Classic newspaper Volume 26 Issue no. 3

Vol. 26 No.3 November 2009 <,

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aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

Harris scores highest within peer group

149-11 MelboumeAvenue, Flushing, NY 11367

Charity project to build well in Africa

by Pearl Bhatnagar . dents' performance based on For those Harrisites who demographic data. Since 15% believe their school is the best of Harris's population comes in the city, the results of the from private schools, the 2008-2009 Progress Report school gained 8.2 points due may offer evidence in support to this new policy alone. of their claim.

Lisa Mars, Assistant PrinWith an overall score of cipal for Languages Other than 88.7, the school beat out all 14 English, said, "It's gratifying others in its peer group, which that the hard work of teachers included Stuyvesant High and students is acknowledged School, Bronx High School of by the DOE." Science and Brooklyn TechniKenneth Bonamo, princical High School. pal, agreed. "We all work very According to the Depart- hard. The APs leave later than ment of Education (DOE), I do; the teachers are planning "schools are judged based on and grading in their offices. how their students' perfor- The kids are here at seven mance compares to that of stu- in the morning and leave at dents in their peer schools," night." he said.

The DOE calculated the "When we [students, overall score by adding the teachers, and administrators] sub-scores of three different do what we do on a daily bacategories: school environ- sis, we're not thinking of the ment, student performance, . Progress Report. But when and student progress. those efforts are validated by Harris received 11.5 out this external measure, it's very of 15 points for school envi- gratifying," he continued. ronment, based on both attenThe Progress Report states dance rates and surveys filled that "schools that get As and out by parents, students, and Bs are eligible for rewards." teachers; it earned another According to Mr. Bonamo, 24.2 points out of a possible "Harris administrators will 25 for student performance, receive performance bonuses" which took into account grad- from the DOE because the uation rates and types ofdiplo- school scored in the top 7% of mas received; 52.6 out of 60 all high schools in the city. points were gained for student For some freshmen, the progress, which was based on result of the Progress Report number of credits earned and validated their choice to attend Regents passed.

Harris. "A lot of students say Once added together, the that because they go to a speoverall score of88.7 exceeded cialized high school, they're the 70-point minimum needed better than [Harrisites]. Now we can say that we are," said to earn anA. The score has increased freshman Mareena George, by nine points from the 79.7 who was accepted to the Bronx received last year. The DOE High School of Science.

Susan Getting, Assistant awards additional points to students whose Regents scores Principal of Humanities, held are higher than their 8th grade . a less competitive viewpoint. citywide scores.

"I am not a competitive perSince only public schools son, so I'm not really conadminister the citywide ex- cerned about other schools. ams, the DOE previously had I don't spend a lot of time no way to assess the improve- wondering about how other ment of students who had at- schools are doing."

"The 88 is great," contintended private and parochial schools. ued Ms. Getting, "but what It implemented a formula would be better than that? An this year to factor in these stu- 89."

by Emma Court Coordinator- of Student an organization named Two young girls in Activities Aleeza Widman and charity:water, which is Southern Malawi leave their seniors Ann Marie Ramsaroop, devoted to providing clean homes at 5 am, hike to a hand- Natasha Bankay and Sherry and safe water to the one in six dug pit in the earth filled with runoff water, and fill their pails.

They then travel home through the steep mountains with 40 pounds ofwater in bright yellow and blue buckets balanced precariously on ~ their heads. Oftentimes, ~ ~ rains and floods fill };. their water hole with .~ .cl bacteria, animal waste ....<.J and disease. '" ....

Hundreds of miles ~ = north, in Rwanda, 15e OJ e year-old Jean Bosco e.cl makes four to five trips a l:l. day to fetch water from a polluted brown pond. A - r :" ~ b -1. . ..•. ft ak f d. . n A rican oy uxunates III water, a resource 0 en t en or grante III Amenca.

I n eastern Africa, 4 000 people in the village of Leung heard these stories people who don't have access Athinai, Kenya rely on the at a leadership summit in to it. The school is embarking polluted waters of the Molo Manhattan on October 16. on a yearlong charity River, including patients at the The tales prompted project in order to build a local Mogotio Clinic. them to get involved with continued on pg 9

Talen wins mayoral race in Election

Sim~lation

by Nicholas Lupo and Allison Bennett Green Party candidate Reverend Billy Talen, played by senior Solomon Cohen, won the Election Simulation's mayoral race on November 4. The victory was unexpected by many, including the candidate himself.

"I was really surprised when we won because before the debates, very few underclassmen actually knew that I was in the election," Solomon said.

"I did not expect to win because we started out with a small treasury and few (if any) students in the school actually knew that the Reverend was rimning," he continued.

"Before the Simu- Reverend Billy Talen (Solomon Cohen) won

lation, I had no idea who this guy was. I thought it was between Bloomberg and Thompson," said junior Karina Hain.

Competing candidate Michael Bloomberg (Aziz Rahman), agreed. "The fact that Billy Talen won without too much campaigning or focusing on issues beyond just attacking big companies was a shocker," he said.

He added, "I was a bit surprised when I found out 1Z I lost because Green Party .cl ~ candidates have never been ~ considered serious candi~ dates in the past." ~ Democratic candidate ..6' William Thompson (An~ drew Goodman) said, "I'm not surprised that I lost. Solomon did a great job and I sort of messed up my whole campaign with the whole

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the mayoral race in the Election Simulation.

MLIT pg. 5 I

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Sweet Sixteens, Bar Mitzvahs, and more pg.9

Where the Wild Things Are pg.6 i

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Spirit Week photos pg.l0

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2-The Classic

November 2009

Election Simulation should mirror 'reality Reverend who?

Let's face it: outside ofTownsend Harris, barely anyone knows who Billy Talen is. As the Green Party's mayoral candidate, he won only 0.8% of New York City's vote on Election Day, compared to winner Michael Bloomberg's 50.6% and Bill Thompson's 46%. From the beginning, he had little hope of gaining support beyond his core group of followers.

And yet, he won by a landslide in our Election Simulation, beating out the other two more mainstream candidates by an overwhelming majority.

This is not the first time the simulation results haven't reflected the outcome of the real election. However, it's unusual for the final tally to be so drastically skewed. The victory of a candidate virtually unknown in the real world reveals a major flaw in the Election Simulation.

If the simulation is supposed to mirror the real election process, then we shouldn't have singled out such an obscure candidate to be featured alongside Bloomberg and Thompson while disregarding other minor party candidates.

Minor candidates like Billy Talen are just that: a minor part of the process. They express their views on issues they feel most strongly about, and hope to win some votes along the way.

But word travels easily in a small population of students, and so a minor candidate is bound to attract a disproportionate amount of attention.

It's true that the outcome of the election simulation should reflect the quality of student campaigns, not the candidates' popularity in the real world. But at the same time, the simulation should show us what's happening on the actual political scene. Even if Talen did a better job campaigning than our school's other two candidates, he still diverted attention from the real focus of this election: the contest between Bloomberg and Thompson.

Even though Reverend Billy received fewerSimbucks and less media attention than the other two mayoral candidates , he still gained enough popularity to win the election . A major factor in Talen's victory was his i i participation in the debate on October 28. Here we see a major discrepancy between the mock election and the real thing: in the New York City mayoral debates , only Bloomberg and Thompson were present. Yet, Images from stevecotler.com the;"; 'debates -v-in . school made it-seem like Talen was on'equal footing with the other two candidates.

Talen's participation in the Election Simulation raises another important question: why the Green Party? In the real election, Stephen Christopher of the Conservative Party actually won the third highest number of votes (1.7%), and Billy Talen came in fourth. But Christopher was nowhere to be found on our ballot, and thus most students probably don't know who he is.

Many other minor political parties in New York City nominated candidates for mayor.

By 'selecting only the Green Party to be represented in addition to the usual Democrats and Republicans, the SChool gave us a false impression of the way politics work.

One can argue that out of all the minor parties in New York City, the Green Party stands for issues that resonate most among high school students-environmental issues, in particular. Thus, it would make sense for the Green Party to be chosen over other parties (e.g. the Conservative or Libertarian parties) for representation in the mock election. However, we can't forget that the other parties exist. If they included one minor party candidate, they should have included all of them-e-or else, they should have just stuck to the main two contenders.

Billy Talen, regardless of his merits, was merely a blip on New York City's political radar screen. If our Election Simulation placed him on the same level as Bloomberg and Thompson, then there is obviously something wrong. This is a mistake that should not be repeated.

Library lunch pass policy should be reversed Under a new policy enacted this month, underclassmen must have cafeteria passes to gain access to the library during lunch bands. Although this policy was adopted with good intentions, it is proving to be more of a hindrance than of help.

