Vol. 17, No.5, June 2002
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aSSlC 149-11 Melbourne Avenu~, Flushing, NY 11367 .
Townsend Harris High School at Queens College
·Campaign poster vandal.ism unnerves community by Daniel Bloch An election campaign poster ofjunior Jaime Sackett, a religious Jew and newly-elected Student Union President, was defaced with a swastika, the infamous Nazi emblem, during sixth band on Thursday, May 16. Drawn neatly in black ink, the swastika, approximately three inches in diameter, arouseq anger and shock among many members, Jewish and non-Jewish, of the school community. The incident was the most vicious of several incidents of poster vandalism that has marred this year 's student elections. Adam Stonehill, Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA), said that he ·
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saw ii and froz.e," she said. "I didn't know how to react." Jaime first went to Joan Walsh, Assistant Principal ofGuidance, who informed Jaime that an investigation to find the vandal, or vandais, would be opened at once. _ Principal Thomas Cunningham confirmed that an investigation was under way, though he declined to comment on the details of the search. "Every complaint about discrimination is taken very seriously," he said . Mr. Cunningham . added that although a culprit has yet to . be found, there would be "severe consequences" to face when he or she is identified. "This here brings shame to all of ,
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was aware of two or three cases of us, said Ms. Walsh In an Interview vandalism, a number, he said, that was con.ducted a week after the defacing of "two or three more than usual ," · · Jaime's poster.. "We share collective Jaime noticed the swastika while s~e guilt for allowing this to happen. Any was returning from sixth band lunch. "I kind of hateful bias, whether written or
The people have spoken:
Student Union announces officers by Jennifer Gong
ately" next year, referring to the vanThe ballots ·are _in and the winners dalism of campaign posters. have been chosen for the Student Union Communication seemed to be the (SU) government of 2003. Leading the theme for this year's SU election. At the student body will be Jaime Sack~tt as debates, candidates pinpointed the main SU President and Maryann Tan as SU deficiency of the SU as being a lack of Vice President. Harrisites placed their effective ways to publicize school votes on Wednesday, May 29, follow- · events to the student body, which results ing a warning from unopposed SU sec- in a low attendance to such social ac. retary Angel Yau, given ·at the candi- tivities. Thus, its improvement was a dates' debates, that she would "send main campaign goal for the candidates killer robots after [them] to eat [their] for SU Presipent (Arianna Freyre and Jaime Sackett) as well as for those runbrains" if they didn't vote. According to Coordinator of Student ning for SU Vice President (Rita Ratner Activities (COSA) Adam Stonehill, 459 and Maryann Tan). Jaime would also students, or about 53% of eligible vot- like to see an increase in school spirit. ers, visited the polls on election day. ·who won? This was a little better than last year 's SU President: Jaime Sackett "disappointing"Jigure of roughly so%. SU Vice President: Maryann Tan Mr. Stonehiii hopes that the debates held SU Secretary: Angel Yau the previous week helped students SU Treasurer: Susan Chang "make educated decisions." Senior Vice President: Rachel "The elections are not about popuNept>muceno larity, but about who is the best candiJunior Vic-e President: Mol'lie Laffindate and will best meet the needs of the Rose Freshman/Sophomore Vice President: students," he added. Windell Cadeiina Though there was a better voter tumConsultative Counciltepresentative: out than in previous years, the issues Rachel Schiffman involved with campaigning were tough PUblic Relations~ Shanay Freeman this year; said Mr. StonehiiL The candiJunior QSAC: Linda Luu and Jennifer dates "needed more time" to present 'I'eckneci themselves to voters. He also said that Junior Sehool Leadership Team: Venus . "students need to act more appropriCheung
verbal, betrays the Ephebic Oath that we all take and brings dishonor to our won-
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Newly elected Student Union .President Jaime Sackett, junior, talks business with Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA) Adam Stonehill.
· · · derful schooL" Sophomore David Belsky noticed the swastika on Jaime's poster as he was
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I was so sur·. prised," Jaime said, reacting as many Harrisites did to the event "[The swastika] has so much Continued on p. 10
Carbone. departs, citi·n g co·nflict with administration
by Jamie Gullen and Sarah Schnee Conflict between English teacher
the different sides of an issue.
Michael Carbone and the administration regarding the method and content of Mr. Carbone's teaching 'has led to his decision to accept a position at Cobble Hill High School of American Studies in Brooklyn beginning in the upcoming · fall term. He publicly announced to his English classes in April that he would be applying for a transfer. After receiving complaints from parents about Mr. Carbone's teaching, the administration reviewed . the allegations and conducted an investigation. Assistant Principal of Humanities Lynne Greenfield declined to comment on the nature of the complaints, saying "What happens between parents and supervisors and teachers is really a private matter." To further investigate the situation, Ms. Greenfield questioned a sample of students from Mr. Carbone's classes. "Ms. Greenfield asked rrie how English was going. She said ·she was taking out students randomly to ask about E-6 [English Level 6)," said junior Alexandra' LoRe. "Everyone is given a fair shake," said Principal thomas Cunningham, commenting on the way in which the__ administration goes about listening to
Carbone's methods. The administration advocates the developmental style in which the teacher leads class discussions by presenting an aim that is concluded at the end of each lesson. Ms. Greenfield . stated that it is the preferred method of the New York City Board of Education. Mr. Carbone regularly uses the seminar style of teaching, in which the students control the discussion in a debatefocused style that he describes as being similar to a college classroom. Ms. Greenfield never told Mr. Carbone that he had to change the way in which he teaches, but rather discussed what she thought was most effective and why. Regarding this meeting, Mr. Carbone said, "The development~\ lesson has _ been an issue with Dr. Largmann, Mr. Cunningham, and Ms. Greenfield. [The idea of sitting in] the rows was suggested . by Ms. Greenfield and confirmed by Mr. Cunningham. The hand-raising policy was strongly encouraged by both. I have been criticized many times about this [the seminar sty!e], so I knew what was implied by the meeting ." After the meeting, Mr. Carbone changed his method · and began to use the developmental style .
Score Choice Eliminated
~e.w York Times
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walking up the stairs from sixth band lunch with friends, but added that he had not seen the graffiti when he passed the poster at the beginning of the band. When he saw it, he said, "my . jaw dropped," and he ... . immediately noti., E0 fied guidance . :;, c o u n s e I o r ~ AntoinetteTeague, :who promptly ripped down the 0 ] poster.
Food Allergies . p~ 11 .
A conference was held to discuss Mr.
Codtinued on p. 7
Sports pgs. 14-16
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The Classic
June2002
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Heat brin.gs out hypocrisy
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June has arrived and extremely warm weather has come with it. Harrisites now must carefully consider their wardrobes. Halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, backless shoes, and shorts that do not pass one's finger tips are among the items of clothing that must be 'NIXed' from one's school attire, literally. While the Board of Education's only specifications in its dress code are that "students may not wear hats or head gear in the, building," Townsend Harris' code goes above and beyond this, taking the Board bf Ed's instructions to allow students to 'dress appropriately' far too far. We are constantly r~minded that showing our shoulders is extremely inap- . propriate and unprofessional. Dean. of Students Wanda Nix repeatedly asserts that "school for kids is lik<'? work for adults. You 'must learn how to ... conduct yourself." It is for this reason that the Townsend Harris code is so specific, she claims. This argument, though, seems quite hypocritical in light of the fact that while many students are forced to hide their shoulders, they must sit in a 50minute class watching their teacher sport a tank top. It seems odd that teachers do not adhere to the dress code, especially. since Townsend Harris is their place of work. If Townsend Harris truly is the 'community' that the administration always says we are, then why don't the same rules apply? "There Is a difference between students and teachers," Ms. Nix said, ''They [teachers] aren't here to be taught" No one is saying that teachers and students should be treated in an identical fashion, but what reason can possibly be offered to explain why bare throug~ shoulders are appropriate for our role models, teachers, and not for us? The fact is that the student dress code is far too restrictive and the reasons given by Jamie Gullen . estinian conflict, and most recently, Sep- _ for its provisions simply do not hold up when we walk into class and see our Trudging through the weekdays, tember 11, people would see that racial, teachers wearing things that are prohibited to us. The teachers in the Townsend spending countless hours studying and ethnic, and religious prejudice make the Harris commun~ty should feel that it is their responsibility to voluntary abide by doing homework, and working on world an uglier place .. At Townsend the dress code as a way of showing students. that it truly is valid and appropriate. collaterals on the weekends are very Harris, there is such a wide range of stuHowever, the fact that the teachers do not refrain from revealing their shoulders, is - stressful and time-consuming. One of dents from very different backgrounds, proof that the code is .indeed quite ridiculous. the things that make all this worthwhile and for the most part, there is a great' New York Magazine recently listed Townsend Harris as one of the 'Top Public is knowing I have the privilege of com~ . sharing of ideas about our different culHigh Schools in New York City,' an honor that Townsend Harris was clearly proud ing every day to a place where I felt safe tures and pasts. We have a multicultural · of, as the site where the article could be found was linked -to Townsend's web from not only physical danger, but from club, Educate to Elevate, which propage. New York Magazine's assessment, though, included some of the downsides . the hatred and ignorance that runs ram- mQtes the sharing of all cultures. In the to the school, including the fact that "the dress code is strict (no tank tops)." Ap- pant in other high schools and the world annual Festival of Nations, although parently, those in the 'work world' atNew York Magazine found Harris' dress code at large. On May 16, following sixth there are usually many ethnic dances, it a bit harsh. band lunch, I came to the harsh realiza- is common to see people participating The schools that Townsend Harris ·is frequently compared to, Stuyvesant and tion that no matter where you are, or in a dance of a different culture from Bronx Science, have a far more relaxed attitude toward student dress. Both give . how safe you feel, there are always ig, . their own. Following September 11, more responsibility to the students and trust them to use their own discretion. norant people, filled with hate and stu- there was a discussion held in the audiStuyvesant does not have a dress code, while Bronx ~cience'scode does not spe- pidity. This became evident to me be- torium which permitted students to ex. I cifically forbid any particular a.rticles of clothing: "Clothing should not be dis- cause of a campaign poster for Jmme~ press their views on the attacks against . tracting or offensive to other members of the Bronx Science community ... [and] Sackett that had a swastika drawn on it. Afghanistan. Several students, both of · undergarments must not be visible, and tops and bottoms of outer garments must Coming up the stairs from lunch, I Middle Eastern background and of other meet or overlap, even when the student's hand is raised." While this may sound saw Jaime standing on the staircase cry- heritages, expressed their belief that the specific, it is not restricting students from wearing specific articles of clothing, ing . She was holding ·her rolled-up attacks were wrong and harmed inno_just laying down a .set of basic ground rules. Both of these schools give the student poster and talking to Guidance Counse- . cent civilians. This forum for expressbody a significant amount of freedom in deciding what is appropriate dress and lor Antoinette Teague. When I found oui ing ideas openly without fear of facing nowhere do they prohibit any sort of 'shoulder showing' or give a specific length what was behind her tears, I was fiiled · prejudice is something that I have alfor shorts. They thus manage to create a dress code that establishes rules for creat- with outrage. I couldn't believe that i~ ways valued about Townsend Harris. ing a comfortable environment tryat prepares students for the workforce, yet still such a diverse and seemingly accepting ·Although the common reaction to a allows them much freedom . Townsend Harris should follow suit. environment, anyone could be so cruel. situation like this is to respond with an. Both Ms . Nix and Principal Thomas Cunningham claim that the dress code The people around me were shocked and ger, this only contributes to hate in this goes up for annual review and that students' opinions are taken into consideration. angry as well. I heard people saying that world and in our school. Rather than They say that the committee that created the dress code was comprised of both if they found out. who did this, they acting out on our anger, it is far more students and teachers . If this is true, then the students sho1.1ld take action. Make would make the person pay. As unset- productive to let our outrage drive us to your opinions heard by contacting Ms. Nix or Mr. Cunningham and encourage the tling as it was to deal with what hap- be even more tolerant of others and administration to rethink the dress code. This 'community' is slowly turning into a pened, I was comforted to k~ow that the share our cultural experiences to an even place where there seems to be a constant tug of wa~ between students and 'staff. schoof on the whole not only doesn't greater extent. Only through educating The only way to end this is to take an active part in formulating the rules that we condone this type of behavior, but others and spreading awareness can we are supposed to fo.Jlow. strongly .condemns it. ever hope to rid our school and the world One WOilld think that after tragedies of the prejudice and ignorance that have such as the Holocaust, the Israeli-Pal~ become so widespread.
r.ra•t· u.e
Conquering hate
News Staff: Lily Chu, Beth Duhin, AkshUI Kalla. Bryan
Daniel Bloch Allison Slotnick
Kin~chc n .
