Election From Juno to Top Ten: Rock on, 2008 Jamie Lynn Super Bowl coverage Teen pregnancy Guitar Hero, in the media Commercials forum.hardware.fr rock on blogs.usatoday.com pages 6-7 page 8 eonline.com page B3 page B7 movies.yahoo.com king street chronicle

Volume 28, Issue 4 Convent of the Sacred Heart - Greenwich, CT February 2008

Sister Joan Magnetti, Erupting chaos Giants linebacker Ma- thias Kiwanuka, and members of the Mara in Kenya family, including Ann Mara, joan degennaro Cassidy Mara ‘08, staff writer Mary McDonnell ‘09, Kelsey Mara ‘11, and Convent of the Sacred Heart’s Middle Bridget Mara ‘11, and Upper Schools gathered for a presen- celebrated the Giants’ tation about the violent situation in Ke- victory at Super Bowl nya on January 11. Seniors Josie Blanco XLII with a special assembly. The Mara and Morgan Davis read reflections, -Sa family, who co-owns cred Heart alumna and ABC commenta- the Giants, has a long tor Cokie Roberts shared her observations history at Convent via a conference call, and former chair of of the Sacred Heart. the Board of Trustees and current chair of The entire school met in the gym to watch the Observer Delegation of the Sovereign highlights from the Order of Malta Mr. Robert Shafer spoke to game and to hear from students. Kiwanuka, whose Mr. Shafer said, “The West has not family is from Uganda. paid as much attention as it should. We For more news on the Giants assemly, turn to must help the sick and poor irregardless of page 4. race, religion, and ethnicity.” carolyn russell He praised the support of the Roman Catholic community when he talked about the great work the Church is doing to help the poorest of the poor in Africa. It’s just a little crush “If you believe everyone is a child of liana khandji wasn’t a girly girl. It worked, the next day chocolates and red roses, but that was not God,” he said, “you’ll approach things dif- John brought me in a Matchbox truck,” she the case for some teachers. staff writer ferently.” said. Upper School Head of Campus Minis- He said that there were some villages Surprisingly enough, it was not Na- Other teachers were matched up with try Mrs. Lori Wilson said, “In second grade I and areas of peace, which he called “pock- poleon who first captured Mr. Grisanti’s their crushes by fate alone. had a crush on a boy named Billy Romance. ets of hope.” However, he said that it is heart, and it was not college recommen- “In preschool everyone had a crush on Yes, that was his last name. I loved that kid. necessary to “keep up efforts” by providing dations that swept Mrs. Boyer off her feet. He wrote me a note that never made it to Kenyans with food and clean water. Convent of the Sacred Heart teachers hold I was 14 years me. Instead the teacher got hold of it and Students attended the presentation to the memories of their first loves in a special old and my French read it to the entire class. The crush ended learn more about the issue and show their place in their hearts. “ the second that note was read aloud.” support for the Sacred Heart sisters and “All I can remember is that Kathy Dur- teacher was fresh out Along with Napoleon and Catherine sister school in Kenya. kin and I both had a crush on John, a blonde of college. French very the Great, Upper School history teacher Director of Campus Ministry Mrs. fifth grader. I remember writing his name quickly became my Mr. Paul Grisanti had a crush on the infa- Wilson’s inspiration for the Kenya presen- on all of our different erasers,” said Upper mous “Jenny Lasagna.” tation came during the holiday season. School Academic Dean Mrs. Gail Casey. favorite class. “For all those familiar with Jenny La- She said, “Sr. Magnetti sent an e-mail Some teachers thought long and hard -Director of Educational sagna, her real name was Kris. We would over Christmas break informing us about about impressing their crushes. Since she ” go to mass on Saturday at 5:30 pm at Saints the problems in Kenya. My immediate re- was not in an all-girls environment meant Technology Karl Haeseler John and Paul in Larchmont, followed by sponse was to share this information with that Upper School Director of Community dinner at Walter’s Hot Dogs and a movie at [Sacred Heart students] the moment it was Service Mrs. Kerry Bader had to put in Eliot,” said Director of College Guidance the very cute theater in Larchmont,” said happening. I was disturbed that the elec- some extra effort. Mrs. Rachel Boyer. “However, being the Mr. Grisanti. tions were tampered with, that the locals’ “When I was in kindergarten at St. Ga- tallest, I was always paired up with him, so Director of Educationional Technology response would be violence, and that briel’s, I liked John Cotter, so for show and I got to hold his hand.” Mr. Karl Haeseler’s first crush developed tell I brought in a Matchbox car, to show I Childhood crushes may be filled with continued on page 5 continued on page 8