This policy does encourage students to eat lunch by mandating they to go to the dining hall prior to making their way upstairs.

However, this possible benefit is outweighed by its negatives . First, many students have been going to the library immediately after class to make full use of their time to study and do their work. Especially since the lunch bands have been shortened to 39 minutes this year, there is a greater time constraint. Also, with the limited number of textbooks and computers in the library, students are under greater pressure to claim them, and are more likely to lose access to these resources to upperclassmen.

Furthermore, for students who might be fasting as part of their religious observances or to make a statement for a cause, getting a cafeteria pass is only time-consuming. Students have to go to the first floor just to return to the third. Also, while this policy may help combat the number of students who skip class, cutting is not a serious issue at Harris, and this benefit would therefore be minimal.

Students should be able to manage their time as they see fit, and choose whether they want to go to the library first and then eat lunch, or the other way around. In fact, since the lunch line gets very long, students may want to study first, and then go down to eat. Furthermore, those students who might be skipping lunch to prioritize their studies should not have to obtain a pass. Maintaining good eating habits is important, but requiring students to go to the dining hall to pick up a pass won't make students eat lunch.

While this policy was meant to benefit students, it is making something so simple as going to the library unnecessarily difficult.

Retraction While looking for things to include in the anniversary section, I stumbled upon folders of articles and letters some from the 1920s - that had been filed away and long forgotten.

The editors and I were amazed at what we saw in the folders, and we wanted to share it with you. There wasn't enough time, though, to incorporate those materials into the November issue of The Classic.

The anniversary of the school is a momentous occasion that deserves to be honored spectacularly. I'm sure you would agree that we made the right choice when we decided to push back the publication of the section rather than put something together that didn't do justice to our school.

We're very sorry for the delay, but we promise that when you see what we put together, you'll see why we decided to wait.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sarah Mahmood Editor-in-Chief

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Sarah Mahmood Editor-in-Chief Pearl Bhatnagar Esther Whang

Rebecca Seidel

News Co-Editors

Feature Editor

The Classic is an open forum for the expression of student views. The opinions expressed therein should not be taken to repLiz Kussman resent those of the administration or faculty Art Editor Sports Staff: Rahul Bhasin, Benjamin Horowitz, Oliver Lee, or student body as a whole.

Daniel Pecoraro, Eilin Perez, Grace Shin, Arthur Tarley

Eilin Perez

Sharmin Rashed

Photography Editor Aliza Altman

Sports Editor

Dipabali Chowdhury

Business Managers lIsa Cowen

Caroline Cross

Co-Advisors

News Staff: Allison Bennett, Frank Corazza, Hayley Desmond, Caroline Egan, Eunice Lau, Nicholas Lupo, Freddy Millan Jr., Lory Martinez, Kristina Rudolfo, Rupeshi Shah, Grace Shin, Rebecca Suzuki, Tracey Wang

Townsend Harris High School at Queens College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367

.

Kenneth Bonamo

Principal

Feature Staff: Indira Abiskaroon, Emma Court, Abigail Koftier, Demetra Panagiotopoulos, Katherine Valles

Art Staff: Richie Bonilla, Edward Farquharson, Alice Hung, Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's Katherine Valles, Amy Wang, Amy Yuan

mailbox or e-mailed to thhsc lassic@gmail.

Photog raphy Staff: Aliza Altman, Pearl Bhatnagar, Rebecca com. The Classic reserves the right to edit all Chu, Angie Dylgeri, Samiha Khan, Misty Kim, Alexander Saletters. Letters must include name and official batino, Marissa Shieh,Yuval Solomon

class. Names will be withheld upon request,

The Classic Novem ber 2009

Ceremony ho-nors Cooper for award

by Abigail Koffler Science - teacher Katherine Cooper was honored in a ceremony held in the library November 18 celebrating the Sloan Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching Science, which she won last month.

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with a check for $2,500 from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

They made things happen .

by Kristina Rudolfo Three members of the seStars 'decorated the library . They're the best. All I had to lection committee presented for the "night" theme of this do was show up," said Mr. Ms. Cooper with her own year's. first Phoenix poetry Olechowski, explaining that check, as well as a plaque reading November 13. The the editors somehow accessed commemor ating her achieve- .event also marked English the closed library and finished ment. teacher Rafal Olechowski's the setup once he arrived .

"It was nerve racking. first reading as the new advisor of the literary magazine . There was so much to do and Plenty of cheers and so much procrastination!" said applause met the read- Isabella. "In all seriousness, ers, who shared both origi- it was absolutely wonderful nal and published poetry. to be running the show with Seniors Angie Dylgjeri, two people who share my pasClare Mao, and Isabella Oca- sion for poetry and podiums."

Sophomore Mariya Dimampo, editors of The Phoen ix, each read twice due to the trova appreciated the staff's small number of participants. . efforts."This was myfrrst time, The turnout was met anditwas really great," shesaid. with mixed reactions.

"It's really great to see that "There weren't as on a Friday afternoon people many readers as usual but go out to read poetry," said the spirit was still there," sophomore Jennifer Gersten. said senior Miranda Myers.

Mr. Olechowski was also Junior Elaiza Santos ap- touched . by the community. . preciated it too. "Not too many "What is this place without people attended, which is a a community? A bunch of good thing since I like a small- square rooms with numbers Assistant Principal of Math, Science and Technology Susan Brustein, science teacher Katherine Coop er, and Principal Kenneth Bonamo are presented a check by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Program Director Paula Olsiewski. er audience. It's more intimate over them. The'Phoenix is the that way," she said. "I had the best community-building place One of the members, Lev chance to sit in a chair for once." I've seen so fat Everyone can Principal Kenneth Bona- that she deserved the award.

"She's one of the most Svirdov, a doctoral candidate mo praised Ms. Cooper, callThe attendance didn't walk in and be admired by ing her "an outstanding teach- .compassionate, caring and in organic chemistry and Rho- match Isabella's expectations, others," said Mr. Olechowski.

He also credited the literer in a school of outstanding conscientious teachers I have des Scholar from Oxford Uni- though. "I was actually exever had," said junior Anthony versity, spoke of "the desperate pecting more people to show ary magazine for being a mateachers."

Assistant Principal of Sci- Barsamian. . need for American scientists," up," she said. "I think some jor reason he choseJq"s!~y atJr" Stephanie Gergoudis, ju- . urging students to consider a . people. were. put ioff Jw the .Townsend Harris..•When »he.-; ence, Math, and Technology fact that we had to cancel the joined the staff in 2007, he had Susan Brustein said that Ms. nior, said that she is "so happy career in science. to have Ms. Cooper as a teachMs. Cooper concluded the original date of the first read- been "a little nervous" about Cooper's "breadth of knowledge is only matched by her er this semester. She really ceremony with a speech. She ing on such short notice." whether or not he was at the cares about her students and kept it brief, because she knew The Phoenix had sched- right school, but, he said, "all enthusiasm." that her "students wanted to uled the event for Novem- that changed when I attended Ms. Brustein explained wants them to succeed." .

Mary McCormick, Presi- get to the food." She expressed bet 6, but moved it to a later ·the first Phoenix reading." that some electives, such as dent for the Fund for the City gratitude to her students and date because the library was The reading was wrapped Biomedical Ethics and Anatounavailable. Another prob- up with refreshments in the my and Physiology, were pos- of New York, which gave the colleagues.

Ms. Cooper, who was lem arose when the library principal's conference room. sible because of Ms. Cooper 's award, stressed the role of student achievement in the touched by the support she re- closed for several bands the Clare was happy with the devotion and initiative. selection process and told the ceived from the school, began event.

"The turnout was okay," of the reading, preventday Ms. Cooper also start.ed Science Olympiad in the . students they were lucky to re- to get teary towards the end of ing the editors from setting up. she said. "It always gets more ."It's a lot of logistical towards the end of the year. I'm school, which now has over ceive such a high quality edu- her speech. cation.

"This is why pregnant peo- things [that happened]....The really happy people came and 100 members.

The Fund for the City of ple shouldn't make speeches!" saving grace was the editors. read. Everything was great."

Alumna Jennifer Polish ('0 7) recounted how Ms. Coo- Ne w York presented Harris she said. per always responded "Why not?" to any challenging goal Jennifer considered .

Jennifer credits much of her success today as an antiwar activist to Ms. Cooper's . attitude.

