The Classic newspaper Volume 15 Issue no. 6

..

-~~

•

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 163 COMMACK, NY

Vol. 15, No. 6. Summer, 1999

asstc Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

.,~"'

.,~

" c "' ....: ~ ....l

"

....l

"'

c ..c: ~

"

~

;>., .&>

B 0

I

..c:

""

Reflecting on her years at Townsend Harris, valedictorian Karen Gluck writes her speech for graduation. She and salutatorian Jenny Mandell gave their addresses at the commencement ceremony, which took place at Colden Auditorium on June 24. The keynote speaker was the Honorable Eliot Spitzer, Attorney General, State of New York. Parent-Teacher Association member Ed Martin and alumnus Lester Friesner, '36, were honored with plaques. Senior awards were distributed earlier at the Baccalaureate ceremony on June 8. For more information on the class of '99, and who's going where to college, see pages 6-7.

Consulting art teacher Anthony Morales, artist Bing Lee chooses artwork tp display in the 'International Visual Arts Competition for Teenagers, 'which will be held in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Maiau July 27-August 4. Mr. Lee first noted the artisitic talent of Harrisites when he collaborated with students to design the tiles which adorn the walls on the second floor. He has selected seven pieces, ranging from photographs to graphic images, to be exhibited with artwork from other countries. Artists whose pieces reveal an independent approach to art and best elucidate the theme, the Millennium, will be awarded prizes.

Spurgeon, Srour, Fried bid fond farewell to 'family'

by Christina Lesica As the Class of 1999leaves, so will three members of the staff. History teacher Judith Fried, Broadcast Journalism teacher Jeff Spurgeon, and Paraprofessional Margaret Srour will prepare fo r life after Townsend Harris.

Judith Fried Declaring that it is very hard to go to another school after Townsend Harris, Ms. Fried is leaving because she was hired for only one term to replace history teacher John Hynes, who went on sabbatical. When Mr. Hynes comes back next year, there will no longer be an open position for her.

"I was crying all day; it makes me very sad to leave," said Ms. Fried.

Above all, she will miss "the kids, who are wonderful. They Jearn and they do their work. They are just outstanding in every respect."

Ms. Fried calls Townsend Harris "a dream school." She also admits, "The teacher workload is enormous, but it is worth every bit of work."

"She was a hard teacher, but a funny person," said senior Tina McDay, an economics student of Ms. Fried.

"Ms. Fried is hilarious. She always cracked me up with her stories during class," said senior Pamela Hilton, another economics student of Ms. l'ried.

Ms. Fried admits she was pleased when she saw the Global History Regents, which was given Friday, June 18.

"My students told me that they laughed when they saw the essay part because everything I said that would be on it

was," she explained. "I was happy because I knew that I had done my job."

The administration, Ms. Fried says, has been "very nice and helpful" as she searches for another teaching position.

She teaches all kinds of history and has taught at other schools, as well as worJ6.

Judith Fried

ing with Russian immigrants and for Prudential Insurance Company.

Jeff Spurgeon Mr. Spurgeon received "an offer I couldn't refuse" to be a full-time radio announcer at radio station WQXR FM, which plays classical music. "It is too good a professional opportunity to pass up," he said.

Despite looking forward to working full-time at a radio station once again, Mr. Spurgeon says, "I will miss the students and the work [at Townsend Harris], which I enjoyed very much."

Townsend Talk Live page3

'

"It was exciting to start the Broadcast Journalism program, but it still has a great distance to go," said Mr. Spurgeon. He added that his biggest

· ·---·--- - - · -··---- ~

Who's Going Where? pp. 6-7

Jeff Spurgeon

frustration while working at Harris was that he could not get everything he wanted done.

Summer Entertainment page9

In addition to the Broadcast Journalism program, Mr. Spurgeon has also been involved with the Election Simulation; the Tech Crew; Townsend Talk Live; the first school radio show; an,d the _s~~ vi~~~,_f.gjsoij!) '99., Jumor Ahce Ahn, who 1s a member of Townsend Talk Live, said, "One of the really great things about Mr. Spurgeon is that although he technically has the last word on what is broadcast, he always lets us decide which stories we want because we're the students and we know what is important. More important, he knows how to teach us to use the equipment. And he is really funny."

"It's sad that he is leaving since he is an important part of this school. But, I know that he has a good job waiting and hopefully he will become successful," said senior David Abraham, who worked with Mr. Spurgeon on Episode '99 and during the Election Simulation.

Mr. Spurgeon came to work at Townsend two years ago, though not always full-time. He has worked at numerous radio stations since he was 17, including KOLT in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, his first station, and Mix 105.

Even while he taught at Townsend Harris, he worked at a station part-time.

Margaret Srour An employee of Townsend Harris since the opening of the new school in 1984, Ms. Srour is retiring because her husband wants to move to Florida, "where his daughter and grandkids are and where it is sunny and warm."

Continued on p. 5 1-

Sports page 12 t~

·

• .. ··

-J

2

The Classic

Summer 1999

Security we can count on Earlier this month, a Harris freshman fell victim to the violent threats of three junior high school girls, demanding money from her in front of the school. Refusing to comply, she ran and sought the aid of security guard Alice Gatling, who went outside, approached the delinquents, and asked for identification. They refused to cooperate and, in fact, began to curse. At this point, Ms. Gatling called for additional help from her security station and the Queens Mobile Task Force. She and fellow guards Marlene Lee and Mohd Nizam cuffed and detained the girls. The police ultimately arrested the trio of delinquents on charges of attempted robbery, criminal trespassing, and misconduct. The freshman's family is now pressing charges.

As per usual at Harris, flagrant rumors of half-truths began to circulate, as friends heard about the incident from their friends who heard it from their friends who

didn't even witness the crime.

Also as per usual, a common sentiment among the students, who knew nothing of the threat, was that security guards and administrators had overreacted again.

Harris students must learn to judge only after knowing the whole truth of a situation. In fact, the guards' actions in handling the aforementioned crime exemplified the care, responsibility, and professionalism of Harris security, which many students take for granted or misconstrue as overprotection.

More importantly, this incident has shown that our basic, daily security measures are at least as effective in ensuring school safety as any of the recent measures taken in the wake of the student rampages at Littleton, Colorado, and Conyers, Georgia.

In September 1998, security guards in New York City public schools became members of the police department. However, Harris security guards seemed to have

followed the police motto of"courtesy, professionalism, and respect" long before they officially joined the police. The added care that our guards have put into their jobs has always been evident, and their handling of the freshman incident only demonstrated this fact. According to Sheila Orner, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. Gatling "was wonderful in caring for and calming down the student" after the crime.

What further differentiates the guards at Harris is each one's apparent effort to become acquainted with, and often befriend, individual students. This effort, which is obviously not required of them, is invaluable in working toward school security by enabling the guards to recognize who belongs in the building.

In reaction to the Littleton and Conyers tragedies, schools across the nation have made a priority of working toward school safety. As previously reported in The Clas-

sic, Townsend Harris responded by forming a tolerance committee that seeks to identify and solve problems among students and to stimulate communication between students and faculty. According to ABC News (4/29/99), such measures of prevention and intervention "can be very effective over time." However, in implementing such programs as Harris' tolerance committee, experts say that schools often "neglect more immediate security concerns." Fortunately, Harris has not done so, as seen in the handling of the attempted robbery.

In order to ensure more complete and constant safety, school experts overwhelmingly advocate "a balanced approach, combining preventative steps with security measures." We owe a great debt of gratitude to our school's security guards for following such an approach and constantly going above and beyond the call of duty to maintain the security of us all.

Letters to the Editor Faculty comments on arts, senior pranks To the Editor: I really enjoyed the latest issue of the Classic, and appreciated the wonderful double-truck on the visual arts at Townsend Harris. The articles were carefully researched, accurate and written to stimulate interest in the school's art renaissance. J was also impressed with the handsome symmetrical layout and design which re-enforced the visual theme of the feature.

As the "fly-on-the wall in your lair," I know how diligently everyone works on each issue and over the course of this year, I've seen the publication mature and improve; there's more confidence and scope in your stories, features, and editorials, and the visuals have been transformed thanks to "Athena's magic." I praise you not, just because I'm the center-fold, but because the newspaper's consistent and careful coverage of the arts since the inception of Project Arts, has been a major force in directing the artistic awakening at school.

Now that the reins of power are being turned over to next year's staff, I

congratulate the senior staff, wish you all the luck in the world, and hug each of you because it has been a joy sharing the "dorm" with you. (Here come the "salty pretzel tears.")

Lois Polansky, Photography teacher Project ARTS Coordinator

To the Editor: Early Thursday morning on June 17, 1999, one of my colleagues called me to come up to the sixth floor ... immediately. He said, "You're not going to use the elevator, are you?" "No," I replied, a bit puzzled. He added, "By the way, use the middle staircase."