by J.K. Rowling. to deviate from the typical tropical-themed “The only thing that would have ru- “I’m actually really ex- decorations that have permeated Sa- ined [Silverball] for me was if people had Yule Ball cited that I went to some- cred Heart dances in years decided not to go because it’s Harry Potter- emily oehlsen thing called the Yule Ball. I past. themed,” said Susannah. think our school is a lot like Katie said, “I think The fear of everything Harry Potter did asst. layout editor Hogwarts in some ways, so that the atmosphere [of not discourage all non-Harry Potter fans It was a night of intrigue. Cedric it was really interesting to Silverball] was a bit dif- from going. danced with Cho, while Harry watched jeal- see how the decorations ecx.images-amazon.com ferent. It was a dance, as “I don’t know what the Yule Ball is, ously, after dancing with Pavarti, who then turned out. I think it was well as a social event in but I was very excited. I liked the theme of danced with a nameless Beauxbatons boy, definitely magical,” said ju- which friends could sim- silver and white. I think they are very so- who was joined by Ron’s date, Padma, as nior Susannah Lawrence. ply talk, hang out, and phisticated colors,” said sophomore Maddy Ron grudgingly observed Hermione dance Senior and Student Body celebrate these cold winter May. “I don’t like Harry Potter but [the with Krum. And Convent of the Sacred President Katie Eisenberg as- months.” Social Committee] made it so people who Heart decided to repeat the madness. sured students that Silverball was The Yule Ball theme was aren’t obsessed with Harry Potter were Silverball, the annual winter Upper not just for those who dressed Attendees of the Yule Ball were giv- intended to attract stu- comfortable.” School dance, featured the Yule Ball theme in wizard’s robes. The Yule en a tie with the emblem and color dents rather than deter For Sacred Heart students who had of one of the four different houses in Ball theme was an opportunity them from coming. from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire the Harry Potter series. continued on page 4 2 opinions Student voices: Heard or ignored? king street chronicle “Eyes to the Convent of the Scred Heart heather grehan Furthermore, in recent years, the school asked a student-elected officer to step down 1177 King Street staff writer front, please” from her position as the result of a disci- Greenwich, CT 06831 Ignored: cailey cron (203) 532-3172 plinary action. Granted, appropriate pun- With a student government, student ishments should be given for inappropriate contributing writer newspaper, broadcast journalism classes, actions, but forcing a student off the student Ever have the feeling that you are student-run magazines, and numerous clubs government should not be on the list of op- being watched? Instead of glancing over editor in chief and committees, it seems that the voice of tions. If the students choose someone to be your shoulder, maybe you should check sarah julian the students is a prevalent part of our com- their leader, this person should remain in the front of the classroom. A new com- munity. However, what seems to be true is office unless “impeached” by the students puter supervision program called “Syn- managing editor most certainly not always the truth. themselves. While the Disciplinary Commit- chronEyes” was tested in Upper School cristina ceballos Convent of the Sacred Heart, as a pri- tee, which includes student representatives, theology classes this November and was vate institution, legally has the right to cen- has a say in the punishment of students, it presented to the faculty at a technology features editor sor any information it chooses. Sacred Heart is not an accurate voice of the entire student meeting this month. sylvia khoury strives to create young independent women body. This program, developed by the same with strong opinions and voices. On the As for the journalism program, the sto- company that manufactures SMART asst. features editor other hand, the school sometimes seems to ries that are printed are not always the stu- Boards, is marketed as “classroom man- caroline kitchener place its pristine reputation over the actual dent’s original work. Each article that goes to agement software” that can accelerate file education process and its stated goals. print is first submitted to Dean of Students transfers and allow a teacher to administer news and chief layout editor The student government, although it Ms. Karen Panarella and Upper School Head instant quizzes straight from her computer meg larson tries incredibly hard to make change, prob- Mrs. Jayne Collins for review. Many articles to her students’ computers. ably has as much power as the Queen of Eng- that are deemed “anti-school” undergo edits But the program also has disturbing asst. news and layout editor land does when it comes to making political to make them more positive and encourag- “supervision capabilities.” It puts a live emily oehlsen decisions. The student government may ing. The students deserve to know the truth, view of every student’s computer screen have the power to organize dances and run and they should have the right to publish the on the teacher’s own computer. This al- photo/graphics editor many student activities, but when it comes truth. If something is wrong with the school lows the teacher to control every aspect of emily schloss to implementing meaningful change, it faces community, administrators should spend the student’s personal computer use while many difficulties. In the past, students have