Feature Staff :
Co-Editors-in-Chief Jamie Gullen Feature Editor
Jennifer Gong Sarah Scbilee Co· News Editors
Linda.Luu , Akshta l<alla, Anna Olson, Sun;ayna Ramdco, Rachel
Angela Hom
Schin·man , Katherine Shi , Shara Siegel , Tina Wu
Managing Editor
Sp or ~ s
Staff: Stephen Berger, C.arulina Chang, Chloe Chao,
Josh F.ox, Taly<:~ Lichcnnan
Karen Hendershot
Diane Tiao
Assistant Feature Editor
Assistant News Editor
Entertainment Editor
Arti l}t S : Raymond Bam,
Steven Lee
Ke rry f'urtell Emily Rivlin Nadle r
Ashley Pillsbury
Zapata
Art Editors
Phot ography Staf f: J1lllll
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Adviso r
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Dennie, Beth Duhin, Ann ie
La u, Dur is Ortega, Rac hel Schiffman, Emm u Xiao, Stephani e
Sports Editor
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Townsend Har ris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. 11367
Jcs~ica Bcrgcr,Jcnnircr Bhuiyan, Nataliya
Binslllcyn, Marlo Duhlin, Sybil Kollappallil, Lin;.\ Lee, Steven Lee,
. Jessica Wang
Copy/Online Editor
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Tian Ying
cultural awareness
Bon ~ (.;.l ,
Gloria Chi , K avccw
The Classic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be taken to represent those of the administration or faculty or student body as a whole. Readers are invited to submit letters 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 mu st include name and official class. Names will be wi!hheld upon request.
~ D_cs;ti, Jamic_?ull~ n, Hilla~ ~omlcr, Bryan Kirschcn, Jamie Liu, ..
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P r incipal·· Thomas Cunn ingham
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The Classic
June 2002
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New 'perspective' adds dimensions to art show by Rachel Schiffntan . All of the individual's senses were invoked at the Artist Workshop's third annual art show in the main lobby from May 28 to May 31. The exhibit was produced with the guidance of the Artist Workshop's advisors Elizabeth Crawford, Anthony Morales and Margherita Wischerth, and the club's senior co-presidents, Emily Fishbaine · and Emily Rivlin-Nadler. The theme of this year's art show was "Perspective," the opening of the artist's creativity to ali possible angles of individual expression. "I found the art show to be very fascinating. I was quite surprised that the students in this school are actually creative," said Alan Fishman, junior. S~veral forms of art were displayed, including abstract, representational, and text incorporated paintings, facial and figure sketching, photography, sculP.-
Guggenheim, the ated by junior Evan Muehlbauer and Whitney, and the sophomore Caitlin J?inoski, and Musuem of slideshows created by freshman Ksenia Modern Art, Yachmetz, comp_lemented the artists' Townsend Harris work. "What's truly great about the art High School is show;" said communicatie-n media arts pursuing innova- teacher Laura Benin, ''is that it gives tive and high every student who was rushing out of quality modes of the building at the end of the day, a producing and chance to stop and think." · ex hi biting artAll artists were p(esent to discuss the work," said art production of their work with the audi- · teacher and .Art- ence. In order to further involve the au. ist Workshop ad- dience, blank sheets of paper were taped visor Anthony to the ground and markers were proMorales. vided so that students could draw freely Juniors Michelle Robinson, Carla Pena, Annie Chih, Stacey Lee view Additional and contribute to the art show. the student·produced art show in the lobby on May 22. forms of visual The extensive display also included displays · were some traditional aspects of the past two ture, and fashion design. "It's really sur- also present at this year's art show. "The art shows: Sophomores Diana Lee and prising to see such a variety of vision- art club has expanded their interests to · Susan Li and 'freshmen Cecilia Kim, ary, work," said junior Geoffrey Ng. include video art, a form of performance Sharon Lim and Mara Yu performed on "Similar to the displays at the art," explained Mr. Morales. Videos ere- the piano, and refreshments were served.
Academic in_ tegrity policy defines forms of_ cheating
SAT II score ch.oice no'_ longer available. after June 2002
by Angela Hom and Jessica Wang The students have to be made aware that by Karen Hendershot .our scores," said junior Maya Zachodin. A revised academic integrity policy in other kinds of academic settings [such You've just gotten your score for the College Counselor Marilyn Blier dis- · wili come into effect in September. The as coiieges], punishments are far more Biology SAT II's. Sure, you studied all agreed . "It's a good decision they made product of a committee of teachers; the severe," said Ms. Greenfield. year, but you still haven't broken a 700. because not only does it level the playpolicy, yet to be approved by Principal "There's a problem with academic Before you panic, remember there is a ing field for all students, but it will stop Thomas Cunningham, deals with the dishonesty at our school. We wanted to score holding option, which means no : the 'frivolous and repeated taking of specifics of cheating and the punish- get some ~onsistency in how we dealt one but you will ever see those scores. these tests," she said. "SAT tests are arments that will result. with it," explained Dean Wanda Nix, However, a recent decsion will soon tificial interruptions that can get in the According to the new policy, cheat- another committee member. She and her make this comforting choice obsolete. way of more important things like coming can be defined in several W(lyS . Pia- colleagues felt it was necessary to ereAfter June I, results of all SAT II sub- munity service and school." ' giarism, the act of taking someone else's ate a cleater academic integrity policy ject tests can no longer be withheld from Others agree_that taking the tests work and submitting it as one's own in order to show students that cheating colleges on "Score Choice," according many times can give wealthier students without giving the true author credit, is is wrong and that academic integrity is to the Coliege Board's recent decision an advantage, but also think that a comconsidered .cheating. This not only ap- important. The policy will also give of- to ban this option. Created in 1994, the promise should have been made . "They -plies to the written works of published fenders fair and equal treatment because Score Choice was intended to help, not should just limit the amount of times you authors, but to the works of other stu- . it outlines specific punishments. In the hinder, students._Score Choice provided can take each te.st to solve the wealthdents as well as Internet sources. Giv- . past, "some kids were penalized more students with the option of withholding advantage problem and still allqw Score ing one's own work to another student than others, which was unfair," said Ms. their SAT II scores from colleges and Choice," saidjunior Angel Yau. knowing that the borrower will present Nix. selecting which individual ones they Although juniors are concerned, the · Although cheating is listed as a vio- wanted to release. However, the Board's underclassmen wili be the ones to feel that work as his or her own also fails under the definition of cheating. Falsi- lation in the current Townsend Harris announcement on March 11 made it the full effect. "We should also get the fying data, whether it is data from sci- · Code of Behavior, the offense is not clear that the policy had not been used same choice to decide if we want our scores to be sent.. .I don't think it's fair ence laboratory experiments or data clearly defined. The committee ran into for its original intentions. some difficulty in how to define cheatAccording to Cpllegeboard.com 's · at all," said sophomore Rebecca Koenig. from research, is also cheating." While some freshmen and sophoAccording to one of the committee ing, such as whether or not copying press release, "The Score Choice was - ·. members, Assistant PrinCipal of the homework should always be considered problematic from the start. Members mores may elect to take science-related Humanities Lynne Greenfield, "Any- cheating. For example, in math classes, found that it encouraged 'gamemanshi)J' subject tests, junior year is typically the thing that isn't your own work is cheat- if a student cannot understand a certain and favored students wealthy enough to year when students take the essential ing or plagiarism. Plagiarism is specifi- problem, he or she is allowed to ask repeat tests. In addition, many ·students Writing and Math SAT Us for competically passing off someone's work as another student how he or she did it. The who chose to 'wait and see' later forgot tive college admissions. A scramble to current draft leaves it up to the indi- to release their scores. and missed ad!. . register for the June 1 SAT lis, the last your own."· · chance to take advantage of Score The punishments for cheliting are vidual teacher to de(ine what copying mission deadlines." However, many students could not Choice, has resulted in an increaseddealso made clear in the modified policy. homework in a particular class means. The committee consisted of Ms. understand the rationale for getting rid .mand for test center room. For a first time offender, he or she will "I've heard of some people having receive a failing mark on the assign- Greenfield, Ms. Nix, Assistant Princi- of their freedom to choose what colleges ment, parents will be notified, a note pal of Mathematics Harry Rattien, As- should see. "I completely disagree with to go into other boroughs, like Manhat- . will be made on the Dean's record, and sistant Principal of Science Susan eliminating score choice. It puts a great tan or Brooklyn, for their SAT test centhe grade ·f or that particulir class wili Brustein, Assistant Principal of Foreign · · deal of unnecessary pressure on the stu- ters for this June because there was no be affected. A second offense results in Language and Fine Arts Lisa Mars, sci- dent; we should be able to decide room at any nearby places," said junior all the puni~hments for the first-time of- ence teachers Craig Weiss and , whether or not a college can see all of Amanda Lorenz. fender, with the addition of suspension Rosemarie -Eaton, English teacher lisa from school privileges for one term. If Cowen, and mathematics and computer · The Classic staff wishes to express its . the same student is caught cheating a pr~gramming teacher El_eano~ Rei~Iy. condolences to lisa Cowen English teacher and ' third time, he or she will be suspended This group held two meetmgs, m which a dr.att of the policy was written, modi.Thf! Classic's dedicated ad visor, and family on the -- from school. "We think the punishment is appro- fied and sent to other groups, such as . recent passing ·ofber father. and to Physical • •' · • . priate without being too severe for a the Parent Teachers Association, the StuEducatiOn teacher George Rio and family Qn the first-time offender, and th,e idea is [to dent Union Executive Board and the make sure] that it never happens again.
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The Classic
4 Jay, Tusher named.·New York Times scholars June 2002
the · 19 wm ners were by Diane. Tiao After a long and grueling process, in- ch6sen from afield of infel cluding writing four essays and two 23 semi-finalists based SCEne tA ..,,, ... · paragraphs, seniors Shekhinah Jay and on the content of their Amir Tusher are two of the 19 winners · essays . Topics inco c of the 2002 New York Times Scholar- cluded open-ended ~ ships. Aimed at making the college ex- questions such as hardperience easier for those who need fi- ships they have over-~· nancial support, winners, also called .· come, the s.o urce of » .0 scholars, will receive $7,500 a year for their inspiration to sucB _g fouryears, a new computer, a mentor at ceed academically, and ~'>.. The New York Times to help them in the how their background Senior Amir Thsher stands proudly beside the Intel banner fields of study they are interested in, and has influenced their on the sixth floor. He participated in the competition before a summer job :it the Times that pays $500 education. Scholars being honored as a New York Times scholar. Shekhinah Jay, a week. Scholars also attend a number also had to nominate a who also received this honor, is on internship this semester. of functions and meetings· throughout teacher for Teachers Who Make a Dif- cipal of Mathematics and Physical Edu. ference Award. cation.Harry Ratti en because she wanted the year. Shekhinah nominated Assistant Prin- to thank him for always knowing "what Through a tough selective process,
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it is I need. He knows when to call me 'Sheik' ~o make me laugh, and he knows· when to give me a chance to cry," she said. . Amir nominated English teacher Michael Carbone because he helped expand Amir's mind, "Through qis passion for the English language and his love of teaching," Amir said, Mr. Carbone inspired him to succeed. · · Amir first learned of the scholarship last summer during his research study with his mentor Dr. Muriel M. May. Shehad mentio.ned it t6 him and later on, College Counselor Marilyn Blier encouraged him to go for it. "I honestly didn't expect to win," he said. Both he Continued on p. 8
Teachers who make a differe·nce: ..
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New York Times ·recog1,1ize~ .two inspirations Harry Rattien dents in a way beyond the ordinary by Lina Lee "I can't think of anything else that classroom. "Many" years ago, Lhad to made me 'feel so good in my whole ca- stay after school until around fO PM reer. I love the people I work with, but with some students. When we looked it's definitely the students who make it worthwhile," said Assistant Principal of Mathematics and Physical Education, Harry Rattien, who was honored with one of the 19 2002 "Teachers Who Make a Dif. ference" awards sponsored by The New York Times. It was based on a nomination made by the winner of the scholarship, senior ShekhinahJay. "I don't think I was the only teacher who was there for her, but r just happened to be there at the right place at the right time," said Mr. Rattien. Harry RattJen The award gives public recognition to teachers who have greatly influenced or helped the schol- outside, there were 18 inches of snow arship winner in any way. Mr. Ratti en piled up. I started to drop some people was also given this award in 200 I by a off but by the time I got to the last s.tustudent who is· currently a freshman in dent, the car got stuck in the snow. So Columbia University, Ronald Alleyne. the young man and I had to push the car The 2002 nominator will soon be attend- together and I ended up going home at ing Cornell University. one in the morning. He now works for Students c.onstantly drop in and out ESPN and makes I 0 times more money of Mr. Rattien's office to talk about math than I do," recalled Mr. Rattien. problems or to discuss their personal diGraduates often return I 0 to 20 years lemmas. "I talk to my students about · later to visit Mr. Rattien to thank him their dreams, expectations and general for things he considered nothing at that concerns about school life. It is re·ally time .."This one student was having a easy for me because the students are fun. very bad day and she asked if she could They arerespectful and very well-man- take the test another day, and to me it nered. I know my children are wonder- was no big · deal, so I said o.k. I later ful to their teachers, but they always give found out that it meant so much to the ITle a hard time. I'm sure that kids and student," said Mr. Rattien. parents give each other a hard time at With a sense of humor that is known home, so I try to be one .of those teach" · throughout the school, Mr. Ratti en ers a student can rely on," said Mr. teases students every day. "I love stuRatti en. · dents with a sense of humor who know During the many years he has been a · how to have fun . My one motto is you teacher, Mr. Rattien has been able to ·give it and you have to takejt," said.Mr. touch many lives and reach out to stu- · Rattien with a grin.
