www.thewestwordonline.com Volume 44, Number 4 / February 2016 TheWestword Student voice of the Westhill community “The test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.” Walk out in protest of Betsy Devos postponed Page 5

4 12 27 PRINCIPAL LO POSITIVO Y HIGHLIGHTING FIGLUIZZI NEGATIVO DE TRA- STUDENT MUS- ANNOUNCES BAJAR DURANTE CIAL ARTIS TS AT RETIREMENT EL AÑO ESCOLAR WESTHILL 2 TheWestword February 2017 2016-2017 Staff Note from the Editors

Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Watkinson Dear Readers, H¿WIURPLW the extent of animal cruelty across Dong Zhi Guo Limelight Editors :HOFRPHEDFNWRWKH¿UVWLVVXH Flipping to News, you can various platforms. Print Executive Editor Sasha Ostrovsky, of the year, as we get back to work read about a student walk out in ,Q 6FDWWHUEUDLQ \RX FDQ ¿QG Maddy Cohen Gabriel Yaghoubian from our brief hiatus! protest over the recent appoint- Hayley Smith as our From Run- Online Executive Editor Express Editors We would like to personally ment for Secretary of Education, way to Hallway feature and Noah Josh Eimbinder Yaneira Torres, Dani McNamara, extend a thank you to Ms. Figluizzi Betsy Devos, along with an in- Cheruk as our Artist of the Month Managing Editors Sports Editors for all the support she has given The terview with Principal Figluizzi. for Express. Caroline Boccuzzi, Tamar Bellete, Joseph DiSalvo, Westword in addition to the progress In Viewpoint, there is a fea- Finally, in our Sports section, Maeve Ronan, Ryan Hart, Caroline Ross she was able to achieve in Westhill ture on the presidential inaugura- you can read about the impact of Nicholas Zarrilli Copy Manager throughout her 17 years with us. We tion and the recently implemented Wrestling on the body along with a Ombudsman Sahithi Kollipara are sad to hear about her upcoming open campus. ¿OOLQ0DUFK0DGQHVVEUDFNHW Noah Klein Copy Editors retirement in June, but we wish her In Las Noticias, you can read We encourage any readers with Photo Manager Christian Perez, Meghan Prabhu, all the best. about the immigration ban ordered comments, questions, or concerns Emily Savitt Rishabh Sahu, Jessica Wallen, In addition, we would like to by President Donald Trump. to contact us by either dropping a Media Manager Tejas Juware offer our condolences to Gregory In Supplement this issue, you letter into Dong Zhi Guo’s mailbox Ryan Murace Pollsters Sacatos’ family and friends. Sacatos can read a more in-depth overview in room 224 or emailing us at west- Business Managers Zainab Jafri, Lauren Lazo, will be greatly missed. of 504 plans. [email protected]. Nick Smeriglio, Charlie Teeters Alyssa Goldberg For starters, our Editorial this In Limelight, take a look at Social Media Managers Reporters month delves into the complexic- the suggestions for binge worthy Sincerely, Erica Abela, Paige Savitt Alexia Boccuzzi, ity of 504 plans and how we can VKRZV RQ 1HWÀL[ 9LHZ 6SHFLDO Dong Zhi Guo & Maddy Cohen Distribution Mangers Bridgette Calderon, reach more people that may ben- Report this issue as they expose Editor-in-Chief & Executive Editor Matt Masi, Marc DeLuca Molly Cannon, Nabilla Harahap, Editorial Policy Head Illustrator Charlotte Kriftcher, Micayla The Westword will be guided in the pub- James Hicks Roth, Zach Rubin, Nathan Salm, lication of material by a concern for truth, Creative Directors Marley Sklover, Andrea Vega, :KDW·V inside KXPDQ GHFHQF\ DQG KXPDQ EHQH¿W ,W LV Sakshi Patel, Patrik Sokowloski Max Zussman, Hannah Nekritz, published during the school year by the late News Editors Guilmar Valle night staff, along with the Journalism and Melanie Gorski, Nova Nahiyan, Illustrators Editorial Investigating the use of 504 plans in the Westhill community Communications classes. Letters to the Ed- Mercedes Sabel Matthew Alswanger, 3 itor, advertising requests, comments, criti- Viewpoint Editors Tamar Frydman, Frantz Gabriel, cism, or suggestions are always welcome. Sarah Goldberg, Alexis Marchetti, Jonathan News $QQRXQFLQJ 0V )LJOXL]]L·V UHWLUH- ment at the end of the school year The views expressed in Viewpoint and the Addison Magrath Russo 4 Op-Ed page do not necessarily represent Las Noticias Editors Videographer the opinions of The Westword. Yaciana Taveras, Kiley Watson Viewpoint A look at two contrasting re- cent historical movements Michael Hernandez Photographers 8 The Editorial Board consists of Special Editors Sabrina Boyd, Valeria Carias, Dong Zhi Guo, Maddy Cohen, Josh Ei- Catherine Gaia, Daniel Greco, Sara Gatz, Katie Hollenberg, Las Noticias Hisotrias del dia de san Valentin mbinder, Noah Klein, Caroline Boccuzzi, Rachel Plotzky Sydnie Lesser, Devon Os- 12 Maeve Ronan, Nicholas Zarrilli, Michael Feature Editors theimer, Special Report Bringing awareness to Hernandez, Liz Yamron, Janet Manina, Amelia Daube, William Evans Photo Editors Jenny Gorski, Melanie Gorski, Yacianca Arushi Mathur Rebecca Alper, Ewa Misiak 15 the issue of animal cruelty Taveras, Sarah Goldberg, William Evans, Supplement Editors Co-Advisers Supplement An examination of the dif- Mr. von Wahlde, and Mr. Wooley. The Edi- Jenny Gorski, Janet Manina, Mr. von Wahlde, torial can be found on page 3. Dan Skigen, Liz Yamron Mr. Wooley 17 ferent types of 504 plans Scatterbrain Editors Las Noticias Adviser Announcements Yael Roll, Elizabeth Ruffels Ms. Mendez Feature Highlighting student artists at Wes- thill who sell their music Ms. Figluizzi recently announced her 27 retirement for the end of the 2016-17 The Westword Limelight 1HWÁL[VKRZVWKDWDUHZRUWK\RI school year at a faculty meeting. binge watching Westhill High School 30 Corrections 125 Roxbury Road Scatterbrain A crossword puzzle testing The Westword has no corrections how well you know Westhill from the December issue to address Stamford, CT 06902 32 at this time. (203) 977-4894 Express Artist of the month: Noah [email protected] 34 Cheruk If you have an announcement or an advertisement you would like thewestwordonline.com Sports An overview of the Westhill published in the next issue, please Visit ourschoolnewspaper.com/Westword 39 Gymnastics team over the years e-mail us at to view our print archives. [email protected].

Front cover photo by Ryan Murace / Media Manager. Back cover photos by Ryan Murace & Yaciana Taveras / Media Manager & Las Noticias Editor. EDITORIAL 3 Shedding light on the 504 plan The term 504 comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which extended grants to establish civil rights for individuals with GLVDEOLWLHVZLWKLQWKH'HSDUWPHQWVRI+HDOWK(GXFDWLRQDQG:HOIDUH7ROHDUQPRUHDERXWVDQGKRZWKH\FRPHLQWRSOD\ÁLSWRWKH Supplement section on page 17. 504 plans are legal guidelines are not aware that 504 plans ex- nately, evaluators need to make sure have discussed not choosing cer- are necessary for some students to for arrangements for students who ist. It is something that takes some the person is not faking or exag- tain careers because of their 504 be able to thrive in school, which have mental or physical challenges due diligence to discover and put gerating their disorder. One teacher purpose. “Personally, that is always is what the school systems aim that could interfere with their per- WRXVH8VXDOO\VWXGHQWVRQO\¿QG even described parents pushing a something I have been concerned for. These accommodations, when formance in school. These plans can out about it when they are in need 504 plan on kids who did not need about, because I know that some used correctly and not overstepped EH H[WUHPHO\ EHQH¿FLDO IRU VRPH of accommodations or through the it so that their test scores and grades colleges do not have the same ac- are a helpful tool for students who students who need accommodations school referral process. would improve. However, it is im- commodations. As they get older, I may suffer from physical or men- in school in order to perform to their Students who are new arriv- portant to realize that students uti- have noticed that students use their tal health problems. The abuse of potential, even if the process of ac- als or who come from households OL]LQJ  SODQV KDYH TXDOL¿HG IRU 504 less and less. They have been them, while it is a problem, is not quiring a 504 is not always so easy. where English is a second language them based upon the criteria set out able to manage without relying on something that a majority of stu- A 504 plan is broken down into two it. I have never had a student take dents with a 504 plan do. basic categories based on a student’s The bottom line: advantage of it recently. In life, you 504 plans allow students to be impairment, mental or physical. While 504s can be extremely helpful, not do not get accommodations, you comfortable and thrive in a school Surprisingly, not all kids who every student who needs one gets one due to get penalties,” said English teacher environment, something that may need a 504 get one. There are mul- Ms. Denninger. be hard for students with certain tiple reasons why students who need various socioeconomic issues or lack of knowl- While this may be true in some DIÀLFWLRQV7KH\DUHIDOOEDFNSODQV a 504 have complications acquiring edge about them. cases, the Americans with Dis- or safety mechanisms to make stu- one. The process can be lengthy in DELOLWLHV $FW RI  VSHFL¿FDOO\ dent’s lives easier when dealing certain situations and may cause are also at a disadvantage. “Students in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. requires that work environments with their physical or mental health parents to be absent from work for who come from other countries are 'HVSLWHEHQH¿WVVRPHVWXGHQWV provide accommodations when struggles. The process is some- extended periods of time. It may unaware about 504s and how it can receive from a 504, some people necessary and prohibits any dis- times in some cases harder than also require frequent doctor’s visits assist them in their academics,” said view them as an unnecessary crutch. crimination based on disabilities. others which can be seen as a road- that may be hard to get on short term Thomas Agosto, a guidance coun- It is possible that the school is do- Regardless, it is important that the block for many students who truly notice. In some cases, in order to get selor who helps the new arrivals. ing an injustice to the students by school do not cradle students to the need these accommodations. This a 504 plan for mental health issues, Agosto emphasizes the point that improperly preparing them for a point where they cannot function in roadblock can deter many students the student’s parent may have to pay while 504s are great resources that workplace environment in which certain workplace scenarios. This from getting the help that they for a psychiatrist and meet with the can help all students who need them, deadlines are crucial and excuses are crutch becomes a problem when need. Although the process can be school, and or doctor. Some parents WKH SURFHVV LV GLI¿FXOW WR QDYLJDWH not welcome. a student becomes dependent on long and frustrating, the only solu- just can not afford to miss work or for many of our families. After speaking with students, their 504 plan since there is not tion that can properly serve Stam- to dedicate the time and resources to A mental 504 plan has a slightly it is clear that some try their best to anything like a 504 plan that exists ford’s school system is to continue such a lengthy process. more tedious processes and can be use it only when necessary, and act in the work force. to thoroughly test students before In addition, many students GLI¿FXOWWRUHFHLYHEHFDXVHXQIRUWX- as like it is not there, while some On the other spectrum, 504s giving any accommodations. In memoriam Gregory Dean Sacatos

1948 - 2017 On February 18, Gregory Dean Sacatos peacefully passed away after a long battle of Parkinson’s dis- ease. Mr. Sacatos was an art teacher at Westhill, known by students, faculty, and friends as a passion- DWH ORYLQJ DQG EHQH¿FHQW SHUVRQ +H WDXJKW SKR- tography and enriched students with creativity. The Westword would like to offer our sincerest condo- lences to Mr. Sacatos’ family and friends. 4 NEWS Principal Figluizzi announces farewell Nathan Salm is now highly regarded and at- has always been friendly, help- Reporter tracts students throughout the ful, and supportive. She will be district and beyond. There were truly missed by all,” said Andy Principal Camille Figluizzi no modern athletic facilities, like Putterman (’17), the senior class has been leading Westhill for al- WKH QHZO\ WXUIHG ¿HOGV ZH KDYH president. Not only does she value most two decades, but this Febru- today. Figluizzi has guided the the students and faculty, she also ary she announced that her tenure school through this transforma- makes time for parents, most nota- will come to a close at the end of tion, making sure that Westhill bly during “Coffee With Camille,” the 2017 school year. does not fall behind and is always where she listens to parent’s com- Figluizzi earned her bache- ahead of the curve. ments and opinions. “She has lor’s degree at Southern Connecti- After talking to teachers and strong passion and is very helpful cut State University as well as a students, about what comes to to everyone at Westhill,” said Mrs. PDVWHUVGHJUHHDW)DLU¿HOG8QLYHU- mind when they think of Figlu- Makanji, who has been working at sity. She has worked in Stamford izzi, many noted her leadership Westhill since Figluizzi started. Public Schools for over 35 years. and passion for Westhill. “She has Figluizzi does not have much )LJOXL]]L¿UVWZRUNHGDVDWHDFKHU been a wonderful leader of the set in stone for her retirement, as in Roxbury Elementary School school. I look forward every day to she only recently announced her and then as a principal at Toquam seeing her and know that she will departure. However, she is open Magnet Elementary School before be greatly missed,” said English to continuing her involvement becoming principal at Westhill. teacher Mr. Denbaum. in education, just in a lesser role. :KHQ )LJOXL]]L ¿UVW EHFDPH Figluizzi got her masters de- She has also expressed interest in principal at Westhill, the school gree in Learning Disabled Edu- going back to special education. lacked certain resources that we cation, and she applies the effort Leading Westhill is a consum- regard as normal today, like new and individual focus necessary ing task, so Figluizzi is looking desktop and laptop computers for special education toward all forward to doing things that she and Promethean boards in every the students and faculty at Wes- has not had much time to do. Stu- classroom. There was no a new thill. Figluizzi wants to see every dents and teachers are predicting and modern freshman wing that VWXGHQW IXO¿OO WKHLU SRWHQWLDO DQG replacements for Ms. Figluizzi’s eases the transition for freshman LV LQÀXHQWLDO LQ DOO DVSHFWV RI WKH role of principal. The school has Photo by Ryan Murace / Media Manager. entering high school. There was school. “In all the interactions and QRWRI¿FLDOO\DQQRXQFHGDQ\WKLQJ A NEW CHAPTER Ms. Figluizzi announces her retirement after working in the no Agriscience program, which meetings I have had with her, she regarding this issue yet. Stamford Public School District for more than 35 years. The Westword sat down with Ms. Figluizzi to discuss her retirement announcement and her career in the Stamford Public Schools Noah Klein CF: A special education teacher dents to feel anonymous. That has I had never been down before since ing goodbye to Westhill? Ombudsman never gives up on her students, always been one of my goals and it it is so big. But a building is a build- CF: I have thought about it for and every single child had his or still is moving forward. ing. It is nothing extraordinary until about a year. It is very bittersweet, After being a member of Wes- her own individual plan. [It was] 7: :KDW LV WKH PRVW GLI¿FXOW you put the people in it. but I wish everyone could have the thill’s staff since 1998, Principal really about designing solutions, part of your job? TW: What has changed most feeling I have that you are leaving Figluizzi has announced her retire- which is exactly what this job is all CF7KHPRVWGLI¿FXOWSDUWRIP\ about the student body? a place that you love coming to ment for the end of June. Her dedi- about. Every day is very different MRE LV FHUWDLQO\ KDYLQJ GLI¿FXOW CF: I think the student body is everyday. It just makes me feel so cation and hard work as principal is and you take what you know and conversations with students, par- closer now in my mind. I think the blessed that I am not walking away something to be admired. Figluizzi what you have to design solutions ents and teachers. I certainly do student body is more diverse than counting days or saying I cannot has a rich background in education, to very different things. not like it when a student gets hurt years ago, much more open about wait to be gone. It is not like that and brought all of her experience to 7: :KDW ZDV \RXU ¿UVW LP- at school, and we know that can who they are. Those are a few at all. the Westhill community. Under Fi- pression of Westhill? happen some days. Those are the things that come to mind. TW: What are your plans for re- gluizzi’s administration, Westhill’s CF 0\ ¿UVW LPSUHVVLRQ VXFK D things that make me feel bad. TW: What advice do you have tirement after you leave? population has grown from 1,200 long time ago, was just how won- TW: Out of all your days work- for the next administrator? CF: Not too much. I still want to students to about 2,500 students. In derful it was to be around teenag- ing at Westhill, does one day stick CF: I think if I could tell that per- do something with kids. I never The Westword’s eyes, Ms. Figluizzi HUV>:HVWKLOO@ZDVGH¿QLWHO\YHU\ out in perticular? son anything, I would say you are wanted to go above the high school makes us truly Westhill and proud. large. The irony is when I was a CF: One day we all went out to getting an amazing gem. It is an level since I never wanted to leave teacher at Roxbury, I would al- the stadium [after a student passed amazing building, with amazing kids. As you know, I am a Special The Westword: When did you ways drive by on the way home away] and all the kids were out people, students and parents. To Education teacher by training so know you wanted to become and I would ask myself how any- there. We all released balloons. It take the next great step, I would maybe something with that. I want an administrator? one works in a school so big. I was was planned in one day. The way tell them to never give up and that to be able to do some of the things I Camille Figluizzi: It was never re- taken over by how big it was, but the student body came together their work is never done. When you could not do because being a prin- ally a career goal for me. I was just everything fell in its place. amazed me [and] that is what close the door at night, you have to cipal is so busy. asked to sit in for somebody about TW: How do you want to be re- continues to amaze me about this say I have done what I can do for TW: If you could describe your 25 years ago and I said, “wow this membered at Westhill? building. No matter what happens, today and tomorrow is another day. entire Stamford Public School is really fun!” It was a different CF: I just hope the students re- we always come back together. TW: What traits should the next experience in one word what impact, so I just took it from there. member me as [someone] that TW: What has changed most principal have? would it be? TW: What from your back- knew them, was there for them, about the school itself? CF: I think the new principal has CF: )XO¿OOLQJ , KDYH OHDUQHG VR ground in Special Education and made decisions based on what CF,WLVGH¿QLWHO\PXFKODUJHU,I to have a sense of humor, persever- much working here, at Westhill. It were you able to utilize in being was best for them. It is a very large I were to take a walk later, I would ance, love, love, and love for kids. KDVEHHQWKHPRVWIXO¿OOLQJWKLQJLQ an administrator? school and I never wanted stu- ¿QGDQRRNRUDFUDQQ\WKDWPD\EH TW: How do you feel about say- my whole life. NEWS FEBRUARY 2017 5 BRIEFS DeVos protest postponed Maddy Cohen protest DeVos. “Kids can make intel- cal spectrum agree that she is the least ironed out the details of the protest, and Agriscience Print Executive Editor ligent decisions. It is fundamentally TXDOL¿HG DSSRLQWHH LQ 'HSDUWPHQW RI spread the word via word of mouth. We flower sale a good thing for kids to speak out Education history. This is not the kind also have a Facebook event page go- The Westhill Feminism Club against what upsets them, but we of thing that should go unnoticed, and ing on for it. Sophia [Blanchard] was organized a walkout to take place dur- only want them to do that when they we want to make sure that, at least in the one that brought up [Westhill’s] On February 13 and 14, Wes- ing Connection Time on February 14 have all the facts,” said Ms. Figluizzi. Westhill, it does not,” said Marcos Pin- protest, so that planted the seed in thill’s Agriscience program in protest of Betsy DeVos, the newly Following the postponement to-Leite (’18), an event coordinator for P\ PLQG WR ZRUN RQ LW$W ¿UVW HY- held its annual flower sale. FRQ¿UPHG6HFUHWDU\RI(GXFDWLRQ7KH of the DeVos protest at Westhill, the Feminism Club. eryone had their own ideas as to how Students were able to pur- walkout spurred other students from other protests around Stamford were At Stamford High, students are we could do it, it was very scattered. chase a single rose, a dozen Stamford High School and the Acad- pushed back as well. “We [were] go- just as informed. “I heard about what Someone needed to take charge, so I roses, or succulents, with writ- emy of Information, Technology, and ing to do a sit-in or ‘teach-in’ to advo- [Westhill was] doing and I just knew did,” said Larino-Maymi (’17). ten notes and have it delivered Engineering (AITE) to plan their own cate against [DeVos’] plans to move we had to join. We have tons of stu- Feminism Club has met with Ms. to their significant others or protests. Sophia Blanchard (’17) and away from public schools,” said Mau- dents here that are just as excited and Figluizzi for a different date. “We are friends. Flowers were bought Xavier Larino-Maymi (’17) at AITE ra Byrne (’17) of AITE. passionate about the cause,” said Bar- pushing for [February] 23,” said Sa- in the Finch lobby and out- organized a sit-in with the help of fel- While Figluizzi feels that stu- rientos. “Our principal, teachers, and mantha Hamilton (’18), president of side the cafeteria prior to and low students, while Jared Barrientos dents should be well-informed, those faculty are fully behind it though.” Westhill’s Feminism Club. This change on Valentine’s Day. The roses (’17) planned a walkout in the front of who are involved in all three protests Because the Stamford School Sys- in dates will hopefully allow all three and plants were delivered on the Stamford High building. are more knowledgeable. “What we tem is made up of public schools, the schools to partner up with other schools February 14. All the dona- All these protests were planned want to get across is that what is go- nomination and confirmation of Betsy LQ)DLU¿HOG&RXQW\IRUDXQLWHGSURWHVW tions and profit were given to to occur around the same time. How- ing on with the Department of Educa- DeVos affects Stamford deeply. Students “As of right now, the schools participat- the Westhill Agriscience se- ever, Ms. Figluizzi shut down the tion is unprecedented and should not went to great lengths in order to prepare ing are Westhill, Stamford High, AITE, niors toward any scholarship. protest until further notice, a few days be normalized. It is easy for people to and organize their individual protests. 5LGJH¿HOG +LJK 6FKRRO )DLU¿HOG prior to the original date. In her eyes, dismiss the DeVos nomination as ‘just ³,¿UVWFUHDWHGDJURXSFKDWIRUWKH Warde, and Greenwich,” said Hamil- Westhill students need to be educated another presidential appointment,’ cause and added a bunch of the kids ton. The new protest took place on Feb- on all sides of issue before they can but people on both ends of the politi- that I considered politically aware. We ruary 23 in the Westhill courtyard.