their time becoming aware of, and address- both are logged onto the system. Teach- arts editor attempted to make change regarding the ing, the problem rather than wasting time ers can also monitor students’ screens, lauren manning student parking lot, the uniform policies, the covering it up or censoring it. even when students are in another room loss of the vending machines, and prom, but For example, an article was published (as long as they are on the same wired asst. arts editor few changes have come about and the ones earlier this school year regarding overly large or wireless network), take screenshots of megan morelli that did took a considerable amount of time. class sizes. The student who wrote this article a student’s screen at any time, block ac- This lack of power is in large part due was asked to conduct more research about cess to specific applications like Microsoft sports editor to the hierarchal approval process. Propos- the administration’s point of view and to talk Outlook and Internet browsers, override a liz masi als are first given to Ms. Karen Panarella, to Mrs. Gail Casey, the Academic Dean. In student’s control of her mouse, “hide” the and then work their way up through any ad- other words, it was modified in an attempt to program so that it will automatically open opinions editor ministrator whom the topic affects. With this make the school look better. without visual indication every time a stu- clare mccarrick system, it is no wonder it takes months for Goal five of Sacred Heart is “Schools of dent logs onto her computer, close appli- change to occur. the Sacred Heart commit themselves to edu- cations and open new ones, and lock com- staff writers “It takes too long to make any sort of cate to personal growth in an atmosphere of puters while a lecture is being given. This grissel baragan change. We have to fill out a bunch of pro- wise freedom.” In light of issues like censor- last feat can be done without warning. A antonia cecio posals just to make a minor change like get- ship, there seems to be a disconnect between student’s computer screen will turn black, joan degennaro ting a new trash can in the student lot,” said our espoused goals and our implemented and “Eyes to the front, please,” appears on julie ertl an anonymous member of the student coun- policies. Sacred Heart should continue to the students’ screen. heather grehan cil. work on these issues. liana khandji I am deeply troubled by the introduc- tion of this new program to our classes. alex mcnulty cristina ceballos dreds of students, teachers, and staff. More Some may cite this as proof that students deidre miller than other schools, Sacred Heart welcomes managing editor take advantage of the freedoms offered by tori porter the opinions of its students. Just look at all our laptops. However, I am opposed to the lizzy von klemperer Heard: the Zoomerang polls and class meetings program solely based on principle. elyse yoder It’s easy to blame things on the people that allow students to speak out. Why else Sacred Heart boasts “…a commit- in authority: when the economy’s down, would the school do this unless they wanted ment to educating to personal growth in layout assistant Americans criticize companies and CEOs, to know what students thought? an atmosphere of wise freedom.” An at- lacey henry when the Iraq war is going badly, citizens In terms of elected student representa- mosphere of wise freedom is one in which march on Washington, when obesity rates tives, the school does an admirable job of we have the liberty to make our own deci- photographers rises, people sue fast food chains. At Sacred protecting students’ privacy. People in po- sions, based on a thoughtful process. This lindsey festa Heart, the tendency is for students to blame sitions of power are held to high standards freedom allows us to explore moral rights olivia ruggiero the administration whenever they feel dis- of behavior, and if they err, disciplinary is- and wrongs through the experience of keller wilson satisfied or upset by school policies. They sues are rightly kept strictly confidential. decision-making. It is in this way that we protest that their voices are not heard or In some cases, students have asked to step learn to do what is right because it is right, copy editors that their opinions are not listened to, piling down from their positions, but this has al- not because we fear retribution. “Syn- maria brusco all the blame on the administration’s door- ways been after the Disciplinary Commit- chronEyes” is taking away the “freedom” cailey cron step. But students should be more careful tee carefully reviews the matter. The Disci- in our learning atmosphere by restricting susannah lawrence before jumping to conclusions. Many of the plinary Committee, which contains elected our ability to determine, for ourselves, eleanor logsdail criticisms against the administration are representatives from every grade, functions what we deem appropriate behavior for katie randolph unfounded or unwarranted, based on mis- as a voice for the student body and recom- a classroom setting. Ironically, it is being elizabeth sabia understandings or miscommunications. mends a course of action to the administra- tested in the very class