Ms.. Cooper's current students agreed wholeheartedly

Founders' Day ceremony commemorates 25th anniversary Townsend Harris re- phenomen al, to say the least,

by Lory Martinez The words "paint your opened in 1984 after being . said junior Student Union heart gold and crimson" closed in 1942 -for financial Vice President Aquib Yacoob. resonated throughout Colden reasons. Alumni from the "I was at the edge of my seat Auditorium during the 25th "old" school worked with during the entire event. One of annual Founders' Day on the Board of Education and the best I have 'witnessed thus Queens College to revive their far. The administration as well October 30. as the students involved outdid The event was organized alma mater. themselves; I tip my hat to of Harris, At the founding

by Assistant Principal of Languages other than English other schools in Queens were them."

Many seniors felt that this; Lisa Mars and Assisstant "worried we'd take their best Principal of Humanities Susan students, and we did," he said. their last Founders' Day, was . "You 'are the very best and you the best one.

Getting.

"Of the four Founders The keynote speaker, should know it."

Tanya Odom, Co-president Days that I experienced, I can Myron Moskowitz, who was part of the founding faculty of of the Alumni Association, honestly say that this one was the best, not because I'm a the school, elicited laughs from ' also spoke at the ceremony.

Students expressed their senior but because it ' simply . the audience. "They told me, was. From the hilarious 'Don't make it [the speech] too admiration for the speakers.

They "were great this senior skit, to the outstanding long. Be funny, don't look old' - whatever that's supposed to year. The keynote speaker roll call, our senior class has was really funny and relatable; always been known for being mean!" he said.

Mr.Moskowitz was chosen it made Founders' Day really different and personally I like as the speaker to commemorate memorable," said junior Ariel that," said senior Giovanni Barcenes. the 25th anniversary of the Prochowski. continued on pg 5 "The guest speakers were school.

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The school security guard (Mobin Varghese) reprimands a girl (Lucas Knight) for violating the dress code in the senior skit.

The Classic

4 ._ ~ _ _ Class of '39 celebrates 70th reunion at luncheon November 2009

by Lory Martinez Members of the class of 1939 celebrated their 70 th reunion at a' luncheon held on October 24 in the lobby.

The event included an open forum for the alumni to share their memories, musical performances by current Har- . risites, and a tour of the building.

The alumni were members of the 'old' Townsend Harris, which was established in the late 1920s in Manhattan.

"One thing that strikes me is the fact that the alumni see Townsend Harris as the seminal . event in their educational . history," said former principal Thomas Cunningham. , ~ "If it weren't for your genera-

class of '27 all the way to the class of '42."

The original school had been closed down in 1942 by Mayor Lafiuardia. The Alumni Association, founded in 1979, started a campaign to reopen the school.

Former class president and

his walking cane, which he had caryed himself.

"It's a thrill [to be here with them]. I haven't seen some of these people in years," said David Rothbart, who was part of his high school jazz band as well as 'the writing staff of The Stadium, the 'old' school's, newspaper.

Max Sayan, who was active in business and criminal justice, said his fondest memory was reading "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner."

He attributes all of his successes to,Harris.

Austin Lempit exclaimed, "I had to go to Townsend Haros ris; my father went ~ to Townsend Harris. ~ That's it!" ~ Leslie Schwartz ~ said that he joined the ~ baseball team. "All ~ you , cerebral people .se didn't think Townsend Harris had a good baseball team," he tion, this building Alumni f~om the original Townsend Harris exchange memories and stories at their 70th reunion. would never have ' said.

After graduation, he wanthappened," Malcolm Larg- yearbook editor Charles Sigety knighted by the Order of Malmann, the founding principal began by sharing his most viv- ta for his humanitarian contri- ed to enlist in the military. of the 'new' Harris, which was id memories of Harris. bitions in science, discussed In February, 1943, he joined established in 1984, told the After graduation, he ob- . many of his medical achieve- the air force because his paralumni. "It was thanks' to the tained degrees from three dif- ments. He was also proud of ents said, "No Navy! You'll ferent Ivy League universities and became a lawyer, Harold Smith explained how advice from his teachers at Harris helped him become the president of a stock exchange company.

Neuropsychologist Sir Sidney Weinstein, who was

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He returned to the states and became a certified publie accountant. Every year he thanks his eighth grade teacher for urging him go to Harris.

Among the speakers were also the wives of the alumni.

Mr. Schwartz's wife, Flora, said, "There is an ego that goes with it [being married to a Harris boy], and it undermines everything you do. I've spent my life controlling [that ego] and it has made my life more enchanted."

"He's so eager to learn all the time, and it all started at Townsend Harris High School because it made them feel elite," she continued.

The reunion concluded with a tour of the library and genetics lab. The alumni were impressed by the unity of the grades upon seeing the hallway decorations for Spirit Week.

After visiting 'the library, Mr. Schwartz said, "I wish I could apply to come to this school now."

The event was organized

by Alumni Association coPresident Tanya Odom, Mr. Sigety and his assistant Maddie Carbonaro, and art teacher Margherita Wiscerth.

Chung, Canzoneri ,provoke 'hysteria', "Come up here," she said, "Once I had planted the doubt,

by Sarah Mahmood calling him on the phone. "I people quickly started to come English teacher Joseph Canzoneri had stormed into need to show you something." my side, even though there She said the pass was inap- was no credible evidence."

Raquel Chung's Monsters Ms. Chung was particularand Maniacs class and started ,propriate; he said she couldn't ly struck that no one pointed to yell at a student. The girl take ajoke.

They exchanged more out her own unprofessional had committed plagiarism, he insults before Mr. Canzoneri behavior when she was comclaimed. plaining about Mr. Canzoneri.

"You need to take this out- walked out into the hall.

"Come back in here!" Ms. "N 0 one stood up for him," she side," Ms. Chung said.

He refused. "Everyone Chung yelled. "I'm not done said . "No one stopped me."

Even after the ruse had should know what happens to yet!"

He walked back in to the been revealed, "it still boththose who plagiarize," he in' sisted. Ms. Chung, however, room. The students fixed their ered a lot of people," accordgaze on Mr. Canzoneri. It was ing to Ms . Chung. persisted with her request.

"One ofmy students gave "That man is so obMr. Canzoneri a dirty look in noxious," Ms. Chung declared once he left the "He claims that he doesn't know the hallway. When I spoke room. "He leaves his stuff anyone from the mob, but when- to her about it, she said that all over my desk, and he's ever we read something about as much as she knew it was always . bragging about the mafia in the newspaper, he fake, she couldn't shake the animosity," she said. how he eats a lot and nevknows the people."

Mr. Canzoneri 'found er puts on any weight." : the simulation more effec"He grew up Italian in Howard Beach and he his turn to say something - and tive than he thought it would be . "I didn't realize how struck claims that he doesn't know he did: "Just kidding!" the students would be by what anyone from the mob, but Mr. Canzoneri and Ms . ~ we had done ." whenever we read something Even after the teachers about the mafia. in the news- Chung, who are good friends, paper, he always knows the had arranged the scene earlier had revealed that they had this month, to demonstrate the been acting, the students had people," she continued.

"I'm going to Mr. Bonamo concept of witchhunting. The "seemed stunned and disto complain about him. Who girl accused of plagiarism had turbed," he said .

"It was awkward while it will go with me to testify also been part of their plan.

"I was thinking of a way was happening," said senior against him?" she asked.

Several students raised to introduce the mass hysteria , Megan McCaffrey. "The revthat accompanied witch hunts elation made it funny, though, their hands to show support.

Then, on the desk, Ms. like the Salem Witch trials. I and it's a good story to tell."

"Teaching is more easily Chung found a toy that Mr. wanted' to simulate it and get Canzoneri was using as a hall- them caught up in the same forgettable, but a lesson like that draws you in more," She way pass, which simultane- hysteria,'; said Ms. Chung.

"What was surprising for continued. "It's moreinteracously glorified the New York Yankees and insulted the Phil- . both of us was how easily led tive, memorable and exciteveryone was," she continued. ing." adelphia,Phillies.

Alumnus of the Month

SEYMOUR LIPSET

by Sarah Mahmood For AP Government teacher Franco Scardino's test last Friday, students studied the cleavage theory, wh ich was developed by a Harrisite himself.

The theory, which focuses on voter analysis, was _ only one of Seymour Lipset's ('39) many achieve,..-' ments.

The only person to have served as president of both the American Sociological Association and the American Political Science Association, Dr. Lipset was a professor at several colleges, including Stanford University and Harvard University.

Besides his numerous academic contributions, Dr. Lipset also worked extensively for peace. He was active in public affairs on a national level and worked as a director of the United States Institute of Peace. Having served as president of the American Professors for Peace in the Middle East and co-chair of the Executive Committee of the International Center for Peace in the Middle East, Dr. Lipset worked to find a.solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A true Harrisite who embodied the virtues of the Ephebic Oath, Dr. Lipset was awarded the Townsend Harris medal in 1971 for demonstrating excellence and bringing honor to his country.