Students celebrate Auto collisions caused by local wildlife Black History Month Charlotte Kriftcher and squirrel, who all fall into the next at a loss for what to do after they hit move their vehicle to the side of the Reporter largest category. Roadkill can be spot- an animal. In Connecticut, if one hits road, call the police, and document the Black History month is an ted on an every day drive to work or an animal and kills it, they are techni- accident. Police say that any dead ani- annual observation in the Stamford is home to hundreds school. Even animals such as snakes cally allowed to bring it home and eat mals on roads should be reported, and United States as well as other of animal species that, for the most and birds face car collisions by wan- it. Section 26-28 of Connecticut law “will be disposed of within 24-hours.” countries such as Canada and part, coexist peacefully with the con- dering into the street at the wrong time. states, “Any deer, moose or black bear Car crashes involving wildlife not the United Kingdom. It is a stantly moving and highly popu- Students and teachers at Westhill seriously wounded as the result of a only hurt the animals around Stam- celebration of the achieve- lated city of Stamford. However, recalled some memories they have had collision with a motor vehicle may, af- ford, they are a hazard to drivers. Many ments and importance of Af- North Stamford is facing a recurring of unfortunate run-ins with wildlife ter inspection of such deer, moose or times, in attempt to avoid killing an ani- rican Americans throughout problem of roadkill, and the local while driving. “My dad has hit deer black bear by the local police authori- mal, people swerve and end up causing history. Frederick Douglass wildlife is facing an untimely fate. on multiple occasions. Where I live, WLHVVWDWHSROLFHRUFRQVHUYDWLRQRI¿FHU car accidents and injuring themselves as and Abraham Lincoln were According to CNN, approxi- they come out of nowhere and some- and after issuance of a copy of a wildlife well as other drivers or pedestrians near- both born in February which mately 1.5 million deer-related acci- times run straight into your car, or at kill incident report, become the prop- by. Sometimes, the animals get away is why February is the cho- dents are reported each year. Here in least right in front of it,” said Amalia erty of the operator of such vehicle.” unscathed, having caused an accident by sen month of observation. Connecticut, many Stamford residents, Skoparantzos (’17). She, amongst Some feel uneasy about taking running into the street at the wrong time. With Black History Month including Westhill students, admit to other Stamford residents, noted that an animal’s life and then eating it. “It is The issue of roadkill is a morally in full swing, Westhill has having hit wildlife with their cars. Be- the number of animals they see daily better to eat the animal then just leave FRQÀLFWLQJ PDWWHU 5HVLGHQWV DURXQG made its own contribution cause of its densely wooded landscape, is much larger in comparison to the it on the street. That way you know it wish to increase the safety of their by displaying and familiar- the preferred habitat for deer, North number of animals they accidentally hit. died for a purpose,” said Matt Masi roadways. Drivers must stay vigilant, izing our community with Stamford in particular is a hub for Most people are confused as to (’17). There are other ways to deal they must be aware of the surrounding the important and signifi- roadkill. The most common animals what they should do next after hitting with an auto collision with an animal, diverse wildlife that are living amongst cant achievements of Afri- killed in auto-accidents are deer, fol- an animal. New drivers or those who other than bringing it home. It is rec- them and do their best to avoid harm to can Americans, while also lowed by raccoons, opossum, skunk, lack experience with car accidents are ommended that the vehicle operator themselves, as well as to the animals. showing the central role they have played throughout U.S history. Ms.Walden, an Eng- lish teacher at Westhill, is the leader of this effort to edu- cate students during Black History Month. Her proposal to create a gallery for Black History Month is some- thing that is new to Westhill.

Briefs by Amalia Skoparantzos & Noella Fefe / Staff Writers. Graphic designed by Sakshi Patel / Creative Director. NEWS 6 FEBRUARY 2017 Westhill hosts the CDA Festival BRIEFS Amelia Daube ing, costume design and other ent, and future unfold around and either a full-time faculty Feature Editor technical skills. They also offer him. The student actors involved member or a full-time student at Care for Pets Club acting and directing workshops in this year’s production are the participating school must di- Every year, students from for students and teachers. At the Marcos Pinto-Leite (’18), Syd- rect the production. A new club at Westhill, Care For all over Connecticut gather at end of the festival, two schools ney Alexandra (’19), Audrey “[Directing is] probably one Pets focuses on raising aware- a chosen high school to show- are voted as the most outstanding Molina (’19), Lucy Hart (’18), of the most gratifying things I ness for abuse, health, and other case their dramatic talents. The and are invited to the New Eng- Inde Heuman (’18), and Mariah have done. When things go the issues that threaten pets. The aim Connecticut Drama Association land Drama Festival. Young (’18). The student direc- way you imagined it is just so is “to provide pets with the help (CDA) hosts this festival at dif- “I have been doing CDA tor this year is Angelo Sagnelli satisfying. But it is a little weird and support they need in order ferent high schools for a weekend since I was a sophomore. It is a (’17). “CDA is what I look for- directing people I know and I to have a healthy lifestyle,” said in March. The festival will be great opportunity for people all ward to doing each year for the- guess hold an ‘authority’ position Allie Colorado (’18). Events and taking place on March 10 and at over Connecticut to share pas- atre. I have the most fun doing it over people that you know and activities will include gathering Westhill. According to the CDA sions. You have the opportunity because it is very student-driven are friends with. It can be very donations of food and supplies website, “The CDA is one of the to watch other people’s produc- and since they are smaller shows GLI¿FXOWWRGR´VDLG6DJQHOOL for cats and dogs, raising aware- oldest state secondary school the- tions and see what they value in it’s less stressful and more fun. There are 24 awards a school ness for abuse, collecting funds atre organizations in the country. a show. It becomes less about The festival itself is one of my fa- can receive including Outstand- for pet surgeries, and keeping Established in 1936, the CDA the competition and more about vorite things, just meeting other ing Production, awarded to the students informed on sources continues to offer students and the connections you make,” said schools to see how they work and 1st and 2nd ranked schools and of aid for their pets. This club teachers a wide variety of edu- Rebecca Siegal (’17). see their talent,” said Sagnelli. Theatrical Excellence, awarded was founded by Jennifer Carias cational theatre experiences in Westhill’s production this The show has to be 45 min- to the schools ranking 3rd, 4th, (’18), Valerie Neyra (’18), and which to grow and learn, share year is “Booby Trap” by Ed utes or less with a 15 minute and 5th. If students would like to Colorado. The three students and enjoy.” Monk. It tells the story of an tech period. Plays that were per- see the shows, or volunteer at the came together based on their The festival provides an en- American soldier trapped sitting formed in the prior years of the festival, passes are available at goal for all pets to live a happy, vironment for each school to put on top of a land mine. As he waits CDA State Festival or NEDF the door on March 10 and 11 and healthy, and safe life. This will on a short play and go to different to see what is going to happen to Regional Festival cannot be per- an in-school performance date be the goal of the club through- workshops to learn about light- him, scenes from his past, pres- formed. Musicals are not allowed has yet to be assigned. out the year. Meetings will be held in room 434, beginning on February 7, and continuing HDFK7XHVGD\7KLVLVGH¿QLWHO\ a club for all animal lovers out there. Students do not need to own a pet to be in the club. They bring their interest in animals, and their willingness to help.

Ceremony rewards AP student success

On February 7, Westhill held the annual AP Ceremony. The event recognizes students who took AP classes the year before and earned a passing score of a three Photos by Ryan Murace / Media Manager. or higher. In previous years, se- niors who had graduated the year before were welcomed back to Think Positive... be honored along with current Column by Micayla Roth Westhill students. Students are awarded a $50 Visa gift card for every exam that they pass. Ms. This winter has brought glo- dinner, and told her son that he burned down in an unfortunate him and his passion for the chil- Figluizzi began the ceremony rious days of snow, fun, and hot must do something about it. The ¿UH(YHQZLWKRXWKLVIDFLOLWLHVKH dren, no matter how rough it was by stating that Westhill offers 32 chocolate. It is always relaxing to thought of cooking for a large knew that he had to feed the chil- for him to keep up. He pushed different AP courses, making it curl up with a book and a mug of group of kids was overwhelming dren, and would not let them go through the hard times, not want- one of the most competitive high just that. Hot food is a great way IRU6HUDWRDW¿UVWEXWHYHQWXDOO\ hungry. So many neighbors were ing to let his misfortune hurt the schools in the nation. Ms. Figlu- to warm up on a cold day. he caught on. happy to help, and soon enough innocent kids. izzi congratulated the students, Unfortunately, as of 2015, Serato served children his he was able to use a kitchen at a Serato’s optimism pulled him and thanked parents for every- about 13% of American families delicious pasta at his restaurant local event center. Searto con- through, and he never gave up. thing they do for their children. are food insecure. Luckily, there for free. He called his program tinues to serve the children food He thought only of others instead The money to reward the students are people like Chef Bruno Se- Caterina’s Club named after his there, so that they can get the of himself, even with his beloved was provided by a grant, which rato, a migrant from Italy who mother, and over the course of meal they need. He treats them UHVWDXUDQW LQ ÀDPHV +H LQVSLUHV will run out after students are moved to Anaheim, California. a few years he ended up serving like friends, and knowing his res- people to turn a tragic event into paid for their 2017 exams. This He lived in Anaheim for many over a thousand children din- taurant will be rebuilt, he worries something special, unlike others means that in the future Westhill years, and eventually became a ner per night. He realized how solely about them. who might resign when some- students will be recognized for chef and owner of a restaurant. many people he was helping and Serato’s story struck me as thing bad happens. Serato says he their effort in some other way. His mother came to visit him how rewarding the experience XQLTXHEHFDXVHLQVWHDGRIWKLV¿UH hopes that chefs across America from Italy, and Serato brought her was, and began to do it to help being another tragic event to add will take on a similar project, so to the local Boys and Girls Club. the kids, not just to follow his to the Nightly News, he contin- that all hungry kids can be fed. Briefs by Hannah Nekritz She noticed that some of the chil- mother’s orders. ued his work to help others. His Serato’s work shows how much & Mercedes Sabel / dren did not have food to eat for Recently, Serato’s restaurant lack of a restaurant would not stop he, and others, can think positive. Reporter & News Editor. NEWS FEBRUARY 2017 7 Good Month Bad Month Examining fake news