that encourages In an all girls’ school, news travels fast, tion. This is a valid democratic process and us to engage in independent, thoughtful, layout adviser and gossip can quickly blow incidents far a simple a form of representative govern- moral decision-making. mrs. rachel boyer out of proportion. Unfortunately, some- ment. Sacred Heart also values its tight-knit times students assume the worst about the The alternative, subjecting a student community. This community is character- adviser administration instead of waiting for the to a school-wide impeachment, would not ized by the understanding between stu- ms. ellyn stewart facts. In the past, students have complained only be a violation of her privacy but also dents and teachers. The use of the Syn- that the recommendations of the Student intensely embarrassing and unfair. Would chronEyes software conveys deep feelings Council are ignored or brushed aside. But you want the details of your problems an- About the KSC of mistrust between the faculty and the this is an exaggeration, not an accurate de- nounced to over 300 high school girls? If The King Street Chronicle is pub- student body. The very principle of Syn- piction of the problem. The reality is that someone were asked to step down, she chroEyes is damaging the sense of open- lished six times a year by Sacred creating a policy that can affect over 600 would want to move on and put the inci- ness and trust in which our school takes Heart’s Journalism students. It is dis- people takes careful consideration, plan- dent behind her, not have it dragged out in pride. tributed to all Upper School students ning, and time. Changes can take months, front of the entire school. An impeachment We cannot let this undermine the uni- it’s true, but this process gives every sec- process would feel terribly degrading and and is available to any member of the ty and common identity that our school tion of the school the opportunity to voice even a little vicious. community free of charge. Our goal offers. It should be a place where we feel suggestions, as well as preventing a hastily- There is always room for improve- is to inform students, parents, and we are treated as honest, reliable young conceived plan that will quickly fail. ment, but students should not exaggerate women. Our teachers should give us the alumnae of events and issues in our Instead of accusing the school of ignor- problems. Next time you hear someone benefit of the doubt and trust us to be at- community and the world. The KSC is ing the voice of the Student Council, have ranting and casting the blame on the ad- tentive and respectful students, even when subject to prior review by the admin- a little patience. Sometimes the process for ministration, take a moment to think about we are not under surveillance. istration. change is slow, but that is a problem that the problem, and take the rumors with a occurs in any large organization with hun- grain of salt. opinions 3 Staff Editorial: Stay at home blues So you wake up with a runny nose, infected may also catch your cold and then free environment, where those who are dents blowing their noses, downing bottles cough, and fever. You may barely be able to she will also come to allergic can breathe at of Dayquil, and creating a cacophony of get out of bed, but as soon as your alarm school sick. Are school freely. coughs and sneezes, do you feel safe? Well, goes off, you reach for your uniform, brush the disas- What about I certainly do not. your teeth, and head off to school. t r o u s people While the administration does not en- Though the Convent of the Sacred re- courage coming to school when you are not Heart Student Handbook recommends feeling well, our school unintentionally dis- that students stay home if they have a fe- courages staying home. If you are missing a ver, for many the thought is preposterous. test, you must have your parents call you in Most likely, you have an oral presentation, sick and make a date to reschedule it. a math trimester, or something of equally Some teachers openly discourage ab- high importance. Missing school is out of sences, no matter how excused they may be. the question. In some AP classes, too many absences can Thus, you come to school sick, and result in a lower class participation grade or croak through your classes. While the tissue other consequences. boxes in the classrooms may empty a little Next time you wake up not feeling sick, more swiftly, you deal with it. Putting up you must make that ultimate decision. Ei- with your sickness at school is better than ther you stay home and get better, risking the alternative, which is falling behind. clare mccarrick falling far behind in your work, or enduring Let’s analyze this situation. So you school no matter how sick you feel. come to school sick, and as you cough and Please, for the health of the rest of us, sneeze, begin to spread your germs. From stay home. Though we all know how dif- doorknobs to bean bags in the Core Center, ficult it is to fall behind, maybe we can all the germs are just waiting to infect the next work together to make it more acceptable person. This is not even taking into consid- s u l t s w i t h to take a sick day. eration that you are certainly not healing