My mind raced as to what could have possibly happened. With the security of the Regente exam on my mind, I rushed to the middle staircase and headed upstairs. Just as I reached the landing, I saw hundreds (maybe thousands) of cups filled wiht water, making passage from the fifth floor to the sixth floor impossible. Standing there, all I could see (aside from the cups) was a number of seniors with a look of smug

CORRECTIONS: In "Gruber grabs spotlight in Pippin" (4/99, p. 14), it was written that senior Brian Gruber "enjoys being able to receive the good grades his sisters did not." This statement was not meant to be taken seriously, but rather jokingly, in the same humorous spirit of the entire article. We apologize for any misunderstanding that may have occurred.

satisfaction. It did not take me very long to realize that that my colleague did not intend for me to actually make it to the sixth floor, but rather to be stopped by a diabolical senior "prank." Not to be outdone, I went to another staircase (no, I did not take the elevator) and trudged up to the sixth floor. As I looked down at their handiwork, I saw that they had spelled out "Seniors 99" in red and ble cups.

In the past, there have been a few senior pranks -- some successful, and some decidedly not. The most difficult part of a senior prank is for students to understand the difference between what is humorous and what is malicious.

We all acknowledge the academic ability of the students at Townsend Har-

ris, but I have always had this special feeling about our school, that it is the most "gentle" high school in the city.

This little stunt combined these two attributes with style. I certainly don't advocate every day being like Senior Day or Halloween, but once or twice a year, when they do it with class and taste, the students can make our school, which can be perceived as rather conservative and traditional, a whole lot of fun.

Kudos to the seniors, whose absurdist-but-safe prank made me (and other people on the staff) laugh. Congratulations also on understanding that after you pull a prank, you are responsible for cleaning up as well.

Harry Rattien, Assistant Principal of Mathematics

Alan Fu Editor-in-Chief Christina Lesica

Andrew Goldberg

News Editor

Feature Editor

Brian Griffing

Athena Ledak.is

Sports Editor

Photography Editor

Julia Kohen Business and Circulation Manager

Bosede Adenekan Rebecca Munoz

Lucy Hong Art Editor

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y.ll367 Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cqwen's mailbox in the general office. The C/w·sic reserves the right to edit all letters. Letters must include name and official class. Names will be withheld upon request.

Rachel Nobel Lauren Paley

Assistant Editors

News Staff: Lauren Amorillo, Afton Baff, Noreen Bukhari, Karen DeVita, Lorraine Kapovich, Danielle Lord, Julia Perratore, Carol Pruss

Feature Staff: Jonathan Cofsky, Emmy Favilla, Surabhi Jain, Alice Lee, hene Lew, Christina Pagan, Michele Potofsky, Emily Rubinstein, Steven Seidenfeld, Allison Slotnick

Snorts Staff: Tabitha Hsi, Eric Trager, Mark Von Ohlen Photography Staff: Laura Bassolino, Stephanie Bakirtzis, Venu Dhanaraj, Alice losifescu, Karen Parado, Lisha Perez, Lisa Schapira, Shara Siegel, Kendra Thompson, Eric Trager, Tristan Visconde, Yvette Warenam,

In "Five gain insight at Whitney" (6/99, p. 5), contemporary American artist Glenn Ligon's last name was misspelled as Lygon.

Audley Wilson, Dawn Wing, Hye Kyung Yang, William Yang, Young Yoon

Alliill;. Raymond Baro, Vivian Chang, Doris Ortega, Kelly Purtell, Emily Rivlin-Nadler Advisor - Ilsa Cowen

-- --- ·-- -- -----::--------- -- ------ - - ~--·

Principal • Dr. Malcolm Largmann

.

·~

The Classic Summer 1999

3

New video yearbook stores senior memories

by Julia Perratore The Class of 1999 will be the first to be graduated with living memories of their senior year captured in a video yearbook. This film, which is currently available and is approximately one hour long, chrOnicles this year's social activities and features every member of the senior class.

Pioneering what is hoped to be a new tradition, a committee of seniors headed

by Michael Inwald and supervised by Jeff Spurgeon, broadcast journalism teacher, has been working on the project since late February. The objective of this film is ''to store a big piece of [a senior's] memory," according to Michael, who initiated the idea of a video yearbook and has been instrumental in bringing the project into action, With the broadcasting studio as their headquarters, this group of students has been filming in and around the school, catching the seniors ''signing in and sleeping in the hallways," said staff member Caryn Kerman. The video yearbook seeks to record the everyday life of seniors as they go to classes and hang out, and to compile footage of major events of the year, such as Founder's

Day and the election simulation, The ability to watch live-action footage of senior year is what differenti-

enough, this film provides them with the opportunity to see and hear cla!!smates long after graduation. Senior David

~ j ~

· S

~

.•.

..

•. ,

M"kln11 the final edits on the Senior VIdeo Y!l..rbook, aenlors Michael Inwald and David Abraham hope to start a tradition at Harria.

ates the video yearbook from the traditonal version. For those who feel having still photographs on paper is not

Abraham. a staff member, said, "You get a different feeling when you watch it all happen, and it's an enjoyable way to rc-

member the past fou~years.'' Unlike the yearbook, which features all four grades, this video only spotlights the seniors.

Michael t>aid he got the idea of the video after hearing of other s_tudents' middle schools creating similar video yearbook projects.

Response to the video yearbook by fellow seniors has been less enthusiastic than was originally e~pected.

"People have not taken the project seriously, partially because it is so much work," Michael said, He affirms that the constant filming and editing is timeconsuming, and also points out that the committee did not begin work on the yearbook until late February.

Those on the video yearbook staff have already decided their favorite segments. David and fellow committee member Nicole Zuchelli cite the ''senior montage,'' which features candid shots and clips of each graduate, as their favorite part. The committee members are proud of their work and nope to inspire future graduating classes to create their own video yearbooks.

"I hope other grades will view ours and see how important it if> as a tradition," said Michael;

Radio show features news, music Five win honors at history semifinals

by Lorraine Kapovlch Hear anything good over the loud speaker lately? Besides the pledge and the usual announcements, you may have heard the new radio show called Townsend Talk Live. It hit the air waves on Apri120, leaving many students surprised to actually hear modern music overtheloudspeake~

Townsend Talk Live informs students of breaking Townsend Harris news, and includes sports as well as features. There are also music cuts to spice things up a bit.

Townsend Talk Live began as an idea conjured up by junior Andrew Falzon, who is the show's creator, producer and director. "I wanted to do a media,oriented show ever since I got into the school,'' said Andrew. When he saw all that equipment in 515, he knew something had to be done, so he sent a proposal to Principal Malcolm Largmann.

With the approval of Dr, Largmann and the guidance of broadcast journalism teacher Jeff Spurgeon, Townsend Talk Live's staff was ready to create the first show, The staff, made up of about seven students, believ~s that producing the broadcast is by no means an easy task.

"It takes a long time to do stories and there are a lot of problems,'' says Townsend Talk Live's assistant director, junior Hari Kondabolu. The staff spends many mornings, afternoons, and lunch bands in room 515 keeping up to date with the news, After choosing the most relevant stories, they do everything from interviewing and researching to producing the show. The final product must be approved by Mr. Spurgeon before it is aired.

Mr. Spurgeon is happy to see that the radio broadcast is effective. ''The point of the show is to get students' hands on equipment in a way that puts something at stake for them; that's the best way to learn," said Mr. Spurgeon. He adds, "We also want to increase a sense of community at Townsend Harris through , better publicity of teams, achievements, and activities."

According to an agreement between Dr. Largmann and Townsend Talk Live, the broadcast can be no longer than five minutes. The staff spends long hours editing to make sure the broadcast doesn't exceed the five-minute limit.

The show is run every other Monday or Tuesday during 9th band, depending on how soon they are able to complete it, Because some teachers decided not to have Towns~nd Talk Live broadcast in their classrooms, some students may not have heard the radio show.

The Townsend Talk Live staff says that anyone who has an idea for a story should contact Andrew Fal;z;on. "Hey Andrew, I have an idea; give me a tape," said staff member Alice Ahn, junior.

Andrew says he would like Townsend Talk Live to have an email server so students could email their Ideas and comments about the broadcasts.

The staff of Townsend Talk Live is always looking to improve, and to meet their goal of making each show one that will Inform the students in an entertaining fashion. They plan to expand the show by writing editorial pieces and by getting input from the students. All in all, the staff says they just want to make Townsend Harris a "happier, brighter place." ·Andrew Falzon swears by his philosophy; "stop, look, and laugh."

by Steven Seidenfeld Under the leadership of social llci-

ence research teacher Anthony Scamati, five 11tudents won recognition at the semifinals of New York State History Day in Cooperstown, New York on April 30. Each of the nine competitors from Harris had been a winner at a local History Day Fair. The aemi-f!nals took place at several venues, including the National aaseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers Museum, and the Fenimore Art Museum.