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The Classic November 2009

Food drive helps needy in New York My Life is Townsend Life is Normal Today Today, Mr. O'Malley called out my full name in the hallway. I have never had him as a teacher, nor have I ever met him formally.

MLIT.

by Tracey Wang The school collected over 3,800 pounds of canned food for the poor in an annual food drive in October.

"It seemed like more food than we have ever collected," said Coordinator of Student

way for every student and staff forward to an even better food member to get involved in a collection next year!" service project. No donation Junior Abigail Koffler is too small or too large," said donated pasta, canned beans, Ms. Widman. and soup. "It's such a nice She added, "We often thing t o do and it's not that forget how lucky we are to hard to bring in one or two come home to a nice warm cans [of food]," she said.

Today, I had one night left to do my Humanities paper. I spent half of it comp laining on Facebook. MLIT. Today, I saw a man wea ring Indian clothes swing a cricket bat as he walked in the hallway, with '0 Fortuna' playing in the background. It was Mr. O'Malley and the bell had rung. MLIT.

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Today, I heard two students threatening each other in Latin. MLIT.

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Today, I noticed a pattern: I go to sleep earlier on weekends than I do on schoolnights.

MLIT. Please email us your submissions at thhsc/assic@gmail.com.

Sophomores Alice Cheung, Milerbin Genao, and Bianca Jiang decorate a box to hold goods for the food drive.

Activities Aleeza Widman.

The food was given to City Harvest, which feeds New Yorkers living in poverty.

"The food drive is a great

dinner, especially during the holiday time. Our contributions will definitely help to feed many people. I am proud of everyone's involvement. I look

"It makes me happy to know I'm helping someone in need," said sophomore Nicole Change , who also contributed to the drive.

Founders' Day ceremony deemed 'very inspiring', 'best ever' During the ceremony, and "It's Only a Paper Moon." student body on Founders' resonated with the Ephebic continuedfrom pg 3 The seniors performed the audience was entertained Kari Wei, who was one of Day. I'm very grateful for the Oath and Townsend's a skit which introduced the by the Concert Band, which the chamber singers, said, "I opportun ity to share my love of commitment to service," said freshmen to the "Harris Way played "The Sound of Music" remember sight-reading and music with so many people ." junior Juliet Prieto. falling in love with ' Paper by Richard Rodgers.

The Juniors Elaiza Santos, of Life." It followed freshman The incoming students recitedthe EphebicOath to Johnny 's (John Murray) affirm their commitment journey from freshman to senior year. to serving their On his first day, communities and to Johnny witnesses be "officially" instated a security guard into the school.

(Mobin Varghese) "I thought reprimanding a girl Founders' Day was ,.

(Lucas Knight) for very inspiring for us violating the dress freshmen because code. When Johnny we finally. felt like tries to talk to the we were part of the ' girl, she tells him that school," said Teodora "girls with shoulders Maftei. like mine don't talk to Roll call, when boys with faces like students cheer for their yours." grades, concluded After experiencing the event. "I seem a lot of stress caused to have forgotten by tests and demerits, -e my attendance he transforms from -5lc<l book," said Principal Johnny to "John," and l:l: Kenneth Bonamo, c ends his senior year who then took the :; "attendance" of each on a positive note. .c The senior class ~ grade. also reached out to the ~ The seniors underclassmen before celebrated their final Founders' Day by the ceremony began.

As a part of the Making his way to Colden Auditorium, a freshman receives candy from a senior publicizing his candidate in the Election Simulation. holding up posters and running down the Election Simulation, seniors lined the way to Colden band was conducted by music Moon' for the first time during Rebecca Seidel, and Chelsey aisles.

Japanese class freshman year. Pellot performed "Send it On," The traditional Founders' Auditorium, encouraging teacher Peter Lustig.

Dr. Mariko Sato 's chamber I never thought I'd have which describes the importance Day collection of food for the students to vote for their needy took place in October candidates and distributing ensemble performed George the opportun ity to formally of sharing love.

"That song definitely (see above).

Gershwin's "I got Rhythm" perform it in front of the entire candy as an incentive.

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Movie gives popular children's book a new twist

by Tracey Wang "Let the wild rumpus start!"

Bellowed by the main character, Max, this line may very well sum up Where the Wild Things Are. Written by Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers, the film tells the story of a boy named Max (Max Records), who, dressed in a wolf suit complete with a tail and a hood with ears and whiskers, runs away from home to a land filled with wild things.

Although the film is based on a less than 30-page children's book by Maurice Sendak, it is still filled with heartfelt emotion and complex social commentary.

Director Spike Jonze delivers an honest look into childhood that most movies miss. He manages to depict the confusion and the wonder, not to mention the unexplainable mood swings of childhood.

In the film, Max sees his mother (Catherine

Keener) kiss a man in his living room. He is angry, but he's also confused. As a sign of revolt, he climbs on top of the kitchen table and shouts, "Woman, feed me!" to his mother.

Max and his mother eventually begin screaming at one other, and without warning, Max bites her. He then bolts out the door and runs away because he doesn't know what else to do.

His journey eventually brings him to the land of the wild things. The wild things include Carol (James Ganolfini), Judith (Catherine O'Hara), Ira (Forest Whitaker), Alexander (Paul Dano), KW (Lauren Ambrose), and Douglas (Chris Cooper).

The wild things have viteeth, horns, and a ci0 us thick, messy layer of fur. They leap over tremendous dis-

tances and destroy trees with one blow.

Believing that Max has super powers, they declare him the king.

Not only is film visually stunning, it is also incredibly insightful.

Max and Carol have many meaningful conversations throughout the film. Even though they are expressed by a 9-yearold and a monster, the writers are able to explore topics like loneliness and love.

The soundtrack complements the film very well. Immersed with music by Karen 0, the lead singer ofThe Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the scenes are enriched and enjoyable.

What was sur-

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deal of sadness in the film. At times, it was difficult not to blink back tears or reach for a tissue.

However, there are also joyful moments that left the entire theater in laughter.

While it is marketed as a children's film, some of the scenes are too dark for kids.

There were moments when people in the theater held their breaths, dreading the worst.

It's not a typical children's movie. There is neither a moral lesson to be learned nor a clear resolution.

But when are things really resolved in real life anyway?

Where the Wild Things Are is a look into the imaginative world of a child's adventures in a strange land, with a few dirt fights along the way.

It is

creative, beautiful, intelligent, and appealing to the inner child that lives within people's hearts.

Soundtrack speaks to inner child

by Rebecca Seidel If you don't smile at least once while listening to the soundtrack of Where the Wild Things Are, you' have officially forgotten what it's like to be a child.

After seeing the film, I came home and immediately bought the soundtrack on iTunes. I don't usually buy soundtracks, but this was worth every cent.

Recently, I've taken to listening to it on the subway, laughing silently at all the stem-faced commuters around me who don't know what they're missing. That's just the kind of album it is.

An artsy mess of clapping, stomping, chanting, and howling layered onto a solid instrumental foundation, this record sets a perfectbackdrop for the movie.

Moreover, from a musical perspective, it's indie paradise.

Movie director Spike Jonze asked his ex-girlfriend and longtime. collaborator Karen 0 (lead singer of New York-based group The Yeah Yeah Yeahs) to put together the film's soundtrack. She proved to be up to the challenge, hand-picking a motley crew of indie rockers to help

her create the music. simplicity is what makes it so Among the core group great. When the kids sing the were O's fellow bandmates chorus ("All is love, is love, is Nick Zinner and Brian Chase, love"), you just want to sing as well as musicians from along.

Deerhunter, The Dead WeathNot every song is as uper, Services, and The Racon- lifting as "All is Love." Childteurs. hood is full oftwists and turns, For an added twist, 0 and the music accordingly threw in an untrained chil- ranges from pure joy to poidren's choir. The final result: gnant melancholy. a troupe aptly named "Karen Karen O's haunting voice o and the Kids." . brings depth to the more seriIn retrospect, 0 couldn't ous tracks: "Hideaway" and have picked a better group of a cover of Daniel Johnston's people to work with. Each "Worried Shoes" come to musician involved added his mind. own flair to the music, makA few of the tracks are ing the resultant album a true purely instrumental, aside work of art.

Jrom the occasional humAbove all, the energy and ming; when there are words, spirit packed into each song they usually don't make any gives you a sense that the art- sense. But that's all part of the ists were actually having fun magic. 'in the process.