Column by Max Zussman & Sakshi Patel between the followers of the pan humor. “It depends on the Matthew Greenbaum Creative Director major presidential candidates, source. You can tell a source is fake news stories seemed di- unreliable through its content. Throughout the recent rected toward bashing the other Fake news is more exagger- Good Month For... Bad Month For... presidential election, there candidate, in order to influence ated,” said Mandy Chery (’17) had been and still is an influx voters to make the “right” de- when asked if she was able to The Process After years of “tank- Immigrants President Trump of fake news stories circulat- cision when deciding what spot the difference between ing” and being the laughingstock signed an executive order affect- ing around the web or social candidate they should support. fake news and satire. of the NBA, the 76ers are showing ing immigration to America and media, claiming that the con- The easy accessibility to the When reading a story on promise as a young and exciting the rights of refugees. This order tent they are publishing is the fabricated articles on one’s social media, or anywhere on basketball team. What was known prevents immigrants from Iraq, truth. As a result, many indi- social media feed made it easy the web for that matter, it is as “The Process” took years of con- Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, viduals around the country, for these fake news companies important to understand wheth- tinual losses in order to obtain high and Yemen from entering America, and even around the world for to deceive their readers and er the story you are reading is picks in the NBA draft and acquire even with legal visas. This ban was that matter, are deceived into polarize voters. potentially fake or simply news young promising talent. Finally, the halted by Federal Judge Ann Don- believing pieces of fiction. Apart from the election, satire. One of the main differ- talented team appears to be coming nelly who issued a freeze based on Fake news is more dan- fake news has succeeded in ences between the two types together. Led by rookie star Joel the fact that the ban was prejudice gerous than people generally outwitting individuals. For of news are that true satire has Embiid, the 76ers now sit as one of, towards Muslims, and went against perceive it to be. Consider- example, there have been sto- an apparent humor feel that is if not the most, promising teams and WKHHVWDEOLVKPHQWFODXVHRIWKH¿UVW ing that the primary purpose ries ranging from “Pope Fran- clear to the reader, making it will be trying to make noise as they amendment. The case is suspected of factual journalism is to in- cis endorses Donald Trump” less likely to misinterpret the compete for a playoff spot. go to the Supreme Court. form, educate, and entertain to “Police Find 19 White Fe- article as a hoax. On the other people, fabricating stories could influence individuals to believe false information and CLICK TO LEARN MORE! even worse, take action for the wrong reasons. “I usually get my news from the news app on my phone and I also down- loaded the New York Times news app,” said Brittany Ra- mos (’17) when asked when Democracy Just a day after Presi- Freedom of Religion On January 29, she gets her news. It is impor- dent Donald Trump was sworn into DJXQPDQRSHQ¿UHGRQD0RVTXHLQ tant to get information from RI¿FH SURWHVWV VZHSW WKH QDWLRQ Quebec City, killing six and wound- reliable news sources. and hit cities nation wide, includ- LQJ HLJKW ,W ZDV WKH ¿UVW WLPH VRPH- The concept of fake news ing Stamford. An estimated 2.5 one was killed in a mosque in Cana- involves websites that inten- million Americans came out along dian history. This horrible attack once tionally publish fabricated with high-class celebrities to pro- again added to the tension between news stories. Such stories gain test against the 45th President and Muslims and those from Western popularity through social me- ¿JKW IRU HTXDOLW\ WKURXJKRXW WKH countries, this time an attack from dia when people share the story 99.9% of Scientists Say Climate Change is Not Real nation. The marches were a huge an anti-Islamic citizen. The alleged without realizing that it could success and had almost double the shooter, Alexandre Bissonnette, is be fake. Social media plays an FAKENEWSOUTLET.COM expected turn out. currently facing six counts of murder. important role when it comes to spreading news in general. Factual stories gain momen- tum when they are constantly shared throughout Facebook, reposted throughout Instagram, and retweeted all over Twitter. male Bodies In Freezers With hand, fake news does not in- In result, people tend to believe ‘Black Lives Matter’ Carved clude much humor, with an that all the stories they read on Into Skin.” Fake news is a intentional “serious” tone and their social media platform is heavy influencer on how an usually touches on more con- automatically true; this is be- individual sees the rest of his troversial and eccentric stories. Dow Jones Stock Market The Mary Tyler Moore Fans On Janu- cause there is no fact-checking or her society. Fake news stories have Dow Jones hit the landmark ary 25, Mary Tyler Moore died at procedure and no question- There is a great difference been circulating the web thanks  SRLQWV IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH the age of 80 in Greenwich Hos- ing that the article being read between fake news and satire. to social media, and continue in history. This is largely due to pital. The beloved actress will be could be fake. “Yes, fake news Fake news includes stories that to fool more and more people President Donald Trump’s pro- greatly missed by many. She is is dangerous because it can are fabricated in order to in- everyday. It is important to en- growth policies which boosted known for starring in many ground influence what people think,” tentionally cheat readers. Sat- sure that the article one is read- the markets. After a series of breaking TV shows that empha- said Bennett Egret (’20). ire news, on the other hand, is ing is factual and coming from orders from Trump, the aver- sized feminism and independence. The concept of fake news a type of parody used through a reliable news source that can age broke open. On January 6 it In the 1960s she had her big break was problematic during the mainly online journalism, such be credited. Fake news could surged more than 10pc greater with The Dick Van Dyke Show, and presidential race. Due to the as The Onion or Faking News influence individuals to be- than in November and came to later in the 1970s she starred in the high discrepancy that existed which relies on irony and dead- lieve untruthful information. about 20,000. Mary Tyler Moore Show. Graphics courtesy of pixabay.com & commons.wikimedia.org. Illustration by Frantz Gabriel / Illustrator. Graphic by Sakshi Patel / Creative Director. Photo courtesy by publicdomainpictures.com. 8 VIEWPOINT Two events. One historical weekend Friday, January 21: Trump’s Presidential Inauguration at the National Mall Gil Daniels since the ¿rst day he announced his bid Contributor for the White House. Growing up in the Connecticut bubble, it was a great Being able to attend a presidential thing to come together with fellow “de- inauguration at the age of eighteen is a plorables” from all across the country. beautiful gift given by the country we Families from California, Alabama, are all blessed to live in. Being able and Louisiana stepped into the light to to take part and vote in a presidential show the nation that it is time for a dif- election is another luxury given to us ferent direction and a new path. by our nation that unfortunately, mil- While there were protestors pres- lions do not take part in. To understand ent, the masses did not notice even that we are all Americans with hopes, a trace of them during the ceremony dreams, and bright futures ahead of us thanks to the airtight efforts made by is to accept the new administration and the military and police. The “deplo- the peaceful transition of power that rables” descended into the “Swamp” comes with it. to take part in their candidates success INAUGURATION DAY The crowd listens to President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech at the National Mall. Citizens I was able to witness this simple and entrance into the Oval Of¿ce for came from all over the country to witness this event. and yet intricate ceremony. Being sur- the ¿rst time. rounded by Sanders supporters, Clin- Former President Barack H. among our leaders and the peaceful Washington, D.C. and giving it back The time has now come for all ton supporters, and Trump supporters Obama was present and sitting ad- transition of power in our country,” to you—the people,” Trump said dur- Americans, regardless of their skin col- all at once was eye opening. Roughly jacent to President Trump’s podium said Andy Putterman (’17). ing his inaugural address. “[Trump’s or, sexual orientation, gender or ethnic- 250,000 to 600,000 people from all as he gave his inaugural address. “I President Trump gave a rous- inaugural address] was like any other ity to come together and protect each over the country Àocked to Washing- thought it was wonderful that past ing inaugural address, where he again speech I have heard. President Trump other from foreign entities and un- ton, D.C. to witness the historic event. presidents from both parties, as well made the commitment that the power is really holding true to what he said,” known evils. Together we are strong. My family and I had been per- as [Secretary] Clinton, attended the rests in the hands of the people. “We said Nick Smeriglio (’17), who acted as Together we can prosper. Together we sonal supporters of President Trump inauguration, as it reÀects both unity are transferring power back from Trump for the Westhill Mock election. will make America great again. Saturday, January 22: Women’s March on Washington and Sister Marches Sophie Ciokajlo said Westhill math teacher ing in shock when he declared Contributor Catherine Manning about the that sexual assault is simply unity and diversity of the Stam- “boys’ locker room talk” and On January 21, the “Wom- ford march. that women who have abor- en’s March on Washington” in- Another common miscon- tions deserve to be punished spired individuals protesting in ception about the purpose of as criminals. The evidence is the name of Black Lives Mat- the march is that it was an “an- absolutely endless as to why ter, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s ti-Trump” rally. The fact is, in Trump encourages discrimina- rights, climate change, immi- Trump’s campaign we saw him tion, which is why millions of grant rights, and religious free- mock the mentally disabled, people felt compelled to pro- doms to come from across the shame Hispanic citizens refer- test. “Since the march I have country to march in the capital. ring to them as “rapists” and seen our country rise to the As the concept of the march “bad hombres,” strike fear in occasion and stand up for ev- grew, marches were created in Muslims when he threatened a erything they find important. It additional locations. The re- national Muslim registry or an was about more than just wom- sult: an astounding amount of immigrant ban, offend a major- en, it was about fighting for a WESTHILL ON WASHINGTON On January 22, Ciokajlo was among some of protests in all 50 U.S. states ity of people when he accepted common goal of equality and the Westhill students who traveled to D.C. for the Woman’s March on Washington and all seven continents, with a former Ku Klux Klan leader convincing people to stay po- where about half a million people were in attendance. estimates around half a million as a supporter, and leave the litically active,” said Saman- or that I was not old enough ing the women's march made people for the central march in majority of the country shak- tha Hamilton (’18), President to cast my vote. The election me realize that now is as criti- D.C. alone. of the Westhill Feminism Club. was a wake up call to me that cal a time as ever to be vigilant While a common miscon- The organizers of the it is not enough to simply stay and active in our political sys- ception is that this march was women’s march have created educated and know what you tem,” said Grace Savage (’18), focused on women’s rights is- a unified group committed to believe and why, but that it is who also attended the D.C. sues, this is undeniably inac- fighting against inequality and imperative to volunteer and march. Included in the most curate. No one’s focus was to injustice. The information for protest and contact your legis- fundamental ideas of our coun- alienate any one group or to continued protest and politi- lators. The march encouraged try are that we are all created only request rights for them- cal action is available at wom- participation in many of its equal and that we have a right selves, the collective goal was ensmarch.com. participants. “Being surround- to speak out when we are not. to gain equality and prosperity STAMFORD STANDS UP On Janu- My personal reasons for ed by like-minded people who The Women’s March grew out for everyone living in the US. ary 22, students joined in on one of the traveling all the way to D.C. are were all fighting for what they of feelings of inequality and “I am still so blown away... It hundreds of worldwide sister marches. incredibly multifaceted. Part of believed in was inspiring and those involved will fight until was so organic… I was very Stamford’s Woman’s March on Wash- me felt tremendous guilt for empowering,” said Kelly Ber- we have a president in office ington Boulevard near Trump tower, impressed by the amount of where approximately 5000 men and the election outcome. I had not natchez (’18), who attended the who values equality and liber- men, especially in Stamford,” woman were in attendance. volunteered like I could have central march in D.C. "Attend- ties just as much as we do. Photos courtesy of Sophie Ciokajlo & Gil Daniels / Contributors. VIEWPOINT FEBRUARY 2017 9 New open campus, new problems Charlotte Kriftcher The limited open cam- depending on how well this Reporter pus policy allows students to limited policy is listened to. come to school a period late Students feel as they are The start of second semes- when they have study hall not being granted the rights ter also came with the imple- first block, or to leave early they should be. “Seniors mentation of Westhill’s new when they have study hall should have the privilege to “limited open campus” policy, last block. The rules of this leave during long block. This said to be a privilege for se- new policy, as stated on the new policy did not really niors who qualify. As with Westhill website, explicitly change anything. It only [of- any new policy, the initial re- acknowledges that this open ficially] documents what was sponse to this was very con- campus pass does not allow already happening,” said Will troversial, with both benefits students to leave during long Hallet (’17). Many acknowl- and drawbacks. block, even if they have a edge that they can come late In the past, Westhill had a study hall class. regardless of having this open full open campus policy where The Academy of Infor- campus pass, and that this new students were able to come mation Technology and En- policy was not the change they and go as they pleased, for gineering (AITE) already were hoping to see. “I am not the most part. The privilege has an open campus policy a senior, but when I have study started to be taken for grant- granted as a senior privilege. hall first, I come in a period ed and problems started to But, unlike Westhill’s limited late regardless. The seniors arise. Therefore, it was taken open campus policy, AITE has do not really have much more away, and the school became implemented a full open cam- freedom than anyone else does a completely closed campus. pus policy. “The open cam- even with this new policy,” Now, the limited open campus pus allows me to come and said Christina Burgess (’18). policy is being reintroduced go as I please, whether that While there is disappoint- to Westhill, acting as a happy is to go out and get lunch if ment towards the “limited” medium between the two most I forgot it, go home during a aspect of the open campus, recent policies: the fully open free period to get some rest, some argue that it is a step in and fully closed campuses. or do some work on my own,” the right direction. “It is about Until recently, students said AITE student Max Kitay time the school is giving se- and teachers were unclear on (’17). Many Westhill students niors more independence and open campus, the administra- This policy is still new what this policy entailed. It has believe that this policy is what trusting them that they can tion is ensuring that students and all the kinks still need to been clarified that seniors who should have been introduced make the right decisions. If do not take advantage of the be continuously worked out. have above a 2.0 GPA, under at Westhill. they prove that they cannot new policy. If students were al- As the semester goes on this 10 unexcused absences, and do For now, Westhill’s new make the right decisions, ad- lowed to leave in the middle of year and the system continues not have serious discipline in- limited open campus policy ministration can always take the day, there are no restrictions to evolve, the concerns and fractions are allowed to obtain is here to stay. In the next the privileges away,” said his- in place to enforce that the stu- benefits that this policy has a “limited open campus” ID few years, seniors potentially tory teacher Mr. Petrone. dent return for their remaining as believed by teachers, stu- card. Students also need a par- could be given more privileg- By taking the precaution of periods. This could lead to a se- dents, and administration will ent to sign off on the contract. es, or have them taken away, not transitioning to a complete rious absence problem. also continue to change.

Illustration by Alexis Marchetti / Illustrator. Schedule changes in the works Samantha Gallant means that there are eight change for those who have my other classes. Also, I like portunities. Also, the sched- & Stefanie Ruiz classes in total that students grown accustomed to the the rotation so I have a dif- ule change was brought up Staff Writers are enrolled in, and four of the schedule that is in place at the ferent long block every day,” during the discussion of mov- eight meets every other day. moment. At Westhill, the opin- said Ryan Sklover (’20). ing towards an open campus. Rumors have been circu- Westhill’s schedule is for- ions in regards to this change “I absolutely love our “[The administration] just lating that Westhill may be matted in an A through G day have been mixed. “I would schedule because I have at formed an exploratory com- undergoing a possible sched- rotation, where students are have a love-hate feeling to- least one day between class- mittee of volunteer teach- ule change. The proposed ad- enrolled in seven classes to- wards it. It would be nice to es, which allows two night ers. I think there should be justment will be modeled after tal. Students attend six class have four [classes] a day so [to complete] homework]. It a couple of students on that the schedule that the Acad- each day that are each ap- loads of work from classes makes everything easier on committee. Mr. Rinaldi is ac- emy of Information Technol- proximately 50 minutes long, would be spaced out instead of my work load and also allows tually in charge of that,” said ogy and Engineering (AITE) with the exception of the two hitting you all at once. How- me a better social life,” said Figluizzi. The change will not follows. If this change were hour long block that includes ever, the fact that we would AITE student Sophie Jacob- be coming for the 2017-2018 to take place, Stamford High lunch. Westhill’s schedule ro- be sitting in each class for 88 son (’18) when asked on her school year, but Figluizzi School would also follow this tation is created so that six minutes is stressful, especially opinion of the schedule that says they are looking to im- possible new schedule. classes meet every day while if it is a class you hate,” said her school follows. plement it for the 2018-2019 AITE’s website explains one class is “dropped,” does Allie Colorado (’18). Ms. Figluizzi explains school year. that their schedule is orga- not meet, each day. Westhill However, others are that she decided upon chang- While the feelings are nized in an A/B rotation for- has been following this sched- against the schedule change. ing the schedule that Wes- varied about the schedule mat, where each day consists uling format for four years. “I do not think I would like thill follows because of how change, it seems as though it of four class periods that are Adopting this new sched- [the schedule change] because Westhill’s current schedule will be taking place sooner each 88 minutes long. This ule would create a drastic I do my homework in a lot of restricts senior internship op- than later. VIEWPOINT 10 FEBRUARY 2017 Letters to the Editor Homecoming Unfairness are students who still got into and Kate Tobin was completely able at this point. Hopefully a The Westhill Boys Soc- Dear editor, the dance under the inÀuence, unprofessional, distasteful, and change is made. cer Team has diversity from all I am a student at Westhill and if they intended on ¿ghting unfair considering the fact that Sincerely, over the world. We have a few High School who has experienced or causing mischief while inside, certain students and or alumni Trinity Wilson, ’18 kids who do not speak English issues with certain administra- they could have easily done so. 8 were allowed entry after 8 p.m. as their ¿rst language because tors at the homecoming dance. p.m. does not stop anyone from while others were turned away. Soccer Team they are new to the Unites States, A collective number of students getting drunk or high before a They held no concern for the Dear editor, but they have still chosen to play paid $10 in advance to attend party; It just gives them incen- wellbeing of students at the door, My name is Dylan Sparks with us. This sometimes helps us this event on November 23, 2016 tive to do it earlier. sending them away unsure of and I play soccer here at Westhill when playing against teams with with intentions of having a fun I, along with other students, whether they had a way to get High School. I am a second year no bilingual players. evening with their friends. How- do not agree with this ineffec- back home or not. There was no varsity soccer player. I really However, it can also be a ever, some of those were turned tive cut-off time, and feel that it decency to even allow them to liked your Q & A with my cap- challenge for those us who grew away and left to stand outside in should no longer be a policy at wait in the gym until their trans- tain, Matt Dziemian. up and learned many different the cold. It is true that students Westhill events because this is a portation arrived. But, I think if you would look styles of playing and now have had been informed by those run- reoccurring situation every year. Some students accepted the into some of the other players on had to come together and inte- ning the dance that there would No student should be penal- fact that they could not get in and our team, into their backgrounds grate. There are trade-offs to our be an 8 p.m. cut-off time. ized for arriving a few minutes requested a refund. Though upon and where they come from, you team’s makeup, but our team is When stating my disposi- late. Everyone does not have the that request they were spoken to will see the amount of diversity something special. This is be- tion on the cut-off time at school same situations. Some students disrespectfully by the aforemen- that just one group of kids from cause of the players on the team, the following week, I was in- may not have a car and have to tioned names, and refused their our school has. This is something and not because of how far we got formed by an administrator the depend on someone else to get money back. At least two weeks really cool in my opinion because or how we played, but because of reasoning behind it. She stated them to the dance on time, there- went by before students received no other school in the FCIAC has the people playing alongside me. that it was set in place in order fore leaving the situation out of a refund. Furthermore, students a team like ours with our different Sincerely, to prevent students under the in- their control at that point. So, for had to chase these administrators playing styles and diversity. Dylan Sparks, ’19 Àuence of any drugs or alcohol any student to get dressed up, down for their refund, and there from gaining entry to the dance, pay their money, and leave their are still some students who have Please submit letters to prevent them from driving under house to support Westhill events, not received one at all. the inÀuence, or from ¿ghting or and to be turned away without a Situations such as these are Dong Zhi Guo’s mailbox in causing issues was another rea- refund is absolutely absurd. what make me not want to be a son. While the intentions on this The way students and par- part of, or support, this school's Room 224 or email them to cut-off time are good, the actual ents were treated at the door by events. This has happened on too cut-off time is ineffective. There Camille Figluizzi, Carley Grant, many accounts, and is unaccept- [email protected]

18th OP-ED 11 Trump’s immigration ban met with opposition 2QHVWXGHQWUHÁHFWVRQWKHHIIHFWVRIWKHQHZO\LVVXHGH[HFXWLYHRUGHUIRUDQLPPLJUDWLRQEDQ7KLVEDQHIIHFWVLPPLJUDQWFRPLQJLQWR$PHULFDIURPVHYHQGLIIHUHQW 0LGGOH(DVWHUQFRXQWULHVDQGZDVLPPHGLDWHO\PHWZLWKSURWHVWV

On January 27 President business have raised conflicts considering that many of these Trump issued an executive or- of interest. people banned from the country der that indefinitely blocks It is true that a lot of ter- may be forced to stay in unsafe, Syrian refugees from entering rorists happen to be Muslims. war torn countries. There is no the U.S., preventing all refu- But this order makes a public evidence that banning people gee entrance for 120 days, and statement, and encourages the from these seven nations will suspending immigrant admis- idea that all people from these make us any safer. It is just a sion for 90 days from seven countries are terrorists, which rash, xenophobic action that was Middle Eastern countries, Iran, is not true. How can we live rushed into effect, [and] a really Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, in a county that actively criti- sad, inhumane thing to do,” said Syria, and Yemen. As a result, cizes people based on origin? Ben Freedman (’17). students, visitors, American How can people live a life that Our country has made residents, green-card and visa feeds off of hate towards people many progressive steps. How- holders were stopped at air- that have done no harm to oth- ever, this immigration ban feels ports and denied entrance, and ers? Nationality does not de- like a step backward that undos some were even deported. In fine someone. Diversity should the effects of the Immigration response to the media which not be fought against. While and Naturalization Act of 1965, NO BAN A “No Muslim Ban” March was held on the Capitol in Washington, D.C. in criticized the order for target- it may make no difference to which worked to reunite fami- response to Trump’s immigration ban which targets countries with majority Muslim ing Muslim-majority countries, many people, children and the lies—overlooking skin color— populations. President Trump has declared world’s future generations will and attracted people who could against in the issuance of an According to Alex Now- that this “is not a Muslim ban.” have this idea that it is accept- fill jobs with their skills and immigrant visa because of the rasteh, an immigration policy The purpose of this order able to discriminate based on labor. This policy abolished the person’s race, sex, nationality, analyst employed at the Center is to protect the country, es- ethnicity or nationality em- earlier immigration policy that place of birth, or place of resi- for Global Liberty and Prosper- pecially from terrorism. The bedded into their developing worked against discrimination dence.” How do you tell Ameri- ity of Cato Institute in Washing- attacks of 9/11 were noted in minds. Children’s mind’s are based on nation origin. Howev- can Muslim soldiers, who have ton D.C., “The annual chance the order, in hopes that this highly malleable, and are con- er, in 2017, President Trump’s fought in wars to protect Amer- of being murdered by some- immigration ban will reduce stantly learning how to act and executive order revises immi- ica, that people from major- body other than a foreign-born the chances of more terrorism think by using what they see gration policies to take nation- ity Islamic countries are being terrorist was 252.9 times great- attacks occurring. However, and experience in the world as ality into account. denied entrance into the very er than the chance of dying in a this ban eludes reference to learning examples. I respect President Trump’s county that they are fighting terrorist attack committed by a citizens from Saudi Arabia, in “The ban goes against core efforts to fight terrorism. I re- for? That their relatives may be foreign-born terrorists.” which 15 out of the 19 hijack- American values. Almost ev- spect that he has stayed true to judged, dehumanized, and criti- You do not get to choose ers responsible for the Septem- eryone in America, myself in- the promises he made during cized for their existence? These where you are born, which cul- ber 11 attacks originated from. cluded, is here because their his campaign. But, I support American Muslim soldiers have ture you inherit, the religion of The Trump Organization had ancestors were allowed into the the constitution that protects been fighting terrorism for your family, or your family’s interest in building a hotel in country as immigrants. To curb and values humans. The U.S. years. Yet this ban encourages wealth. These refugees did not Saudi Arabia, but those plans immigration so rashly and to en- Code states that “no person society to judge people similar choose their life. Syrian refu- were canceled in December. act a ban with so little vetting re- shall receive any preference to them. Trump’s order gives gees did not ask to be born in Trump’s foreign ties from his ally is disheartening, especially or priority or be discriminated them a hateful image that they the middle of a crisis. They are are not associated with, only people just like us, but born put together by society because elsewhere. Maybe in another of similar origin. lifetime, it could have been No Americans have been one of us. These refugees ask killed by Syrian refugees in a the United States for help, and terrorist attack in the United that is what people should do. States, according to The Atlan- In words of Holocaust sur- tic. “This ban is unnecessary vivor and novelist Elie Wiesel, and ultimately counterproduc- “No human being is illegal.” tive in increasing America’s And, in the words of civil safety. Rather, the attacks we rights activist Dr. Martin Lu- see far too often stem from the ther King Jr., “Darkness can- use of firearms by American cit- not drive out darkness; only izens, resulting in over 400,000 light can do that. Hate cannot deaths in 2015 according to the drive out hate; only love can U.S. State Department. This is- do that.” Us Americans are sue, while more prevalent and so privileged to be born in a threatening to Americans, goes country with abundant resourc- unaddressed because it has es and opportunity, and we can been made seemingly irrelevant help other people by sharing PROTESTING THE IMMIGRATION BAN On January 28, the day after Trump issued the executive order, people protested throughout executive actions this privilege. against the immigration ban in a sit-in at the SeaTac Airport in Seattle, WA by blocking arrival gates until 12 detainees who like this supposed ‘Muslim were held at SeaTac were released. Protests are held nationwide at other airports, such as JFK, and in the streets. Ban,’” said Rachel Fein (’17). —Courtney Xu (’17)

Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org & ÁLFNUFRP. 12 LAS NOTICIAS Lo positivo y negativo de trabajar durante el año escolar

Daniela Paredes él o ella, de acuerdo a las clases rar dinero, sin embargo es difícil muchas,”continuo Alexandra ex- escuela, el trabajo, los amigos y Escritora del Personal y actividades que tiene, y si real- lidiar con la tarea después,” dice plicando que aveces cuando tiene la familia, y tomar tiempo para mente es esencial el tener un tra- Jayanne Perkins (‘17), quien tra- muchas tareas se pone un poco uno mismo.También creo que no Hoy en día, no es extraño bajo o no. baja con niños pequeños algu- difícil, pero hay que saber como existe el empleo perfecto, y que que un adolescente mantenga Un censo publicado por los nos días a la semana durante las manejar el tiempo efectivamente. simplemente debes dar lo mejor un trabajo durante el año esco- Estados Unidos hace algunos tardes. “En especial es difícil si Otros estudiantes, sin em- de ti antes de poder alcanzar un l a r , a l a m i s m a v e z q u e m a n e j e años, indicó que uno en cuatro tienes clases de AP, pero también bargo, creen que el tener un tra- puesto más alto,” continuó Mar- rigurosos cursos educativos, o adolescentes que están en la es- es bueno obtener la experiencia bajo dice mucho sobre la moti- ley, quien toma varias clases de incluso cursos a nivel universi- cuela secundaria o preparatoria laboral.” Jayanne cree que hay vación de una persona, pero es AP y trabaja durante la mayor tario (o también conocidas como tienen un trabajo. Esto suma un bastantes cosas positivas y nega- importante saber si es la opción parte de la semana escolar. clases AP). A veces, el poder de total de más de tres millones de tivas, pero hay que saber equili- correcta. No todos pueden con la No cabe duda que el tener equilibrar ambos puede ser muy jóvenes que tienen un trabajo ya brarlas a su manera. presion de la escuela y salir tarde un trabajo como adolescente difícil y demandante para al- sea de medio tiempo o de tiempo Algunos estudiantes como del trabajo. tiene una interminable cantidad gunos. Aunque hay quienes no completo durante el año escolar. Alexandra Jordan (‘17), pueden “Recientemente leí un ar- de aspectos buenos, e incluso tienen problema equilibriando el De acuerdo a esta información, manejar un trabajo de cuatro ticulo que decia que los estudi- malos. Pero es algo importante, trabajo y la escuela. también se calcula que sólo 1% días durante la semana escolar antes con trabajos después de la y que los estudiantes deben de Incluso esos estudiantes que de estos adolescentes trabajan sin problema. “Creo que tener escuela usualmente presentan tomar en cuenta que siempre es no tienen problema con trabajar tiempo completo. un trabajo es bueno y te enseña más motivación interior en otros necesario crear un equilibrio. Es durante el año escolar, trabajan En Westhill, una gran can- responsabilidad,” dice Alexan- aspectos de sus vidas, y creo que importante dedicar tiempo y es- todos los días de la semana esco- tidad de estudiantes, en espe- dra, quien trabaja usualmente de esto tiene mucho sentido porque fuerzo a ambos la escuela y el lar, hay quienes no pueden con la cial los que están en su último y las 2:30 a las 5:30 en las tardes tener un trabajo es una gran re- trabajo, pero tener ciertas prio- presiyn y tienen que sacri¿car el penúltimo año, tienen al menos semanales para despues ir a casa sponsabilidad que le enseña a ridades, y saber tomar tiempo tiempo que le dedican a sus activ- un trabajo de medio tiempo. De hacer tareas. los estudiantes la importancia libre. Descansar y hacer espacio idades escolares, o en ocasiones igual manera, la mayoría ven “Durante el año escolar pu- de saber manejar y organizar su en actividades extracurriculares no tienen más opción que aban- aspectos tanto positivos como ede ser un poco más difícil depen- tiempo,” dice Marley Sklover y de interés es muy importante, donar su trabajo. Sin embargo, negativos en tener un trabajo a diendo en la cantidad de tarea que (‘17). “Sin embargo, también y seguro ayudará a aquellos que es importante que cada alumno la misma vez que estudiar. “Un tengo, pero en general no es com- es importante no sobrecargarse se encuentren bajo mucho estrés sepa qué decisión es mejor para aspecto positivo es el poder ahor- plicado. Mis horas tampoco son con las responsabilidades de la ya sea por el trabajo o la escuela.

Fotos de Micheal Hernandez editador de Las Noticias.

STEPHANIE Patiño Paredes Stephanie Patinø trabaja en el restaurante llamado Lucky’s en el centro de Daniela Daniela Paredes trabaja en la libreria en el centro de Stamford. Ella trabaja dos días Stamford. Ella es una anfitriona en el restaurante. Ella coje llamadas y sienta a la semana por quartro horas. Daniela trabaja con niños y adolecentes que necesi- en una mesa a los clientes. Staphanie tiene que equilibrar este trabajo con los tan ayuda con la computadora en el departamento de Servisios de la Juventud. Ella cursos de honores que tiene. Su historia es representativa de la mayoria de tiene que equilibrar este trabajo con los cuatro cursos de nivel universitario que tiene. estudiantes hispanos en los Estados Unidos. LAS NOTICIAS FEBRERO 2017 13 El presidente Donald Trump trata de enforzar la deportación de los inmigrates

Yuliana Hernández dente redacta las ordenes ejecu- UHODFLRQDGRFRQUHFLELUORVEHQH¿- jar casos de inmigración viola el indocumentados a las autoridades Escritora del Personal tivas nos muestra lo serio que cios públicos, están sujetos a una debido proceso de la ley. federales, ya que ellos opinan que esta tomando las acciones hacia RUGHQ¿QDOGHH[SXOVLyQSHURTXH En opiniones personales de al- estas ciudades están velando por la Las órdenes ejecutivas del ORV LQPLJUDQWHV \D UHÀHMDGD HQ no han cumplido con su obligación gunos estudiantes de westhill high seguridad de sus habitandes. Presidente Trump sobre la inmi- su campaña, muchos inmigran- legal de salir de los Estados Uni- school están de acuerdo con la or- Nydia Velazquez, congresista gración ilegal han suscitado un tes están preocupados por el am- GRV2HQHOMXLFLRGHXQR¿FLDOGH den ejecutiva de inmigracion para de Nueva York, conversó con la gran debate en todo el país. La de- plio lenguaje que lleva esta orden inmigración, de lo contrario repre- las personas que tiene un record prensa desde el aeropuerto de John cisión ejecutiva del presidente de HMHFXWLYD \ OR TXH VLJQL¿FD SDUD sentan un riesgo para la seguridad criminal sería lo corecto porque F. Kennedy (JFK) donde varias promulgar las promesas de campa- muchos ilegales hacia su estatus pública o la seguridad nacional.” estas personas no están ayudando personas provenientes de países ña está llegando a major término y en los Estados Unidos. Esto sin Basado en la redacción de la orden al país y sólo están causando daño afectados por la medida de pro- enojando a una gran parte del país decir que los inmigrantes ilegales ejecutiva, un delincuente podría a nuestra sociedad y a los ciudada- hibición ordenada por la admin- que considera sus órdenes tan per- estarán en el ojo de todas las au- incluir a alguien que es acusado - nos americanos. Sería una injus- istración se encuentran detenidas. judiciales para los millones de in- toridades americanas incluso por pero no condenado de un crimen. ticia para las personas que son Dejando en claro lo indignada migrantes ilegales que residen en el mas mínimo error que cometan, Las últimas disposiciones, buenas, honestas, trabajadoras, y que está hacia las ordenes ejecu- el país. Las órdenes ejecutivas for- según el Presidente Donal Trump aparentemente, incluyen a cual- que siempre estan cumpliendo con tivas que están "atentando contra man parte de un plan más amplio esta orden ejecutiva ya redactada quier persona. Por ejemplo, si un la ley que el gobierno tente per- nuestros valores" dijo después de para poner a los Estados Unidos explica lo siguiente: funcionario de inmigración siente judicarlas. Estas personas hacen unirse a las manifestaciones pací- primero y asegurar las fronteras y “La orden dice que la prio- que pone en peligro "la seguridad lo mejor para su comunidad y en ¿FDVTXHHVWXYLHURQSUHVHQWHHQHO proteger la soberanía de todos en ridad será la eliminación de los pública o la seguridad nacional", particular para el govierno, que re- aeropuerto JFK. En otras palabras los Estados Unidos. inmigrantes deportables que "han incluso si esa persona no se en- cibe miles de millones de dólares Velazquez dejó en claro que el Algunas de las acciones pro- sido condenados por cualquier frenta a cargos, dando amplia lib- ya que muchas de estas personas Presidente Donald Trumpno está puestas en sus órdenes ejecutivas delito, han sido acusados de cual- HUWDGDORVR¿FLDOHV pagan sus impuestos anuales. desvalorando a aquellas personas son iniciar inmediatamente la quier delito penal, cuando no se ha Y el término "delito penal", La gran ventaja que en este que hacen tanto por el país. SODQL¿FDFLyQ GHO PXUR \ OD FRQ- resuelto su caso aun, han cometi- QRHVWiGH¿QLGRHQODRUGHQ\SR- momento tienen los inmigrantes Estas accciones nos ponen strucción en cuestión de meses. El do actos que constituyen un delito dría incluir un amplio rango de indocumentados es que las más a pensar hasta dónde va a llegar presidente también planea aumen- penal imponible, han participado cargos, incluyendo delitos presub- de 200 ciudades santuario están el Presiente Donald Trump para tar la patrulla fronteriza y la fuerza en el fraude o falsa interpretación limemente menores. en contra de las ordenes ejecuti- cumplir todas esas promesas que GHGHSRUWDFLyQ\¿QDOL]DQGROD¿- intencional en relación con cu- Esta parte de la orden ejecu- vas del presidente Donald Trump hizo en su campaña electoral "una nanciación a las jurisdicciones de DOTXLHU DVXQWR R¿FLDO R VROLFLWXG tiva también es probable que se y aún estando conscientes que América unidad otra vez.” Y en ODVFLXGDGHVVDQWXDULDV\SRQHU¿Q ante una agencia gubernamental enfrente a los desafíos legales de perderán muchos de sus fondos mano de quién van a terminar es- al programa de refugiados hasta ³GDU IDOVD LGHQWL¿FDFLRQHV HQ OD las libertades civiles y los defen- federales para el mantenimiento tos inmigrantes indocumentados que se evalúe más información búsqueda de empleo o falsa iden- sores de los derechos de los in- de las escuelas, las calles y los SDUD ¿QDOPHQWH SRGHU UHDOL]DU HO para examinar a los refugiados que WL¿FDFLRQHV KDFLD OD OH\ HVWDWDO migrantes, que han argumentado parques públicos entre otros. Tales llamado "sueño Americano.” Por ingresan a los Estados Unidos. governamental, o federal,” han desde hace mucho tiempo que el ciudades se siguen reusando a dar- lo cual todos en este pais estamos La forma en la que el presi- abusado de cualquier programa enfoque del gobierno para mane- les información de sus habitantes acá hoy en dia. Historias del día de san Valentín

“Me encontré con una chica en el lugar menos es- perado: en un programa de la escuela durante el verano. Al principio pensé que ella era linda pero luego me di cuenta que ella tenía todas las cualidades que yo deseaba en una persona. No fue amor a primera vista, pero si fue amor después de muchas vistas...”–Anónimo

“Al principio estaba asustada porque los SUHMXLFLRVGHPLVSDGUHVLQÀXHQFLD- ban mis pensamientos. Pero, a lo largo de los últimos meses me he dado cuenta que amo a esa chica... Y el hecho de que seamos dos chicas no cambia nada.” –Anónimo

Fotos Cortesía de pixabay.com 14 SPECIAL REPORT: The different forms What is animal cruelty? CLOTHING: Animal cruelty is when someone does not responsibly care for an animal or Clothing is essential for everyone in life, however, certain items of clothing hurts an animal. The expansion of both the leather and fur industries due to the in- are more harmful to animals than others. Fur, leather, and wool are the most crease in the popularity of high-end brands, such as Michael Kors and Cana- common forms of animal cruelty that are present in the garment industry. In a da Goose, have led to more abuse than ever before. Along with animals suffer- world where fur vests and leather bags are trending on the runway, it is hard ing for the clothing industries, many are still used in laboratories for product to remember what goes into making these fashion statements. In the process testing, tortured in the process of dairy production, or in slaughterhouses, of making fur, leather, and wool, animals are electrocuted, gassed to death, and are kept in conditions un¿t for them to live in. More than 50 million animals are skinned alive, and slaughtered. Along with the violent process that goes into killed yearly for fashion purposes, and are placed into torturous conditions so that hu- creating clothing pieces, the animals are also selectively bred to create pure mans can wear animal skin and fur. Leather is not a by-product of the meat industry. wool, which can lead to certain diseases. There are many alternatives to avoid Cows are thrown around, whipped, sometimes have hot chili rubbed into their eyes animal cruelty in clothing, such as synthetic materials to make shoes or jack- after collapsing due to exhaustion, and are ultimately slaughtered solely for their skins. ets, and cotton or linen. Overall, if more people took advantage of the alterna- Though many brands have identi¿ed as being “cruelty free,” there is still animal testing tives to these clothing materials, less animals would be killed. done in lab environments. In these laboratories, animals are kept in tight cages and put through painful procedures that sometimes cause them to experience seizures, get in- fected with diseases that they would never normally contract, or die in some cases. Due to the advancements in technology experiments animals have only intensi¿ed.

ZOOS: CIRCUS: Going to the zoo has always been a common tradition for many families in America. Though going to the circus is a kid-friendly and exciting event, people are Though it is a fun outing for the kids, many people consider zoos to be a form of often too distracted by the entertainment to realize that the animals in circuses animal cruelty. When seeing the animals in their display at the zoo, which mimic are treated unfairly. In reality, the animals do not voluntarily jump through a real environment, people often do not realize how the arti¿cial zoo environment hoops with fire, ride bicycles, and perform wild tricks. The trainers put the can be detrimental for the wild animals. Animals are naturally meant to be outdoors, animals through harsh conditioning to have them obey tough commands. If the since natural resources such as fresh water, grass, trees, and open ¿elds are readily animals fail to obey their commands, they are usually punished available. By enclosing the animals in cages for people to watch them at the zoo, it is whether it be through an electrical shock, depriving the animals of being able to fully explore nature, and forcing them into an whip, chains, or metal rod. The most popu- arti¿cial environment. Though zookeepers do feed the animals and occasionally lar animals used for entertainment at the play with them, the animals are not truly living life at full capacity because circus are elephants, tigers, monkeys, they are forced to sit in an enclosed space everyday. Progressively, and zebras. Forcing these animals to this causes the animals to feel lonely, perform extreme tricks can be in- agitated, and depressed, which can humane and in some extreme lead to death for the animals. cases, it can even cause injury and mental illness.

Organizations Against Animal Cruelty:

The Humane Society Cruelty Free of the United States PetSmart Charities International (CFI)

As the nation’s largest organization These charities have a goal of reduc- CFI deals with the issues of animal test- for animal protection, they work on giving ing the number of homeless animals and ing and is the leading organization that direct care and service to over 100,000 preventing the births of unplanned litters. works globally to end animal testing. animals every year. They specialize in In order to do this, they grant $240 million For over 100 years, they have saved ¿ghting major animal cruelties, such as to more than 2,800 local animal welfare thousands of animals from a life of animal ¿ghting and puppy mills. groups in the United States and Canada. suffering in laboratories.

humanesociety.org petsmartcharities.org crueltyfreeinternational.org SPECIAL REPORT FEBRUARY 2017 15 of animal cruelty

FOOD: “Animals aren’t like humans; they don’t have the ability Sixteen million people in the U.S. are now vegan or vegetarian, signi¿cantly more than previous to tell people if they’re being abused and in some cases, years. Consumers’ relatively new knowledge of the mistreatment of animals in the food industry FDQҋWÀJKWEDFN7KH\SXWWKHLUWUXVWLQXVWRORYHDQGWDNH undoubtedly plays a role in this drastic change. Most of our meat, milk, and eggs are products of industrial farms, which prioritize pro¿t over the wellbeing of the animals. Factory farms raise 99 FDUHRIWKHP,I\RXZRXOGQҋWKXUWDQRWKHUKXPDQEHLQJ percent of farm animals in the U.S. for food and unlike what many people imagine, the conditions \RX VKRXOGQҋW HYHQ FRQVLGHU GRLQJ LW WR DQLPDO 3HRSOH at the farms are unbearable. Livestock are crammed into ¿lthy, windowless sheds where they do not don’t realize that animals feel most [of] the even have space to turn around. Death by disease or infection is common, and the animals that are VDPHHPRWLRQVZHGRDQGZKHQWKH\DUH able to survive the dreadful trip to the slaughterhouse are killed in the foulest way. Frequently, the put in abusive situations, it can have seri- animals’ throats are slit, and their bodies are submerged into boiling waters and hair-removal baths all while they are still alive. Terms including, “natural,” “free-range,” and “cage-free” create the illusion RXVPHQWDODQGHPRWLRQDOHIIHFWVRQWKHPµ that animals are treated properly, when in reality most of the time these labels do not bear any effect -Evie Wolpo (’19) on animal welfare standards. Synthetic hormones and arti¿- cial preservatives are used to make animals grow faster and plumper, but can be detrimental to consumers.