Michael Carbone by'(ina Wu Even though he is not "an awards English teacher Michael Carbone re- person" and has not been "gloating ," ceived a great surprise when he opened Mr. Carbone is pleased. "I still have not the March 2~ issue of the New York removed the article from the r~frigera Times . To his delight, he foundthat he tor,'; he said. was one of the winners of the "TeachMr. Carbone believes the award has I . ers Who Make A -Difference" . awards', an annual honor given by the Times. . The award given to Mr. Carbone was part of a scholarship · given by the newspaper to excelling high school nririority students . who have overcome adversity. The contestants wrote essays answering an assortment of ·questions. · From those submitted, 19 semi-finalists were asked to name the most influential teacher from their academic experiences. 'Senior Amir Tusher was one of the 19 winners. In his essays, he commended Mr. Carbone for his creative and effective teaching techniques and enriching class les- · 'sons. Mr. Carbone "believes co · teaching is allowing the students c ~ to think and interpret on their .· ] own." "I thanked him [Amir], but he ~ >. .0 said he was the one who should · 5 thank me ... His reaction to all this lf [winning the scholarship] has Michael Carbone been even more of an eye-opener because of his humility and gracious demeanor," said Mr. not changed him as a teacher. ·"I believe · Carbone. Mr. Carbone was awarded with that I grow each day by observing my $3,000 and aplaque.The award was a students and their progress," he said, "I "wonderful surprise" because it directly do not know if the award has convinced showed. student appreciation. "You al- me to stay in teaching for much longer, ways find out from [the] administration but it has become a componentof my who is complaining, but they never tell resume and it will always represent · you who is complimenting," he said. some good I did in life; that is always ~ "Harris kids do not compliment teach- rewarding on its own." en; often, so I was quite shocked [upon receiving the award] because of all the Seep. 1 for a related article about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Carbone'sdeparture bad information! kept getting." from the school.
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-to them by their English teach- ers and football players.'~ Upon Sara chalked it up to "typical World Trade Center], the Emers from school. visiting Harris, though, she re- . -Townsend Harris." pire State Building, a New York Despite their religious, cul- ali zed that there weren't any The structure of the school Mets baseball game, and the tural, and geographic differ- major differences between the day was a bit of an adjustment Jewish Heritage Museum. ences, the girls all bonded very students in New York and in for the students: According to While one might assume that quickly. The new-found going sightseeing in Manhatc chemistry between Sara tan would have been boring and Jenna was immedifor the New Yorkers, Carrie ately obvious. "I didn't said that some of the sights think she'd be this were new to her as well: "I'd funny," Sara said. "She never been to the top of the does a great impression Empire State Building beof Mr. [Adel] Kadamani fore. It's seeing what you've [chemistry teacher]." 1:; already seen froin a different Jenna's hobbies read like ] view.'' Annabelle had been a list of any typical :;, the only one of the three American teenager's: ~ German students to have vis"meeting friends, going ;, ited New York before, but to the cinema, dancing, she hoped to accomplish anand doing sports." Nina other _purpose this time was shocked by the speed around. "I am interested in at which she and other religions and would Annabelle bonded. "We like to combine the just clicked. It was so sightseeing with learning cute - we talked about more about the foreign stuboys. I_t seems like a dents' religion," she said. All smiles about their new friendship, Annika Kaiser (left) embraces her American host, regular topic and a trivial sophomore Carrie Buchwalter. While none of the three concept among common Harrisites had partiCipated in American friends, but to be able Germany. Annika "they [American stu- any exchange programs before, to smile and know that she ·is · Sara· chimed in about an in- dents] spend a lot more time in Annabelle went to Japan in a thinking the same'thing was re- cident that occurred on Jenna's - school and in Germany you similar program and Annika had ally the reward of this ex- first day at the school. "She have the same students in all been to Belgium, as well. came in with a shirt that was your classes and there aren't "Americans just aren't as glo- , change," she said. The difference between showing like this much skin," room changes but you have bally educated as Germans are," Townsend Harris and German Sara said as she stood up and breaks between each." Carrie ·according to Sara. While all schooling was immediately ap- showed the tiniest bit of her tried to accommodate Annika three Harrisites are a bit appreparent to all three exchange stu- waist, "and the security guards by "warning her a few minutes hensive about traveling to Berdents. Jenna had obtained her immediately stopped her and before Class ended because she lin in August since none of them ideas of what to expect from asked for her program card. I - packs up a little slowly.'' speak much German, they are "teenage movies where the stu- had to explain to them that she Among the sites the group excited · as well. "I can't wait! dents looked like they were was an exchange student." of students visited with their I'll get the chance to make good wearing underwear, [and every- While Jenna was quite sur- hosts were Times Square, friends all over again," Nina one appeared to be) cheerlead- prised by the "strict security," Ground Zero [the site of the said. ----~--
by Allison Slotnick "I've never left the East Coast before and I've never really had any experience of America beyond New Jersey," sophomore Sara Hochrad said half-jokingly, This will soon , change dramatically for Sara as she is taking part in a student ·· exchange program between non-Jewish German students and Jewish-American students. Ten students from Berlin came to the U.S. fromApril 6- · 20, and three of them lived with Townsend Harris sophomores: Sara, Nina Mozes, and Carrie Buchwalter. From August 1731, Sara, Nina, and Carrie will · stay in Berlin with the families of the students whom they have hosted: Jenna Schmidtke, Annabelle Thiede, and Annika Kaiser, respectively. The exchange program was set-up by the North American Board of Rabbis and run locally through Temple Israel of Jamaica, · Sara and Carrie's temple. Initially the program was only open to _members of that temple but they were short of housing for the German students and Sara suggested it to · Nina. "Apparently, word was going around that this was an . experience that was not to be overlooked. I'd be taking in a girl who I'd never met before and who lived half-way across the world," Nina said. As for the German students, the exchange program was suggested
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Drama Club talent show spotlights song, dance,-comedy ribbon dance, and Stephanie a. really good job." · Talya by Lily Chu Unveiling tht? . varied skills . Bernadel and Hdtther McLeod, Liberman, junior, played of the Townsend Harris com- seniors, who did a step dance. "Aufshwung" (Soaring) from Another featured talent was - Schuman's Fantasishtuke on munity, the Drama Club'sJirst Talent Show entertained over singing. Laverne Blackman and the piano; Jessica Polish, 150 guests in the auditorium on Arianna Freyre, juniors, came sophomore, performed "Anon the stage sporting white dante in C Major" for flut~ by March 26. _A Drama ~lub judging panel shirts, black pants, top hats and W.A. Mozart; Grace Lee, · , that included social studies suspenders. The twQ sang and sophomore, played "Sarabande teacher Charlene Levi, the club danced to Aaliyah's "Are You in G Minor" by Carl Bohm with advisor, had previously chosen That Somebody?" as Steve the piano accompaniment of the acts out of those performed Torem,junior, who was dressed Catherine Wu, sophomore; and by about 20 students who audi- in a fireman's coat, added s·ome Nina Mozes, sophomore, tioned. Tickets sold for a dol- rap lyrics. "Townsend Harris, played the flute accompanied -lar. "We plan to save the funds can y'all r~ally feel me?'' he by Alana Bibergal, sophomore, for next year's Drama Club. so· _ rapped to the audience. Rachel and Talya who both shook mathat we have a little financial Brown, senior, sang "Nobody's racas to "Tico Tico No Fuba" backing for any projects we Supposed to Be Here" by by Zequina Abreu. ' . take on, which will hopefully Deborah Cox, and Siufong Freshmen Krisl:rriperati and include another talent show,'' · Ngo, junior, performed "My Ksenia Yachmetz made the ausaid Emily Fishbaine, senior All" by Mariah Carey. dience laugh as they performed Some students chose to en- a scene from Monty Python's and president _of the Drama Club. "The Club looks forward tertain the audience with their 'The Pet Shop.'' The act beto perpetuating a new THHS ability to play musical instru- gan with the two characters arments .' Jade Calub, senior, guing in British accents about tradition," she said. The show opened with played the guitar as Ham ida whether or not a parrot pur· Amanda Blancke, senior, bal- Bhagiraty, senior, sang "Eternal chased fmm the shop was dead let dancing to the ,song "Under Flame.'' "I liked Hamida and and ended with Ksenia asking, the Bridge" by the Red Hot Jade very much," said Heather "Why don't you ·come back to Chili Peppers. More dance Stovall, senior. "Hamlda was so my place?'' and Kris saying, "I numbers included Gloria Chi, nervous because she w~s sick, thought you'd never ask.'' The sophomore, who performed a btH I thought she and Jade did Drama Club added some more , t,, ·. i~.t .: -:.~
humor to the show by making Man." crazy introductions of the acts "I think the show turned out · and performing their own skits excellently," said Emily, who in between. A confused Katherine Hepburn, played by Kris, made an appearance as o t -h e r s shouted, "You're not at the Academy Awards!" and rolled her 'off the stage. Strate-: sphere, a band of seniors ; performed the final act of the show. Richard Cupolo on lead guitar, was "pleasantly surprised" by Carla DeYcaza on bass guitar, · the· ·number of people who atand J ohn Emanuele on drums tended . "I honestly did no t played as· Jeanne Kopun sang know how smoothly it would "Wish You Were Here" by In- go, but I could not have asked cubus. The band of seniors also for a better show," she said. "I . performed "Say it Ain ' t So" by was so impressed · with Weezer and a -Stratosphere everyone's effort, tale nt and original called "I nvis i ble ability.''
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Giving back to:the community:
·Archon honors ·service by Lina Lee
[must have] great knowledge but... must One hundred fifty seven recognized also have an understanding of the socileaders of tomorrow gathered for the six- ety around them,"said PTA Co-Presiteenth annual induction ceremony of Ar- dent Dafoe Amstuz-Manhart: "Willing. chon on Tuesday evening, April 9. The ness helps makes· the ideal individual applause_ofPrineipal Mr. Cunningham, whole. You [Archon inductees] repniparentS; and teachers filled the audito- sent these ideal persons." rium to congratulate those who have, according to Mr. Cunningham, "truly left the city better than they have found it." "These students seem to embody the best qualities one can wish for- altruism, empathy, and dedication. I really like these stu' dents very much," said first year Archon Advisor Mariet D'Souza. It has always been a Harris tradition to help the community in any way possible, but the members of Archon have managed to put in a minimum of 80 hours of community service each , year while remaining active in two schoolbased activities, and at the same time maintain- · Kruti Patel, juqior, accepts her certificate from Adam Stonehill, ing an average over 85. Coordinator of Students Activities, as Prirwipal Thomas "An ideal person Cunningham beams over her achievements.
First year Ar~hon member Umara Saleem, junior, said, "I strongly believe in helping other people. That is what makes the people come together. I hope everyone can join Archon too. It's areally good feeling living your_life knowing that y.ou are giving back to the community." Certificates andpins were given out for members' hard work, and the Fourth Year Archon members were . given plaques the following week. A special thank you was also given to the people who have helped the inductees. "Thank you for letting us enjoy yourchildfen," said Ms. D'Souza: · Musical entertainment was provided by freshman Sharon Lim, who . played "Caprice," by Paganini, on her · violin, and senior Carolina Chang, who filled the room with her singing of a medley of tunes from Disney movies, accompanied by senior Jade Calub on the piano. _ "The ceremony turned out to be shorter than expected but I'm not saying that it's a bad thing. I felt very comfortable and very proud when the speakers were congratulating us. I didn't know we did so much until they told us," said sophomore Diana Lee. "We respond as human beings when the city is in need. The future of society depends on people such·as you," said Mr. Cunningham.
Table Talk:
Alumni, PTA create joint organ·ization by Daniel Bloch The old and new faces of Townsend Harris merged in what Principal Thomas Cunningham called "a historic event" on Sunday morning, April 28, in the student dining hall. Members from the Townsend Harris Parent Teachers · Association and the Townsend Harris Aiumni Associati~n came together in a "partnership event''. and voted unanimously for the creation of a bridge organization between the PTA and the THAA. "[Townsend Harris] is, and was, a ·special place and it is my privilege to formulate a resolution to organize a bridge organization between the PTA and the THAA [that will] create and develop human support," said Charles Puglisi, Executive Secretary of the THAA, right before the motion passed. According to Mr; Puglisi, "The bridge organization will be composed of parents, most of whom were active in the PTA while their children attended Har· ris, and it_will serve as a resource for human capital," "Sometimes, neither the young or old alumni have the time or energy to carry through with their goals, and the bridge organization wants to assist them to get the jobs done and the goals car~ ried through," he added. 1_ .,., ~ --. - · ... - .. - ..... _ -... -~ -. _ ··- · - _
The authorization . of the committee's creation was the culmination to a casual and sociable brunch that . included a number of speeches regarding the vitality ofthe roles of both the · . PTA and the THAA in the modern Townsend Harris. David Herszenhorn, '90, and President of the Townsend Harris Alumni Association said that despite the wide age gap in alumni, "the two THHS's share identical mi,ssions: to support the school and keep the alumni in touch with each other." Mr. Herszenhorn highlighted some of the results of the "hu{Ilan and financial capital" that has been amassed by the efforts of the . THAA in conjunction with the PTA, · among them scholarships, special classes such as Hebrew and Science Research, the Bridge Year program with Queens College, yearbook production, and teacher workshops. "If there were not the Alumni Association, this school would be quite a different place," said Dr. ·Malcolm G. Largmann, founding and former principal of the new THHS. Dr. Largmann . also commented on his "personal enrichment from working with the PTA" and added that "all the success of the current school... was because of the parents."