Everything about this alFrom the very beginning, bum seems candid and playful, the music captures the dreamy from the shouts of children in innocence of childhood. The "Rumpus" to the howling at opening track, "Igloo," starts the end of "Animal." out with the sound of a child The record is expertly polhumming. It's so simple, and ished, like the bedtime story yet it sets the mood for the en- that started it all. tire album - and movie.

The soundtrack compleThe next track, "All is ments the film in .every reLove," is one of the best songs spect, seamlessly fitting all the on the record. It beautifully contours of the plot. But at the employs the children's voices same time, it holds its own as above the cheery strumming a musical record. of acoustic guitars. Again, the Photos adapted from coverbrowser.com and kidstvrnovies.about.com

The Clas sic Novem ber 2009

Classic X-mas tale gets new dimension

by Esther Whang Behind the yellow frames of 3-D glasses, the cobble streets of England became more than fiction. They became reality. Disney's rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol, is a wonderful combination ofthe genius of an original story and the creativity of a modem film.

Disney's 3-D animated version of A Christmas Carol, directed by filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, followed the story of the original, in which the familiar ghosts of

Scrooge's physical features reinforce his poor spirit.

With a long, hooked nose, a severely hunched back, greasy hair, claw-like hands, and deeply furrowed brows, it is unmistakable that he is the one and only Ebenezer Scrooge.

The film also uses camera angles cleverly to complement the plotline. Just before Scrooge encounters the ghost of Jacob Marley, the bells above a door in his home begin to ring furiously. Clearly frightened, Scrooge crunches into his sofa and gazes up at

Scrooge cringes at the sight ofthe ghost of Jacob Marley.

Printed from http://disney.go.comldisneypictures/achristmascarol/

Christmas past, present, and future, transform the grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Jim Carrey) into a caring man.

The director and cast of A Christmas Carol did a terrific job in portraying the plot and giving the characters personality. But the film did more thannieet expectations - it exceeded them.

Although most audience members will already be familiar with the plotline, and thus will not be impressedby the story itself, viewers will enjoy the visual thrill of the film, which is its most noteworthy aspect.

the bells. At the angle from which Scrooge is seen, the depth ofhis fear becomes clear.

The vividness of the film can scare a younger audience. Some scenes are actually frightening. For instance, the appearance of the ghost of Marley leaves a haunting effect on the audience because . the . details of his appearance are so precise and eerie.

With impeccable acting and direction, artistic quality and a heartwarming ending, A ChristmasCarolis suretotransform anyone this holiday season who says, "Bah humbug!"

The Fourth Kind instills fear

by Frank Corazza The first kind is sightings of UFOs. The second kind is evidence of these sightings.

The third kind is contact with extraterrestrials. The Fourth Kind is alien abduction.

Set in the fall of 2000 and supposedly based on true case studies, The Fourth Kind stars Milla Jovovich as Dr. Abigail Tyler,a psychotherapist whose videotaped sessions with her patients offer evidence ofalien abduction.

The Fourth Kind opens with Jovovich explaining that she will be playing Dr.Abigail Tyler in a re-enactment of true events.

Then, she goes straight into a supposedly genuine interview of the real Dr. Tyler and the film's director, Olatunde Osunanmi, in which

the audience hears stories of Dr. Tyler's patients and their abnormal reactions under hypnosis.

We soon learn that Dr. Tyler has also been experiencing alien encounters herself.

Seeing supposedly real footage alongside the re-enactment works well in the film, instilling fear. The chilling audio recordings make it seem all the more believable.

The footage and recordings which the film claims are genuine are scary, but their authenticity is doubtful. The Alaska state licensing examiner doesn't even have a record of Dr. Tyler ever. practicing there.

Whether or not it is real, one thing is certain: The Fourth Kind is packed with frightening moments.

7

Baking reality shows take the cake Unlike Cake Boss," friends of Chef .Duff, especially his manager Mary Al- Duff and company are "all ice, who provides much of about the cake," as stated in their theme song.

The show shifts between many different cakes, usually three to five of them. Different employees share their difficulties, goals and personal connections to the cakes. For example, a .tackle box cake led to Katie Rose, a decorator, sharing childhood stories while working on the cakes.

Cake delivery is another important and stress-causing feature on "Ace of Cakes."

Unlike Buddy and his insulated truck, Duff transports cakes in vans, with an employee in the back watching every detail during the bumpy rides to delivery sites such as 'Rockefeller Center.

The major draws of Ace ofCakes are the special effects used in/the cakes, such as dry ice to make steam on a Hogwarts Express cake, or lights on a Star Wars Stormtrooper cake.

Also, the employees, a diverse and tattooed bunch, contribute humor and offbeat stories to the show.

Cake Boss is superior to This candy-themed birthday cake was printed from http://tlc.discovery.

Ace of Cakes in terms of encomltv/cake-boss tertainment value. It's interter cream is flying. Buddy the commentary on the show. esting to follow- the activities Each episode follows the that take place outside of the Valastro and his large Italian family are hard at work bakery through the course bakery on the show, such as in the family business. of one week, from review- the weight loss challenge beThis family busi- ing orders on Monday to fi- tween the males and females.

The format of Cake Boss ness just happens to be ed- nal deliveries on Friday and ible, and chronicled on the TLC show, Cake Boss.

The show chronicles the creationofcakes, fromtheinitial inspiration to the final delivery.

Buddy,' who narrates the show, ekpldins the procedure for the cake making' and on-screen icons define industry terms, such as "dirty ice," a layer of butter cream under the fondant.

In terms of entertainment value, Cake Boss delivers. The cakes are colorful and impressive, even from an engineering standpoint.

Buddy's personality looms large in this show,.

For some, he may appear over-the-top and slightly obnoxious; which could be off-putting. In any case, his presence is hard to ignore.

The outspoken Italian family provides lots of laughs, especially Buddy's expressive mother. You find yourself rooting forsuccessfuldeliveriesand big smiles from the customers.

This Hogwarts castle cake was served at a Harry Potter premeire . Printed Cake Boss is not the from tv.yahoo.com. only television show about cakes, though. Food Net- Saturday. Chef Duff's famous is also less confusing, since work's .Ace of Cakes fol- bakery, Charm City Cakes, fewer clients are featured in lows Chef Duff Goldman, has catered for the movie pre- each episode and the narration who works with a different miere of Harry Potter and helps explain .baking terms.

No matter which show you kind of 'familia': his friends. the Half-Blood Prince's preprefer, though, you will certainmiere, and events for Ocean All the bakers, decoraly get a strong craving for cake! tors and interns are personal Spray and the US Military.

by Abigail Koffler Inside Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey,but-

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Coming-of-age celebrations honor tradition

by Adel Manoukian

"There are a lot of things that symbolize tradition and culture in a coming-of-age celebration," said junior Tracey Wang about the traditional landmark welcoming adulthood. "It represents more than just a party," she said.

Sweet Sixteen One "coming of age" celebration that is quite popular in the United States is a Sweet Sixteen. A girl's 16th birthday symbolizes her maturity into womanhood.

Although some think the Sweet Sixteen celebtration originated in America, it actually dates back to the l800s in England. Wealthy English settlers brought this tradition to the U.S. Since girls were termed as innocent and "sweet," the adjective "sweet" was tagged on to "sixteen." A girl of upperclass society celebrated her 16th birthday with the debutante ball, indicating that she was ready for marriage.

The young woman would ' enter her "Debutante Year," which comes after four to six years of studying to become the responsible young woman she must be in society.

Today, the term used for th~ , ~;ebutante is simply a princess, which is usually represented by a tiara placed on the birthday girl's head. Some Sweet Sixteens have themes, such as a specific color.

The theme can be reflected in everything, from the invitations to the decorations in the party room, even sometimes to the color of the birthday girl's dress.

Most lavish Sweet Sixteens "take a few months to plan," according to Stephanie Lugaro, senior, who had her Sweet Sixteen at a restaurant in her junior year. She adds, "It was extremely traditional and [my family and 1] went all out on it. It's important to me to preserve a little bit of tradition.

My party was probably bigger than most, though."

A l th 0 u gh r:::;;M!SJl!p most of the · ~ time at a Sweet Sixteen party is spent dancing, there are some important traditions that are followed as well.

One is when the birthday girl lights up 16 candles, sometimes with a 17th candle for good luck. The candles may stand independently in candle holders on a table, or be placed on the birthday cake.

Each candle represents a person or group of people who have positively impacted the birthday girl, such as relatives or friends.

The birthday girl announces whom each candle is for and

why she is lighting the candle for that person.