of the compro- while suffering through the school day. chain reaction mised immune Staff editorial policy: That unlucky girl who touches the apparent yet? systems? Take a look Staff editorials topics are voted upon by doorknob or beanbag that you so kindly We boast of our tree nut and peanut around. When you see your fellow stu- the editors of the KSC. They are written by the Opinions editor. A helping hand in Haiti Making my iPod a little bit country lauren manning simple melodies and soft harmonies, these sarah julian musicians carry a comfortable tone within connected with a member of his family, arts editor editor-in-chief their music. whether it is a grandmother, a mother or Whenever someone used to ask me I think what draws me most to coun- “There’s something about Haiti that an uncle. If his family member can provide my favorite genre of music, my reply was try music is that the songs often tell sto- gets into your blood,” we were told on our a stable living environment, the boy moves usually along the lines of “pretty much ries of true-life experiences. I can often first day at the Order of Malta mission in with his family. If they are not able to anything except for hard-core rap and relate these stories to my own life and find house in Milot, Haiti. “Yeah, the malaria.” provide for him, he can live in one of the country music.” But recently, while hard- myself standing in the artist’s shoes rath- As we arrived, a group of doctors from dormitories at the Village. core rap remains low on my list of favor- er than watching them dancing around or the United States was leaving the mission During the day, boys take classes and ites, I can honestly say that I like country doing whatever they are singing about. house, and they left us with those parting do other special projects. Recently, Doug music and I am proud of that fact. Country songs can be funny and out there words of wisdom. Many of them have been was able to purchase rabbits, of which the Personally, I love music. I will listen to and provide a little spice in today’s music traveling to Haiti for more than a decade, boys are in charge. They feed and take care pretty much anything, from what is play- industry where technology has led song and despite what they may have joked, of the rabbits, even waking up as early as ing on my favorite radio station to what- after song to sound exactly the same. it was not the malaria that brought them five in the morning to ensure the rabbits ever comes up next on my iPod. When- Many of the songs talk about every- back year after year. As I and four other se- get a morning meal. When we visited the ever I share the fact that I have finally thing from family, love, and life to the niors discovered, there is something about Village, we brought arts and crafts supplies overcome my hatred of country music, I the people and the atmosphere of Haiti with us. The boys had never seen such an am often greeted with wide-eyed stares I think what draws that makes it impossible to forget. array of stickers, beads, clay, paper, and or a skeptical “really?” It’s not that I don’t me most to country mu- While in Haiti, we spent most of our markers. Even the 16 years old were in- like breaking it down with “apple bottom “sic is that the songs often time with the kids in two of the three dif- terested in coloring. As Father Carrier ex- jeans” (and “boots with the fur”) or that I ferent levels of the program. The first day, plained, they rarely had a chance for art tell stories of true-life don’t still hold Britney Spears close to my experiences. we visited Carenage, which is the program projects, and rarely had the resources to heart, but country music is really some- for boys who are still living on the streets. do anything creative. It was incredible to thing else. Each song provides a message, It is a two-story building with a separate see them making necklaces, drawing pic- a story, or a true life experience. Instead of good, the bad, and ” the ugly. It covers a kitchen and cafeteria and surrounded by tures, and sculpting clay creatures. Some the provocative language and inappropri- broad spectrum, from the desire to escape a paved area where the boys can play soc- boys even made themselves pipe-cleaner ate content used so often in mainstream to a craving for adventure. cer. The kids come to the program in the sunglasses and adorned their bodies and music, country music offers a softer tone, As a recent convert to the country mu- morning, eat two meals, go to classes, clothes with stickers. The enthusiasm was a break from the pounding bass and blar- sic scene, I implore others to give coun- and play with one another. At the end of overwhelming! ing guitars. try music a chance. Stay away from the the day, they exit through the metal gates Later that day, we were able to visit The country music I listen to is not screechy redneck songs (I haven’t made marking the entrance, and spend the night Fourteenth Street, a house in the middle of exactly the classic “honky tonk” twang- it to those yet), but try the more recent on the street. We visited on a Saturday, the city in Cap Haitian. This house was pur- ing, but brings more a soulful charm and tunes. Go ahead, YouTube a few tunes or when classes weren’t in