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Charles Sigety, '39, urged a stronger . connection between the two. "'fHHS was a seminal event in my life. It was important in my life and important in ·. your children's lives, as well," he said, directing his comments to the· PTA specificafly. "[There is] a vas.t number of alumni and there's nothing more gratifying. than asking someone for help." '. LaniMuller, '89, echoed Mr. Sigety's views when she spoke of the "untapped wealth of human potential" in the THAA. . ;:we look to [the PTA] to g·uide us," she added . An example of the "wealth" Ms. Muller spoke of is the opportunity for current Harrisites who are · interested in a certain college to get in touch with former Harrisites who attended that college. (For more information, visit www.thaa.org and click on "Student Services.") Mr: Puglisi, himself the fatherofthree alumni, called the meeting a success and ·. said that although the idea for a bridge organization existed since 1994, this time "there was fertile ground and this . was a time to move." Although the bridge organization has yet to draw up an official mission statement, Mr. Puglisi likened it to "a parental figure because the AA and this school are basically in their adolescence, and adolescence can be a difficult time." · ..
'M'u' Alpha Theta ce,lebrates m:ath ac-hievement ' byLindaLuu Over 1.00 Harrisites were recognized for their achievements in mathematic;s and attained membership to Mu Alpha Theti, the national organization that honors young mathematicians, in a ceremony on May 2. The event, w'~ich took place in the school auditorium, lasted 30 minutes. "In typical math ·style," stated Mr. Rattien, "it was short and to the point." Anewly ,inducte'djunior, who wished to remain anonymous, commented., '~In my opinion, this is the best type of ceremon¥." During the cer.emcmy, each inducted student was given a certificate, membeFship card and copy of Radical Ideas, a student-preduced . math magazine. Mr. Rattien and Principal Thom_as Cunningham praised the achievers for their dedication and excellcilce in math. Teach- ~ ers of mathematics were also recognized for their c.o~itment to the department. Among the staff members who were in attendance were John B.rown, Rochelle Bakst, Magda Ka:Iinowska and- pleangr .Reilly. As paFt of the program, juniors Katarina Kristip and SQsan Cheng performed a selection on the flute, while senior Laura Kim provided a musical interlude with her presentatien of "Song without Words," by Mendelssohn, ~il the piano. A ~·sur prise Event'' faffle provided thFee one-week elevator passes t0 one stu~ · dent from each grade. The grandprize winner, sop'l'l0more Le Tu Ho, received' a graphing calculator. "I never expected there to be a r1lffle," s})e '$:aid! "l suF})rised.. Wefl, I guess this is wllat :yeti get for doing well in math'' ltrunediatel~ [Qllowing the induedon, parents and new members were inv;ited -for caokies and drinks in the lobby. This further .emphasized the objective R> make .m ath ·fun :and to. allow the jnducti~ ceremony' to be casual and relaxed. "It was rea1ly ,nice to see an awards_ceremony wclth a collation be_e ause it made the event seem like a real celebration," said -sephomore Jessica ,B:erger. The Mu Alph• Theta S'ocfe..ty-'s· . geal is to encourate schplarship and interest in math an~ to 'view it as be-.. ing a part of students' daily .li<ves. F'or Townsend Hams's chapter of,the Nati'onaJ Mathema'ti-cs Honor Seci'ety, the minimum requirements for membership are~ -~ ovemll -average of 92, a cumu1ativ~ math grade of 96, a clear dean's r~ord and exemplary character. Nation-wide there are over55,000 students that are involved in the honor organization. As . Mr. Rattien said, "Wihat can be better for the head 0f th~ math department to see all 125 of the l!>est math students of the \scho~l in one place, being honoretl fqr their accom1 plishments?"
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Carbone leaves after .conflict over:teetchi ng .style Continued from p.l "The seminar style is not recommended on a daily basis for students below the college level," said Ms. Greenfield. She believes that the seminar style should only be used consistently during the Senior Seminar in which two highly skilled teachers can correct any misinformation that is presented by students . Mr. Carbone responded to this by saying, "I do believe it is possible for students to present misinterpretations. I try to get the other students to squelch those ideas .. . If the point remains weak in interpretation, I occasionally dismi1iS it myself." Ms. Greenfield feels that when class discussions are directed by the teacher, students are informed about things that they may not have otherwise understood. "There are so many 'other activities that students need to be doing in the clas~room and they also need guidance in a number of areas," she said. Mr. Carbone, on the other hand 1 after trying out developmental lessons, decided to return to the seminar style because he felt it was more effective. "I realized that the developmental style was not getting the same results I was accustomed toreceiving with the seminar. .. I did so, in other words, to get students to get more out of the text," he said.
According to Mr: Carbone, Me discussed that it is not really the policy term . These tensions between Mr. Carbone . Cunningham refused to read student of this department to do that." Mr. evaluations presented to him during the · Carbone responded by saying "The and the administration have been ongoconference. Mr. Carbone creates and · quizzes may be difficult, but the stu- ing for six years. When Mr. Carbone first distributes evaluations soliciting student · dents respond more when they realize began student teaching at Townsend Harris, he was under the supervision of opinions about the different methods he it counts." uses at the conclusion of each term. In addition, Ms. Greenfield feels English teacher Harriette Blechman. As According to Mr. Carbone, these that the grammar tips are not practical a student teacher, he said, he w~s allowed evaluations were overwhelmingly enough to be taught to such an extent a lot of freedom regarding the way in positive. "I'm not at liberty to discuss "He [Mr. Carbone] was asked to cut which he t~ught, and he got used to that. private meetings" said Mr. Cunningham, back on the amount of time, intensity, While Dr. Largmann was principal, con· and even content Many of the gram- . flicts parallel to the current ones regarding these evaluations. . Another source of opposition was the mar tips were obscure and not of tre- emerged. Mr. Carbone said that twice, division of Mr. Carbone's classes into mendous value," said Ms. Greenfield. once with Dr. Largmann and once with two sect(ons one side for students who She cited research from the National Mr. Cunningham as principal, he filed . frequently participated in class and an-/ Council of Teachers of English as union grievances with the school regardother side for students who were more proof that the "very formal teaching . ing negative letters th<1t were put inhis reluctant to speak. "Ms. Greenfield s~id of grammar,'' past a certain extent, is file by the administration. In both cases, the principal removed the letter in order there were letters from a few parents say- ineffective. to prevent further conflict ing the majority of students felt ill comDisagreeing with Ms. Greenfield, These problems have contributed to ing to my class. [She said] the students Mr. Carbone said, "I have received tre- . his decision to leave. Mr. Carbone feels on the side that was not participating felt mendous feedback regarding grammar that his new school ,will be more open to isolated," said Mr. Carbone, in reference from students who are now in college his teaching. "The A.P. of the department to the complaints from parents. Again, or about to be graduated from college. [in Cobble Hill of American Studies] said Ms. Greenfield declined to comment on . The grammar is what allows students she thinks I will be very successful with parent complaints. to stand out in college, and the college my methods in their school," he said. Mr. • Mr. Carbone's grammar quizzes and professors definitely recognize it." Carbone is saddened by his decision to daily grammar tips also caused conflict. Although Mr. Carbone returned to leave, saying, "I worked hard in this -Ms. Greenfield asked Mr. Carbone to the-seminar style, he did not continue school. I have a reputation with the stu"scale back" the. grammar tips, saying, · giving grammar tips because he felt learning." .dents who care about "The grammar tips really went beyond that the students had already fallen too "We wish him well at his new posijust a brief tip of the day and there were far behind to catch up to where they tion," said Mr. Cunningham. elaborate ex.ams that were given .... We would have been by this point in the
Rubenstein relates to teens noticed the "different atmosphere. It sup-
Arkin speaks at alma mater
by Bryan Kirschen and Allison by Daniel Bloch sifiqtion in color, gender, and wideports confidence and not every environSlotnick As he walked throughth~ bright cor- spread interests of the new student ment "A shy, -clumsy, ding-dong girl like is like that." . · ridors and classrooms of the new body was most striking to me. The me from Flushing can make her dreams Ms. Rubenstein's parents decidecLto Townsend Harris, Andrew Arkin, '40, teachers seemed younger and more come true," Atoosa Rubenstein, editor- mov~ to America from Tehran, Iran so reflected on the events that brought him animated (like Mr. Carbone), and I in-chief of Cosmo girl magazine said to · that their only child would have the opto this moment. "I found myself won- also sensed [in the students] a more dering what my life would have been 'openness' and willingness to give . students as she spoke in classes on April portunity to become successfuL Ms. 29 as Principal for the Day. : Rubenstein set career goals for herself · like if I had continued in journalism,'' their viewpoints." Throughout her day as Principal, an · and.decided that she wanted to work at a he said, after serving as one of the two honor she shared with alumnus Andrew magazine. Her first job was in the wardPrincipals .for a Day on April 19. Arkin, Ms. Rubenstein visited classes robe department of Sassy magazine, She During his high scho<?l days, Mr. and had lunch with some students and later worked at Seventeen magazine and Arkin was Editor-in-Chief of The Stateachers. She "walked away with some Cosmopolitan. Cosmogirl, a version of dium, the old Townsend Harris newsc: terrific ideas such as the mock election." Cosmopolitan magazine directed at teenpaper, and he "worked as a page at ll When applying to be Principal for a age girls, was the brainchild of Ms . ~ night at CBS in the control rooms with ~ Day, Ms. Rubenstein had originally Rubenstein three and a half years ago. ' some of the great radio directors, edtil wanted to visit an all-girls school due to· While Cosmogirl may be targeted at c ited my army newspaper and was a Ill the focus of her magazine and the fact females, Ms. Rubenstein·pro,vided some ;>, journalist'fora while after World War J:l that one of her biggest messages is the wor?s of wisdom to all teenagers: "AI0 IL" Tired of the low pay, Mr. Arkin en0 .c:: support of 'girl power.' While viewing . ways stay true to your ·own story. There c.. tere'd the women's high fashion busithe Townsend Harris website, though, are .a lot of naysayers out thet:e that are ness . she noticed that a majority of the stu- waiting to tell you what you can't do ~ "But now, with fashion and other dents were female and upon her. visit, she Prove them wr~:mg . " business ventures behind me, and a few dollars in the bank, I'm going to return to writing,'' Mr. Arkin revealed. .Andrew Arkin To some at 'Townsend, Mr. Arkin is ·. Mr. Arkin also noticed "a great di·a familiar face. He spoke at the 2000 graduation and met with the editors of versification of class offerings and The Classic, sixty years after he had technical skills taught,'' singling out the computer and photography classes, been in their position. During his stint as Principal for a in particular. Theimages are a jumble Day, he visited several classrooms with of young faces smiling for Mr. Arkin's Principal Thomas Cunningham. "I had lens, and also a few of himself, lookthat fun of talking with the students, tell- ing content to be among a new gening stories, and emphasizing the spirit eration·of Harrisites. "I've had a continuing criticism of and pride of Townsend Harris," said Mr. Arkin. ''I felt this spirit in the classrooms my day. We were very 'quick'- studand corridors of the 'new' THHS and ies came easily to our group, so easily hoped that feeling; and the friendships that perhaps we didn't dig 'deeply' enough to master the knowledge and made, would continue." Commenting on the differences be- depth offered us,'' Mr. Arkin said. tween the THHS he knew and the one . "These students seem to be going that ·- P!( yisjt~g._~r.•ArJcin. !i.ajq, _"J'_h~ :dj~er- · extra step without being pushed."
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by Daniel Bloch About 70 high school students from across New York City engaged in intense discussion with three officialS from the New York State Board of Re" gents at the stately Brooklyn Borough .,Hall on April 18. The event, officially . deemed as a ''Policy Breakfast for New York City High School Newspaper Editors," served as an open forum for the voicing of questions and opinions on a variety of current educational issues. · At the conference's heart was the issue of the expanding gaps in student performance in New York City Public Schools, with branching topics that ranged from the impending budget. cuts to the hiring of foreign teachers; "How do we close the gaps in student achievement?" asked State Education Commissioner Richard Mills. "It's time to stop just talking about it; it's tiine to do something." Joining Commissioner Mills wer~ Associate Commissioner Shelia EvansTranumn, and Adelaide L. Sanford, Vice Chancellor of the Board of Regents. "It's like a blood transfusion to see you here this morning," said a beaming Vice Chancellor Sanford to the students in her opening remarks . She extolled the "powerful force" of journalism and said' she was eager to hear "penetrating and analytical questions" from the students. She did not have to wait long at all.