There is also a fatherdaughter dance, when the birthday girl dances to a song alone with her father in the center of the dance floor while the guests watch. This was most memorable for Stephanie.

She said, "The party to me was a way of showing people...'look this is me,' this is what 1 have become. It also served as a little family reunion and friends' get-together, so it made it all the more special for me."

Although Stephanie celebrated at a restaurant, Emily Ramdeholl, senior, celebrated her Sweet Sixteen with her friends and family at her home. She said . that it was just as lavish, and it had all the traditions of a typical Sweet Sixteen.

She danced with her father to "Isn't She Lovely?" by Stevie Wonder, lit the 16 candles in her turquoise blue strapless dress and danced with her friends "all night."

Senior Tasia Morgan celebrated her 16th birthday "on a party bus; it was so fun!" A party bus is usually driven by a chauffeur, and can hold ten or more people.

"1 think it's a cool way to spend time with friends and get presents. It's also probably the most amount of money spent on a birthday," said junior Ariel Prochowski.

foot of a statue of the Virgin Mary. -As she gives the gifts, the girl must thank the Mother

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"The party to me was a ay of showing people I • lOW that...this is me, this what I have become." ww

of God for her example.

When the debutante makes her appearance at the party, the celebration begins, and so do orne of the most traditional moments of the Quinceafiera.

Thev include the passing or iging ofthe shoe, where the er or father of the birth~ 1 switches the girl's flat -ith a high heeled one, .izing the change from hood to adulthood. ~ is also the passing ll, when the Quincea-, dressed exactly like nded to the Quinceae youngest girl at the celebration.

Not all Harris girls with Latin roots celebrate the Quinceafiera.

Chelsey Pellot, Junior, chose to have a Sweet Sixteen rather than a Quinceafiera.

"1 chose not to have a Quinceafiera because my family and 1 are not very traditional people. Hispanic people here don't do Quinceafieras as much as they used to, because the tradition is so old. They do them more in Puerto Rico," she said.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Abirthday milestone celebrated by students with Jewish heritage is called the Bar Mitzvah for boys and the Bat Mitzvah for girls.

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Quinceaiiera The Latin "Quinceafiera,' which is sometimes known as a "Sweet Fifteen" in America, also celebrates a young woman's transition into adulthod.

This is a young girl's debut as a woman into society and into her church.

The word "quince" from Quinceafiera means 15, and the root word "afio" means age or year. It takes up to a year in advance to prepare for the celebration.

The classes teach about Catholicism in the Latin culture, and the acceptance of the Catholic Church as an adult.

The big day starts off with a mass at church, where the birthday girl is baptized agam. .

The Quinceafiera is considered an adult when she is blessed by the priest at the altar. Then, she puts flowers, her rosary and prayer books at the

Bar Mitzvah is an old tradition where a boy symbolically enters adulthood at age 13.

The Bat Mitzvah for girls who turn 13 is quite recent compared to the Bar Mitzvah. Although Judiasm is over 5,000 years old, evidence proves that the first Bat Mitzvah took place during the nineteenth century in Baghdad. A rabbi named Joseph al-Hakam said that if a l2-year- old girl was given a dress and made a blessing for her new gift, she would be considered a Bat

Sources Adauto, Alina, Jerome Ballard, Victor Manuel Correa , and Linda Tarin. "A Hispanic Girl's Coming of Age." El Paso Community College. 5 Jan. 2009 Adelman, Penina. "Klutznick Chair: Creighton University: Abstracts." Creighton University. 5 Jan. 2009 Aoki, Maiko. "Culture Capsules: ESL Student Writing Project."

Lewis & Clark,Portland, Oregon USA. 8 Dec. 2006. 28 Dec. 2008 "History of the Debutante Season." Personal World Wide Web Pages. 28 Dec. 2008

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The Classic November 2009

ARISTAceremony h 0 n0 rs inductees ,

by Grace Shin The ARISTA (National Honor Society) Induction ceremony honored new members on November 17.

The annual ceremony included musical presentations and the traditional candle lighting ceremony of the four candles that represent scholar-

Project raises money for African well

continuedfrom pg 1 Ms. Widman and the for $1, which will be posted on '1' f th . hand-dug well in Africa. three seniors are working with the walls ofthe first floor. eir accom. . f:ami ies were 0 · hIDent" FIve. , years ago, the representatives from each s, salid Ms. Wid 1. Charity:water doesn't just p1IS founder of charity.water, Scott grade to encourage others to dig wells to get people clean . d t M li Harrison, grew tired of a self- get involved in fundraising water. They have pioneered a manF" t Irs -year m uc ee e ma . . . . . .. d ib d th indulgent and empty hfe -m efforts. They meet every Fnday range of ways to provide clean Iacovou, JunIor, escn e . .' . . e ". t New York CIty promoting m the teachers' cafetena to water, from spring protections . ceremony as a mce way 0 re- . , f di ti d nightclubs and fashion events. plan events. to rainwater harvesting ward us or our de 1caIon an . . ' . t th ity."

The question "What would They already have several schemes to biosand filters. servtce 0 e communI . . . . .

Th b - , t th the opposite of my hfe look events scheduled; one IS They are helping people in ' . ." hi h ' fri d di 1 e .. re- like?" . e mem t f ers havime 1 e . prompted H amson to "'T'reacher quiremen s 0 avmg a m 1 m - . , Trivia, w 1C IS A ca an In la, Bang adesh ' f 900/ volunteer with a group called set to take place after school and Honduras, and have ,/0, as . . mum average 0 ti t le t Mercy ShIpS. on December 21. It WIll be a sponsored over 1,000 water we11 as comp1e mg a e a s . . ity He went to Africa projects around the world.

50. hours 0f communi ser- as the OTr\l1n'" Thp ~" 000 thl'lt <;:tnrlpnt<;: VIce. . ~ ___ " ''Ii':::h week, 42,000 people die . ph 0 t 0 J 0 urn a 1111 ~ The new president of . . .

St hani and expenenced ---- --- a lack of clean and safe ..., from Ari sta, ,JunIor ep a~,te completely d'H~T_'" Gergoudis, remarked, It standard of !:~,:,,_ :·.:~·ii: water, and 90% are children [~e cerem~ny] was great. sle t in bunk~,;: '.:;;;~:; .._.:-: and ..... under five years old.'

It IS every time, every year, p. ======================= d it 1 k l ' ate m mess halls, was saddened by an 1 a ways rna es peop e b 1 li d h . . . .

1 b f ' it' ut a so rea ize t e situation m ecause . 1 ds h I " . h h h . id ee1 specla ow uckyhe was. tnvia game WIt t e teac ers Africa, Sal , "I've never done derful t0 get recognize I Afri H ' .. won f ha d k" n ica, amson competing against students, anythimg lik 1 e thiIS bef ore; the or "M ar wor . . d h 'h dId ft h I ' . . f: it rt' witnesse t e poverty t at mo e e a er t e popu ar situation IS.Just very power ful. hi Y thavok~de pa thIS was responsible for so television show Jeopardy. The The lack of clean water causes watc mg e 1 s. cross et . many devastating . . ket sa1es WI'11 go diirect1y most gir . 1s to drop out 0f me diica1 tic t th t d . . 'towards bUlildimg the we11 . ' - sch00.1 That' s so sad - they h momen 't' condiitions. . ThiIS expenence . s.thage an tligeht" err m d e spo 19 , S e con md ' f d . WI'11 be can ' t drink , prompte Hamson to oun Another fundraiser n water so they drop . N' 1 M k charity:water. modeled after Common Cents' out of school." ue· Semor 1CO e ar opou. thi d Mr. Harnson explai amed P enny Harvest program, Accord'mgto chari antywater. ' d fb .

1as was prou 0 emg a rr - h h' billi 1 hi h II' 1 h h , . . d t "It t t t at t ere are l billion peop e w 1C co ects oose c ange org, t e average woman m year m uc ee. s grea 0 . " " 1 · hID t WIthout clean water, and and donates the proceeds.

Africa walks three rru es every . '. ' ,. have such an accomp1IS en The coms WIll be collected day for water. Unsafe water · chanty:water has helped 1 to put on my co11ege app11ca. five-ga11on water 'b ott1es that and a 1ack 0f basi .. ti "she said , m1'11'Ion peop1e. Accor dimg to m aS1C sanitation 0/ Ions, e sal . hiim, one billi . '1ar in .. i . kn ess and M s W'dm t th 1 IOn second s 'IS are SImI SIze to thee Jerry cause 80 /0 0f a11 SIC S't' 1£ an etxpec ~ . e about 32 years, and 1 million cans used by African women disease. Each week, 42,000 prepara IOn or nex year s m' . . . ' duction to be ."much easier" seconds ~s about 12 days, so _and " ch11?r.f~~ to .~!1~~B0rt _, 'pepple d1~ ,~?~,~.l~?~.?t ~~han '11 '''kn h tt the charity is currently 12 days "drinking water. The committee ana safe water, and 9~% are b ecause she ow w a. o .m on a 3-year 2 'journey, 1 to se11 donation . cardSCI hildr en under five years 0ld . a1so pans " expec.t ................ _

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ship, leadership, service, and character, which are the fundamentals ofARISTA. Aleeza " Widman, Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA), Principal Kenneth Bonamo, and the new Arista board members spoke at the ceremony.