session so we were chased for several boys who were able to the characteristic honest lyrics. I’m partial download a song. It may take some time, able to spend our time there playing with move past the Village. They are still taking to the Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift type but I bet you’ll feel like you are sitting on the boys. I joined in on a game of soccer, classes, but now they are becoming even music instead of the banjo-strumming the front porch, enjoying the sweet days of a makeshift basketball game, a round of more integrated into society by living on and tambourine tapping that most of us summer in no time. Let the music take you monkey in the middle, and I learned sev- their own with a house mother. Although equate with country-style music. With away. It is pretty good at doing that. eral new hand games. Because the boys the boys were not at home when we visited, spoke Creole, communication proved a I was stunned to look at a chalkboard in the slight difficulty, but we were able to express house and to find calculus formulas and ourselves using a combination of English, equations covering it. Letter to the editor: French, gestures, and smiles. We brought My experience in Haiti was nothing a piece of Sacred Heart tradition with us, less than life changing. It would be impos- Dear Editor, and provided the boys with a gouter in the sible to witness the poverty and the des- Our school has an amazing excercise room located next to the pool. It form of green and white cakes. Although titution of the Haitian people and remain has treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines. The only problems is that in it was fun to play and joke with the boys, unmoved. It would be impossible to forget order to use this facility, students are required to have an adult supervising them. it was incredibly difficult to reconcile the the boys I met who are just like boys in my It makes sense that we should have someone with us when we use the equipment, smiling faces with the reality that they had own town in my own neighborhood, but but wouldn’t the presence of a fellow student be acceptable? It is difficult to find no parents, no money, and probably only who own nothing in the world, except per- someone to supervise us, especially when Miss Castellon leaves at 3:30 to work the clothes on their backs. haps a tee-shirt, shorts, and a pair of worn- with the athletic teams. I think the school should consider changing this policy. The next day we visited the Village, out shoes. It would be impossible not to re- which is the second step of Project Pierre turn to a country that so desperately needs - Senior Amy Traver Toussaint. Boys who show up regularly to our help. The doctors were right. There is Letters to the editor may be submitted by any member of the Sacred Heart com- Carenage and show an interest in learn- something about Haiti that gets into your munity. They should be emailed to opinions editor Clare McCarrick at mccarrickc@ ing are able to move to the Village. Doug blood, and something about it that I will cshgreenwich.org. makes sure that each boy at the Village is never forget. 4 news Raving over a Giant victory Let’s talk about sex lauren manning Besides his impressive family history, sarah julian had a little intercourse, it was alright.’” arts editor Kiwanuka also spoke of the achievements editor in chief Ms. Ronan told girls to think about of the Giants, explaining how hard work the future. Decked out in red and blue Giants ap- and effort, along with teamwork and dedi- “Your culture doesn’t make it easy to “Who do you want to be when you parel, students and faculty from Convent of cation, had led them to victory. make good decisions,” said Ms. Mary Ro- grow up?” asked Ms. Ronan. “If you’re the Sacred Heart crowded into the gym to Several members of the Mara family, nan to an auditorium full of Upper School clear that you thought this through and commemorate the Giants’ Super Bowl vic- co-owners of the Giants and a family with a girls on January 29. Ms. Ronan, a you know what you want, it makes tory. In a pep-rally style, students cheered long history at Sacred Heart, also attended registered nurse and a specialist in it easier to stand up to the pres- and shrieked in excitement as a slideshow the ceremony. sexual reproduction, came to Con- sure. If you think about the you of Super Bowl photographs and television In a reflection about the Super Bowl, vent of the Sacred Heart to talk to today, and not the you of the clips from the game played on overhead Sacred Heart junior Mary McDonnell told students about making good deci- future, that’s less reason to re- screens. the student body that she would “remem- sions, especially about sex. sist the pressure.” Most people predicted that the New ber and treasure,” the experience forever. Ms. Ronan’s message She explained, “If York Giants would lose “At a time was that students should you start to say no when their Super Bowl match. when we hear wait to have sex. She ex- you’re taking your Their opponents, the New so many nega- plained that, espe- clothes off, it’s hard to England Patriots, had not tive things cially for girls, stand by that.” maryronan.org lost a single game in the about athletes sex