The first question posed dealt with the looming and large budget cuts to the City's schools system. "The measure of all of us will be how we conduct ourselves when [things are] difficult," responded Commissioner Mills. "We're in the Jean years. We have to work around these differences; they're temporary." He called the pending budget cuts "inevitable," and noted the importance of "keeping a long-term view of things, Things get bad, but they'll get better." In response to a later question, the Commissioner said that criteria for deciding which school programs would be cut would most likely be left up to each individual school. Early on in the conference, one student questioned the purpose and fairness of Regents exams, claiming that the exams aim to prepare students for a "white-collar career." Commissioner Mills firmly disagreed. "The idea is not to prepare students for a white-collar career. The point that the Regents ·are making is that life is full of possibilities. The Regents are trying to prepare students for that," he said. The idea of recruiting foreign teachers was also raised, and the trio of officials helped students explore several sides ofthe issue. "[The ret:ruitment of foreign teachers] deals with the desperate need to find teachers," said CommisContinued on p. 15
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Seminar stretches imagination byjessica Berger __ were recommended by their teachers. Close your eyes and imagine your- The students and teachers attended both - self in a peaceful m~adow. Neit, imag- separate and joint sessions . . ine a seminar on imagination. How do . To explore the concept of art and the we imagine? How do you even conduct imagination, the program invited Ellen a seminar on imagination?- It may seem Dissanayake, author of What is Art impossible, but the brainstorming efforts For?, and Calvin Luther Martin, author of several faculty members ahd the par- of The Way of the Human Being, to ticipation of authors and over a dozen speak at some of the meetings. Partici- . students put the sixth-annual "Dialogue pants also read Living by Wonder: The of the Imagination" program into mo- Imaginative Life of Childhood by Mr. tion. Lewis. Dissanayake's book explores the - The goal of this year's session was, purpose of art, ifs social and biological according to Elizabeth Crawford, art uses, and why art has remained in huteacher and coordinator of the program, , man culture through art, science, and an· "to explore the role of the imagination . thropology. Martin's book evaluates the in each individual's life and the life of imagination of Paleolithic Native the school as a teacher or student:" Americans as compared to Neolithic art, The program began six years ago as the art of modernity. According to Mara collaboration between Richard Lewis, tin, the different rel!ltionships between the director of the Touchstone Center, humans and the earth over time change an organization dedicated to promoting the way in which we perceive the world, the life of the imagination in children ; and humanshave lost a crucial sense of the program's sponsor, Dr. Marvin that perception during the transitions Leiner, the Towns.end Harris-Queens made from hunters to hunters and gathCollege liaison; and Townset:~d Harris erers to the modern day. faculty. Ms.Crawford explained-that the proc . It has evolved into the current semi- gram examined how "imagination in nar, which this year took place during school (!nd out of school at the same time three Staff-Development days and one can affect learning, dreams, and solvafter-school program. In the past, the ing problems." Todo this, a "birthday · program has yielded pieces of art includ- of the imagination" party complete with ing· the lobby mural. cupcakes and hats was celebrated at the This year's participants included Mr. first session, as the student and teacher Lewis, Assistant Principal of Science groups each explored the origins ·of Susan Brustein and Assistant Principal imagination. This was continued at the of Humanities Lynne Greenfield, art · last meeting when all participants creteachers Elizabeth Crawford and An- ated their own clay images of what they thony Morales, retired photography in- . imagined to be the first imaginer. structor Lois Polansky, media _teacher Certain activities in the program were Laura Benin, science teachers Irwin given rave reviews by sophomore parSteinberg and Rosemarie Eaton, English ticipants StephanieHerschaft and Carla _· teachers Deb-ra Michlewitz, lisa Cowen ~ Gunther. .Carla said, "In the first couple and Harriette Blechman, social studies of sessions we discussed getting back teachers Susan Getting and John to how we thought as a child with the O'Malley, and classical language freedoms of a child. The week after, teacher Margaret Landry: whenever I saw something real and The students, sophomores Carla original,- I would think of the workGunther, Stephanie Herschaft, Jessica shop." Stephanie added, "My favorite I Polish and Richard Getzel;juniors Elisa part was when we had to bring our teddy Puccio, Sunayna Ramdeo, Ilwira bears in because it showed how we are Marciszek, Susan Chang and Susan all children inside." Carla added, "The Cheng; and seniors Jarmar Banks, workshop was fun. They [the teachers, · Amanda Blancke, Jane Pechera, Emily Dr. Leiner, and the authors] treated us · Rivlin-Nadler, Ryan Dennie, Emily like real adults. We had real discussions Fishbaine, Diana Rios and Lisha Perez, about the books. It was fun." .
Seniors-honored by Times Continued. from p. 4 and his family were surprised and exdted by this great honor. Shekhinah first heard about the scholarship when a senior [Ronald Alleyne] last year had won it, and then a second time when Ms. Blier brought it to her attention at the beginning dfthis school year. Like Amir, Shekhinah didn't ex.pect to win, but ''I went for it anyway; you can't ·Jet competition scare you away,'' she said. When she found out she had been selected, she was very excited and "ran around screaming until! woke up every-
917-439-6859 • urbantutors@Jyahoo.com -
one in my house." Over the summer, Amir will be working at the. Times ~uilding, He hopes it will be with someone from the Science Times because he ·wants to be a physician in th~ future. Amir will be attending Johns Hopkins University in the fall. Shekhinah will not be w.orking for the Times this summer because she will be taking classes at Cornell University so she can get a head start and relieve some of the sttess of freshman year. In the future, she hopes to become a lawyer.
The Classic
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June2002
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Posters tie for first in contest
Dear Townsend Harris Sophomores:
How many of the following words which appeared on the October 2001 PSAT do you know? Two views of ihe accordionlike poster created by Maria Rodriguez's second band Spanish Literature class.
misnomer, malapropism, soporific, pedantic, lethargic, slather, cleave, hoard, squander, corroborated, belied, dwindling, debilitated, tempered, thriving, extant, dispatch , deliberation, presumption, reverence, rambunctious , extravagant, scrupulous, circumscribed, impulsive, irreverent, static, apprehensive, serene, extricating, mitigating, chronological, digress, embellish, ramble, annotate, docket, precedent, puerile, derisive, bestial, saturated, dilapidated, edible, impermeable, verisimilitude; vivid, transcendence, loquacity, insolven(' prudent, condescension, innocuous, rejuvenate, relish; endorse, attire, integrity, upright .
You have a year to improve your vocabulary . before taking the SAT. What are you going to do? Success on the SAT I Verbal is largely dependent on students' vocabulary skills. If you wait until 2 - 3 months before the SATand take a basic Pri11ceton Review or Stanley Kaplan course, you will not have enough time to make a significant improvement in your vocabulary. Students in the basic Princeton Review SAT courses get a list of 250. · "Hot SAT Words." Stanley Kaplan's basic courses provide students with flash cards for 200 frequently appearing SAT words. Only twelve · of the words listed above (20°/9 of the total) appear on the Princeton Review list. Stanley Kaplan's list does no better. Moreover, Princeton Review and Stanley Kaplan both assume that students will learn these · words on their own without an instructor checking homework or giving vocabulary practice.tests. In contrast, some New York City students
spend a year before the SAT systematically building their vocabulary skills with a review of 3500 words; ·
Are yo u w illing to do two extra hours o f homework every week for a year? Posters created by Maria Rodriguez's two Spanish Literature classes tied for first place recently in a conte~t sponsored by the Repertorio Espanol Theatre Company. Students attended·a performance of Chronicle o(a Death Foretold, by famed Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, on May 2 at the theater. Classes had to depict a certain scene or running theme in the play, which portrays a murder that an entire town , except the victim, knew was going to take place. Ms. Rodriguez's fifth band class created an accordion-like, vis-a-vis piece depicting two bullfighting scenes. Vis-a-vis refers to a work of art whose image changes as the viewer looks at it from a different side. As sho\>,ln on top, the "spectators" cheer on an actual mawdor and bull; below it, in the reverse image, a crowd of "witnesses" look on as the story 's victini is attacked by two bullfighters. The seventh band class submitted an intricate collage of magazine cut-outs of eyes that surrounded likenesses of the tale's murderers. This was the second year that Ms. Rodri.guez 's classes shared the top prize in the poster contest. "I am proud ," remarked a smiling Ms. Rodriguez. "And if we're given the chance, we'll definitely do it again next year." The two posters are currently on display at the·Repertorio Espanol Theatre in Manhattan.
Policy·condemns cheating Continued from p. 3 felt it was a good idea, but it needed to be more clear," said junior Vice President Jaime Sackett. Committee members are optimistic about the effectiveness of the revised policy. "I hope it will enlighten everyone to the problem of dishonesty. Townsend Harris is a high-pressure school," said Ms. Nix, "Maybe that's why cheating is so common. I hope that this new policy will make students recognize this problem as a serious one." Ms. Greenfield agreed. "The idea is that you learn," she said. "Anyone can make a mi stake. We know everybody's excuses, the level of stress there is around here, but that's not really an excuse for what is really a criminal act. Hopefully, we have enough respect for education an~ for the importance of ideas to understand that it's a criminal act." Student reactions to the new policy are mixed. "If the administration provides us with a clearer policy, it means that they'll enforce it more strictly, and people would know that they could be caught cheating. It would definitely discourage students from trying to cheat," said junior Iris Liang. Junior Jonathan Perez said, "We see a lot of cheating going on in our school, particularly kids copying each other's homework. I don't.think the policy itself will deter students from copying their peers' homework.'' Sophomore Amanda Boneta wonders if the poli.cy is just. "I believe it is fair for first time offenders, but for multiple time offenders it's not. I don't believe that the punishment for cheating twice should be equivalent to the policy for a person with an extensive amount of referrals." 4.
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Our program is only for motivated , hard working students. We do not believe in tricks or shortcuts. We review 3500 vocabulary yvords over a 12-month-long period. We check vocabulary homework every week . . We test students regularly using act!:Jal PSAT and SATs to ensure that the vocabulary is being retained. Fifty of the words listed above from · the October 2001 PSAT, 84% of the total) appear on our word list. We have seen dramatic results with our vocabulary development method. For example, a young woman from last year's class scored a perfect 800 on the verbal portion of the SAT and is on her way tO Ha!Vard next fall. ·
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Participate in free trial program this summer to see if our vocabulary building approach works. for you. This summer (June 15 - September 15) we are running a free trial Summer Vocabulary Development Program. Students will learn/review 1000 words. In September, we will measure your word acquisition/ retention by administering several actual SAT tests. If you are satisfied with the results from the Summer Program, you may choose to continue the program throughout your junior year, covering an additional 2500 · words. Students also learn strategies for solving over 200 of the most common SAT math problem types.
What is Reach Higher? Reach Higher is a vocabulary building /SAT Prep organization dedicated to making high quality, skills building SAT prep affordable to all New York City students. Our year-long course costs the same as the basic Stanley Kaplan or Princeton Review courses. Moreover, we are committed to equal educational opportunity: If your family cannot afford the Reach Higher tuition, we will work out a scholarship plan for you. To find out more about the free trial course, our instructors, and our approach to SAT prep, call us evenings and weekends at 718-7888517 or e-mail us at reachhigher@aol.com. Th e free trial class will start in mid -June 2002. Enrollment is limited.
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The Classic June 2002
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Popping ·the problem:
Creams, cleansers aid teens in curing acne by Lina Lee
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they also turn to smoking as a way to because I feel as if they're looking at She stands in front of the mirror and 'my acne and n()t my face. I get intimi"relieve" their stress from acne. Aside scrutinizes her face from every ppssible dated," says a Townsend Hatris junior. from it's well-known health haz(lrds, angte. She then picks up a magazine and smoking also starts breakouts. When Teens will lock themselves in their compares her skin with the model's as a homes and not even got out to see their going through depression, teens tend to tear slides down over her acne-c·oven;d friends. Lack of confidence has prefind any way out of it and teen smoke face. After locking herself up in her vented some people from going to to break away from the agony of aerie. room, she cries herself to sleep for the school, work, and social gatherings. When acne first starts, which is usufifth time this week. "My mom always says that every teen goes through it and that it'll pass ... but it's more than somvthing that just passes by. It takes control of the way I am .. .I let it take control , of my life," says the Townsend Harris sophomore girl after telling her story from real life experience. · Known as a common experience, getting acne is one of the worst fears among adolescents. According to "Acne and Yourself' by Rubin Bank, 85 per- · cent of teens world-wide are afflicted with acne and expetience.some kind of stress because-of it. Ip the United States alone, 20 million teens ·suffer from it and still feel as though they are the qnly ones. The skin problem is linked to stress and causes psychological disturbances. · Based on statistics by Ron Kreiger (who studies acne among teens), stress causes acne and acne causes stress. This never-ending cycle has brought people to a stage where they are mentally tor~ tured and agitated. In some severe cases, teens stress until they are at the point of committing suicide in order to break the cycle. Even in mild cases, this ·skin problem puts some people into various stages of depression (Lamberg 202). "Acne is often ignored because it's not a lifeally between the ages of I 0 and 13;' . threatening disease but it does causes "It's pathetic, out I jus,t cannot bring some teens feel dirty and end up wash· teens to lower their self-esteem to a myself to face my friends so I end up ing their fac_es up to 20 times a day. This point where they are forced to limit their staying home now. I'm just waiting for constant washing later causes dry skin, interactions with their peers who have my face to clear up," says a female junwhich is anot)Jercause of acne. "If your clearer faces','' says Dr. Bang Sqon Euk, JOL skin is too oily, you have 'to wash your a dermatologist in Flushing, Queens. To overcome acne, some girls turn face more but if it's too dry, you ha,ve Acne can -be a factor that affects dat- to tinted creams, cover sticks, foundato moisturize your skin. If your skin is ing preferences. Statistics :compiled tion, and anything else that can tempotoo oily or too dry, breakouts tend to · from across the United States 'show that rarily cover their ac-ne. By thinking their occur," says I)r. Euk. Skin doctors ex55 percent of the boys between the ages faces are clearer because of these conplain that because the unit between the 12-14 would rather go out with some- cealers, females .never seem to stop rehair follicles and the sebaceous glands one without acne, and 40 percent of the lying op them once they've s!arted. ''I'm mixes With oils and wa~es, pimples start boys between the ages of 15-17 say the addicted to my cover-up stick. I always to Jlppear: same thing. Similarly, 50 percent of the carry. it just in case," says a female One of the most common miscongirls between the ages of 12-14 and 52 sophomore. An article in Seventeen ceptions as to what causes acne is diet. percent of the girls between the ages of magazine on October 3, 1999 says that It is true that there are types of fodd that 15-17 would not go out with a g1.1.y with" even though most teens are aware of the _will cause acne, but despite,a common acne. - fact that concealers will not get rid of belief chocolate is not the culprit for evMany teens with acne tend to become the acne, f:?ut ra~her make it .worse, they eryone. Only a small percentage of less outgo.ing than their former selves. still us it constantly and watch in vain cases are due to die.t, and then doctors "Sometimes, I can't even look at some- as their faces break out. Teens not only turn to concealers but recommend the patient avoid sugar, one in the ey~ when I'm talking to them
·saturated fats, milk anq everythi~g else - that is sweet, including soft drinks, chips, candy, and other 'junk foods.' Whether or not their acne is reiated to .their diet, most teens turn to over-thecounter medications to control their acne. Medications can cost anywhere from three dollars for 45g of Benzoyl peroxide generic 5% to 76 dollars for 45 g ofRetin-A 1% cream (Walzer 56). "I spent so much money for medications that never worked, so I finally went to a dermatologist. Now I go to my doctor at least once a month and each visit costs around 75 dollars," says a female sophomore. "Some people have scars on their faces that a skin doctor just cannot get rid of with creams or soaps. Patients usuc . ally expect a one-day treatment when they come into my office but it takes more than that. It usually takes about O!le year for a face to clear up even with the best medications I can give. I have seen teens start to cry when I tell them this, but there is nothing I can do,'; says Dr. Euk. Jane Hammerslough, '·aut)lor of Skin Care, suggests that becoming dependent on a skin doctor is not always the best solution because it takes a lot of money and time, and the doctor cannot guarantee a full recovery (Hammerslough 189) .. Medications are not the only thing teens can rely on .. "When a teen first , walks in, I ask him/her how much stress they get," s·ays Dr. Euk. Dermatologists advise patients to reiax, exercise (a stress-reliever), and get enough sleep. When told about these solutions, a sophomore commented, "that's impossible to do in Townsend Harris, except · the exercising part." Another slow solution wm~ld be to simply wait with confidence and let time take the acne away. "As a teen myself, I had the worst condition of acne and I · tried everything, I bought all the aerie creams and soaps but nothing worked. All I can say is that .it does go away; it just takes time. By stressing about it, it just makes it worse. It does get better," says Health Aide Mari~ Barone. Psycl}ologists advise teens not to al. low acne to destroy their self-confidence. or inner happiness (Boyd 67). In extreme conditions, teens are advised to seek pro.fessional help. "I don't let a few pimples take over my life. I have better things to do than sit in front of a mirror stressing about my acne. I used to worry about it all the time but now I honestly don't care," a soph()more says.
