their shoulders. because of them. One day we may get Tenth grader Gregory Alvarez said, "I pushed off the bus."

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Steiner continues act after school on ABC special

by Wendy kemp Senior Andrea Lauren Steiner rolled · out the party hats and celebrated her eighteenth birthday right after she turned seventeen. As if that were not enough, her slumber party centered around several video cameras, pizza repeatedly spritzed with water, and a bunch of people travestying the scene with foghorns, shouting, "Lights, camera, action!" Did Andrea dream the whole scene up? Did she somehow travel a year into the future? Was she abducted by aliens with a penchant for videotaping teen slumber parties? The answer: none of the above.

generations back was the chief rabbi of Transylvania, but that doesn't make Andrea an eighth-generation vampire even if she did dress like one on Halloween of her junior year.

Recently, Andrea won the Townsend Harris High School Shakespeare Redtation Contest, but due to her professional acting experience, was not allowed to compete at the next level.

Andrea has aspired to be an actress ever since the third grade, when a girl she knew landed a recurring role on Roseanne. "That's when I first gotthe idea that I could do it," she said.

cause I practiced a lot," she said. "I was nervousbefore,butonceistarted,Ididit.

It went really quickly, and when I was done, they said, 'Thank you very much'· and then I left."

About two weeks later, Andrea was called back for a second audition. This time, she was put on tape." I didn't think I was going to get a callback," Andrea said. "I thought that I was going to audition and that would be the end of it."

There were five or six girls at the callback, and the tapes were sent to California for screening. Her partner for the second audition was an eleven-year-old girl. "When I ' told her how old I was," Andrea said, "her eyes popped out of · her head."

Again, a week went by and Andrea heard nothing, so she decided to call her agent, who told her that ABC had called. It wasn'tdefinite yet, she cautiOJ;jed, but it looked like the part was hers.

Another few days passed &.; Cll by,.until it was .9Cll two days after rF.J ·= Andrea's 17th f "0 1:1 birthday. She < came home 0 ~ from school to "'&.; find .! her = 0 mother waitu s0 ing at the door .1:1 with "the ~ weirdest look on her face."

A'ctress and senior Andrea Steiner poses for her head shot, which "cost me a lot of money," she said.

Andrea asked her mother On November 2, 1994, Andrea traded Itallstartedthisprevioussummer, when ·what was wrong, and her mother proin her schoolbooks for the big screen. She Andrea decided to take acting Classes at 1ceeded to tell her that she had gotten the spent the day filming an ABC After- Weist-BarronTVStudios. There she stud- ipart- from her very first audition! "I ran School Special in a New Rochelle house, ied techniques used in auditions, soap op- :.around the house screaming, jumping up which, according to the script, belonged eras, film and commercials. At the close 1and down. I called my father and all my to her family. The episode, entitled Notes of the summer, she participated in a Tal- friends," recalled Andrea. for my Daughter. focuses on a thirteen- ent Agent Showcase and auditioned in I Finally, the big day arrived, a:nd Anyear-oldtomboynamedDani who is faced front of agents. "Two of the agents ex- 1 drea went to the house in New Rochelle with the revelation that her mother has pressed a real interest in me," Andrea · where the filming was taking place. She breast cancer. Andrea's character, a girl said. "And one of them sent me on my ·was told to be on the set at three, but her named ~ot:helle, hosts a slumber party in first audition a short time after."

•filming did not even start until7:30. "I'm her house and invites Dani. Ironically, The audition was for the after-school . •having this slumber party, and I am the party scene takes place on October special. Since the part was a thirt~en- 1 downstairs in the kitchen talking to a 20, 1995, which happens to be Andrea's year-old girl, Andrea, not even five feet •friend," Andrea explained. "Dani comes actual birthday. How to explain this tall, had to "dress down." "I was trying to in without us knowing and overhears us strange coincidence? "I think it's an look young, so I wore this little blouse talkingabouthermother. There's this big omen," Andrea confessed. and skirt. Ilooked like a school-girl," she •confrontation and she runs out on us."

Of course, Andrea is not normally said, laughing. 'Vhen Arrdrea arrived, It sounds simple enough, but the scene superstitious. She has a black cat named there were twenty names ahead of her, so required more work than most people Pudding and she used to have a broken she had to wait. Once they were ready for , could ever imagine, and things weren't full-length mirror on her wall. Obviously, her, she read -her lines in front of the . always what they seemed. The scene . it did not cause her seve·n years of bad casting diroctor and a few others. "I was . required a strategkally placed pizza pie,. luck. Her gr:andfa~er of seven to eight happy with the way I did my lines be- and the same pizza was used over and

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over. "After every take, they would take the pizza out, and it was really dried out.