can lead to Ms. Ronan season. But with team- and sports, the many prob- suggested that the work and determination, Giants exempli- lems in re- best way to have a the Giants were able to fied everything lationships. healthy relation- beat the Patriots in a 17-14 that is right with When wom- ship is for girls upset on February 3. sports,” said en have early to be selective in Giants linebacker Mary. “They sexual experiences, whom they date. brought the city She urged girls to Mathias Kiwanuka visited their bodies release the Ms. Mary Ronan spoke to students Sacred Heart on Febru- together and hormone oxytocin, the about responsible decision-making. “find out before you fall ary 8, along with several demonstrated bonding hormone. This in love if he’s a good guy.” members of the Mara fam- what can hap- means that girls bond to their sexual part- She said that the best ily. Amidst cheers, Head- pen when you ner. If that’s a boyfriend, says Ms. Ronan, way to discover this is for mistress Sister Magnetti believe in your- it creates an unbalanced relationship. girls to tell boys early about welcomed everyone to self and your “If it’s your boyfriend, he hasn’t bond- their decision to wait. the event. Although she team,” she said. ed to you, but you have to him. What he apologized to any Patriots S t u d e n t s wanted from the relationship, he has re- This is my favorite fans, she also graciously received Giants ceived,” she said. food, this is my favorite reminded students that team pictures, According to Ms. Ronan, the girl is left “ “winning and losing” is and the cel- looking for more, whether it is presents or color, this is my favorite emily leitner something all people ex- Mathias Kiwanuka spoke to students about ebration ended attention. She said that in Connecticut, the ice cream, and I’m wait- perience. the Giants’ Super Bowl victory and about his with blue-frosted average relationship between sexually ac- ing for sex. Kiwanuka, although roots in Uganda. cupcakes as an all- tive teens lasts three weeks. The average injured and unable to play school gouter. relationship between teenagers who are - Ms. Mary Ronan in the Super Bowl, was able to share inspi- “The teamwork that the Giants ex- not having sex lasts for two years. ” rational words with the students of Sacred emplified…was an inspiration to me and Ms. Ronan also explained the impact Ms. Ronan suggested explaining the Heart about everything from football to showed how teamwork could be applied of sex on family life. If girls are having sex, choice right away, during a first date or freedom. Kiwanuka’s grandfather was the not only on the field, but at Sacred Heart as they are probably lying to their families after being introduced to a guy. She told first prime minister of Uganda, a country well,” said Mary. “Using teamwork in our about it. girls that they could say, “This is my fa- to which Sacred Heart already has a strong school community will allow us to accom- “When you have sex, you’re lying to vorite food, this is my favorite color, this bond, and his maternal grandfather intro- plish so much, just as the Giants did. We your parents,” said Ms. Ronan. “You’re not is my favorite ice cream, and I’m waiting duced education to women in the country. can also do the impossible.” coming home at night and saying ‘Oh we for sex.” Tiger Forensics hosts conference Yule Ball liz masi continued from page 1 sports editor not yet attended an Upper School dance, the Yule Ball was the first oppor- The Tiger Forensic team was definitely tunity to experience the work of the Social “all talk” and “all heart,” as they wrapped Committee firsthand. up their second annual Catholic Forensic “I had never been to a Sacred Heart League competition, hosted at Convent of dance before, so I was looking forward to the Sacred Heart. It was another success on bringing friends from public school and be- February 2, led by moderator Mr. Paul Gri- santi. About 325 high school girls and boys The only thing that from New York schools attended the com- would have ruined [Sil- petition, which lasted most of Saturday. “ “The tournament was so fun. I love verball] for me was if forensics tournaments in general, and this people had decided not one was especially great because we were in to go because it’s Harry our own classrooms,” said sophomore Ma- ria Brusco. Potter-themed. The Tigers scored a third place win out -Junior Susannah Lawrence of 21 participating schools, following close- iris longo ” ly behind Regis and Stuyvesant and mir- Members of Tiger Forensics ate lunch in the cafeteria between rounds. Over 300 stu- ing with new friends from Sacred Heart,” roring their excellent third place prize from dents attended the Sacred Heart Forensics hosting. said freshman Julie Rohde. last year. Sophomore Caroline Kitchener team, though. Everyone practiced hard and Brusco, Caroline Kitchener, Sarah Julian, Silverball gave students a chance to performed tremendously with a first place performed beautifully,” said senior Maria and Sylvia Khoury. The team attended two take a breath from the academic craziness finish in declamation. Senior Sarah Julian Zoulis. national tournaments, one at Yale and one scored a seventh place trophy in varsity Tiger Forensics has performed