MOVIES: COSMETICS: On January 18, 2017, TMZ released a video clip just over a minute long, depict- Although modern technology provides countless methods to assess the safety of cosmetic products, ing a German Shepherd being man-handled and nearly drowning on the set of the some organizations continue to test on live animals. Fervent animal support groups have campaigned upcoming ¿lm, A Dog’s Purpose. The canine, Hercules, was playing the role of a against the inhumane practice, and now cosmetic testing is banned throughout the 28 countries of the police dog named Ellie, and needed to do a stunt scene in the water. The video clip European Union as well as a few other locations. However, animal testing is not banned in the U.S. revealed a man on set forcing anxious Hercules into a pool of churning warm water. Rather than using a rabbit’s eye to measure how long a chemical takes to burn, scientists have the Shortly after, the clip shows the dog struggling to swim and his head sinks under the resources to conduct experiments on cornea-like 3D tissue structures produced from human cells and water, sending the cast and crew into a frenzy. The abuse displayed in this video is skin cultures. Laws require that cosmetics including skin cream, perfume, lipstick, nail polish, facial particularly appalling, considering the ¿lm is about the love between a boy and his makeup, and shampoo are tested to somehow guarantee that humans are not harmed by the products. dog, and Universal Pictures used the movie to promote animal adoptions. Although The animals being tested are mostly rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice. Some of the most the video was taken in November of 2015, it was not released until January 17, 2017, pitiless studies are skin and eye irritation tests and lethal dose tests where animals are forced to swal- just a week before the movie’s premiere. This questionable delay prompts theories low large quantities to determine how much will result in death. Why do scientists continue to use this that the video was a scam and was simply a way to make money method" Familiarity and experience hinder change and progression in many outdated organizations, or sabotage the ¿lm. The cast members did however admit that since animals have been used to test cosmetics in the past. Using live subjects is easier for companies they made a mistake, which is undeniable with the footage of Her- because their products hit the markets sooner when their testing method is well-known and does not cules’ head sinking underwater. This is not the ¿rst time animals require investigation. Moreover, some scientists insist that completely new solutions need to be tested have been harmed in the making of a ¿lm, whether intention- on live beings to ensure safety. Modern and well-informed companies have ally or not, and viewers of the ¿lm would never have known moved past these methods, but unfortunately, our furry friends are still being if it were not for the leaked footage. tortured for the products we use every day.

Briefs by Caroline Boccuzzi, Alyssa Goldberg, & Paige Sottosanti / Managing Editor, Reporter, & Staff Writer.

People for the American Society Ethical Treatment of for the Prevention of Best Friends Animals (PETA) Animal Cruelty (ASPCA) Animal Society This organization focuses on animal This non-pro¿t organization has a The ASPCA prioritizes the issues of cruelty in the harshest areas, in the food mission to get all pets adopted. In addi- animal cruelty and animal homeless- industry, the clothing trade, the labora- tion, they have initiatives against puppy tories, and the entertainment industry. ness. It was the ¿rst humane society mills and pitbull cruelty. They have an Along with this, PETA works against established in North America, and animal sanctuary that gives animals the cruelty of animals that are rescues over 12,000 animals the chance to recover until they considered pests. per year. are ready to be adopted. bestfriends.org PETA.ORG ASPCA.org

Graphics courtesy of Sakshi Patel / Creative Director. 16 SupplementTheWestword

The 411 on 504s SUPPLEMENT 18 FEBRUARY 2017 504s Explained Guilmar Valle gram, IEP for short, in that impairments that a student ceive accommodations such tage, this is not the case. “It Reporter an IEP tracks the student’s may have that would call as, extended time on tests, is only fair for us to get ac- academic progress, states the for a 504, a physical one, or quizzes and projects, ability commodations so I pass and Imagine a world where annual education goals, and a mental one. Some of the to see a guidance counselor do not fail high school,” said students with disabilities are states the accommodations physical impairments include and psychologist as needed, Gibson. In other words, suc- not given the accommoda- the student will need, while a cerebral palsy, spina bifida, visual aids, differently for- ceeding in school would be tions they need to succeed 504 only names the specific diabetes, asthma, and certain matted assignments, and/ very difficult without a 504 and thus fail high school. accommodations the student allergies. Students with these or permission to leave class plan, and would be unfair to Luckily, this is not the case will need, and includes the impairments might receive whenever necessary. With the student with a disability. due to Section 504 of the name of the person who will one or more of the following the plethora of accommoda- Why should a student Rehabilitation Act of 1973, be responsible for ensuring permission to go to the bath- tions available to a student in with dyslexia for example which states that “no per- that the plan is implemented. room as needed without pen- need, do they actually help? have to work twice as hard son shall be disqualified What are the accommo- alty, an alternative to gym, a The Westword recently as a student without dyslexia from participating in school, dations that a student can seat cushion to help relieve interviewed a Westhill stu- just to understand the same among other activities, due receive under a 504 plan? some pain, and/or an alterna- dent, Brianna Gibson (’19) material, let alone succeed to their disability.” This act Some of the many accom- tive to written assignments about how helpful the ac- in it. Students would not be is where the term 504 Plan modations a student can re- such as typing. commodations. “Really help- able to shine as bright as stems from. ceive are but not limited to; Mental impairments on ful! It is easier for me to un- they do without their 504. So what exactly is a 504 wheelchair accessibility, au- the other hand might include derstand what the questions “My grades would drop as I plan? A 504 plan gives a child dio players, seat cushions, but are not limited to; se- are asking,” said Gibson is would not understand what accommodations related to visual aids, extended time on vere anxiety, severe depres- given a different formatted the questions are asking on their disability and makes it tests and projects, and ability sion, attention deficit dis- text with certain classes to tests and homework,” said so that they can participate in to see counselor without pen- order (ADD), dyslexia, and better understand the ques- Gibson. It is important that the general classroom. A 504 alty, and go to the bathroom schizophrenia to name a few. tions. While some may ar- we recognize what 504s are plan is different from an In- whenever necessary. Students with one or more of gue that a 504 plan gives and what they do for the bet- dividualized Education Pro- There are two kinds of these conditions might re- the student an unfair advan- ter of our school community. 504 facts and figures

‡ The Section 504 Reha- ‡ Having a medical illness ‡ 504 codes prevent people bilitation Act was estab- does not automatically qual- with disabilities from be- lished to protect people ify students for a 504 plan. ing unfairly charged extra with disabilities. ‡ As reported by 7,000 or refused housing. ‡ The act was one of the school districts out of the ‡ Section 504 is what re- first U.S. federal civil 13,506, 433,980 students quires buildings to have rights laws that did this. have 504 plans. wheelchair accessibility. ‡ To qualify for a 504, a stu- ‡ 52% of students with ‡ Students with 504s who dent’s impairment or dis- 504s have “hidden dis- are suspended for 10 ability must limit one or abilities” meaning impair- days or more must have a more major life activity. ments that aren’t visible meeting on their behalf to ‡ The 504 can give accom- ‡ If and organization does discuss if the behavior is modations to extracurricular not comply with the terms related to their disability. activities in certain areas. set by a 504 a complaint ‡ All colleges, universities, ‡ The 504 will give students can be filed against them. etc. are required by law accommodations for most ‡ There are regulations that to recognize 504 plans. of their academic career, must be met in order for ‡ The Section 504 Act was including higher education. an organization to truly passed in 1973. accommodate 504s

Facts courtesy of ed.gov. SUPPLEMENT FEBRUARY 2017 19 Process of getting a 504 Nabilla Harahap should not wait for the school to cumstances for mental disabilities, however it is not mandatory. whether or not an impairment Reporter take action or it will surely delay such as depression or anxiety as The school can make a deci- was identified, and the disabil- or eliminate the 504 acquisition opposed to physical disabilities. sion in their absence, and will still ity’s effects on the student’s The procedure for a student process altogether. The evaluation should also notify the student prior. The stu- performance in school. to obtain a section 504 plan var- A 504 request form needs to be document and take into consider- dents have the ability to participate Afterwards, a written plan ies depending on the school, but ¿lled out, each usually consists of ation other important information in 504 committee meetings. The is developed. This consists of a there is a general guideline that sections for the parent or guardian such as academic records, assess- evaluation utilizes assessment ma- description of the disability and is followed across most school and doctors to ¿ll out. A description ment data, and medical reports terials, tests, and other evaluation any further steps to be taken to districts in the nation. It usually of the illness and its impact on the that are relevant to the disability procedures that are tailored to con- accommodate the student’s learn- begins with any student with a student is asked for, as well as the that is being examine in its effect sider the areas of educational needs. ing capabilities that are deemed disability who believes they need type of accommodations that are on a student’s learning ability. This all usually includes a review reasonable. Usually a 504 plan certain accommodations and ser- being requested. Upon this referral, A 504 committee is then of school records, interviews with coordinator, which could be a vices that are not provided in a the student is then further evalu- formed to evaluate the circum- important adults surrounding the guidance counselor or other ad- normal classroom setting. There- ated. This consists of information stances. This evaluation is con- student, observations in both home visor, is assigned to oversee how fore, the process of obtaining a coming from a various sources. ducted by a group consisting and school environment, and the the plan is implemented. Section 504 requires a thorough evalua- These may include teachers, par- of people who know the child. administration of educational and 504 plans are considered legal tion to con¿rm the student’s eligi- ents and legal guardians, physi- These people either have pre- psychological conditions. documents that the school is re- bility and legitimacy. cians, nurses, coaches, and other vious knowledge or are made Whether one is eligible or quired to follow. However, in the The ¿rst step is de¿ning the professionals within the commu- aware of the medical condition not is determined at an evalu- case of the school not agreeing student’s disability. This could be nity who can speak for the student. they are in, evaluation proce- ation meeting where the par- with the parent over the child’s made from parent, teacher, staff The information provided dures, and other accommodation ents must attend. The result of education, there are steps that member, or doctor’s suggestion. varies from case to case depending options. The parent has the full the evaluation would be based can be taken to create a compro- The parent do not need to be the on the type of medical condition it right to attend the 504 meetings on the material that was pro- mise between the parents and the ¿rst to express concern but they may be, as there are different cir- and be a part of the committee, vided to determine an outcome, school meeting all requests. Facts About 504 Committees STEP 6 S The evaluation is conducted by people who know the child and his/her circumstances. Create a written t plan to accom- modate your 504 e designated STEP 5 disability p Parents can attend the committee meeting, but it is not mandatory. Receive the results s of the evaluation o STEP 4 f School records are often reviewed in the process. Get evaluated by a 504 committee 5 STEP 3 The committee evaluate the 504 cases 0 Fill out 504 form 4

STEP 2 P Request a 504 form STEP 1 l Define the disability a n s Breaking down 504 Plans In order to be eligible for a 504 plan, a student must be a “qualified disabled person” and have an impairment, either physically or mentally, that affects their ability to learn or “limits a major life activity.” These impairments could be limitations in any aspect of a student’s life, from walking to hearing or seeing. A 504 is different than an Individualized Education Program (IEP) because an IEP qualifies a student to receive a different learning plan while a 504 changes the student’s normal learning plan to fit their individual needs. The goal of a 504 is for the student to get their education in a regular classroom with slight changes to meet their educational needs.

MENTAL PHYSICAL

LEXIA impairment that causes PARAL n letters or numbers, mak- Paralysis is the physical d m to read. Students with able to move and sometim ommodations to help less- certain limbs, typically ca causes. These accommo- injury. If their paralysis a er print on tests, district work, students can get 50 sorted assignments. Stu- tended times on projects ble to have extended time district exams. Students m nd district exams, or have from class early or be give to be read aloud. es due to anxiety.

ADHD/ADD CONCUSSION A concussion is a physical disability at- ADHD and ADD are types of mental disabilities tributed with the symptoms of having which affect your ability to focus. There are three trouble thinking, remembering, nausea, types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impul- headaches, and much more. It is usually sive, and Combined. Depending on the severity, a caused through injuries gained through student can get a 504 plan to help accommodate sports. Students can get 504s if their them. These accommodations can include the concussion is causing issues with their student being put closer to the teacher or farther learning. The benefits of a 504 plan in- away from windows or doors. Students may also clude extended times on projects, tests, be provided with tools to help organize work and quizzes, and district exams, as well as ex- subjects, or given more frequent, but significant- cused absences. ly shorter, quizzes and tests.

X IETY mental illness can inter- LONG TERM ty to do school work or If a student sustains long ter g on the severity of their they can be given a 504 plan. n for anxiety can give stu- cused for absences, as well a on projects, tests, quiz- projects, tests, quizzes, and dis ms, as well as an excuse can also receive preferred seat to their anxiety. Students and a pass for continuous visits calmer place to go when g up. SUPPLEMENT 22 FEBRUARY 2017 Accommodations in Stamford

Max Zussman plan, they can log onto IEPDi- are also available if needed. educational programs and ac- or I am just having a bad day, it Reporter rect.com through stamfordpub- 504 accommodation plans are tivities to the same extent as a is nice to know that I have more licschools.org, where they can available in all three Stamford student without a disability, so time to finish whatever I am The Stamford Public manage their own accommo- public high schools, as well as it is critical that these students working on,” said one student Schools System (SPS) does dations for their specific 504 most public schools throughout are properly accommodated. who asked not to be identified, their best to make sure that stu- plan. Some accommodations the country as part of the Re- For Westhill students, on the importance of her 504. dents with a 504 plan are prop- include extended time on stan- habilitation Act of 1973, which proper accommodations are Stamford Public Schools and erly accommodated in their re- dardized tests, extended time prohibits discrimination based important in ensuring they are other public schools through- spective schools and are well on homework and projects and upon disability. The goal of getting the best education they out the country do their best to supplied for a work or school adjusted class schedules. a 504 Accommodation Plan can get. “With my plan, I am make sure that all students with environment. SPS has a dedi- For different 504 plans, is to provide a student with able to have extended time on a 504 are fully accommodated cated website for customizing transportation accommodations a disability accommodations tests, quizzes, and homework if to the best of their ability. 50504s.4ss. If sstudentstudents hahaveve a 550404 suchsuuch asas rampsrar mps andand elevatorselevattorrs thatthat ggiveive ththee ststudenttudu ent acaccesscess ttoo necessary.necessara y. WWhenhen I cacann nonott fofocuscus

Photo illustration by Ryan Murace / Media Manager. SUPPLEMENT FEBRUARY 2017 23 504s in effect Students tell their stories of how 504s have affected their learning at Westhill. From physical disabilities to mental impairments, The Westword talked to four students about 504s.

Alyssa Goldberg & Guilmar Valle TW : +RZGR\RXIHHOLWDIIHFWV\RXUOHDUQLQJ" Reporters AF: My learning is more affected by my anxiety than by my autism. Basically, due to my At Westhill, many students with disabilities are given personalized 504 anxiety, there are times that I am unable to focus because I am so worried about something. plans to give them an equal opportunity to do as well in school as any Sometimes this is school related and other times it is not, but both affect my learning just other student. With 504s, students are given different accommodations the same. speci¿c to their disability, such as being given extra time on tests or being GC: It makes it harder for me to process what I am learning in class, especially in math given permission to leave class when necessary. The Westword sat down and history, so I always have to work harder to make sure I understand what the teacher with three Westhill students to ask them about their own 504s. is saying. LC: It has affected my learning a lot, especially in the months following the latest con- cussion. For at least four to six months I would get headaches constantly, and by second The Westword: What is your disability? period I would tend to get very dizzy. My head would be in a lot of pain. It would hurt my Amanda Friedman (’18): I have high functioning autism and gen- eyes trying to read things, and using a computer was hard for a while. I could only con- eral anxiety disorder. centrate for very short periods of time. At the beginning I could barely focus for twenty *HRUJLD&ROHJUDYH ¶ : I am dyslexic. minutes straight. It still affects learning today, along with my testing as well. Laura Carrol (’18): I have a physical 504 plan for post concussion syndrome BG: I do not know. I was still in ¿rst grade and I did not understand what it was until (PCS). fourth grade. That is when I really started to understand what dyslexia was and what I had. %ULDQQD*LEVRQ ¶ : I have dyslexia, and I also have a hard time learn- ing as fast as everyone else.

TW : +RZORQJKDYH\RXKDGWKLVGLVDELOLW\" AF: I was diagnosed as autistic when I was ¿ve and with anxiety when I was fourteen. GC: I have been dyslexic since I was born, but it was only diagnosed when I was about ten. LC: The last major concussion I had was about a year ago, and I have had PCS since. BG: Since ¿rst grade.

TW : :KDWDFFRPPRGDWLRQVDUH\RXRIIHUHG" AF: I am offered time and a half on all assignments, excused absences due to anything related to my anxiety, and can leave class whenever I need to. GC: I get extended time on tests, quizzes and projects. If I need, I get tests or quizzes orally, or have them printed in a larger print. LC: The main accommodations I get is extended time on tests and work, [due to] the concussions. But, I also have the 504 for other things such as ADHD, test anxiety, [and] other disabilities, which gives me accom- modations like modi¿ed tests or alternative testing areas. BG: I get a little bit extra help on tests, as well as extra time on them, and with certain classes they change the test around so the wording is a little easier for me to understand.

TW :+RZGRWKHVHDFFRPPRGDWLRQVKHOS\RX"'R\RX¿QGWKHPHIIHFWLYH" AF: These help me feel more comfortable by lessening my anxiety, therefore al- lowing me to focus better in class. It is just nice knowing I can feel anxious and I will not be penalized for it. GC: Yes, without these accommodations it would be even harder to achieve the grades I have. LC: The accommodations help [by taking] off a lot of stress. However, this only helps to a certain extent as it depends on the teacher, certain teachers can tend to be more supportive and helpful than others on tests and work, [due to] the concus- sions. But, I also have the 504 for other things such as ADHD, test anxiety, [and] other disabilities, which gives me accommodations like modi¿ed tests or alterna- tive testing areas. BG: [They are] really helpful! It is easier for me to understand what the questions are asking.