Townsend Harris's citywide winners . went to the State competition where five won recognition. Marcia Regen and Ilana Rosein, sophomores, finished first for their documentary entitled "The Impact of the Space Race on Society," Eric Trager and Steven Seidenfeld, sophomores, finished second and third -in the hi~>torical research paper competition for their respective papers on red light traffic cameras and 0.1. Joe. In addition, . sophomore Adrienne Brailsford received special recognition from The New York Times for her project on the Tuskegee syphilis e~peri­ ment and a free one-year subscription to The New York Times for the school,

Sophomore Cathy Dounis received recoanition for the mo11t relevant proiect

to New York State with her documentary on "The Effects of PCB Contami· nation on the East River," for which she won a $100 cash award, The final competition for the National History Day program took place from June 14 to 19 at the University of Maryland. Marcia Regen, Ilana Rosein, and Steven Seidenfeld represented Harris. They competed for prizes that in· eluded four-year college scholarships and cash priz.es but did not win any.

Many Harris students were given a flavor of National History Day on April 20, when the social science research class presented assembly programs during the eighth an~ ninth bands. Students from Global History and English classes were invited to watch video presenta• tions narrated by Eric Trager and Steven Seidenfe.ld. Those Harrisites who had entered the competition in the performance categories pre-recorded their entries. Those who used other media, such as research papers, spoke briefly on their topics, explaining their research mrth· ods, the significance of their subject;· and its impact on history. ·

Overheard In Class...

"It's from the Board of Ed. I can't imagine why it wouldn't work." ·Physics teacher Phillip Jone$ "It's the Coulomb Law, named after a person called Law." • Physics teacher Phillip Jones "That's the comment I made 15 minutes ago. I noticed that's the speed of sound in Queens.''

• Latin teacher Richard Russo, commenting on a remark by a student

t:"

,~

The Classic

4

Summer1999

''

~

. ·.·~·

· .'·

·· .. ",·

-~:

.. · .. '· :

-

Sigety, '39, shares history through rare documents

By Noreen Bukhari A Massachusetts Son newspaper from July 17,177~ which contained a copy of The Declaration of Independence, a survey of property in Virginia made by George Washington, and an issue of The Oxford Gazette, the first newspaper ever published, were among the plethora of original documents presented in the library by Charles Sigety, an alumnus of Townsend Harris, class of '39, and his colleagues Bruce Gimelson and Mark Mitchell. These guest speakers, who brought rare documents from their private collection, gave a hands-on historical show and fell in the library on April 29, all as part of Principal for a Day, an annual citywide program sponsored by the Pencil Company.

The purpose of the Principal for a Day program, according to Principal Malcolm Largmann, is to give people in business professions an opportunity to experience New York City public schools and to become interested enough to build a lasting relationship.

This year, several politicians also participated in the program, including Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who was principal ofPS 123 in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and First Lady Hillary Clinton, who served as principal of a New York City junior high school for the day.

Global and American History

r

classes were invited to the library to see the documents during their class time.

Mr. Mitchell showed the global history classes documents connected with world events, such as an original issue of the Montreal Daily Star, which stated erroneously that the Titanic had been rescued, and a newspaper that contained the agreement for the Louisiana Purchase, with arguments for and against the $15 million purchase. Global history teacher Susan Getting, who was impressed by the size of the collection, said, "Looking at documents is a great way to learn history because when you see them in person, it makes history more real than textbooks."

American history classes perused presidential correspondences collected

by Mr. Siggety and Mr. Gimelson, including a letter written by President Truman to his wife and the minutes of the Continental Congress sessions. "I learned that when I grow up, I should collect bounced checks of presidents;" said junior Lucy Mo after viewing the exhibit.

- Mr. Sigety, whose favorite document is a land survey which was written by George Washington at the age of 18, recalled that the first document he collected was a letter from President James Polk to his Secretary of the Treasury.

"The notion of holdirtg a document written by a President [was] amazing," he

"5 reasons you

IS

•

-~ ~

-~"

.. ] .. "'

why should takP our

-~

;;

j

•

j -=

I

.!

~

I

E

cours~.""

I

I

_g

1

J

Personal attention ·

l 2

Smali classes (8-12 students) mean plenty of personal attention. Would you rather work one-on-one? No one tutors more students for the SAT than we do.

Better research We spend millions of dollars each year researching tests and revising our techniques and materials. For example, our new web-based computer adaptive tes~in~ to'?l uses your computer to he.p ra1se your scores.

3 Better scores

Princeton Review SAT course students improve an average of 140 points. 25% of our stuaents improve 190 points or more. Ask anyone else for independent verification of their improvements.

..

1'"' ...-~

4· Better colleges 9

More than out of 10 Princeton · Review students get into one · of their top-choice colleges.

5

~ ~ -i ]

Guaranteed results

J

If you don't improve your scores at least 100 points, we'll work with you until you do.

1

~ .~

:3

Call or visit us at 1 • 800 • 2 REVIEW www.review.com

- ~THE PRINCETON REVIEW

i" j I ·1 I

j

said. When questioned about why he decided to start his hobby, Mr. Sigety responded, "When you succeed in life, you make a decision about what to do with the money. Some people choose philanthropy. I have chosen to collect rare historical documents." Mr. Sigety, who has alre<;tdy acquired documents signed by Elizabeth I and Henry VIII, says his current goal is to collect documents signed by every European monarch.

This is not the first time the Townsend Harris newspaper is writing about Mr. Siggety. The last time was on October 24, 1938, when The Stadium, the "old" Harris newspaper, reported on his promotion to editor of Crimson & Gold, the school yearbook. After speak-

ing with many students about their plans for the future, and recalling his years at the old Townsend Harris at City College, Mr. Sigety suggested that Townsend Harris set aside a Career Day to introduce students to the various business opportunities available to them in the working world.

Besides presenting documents in an attempt to personalize history for students , Mr. Sigety and his colleagues observed classes throughout the day.

Mr. Gimelson, who noted that "the urgency of acquiring knowledge [at Townsend Harris] was amazing," was particularly impressed by what he saw.

After touring the school, he said, "My faith in the youth of America has been restored."

Bri·efly Once again, Newsday has awarded Townsend Harris a grant with which to run next year's Election Simulation.

Sophomores Nishant Ceyyur, Michael Chau, Amy Herzog, Alice Iosifescu, Craig Kerman, Michele Potofsky, and Collette Spalding aH received perfect scores on the National Latin Examination.

Junior Roushan Rahman won the WNYC poetry contest and will read her poem on the radio.

The following Harrisites were among the top 50,000 highest scorers in the National Merit Scholarship Program for the Class of2000. Their scores represent the top 5% of the country. Congratulations to Alice Ahn, Steve Berman, Jonathan Blum, . Jack Bouba, Jessica Bynoe, Samantha Carfi, Eugene Dubovoy, Alejandro Fernand.e z, Andrew Franklin, Ariela Fryman, Dara Goodman, Angela Kontopanos, Jasmin Kovarsy, Kimberly Kozma, Diana Lang, Patricia Maloney, Kofi Mensah, S:hivana Naidoo, Divya Narendra, Magdalena Podlecka, Jackie Rubin, Konstantin Rubinov, Tina Shih, Joshua Stem, Jane Storck, Corrine Tam, Venessa Tari, Margarita Vrettos, and Anne Zangos.

Fencer Michael Pasinkoff, senior; has been named the 1999 Iron Horse Winner, the outstanding fencer in New York: City. Michael also finished ftrst in the Under 19 North Atlantic Foil Sectional, and third in the North Atlantic Men's Foil Sectional competitions.

Juniors Krystai Roopchand, Stephanie Mandell, and Eiiz:abeth Patti are semi-finalists in the Quality of Life contest, sponsored by Solomon Brothers I Smith Barney I Merging Business and Academics.

They identified a quality of life issue, researched it, and proposed solutions. K.rystal studied the effect of music instead of bells on students'

moods, and Elizabeth and Stephanie partnered on the use of recycled rubber on city playgrounds. They were all awarded summer internships.

Stefan Muehlbauer, junior, received third place in the 1999 International Science and Engineering Fair for his work on conservation..

Jonathan Cofsky, sophomore, and Eva Raj, junior, were awarded Honorable Mention in The DuPont Challenge, a nationwide science essay program.

Kudos to junior Cathy Lin, who made the New York City All-State Orchestra, for violin, and to sophomore Janie Lin, who was also accepted for flute. They passed their auditions and will join the orchestra ne'X.t year.