_Poster vandalism unnerves community,- mars election Continued from p.l · meaning behind it and it's scary to think that someone would still use it." Jaime admitted that she· had been "scared that someone would draw on my picture," referring to her photograph on the poster, and she made sure to have a tall friend put her poster up high on the stairwell wall in order to protect it ' against possible vandalism. -Jaime's initial fear was a reality for
Arianna Freyre, junior, andJaime's election opponent. A few weeks before Jaime's incident, Arianna placed her poster in the same staircase during sixth band. Later in the band, she found that someone had defaced her photo with a marker-drawn beard and moustache. Arianna ripped her poster off the wall and put up a new one a week later. "If you want to deface someone's property, go ·home·and take a crayon,-go .
into your parent's bedroom, and write your tag name all over the walls," Arianna commented. "I don't know, but my parents wouldn't be too pleased. It's the same-in school - have that same respect that you would have at home." "Everyone here seems to come from good backgrounds," observed junior Jonathan Perez. "I wouldn't expect anyone here to have the audacity to [van- · dalize someone's p~ster].'·' · ···
According to Dean of Students Wanda Nix, however,' the motivation behind the attacks on Jaime's and Arianna's posters "could come from the home;" and the perpetrator may have been influenced by what he or she hears at home regarding other cultures. While Ms. Nix emphasized that the school it- , self was a very open-minded environ- · ment, she said that in cases such . . ,. . ,c, · Conijniu~d. on. p. 15 '
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The Classic June 2002
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When peanut butter .attacks:
Deadly food' allergies recognized in schools by Jessica Berger the mast cells will pro~uce a combina- quired to follow laws such as IDEA and done. Various people have various alIt can happen virtually anywhere. tion of chemicals, including histamine, · section 504, which prevent discrimina- lergies, like chi~ken. We can't just take The onset of symptoms can emerge at that triggers symptoms such as itching, tion against students with disabilities in- it out so other people won't be able to the lunch table at camp, in the school wheezing, and coughing. · cluding food allergies. School buses eat it." said one freshman. lunchroom, or in a chic restaurant. AI~ · · When those with mild food allergies should be no-eating zones, but should Sop~omore Nina Mozes suggested lergic particles could be lurking in any eat products containing allergens, the also have effective communication sys- thai "the selling of peanut M&Ms should· place. They may be wafting through the ·reactions can be frightening . Junior . terns in the event ofa reaction. Schools be prohibited. Sell Skittles! Also, · air from the peanut butter being eaten Ashley Mastronardi, who Is allergic to must also keep epinephrine available schools should be readily equipped to at the other side of the table, resting in seafood, said, "One time! had a piece and must have someone designated to treat severe reactions as well as having the spilt milk, or on the lips of a parent of swordfish ... My whole body became administer medications. Students with informed nurses or rnedics." Others also kissing you good night. They are invis- covered in hives recommended that the nurse's office ible and ready to strike 5\t any moment from head to toe . as well as medical kits distributed to make you sick without as much 'as a Then, my throat throughout the school should have alsecond of warning. started closing up lergy-fighting medicines that can be Allergens can even be found in the and my whole dispensed if a reaction should occur. · safe environment of Townsend Harris mouth blew up. I Some believe that education is the High School. According to Principal had to go to the key to prevent allergic reactions. EnThomas Cunningham, THHS has never hospital." Many glish teacher lisa Cowen said that the had any students who have experienced others also suffer · schools should publicize their policies any severe allergic reactions to foods . · .from food allerregarding food allergies so that parStill, there are many students with gies. A poll taken ents of allergic children can coopermilder food allergies, and many of 230 students ate with the school administration. To Harrisites feel that certain precautions . and 10 teachers repromote education, the Food Allergy ·.{ should be made to accommodate all stu- vealed that 40 sufand Anaphyiaxis Network observed dents with reactions, whether mild or fer from allergic the 5th Annual Food Allergy Aware" severe. ness Weekthis past May 5-11. Accordreactions, and According to a New , York Times while 200 do not ing to Do1J1inus, "Learning about their Magazine article . by Susafi Dominus, have food allerclassmates' food allergies is becombetween five and ei·ght percent of gies, 193 of those ing a topic of general safety for chilAmerican children 1.mder the age of polled dren, along with looking both ways know three live with food·all~rgies, while three someone who does. · . food allergi~s cannot trade or share food before crossing." percentof cHi ldren between three years In summer camps such as the Samuel Although most of those polled suf- and should not eat anything with linof age and adulthood are severely aller- fer from mild allergies, they are sensi- known ingredients. They must identify Field Young Men's & Young Women's gic to certain foods. Only two percent tive to many different foods . These in- what they can and cannot eat, read !a- Hebrew Association, campers are sepaof adults have these allergies. Most of elude nut products, eggs, wheat, milk, bels,.and recognize an allergic reaction rated because of their allergies. "By these people have a family history, but shellfish, soy, chocolate, and fruits and and. tell an adult if they are having one. keeping everyone informed, including there are other theories that account for · vegetables, the most common being · For example, according to a Seattle childrep, we increase awareness and tolthe cause. Many immunologists believe apples, peaches, melon, and citrus Times article by Linda Shaw, the Spa- erance about differences. I'd prefer that that a change in the immune system is fruits. Of the 193 students and faculty kane, Washington school district, in a the child with the allergy eat with other the main factor. They believe that the who know allergy sufferers, a major- legal settlement, agreed to better train friends who are not eating peanut butter, . lymphocytes protecting the bo~y are ity knows people allergic to nuts, eggs, its staff and alter the lunch' menu after and who are aware of his/her allergy and controlled by a third lymphocyte, which wheat, milk, shellfish, soy, chocolate, 9-year~old Nathan Walters died from a who truly care about it," explained David becomes unable . to keep the immune or fruits and vegetables. . peanut-butter cookie given to him by his Slotnick, head of junior camp. Still, the y has not considered banning products system ·under control. When the body Many steps have been taken in the school cluring a field trip. tries to defend itself against non-harm- . world offood production to assist those · THHS students and faculty offered such as peanut butter, seeds, eggs, or. ful food items, potentially fatal allergic with food allergies, including the scru- . their own suggestions as to what should dairy 'products, but it does provide subreactions are the resolt. pulous listi~g of ingredients on prod- be done to prevent allergic reactions to stitutions for allergic children such as soy Approximately 30,000 Americans ucts that may cause allergic reactions. food . . The most common suggestion, or rice milk instead of regular milk. Neither THHS nor the New York City per year experience a sudden, sever~ Kenneth J. Falci, Ph.D., of the Food recommended by 22% of the' 240 stuallergic reaction called anaphylaxis. ·. and Drug Administration. (FDA) said dentS polled, involved the detailed Ia-. Board of Education have policies regardThe symptoms include hives, a swollen of the organization's efforts to regulate beling of foods served in the lunchroom . ing food allergies. Mr. Cunningham mouth, difficulty breathing, and a con- labeling, "Since 2000, the FDA has for breakfast orlunch. Another proposal states, "An allergic reaction would be ·stricted throat. About 150 of these presented information on allergen risk includes making special dietary provi- handled in the same way as a medical people die fromtheir reaction. Anaphy- and labeling requirements at more than sions for allergic students that includes emergency. The health aid and physical .Jaxis can be caused by adverse reactions a dozen locations nationwide." The serwingboth foods that contain allergens • education teachers are trained in CPR." .J . to foods, Insect bites, and medication~, FDA has also encouraged the use of and foods that do not or bann'ing aller- Fortunately, Townsend Harris has not but according to Dr. Hugh A Sampson, "plain language" when labeling more gens.from the lunchroom completely. been required to deal with the prospect MD of the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food common food allergens by listing , Some alsosuggest reserving special e~t- of an altergic reaction, but Mr. Allergy Institute_at the Mount Sinai "milk" and "eggs" along with "casein- ing areas away from the allergic prod- Cunningham has had experience with School of Medicine, "Food allergy sure ate".and "albumin," respectively. ucts.for· at-risk students. · allergic students in his career as a prinTwenty percent feel that no matter cipal. "We worked with parents to deal passes insect stings and patient adminRecently, the Food Allergy~and Ana- · istered medications as the most common phylaxis Network, with help from the what; the most important thing to be with the allergy. It was very unfortunate cause of fatal allergic reactions." National Association of Elementary done is to make sure that the school that certain parents did not inform us of · The symptoms of a mi'ld allergic re- School Principals and other organiza- medical files are updated with the stu- their child's allergy because they didn't action present themselves after the al- tions, compiled a listDf "School Guide- dents' allergic information. Some be- want their child to be singled out. We · lergen has been consumed: These reac- lines for Managing Students With Food lieve that it is the students' responsibil- worked with the parents and were able tions are caused by antibodies in the Allergies." These guidelines clearly ity to care for'themselves and stay away . to provide a special lunch for the child ··blood stream known as Irnmunoglobu- spell out the families', students', and from the foods that they are allergic to. or provide a separate setting if they felt lin E (IgE). When an allergic person is schools' responsibilities in minimizing The same students say that those with uncomfortable eating in the lunchroom." exposed to an allergen, IgE antibodies allergic reactions. Families_ must in~ allergies should bring lunch from home He added, "Hopefully, this would be the are produced for that specific substance. form the school, provide medical in- and not risk eating something they are way we w:ould deal with the situation if The antibodies then attach themselves formation, and work with the school allergic to in the school's hot lunch. Still it occurred at Townsend Harris.;, to mast cells in the nose, e.yes, lungs, to make the school environment safe some think that there's nothing that can Sadly, 'too few people know the imbe done without trampling on the other portance of dealing with food allergies, and gastrointestinal tract. The next time and comfortable for the children. that the body comes in contact with the Schools also are responsible for the students' rights to eat whatever they both mild and severe. There are many allergen-, thelgE will grab hold of it and safety of th~ic .stu9tW&. They .are..re- .•w,ant, '.'lqon:t_re~lly_,think llll!c.hc~.be , ' / · '•''·' · _ ~ .. -.: ''-'' C?P.~~~'!e~cJ. ~~,p.13
The Classic
·, 12 Japan~se cuisine comes to l!ife iri Midtown June 2002
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chi" in America, is a style of food preparation in which meals are cooked over a flat grill in front of guests. It brought Rocky's restaurant great success. Just six months after Benihana's opening in I 964, he received star ratings in local newspapers and decided to expand his enterprise. Today, there are nine locations
by Marlo Dublin
Teppanyaki table where a first-class chef prepares a culinary masterpiece right before your eyes. While cooking, each chef-at Benihana engages in a sp-ecial Benihana Japanese Steakhouse of Tokyo acrobatic knife-show. He artistically slices anddices 120 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022 meat and vegetables, creates volcanoes spouting steam (212) 593-1627 out of a mountain of onion rings, and flips shrimp tails _ into his hat. It is truly a memorable performance: , One delightful feature about Benihana's cuisine is .·. Finding a place to eat in Manhattan can often seem like an arduous task. Hot dog stands planted ori every that you receive a complete meal with every entree. While_ you are watching your food being prepared, a other street corner encourage us to eat on the run, while family style Italian cucinas tempt but aren't worth the waitress ~erves you Japanese onion soup, ''Benihana · trek across town. However, if you are in the mood to ·salad" with ginger dressing, a shrimp appetizer; hibabe entertained while feasting with family and friends, chi vegetables and for dessert, green tea. then Benihana Steakhouse of Tokyo has the dining exc Whenever I go to Benihana's, I usually order hibaperience for you. Open Monday-Friday from 12 noonchi chicken or steak. Both dishes are marinated in_a tangy teriyaki sauce, seasoned with ·salt, pepper, and 10:30PM, Saturday from 1PM~11:30PM and Sunday sesame seeds and then grilled on top of a bed of on- . from IPM-10:30PM, Benihana's resembles an early ions and mushrooms. When completely cooked, the 17th century Kabuki theater and offers you a hearty meat is tender, and you can taste the exotic flavors Japanese meal for around $25. sealed into each chunk. If you are a lover of spicy Located in the heart of midtown, Benihana's is part food, I highly recommend the ''Seafood Diablo." A of an international chain of Japanese steakhouses escombination of Japanese "Udon" rioodles mixed with tablished by Rocky Aoki in 1964. Born and raised in shrimp, scallops, calamari and assorted vegetables, this Tokyo; Rocky was a star athlete, and his superb abildish really is the devil of all teppanyaki cmations ~. ity to wrestle earned him a spot on the Japanese OlymHowever, there is one little precaution: because of pic wrestling team. Yunosuke Aoki, Rocky's father, the vast array of spices and saus:es used in hibachi · _was a famous entertainer who opened a coffeehouse · cooking, as well as the type of grills used for food · in Tokyo called "Benihana," meaning red flower in Japanese.'Benihana was not your average eatery, how- across New York and close to on~ hundred others _preparation, aromas floating around ,the restaurant are. prone to stick to clothing. Therefore, I rec61lunend that ever. It attracted the masses by offering something dif- around the world. The 1,1pper West Side's location is quaint and very _ you wear something you wouldn't mind having to ferent: real sugar, a rare commodity at the time, freshly warm; hostesses-are eager to serve you and assist in wash as sDon as possible when dining.at Benihana's. · prepared meals, and first class service: any way to make your stay more comfortable. When Whether you are dining alone _or ·witlt _a friend, .. When ~e came to New York in 1960 with his team, you first walk into the restaurant, you are greeted by Benihana's is a great place to enjoy traditional JapaRocky decided to continue his late father's legacy of walls decked with photos of Rocky Aoki and stars in nese cuisine while watching master chefs at work. With . · combining dining with fine entertainment by opening the entertainment business who have dined in one of each bite of hibachi, you'll sav-or new and exCiting a small Japanese "Teppanyaki" restaurant, named af" his hibachi-locations, as well as tFinkets and memora·flavors, while passing on the Teppanyaki tradition, as ter his successful coffeehouse, on the upper West Side · of Manhattan. Teppanyaki, often referred to as "Hiba" bilia from Japan. You are then seated at a traditiomil well as the Aoki family legacy.