It was disgusting- hard and st_iff and dry," she remembered. "So these guys came in and sprayed it with water after every take, and then put it back."

There was also a huge problem with her wardrobe. Since the scene was a slumber · party, Andrea and the other girls had to wear pajamas, so she was asked to bring her own. Unfortunately, the directors didn't like them, and made her change into these "little pink baby doll pajamas, but they didn't fit right. People were measuring and sewing - I felt like a model," she said. Finally, it was decided that she would wear a long-sleeved pink shirt with her own bottoms. Then Andrea spent some time sitting in a chair while the makeup artist fixed her hair and makeup. · "I love sitting in that chair," Andrea said. "It feels so special." After every couple of takes, the makeup lady would pat her face with powder, and once even re-did the lipstick.

Andrea estimates that her scene was filmed over 20 times, from all different angles and positions. A large microphone was positioned over Andrea and the other girls in order to amplify their voices. The cameramen were trying to get a close-up on the girl who played Dani, so there was a kind of train track around the kitchen with a camera moving along it over and over. "They had this clapper, and when the director said, 'rolling,' everyone had to be quiet and hold their breath until he said, 'cut,' "Andrea remembered.

Andrea has auditioned for other parts since the ABC After-School Special, . which aiied in the beginning of April.

She tried out for a T.V. pilot, a few industrials, and even a Frosted Flakes commercial, and obtained a walk-on part in Another World. a daytime soap opera; it aired in April.

"My character type is no tan all-American girl, and not a model," she said. "I look young, so the parts I audition for are usually for ·someone 12-15 years old.

People like the maturity that they get from someone who is older," she said.

Of course, her whole career has not been smooth sailing. "My parents would rather I be a lawyer," Andrea said. "But they know I really want to do this. They know I am serious about it, and that is why they are letting me."

Her advice to someone interested ih acting: "You must be ready to face rejection, and you have to have thick skin. I go on a lot t:~f auditions, and when I don 'tget the part, I don't let it bother me." She strongly recommends Weist Barron and credits them for getting her acting career underway.

Andrea plans to attend Queens College next year. She wants to major in acting, but also plans to get-expertise in an alternative field should her acting aspirations fall short. However, for now, Andrea savors her most "memorable day of all," the ABC After- School Special. "I will always remember that day," she said.

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Letters to the Editor Suicide·: Listen for clues To the Editor: Suicide is a serious problem which I'm sure has affected many members of the Townsend Harris community-as profoundly as it has affected me. I was impressed tha~ The Classic had such a comprehensive article concerning the issue of teen suicide, and commenting on suicides in &.eneral.

Even more of an impact came from a startling figure: 5,000 deaths from suicide in one year for people people between the ages of 15 and 24. A friend of mine, Transit Police Officer Robert "Bobby" Smith, became one of those 5,000 on OCtober 2nd, 1994. Bobby's passing had a very numbing effect on many of my colleagues at the Volunteer Ambulance Corps where I work. Bobby appeared to be a very happy person; he cared a great d~al for the well-being of others, which is why he became a police officer and an emergency medical technician. Suicidal tendencies may not always be obvious, · and many people who were close friends of Bobby never expected what happened ..... As with most suicides, we're still wondering "why," why did he do this? And, perhaps the most painful, "Why did he do this to us?" and "why didn't we do anything to help him?" The people left behind in a suicide feel a lot of anger, guilt, and confusion. The hardest part was when we realized that Bobby's cry for help was [in the form of] his comments like, "Someone take my gun and shoot me," comments left unnoticed until it was much too late.

Suicide does leave a lot of pain, guilt, and unanswered questions. It's something that should never have to be. We need to talk to other people when we are having trouble, and to be there for people when they need us. Too many people hav~ fallen victim to their feelings of unhappiness and loneliness .

Brenda M. Morrissey, ,!95 P.S. And to Bobby: No matter what happened, we're always gonnamiss you, bro'.

Inaccurate tile should be changed To the Editor: As I walked around our new building on April 24, I was excited by the whole idea of finally being able to see the move (which I did not think I would see before my graduation) and to see all the things we never had before, but I was slightly disappointed to see something else: As I looked at the multiple and colorful tiles in the building, I saw one that said, "Last to Journey to Queens College: Class of '94." This is an obvious mistake, yet im_understandable one, considering the multiple moving date postponements. Even though I realize why it happened, I still want it changed.

First of all, I traveled from the old building to the college almost every school day for eight months along with many others, and not to acknowledge our resulting discomfort is disrespectful. Second, in future years, I do not want to return to my alma mater and be disappointed by seeing the mistake still written. Last of,all, history should not be.recorded incorrectly.

To some, this might seem unimportant, but to me the correetion is a necessity. Many of us are proud that we were the last seniors in the old building and the frrst in the new building, and to have that tile in the building slightly dampens our pride. All it will take to fix the error is a ladder, no more than a dollars' worth of paint, and a moderately skilled hand. It can be done. ; .