Graphic courtesy of pixabay.com. Photo illustrations by Emily Savitt / Photo Manager.

FEATURE 25 Westhill students march for women-d.c.

Melanie & Jenny Gorski ple. “I have been working here four hours, whereas on a normal er standing beside them. If one nessed a historic demonstration News & Supplement Editors for 13 years, and we have never day it takes the average commut- looked up, they saw protesters of love and inclusion, and we seen a crowd like this,” said one er under an hour to reach D.C. dangling from trees, hanging off were proud to have been there On Saturday, January 21, Metro worker stationed outside While riding the escalator of pedestrian crossway signs, or in support. What we were not the Gorski family was four of to regulate the line. up from the train platform to the sitting on top of trucks parked on aware of was the expansion of the 500,000 protesters gathered After waiting in line for street, more and more pussy hats the side of the road. If one looked this march all across the globe. in Washington D.C. People of about two hours, we had gotten and uplifting signs came into down one saw young children When we made it back to our different races, religions, sex- to know our neighbors pretty view. The four of us attempted holding their mothers’ hands and hotel room and turned on the ual-orientations, and genders well. In front of us was a nurse to work our way through the dogs being carted in strollers; news, we learned that nearly came together to stand up for a from Boston who held a sign crowd to reach the rally that was there were people everywhere, ÀYHPLOOLRQSHRSOHDOORYHUWKH wide array of issues including which reads, “If you believe being held between 3rd and 4th every which way one looked. As world marched in the same hats women’s rights, LGBT rights, men and women are equal, then Street on Independence Avenue. a collective group we chanted, that we wore and repeated the reproductive rights, immigra- YOU are a feminist.” Behind us Among those that spoke at the “We will not go away, welcome same sayings we had chanted. tion rights, education reform, was a mother and daughter. The rally were Gloria Steinem, Mi- WR\RXUÀUVWGD\µLQXQLVRQDVD We were informed that marches and police brutality. daughter recently graduated chael Moore, Scarlett Johans- warning to the incoming presi- took place not only in Washing- The day began at 6:30 a.m. from the University of Connect- son, and America Ferrera. dential administration. ton D.C. and Los Angeles, but :HNQHZWKHUHZRXOGEHWUDIÀF icut and got a job working for The organization which Another topic which buzzed in Alabama and Mississippi. It GXH WR WKH ODUJH LQÁX[ RI SHR- the Connecticut Commission planned the march was origi- around the crowd was the pro- spread all the way to Australia, ple trying to get into the city, on Human Rights and Oppor- nally expecting 200,000 peo- posal of a temporary ban against Nairobi, Mexico, France, Mala- but we could not have imag- tunities. She remarked that she ple to attend, never imagining Muslims and a Muslim registry. wi, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ja- ined the crowds that formed at and her co-workers are afraid that half a million would join In response to this issue, the pan, and Antarctica. According the Greenbelt train station just of losing funds, and in turn, in. The well-planned structure crowd yelled, “Say it loud, say to the Women’s March website outside of Baltimore, Mary- their jobs, as a result of the new of the march was easily over- it clear, Muslims are welcome there were 673 marches all over ODQG :H ZHUH VKRFNHG WR ÀQG administration. Present in the whelmed by the other 300,000 here.” As my fellow march- the world. thousands of people wearing crowd was a sense of camarade- people that were not accounted ers repeated the saying louder Whether your political be- pussyhats,which are hand knit rie, which stemmed from com- for. Marchers started branching and louder, to the left, a woman liefs sway towards the right hats with cat ears, waiting to mon values and the unwavering off down the streets near the wrapped in a hijab, held hands or the left, it is amazing how buy train tickets that would take emphasis on equality. National Mall to start their own with her two young sons as a tear many people, of all different them into Washington D.C. The Once we bought our Metro marches. The sheer amount of rolled down her face and a smile backgrounds and origins, were line wrapped across the parking cards and boarded the train it human bodies was overwhelm- spread across her face. compelled to protest for human lot and around the bend to ac- took another two hours to reach ing. If one looked to their left or On our way home from the rights that day. commodate the masses of peo- D.C. The journey took a total of right, they saw a fellow march- march, we knew we had wit-

Photos by Melanie & Jenny Gorksi / News & Supplement Editors. FEATURE 26 FEBRUARY 2017 Women’s March-new york city

Maeve Ronan VPDOOHU EXW VWLOO VLJQL¿FDQW 6WDP- As marchers shouted “move strangers were talking to one an- Managing Editor ford rally in Mill River Park. Many down 42nd,” the crowd turned other, united in the fact that they carried signs with clever slogans, around and began making its way opposed Trump’s presidency On January 21, 2017, the such as “Girls Just Wanna Have toward 5th avenue. The marchers and were afraid for the future of streets of New York City were Fun-damental Rights,” or “Men of completely took over the side- America in the wake of his prom- much more busy than usual. Quality Do Not Fear Equality.” walks and the road; cars and bus- ises to dismantle Obamacare, :RPHQDQGPHQDOLNHÀRRGHGWKH The 10 a.m. train was packed es were unable to move as people build a wall between Mexico and streets, pouring out of Grand Cen- E\WKHWLPHLWSXOOHGLQWR6WDPIRUG swarmed around them and those WKH8QLWHG6WDWHVPDNHELUWKFRQ- WUDO3HQQ6WDWLRQWKHVXEZD\VRU station, with standing room only who tried to go against the tide of trol less accessible, and bar immi- apartment buildings if they were for commuters. Passengers who marchers became lost. grants and refugees from entering native New Yorkers. Pink pussy- were traveling to the march chat- Walking towards 5th, the WKH86VRPHRIZKLFKKHKDVDO- hats bobbed up and down as the ted amongst themselves, and one streets were vibrating with the UHDG\DWWHPSWHGWRIXO¿OODQGSDVV crowd made its way toward Ham- could pick up pieces of conversa- sounds of chants such as “Hey through Congress. marskjold Plaza on 2nd Avenue. tion about Trump’s policies, what Hey, Ho Ho, Donald Trump has Despite the overwhelming Almost all were carrying or who they were marching for, or got to go,” “No wall, No ban,” size, the march was peaceful and signs with slogans that preached getting to know others sitting next “Her body, Her choice,” and successful, patrolled by the NYPD love, acceptance, and equality. to them who were marching as ³6D\LWORXGDQGVD\LWFOHDULP- who were happy to talk to the This crowd gathered together for well. The atmosphere was one of migrants are welcome here.” It marchers on 5th Avenue. Partici- the peaceful Women’s March on camaraderie and excitement. was empowering to see thousands pating was truly empowering for New York City in the wake of The crowds only grew as of men and women of all races, those who felt as if they had no President Trump’s inauguration. marchers entered Grand Central genders, sexual orientation, and voice during the election. Although the organization who Terminal. The high-arched ceilings religions to join together in pro- This historic march was not planned the Women’s March on reverberated the echoes of march- test in perhaps one of the greatest FRQWDLQHG WR WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV New York were only expecting ers, who were already holding their cities in the world, not to mention Marches in Europe, Africa, Asia, 100,000 marchers to participate, signs high above their heads to be- Trump’s hometown. and Canada were documented, over 500,000 men and women gin the protest. The marchers exited 5th Avenue was grid locked making the Women’s March joined in the streets to stand up for Grand Central and began walking E\ QRRQ 6R PDQ\ SHRSOH ZHUH the largest peaceful protest in what they believe in exercise their toward Hammarskjold Plaza. How- entering from all sides of 5th global history. Although Presi- right of free speech. ever, those who arrived in the early Avenue that the march turned to dent Trump continues to follow 7KH 6WDPIRUG WUDLQ VWDWLRQ afternoon were not even able to a slow crawl. It took two and a through with his controversial was crowded the morning of the make it that far, as the number of half hours to get from the corner policies, he cannot ignore the March. As marchers boarded ex- PDUFKHUVDQGWKHÀRZRIWKRVHZKR of 42nd and 5th to Trump Tower voices of over 3 million women press trains to Grand Central, oth- already started the march over- Photos by Maeve Ronan / about eight blocks down. and men who marched for what ers were getting off to join in the whelmed the streets. Managing Editor. Along the way complete they believe in.

The Reel Review: The Space Between Us Column by Ashley Shapiro

The Space Between Us, his love interest, Tulsa, played by while Tulsa follows the stigma the story line. Futuristic movies which premiered on February Britt Robertson. Although Gard- of a hardened foster kid. can be very entertaining, but only 3rd, is a new movie about a ner is supposed to be socially As the movie follows the if the special effects and props young man named Gardner El- inexperienced, Tulsa seems phys- couple’s journey, it illustrates ir- are well done. This movie lacked liot, who is born on Mars to a ically older. During many roman- responsible behavior and shows good backgrounds and scenery, irresponsible astronaut. At six- tic scenes, the fact that the actors the adults in the movie acting as ZKLFKDUHHVVHQWLDOZKHQ¿OPLQJ teen years old, he has had very have an eight year age gap made bad role models and making poor an outer space scene. little interaction with people, it uncomfortable to watch. decisions. The movie came out a The Space Between Us, but through digital communica- $OWKRXJK$VD%XWWHU¿HOGZDV little more than a month after an- while cheesy has a interesting tion he connects with a teenager ZLOGO\VXFFHVVIXOLQWKH¿OPHugo, other space romance movie, Pas- plot while execution clearly named Tulsa. which was awarded with several sengers. Having the two space ODFNHG ¿QHVVH (YHU\ LPSRU- Gardener's dream is to visit nominations for Golden Globes romance movies premiere around tant plot point felt forced and Earth one day and meet Tulsa DQG$FDGHP\$ZDUGVWKLV¿OPGLG the same time did not help how spoon-fed to the audience. The in person but his body is not ac- not maximize his acting abilities. this movie was received overall traits and motives of characters customed to handle earth's grav- Tulsa is played by Britt Robert- by the audience. were spelled out in a predict- itational pull. He convinces the son, who has been a nominee for Throughout the movie, the au- able way. Characters seemed to astronauts to allow him to visit a Young Artist Award and has ap- dience was bombarded with new make statements as if audience Earth and refuses to stay in quar- peared as a guest on many televi- and often absurd technology. In couldn't pick up obvious things antine. The movie then follows sion shows. In The Space Between nearly every scene, the plot intro- on their own. his foster mother’s race against Us, her character Tulsa is one di- duces another “problem solving” Rotten Tomatoes, a respected time to save Gardner. mensional and predictable. This is takes place on two different plan- device. This leads the audience to source for movie ratings, gave it The plot of the movie was not the fault of the actress but of ets. The characters are classic in believe that this movie must take a 17 percent rating which matches interesting and in theory a good the movie and writing. an annoying and fake way that place in the distant future. the quality and entertainment val- idea but poorly executed. Asa 7KH¿OPIROORZVDFODVVLFEXW makes it hard for the audience to Even so, the constant in- XH RI WKH ¿OP 6DYH \RXU PRQH\ %XWWHU¿HOGSOD\HG*DUGQHU(OOLRW overused plot of forbidden love connect with them. Gardner is a troduction to new technology is and treat yourself to an extra large ORRNV VLJQL¿FDQWO\ \RXQJHU WKDQ and rebellion. The twist is that it stereotypical awkward teenager confusing and distracting from SRSFRUQPLQXVWKH¿OP FEATURE FEBRUARY 2017 27 Women’s March-stamford Noah Klein Terry, parent of a Westhill student incredible,” said Khetan. thill community did an amazing the need to support this cause, Ombudsman as she watched Washington Boule- The march was a melting pot job coming out to support the is encouraged to contact their vard, one of the most used streets ¿OOHG ZLWK GLIIHUHQW FXOWXUHV cause they believe in. The pro- district representative to dis- “Justice takes work” was in Stamford get closed off. genders, ages, races, and reli- testers and anyone who feels cuss their views. one of the many quotes to take The march was originally gions. Aisha Memon, a 13 year away from the Women’s March scheduled to start at the UConn old student from Norwalk had in downtown Stamford. On Sat- Stamford campus, with a projected one of the most touching sto- urday, January 21, an estimated 800 participants, it was moved to ries from the march as she de- 5,000 people took a stand for Mill River Park as the attendance scribed why she was on stage, women’s rights and equality for grew. Mrs. Manning was one of and her experience. “What all people. The march came a day the many in attendance marching scares me the most is that kids after President Trump’s inaugu- for LGTBQ rights, when asked in my school think it is OK to ration and was largely based on how she thought Westhill dealt say things because they have the rights and equality of wom- with the result of the election, heard the president say them on en. Several Westhill community she brought up the point that the TV,” said Memon. “When Presi- members were in attendance, in- school community did not have a dent Trump disrespects women, cluding parents, teachers, admin- real conversation, and that no an- it gives permission for boys in istrators, and many students. Lily nouncements or statements were my class to disrespect me and Gubernick (’19) stood watching made by the school as a whole. my friends. When Trump says speakers preach their message of Dr. O’Brien brought up the he wants to ban Muslim immi- equality with her family as she idea that the march is great, but grants, it gives permission for discussed how great it is that ev- also described how it was sad that kids to call me a terrorist.” eryone has come together. “I think it had come to this point. O’Brien Although, this day came af- it is really great that everyone has brought up the point that President ter Trump’s inauguration, many come together to stand up for what Trump’s inauguration, to some were not there to protest the in- they believe in,” said Gubernick. people, is two steps backward in auguration, but to stand up for 7KH PDUFK ZDV ¿OOHG ZLWK a country that has progressed so rights. “[I am] not protesting people of many different age IDU,WLVGLI¿FXOWWREHDUWKDWLWKDV Trump, but protecting women’s groups from small children in car- come to 5,000 people protesting rights,” said Nicole Somerstein riages to the elderly. Many looked and reminding the president of (’17). Bailee Esposito (’19), to set an example for their children equality and rights for everyone. Melanie Montalvo (’19), and and try to make the world a better Mrs. Khetan and her fam- their friends all walked together place for them. “I want my daugh- ily walked with Manning and for women’s rights, and equality. ter to grow up in a world that is O’Brien. “It is empowering that Overall, the march was an fair for everyone,” said Allison everyone is here marching… it is incredible success, and the Wes- Photo courtesy of Maddy Cohen / Print Executive Editor. 72 Hours: Pajama day everyday Column by Courtney Xu

72 hours is a social ex- Simply put, I felt free, and sleeping. Having a little especially with the weather fall asleep. periment, exploring comfort comfortable, relaxed, and was extra sleep made me much getting increasingly colder. By the end of the 72 zones and doing something not as tired during the day, more positive, energetic, and Despite any problems I hours, I was very content different. For 72 hours, I will because I was able to sleep in less horrible to be around. originally had, it only got bet- with how I spent the time. It do something I normally do for the amount of time I would Being in a better mood also ter. It was easier to focus dur- is comforting to know that not do, and document it. have spent putting outfits to- helped me get through a long ing the day without worrying any day if I needed to face This month I spent 72 gether or putting on makeup. day of school, homework, and about my makeup wearing off the day and the world look- hours in my pajamas and with- Because my mind was already other responsibilities. in my eyes or smudging across ing or feeling my worst, it out makeup. Usually, I prepare used to waking up earlier, it At first, I was self-con- my face. I could rub my eyes would be okay, and never as attractive outfits and put on forced me to wake up a little scious. I felt that people would or scratch my face without bad as I think it will be. a full face makeup to school. after 6 a.m. Although 20 ex- look at me differently, or not worry, which was such a nice For all you people who However, for 72 hours I will be tra minutes does not seem like even recognize me. But these relief in such a stressful and already do this on a daily ba- doing the complete opposite. a lot, being able to fall back things never matter as much tense environment where I had sis, which makes up a rather I rolled out of bed, threw asleep and rest was a great as we tend to think they do. to have long spans of intense large portion of our school on a few extra layers, washed start to the morning. It put me No one cared that I was wear- mental activities. population already, it is great my face, brushed my teeth, in a much better mood for the ing pajamas or came to school Not wearing a bra through- that you have enough confi- then headed out for school. rest of the day. bare-faced. Other people’s out the day also relieved the dence to not care what other On the first day I wore a It is amazing how much opinions do not matter because feeling of having an underwire people think. For anyone like groutfit and moccasins. Fol- sleep can affect your day. I as long as you feel comfortable poking at my chest every min- me, I recommend you try lowing that day I wore a quar- did not realize it, but with- in yourself, it should not mat- ute, which in addition to my bracing the world in your nat- terzip sweater and birken- out that extra boost I realized ter what anybody else belives. sweatshirts and sweatpants, ural state. Thoughts we think stocks. And finally, on my how cranky and negative I My wardrobe was also made me feel less constricted other people have about us third day I wore a sweatshirt, was. I was never in the mood limited. Not wanting to wear by tight clothing and put me are never as bad as we think cardigan, flannel, leggings, to be around people, and all I a bra eliminated any tank tops in that “at-home” mood. I was they are, and do not matter and moccasins. thought about was going home or fitted clothing possibilities, always comfortable enough to nearly as much. FEATURE 28 FEBRUARY 2017 Student musical artists at Westhill

AP: I do not see, nor did I ever intend, my work taking me somewhere in the music Andy Putterman industry. I created my own music because Alana Silva years ago that I decided I wanted to I wanted to share my passion with family, Staff Writer make original music. friends, and the world. TW: What type of music do you like to TW: Do you enjoy collaboration work Westhill is home to many talented stu- sing and why? or would you prefer to release music of dents. In our school we have many AP: I love to sing all types of music, but only your own? musicians, artists and dancers. In this I particularly enjoy singing Rhythm & AP: I definitely enjoy collaborative work, article, we talk to Andrew Putterman Blues (R&B)/Soul and country music be- whether it is singing with a friend, a choir, and Shayla Hernandez about their tal- cause these genres contain an abundance or performing at a talent show with my ents, their future and their music of soul and originality. friend Tyler Lasicki. TW: What artists or celebrities would TW: What are your plans for after The Westword: Who inspired you to you like to be compared to? graduation? start making music for the public? AP: I would not want to be compared to AP: After high school, I plan to go to col- Andy Putterman: No one in particu- any other artist because I think every art- lege and study political science. However, lar inspired me to start making my own ist is unique in their own way. However, I will definitely join an a capella group in music. Rather, I wanted to challenge I definitely admire and consistently lis- college and continue to sing and perform myself and take my passion for singing ten to Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, and as much as I can after college. to the next level by writing and creating Jason Aldean. TW: Do you share real life experiences my own songs. TW: Are your academics affected and lessons in your music? TW: When did you realize making when making and releasing music? AP: As I say to everyone who asks me music was something you wanted AP: As long as you properly manage your this question, “It is classified.” to do? time and prioritize your responsibilities, TW: Are there any weaknesses you AP: I have been singing my then I think you can successfully balance would like to improve for the future? entire lifelife,, but i itt w wasas n notot academics and a passion or hobby.hobby. AP: I would love to improve my uuntilntil a fewfew TWTW: WhereWhere do you see youryour piano-playing skills and learn how to work taking you? play the guitar.guitar.