Churrascaria disappoints with tasteless food and atmosphere by Jessica Wang Master Grill International _ Restaurant 34-09 College Point Boulevard Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 762-0300
other restaurant, than to gorge oneself on such overcooked and under-seasoned meat. The meat at churrascarias is supposed to be barbecue(! Brazilian-
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Master Grill Internatiopal Restaurant is yet another one of those strange phenomena in restaurant dining. Droves of people flock to it, prepared to fill their empty and grumbling stomachs, and later walk out, seemingly satisfied. Their satisfaction is a mystery, however, for the food offered at the restal_!rant is unappetizing. · • , The restaurant has jumped on the bandwagon of being one of the few major churrascarias, or rodizios, in Queens. Churrascarias are similar to buffets, with a little twist. While there is a buffet, meat-lovers should not fill- up -on its dishes alone. At the diner's table, there is an hourglass-shaped wooden block, painted half red, half green. By flipping the device so that the green side is on top, diners indicatethat they are ready for the real attraction of the churrascaria - the barbecued meats served directly at the diners' table. Waiters frequent the tables holding sword-like skewers with meat and carving knives . If diners are interested in the particular cut of meat the waiter has, he carves them slices and then moves on to the next table. When · diners need a break, they merely have to flip over the wooden device again so that the red side is on top. While meat.:lovers may rejoice at the thought of eating as much meat as they desire, they may want to reconsider eating such poor-quality meats at Master sty!~, but there is no sign of Brazilian influence in the Gi·ill. It is better to fork over the same amount of preparation of the meat at Master Grill. The meat was Iadded to it at ~II before ,a,s if1 no,- i seasoniQ2: , money for a single piece of high-.qualit;Y steak at an- taste;; '- , I ;..· 1· ' I r "'it -t , , , ~ · , r- ... - - ,. • .... .,
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or during the cooking process, and the only condiment offered at the table is a bottle of American steak sauce. The buffet at Master Grill is nothing to gush over either. The sushi bar is unexciting, with only four or five kinds of rolls offered. There is considerable _ variety at the salad bar;-but the vegetables are not at their fit) est, and the prepared pasta and potato salads are excessively coated in mayonnaise. ·warm side _· dishes include starchy and dry potatoes, tasteless yellow rice and fried watery bananas. The best things offered at the buffet are the dinner rolls, which are soft, sweet and reminiscent of challah bread, an egg· · bread that is Jewish in origin. · / Desserts are wheeled ar~mnd on carts to tempt the restaurant patrons .- They cost extra, however, and are ordinary items, such as carrot cake and chocolate layer cake. There is no use saving room for them or trying to force~feed oneself to eat them when one is full. .. .,_. The food is not the only thing that lacks taste at Master Grill. Before entering the main dining room, diners walk through a glass tunnel covered with tiny lights . It is presumably-meant to seemci<issy, but c.omes across as ta~ky. The stage set up for live music has a garish backdrop of the New York City skyline, and the music is not much better. Music during · meals can provide a nice touch, but not when the singer's voice causes diners to cringe. Diners cannot escape from horrid music even when the live musicians are taking a break, fo r schmaltzy pop songs -resonate through the stereo speakers. The allure of Master Grill is difficult to understand. With its poor food and unpleasant atmosphere, Master Grfll -seems more likely to send people off with headaches and stomach pains than with a sense of contentmept. . . . . i ( ~ - I ' 1, t• ( f I . i r , ,. • l -.. f~ • I j .J..i I ( 'J f I
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Little Shop produces big talent byJennifer Gong With a stunning cast and a surprise ending, the Townsend Harris rendition of Little.~hop ofHorrors, performed on April 25-27, produced an uproar of rave reviews and positive feedback . Directed by English teacher Harriette Blechman along with Assistant Director Charlene Levi, history teacher, and produced by Assistant Principal of Humanities Lynne Greenfield, the play fol, lowed the sudden fame of plant-lover
Seymour Uunior Geoffrey Ng) that stemmed from the growth of an unusual plant, the Audrey II Uunior Johnson Chong). The voice of the plant was that of senior Ryan Dennie. Placed in the window of a Skid Row floral shop, owned by Mr. Mushnick (freshman Kris Imperati), the interesting and unusual plant begins to draw in customers. Seymour soon discovers that the plant needs human blood in or,der to grow. Little by little, drop by drop,
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. Broadw~y brought to life at Towsend Harris: Seymour, Geoffrey Ng, junior, an-d Orin, Jesse Ash, senior, confront one another in Little Shop (){Horrors. ,
the geeky plant-lover feeds the Audrey of the nights it was performed. II with his own red cells. A quartet of Skid Row loiterers (seAs the play progresses, the Audrey nior Rachel Cajigas, juniors' Laverne II, named after Seymour's secret love B Iackman and Amanda Lorenz and Audrey (senior Christina Pagan), be- sophomore Devin Sugameli) followed comes more and more greedy for flesh the play's events. This was done with the and blood .. The only way to satisfy the help of a fabulous working rented sound hungry plant is by feeding it human bod- system and a great band consisting of ies. Seymour reluctantly begins with · Musical Director and Pianist Robert Audrey's boyfriend: the. maniacal and Carpentier of Far Rockaway High demented dentist Orin, (senior Jesse School; his assistant Jessica Cardona, Ash) . Seymour's boss and newfound junior; Kieth Jordan, also of Far adoptive father, the money-hungry Mr. Rockaway, on electric guitar; and junior ·. Mushnick, is the next victim. Karen Denis on acoustic guitar. In an unexpected turn of events, the "The music was really great. The enAudrey II dines on Seymour's soul mate tire cast was composed of very talented Audrey and lastly on Seymour himself, singers and musicians," said junior after repeated failed attempts to kill the Marisa Gomes. "What surprised me the plimt with a gun, a knife and rat poison. most was that we could actually hear the With help from the media, the performers as they sang and talked beAudrey II is then able to branch out to cause the microphones were working,~' create hundreds of tiny offspring and, she added. in turn, to take over the world. Seymour The overall effect of the theatre perc (Geoffrey) offers these last words of ad- · formance was made complete with a vice:. "Don't feed the plants." This dif- l;Jeautiful set design produced by an art fered from the film version, written by · crew led by _Virginia McCauley of Far Charles Griffith and directed by Roger Rockaway High School and with cosc. Corman, in that the 1986 movie por- tumes coordinated by history teacher trayed Seymour as the hero, saving both Susan Getting. _ , Audrey and himself while destroying "I thought that the play was very well . the disastrous plant. put together. Ryan and Jesse are two very _ Strung togetherby songs and simple talented people," said junior Jennifer dances, choreographed by senior Sheth. "I think that more people should Amanda Blancke, the production of support these things," she added, referLittle Shop of Horrors made a lasting ring to the modest crowd that attended impression on the -small audiences each the performances.
Spiderman entr,aps viewers in web by Jamie Gullen Swinging into theaters· on Friday, May 3, Spiderman broke the all-time record for highest grossing opening weekend. Appealing to adults and kids, comic book fans, and those who have never even heard of Marvel, its combination of dazzling action scenes and a love story that is not overly trite helped Spiderman climb to the top of the box office charts- gave it some serious sticking power,. The' film stars Tobey Maguire (PleasantVille, Wonder Boys, The Cider House Rules) as the less than popular, science-oriented teenager Peter Parker; who resides with his aunt and uncle. On a class trip, he gets bitten by _ a genetically enhanced spider, giving him special abilities like shooting webs ft;om his hands, climbing walls, and ju~ping from building top to building top. After ietting a criminal escape who later turns out to be the murderer ofhis uncle, .he learns that "with great power comes great responsibility," a theme that is repeated throu'gbout the movie._This h!adshimto take up a secret life of fight. ing crime and protecting people. Along the way,.he rescues his longtime crushMatyJane, played by Kirsten Dunst (The Virgin Suicides, Bring it On, ' Crazy Beautiful), on severaLoccasions. -Although she is dating Peter's room_mate, played by James Franco (Never Been Kissed), Mary Jane realizes that she is in love with Spiderman. Spiderman also has to contend with
the villain ofthe movie, the Green Goblin, played by Willem Defoe (American Psycho, Shadow of the Vampire). In the climax of the movie, the Green Peter to join Gob lit:~ tries to get
his side by showing him how heroes aren't rewarded for their good deeds. Peter is forced to choose between saving Mary Jane· or saving the lives of a group of kids. This battle
between good and evil is certainly not unexplored territory, b'-!t is . still portrayed in a captivating manner, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The special effects are well ~one, making Spiderman's flight and fighting appear as close to real as possible. Maguire provides an on-target portrayal of the socially insecure Parker and the morally obligated Spiderman, showing the conflict be-. tween being with those he loves and _protecting them from harm. Although many comic books have been made into movies, and are · sometimes met with criticism by avid comic book fans, this movie sticks to the plot line. of the books very closely and - does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. It is definitely worth seeing for both those very familiar with . the comic book series and those who have never read one in their lives. Part two of the Spiderman trilogy is planned · to hit theaters in 2004.