"The preparation was stressful and difficult, but it was all worth it to see how proud the members and their

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Democratics overwhelmingly sweep Election Simulation ' In addition, Ms. Byrne lican candidates, said, "It was tions, Kevin Kim (Isaiah Yim) said that Solomon worked -fun to have the [Republican] won the seat for district 19, hard at learning and under- class since [Bloomberg] had a Peter Vallone (Sammy Fan) standing the issues that Billy huge budget, but I would have for district 22, Daniel Dromm enjoyed teaching the Green (Andrew Gumbs) for district Party class since they were 25, _and Elizabeth Crowley such unusual candidates."

(Michelle Ciesielska) for disMs. Byrne added that trict 30. ' because the Election SimulaThere were no Democrattion is supposed to be student- ic candidates running in Disrun, "I was hands-off as a trict 20, in which Green Party teacher.. 001 encouraged them Election Simulation to watch the real debates Winners and press con'Cl eMayor: Reverend Billy Talen ferences in or~ Comptroller: John Liu <:r der- to prepare ~ 1Jl Public Advocate: Bill de Blasio [and] I gave e;=them feedDistrict 19: Kevin Kim 5l · 5back in terms District 20: Evergreen Chou ~' of how good District 25: Danie l Dromm '" =-to a job I thought .

Q. District 22: Peter Vallone they were doReverend Billy Talen (Solomon Cohen) presents his opening statement at the debates.

District 30: Liz Crowley ing." _ of None Talen was concerned' with, was definitely when the Hit- role in [the Election Simulaler scandal occurred. Up until tion] than , hard work....He and was the most charismatic the Republican candidateswon, that point I feel- as if I had the became the candidate people of the three candidates. which .Ms. Byrne believes is candidate Evergreen Chou Matt Collins, junior, was election won, but I acted out voted for, not because of isbecause Harris students "have (Stefan Evans) won. of anger and frustration, and sues, but because he wasn't not surprised by his victory ei"I knew that Stefan, Linda natural tendency to vote then never received a chance the other two," she continued. ther. "With the support of the say, and Solomon had done a Democratic." to apologize."

Participatory Democracy International Committee for really great job . I had a feeling of Bill With the exception of Drowning the Protection He was referring to an teacher Jaime Byrne, howevthey were going to do well," Thompson, all of the DemoPolar Bears and Other Cute incident where he wrote con- er, disagreed. said' Linda Steinmann, who cratic candidates won the potroversial statements on class"I thought he [Solomon] Arctic 'Critters, how could he taught the Green Party class. sitions they were running for. room blackboards, such as did a really good job, avoided lose?" he said, referring to a She was surprised by the Bill de Blasio (Kevin 'Bloomberg Supports Hitler.' .the controversy that tripped Political Action Committee victory, though, because it is Mook) won as Public Advostarted by the junior class that Participatory Democracy up both Andy and Aziz, and unusual for third party cancate and John Liu (Warren endorsed the Green Party. teacher Charlene Levi agreed. had that Green Party gimmick , win the Election didates to Cheng) won as comptroller.

Ms. Byrne, who taught "The fact that Andy went to that kids find interesting and Simulation.

In the City Council electhe class representing Repubthe classrooms and slandered want to vote for," she said. continuedfrom pg 1 Hitler scandal."

In fact, Andy thought "the turning point in the election

Bloomberg's name lost him a lot of support," she said.

"Solomon's win proved that popularity plays a bigger

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SPIRIT WEEK ' ""

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After the decoration of the hallways on October 24, Spirit Week officially began with Color Day on October 27. Seniors wore blue, juniors wore purple, and sophomores and freshmen wore pink and silver, respectively, to show pride for their grades. Spirit Week also included Pajama Day, Mix and Match D<J.Y, and Costume Day, and ended with Founders' Day on October 31. Here are some highlights from the week:

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photos by Sharmin Rashed, Demetra Panagiotopoulos, Marissa Shieh, and Samiba Khan

" The Classic November 2009

Hawks' playoff run foiled by McKee/Staten Island Tech

by Oliver Lee beat Thomas Obrien but lost to B2, beat Krudner but lost to was.1.5-1.5.

Alexis Chavez and junior Sean The Boys' Fencing team Eric Krudner, while Lee, the Obrien. The score for Game B During the C bouts, senior Casey both won their matchlost to McKee/Staten Island ups. Senior Devon Delatour Tech on November 14 during also won his first one but lost the second round of Playoffs. his second.

After their undefeated seaBoth Delatour and son in the Queens IV Division, Chavez kept the momentum the 10-win, no-loss Hawks up in the beginning of the were seeded second with a bout by winning, and Casey bye in the first round and were gained the upper hand at a the favorite to become city pivotal moment in the bout champs. However, it was the that gave the Hawks hope in seventh seeded McKee/Staten clinching a seat in the semiIsland Tech squad that cut the finals.

Hawks' playoff run short.

The score in Game C was 1.5-0.5 in Harris's faDuring the A1 bouts, sevor, which was not enough nior Christopher Quach won his first bout against Nichoto beat McKee/Staten Island las Burney 5-4, but lost his "E Tech. ~ Despite the best efforts second to Ross Calimlim 5.-4. a:= by everyone on the team, "We didn't expect the team to .~ the Hawks' playoff season be as formidable as it was," ~ ended abruptly. The final said Quach. oS score was 5-4 McKee/ Paul Suwada, the A2, lost ~ Staten Island Tech, with both his bouts, scoring two -g, the Hawks' opponent adtouches in total. The score afvancing to the next round of ter Game A was 3-1, McKee/ he playoffs.

Staten Island Tech.

Said coach Debra MichleIn Game B, seniors Isaiah Yim and Oliver Lee both won - - - - - - - - - - -.....路witz, "The team was fit to sit at King Arthur 's table." one and lost one. Yim, the B1, Tbe Boys' Fencing team jokes around with its coach, Debra Michlewitz.

Cardozo Judges spike Lady Hawks ' out of Varsity Volleyball playoffs

by Eilin Perez Senior captain Melanie better at the net and passing The Girls' Varsity Ngo had seven service points, the ball." She said, "The girls Volleyball team (7-5) was one block, one dig, and eight did a good job serving the ball eliminated from _ playoff kills in the playoffs. The and defensively." contention by the Cardozo Hawks dropped the next two She especially admired Judges (10-2) on October 15 at sets to the Judges, both by a their perseverance against a the York College gymnasium. score of25-19. formidable opponent. "They Seeded 13th in the PSAL, Ngo remained positive did a good job of staying in the the Hawks lost to the third- despite the loss. "We played game, remaining competitive seeded Judges in a hard-fought well. Everybody had the same throughout," she said. three-set marathon. The loss goal in mind and we knew The team will be losing ended the team's first playoff what we had to do to achieve seven members, who will be appearance in four years.

Senior outside hitter and captain Isabella Oledzka had six aces, 16 service points, four digs, and 15 kills throughout the playoffs.

In the first set, Oledzka sent a lS blistering spike down ~ the line for the go~ ahead point. The ~ Hawks won the first ;;>< se] with a score of 29oS 27. ~ "I tried to hit the -=Q, ball as hard as I can, while still keeping it in the court," said Oledzka.

"It's The Girls' Volleyball team participated in theirfirst playoffin four years. something I worked it," she said , graduating. "It's sad to leave on the whole season."

Junior Milerbin Genao because we've all gotten so Junior Joon Hee Aum gained the assist on Oledzka's had eight service points, 11 close, but the remaining girls kill. She said, "I needed to digs, and three kills throughout are hard-working" said Ngo. Nix has coached the varsity make sure I was in the correct the playoffs, and exhibited an intangible aspect that was volleyball team for 24 years. position to set the ball."

"Our playoff run was the essential to the team's success: She noted, "Next year's team will be totally different, and result of our hard work before her voice.

She said, "I 'm vocal there will be some big shoes and during the season," added Aum. Aum had 17 service because it helps us know where to fill." Nevertheless, she feels that "the playoff experience points, 18 assists, two digs, everybody is positioned."