ShaneUe Alston, '95 P$. If nothing else can be achieved by this letter, at least this will be a written record of the tile mistake.

First clqss in new building wins honors ,· <Continued from page 1) Seth Cohen who came away with awarpsin nearly every subject. Other students alSo received high honors. Teachers presented Jennifer Chao with a plaque for outstanding service to the school and community. Seth Cohen won the plaquerfor the highest achievement in English: Matthew Caldecutt took home the plaque for the highest achievement in social studies. Stefania Heim won the plaque for highest mathematics achievement and most valuable instrumentalist in the Concert Band. Veronica Tom received the Bausch and Lomb Medal for the sciences. Conor Kilpatrick and Jeiinifer Conlisk earned plaques for outstanding male and .female athletes. Many other seniors departed from the ceremony with multiple medals and certificates.

Students offered fmal comments, many reminiscing about their experiences in the school.

Vanessa Morales remembered how one of her classmates, Themis Millas, enlivened fortnal ceremonies such as Arista and Archon inductions. "They have been so memorable because ofThemis' many dance moves," she said. "I'm going to miss having him around to make me laugh."

"As a fmal tribute to Townsend Harris," Elisabeth Gibbons said she plans to "dye part of my hair crimson and gold for graduation."

Andrea.Levine commented on the flight of time • She said, "It seems like just a few minutes ago · that I was worried about whether I'd survive Townsend Harris, but now I'm preparing for college."

The seniors.spent many hours this year preparing applications and looking into colleges. Marilyn Blier, who took over as College Advisor from Paul Vicino mid-year, spoke about how much she enjoyed helping this class. "They were really a nice group to work with," she said, and added that the . experience made her feel as if she were perpetually seventeen · Students spent the time after classes ended attending parties, discussing summer plans, exchanging a<ldfesses and wondering about the:future. , Celinda Cassanova expressed appreciation to the other students in the school for giving her "memories that will last forever." ·

·Nix says ·Nocto lntramurals receiving it, and made to stay beyo~d the half court line during foul shooting. Ms. Nix maintained that the rules were meant to "give players a chance to perform as they should have been aU along. They were not the least bit extrt;lne. I don't think that shaking bands, and saying 'please' and 'thankh'ou' are extreme measures.".

Sophomore Michael Rios disagreed; "The rules were bad because if you're in the heat of the moment, you can't yell 'timeout, 1 please!"'

Seniors Jeremy Sage and Emilio Boehringer agreed. "The rules. were demeaning because we kind of bad to bow down to Ms. Nix," said Jeremy. "I respect her greatly, ;but the rules were unneces~ sary," he said. ' Emilio added, "She [Nix.] blew. it ~tally out of proportion with ' the rules. It Wa$ a total insult."

Some players saw a purpose to ~s. Nix's rules. Junior Alex Georgiadis said, "We need those rules. The sportsmanship was •· not there. The players could have been a little nicer."

S6phomore George Matakis agreed. "The rules were good. .

Ultimately, they made us better players," he said.

Ms. Nix regrets that those who did display strong character and r~sponsibility should be penalized. "Not everyone is involved here, but the lack of character was rampant," she shld. Asked whether the abrupt termination of the tournament precludes students from redeeming themselves, she said, "The rules were meant to do that, and that didn't go over well. I am )loping they [students] will .Change, but they will do it with someone else~" · :'If Ms. Nix's thoughts about thisare final, it would indeed be a terrible blow to the physical education department," said Principal : Malcolm Largmann. "However, it is not difficult to understand ' her motivation. We should always hope that improvement lies just around the corner. Perhpas a layoff for a season will shOw the students that there are values that must be reconsidered. I would urge teachers to make this priority so that expectations of competition are constantly ·being ~ught to the students."

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1 Ladies' tennis team defeated by champs was extremely strong and the

by Heather Paterson After losing to Mid wood High attitude was most pleasant.

School in the second round of They wanted to win and the playoffs, the Ladies' Varsity encouraged each other to do so; Tennis team was again defeated there was very good support. by the current city champs in the Everyone gave 100%," Mayor's Cup. Only the top commented Ms. Schwartz.

Right up until the playoffs, _the teams in the city are invited to' attend this championship, held team's situation was still very on June 3 at the National Tennis · unstable. The girls' dedication Center in Flushing Meadow and ability to give it their all was put to the test. Though they had Park.

The girls beat Forest Hills only lost twice to their toughest . High School, 3-2, in the ftrst division opponent, Cardozo, round of the playoffs. However, their division rank was still not they were unable to overcome · deftnite. They needed to win Midwood in the second round. over their long time rival, "Midwood is extremely good. Bayside High School, in order We just couldn't match their to stay in second place and to · strength; some of their players ·avoid a possible extra· match are ranked," said junior starter, against Van Buren, which was close behind with only three Isabelle Sawicki.