Several seniors distinguished themselves in the Bertelsmann World of Expression Scholarship Program: Lauren O'Connor won $2,000 for her poetry; Julia Perratore received $1,000 for her poetry as well; Julie Heimrath won $1,000 for her personal essay; and Michael Inwald was awarded $1,000 for music. Congratulations., also, Jo music teacher Peter Lustig, who received a $1,000 grant for submitting the most entries in Queens.

Senior Emily Bloch is this year's winner of the Theodore Roosevelt Oratory Contest. Emily wrote and rendered a five-minute speech from the point of view of Roosevelt's grand-daughter. Congratulations to EmHy and Debra Mic:hlewitz, her English teacher.

Senior Annette Orzechowski was a top winner in the English Speaking Union's annual essay competition. She received $500.

Senior Alan Fu was chosen by People Magazine as a Teen Scholar for his work on the school newspaper. He has received $5,000 and a summer internship at Teen People, and will have his profile published in the magazine.

..

'4

The Classic

5 New study satiates thirst for truth about water Summer 1999

by Allison Slotnick .

When you are thirsty for water, do you turn on the tap or go for a bottle?

Many Americans, including Townsend Harris students, choose bottled water.

The majority of Harrisites seem to be under the false impression that bottled water is always healthier than our own tap, according to a survey taken in May of 150 Townsend Harris students. This impression has made the bottled water industry a $4 billion a-year business.

However, many people are not aware of what is in their bottled water, and that the tap may be much safer.

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a non-profit organization, recently conducted a study of 103 brands of bottled water to test for bacteria, inorganic contaminants and synthetic chemicals. In general, about one-third of the waters they tested contained some level of contamination.

Anna Olson, a freshman, said she prefers to drink bottled water because "it is much healthier than tap." Nearly 25% of those surveyed assumed bottled water to be healthier. Shara Siegel, a ninth grader, always thought that bottled .water was healthier because "the government requires filtration of the bottled

water and makes sure there is no bacteria; also, the label always shows a clean stream and says the water is pure." However, according to the NRDC's study, many of the companies selling bottled water use this technique as a way to lure consumers into a false sense of security. One brand whose label said "Spring Water" and featured a picture of a lake surrounded by mountains, actually came from a parking lot located next to a hazardous waste site, according to the NRDC's study. In 1995, however, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that misleading labels are illegal.

Ninety percent of those surveyed preferred Poland Spring water to all other brands of bottled water. The NRDC's study placed Poland Spring on the 'Selected Waters To Watch' list. Its reasoning was that Pola~d Spring broke a bacteria count guideline, and the water exceeded legal chlorine levels.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of testing tap

water, while the FDA must make sure that bottled water is safe. The standards for the two waters are extremely different. Disinfection is required for tap, but not bottled water. Bacteria is tested for only once a week in bottled water, but hundr/eds of times a month in tap. Tap water is required to pass a test for viruses while bottled water is not. Even the bottled water health rules allow for some contamination

by E. Coli or fecal coliform. Despite these differences, public concern has risen about tap water and bottled water sales have tripled in the past 10 years.

When asked to rate bottled and tap water on a scale of one to five, with one being the worst, students gave tap water a three on average while bottled water obtained a four. Since the school fountain water comes from the New York City reservoir system, it can be concluded from the NRDC's study that it is much safer than many bottled water brands. All of the Townsend Harris students surveyed who responded that they

Reiterating an old message:

SPE strives to foster recycli.ng

by Lauren Paley Peanut butter and jelly-gum-applejuice-popcorn served in a soda can and decorated with a ripped brown paper bag. No, it's not a new treat at the Student Union store. It's not even a new science research experiment. It's simply the combined garbage of students after three bands oflunch have met. But it's nowhere near a tall white garbage can. Instead, it's found lying in the large blue recycling bin where a sign hanging over it reads in large red letters; "BOTTLES AND CANS ONLY." According to New York City law and Department of Sanitation regulations, "Principals, custodians, food service staff, teachers and students all have responsibilities to make sure materials designated for recycling are kept separate from garbage and properly placed out for collection." Townsend Harris custodians, however, confirm that regular garbage is often thrown into recycling bins, "contaminating" the recyclables. Once recyclables in the blue bins mix with trash, they must be bagged together as garbage and no recycling is accomplished. The smaller green paper and blue can bins in classrooms also have run into the same problems.

Most Harrisites randomly interviewed in the hall said they felt the only place where recycling was reliably done was in the science rooms on the sixth floor. "Lunch lab is really when it's enforced," remarked Yvette Wareham, a freshman and Students for the Preservation of the Earth (S.P.E.) member. The cans and bottles in these rooms tradi-

tionally have never been organized by color-coded bins. Instead they are left out on shelves and counters where members of the environmental club collect and sort them.

In past years, S.P.E. members would also search for redeemable cans in the large blue recycling bins. But recent conditions in recycling have been so bad that numerous sanitary and health codes forbid them from coming in any contact with the contents of a bin. "I look in the [bins] every time I pass them and students don't recycle," said S.P.E. adviser Susan Getting. "I'm beginning to think that kids need to take reading classes to read signs on how to recycle."

The signs Ms. Getting refers to were put up early last fall to try to encourage correct use of the big blue bins in hall dividers. Last December, a meeting was held with the custodial staff, S.P.E. and fornier S.P.E. adviser Odile Garcia. One of Ms. Garcia's main concerns was the fact that the school still does not have a separate dumpster for recycling. Ever since the move from the old Townsend Harris High School building on Parsons Boulevard five years ago, "recycling has not been the same," said Ms. Garcia. It took a few years to get the Department of Sanitation to recognize the new school building for recycling and even now pick ups are only once every two weeks. Custodians say this long time in between pick-ups makes it harder to keep recycling bins clean.

Custodial engineer Joseph DiGiacomo said another problem is that the Department of Sanitation is unde-

pendable. "If it's not picked up recycling day," he says, "it goes in the garbage."

Mr. DiGiacomo explained that unlike residential recyclables which may eventually get picked up, school recyclables have been left untouched in the past.

The custodial staff, however, is making trash cans more accessible to where garbage used to be thrown away in the large blue bins. Also S.P.E. began an educational campaign about recycling in the school last January with 100% recycled signs. Besides their peers, they also hope to reach school staff who may be able to reiterate their message during classes. Many members admit it does get tiresome repeating themselves over and over, but as sophomore Athena Kalogiannas described it, "It is effective because it gets on everyone's nerves to the point that you just do it!"

S.P.E.'s main focus now is re-teaching the school about the recycling program. They are also keeping a watchful eye on legislation in City Hall which may increase recycling pick-ups to once a week in Queens. The original 1989 recycling law was modified as early as two years ago to include mixed paper.

What it all comes down to is the law, and S.P.E. agrees with freshman Sabrina Banham, who says, "Garbage is garbage, but you have to recycle [the] other stuff."

Sources: The Department of Sanitation <http:// www.ci.nyc.ny.us> Environmental Defense Fund <http:// www.edf.org>

drank bottled water for health reasons also indicated that they would switch waters if they found out that it was hazardous to their health.

Linda To, freshman, feels that "bottled water laws should be altered and a filtration system should be made mandatory." The NRDC seems to concur with Linda in its list of recommendations for improving bottled water safety. Among the suggested precautions were that "the FDA should set strict limits for contaminants in bottled water." They also feel that "a pennyper-bottle fee should be initiated on bottled water to fund testing, regulatory programs, and enforcement at both state and national levels."

It is hard to tell whether or not the NRDC's study will impact bottled water sales or how the FDA will treat the results. Now, though, the public is more informed and can decide on their own which type of water they will drink.

Sources: Lambert, Victor. "Bottled Water: New Trends, New Rules." <www.fda.gov> "Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?"

NRDC Online. <www.nrdc.org> "Water Requirements." Encyclopedia Britannica. CD-ROM. Britannica. 1998.

Three staff members depart from 'family' Continued from p.l At first, Ms. Srour worked at Townsend as a health aide. She has worked in the attendance office under Harriette Blechman, English teacher and Attendance Coordinator, for 12 years.

"Ms. Srour will be greatly missed. I am losing my right arm. She is a good friend; I will miss her on a personal level, too," said Ms. Blechman.

Ms. Srour says she will miss her coworkers, "the wonderful people who gave me a great surprise party." Some of the friendships she made here will last "for the rest of my life."

Comparing Townsend Harris in 1984 and 1999, Ms. Srour notes that not much has changed, saying that the kids and staff are still "sweet and friendly." One thing that she misses from the old building, however, is the closeness of the staff. Ms. Srour says that since the new building is so large, "the staff does not see each other as often," though she admits that in the old building, the staff was "too close at times." ,.

Ms. Srour counts among the "benefits" of her work experience the oneto-one contact with students, ~articu足 larly the seniors and the attendance monitors. "It is nice to get to know them," she says.

"Ms. Srour is very nice and friendly; she greets us tired seniors warmly when we come to sign in," said senior Adriana Paska.