Coach Wanda Nix thought will be good for the returning and one kill throughout the the team could have "done members." playoffs.

Girls' track takes seventh place at PSAL city championships

by Daniel Pecoraro The junior varsity and varsi~"gi~!搂.', ~rp~~-;co.~try)e~&~

came in second and seventh place, respectively, at the City Championship at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx on November 14.

Junior Ellie Wu came in tenth in the Varsity 5K run with a time of2l :09.54, earning the right to represent the city at the State Federation CrossCountry Championships in Wappingers Falls, NY on November 21.

In the Junior Varsity race, freshmen Judith Suzuki and Klaudia Garncarz and sophomore Lois Park came in second, seventh and tenth, respectively.

Said captain Tsu Zhu,

"The girls tried their best and that's all we could ask for." . The Var~~ t~~Anished with 194points and an average 5K time of 22:33.42, while the Junior . Varsity team finished with 86 points and an average

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time of 25:16.78. Both teams finished behind the varsity and junior varsity teams of the High School of Health Professions.

GAMES NEXT M路ONTH: 12/1109: Girls' Varsity Basketball Bryant

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William C.

12/2/09: Varsity Wrestling: Wingate Educational campus @ Townsend Harris 12/3/09: Boys' Varsity Basketball @ Robert F. Kennedy 12/5/09路 12/6/09: Jim McKay Team Challenge Games (Boys' and Girls' Track teams ) 12/9/09: Girls' Junior Varsity @Springfield Gardens

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12-------The Classic

November 2009

Girls' bowling strikes again

by Eilin Perez The Girls' Varsity Bowling Team advan ced to the quarterfinals of the PSAL championships on November 18 at Jib Lanes . The team's record improved to 14-0 after beating the Stuyvesant Pinhe ads (10-1) two sets to one.

The team's 12-0 record during the regular season was enough for a first place standing in the Queens Division, three games better than second place Queens High Schoo l for Science .

The Hawks' win against Richmond Hill in the first round of the playoffs set up their match against Stuyvesant (10-0) in a battle of undefeated teams.

Senior captain Lauraine Desilus bowled a score of 141 in Game A of the match. Her score was second on the team only to senior Allison Donovan's score of 166. In her final frame, Desilus missed an op-

portunity for three successive strike s.

"I just brushed it off because I had already had a successful game and played to the best of my ability," said DesiIus. . Senior Ashley Bailey bowled a score of 134 in Game B of the match, Harri s's highest score for Game B. Prior to the playoff match, Bailey's regular season stats included an average of 99 pins per game and her high pin tota l of 125. The team's strategy is simple for every game .

"We try to beat our average score each game," said Bailey.

From the roster of last year 's Hawks, only two out of the eleven players, sophomore Tyler Hicks and senior Lauraine Desilus, returned.

Said Bailey on the team's performance "For a team with so many new players, it's great that we've gotten this far."

Boys~

basketball prepares for season

by Arthur Tarley Boys on the basketball team are gearing up to defend their undefeated 2008-2009 season and second straight division title as they prepare for the season ahead. Synonymous with success over the past two years, the Hawks hope to continue their fruitful play durin g the coming months.

finals.

As the players sat in the bleachers preparing for practice, the energy and determina tion of the team was apparent.

Senior forward Brandon Baksh said, "There are a lot of returning players. Some are returning for their fourth year, which I think will translate into good communication and

Thomas Tsatsis and John Murray ,for leadership. Murray said, "Of course playoffs and the championship are goals of ours, but we are going to focus on the short term and take it one game at a time ."

On his new leadership role, Tsatsis said, "I plan on leading the team by being prepared, getting my teammates

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Hawks bowled over in final match

by Benjamin Hor owitz Despite hanging close in their final match, the Boys' Varsity Bowling team lost to the The All City Leadership Secondary School Eagles. The Hawks' season ended with a record of three wins and nine losses.

Even in the loss, the Hawks had some bright moments, including scores of 162 and 155) for juniors Steven Frommer and Jason Kao .

Captain Welles Tanzer's performance was the highlight of the match. The junior started off with eight strikes in a row and finished with a score of 245, a career best as well as the team's highest score ofthe season.

After the match, the team had a positive morale. Tanzer said, "For a rebuilding team, we did well. I'm looking forward to the improvement of our .freshmen and sophomores next year as well as leadership from returning juniors ." The team has seven juniors and no seniors, so all of the starters will return for next season.

Kao, who had a clutch turkey (three strikes in a row) in the .final match and has turned in strong performances throughout the season, feels that "next season our team will be more united and will make the playoffs."

Frommer, who led the team in average score, added, "It was an intense atmosphere and we all felt pressured. Even though we didn't make the playoffs, we learned and grew as a team."

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The Boys' Varsity Basketball team looks to defend its division title.

Since the Hawks shifted to the B division at the start of the 2007-2008 season, they've played with confidence and poise, reaching the city quarterfinals their first year in the division and the city semifinals in the 08-09 season, all the while capturing two division titles .

The Hawks seek to build upon their premature exit in the semi-finals of the PSAL playoffs in 2008-2009 season.

The team lost a game against Brooklyn College Academy in which it came within one shot of an appearance in the PSAL B Division

wins."

One major change for the Hawks is the loss of impact senior leaders Sheldon Jones and Ryan Van Winckle . The two combined to average 32 points and 19 rebounds a game.

"We are going to have to work harder this year and make more of a group effort to make up for the numbers Sheldo n and Ryan put up," said head coach Frank DeNunzio.

He added , "We have some kids that must pull their weight, step up and make things happen."

The Hawks will now be looking to senior captains

in focus, motivating them and maintaining a positive attitude ."

DeNunzio offered some final words on the season ahead , saying, "Things at this point are still unknown. We could be really good or possibly average in our division. Either way, the expectations are high and we are going to work really hard throughout the season."

After finishing 18-0 in the Queens B East Division last seaso n, the Hawks look to start off on the right foot in their first rnatchup of the season against Robert F. Kennedy High School on December 3.

Stuyvesant Penguins stroke past Turtles in PSAL playoffs

by Rahul Bhasin The stage was set at Long Island City High School for the Townsend Harris Turtles to avenge last year's loss in the city finals against powerhouse Stuyvesant.

The Stuyvesant Penguins, however, had a different idea in mind, dominating the match from the outset and defeating the Turtles 68-34.

The Turtles , who had made the city finals every year from 2005 to 2009, winning four consecutive titles from 2005 to 2008 , couldn't capitalize on the momentum they built in an exhilarating win against Curtis in the quarterfinals.

In the quarterfinals, the 6-1 Turtles, led by capta in Kellyn

McCarthy, junior Kari na Hain and sophomores Maricel Fee and Anna Kuo, edged the Warriors 53-49.

The Warriors led the Staten Island Division 'with a 5-0 record 路but couldn 't overcome the performance of the Harris swimmers. A close match throughout, the score shifted from one team to the other, the intensity rising with each race .

However, the Turtles prevailed with second and third place finishes in the 400 yard freestyle .relay to clinch the victory, setting up the match against the potent Stuyvesant Penguins.

The Penguins came out firing on all cylinders, taking

first place in all but three events. Hain was able to win first in the 200 yard individual medley relay and the 500 yard freestyle.

Hain acknowledged the importance of her teammates' suppo rt in her victories .

"I wouldn't have been able to push myself like I did in those races if I didn't know that my teamm ates were behind me, wanting the win as badly as I did," she said.

McCarthy won first in the 100 yard breaststroke. She was appreciative of her teammates and proud of her race as well, "I was really excited about my time in the race and I felt that the team really pulled together even though our opponent was

tough."

She added, "It was an amazing accomplishmen t for the team to make it to the semi-finals."

The Turtles were resilient and battled until the end, never becoming discouraged and cheering each other on despite the lopsided score.

Senior Sheena Tsai said, "Even though we were losing and the score was well in their favor, we didn't want to quit." She added, "We felt it was important as a team to bond together and support our teammates to the finish line."

Junior Emma Court was pleased with the team and its accomplishments: "Obviously, the goal coming into the season

was to win a championship, but we can 't be disappo inted.

We had a great season and evolved as a group, becoming better swimmers and a better team."

The seniors were saddened by the thought ofhaving swum their last race, as McCarthy reflected, "I loved being captain of the Turtles and it's been one of the most amazing experiences of high school. " Coach James Jordan commented, "Even though our team was weakened this year, we tried our best and I'm very proud ofthe entire team."

With a strong core of swimmers returning, Townsend will look to make an impact again next year