Foods can pose serious threat Continued from p. 11 options that ean be applied to lessen the danger, but everyone needs to wor~ as a tea~. to make anergic people safer. Food is definitely taken for granted. After all, for someone witb a dairy allergy, the slogan ''Got Milk?" does not warrant as much humor as it does for the rest ·of us. The next time yc;u I<iugh at a "Got }\1ilk?0 commercial, or ·uncap a ~ottt~ of :Jiffy peanut butter, take the time to think. about wbat it would be like if milk werce the enemy, peanut butter were your worst rival, and how every bite you take could be your last. Sources: Dominus, Susan. "Aliergy Pris.on." New l!Jrk Times· Magazine, 10 June 2Ckn . American Academy of Alle~gy, Asthma and hnmunology Webs'lte. "What is an Allergic Reaction'!" hUpl/lwww.aaaai.org/public/ pl,lblicedma:tltipsw.hatisallergicreaction·.~,
Food Allergy arid Anaphylaxis Network. www.foodallergy.org Fo9<1 Allergy Initiath'e Website. www.foodallergyinitiafive.org Food and Drug Administration Website. ''Food Allergies·: When Food becomes the Enemy." www.fd'a,go.v/f<lac/features/2001/ 401_food.html' Laino, ehafle"'e, "Food'Allergy t>eaths PreventaBle." .MSNBC Health H~ !anuary, 2061. www. msnbc.~omlnewsl518l60.asp
Shaw; Linda, "Rean1.1ts Off Menu at Many School$., to Protect J(ids with Deadl:y Allergy." S~attle Times. 29 Aug 200;J.http:I seattletimes,nwsource.comlhunl/localnewsl J3~3~3985_pea oqt27m.~tll!l
The Classic
14 Injuries stifle girls soccer success June 2002
by Elyse Lee The Girls' Varsity Soccer team lost in the first round of the playoff season on May 23rd after finishing their regular season I 1-3-2 for the PSALand 124-3 overall. The team was defeated by Susan Wagner High School 2-0. . Although the Hawks had a strong team, they were riddled by injuries, preventing them from being as successc ful as they usually are in the playoffs. Starting junior Jaclyn Miccio and freshman Maria Paschalidis qoth h~d injuries early on: Miccio suffered a sprained ankle and Paschalidis broke her foot.They were out for about three ' weeks. A few ~eeks later, sophomore Michelle Berrios sprained her knee, which has been previously injured. Along with these injuries, Coach Chris Hackney said there were about six other ones as well, ranging from stiches . in the back to a dislocated finger. Even manager Chrissy Amperiadis had a foot problem and was unable to enter . a game when needed. Although many · of the players were back in time for the playoffs, the team was not performing up to their usual standards. Mr. Hackney feels that all the injuries were coincidental and bad luck. He believes that is the reason they did not make it to the finals as they did last year. Another component leading to their
round one loss is this year it was harder to get into the playoffs: Only I 6 teams made it in this year, which is fewer than usually make it. This made the playoffs more competitive. Though the Girls' Soccer team has been flogged with injuries throughout the season, this has been an opportunity
· Spring season runs weU for Boys' Outdoor Track
for the rest of the team to flourish minus the "stars." With the absence of Miccio, their best player and leading .scorer, more players got playing time and the opportunity to improve their skills. This made for a stronger and deeper team entering the playoffs. They also have only two graduating seniors whichmeans a very stable team for at least the next two years. Hackney has believed in these girls since the start of the .· season, when they set their goals to finishing at the top of their division and making the playoffs. "When we're healthy and playing well, we can play with anyone in the city,~ ' he said. Ov~rall the season has been one filled with tests, but the Girls' Soccer team has shown ' their endurance and persever- ' ance through this season. Although this season was not quite what the team expected, Mr. Hackney feels hopeful for next year. "Almost the entire team is coming back so we should be really strong, as long as we are not struck by bad luck next year," said Mr. Hackney. ""
by Steven Berger The Boys' Outdoor Track team ran well at the Queens Championship Meet, winning their division on May 17 at August Martin. "We wanted to finisn as one of the top five teams in Queens," said Coach George Rio. The Hawks were able · to db so·, finishing fifth . According to Rio, the team's success was due to their ability to score points · in different events. Louis Elrose, sophomore, finished in second place in the high jump and Ezra Cooper, senior, placed second in the triple jump. Tri-captain Alejandro Gonzalez, senior, won second place in the two mile race and third in the mile. In addition, the Hawks scored many points courtesy o[ their relay teams. The 4x I 00 meter relay, run by sophomores John Kim and Andrew• Rivera, and juniors Carlos Gonzalez and Zak Anolic, Won a bronze medal. The 4x800 meter relay race, in which juniors Seth Steinhoff and Dmitriy Yukhvid, sophomore Rino Zecca; and Alejandro Gonzalez, ran, finished in third place. On May 22, the Hawks ran at Queens Relays 2. This was the finalmeet for all seniors except Gonzalez. He competed May 26at the City Champs at St. John;s and placed fourth in the 2 mile. "I think all of the captains ... have taught me and . many of the other runners a lot about running," said David Bass, sophomore.
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15
The Classic
June 2002 .
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Girl_s' Softball closes short - of playoffs Vandalism .· by Josh Fox
Casper, considered "a great who batted .509 with a With seven wins and lllosses, the hitter who knows the game," homerun and 28 RBis. Girls' Varsity Softball team has been by coach Ceraulo, is the The other freshman plagued with poor defense and an in- team's first baseman. Ceraulo shortstop who doubles consistent offensive attack. The team feels that Sharoff, is a "very as a pitcher is Alyssa made up for their disappointing regular reliable second baseman." Wick. season with a 14-2 victory over Megan Davidow and Mel- ·. The team i!> in the Stuyvesant in the first round of the play- issa Tubens, the team's junQueens "A" division, offs on May 21 . However, the Hawks iors, are also great contribuwhich includes Francis fell to Francis Lewis in the second round tors. Davidow has a .529 batLewis, Bayside, John on May 23, with a score of 8 to 2. ting average, while Tubens Adams, William C. As the errors and fielding blunders has a 4-6 record as a pitcher, Bryant, Benjamin mounted for the Hawks, 13-year veteran_ and bats .281 with a .452 base Cardozo, and Martin head coach Lawrence Ceraulo's hat was percentage. Van Buren. The Hawks thrown in wild directions in the dugout The sophomores on the . finished behind Lewis Throwing his hat is the reaction he gives team are catcher Patricia and Bayside, who held for bad plays. Though his arguments Pabon, considered.by Ceraulo Junior Melissa Thbens records of 15-3. with the umpires and scolding of his as "one of the best catchers intently focuses as she After making the playe-rs may seem amusing from the in the city," who led the team practices her pitching playoffs for I 0 con- , ·before a softball game. stands, this v~ry youn'g team has yet to in hitting last season; third secutive years, the come together as a successful playoff baseman Jessica Grodoszki; Hawks needed contriteam_ catcher Lauren Bilsz; and reserves b~tions from everyone and crisp field. Last year, the Hawks held a record Eliabeth Maranon and Samantha Lutz. ing to play in the post-season. They of 9-3 and lost in the first round of the The "diamond in the rough" for this hope-to have some spark for next year, playoffs. The team is Jed by seniors squad could very well be freshman Jodie and use this past year as a building block Kristina Casper and Jessica Sharoff. . Wright Wright is the starting shortstop for future success.
Teens, Regents officials discuss, debate issues .in a hypotheticai example in which a · Continued from p. 8 sioner Mills. "By next September, we'll class of students of West Indian descent achieved more success by being taught need 19,000 new teachers." "There-j ust aren't enough teachers in by a native West Indian because of a the pipeline in this country," echoed As- shared understanding of language and sociate Commissioner Tranumn. An- . culture .. other possible benefit of hiring foreign Further commenting on the teacher teachers was proposed by Ms. Tranumn shortage, Commissioner Mills urged stu-
dents . to pursue careers in education, calling teaching "an extraordinarily wonderful career." "The school has to be a learning community," he continued. "Often times.when teachers leave, the reason they give is that they're not supported in the school community. The teacher needs to be thanked."
Continued from p.lO as these, "it only takes one or two kids" to convey the message suggested by the vandalism. ~r. Stonehill called the defacing of Jaime's poster "atrocious," but added that, based on the other acts of vandalism, he thought it was juvenile act, rather than a prejudicial act." He guessed that the vandals were two or three students "who thought they were doing something 'cool' and weren't thinking about the repercussions and the effect it would haye on other people." "The Student Union promotes a ·sense of decorum and propriety during elections, but unfortunately there are many who choose to act in this manner," said junior Maryann Tan, newly-elected SU Vice President, referring to the vandalism. "The upholding of 'free speech' does not apply to the disrespect of a per- . son or a campaign."Mr. Cunningham pointed out that while Townsend Harris has been nationally recognized twice as a First Amendment school, the acts of vandalism are not protected under any guarantees of free speech. "It's defacing school prop. erty and it's not permitted," he said. In the meantime, Ms. Nix said that · the administration will be discussing the acts of vandalism with the Student Senate and asking for assistance from the student body in identifying the vandals. "We believe that when [vandalism] happens ... someone else knows about it," she ·explained.
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Hawks fall to ,Morris iil baseball playoffs .
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by Josh Fox One can view the 2002 Boys' Var- .· sity Baseball' team as having a successful season, reaching the post-season with a record of 11-4. Though they made it to the playoffs, the Hawks were defeated by the Morris Bulldogs in the first round on May 23, with a score of 12-0. The squad had two hits, one double, two walks, and six strikeouts. Christopher Fuchs, sophomore, and Erkhan Murad, senior, pitched a gam.e allowing nine runs on seven hits, with II walks in the first six innings. They did, however, manage to strike out nine opponents. The Hawks have averaged a little over I 0 runs per game, through 15 of the 16 games, including 5 outbursts of over 17 runs. The pitching has been exemplary as well. Murad boasts a 3-0 record with a 3,64 ERA. Nikolaus Kaloudis, sophomore, also has a 3-0 record, with a 2,17 ERA. The team has gelled smoothly and is on track to compete with Franklin K. Lane for the Queen's "B" division title. The team is in the Queens "B" divi-
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June 2002
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··Despite setbacks, girls tie fo·r second place in Queens
sion with Franklin K Lane, Robert F. . by Elyse Lee Kennedy, East New York Transit Tech, The Girls ' Outdoor Track team enJamaica, and the High School for Busi- tered the Queens Ch:;tmpionships with · ness and Arts. Made up of 16 players; a disadvantage. Not only were they ill the team has only three seniors : equipped with a lack offield events; one Calogero Argento, outfielder; Peter • of their most talented runners wasn't Duffy, first baseman ; and. the versatile · feeling well and they were already 37 infielder Murad, third baseman. poin~s behind the second place team JaThe Bawks' batting average through inaica, with zero points As the meet progressed, the Hawks three games is .378, with 30 runs batted in, and 26 walks . Other contributing were able to come back from the 37members include point deficit totie with Jamaica for secjuniors Christopher ond place at 77 points. Coach Joseph Gonzalez, catcher, Horn commented, "Every girl contriband utility first uted to that very strong showing atBorbaseman and desig- ough Champs, an incredible showing." nated hitter John Though many of the girls had perBoneta. The sopho,· sonal best times and have shown the mores include out- hard \XOrk of this season, certain girls fielder Jesse Franco; stood out among the rest and qualified pitcher (1-0) Chris- for City Championships on Sunday, §' topher Fuchs; out- May 25. Senior captain Vicky Lopez fin e ~ fielder and starting ished third in Queens Champs with a ~ pitcher Kaloudis; time of i:OJ.5 in the 400-meter run . utility infielder, Senior co-captain Arica Wade finished £ backup catcher and in the 800 meter ruri in second place, pitcher (1-0) Joseph though it was a controversial finish as Kresse; first she was awarded the third place medal. baseman Travis Wade also competed in the triple jump Lamprechet; and event for the first time ever and placed outfielders Maurice . second with a jump of 31 feet. SophoStevenson, Emmanuel Smith, and more Kalima Smalls, also competing for Michael Schwartz. the first time, in the shotput event, fin-
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conclude volleyball · season on positive note by Ashley Pillsbury Although they· ended with a record of two and eight, the Boys' Varsity Volleyball team closed the season on a positive note. "We fared . better than we thought; we did not finish in last place," said coach Elizabeth Dempster. This young team made progress this season, building a team from five returning players and seven inexperienced rookies. "The season was good, considering we had seven new players. The five returns did a good job of taking the lead and pulling together the team," said Dempster. Dempst~r sited Cardozo and Francis Lewis, who finished first and second in tht: league, as their toughest competition, because of the experience their players possessed. Concerning her own young . team, she said, "The team has bonded and improved in skill level. Through the hard work of this ·season, we have built a, strong cornerstone for next season." She added that, with the return of all of her players from this season, they have a good shot at the play·offs next year.
ished in fourth with a throw of 29 feet and two inches. Rosalind Adams placed third in the 3000 and 1500 meter runs and qualified for the Cities at an early date ; Jessica Krivac placed sixth in the 1500 meter run and fourth in the 3000 meter run. Sophomore Jen Pepen placed second in the 1500 meter race walk, and freshman Elizabeth Feder also did the 1500 race walk with a time of I 0: II . The sophomore relay team of Gillian DeChavez, Joanna Reynolds, Jeanette Maharaj and Faith Cummings came in fourth place in the 4x100 meter relay with a time of 4:19.3, qualifying for Cities in both events. Cummings and · Reynolds were described as "rocketing" down the tracks for personal best times of I :03.51 split for Cummings and I :02.27 for Reynolds. The sophomore team overalris a very strong team. Three 4x800 teams placed first, third and fifth. This season has been a trying, but fulfilling season for the Girls' Track team. With administration problems with the PSAL, the girls had to endure many questionable results and many scheduling changes. However, with a school record of 12 girls qualifying for City Championships, Coach Horn described it as "finishing the best year we've ever had."
Boys' Tennis seryes up loss in city playoffs by Steven Berger The Boys' Tennis team lost in the first round of the -playoffs to Hunter High School, ending a season in which there was an abundance of achievement. The Hawks finished the regular season with a record of 5-5. This was enough to earn the team a tie for third place with Francis Lewis in the Queens A division. "We tried our best this season and we really look forward to next year," said junior Geoffrey Ng. The Hawks had a strong squad of freshman players who performed well, including Ari Gayer, who played singles,,and Sotiris Georgiou, who competed as the team's third singles· player. Highlights from the Hawks' .season · includedwinning their two games of the year against Newcomers and Francis Lewis and having a three-match win· ning streak later in the season; "We have a very good chance of getting into the playoffs next year with the talent that this team has," said Matthew Yu, sophomore. In addition to Gayer, Georgiou and Yu, Matthew Kirschner; sophomore, who played second singles ~ for the Hawks thi's season, is expected to be a key player again next season.