At the beginning of her retirement, Ms. Srour plans to watch her grandson until he starts kindergarten in a few years. She then hopes to venture back into the workplace, though "it will not be back at a school, but in another field."

6 8::~~~~::9 t ' ,.,. .. '''""'

. " . . -..

~.

,.

The Class of 1999

by Alan Fu During a college application season which The New York Times called "the most competitive in the nation's history," the class of '99 at Harris managed to do "very, very well"- and break several records in the process, according to college

advisor Marilyn Blier.

The size of this year's senior class was in itself a record-breaker.

Standing at 263 students, the class of '99 is the largest ever to be graduated from Townsend Harris. This class was also awarded the most scholarship money won by a '

graduating class: $18,247,322.

Despite the larger size of the grade, this feat is "still phenomenal," Ms. Blier asserted.

The class of '99 managed to break more records with individual colleges. With 12 of 18 accepted students going to Cornell Univer-

sity, this is the largest yield of students ever to go to Cornell. This year, Harris also saw the largest number of its students go to Queens College with honors scholarships.

This year's seniors ultimately succeeded because they "were

very, very bright, had done s cant school and communit vice, and could write very said Ms. Blier. In effect, ", one got into a place that they feel proud of," she added.

In retrospect, Ms. Blit served one unique quality

The Classic Vk;'i!ff~ .•~\. '1.1i5~'!i;~t:'?.' .~-.;j;>}o " · ':::...;-. -et'

6 .dJ:i+rNAW?

~ho's

.! Summer 1999

7

Going Where?

class of '99. "This year's class was and what kind of situation they a much more individualistic class," wanted to be in."

Ms. Blier also noticed a couple she said. "This was a class that could take a lot of responsibility, of trends in the class of' 99. "With could make decisions and follow . the growing financial crunch, more through on their own." She added, kids are opting to stay in New York "This class was much more deci- to take advantage of TAP money," sive in terms of what they wanted said Ms. Blier, referring to how

students are more wary of financing a college education and the benefits of New York State financial aid, called TAP. Ms. Blier further observed, "The love affair with NYU continues," referring to the 25 students who chose to attend New York University.

The New York Times states that "there is every lndic(ltion that the trend [of stiffer college competition] will intensify over the next 10 years." Anticipating this trend, Ms. Blier continues to pursue one goal: to expand students' horizons, beyond NYU and the Ivy League.

She said, "Students' interests and knowledge of schools have to be broadened."

Source: Bronner, Ethan. "For '99 College Applicants, Stiffest Competition Ever." The New York Times.

June 12, 1999.

..

'"'

8 Custodial staff keeps building sa.fe, clean;

by Bosede Adenekan Everyone sees the custodians cleaning and fixing things in the halls and in classrooms. Maybe some give the men in blue a friendly smile, or even make a little small talk with Margie Mentz, yet they still know little about the custodial staff members.

Joseph DiGiacomo CUSTODIAL ENGINEER Standing tall with jet black hair, Joseph DiGiacomo is not somebody one would see roaming the halls every day.

Mr. DiGiacomo, the custodial engineer, 路 usually stays in his office on the ground floor. There, he does necessary paperwork, such as preparing payroll and filing reports. In this room, he is also alerted about any maintenance emergency, such as a fire. The Alarm Control Panel locates the site of the problem so Mr. DiGiacomo can contact the necessary custodians to investigate it. Then, Mr. DiGiacomo reports the outcome to Malcolm Rossman, Assistant Principal of Organization, who is often heard announcing, "Please excuse this interruption. It was a false alarm from Room 604."

To sum up Mr. DiGiacomo's position, he is the boss.

"I don't like my job," said Mr. DiGiacomo, "I love it." His job entails many aspects, ranging from building facilities and plant operations for the school to hiring and supervising the custodial staff.

"I try to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment," he said. As a custodial engineer, he interacts with the school community, including the administration. "Without communication, there would be chaos," he said. Herecalled battling with contractors to raise the quality of the school up to the standards of the Board of Education. "Mr. DiGiacamo is very strong-minded," said Ms. Mentz, a cleaner.

Mr. DiGiacomo has been working at Townsend Harris since April 24, 1995, when the new building opened. His career as a school custodian began in 1962 as a cleaner. Mr. DiGiacomo continued to rise in rank while he acquired many licenses, which now hang in his office. Such licenses make him a certified station engineer, refrigeration engineer, exterminator, and school teacher. Furthermore, he also has several licenses required by the fire department.

With all these accomplishments under his belt, Mr. DiGiacomo's goal is to improve "our beautiful residence" mechanically and structurally. "The job is very challenging but rewarding," he said.

Mr. DiGiacomo admits that his job is a lot to handle. "Things become strained," he said. "Stress is the main challenge."

For many, this stressful career could dampen their spirits, but this is not the

case with Mr. DiGiacomo. He has a powerful weapon: meditation. "Meditation gives me a natural high and that's the only good high you'll ever get- the adrenaline's going, pure and honest," said Mr. DiGiacomo.

In order to meditate, Mr. DiGiacamo said one must find a quiet spot with minimum light and a comfortable chair to sit in. Taking in deep breaths, one must totally relax and release everything. "It is in this gap between the conscious state and the .trans-conscious state where I place my wants and desires.

Then, they go out of the gap into the universe, which takes these requests and resolves them," said Mr. DiGiacomo.

Mr. DiGiacomo is a man willing to share his wisdom, offering spiritual advice to his staff.

"Love is the key factor, love of everything, including oneself," Mr.

"I say, 'Have a good night. God bless come here, can I do that?' I would love you ... Buenas noches. Vaya con Dios, to see her attend this school." and adios,"' he explained.

Mr. Saez joined his first custodial Mr. DiGiacomo is interested in psy- 路 staff in 1972. Like the custodial engineer, he worked his way "from the bottom up," he said. He first started out as a cleaner, moved up to being a handyman, and now is a fireman. Mr. Saez also acquired many licenses for operating such machinery as the boilers and stand pipes, also known as the sprinkler system.

Mr. Saez has little free time.

"I work six days a week and the rest of the time is spent in my church, Brooklyn Tabernacle," he explained. Despite this, he still has hobbies: fishing and bowling.

"Fishing is the best thing to do to John Maderich relax. You don't worry about anything. You just think, 'Gotta chology. "It is my major passion," he catch that fish."' said. Of all the cultures he enjoys reading about, he is particularly impressed with the Indian culture and the teachings of passiveness.

Most importantly, Mr. DiGiacomo is a family man. In his office, pictures of The cleaners are more familiar sights his daughters and his wife adorn the to students. Hector Benitez (handywalls. man), John Maderich, Margie Mentz, Mr. DiGiacomo offers these motiva- Antonio Pellicane, Louis Perez, and tional words to the school community: Julio White are all cleaners. The job of "You must give and you will get back a cleaner is to "clean, maintain, and retremendously." pair," said Mr. Maderich. The staff's work encompasses many tasks, from fixing an elevator to operating the air Angel Saez conditioner to cleaning the blackboards.

FIREMAN "If a kid locks his car keys in his car and needs the door to be opened, he or If anyone can't recall who Angel she can come to us. We don't have to do it but we do it," said Mr. Maderich. "Sometimes Ms. Iordanou ... leaves early and locks the door of COSA so I can't get my coat when I leave it there," said Anjelique DaCosta, "I always go to Louie to open the door and he says, 'What do you want now? You left your stuff in there again. I knew it.' And he opens the door for me."

The cleaners each have a kingdom, a floor. Mr. Perez's "domain" is the first floor and the .. basement. ''I'm in charge of Anget.Saez sweeping the gym floor before Saez is, just remember that little girl each game," he said. Mr. Maderich rules with black hair who rides around the the second floor, where he cleans the school in her big toy car and hangs out bathrooms and sweeps the floor. Ms. with her daddy. Yes, that little girl's Mentz, the only female custodian, is the daddy is Mr. Saez, the fireman. queen of the land ofthe seniors, the third "I am the second one in charge. I do floor. Meanwhile, Mr. Pellicane reigns command and make sure everything is over the fourth floor, Mr. White, the fifth running smoothly. I make sure the doors floor and Mr. Benitez , the sixth floor. are open, the water is running, and the Mr. Benitez is the handyman. "I fix and air conditioning is fine. Then, I report clean. There is a specific way to put to the boss," Mr. Saez explained. down wax. I wax floors and strip them," Mr. Saez has been here since the he said. school's new building operied five years The cleaners have high standards. ago. He says that he likes his job; the "The table in the classroom is not for pay is good and the students are well- sitting or eating; it is to write on," said behaved. "I worked in a lot of schools Mr. Pellicane, who is notorious for orin Brooklyn and they don't compare to dering any student to get off the desk this," said Mr. Saez, "It's a good school. he/she is sitting on.