The Westword: Who inspired you to start making music for the public? Shayla Hernandez: It was something I Shayla Hernandez have wanted to do for a while. I have had more towards R&B/Soul just because I TW: Do you enjoy collaboration this image of me putting out music since I grew up listening to it and it is my favorite. work or would you prefer to release was 12 [years old]. I have always looked TW: What other artists or celebrities music of only your own? up to artists such as Mariah Carey, Celine would you like to be compared to? SH: For now I am going to release my Dion, Ne-Yo, and Alicia Keys. I enjoyed SH: I think it would be cool to be com- own stuff for a bit just to work on per- their craft so much that I wanted to create pared to Selena Quintanilla. She had fecting my work. But, in the future I am my own. a father who was her manager, she down to collaborate. TW: When did you realize making struggled with speaking Spanish in the TW: What are your plans for music was something you wanted beginning of her career, and she was after graduating? to do? proud to be a Mexican American. SH: I want to go to music school to SH: I always wrote songs but I never TW: Do academics get affected while major in music business and minor thought they were any good to be honest. making and releasing music? in song writing. Then again, I have been told that as a cre- SH: Sometimes. When I am in the mood TW: Do you share real life experienc- ator you will never be fully satisfied with to write, nothing can really stop me. I get es and lessons in your music? your work. I guess I realized when I was in the zone or something. But, I try to not SH: All the time. It is the only way I can around 13 or 14 [years old] that I actually let it affect my grades too much. write. I feel like it makes the music more wanted to release my own stuff. This was TW: Where do you see your work real if I write about past experiences. around the time I co-wrote a song with a taking you? TW: Are there any weaknesses you producer I met in New York and really SH: [I am] not really sure where my would like to improve for the future? liked it. work will take me. I guess that is the SH: I want to improve my writing TW: What type of music do you like exciting part. I do want to write songs DQG EXLOG PRUH FRQ¿GHQFH ZKHQ , to sing and why? not just for myself but for other artists perform. Also, I would like to experi- SH: I love all kinds of music. I adore as well. Also, I am interested in possibly ment with different kinds of genres anything from Spanish music, Rap, Jazz, working at a record label. The possibili- of music on my own so I can create Country, and Pop; you name it. I lean ties are endless! something different. LIMELIGHT 29 Parody videos gone viral

Batman Begins The two-minute skit released in 2014 featured an ensemble cast that included Chris Hemsworth, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and Liam Hemsworth. It was part of a series of clips that were intended to spoof and adapt ‘popular YouTube videos into big-budget Hollywood movies by Jimmy Kimmel Live! The movie trailer parodied Batman Begins and claimed it was directed by Christopher Nolan himself, who directed the most recent Batman trilogy featuring Christian Bale. The video spoofed the viral successes of the “Charlie Bit My Finger” videos. “I thought it was corny. I could not even ¿nish watching the video,” said Danielle Grant (’17). The original “Charlie Bit My Finger” video went viral back in 2008 and proved to be one of the ¿rst internet video clips to achieve worldwide fame. Today the clip, which lasts a mere 56 seconds, has a whopping 846.1 million views and is considered the number one video on YouTube within the non-commercial and non-music video categories. As for its counterpart, A-list celeb parody, perhaps not the same can be said. Although originally released as part of Jimmy Kimmel’s late night television show, which is popularly known for its ¿lm parodies starring big name celebrities, the video has a sheer two million views, nothing comparable to the likes of its original source material.

The Fault in Our Stars 2: The Ebola in Our Everything SNL has been mastering the parody game ever since its epic arrival to the NBC network in 1975, 42 years ago. It has been an outlet for satirizing everything ranging from current news events to parodying through their infamous skits countless ¿lms, movies, songs, and television shows symbolic of American popular culture. Most recently they have been satirizing President Donald Trump, having begun to do so very early into the election with the help of Alec Baldwin, the show’s most recurring host of all-time. In 2014, shortly after the release of the box of¿ce teen hit The Fault in Our Stars, SNL took it into their own hands to spoof not only the ¿lm itself, but the issue of Ebola that was rattling the nation and the world as the ¿rst cases of the virus began to arouse fear of a worldwide pandemic. The skit starred Sarah Silverman and Taran Killam as the star-crossed teens. However, reviews of the clip were mixed. Students at Westhill who have seen the video felt ambivalent about it as well. “I thought the video was entertaining but very poorly directed. It was really dumb and had no meaning,” said Cameron Morson (’19), who found it amusing at ¿rst, but felt it “dragged on” too much. Nevertheless, know- ing SNL and the nature of their skits, the video’s campy humor a sive and over-the-top scenes were tailored to purposefully meet their excessive humoristic standards.

The Notebook 2 For a skit on his show this past November, Conan O’Brien did an unconventional parody and pseudo-sequel to The Notebook, titled The Notebook 2. It starred comedy king Ryan Reynolds as Noah Calhoun, and Conan himself as Noah’s perpetual love Allie Hamilton. In one of the most celebrated romantic ¿lm scenes of all-time, Conan and Ryan reenacted the passionate ‘kiss in the rain’ between the two long- lost lovers after a much anticipated reunion that ¿nally occurred years after their last encounter. Before airing the clip, Reynolds comi- cally deemed the clip to be in promotion of his ‘new’ movie, in which he starred alongside ‘Conan McAdams.’ The video ¿nalizes with a surprise, unforeseen, and impressively long and passionate exchange of rain-soaked kisses between the two, which caused the video to go viral and receive considerable media coverage. “It was strangely funny. I really was not expecting that kiss at the end though,’’ said Asli Foster (’17). Before shooting the skit, Reynolds and O’Brien joked around and watched the original scene as they prepared them- selves for an interesting encounter. The reenactment was successfully created by pouring hose water over the two men, and placing them in what appeared to be a bushy area behind the celebrity dressing rooms situated outside of where O’Brien’s late night show is ¿lmed.

50 Shades of Blue A few years before the blockbuster release of the cinematic adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, Funny or Die released an a version of their own in what they pictured would be the most idyllic and funniest scenario for the best-selling novel series. The parody starred Selena Gomez as a young, naive, and overzealous girl who falls in love instantly when she meets her contracted painter, ‘Carl Blue,’ played by comedian and actor Nick Kroll. Carl Blue is not much more than the average joe, and has nothing much to offer, nor is he aware of the girl’s growing feelings for him. The narration is romantic and melodramatic spoo¿ng the book and what seemed to be for many an accurate and hilariously exaggerated depiction of the relationship between characters Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. For the clip, actor Nick Kroll was put through a series of unpleasing scenarios as Selena Gomez enchantedly watched, both of which were meant to heighten the comedic effect of the scenes. “I liked it. It was actually funny. I think the girl must have been legally blind. She thought he was so attrac- tive! They really made it even funnier,” said Djesnie Glaude (’18). The skit, done in the style of Saturday Night Live, remains a favorite among Funny or Die, Selena Gomez, and even Fifty Shades of Grey fans to this day. Go to thewestwordonline.com to see the videos. Briefs by Daniela Paredes / Staff Writer. LIMELIGHT 30 FEBRUARY 2017 %LQJHZRUWK\VKRZVRQ1HWÁL[

House of Cards is one of the ¿rst NetÀix Original Series to go viral, after Orange Is the Stranger Things is one of NetÀix’s more recent releases. This show differs from their New Black. This show is one of many to take on an undercover look at a common topic, past shows, as most are ¿ction that are or could be based on true events. This science the United States government. Kevin Spacey stars as Frank Underwood. Bill Clinton ¿ction thriller consists of all the alluring factors that NetÀix’s other shows had, such as a even said, “ the D.C. drama is a lot closer to fact than ¿ction.” House of Cards gives thematic music score and clean cinematography. A group of young boys, in addition to a viewers a different insight into politics. There is a darker side that the average person sheriff, work together to ¿nd their missing friend, Will. Will has been taken by a monster, does not get to see. Kevin Spacey kills his role as Frank Underwood, and provides illustrated with amazing animation, into an alternate world that mirrors their own. This a glimpse into the pressure and corruption within government. “The only complaint show has been a favorite of many students. “Stranger Things is a great show. The writing I have is that at some parts it can get slow. It is one of those shows that borderline is fantastic, and the casting could not have been executed any better. Stranger Things did between entertainment and education. A de¿nite must watch for Political Science ma- an amazing job of capturing the essence of the 80s. They turned a simple storyline into a jors. I would say House of Cards is a 7/10 overall show,” said Tyler Lasicki (’17). soon-to -be science ¿ction classic. Solid 8/10 from me,” said Nicholas Smeriglio (’17). Narcos

Narcos is a historical account of the life of Pablo Escobar, Colombia’s most famous drug Orange Is The New Black (OITNB) is a classic, being a successful first release for dealer. Between the hypnotic theme song, foreign language, and beautiful setting in Colombia, Netflix’s Original Series. Taking place in a women’s prison, an abundance of strong viewers became instantly entranced with this show from its release. Students and teachers female characters create scenes of conflict and comedy. This show examines wom- have been buzzing since the very beginning. “Narcos is one of the more expensive produc- en in prisons, displaying a less criminal side to women who have been imprisoned. tions by NetÀix. It gives you the point of view of both sides: Pablo Escobar, and the DEA Netflix has a common theme to analyze the lives of people who are frowned upon of¿cer. I feel like you are so immersed in the psyche of Pablo. It is one of those shows where in society, from drug dealers to white collar criminals, and shed light on the fact you almost feel bad for the ‘villain’ once he is killed, because he is such a powerful character that they are still human. That is also what makes the shows so appealing as well who you see a more tender side to. For the ¿rst time you see Pablo as a man with feelings, as interesting. “OITNB is one of those shows that provide educational informa- aspirations, anger, and a heart. I would rate this show a 10/10,” said Ian Ostheimer (’17). tion while being pretty interesting at the same time,” said Alyssa Goldberg (’17).

Briefs by Janet Manina / Supplement Editor. Photos courtesy wikicommons. com, Flickr & pt.ign.com. Record review of the month Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones by Zach Radin

Sticky Fingers is the 11th stu- the content of the music. Lyrically, almost immediately upon release. Jagger ran out of lyrics, the band Jagger and Taylor. Lyrically, the dio album released by the Rolling Sticky Fingers turns away from Keith Richards open G tuned decided to keep playing which song is a glimpse into the wea- Stones and walks on the edge of male dominance and leans more rhythm guitar rips through sever- means the jam was all improvised. riness and loneliness of Jagger’s where the optimism of the sixties to show different sides of human al tracks on Sticky Fingers, but no Sticky Fingers was where the life, trying to keep up appearanc- was met with the nihilism of the vulnerability. The original vinyl re- more than its lead single, “Brown band started using horns more se- es as a sex, drugs, and rock and seventies. It is also the ¿rst album lease featured a real working zipper Sugar,” arguably the most mor- riously, especially on songs like roll star. to be released by their own record that inadvertently caused damage ally vacant song to ever top the “Bitch” and “I Got the Blues,” Ultimately, Sticky Fingers label, Rolling Stones Records. to the record itself. Billboard Charts. the former of which manages to moves through several genres Sticky Fingers is also notewor- Sticky Fingers was recorded After possibly the most un- reference Ivan Pavlov’s dog ex- and inÀuences while having its thy for containing the ¿rst appear- over the course of two years and derappreciated Rolling Stones periment and pull it off, with the own grit, giving the album a dis- ance of the famous tongue and lips includes fan favorites as well as song ever, “Sway,” Sticky Fin- line. “When you call my name I tinct sound. Sticky Fingers shows logo, the ¿rst full length album to some of their most recognizable gers moves into “Wild Horses,” salivate like a Pavlov dog.” why the Rolling Stones are ce- feature guitarist Mick Taylor, the songs like “Brown Sugar” and a fan favorite and maybe their After passing through the mented as one of the all time ¿rst album released after member “Wild Horses.” Guitarist Keith best ballad. It features electric, heartbreaking “I Got the Blues” great bands and very deserving Bryan Jones’ death, and the ¿rst Richards was absent during many acoustic and 12-string acoustic and the haunting “Sister Mor- of the title “Greatest Rock Band album after the band’s show in recording sessions, which left lead guitar and reached Number 28 on phine,” Jagger does his best in the World” in 1971. Altamont, California where a fan singer Mick Jagger and lead gui- the Billboard chart as the second tongue-in-cheek country im- If you like Sticky Fingers, was stabbed to death in front of tarist Mick Taylor to thrive in col- single from the album. pression in the very revealing you might also enjoy their other the stage. This act marked the end laboration in songs like “Sway” A highlight from Sticky Fingers “Dead Flowers.” albums from that period such as of the love and peace era. and “Moonlight Mile.” is the Latin inspired jam at the end Sticky Fingers wraps up with the Stones’ Beggars Banquet, The content of the cover, de- The album went triple plati- of “Can’t You Hear Me Knock- “Moonlight Mile,” a song written Let it Bleed, Exile on Main St., signed by Andy Warhol, juxtaposes num, selling three million copies, ing?” Intended to fade out after in an all night session between and Goats Head Soup. SCATTERBRAIN 31 From runway to Hallway: I would describe my style as girly, unique, and edgy. I find that Hayley smith most days my clothes have some sort of girly aspect, but I like to add something edgy to it, like a jacket or jewelry. I prefer to dress in clothes I like and not worry about what others think, as opposed to attempting to look like everyone else. I find that my closet is a compilation of clothes from many different stores. A few of my favorites are Tobi, Pacsun, and Brandy Melville. I like Brandy because you can buy a lot of your basics there. Tobi is my favorite online store, because it has a lot of great deals, and their clothing is very unique. I also like Pacsun, as it has many great finds. I find that my closet is a compilation of clothes from many different stores. On school days, my go-to outfit is fairly simple, such as a pair of jeans, a nice top, and a cute pair of boots. It is hard to put together a really nice outfit when you have to wake up so early for school, but simple outfits like that can easily be played up with jewelry. I do not really get my style inspiration from anyone in particular, I [just] buy what catches my eye. Sometimes I will get my inspiration from other girls around school or in public, but mostly my style is based upon my individual interests. My favorite accessory would have to be shoes, because they completely make or break an outfit. Any plain outfit can instantly become much better once you add a nice pair of shoes. As Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Photos by Emily Savitt /Photo Manager.

Price: The Hungry Vikings Service: Column by Naresh Kumanduri, Jake Dardis, & Ryan Hart Food: Our three Vikings arrived in speciality at this establishment. VDWLVÀHG ZLWK WKH ZRQGHUIXO PHDO king in Stamford with a craving this roll actually had enough fresh Harbor Point in the midst of one Of the three Vikings, this one was he just consumed. After throwing for a good lobster roll. meat to satisfy this Norseman’s of the windiest days 2017 had the only one who could handle LQWKHZKLWHÁDJRISHDFHKLVQDS- Our third Viking’s mouth wa- seafood craving. As a side, the Mac brought so far, yet remained de- any sort of heat, so he decided to kin, our Viking was left thinking tered as he entered, remembering and cheese served its purpose well, termined to reach their destina- order the spicy lobster roll with WKDWWKLVZDVGHÀQLWHO\DSODFHKH the last time he came across a truly delivering a tasty and cheesy com- tion: the new eatery Boothbay an accompaniment of the classic would want to come back to. delicious lobster roll along the pliment to the meal with generous Lobster Company. As the sky french fries. Our Viking’s stom- The second Viking walked stormy seashore of Maine, when he proportion. The third Viking was continued to open up, dumping ach growled in anticipation as into the restaurant intent on feast- ÀUVWDUULYHGRQWKH1HZ/DQG7KH sure he would return to Boothbay rain upon them, they entered the the roll was being made, with the ing on warm lobster coated with boats, barrels, and buoys scattered anytime he craved lobster. comfortable restaurant and settled conversation recounting the last butter and that is exactly what he across the room had the Viking After the wonderful meal, in for the much awaited meal. month keeping the Viking going got. He ordered the Maine Lob- reminisce over his past working on our three Vikings stepped back 2XUÀUVW9LNLQJDUULYHGWRWKH until the food came out. ster Roll which was pure lobster ports and vessels. He could not wait into the whipping wind and brisk eatery under dire circumstances, Upon arrival, our Viking was ex- with warm butter and a side of the any longer to order. Of course, he January air that lay outside of the having been crippled in a recent cited to see a hot dog bun packed to specialty tater tots, and it came had to go with the classic roll, but doors, and made their way back battle for the Vikings of Westhill. the brim with glorious lobster, and in good time and tasted like the his hunger would not settle for just slowly to the cars. At this point, Upon crutching his way in, he an extra generous serving of fries. lobster the Viking enjoyed catch- that, so he ordered macaroni and our crippled Viking had his neck relaxed into a comfortable table He immediately tore into it, leav- ing back in Scandinavia with his cheese on the side. When it came, snapped upon realizing that he left with his two other Norsemen, and ing no scraps behind. The roll had a friends. He thanked the waiter for the Viking was more than delight- his keys in the restaurant, but his immediately began scouring the nice kick to it, which compliment- catching him such a tasty shell- ed at the colossus of lobster meat fellow Norsemen had his back and menu, with his eyes being drawn HGWKHJUHDWÁDYRURIWKHIUHVKORE- ÀVKDQGZDONHGRXWIXOO\VDWLVÀHG packed into a warm roll. Unlike retrieved them, showing what it to the lobster roll right away, a ster. This left the Viking absolutely recommending it to any other Vi- most that he has gotten in the area, means to be the Hungry Vikings. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television. You cannot snore and dream at the same time. Cherophobia is the fear of fun. SCATTERBRAIN 32 FEBRUARY 2017 How Well Do You Know Westhill? Across 1. The most enthusiastic guidance counselor 2. Everyone’s favorite security guard 3. Agriscience has this daycare almost every Tuesday 4. A class required for all four years of high school Down 1. The place where all students escape during long block 2. Westhill’s mascot 3. The freshmen class advisor 4. A club that raises mental health awareness

Check out the answers at thewestwordonline.com. Puzzle by Caroline Boccuzzi & Maddy Cohen / Managing Editor & Print Executive Editor. To Do Next Month: March

3rd 6th 12th 14th Day of Unplugging Oreo Cookie Day Plant a Flower Day Pi Day Ourgeneration is known Regardlessof how you eat Itis finally getting warm, so take Pi has brought us many as being attached to our them,they still taste deli- this opportunity to go mathematical electronics, so cious. Head to the store out and plant a achievements unplug today and buy a pack flower. over the years, and enjoy of Oreos. so celebrate life! pi today!