Ending their regular season losses . .

The girls were able to secure with a 7-2 record as well as second place in Queens their second place rank with the Division I, the girls' 1995 wins f(Om their two doubles season was nevertheless an teams and the second singles qverall success. Ellen Schwartz, player, Heather ~aterson, who coach, attributed their favorable fought back from a 7-9 deftcit.

First time members and season to the players' excellent attitude and the efforts of the starters also contributed new starters. "This year's team significantly to the team's

success this year. Senior Rachelle Quiban, and new starter, Natasha Grayso~, junior, played as a second doubles team. They held the best record of the team this. season since they were the only players to defeat Cardozo's second doubles team, 10-8, along with a playoff victory over Midwood's d9ubles team, 10-4.

"It's too bad we didn't have Rachelle in the past. She's a welcomed new member," said Ms .. Schwartz.

Another new starter, Winnie Lok,junior, "greatly" improved from last year which won her the third singles spot on · the team. "All held their own in th~ir new positions," said Ms. Schwartz, "Everyone enjoyed being part of the team and liked playing."

As for next year, the team will . lose two starters. The team hopes to continue their success as a "strong team and possibly one with new and powerful starters," commented Ms. Schwartz.

Softball season Ends·in loss

First time in seven years:

Ladies• Soccer makes semi-finals

by Phyllis Pei For the ftrst time in seven years, the Ladies' Varisity Soccer team made it to the semifinals following an incredible season as Queens Division II Champs. Unfortunately, the ladies could not overcome Tottenville High School, falling in the semi-fmal match, 7-1.

Although Tottenville was leading only 2-1 at the half, Harris was simply unable to adjust itself to the extreme heat and humidity as well as the different turf. "Also, its [Tottenville's] players are a lot more experienced; many of them play year round with travel teams," comme~ted coach Keith Hanson. "The girls should not feel embarrassed

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about losing this game. We went fur,ther than anybody bad expected. We're a young team and we'll be back next year."

Although the team's defense is strong and "not many teams can score against us," commented Mr. Hanson, this was not the case in the' Tottenville game, "We will deftnitely focus and work on our defense next season. We need to have the defense p;tSs like the offense and midfielders," added Mr. Hanson.

Mr. Hanson believes the team's strong points lie in its "balanced offensive attack.,.

With two of the captains, Felicia Vinci, senior, and Adrienne Socci, sophomore, earning 13 goals each, and Jennifer Bellos

scoring 11, the opponents could · by Scot Scher victories this season was against not easily key in on one playyr Queens Vocational. Harris won Ending their 1995 season with since all three were scoring a second round playoff loss to 29-2. "Everyone on the t~ bit threats.

Martin Van Buren High School a bometun and Kelly hit two. "It Cooperation among the girls on May 31, the Girls' Varisity was one of the greatest games bas also contributed to the softball team lost the opportu- we've ever played," commented team's success. "The teamwork nity to advance to the city fmals. junior Christine Gra,n t, bas really improved since the "Our team started off badly- · leftftelder. Another highlight of start of the season. No matter our defense 'broke down in the the season came when the ladies who scores the goals, it's always frrst inning. This was unusual swept St. Edmonds, St. Savior a team effort," said Tara Pater- since our defense is strong," and St. · Agnes high schools. son, freshman.

Harris walked into first place said coach Lawrence Ceraulo.

"I hope we will make it back The ladies gave up seven runs after winning the tlrree game up to the semi-ftnals next year in the frrst inning to Van Buren, series. "We had three straight -we weren't supposed to make who wound up winning 9-7. wins; they were games of smart it this far this season; maybe "We played a very poor game; play, good defense and great we'll do it again," said Mr. our hitting was off, our ftelding hitting. Jennifer Dull (All-City Hanson. . was off, everything went badly Junior pitcher) pitched greaL for us," commented junior Kelly striking out hatter after batter," Claire Schnabel and Liron Olino, shortstop, who was said centerfielder, junior Shapir contributed to this ar- named to the All-City softball Desiree Clemente. ticle "I'm looking forward to the team by New YorkNewsday.

Despite the loss, the ladies quarter fmals next season, if not" continue to rank as the Queens further. The majority of the 2A Division champs for the players will be back, most of fourth consecutive year. Their · whom will be seniors with tlrree overall season record was 24- years' experience," said Mr. Ceraulo. "If we don't do it next 5. . One of the most memorable year, we won't do it at all!"

Amy Kommatas, sophomore, and Teresa Grecsek, junior, get the kinks out before a Girls' Soccer practice. '