When my daughter visits here, she sees The cleaners find many positive asthe kids dancing and doing whatever pects to their jobs. "I like my hours: 1they're doing, and she says, 'When I 10. I don't have to get up early in the

I THE CLEANE.RS I

Margie Mentz

DiGiacamo said. For this reason, he admits that he cannot even kill a roach; he no longer puts his exterminator license to use. "Roaches have been around for millions of years; they must have a function," he said. If a mouse were found in the school, Mr. DiGiacomo would call an exterminator, rather than do the job himself. "I have chased flies and beetles out of the building, rather than kill them. Everyone deserves to live," he said.

Despite his temper, for which he claims to apologize whenever he loses it, Mr. DiGiacomo is considerate to his workers. "Mr. DiGiacomo is very caring. He doesn't like to say no to us," said Angel Saez, the fireman. At the end

Antonio Pellicane

of his work day, Mr. DiGiacamo always announces that he is leaving over the walkie talkie, which all custodians carry.

~路

~~p

The Classic '~L<I~--· l _:·~trt~; 'i'F."'~iJJ::;;?t?¥t'ft:Z:>. ·

;·,

·., · '. s ummer 1999

9

from fixing· to cleaning, they like their jobs morning and if I want to go out, things don't start until late," said Mr. Perez.

The custodians agree that the environment is good. "The students are not here to goof off; they're here to get the

but the chemical to remove the wax made the ground slippery. We heard, 'ow, ow' and turned around. There was the fireman on the floor. He had gotten shocked but didn't get hurt. We all

Hector Benitez

education they need," said Ms. Mentz, "I make jokes with the teachers and the kids are cool. It's like a second home here."

"We watch the seniors grow up." . . we see all," said Mr. Maderich with a smile, recalling some funny experiences he'd encountered on the job. "Every day it's something different," he said. Mr. Benitez said, "Once we were cleaning

stead, she chooses to wear regular everyday clothes: jeans and a shirt~ "It's an option to wear the uniforms; I am more comfortable in rugged <;:lothes," Ms. Mentz explained.

Julio White

laughed as he went one way and the machine went the other."

While this is the first cleaning job for Ms. Mentz and Mr. Maderich, the other cleaners have been doing this for 3-12 years. "They [staff members] are like my big brothers, always there for me," said Ms. Mentz. As the only female cleaner, she is the only one who does not wear the regular blue uniform. In-

The cleaners all have many interests outside of their jobs here at school. Mr. Maderich and Mr. Perez both love horses. "I love the freedom, being on a horse with a nice gallop, being able to control a 2000 pound animal," said Mr. Perez, who explained that he gave horseback riding lessons at Prospect Park.

Horse racing is Mr. Maderich's favorite hobby. "That's my baby, my passion,"

he said. Another sports fan is Mr. Pellicane, a proud soccer player. "I used to play semi-professional for six years in Italy. Then I played here for four years," he said, "That is my sport. It

Louis Perez

gives you this feeling that you have to win. If you fall on the ground and stay there for three minutes, that's good for the other team. So you have to get up and continue.. It's exciting."

Like many of his co-workers, Mr. White is a devout Christian. He is also an outdoorsman. "I love nature; it's beautiful. I like fishing and camping," he said.

The Classic guide to summer entertainment

by Alan Fu From Will Smith bringing the Wild Wild West to the movie screen to the return of Run DMC to the music scene to the final launch of Lilith Fair, there's more than enough entertainment to occupy your time this summer.

MOVIES AlA= Action/Adventure C= Comedy D=Drama F= Family HIS = Horror/Suspense SIF = Science Fiction/Fantasy

June 25: Big Daddy (C) (Adam Sandler); An Ideal Husband (D) (Rupert Everett, Minnie Driver, Cate Blanchett).

June 30: South Park: Longer, Bigger, and Uncut (C); Wild Wild West (AI A) (Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh).

July 2: Summer of Sam (D) (Mira Sorvino, John Leguizamo).

July 9: American Pie (C); Arlington Road (D) (Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins).

July 16: The Blair Witch Project (HI S); Drop Dead Gorgeous (C) (Denise Richards, Kirsten Dunst); Eyes Wide Shut (D) (Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman); Lake Placid (HIS) (Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman); The Wood (C) (Omar Epps, Taye Diggs).

July 23: Bowfinger (C) (Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin); The Haunting (HIS) (Liam Neeson, Catherine ZetaJones); Trick (D) (Christian Campbell, Tori Spelling).

July 30: Deep Blue Sea (AlA) .

(Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J); Runaway Bride (C) (Julia Roberts, Richard

Gere); Muppetsfrom Space (F) (Andie MacDowell, Ray Liotta, David Arquette).

August 4: Dick (C) (Michelle Williams, Kirsten Dunst).

August 6: Mystery Men (C) (Ben Stiller, Janeane Garafalo); Universal Soldier II: The Return (AlA) (JeanClaude Van Damme ).

August 11: The Thomas Crown Affair (C) (Pierce Brosnan, Rene Russo).

August 13: Detroit Rock City (C) (Edward Furlong); Town and Country (D) (Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn).

August 16: Molly (D) (Elizabeth Shue).

August 20: The Muse (C) (Albert Brooks, Sharoh Stone); Blue Streak (C) · (Martin Lawrence); Teaching Mrs. Tingle (C) (Katie Holmes, Barry Watson).

August 27: The Astronaut's Wife (HI S) (Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron); Mad About Mambo (D) (Keri Russell); Stigmata (HIS) (Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne).

MUSIC June 22: The Chemical Brothers, Surrender; Missy Elliott, Da Real World; K-Ci & JoJo, It's Real; Limp Bizkit, Significant Other; Pretenders, Viva El Amor!; Public Enemy, Theresa Poison Gain' On; Rabzel, Make the Music 2000.

June 29 : Aswad, Roots Revival; Cam'ron, Sports, Drugs;/and Entertainment; Sophie B. Hawkins, Timbre ; Kenny G, Classics in the Key ofG; Luscious Jackson, Electric Honey; Too

$hort, Can't Stay Away.

July 6: Noreaga, Melvyn Flynt tha Hussler.

July 13: Kool Keith, Black Elvis/ Lost in Space; Lords of Acid, Expand Your Head; Chris Rock, Bigger & Blacker.

July 20: Destiny's Child, The Writings on the Wall; Los Lobos, This Time; Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Bitter; Nu Flavor, It'z On. July 27: Inoj, Ready for the World; Ziggy Marley, Spirit of the Music; Nature, For All Seasons; Smokey Robinson, Intimate; The Verve Pipe, The Verve Pipe.

Temporarily scheduled for August release are new albums from Jethro Toll, Our Lady Peace, Filter, Stereohtb, as well as Run DMC's Crown Royal.

CONCERTS/TOURS Woodstock '99 (Korn, Limp Bizkit, DMX, Eminem, Metallica, Jewel, Sugar Ray, et al.): Jul. 23-25, Griffiss Park (Rome, NY).

Lilith Fair (feat. Sarah McLachlan, Indigo Girls, Suzanne Vega, Liz Phair, Monica, Pretenders, Queen Latifah, Me'shell Ndegeocello, Dixie Chicks, et al.): Aug. 6, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY); Aug. 7-8, PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ).

The Vans Warped Tour (feat. Cypress Hill, Black-Eyed Peas, Pennywise, Blink 182, Less Than Jake, Suidical Tendencies, et al.): Jul. 16, Randall's Island (New York, NY); Jul. 18, Asbury Park (Asbury Park, NJ).

Britney Spears: Jul. 7, Hammerstein Ballroom (New York, NY).

N'Sync: Jul. 13-16, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY); Jul. 1718, PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ).

Bob Dylan/Paul Simon: Jul. 27, Madison Square Garden (New York, NY); Jul. 28, PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ); Jul. 30-3 1, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY).

Alanis Morisetteffori Amos: Aug. 28, PNC Banks Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ); Sept. 1, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY).

Goo Goo Dolls/Sugar Ray: Aug. 20, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY); Aug. 22, PNC Bank Ar~s Center (Holmdel, NJ).

Cher: Jul. 5-6, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY); Jul. 13, Madison Square Garden (New York, NY); Jul. 14, PNC Bank Arts Center (Hohndel, NJ).

Brandy: Jul. 20, PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ); Jul. 23, Jones Beach Amphitheatre (Wantagh, NY).

Whitney Houston: Jul. 3, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark, NJ); Jul. 14-15, Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY).

Jamiroquai: Jul. 21, Roseland (New York, NY).

Jewel: Jul. 23, PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ); Jul. 24, Jones Beach Amphi-theatre (Wantagh, NY).

Limp Bizkit: Jul. 22; Hammerstein Ballroom (New York, NY). temporarily scheduled for fall touring are the Backstreet Boys and Ricky Martin .