17th 20th 23rd St.Patrick’s Ravioli Day Puppy Day Day There are many types What’s not to like Every year of pasta, but ravioli about puppies? They are people all over the could be the best. soft, cuddly, and energetic. world gather and have On this day, enjoy some So, go out to the park and large parties celebrating ravioli for lunch. pet some puppies! St. Patrick.

10% of the world’s population is left handed. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. Coconut water can be used as blood plasma. 33 Be careful, you don’t want to say... “I’m in the Wrong Driving School” Don’t be fooled by the “Driving School Factory” or Part-Time operators, who have brought the fast-food mentality to driver education in Stamford.

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Just south of the 992 High Ridge Road, Stamford Merritt Parkway, Exit 35 – (203) 329-3030 High Ridge Road, next to Driving School HighRidgeDrivingSchool.com Town Fair Tire. Giselle Estevez ( ’20)

Trinity Hurd (’20)

’ Michael Tompkins ( 18)

Samantha Ripegno ( ’17) Alexis Marchetti (’18) Artist of the Month Noah Cheruk Junior Noah Cheruk sat down with The Westword to discuss goals he has for his art along with how his passion for digital art and other mediums emerged. As a self-taught artist, Cheruk advises others to practice to achieve their goals. The Westword: How did you become interested in art? Noah Cheruk,KDYHEHHQGUDZLQJIRUDVORQJDV,FDQUHPHPEHU:KHQ,FULHGDVDWRGGOHUDQGP\PRPFRXOGQRW¿QGD solution, she would give me paper and a crayon. This would usually calm me down. There was not really a time when I was not interested in art. I have always drawn, but I think watching a lot of cartoons and going to Disney World quite a few times WKURXJKRXWP\FKLOGKRRGKDYHKDGDELJLQÀXHQFHRQWKHZD\,YLHZHGDUW TW: How would you describe your style? NC: I would describe my art as clean, bright, and often simplistic. When I make pieces of art, I try my best to make them visually appealing. TW: :KDWKDVLQÀXHQFHG\RXUVW\OH" NC6RPHLQÀXHQFHVRIPLQHLQFOXGHDORWRIWKHHDUO\V'LVQH\FDUWRRQV House of Mouse was a big one), as well as classic cartoons around the era of Felix the Cat, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and Popeye. Additionally, more recent cartoons are UHDOO\PDNLQJQDPHVIRUWKHPVHOYHVDQG,DPNHHSLQJXSZLWKDORWRIWKHP,DPLQÀXHQFHGKHDYLO\E\VKRZVVXFKDVGravity Falls, Steven Universe, and Rick and Morty. TW: What medium do you like to work in? NC: I have worked traditionally on paper for years, but quite a few years ago, I received a Wacom tablet as a gift, and since then I have created digital art. I have actually recently upgraded to a digital screen tablet a year ago, which allows me to draw with a stylus directly on the screen. So digital and traditional drawing are my most practiced mediums. I mostly make illustrations with inked lines and simple coloring, but from time to time, I will paint something. TW: Did you teach yourself art? NC: I guess I would consider myself a self taught artist. I do not think about it too often, but I was never taught the fundamen- tals of drawing, I just sort of, well, drew. I made a hobby growing up of doodling in notebooks, and drawing cartoon characters I liked. And eventually, I just knew what I was doing. I have always been “that kid in class who could draw,” but not because ,ZDVVSHFL¿FDOO\WDXJKWKRZ,MXVWIRXQGMR\LQGUDZLQJDQGSUDFWLFHGDORW(YHQWKRXJKLWLVVDLGYHU\RIWHQWKHRQO\ZD\ to get better is to practice. TW: Do you have any advice for students interested in art? NC: A simple way to put it is just to stick to it. If you enjoy it, do it. Do it often. Do you have free time on a Saturday evening, but wanna play video games or something? Don’t. Just draw. If you truly enjoy it, you will not regret it, and you will actually be glad you made that decision. Make an effort to draw often, at least once every one to two. You will always think that your DUWLVQRWDVJRRGDVLWFRXOGEHDQG\RXDUHGH¿QLWHO\ULJKWHYHU\RQHFDQJHWEHWWHUEXWMXVWWDNHWKDWDVDUHDVRQWRZDQWWR improve, and not as something holding you back. Do not let it hurt you. You are your own worst critic. All in all, if you love it, do not let anything stop you from doing it! TW: What are some goals you have for your art? NC: I hope to someday make a career out of what I do, possibly as an animator or as a storyboard artist in the future. I also plan on starting a web comic in the near future. TW: If you could be featured in any museum in the world, what museum would it be? NC: This is a something I do not think I have ever thought about, and that is probably because as long as people can see my work and enjoy it, I do not really have a preference. Any museum would be great! If I would have to choose one I would prob- ably say that I would like to see some of my future work in one of those little exhibits in studios showing the process behind DFDUWRRQRUD¿OP 36 SPORTS Athletes prepare for FCIACs

Nabilla Harahap best performance is expected. because, without any self disci- we break the huddle with that and take turns dancing in the Reporter “We have a lot of pasta parties pline, players could not be able chant,” said Jessica Rubin (’17). middle. This really helps us to come together as a team. We to play their absolute best. “We learn about the style of play get relaxed while also pump- This season athletes are make sure that we are disci- Aside from working hard in- of our opponents so that we are ing us up before each game. working hard to prepare them- plined. We stay on the ice after dividually, the team has to work prepared what for they will do This lets us start each one selves for the remainder of the practice to work on our shots. hard to stay together. If the team is in the game and build up our on a positive note. Individu- winter season. The boys var- Both on and off the ice, we try to not collectively able to show any confidence in both our team and ally, I take a nap before every sity basketball, ice hockey, and get as much work done as pos- teamwork, then the overall result individual skills.” Teamwork game and then after I make swim and dive team, as well as sible and we work out together,” in the end is affected. The players skills are just as important as an sure to get in the gym early the girl’s varity basketball team, said John Nelson (’17), assistant XVXDOO\VSHQGDVLJQLÀFDQWDPRXQW individual’s ability and it really to shoot around,” said Tyler girls varsity basketball team, are captain of the hockey team. of time with their teammates dur- helps to strategize based on the Lasicki (’17). Practice defi- preparing for their FCIAC tourna- For an athlete, preparing for ing the season, so it is only natural opponent’s playing style. nitely makes perfect, but it is ments. With the intensity of these important games means to prac- that they work together. All of this does not just also really important to have single-elimination tournaments, tice for like it is one. They use Before every varsity girls’ apply to only FCIAC cham- fun and enjoy as a team. Be- the teams need to work and train practice as if it were the “real basketball game, the team does pionships. Even teams who fore important tournaments, hard to prepare them the upcom- thing” so that when the time their usual warm ups, “We hud- do not qualify must exer- it is normal to be nervous ing games, especially now when comes, they are more ready than dle up, and we put our hands in. cise these skills. “Our team but the players can relax, and it is at the peak of the season. ever. It is important to remain One of the captains say ‘Hill [routine] before every game stay positive in order to play Barring this season, their dedicated, and self motivated on three, together on six’ and is we circle up, clap, cheer, a good game.

MARCH MADNESS BRACKET

Fill out the bracket and return it to Dong Zhi Guo’s mail box in room 224 by March 15, and receive a free Westword T-shirt if you correctly guess either the championship matchup or the champion.

Champion SPORTS FEBRUARY 2017 37 :UHVWOLQJ·VHIIHFWRQWKHERG\

Theresa Persico tive effects of wrestling. The been interviewed about how FRC: It positively impacted me dieting. Other than wrestling, Staff Writer most common of these inju- wrestling effects their body. to keep pushing through, even I am also the catcher for a few ries are strains and sprains, The Westword: Have you re- though bumps may be in the road. baseball teams, so I get tons of Wrestling is a sport prac- although there have been ceived any injuries this year TW: How has wrestling posi- hard work in at those practices ticed in high schools and pro- some concussions.“Injuries during wrestling? tively impacted your body? and games, as well. fessional venues. Like any inspire the kids on our team Christian Bier: I have not re- CB: Wrestling helps me to keep TW: How does the team keep other sport, wrestling can have to come back stronger men- ceived any injuries this year my stamina up. in shape for competitions? both a positive and negative tally and physically. Said during wrestling. FRC: It’s positively impacted CB: We keep our stamina up effect on the body. The benefits Jordan Goins (‘17) a cap- Francesca Rubino-Chuckas: my body by making it more by practicing everyday besides of wrestling outrank the nega- tain on Westhill’s Wrestling Nothing really. A few bruises toned. I am more muscular in Sunday. tive effects. In the March 2003 Varsity team. and a slight neck strain. my legs and arms. I am also FRC: The team helps me to go issue of the British Journal of Sprains and strains usu- TW: How have those injuries more healthier. I lost roughly 35 past my limits and to challenge Sports Medicine, they found ally occur because the wres- impacted your performance? lbs from wrestling and dieting. myself. Before I started wres- that high school boys ended tlers are taught to attack the CB: By not having injuries this TW: How do you keep your tling, I thought I was only able a 90 minute wrestling session legs and body, which have a lot season it has motivated me to body in shape for wrestling? to do about 25 push-ups and sit ZLWK PRUH GLVHDVH ¿JKWLQJ FHOOV more fat. Concussions are rare keep perfecting my technique CB: I stay in shape by practic- ups, but I learned when I push than at the beginning of practice. because wrestlers normally do so that I can eliminate factors ing with my partner 100 percent. myself, I could get far past my Wrestling also helps keep not receive hits to the head. Be- that would affect my chances of FRC: I keep my body in shape expectations. the body in shape. “Anybody low are two wrestlers who have gettng injured. for wrestling by training and TW: How would you say the who has wrestled knows that wrestling season has gone? even if you are down, as long as CB: The wrestling season has you are not pinned, you’re still been great. We have a lot of up,” said Mr. Pereira, Dean of talent, which will help this Students and coach to the wres- team reach its goal of hav- tling team. Mr. Periera teaches ing one of the best season’s in wrestlers aerobic and anaero- Westhill wrestling history. bic physical fitness to keep FRC: Wrestling this season wrestlers physically toned. was great. My teammates Since there are weight were very nice and helpful. classes in wrestling, it is im- The training was hard and perative that wrestlers eat something I have needed for a healthy and drink plenty of while. It was so fun that I was water throughout the day sad I had to stop early to start to properly manage their playing my other sports. weight. There are also nega- Photo by(PLO\6DYLWWPhoto manager SPORTS 38 FEBRUARY 2017 Grant running circles around the competition Alex Fischer your strengths? meter because every year Staff Writer DG: Among other things, I get to push myself and Dicoda Grant is a very I am able to push myself the time I receive when- competitive track runner beyond what I can handle ever I run. and a very hard worker in and keep going even when TW: What are some of the offseason where she I want to give up. your achievements? pushes to condition her- TW: How about your weakness? DG: I do have a couple self to be the best runner DG: Thinking about my achievements, last year I she could be. defeats and letting the past was awarded MVP for both experiences bother me. indoor and outdoor track. The Westword: How long have TW: What are your goals I also won first place in you been running competitively? for this year? track and field at the Wes- Dicoda Grant: I have DG: This year, I want to thill vs. Stamford High been running competi- make it to the state open track meet last year and I tively since the spring of and New England for out- hope to do that again. my freshman year. I tried door track, I also want to TW: What is your favor- to run cross country in be one of the best run- ite event and why? middle school but I was ners in the state. I have DG: The 200 [meter] not really a fan of running been working hard every because every year I get

/ Dicoda Grant long distances, so that did year I have been in high to push myself and the not really work out. school, to be the best in time I receive whenever TW: How do you train in the division in my se- I run. the offseason? nior year. I just want to TW: Is there someone on DG: Sometimes, I go to make myself proud be- the team who you look the park or to a track and cause I love running! up to? Why? work out. During the off- TW: What do you love DG: There is one per- season I would like to do most about running track? son that I look up to, more to prepare for track DG: I love the fact that and that is Kimber- but I can not do that all when I am running, I do ly Holly. She is one by myself. When I get the not have to think about of the most dedicated chance I go running with anything but getting to people I know. She is Photo by Yaciana Taveras / Las Noticias Editor. friends and they also help the finish line. I am able always on time and she KEEPING ON TRACK Grant has loved to run ever since middle school. Every offseason, Grant trains herself to be better next sea- me keep running. to just clear my head. My tries her best in every son so she can perform at the very top. TW: What are some of favorite event is the 200 event she competes in.

Compolattaro defending the home ground

Max Zussman was something I wanted to sidering the two school Reporter take seriously. have a huge rivalry? Christian Compolattaro TW: Have you been play- CC: We blend well. We is Westhill/Stamford’s var- ing for the team for all four have all known and played sity hockey goalie. He went years? How long have you with each other throughout All-State the previous two been starting the starting youth hockey, so the mix years. The Westword sat goalie over the years? was not bad. down with him to discuss his CC: I have been playing for TW: Any plans to contin- experience throughout his the team since freshman year ue to play hockey in col- hockey career. and became starting goalie lege or the future? halfway through my fresh- CC: I am most likely just The Westword: When did you man year. going to play club hockey first start playing hockey? TW: How has your experi- at whatever college I go to. Chris Compolattaro: I learned ence been as a senior and TW: Heading into this to skate when I was three and leader on the team? season as defending state started playing youth hockey CC: It has been great. It champions, what has it when I was five. feels good to finally be one been like to try and earn TW: Was there a certain age of the “big guys” on the back to back titles? when you really started to team. The captains and I CC: We had a rough start to get into hockey and realized have been doing our best to the season but now we have you wanted to make it a part be proper role models for finally started winning. Christian Compolattaro / Athletes of the Month / Athletes of the Month Compolattaro Christian of your life? the underclassmen and pre- We definitely have a lot of CC: I have always loved pare them for the years to pressure on us and play- Photo by Ryan Murace / Media Manager. hockey and I knew I wanted come. ing in division 2 has been to make it a big part of my TW: What is it like to have a challenge but I think we SKATING TO SUCCESS Compolattaro has always had a love for hockey since he was young. Chris does not have any plans to play for life. As I continued to play Stamford High School stu- have the potential to make his college hockey team rather he will just play for the local club team. and progress, I realized it dents as teammates, con- it back to Yale. SPORTS FEBRUARY 2017 39 Gymnastics team under new leadership Alyssa Goldberg currently on the team, includ- Reporter ing nine from Westhill, two from Stamford High, and two Over the past few years, from Academy of Information the gymnastics team has made and Technology. “I think that many changes. Last year, the having different schools on team’s former coach, Jim De- the same team is a great way Carlo, retired after more than for us to meet new people out- 45 years as a coach for vari- side of Westhill,” said Saman- ous gymnastic teams, many tha Page (’19). of those years spent coaching Since the girls come to- Westhill. This year, the team gether from all the Stamford has been lead by Stacey Olsen, high schools, it gives them all along with returning assistant an opportunity to bond with coaches, Jessica Prince and Jes- people they typically would sica Wolfgruber. The gymnasts not interact with otherwise. feel as though the group was “We all get along, but like positively impacted from the any other team, occasionally change in authority. have our differences. We are “Without a doubt we have extremely supportive of each gained a lot more structure Photo contributed by Adrian Corbo. other, as when one of us is than-we had in previous years,” gymnasts have seen lots of im- have known Prince, and accord- look on situations. “[Jessica] competing, we cheer them on said team manager Adrian Cor- provement on their skill sets. ing to Corbo, she has been able always tells the girls that they and give them support. Being bo (’17). The team practices The new head coach, Coach to “connect with the girls in a can do [anything], and that they from different school environ- at Chelsea Piers three times a Olsen, has prior experience as special way.” This familiarity should not look down on them- ments does not really impact week, instead of spending all a judge in gymnastics compe- allows the girls to stay comfort- selves. She does not take no for our relationship with one an- five of their weekly practices titions, and is therefore able able and connected despite all an answer, often making girls do other,” said Corbo. at Westhill. “At Chelsea Piers, to advise the girls on the team the changes around them, help- things that they would normally With the new improve- we have resources available to as well as give proper advice ing to sustain their strong team be afraid of doing. But, by forc- ments and alterations made to us that we do not have at Wes- on what to do at meets. The spirit and teammate relationships. ing them to do what they fear, the gymnastics team, the girls thill, which allows us to work on guidance from Coach Olsen The newest of the coaches, she is breaking them out of their have been able to advance things that we would not be able has helped increase the team’s Wolfgruber, has been wonderful shell and making them more their skills, perform better at to do elsewhere,” said Corbo. scores substantially. For most of in supporting the team and al- skilled,” said Corbo. There are events, and bond closer to- With this opportunity,pp y, the their time on the team,,g the girls waysygp maintaing a positive out- gymnastsgy from multiplep schools getherg as a team. MARCH SPORTS CALENDAR Week 1 (5-11) Week 2 (12-18) Week 3 (19-25) Week 4 (26-31) DATE: 6 DATE: 12 DATE: 21 DATE: 28 EVENT: Varsity Girls Basketball EVENT: Varsity Boys Swim+Dive EVENT: Varsity Softball EVENT: Varsity Girls Lacrosse OPPONENT: Stamford High OPPONENT: State LL Meet OPPONENT: Stamford High OPPONENT: Stratford LOCATION: Home LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Home TIME: 6:00 P.M. TIME: 4:30 P.M. TIME: 3:45 P.M. TIME: 4:00 P.M

DATE: 7 DATE: 18 DATE: 25 DATE: 28 EVENT: Varsity Wrestling EVENT: Boys Varsity Ice Hockey EVENT: Boys Varsity Lacross EVENT: Varsity Softball OPPONENT: NE Championship OPPONENT: New Canaan OPPONENT: Jamboree OPPONENT: Notre Dame-Fairfield LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Home LOCATION: Home TIME: TBA TIME: TBA TIME: 10:00 A.M. TIME: 3:45 P.M.

DATE: 10 DATE: 18 DATE: 25 DATE: 30 EVENT: Varsity Boys Ice Hockey EVENT: Boys Basketball EVENT: Varsity Softball EVENT: JV Girls Lacrosse OPPONENT: New Fairfield OPPONENT: Hillhouse OPPONENT: Darien OPPONENT: Foran LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Away LOCATION: Home TIME: 7:30 P.M. TIME: TBA TIME: 10:30 PM. TIME: 5:30 P.M. 1RQ3URÀW2UJDQL]DWLRQ 863267$*(3$,' Permit Number 57 6WDPIRUG&RQQHFWLFXW

Athletes of the Month p.38 / Westhill’s wrestling team on injuries p.36