Sources: http://www.moviefinder.com http://www.icemagazine.com http://www.ticketmaster.com

..

10

...

The Classic Summer 1999

ANOTHER KAPLA·N SUCCESS STORY...

~

N

N JU I

K H N! · '--uctf... l).~o· . GooO ......,~'t\~s

A 400-point improvement . on your SAT SCQre? Way to go, Ju.lia!

e~s1'

,\tO~ ..

\ne \ea.fC\ a.\

~\\y\\\"

i:(aplan - Class of 1998 Townsend Harris - Class of 1999 University of Delaware - Class of 2003

I n Learn about the PSAT and SAT, the college admissions process, and _ K~plan test-taking strategies.

t

Call today to reserve you·r seat at a FREE Orientation!

J

Orientation sessions available at locations throughout Queens, including th~ Kap~an Center at Queens College

KAPLAN'' 1·800·KAP·TEST www.kaplan.com

• PSAT and SAT are registered trademarks of tile ColleQ!l

~ntrance

Examination Board

1

t•~ft~;z:;;~-,:·,. ·'· -•, ~-

,•.,·'.Jf.'

f!fi}~·.;,.·

!

T

- -

:i:•

1:,

The Classic

'"~·

11

Summer 1999

'Real World' reveals some real problems

by Rebecca Munoz Forget $500 plane tickets, overstuffed suitcases, and Coppertone tanning oiL To experience beautiful bodies on the beaches of Hawaii without leaving the sanctity of your basement couch, simply tune into MTV on Tuesday nights at 10:00 PM and live vicariously through the lives of seven Generation X' ers thrown together in a mansion smack in the middle of paradise.

MTV's popular program, The Real World, now in its eighth season, features three girls and four guys chosen to live together in Hawaii. For months the directors and producers of The Real World read thousands of applications and hold interviews all over the United States until they come up with seven different people who they think will bring something unique to the show, and who can live in the house for the six months.

The premiere episode on June 15 featured a "traditional" mix of cast members: Teck, the African American who wanted to show that "brothers got it go in' on all over the world"; Ruthie, the bisexual alcoholic; Justin, the gay Harvard law student; Kaia, the feminist who admits, "I really, really, really like to look at myself'; Amaya, the short blonde who stepped out of Beverly Hills 9021 0; Matt, the "pretty boy" and not much else; and finally, Colin, the downto-earth frat boy.

"I think these seven people are the luckiest people in the world right now," says Colin, and from the looks of their house, he's right. The backyard, besides

looking out onto the ocean, is complete - World could be anything but a soap opwith a Jacuzzi and an in-ground pool era until each cast member begins to featuring a mini-volcano with flames discuss his/her own insecurity. Amaya coming out of the top in the middle of has a problem with her own body and the pooL The interior of the house is Justin doesn't feel at ease with his roomjust as spectacular, with a pool table, mates. But the saddest and most "real" velvet drapes, king size beds, and the problem is with Ruthie and her alcoholclassic addition to every Real World ism. It is implied that her problems stem from growing up as a foster child and home, a fishbowl with seven fish.

Teck and Ruthie are the first to ar- on the second day she is taken to the rive at the house and christen the pool hospital with alchohol poisoning. by stripping and jumping in naked. Matt Observing the problems of each cast and Amaya show up next, a bit dismayed member and how each one reacts to by their exhibitionist roommates, but Ruthie's addiction allows the show to laugh as Teck continues to scream, live up somewhat to its name. How"Ruthie's got a girlfriend!" Kaia, the ever, it is hard to relate to these people

'Where is the slightly overweight, average Joe like the rest of us who wakes up with puffy eyes and still wears his retainer?' next roommate to arrive, introduces herself and reveals to the MTV viewer, "It's not that I have so much charisma that I walk into a room and people look at me; it's that I back it up." Later she reaffirms her confidence by walking around the house topless. Kaia winds up sharing a bedroom with Teck who is all too pleased with her desire to walk around their room naked. Next, Justin arrives, a bit annoyed by Teck, who immediately asks him, "Are you gay?" and Amaya, who amazed by his status as a Harvard man, calls him a "smartie" and bombards him with questions about his life.

Colin arrives last with a key to the house.

It is hard to believe that The Real

when their lives are plastered across national television and they live in a million-dollar home for free. Although the show is not scripted and MTV claims it casts people who will simply be themselves in front of a video camera, the sensational actions and personalities of each cast member are a bit alarming.

Where is the slightly overweight, average Joe like the rest of us who wakes up with puffy eyes and still wears his retainer? Although there is no exact science to how the Real Worlders are cast, it seems as though each year, the show has its traditional stereotypes: the minority, the homosexual, the wide-eyed conservative, all of whom are beautiful.

Do the producers cast for conflict? Do

they assume that each person will have stereotypical characteristics that will clash with those of their roommates? Or is it simply human nature that people, when forced together in some confined area, will tend to expose their own weaknesses and then pounce on those of their roommates?

The question of whether the show accurately reflects real life or not is an important one. Viewers of The Real World could easily misinterpret the show's intent and assume that the cast members represent what society is "supposed" to look like and act. However, at face value, it is still enjoyable to observe seven different individuals live and interact together in such a strange environment, and that is where the show's appeal lies. Keeping in mind that the show is not representative of the entire United States, mainstream society or even simply Generation X, it is fun to sit back and laugh along with these people and watch them form relationships with others.

Expect many changes in the upcoming weeks. Sneak previews reveal that Ruthie may get thrown out of the house, Kaia may have a homosexual experience and Colin and Amaya (is anyone surprised?) may begin a romantic relationship. Also, the cast members get the chance to run their own performance cafe. If you are looking for a show that exploits quirky personalities and gives a somewhat realistic view of the lives of those mysterious twenty-somethings, then it's worth tuning into The Real World.

Merry mischief abounds in 'Mfdsummer' movie

by Julia Perratore OK. So you've seen The Phantom Menace 15 times already. As for The Spy Who Shagged Me, well, you've seen that at least twice. Now, what do you go see at the movies? Well, of course the answer is A Midsummer Night's Dream!

This magical film will capture your imagination and is sure to entertain.

Ignored by many, this very enjoyable film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. It is the latest installment in a recent Shakespearean revival, with many of the bard's plays resurfac-

must follow her father's orders, but she is in love with Lysander (Dominic West). At the same time, Demetrius is being doggedly pursued by Helena (Calista Flockheart), his former sweetheart, although he no longer loves her.

In the meantime, a troupe of craftsmen turned actors is preparing a production of Pyramus and This be, to be performed at the Duke's wedding. Leading this troupe is Nic)c Bottom (Kevin Kline), an egotistical thespian who wants to play all of the parts.

Lysander and Hermia plan to elope

queen Titania (Michelle Pfeiffer) fall in Jove with Bottom and Demetrius fall in Jove with Helena, but the plan backfires with hilarious results.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is an entertaining and lighthearted movie that even those firmly against anything Shakespearean will enjoy. This is because of the excellent performances given by the actors, and Kevin Kline in particular. He steals the show with his brilliant portrayal of Bottom, especially during the "play-within-a-play" performance of Pyramus and This be, by mak-

and the costumes are merely costumes.

The fairies in the Titania's court were played by people, had masks and fake wings, and were not generated into freakish ghostlike pixies with the help of special effects. The only animated contribution to the movie was a golden shower of glitter that swirled through the· fairies'home in the forest. In addition, the lush greenery of the forest in which much of the movie takes place was real and full of imaginative details.

In Shakespeare's plays, stage directions are scarce, and thus a director, when staging his own adaptation, can

ing ~n the movies a~d on Broadway, and 'Yes Ally McBeal can do Shakespeare.' ' a film speculating on the young Shakespeare's life, Shakespeare in Love, winning Best Picture at the Academy that night, and set off on the latest in- ing the tricky Shakespearean dialogue Awards. This Midsummer Night's vention, the bicycle, deep into the for- understandable even for those who have Dream, which is set in turn-of-the-cen- est. Demetrius follows them on his own not read the play beforehand. Rupert tury Tuscany rather than in Elizabethan · bicycle, intent on returning to Theseus Everett, Stanley Tucci, and surprisingly, or ancient times, features many talented with his fiancee. And of course Hel- Calista Flockheart also give very enteractors, and is consistently very funny. ena, madly in love with Demetrius, tags taining performances. Yes, Ally McBeal A Midsummer Night's Dream is a along. ·At the same time, Bottom and can do Shakespeare. Michelle Pfeiffer, story of true love and big mix-ups. The the rest of the actors go into the forest however, was disappointing, as she was Duke Theseus (David Strathairn) is pre- as well to rehearse their play. too loaded up with makeup to display paring to marry Hippolyta (Sophie All of these mortals do not know that any charm of her own.

Marceau), but four days before the wed- they have ventured into the secret realm The opulent set and costume designs ding, he must mediate in the love lives of the fairies, where the fairy king are highlights of A Midsummer Night's of his subjects as well. Hermia (Anna Oberon, played by a glitter-sprinkled Dream. Thankfully, the option of comFriel) is being forced by her father to - Rupert Everett is ready to instigate much puter animation, used so effectively in marry Demetrius (Christian Bale), or mischief. The impish Puck (Stanley The Phantom Menace, was passed up else lose her life or be forced to become Tucci) carries out Oberon's plan of pro- in creating this movie. The sets rea nun. Theseus declares that Hermia curing a potion that will make the fairy semble a more old-fashioned stage set,

have the actors. do anything he wishes.

Plenty of physical comedy was added to this version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, resulting in one of the fvnniest scenes in the movie: Calista Flockheart falling into a pool of mud. Another funny scene, not in the original play and acted entirely without dialogue, involves Puck discovering Lysander's bicycle and examining the newfangled invention, which he has never seen before.

The fact that A Midsummer Night's Dream was not as publicized as much as most summer films were does not mean it is less praiseworthy. The clever dialogue, humor, dramatic Italian scenery, operatic soundtrack, and cast of stars add up to a delightful movie-going experience unlike any other for the summer of 1999.

r·· ,.~ ~:

3{ ilUJ 12 Awards dinner caps off great year in sports The Classic

Summer 1999

·

. --

by Brian Griffing No year in Townsend Harris sports would be complete without the Athletic Awards Dinner. The fourteenth annual dinner, which took place on June 9, proved to be just as much fun as it hasbeen in the past. "It's a great event and it went well," said athletic director Wanda Nix. "It's always an enjoyable time for me," she added.

The dancing, the dinner, and the awards presentation were enjoyable for everyone in attendance. Among the many awards given out were the male and female Athletes of the Year. The award for Female Athlete of the Year went to senior Vanessa Williams, who excelled in bowling, basketball, and soccer. In basketball, she made her mark as a great defender and rebounder, averaging over nine boards a game. She showed notable leadership as captain of the soccer team, and contributed to the bowling team's playoff run. Senior Anthony Prince was the Male Athlete of the Year, making his mark in crosscountry, indoor, and outdoor track. He had a tremendous year and career at Townsend Harris. This spring he got his times to all-time lows, running the 200 meter in less than 25 seconds, the 400 meter in Jess than 55 seconds, and the 800 meter in less than 2:05.

The awards dinner ended a phenom-

enal year in Townsend Harris sports. It began with a great fall season in which the track teams continued last year's success. The girls repeated as Queens champs in the cross-country season, and finished third in Queens in the outdoor

peat as city champions, they made a very respectable run at it. It was a great year for bowling that saw two postseasons, the girls qualifying with second place in the division, and the boys winning the division championship. Both teams

narrowly missing a playoff spot.

The success continued into the winter. The track teams had solid seasons, the girls finishing in a tie for fifth place in Queens. The Girls' Basketball team made the playoffs for the eleventh straight year, advancing to the second round. The Boys' Basketball team finished an impressive 6-6, missing a play~ off berth by just one game. ~ The spring season became even more ~'competitive this year when the first 0 >.

Boys' Varsity Baseball team was added "' § to the mix. The team finished with a 0 u division record of 6-6, and came very 0 close to making the playoffs in its first ~ season. The Softball team made it all the way to the quarterfinals this year.

The Handball teams had very competitive seasons, the girls making the playoffs and the boys finishing in third place.

In track, the boys showed tremendous improvement, and the girls finished in third place in Queens. One of the best of the year has been the Girls' stories Seniors Vanessa Williams and Anthony Prince accept their respective plaques for Female and Male Athletes of the Year at the annual Athletic Awards Dinner on June 9.

Soccer team. With a new coach, new player, and a new team, expectations season. The Girls' Swimming team con- made it as far as the second round of were low. But they shocked a lot of tin~ed its dominance by winning the the playoffs. In an unpredictable sea- people by finishing with a 15-3 record Queens title for the ninth time · in the son for the Girls' Volleyball team, the . and making the playoffs. decade. What was supposed to be a re- girls, without any returning starters, fin"We had another terrific year," said building year turned out to be another ished with an impressive 12-8 record. Nix. "If you consider the size of the undefeated regular season for the Fenc- The Boys' Soccer team had its best sea- school and the number of teams, we did ing team, and although they did not re- son of the decade, taking third place and well," she added.

j

<!)

Girls have good run in city championships

by Tabitha Hsi The sun was beating down on the field. Sweat was dripping down the runners' faces. The scorclring heat was unbearable. But no one regretted being on the St. John's track on May 30 for it was the city champi0nships and it was an honor to be there.

This year, Townsend Harris had the most representatives in school history. "It was truly a marvelous representation," commented Coach Joseph Hom. At the meet, freshmen Nicole Kresse and Vicki Lopez, sophomore Chanelle Pearson (who was unable to attend the meet due to injury) juniors Roseann Antonelli and Nic0leArriaga and senior Tabitha Hsi all qualified for the championship meet. Kresse placed fifth overall in the high jump, Lopez placed ninth in the 400m hurdles, and Ant{)neUi

j

· ·· ·'

placed seventh in the 1500m walk with teammate Arriaiia right on her tail with an eighth place finish. Kresse and Hsi both did their personal bests in the lOOm hurdles.

This year, the team placed third in the borough with the most points ever earned. Thirteen members of the team contributed to the scoring. "I was r~­ ally happy because it was a genuine team effort,'' said coach Horn, "It was a very good season; in fact it was the best season ever. We say it every year but it's true. It is simply an indieation that we are on the ris,e."

The clearest proof that this team is realty on the rise is that many records were either matched or shattered this year. And, it is the freshmen who are leading the way.

Kresse set the school record for the outdoor season in the high jump with a

jump of 4'10". She also set the school record in the pentathlon. The pentathlon is comprised of fi-v,e events: 800m. lOOm hurdles, high jump, long jump, and shot put. Fellow freshman Lopez improved her 400tn hurdle time by so much that she missed the school record by only two tenths of a second. According to Horn, "she has turned into a dynatnite athlete." Pearson broke her own previous reeord in the lOOm hurdles by running a time ef 15.6 seconds and set a reco11d in the lon:g jump with a phenomenal jump of 16' 3.25" Antonelli set a pr~cedent this year by qualifying for the city championships in,.. the most unusual combinati:on of events" : the 1500m walk and the discus.

"This season has been so exciting for aH the girls becaase our teamwork paid off," said Coaeh Horn. Antonelli agrees. ..This season was strenuous, but I think

-,. I .

I improved a lot, so it was worth it," she said. ''This season was great, but I hope to do even better next season," said Lopez. This optimism felt by members who will return next year is matched by the nostalgia felt by the seniors who will not be coming back next season.

Senior Tamar Anolic had this to say: "I liked working with all the gitls and seeing how my role changed throughout the years. I also learned that there is a d'ireet relationship between hard work and improvement.

It was a gratifying experience. I am sure next year will be great because of all the returning members."

Senior Christine Brady said, ''This season was a productive one and I will miss the team deeply- I wish the best for next year's team."

Hackney, Girls' Soccer team surprise critics

By Eric Trager When History teacher Chris Hackney assumed the coaching duties of the Girls' Soccer team this spring, there were very low expectations. With only four returning players, a new coach, and a goalie with a broken arm who was considered likely to miss the entire season, the Lady Hawks were deemed doomed to finish dead last in their division. But, despite all odds, the Girls' Soccer team finished with an outstanding 15-3 record, and made it to the play-

offs.

After earning a first-round bye, the Lady Hawks were shutout by Mid wood in the second round of the playoffs, 30. "Although we lost, it was a great accomplishment to have made it this far," remarked sophomore Christina Kuo, a second-string defensive player.

The turning point in the Lady Hawks' season was also highlighted by the skilled play of Talya Oberfield, who scored more goals than she was able to keep track of. Junior Julia Meier so-

lidified the offense after moving from left-wing defense to midfield and contributed with three goals.

Midfielder Rosemary Ferraro, in her second year with the team, was key to the Lady Hawks' success with her improved scoring and passing, and was awarded team MVP. "There's no doubting Rosemary's ability," remarked Meier. "She was just everywhere she had to be."

In addition, Megan Gill relieved some of the team's goal-tending woes.

In replacement of Anne Zangos, whose pre-season broken arm originally posed extreme problems for the Lady Hawks, Gill was key in securing the first round bye, and, according to Meier, gradually improved over the course of the season.

After their impressive run in the 1999 season, the Girls' Soccer team looks to improve further next year. Now accustomed to their new coach and with the seasoning of Oberfield, Ferraro, and Meier, the Lady Hawks look to possibly grab a title in the new millennium.

I