ex- at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. I liked the theme of extemporaneous. In the junior varsity oral tremely well this year, with a string of hon- In Philadelphia, senior Sylvia Khoury broke silver and white. I think interpretation category, sophomore Ma- orable wins. Most recently at Regis High to finals and finished fifth out of over 100 “ ria Brusco finished fourth and junior Iris School, the team competed in the Father students in the Congress category. Senior they are very sophisti- Longo eighth. Senior Maria Zoulis scored Rippon Memorial Contest, where sopho- Sarah Julian was a finalist at Yale for Con- cated colors. second place in varsity oral interpretation. more Caroline Kitchener captured a second gress as well. -Sophomore Maddy May Much preparation went into the host- place in declamation in a pool of nearly 100 During the weekend of February 15, ” ing of the competition. The events of the students. At Ursuline School’s Clemente Tiger Forensics traveled to Harvard for a day would not have gone smoothly without Memorial Forensics Contest in December, tournament on December 15. Connecticut of the week and enjoy themselves. dedicated parents providing food, drinks, senior Maria Zoulis finished first in varsity state championships will take place in May, Dean of Students Miss Karen Panarel- and other help. reading. and Catholic Nationals and another nation- la said, “I was excited to see all you lovely “I was so sad that this was my last Five girls qualified for state champi- al tournament in Las Vegas will take place ladies outside of the academic area and just hosting. I was very proud of the entire onships, including Maria Zoulis, Maria in June. having fun.” news 5 Bhutto’s son to continue legacy Party leadership will remain in the family tori porter “It is pretty feudal. The PPP has my sympathy now and my heart goes out to the staff writer Bhuttos, but their family should be part of Most nineteen-year-olds are in their the solution, not part of the problem. The first or second year of college, trying to PPP should choose its leader properly, not choose a career and deciding what to by heredity,” said Mr. Grisanti. National do with their lives. These decisions Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is a student at have already been made for Bila- the Christ Church College of Oxford Uni- The Senate passed a bill to ex- wal Bhutto Zardari, son of the late versity and has three years left until he pand the government’s spying Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir graduates with a degree in history. Mr. powers. The bill includes pro- Bhutto. Bhutto has formally announced that he Ms. Benazir Bhutto was assas- will continue his education and take tection for phone companies sinated on December 27 after speak- control of the PPP after completing that aid in wiretapping. The ing at a rally. She was shot twice in university. bill must now face the House the back of the head while standing “When I return, I promise to before being ratified. out of the sunroof of her vehicle, wav- lead the party as my mother wanted ing to supporters, according to cnn. me to,” Zardari said at a press confer- Members of the Writers Guild com. Her shooter then detonated bombs ence, according to cnn.com. he was carrying, killing at least 22 other Bilawal’s father will serve in his of America reached an agree- people. Bhutto was rushed to the hospital place in the meantime. Bilawal Bhutto ment in their ongoing dispute and pronounced dead. Zardari led his first official press confer- with the Alliance of Motion Bhutto originally named her husband, ence on January 8, two weeks after his Picture and Television Pro- Asif Ali Zardari, as the succeeding chair- mother’s death. ducers. This agreement means man of her political party, the Pakistan Zardari was “composed, but the end of the three and a half People’s Party, according to the BBC admitted he was nervous,” News Service. The Pakistan People’s according to cnn.com. He month writers strike that has Party, or PPP, was established by implored journalists and kept many in Hollywood out Bhutto’s father, and has always photographers to leave him of work. been run by a member of the Bhut- alone while he is still at Ox- to family. Mr. Zadari decided to ford. A gunman opened fire on a pass party leadership to their son, He quoted his moth- class at Northern Illinois Uni- after party leaders agreed with his er, saying, “Democracy is decision. the best revenge.” Zardari versity. The attack left 5 dead, abc.net Alhough some people sup- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is currently a student at Oxford Univer- declared that he intends including the gunman, and 16 port keeping the PPP in the family’s sity, could lead the Pakistan People’s Party after he finishes school. to continue her legacy in wounded. The gunman was a hands, Upper School history teacher The PPP, founded by Benazir’s father, has always been led by a Bhutto Pakistani and international former student of the univer- Mr. Paul Grisanti does not. family member. politics. sity but had dropped out in 2007. Trader costs bank billions Kenya cristina ceballos ment-banking arm, according to econo- mist.com. managing editor continued from page 1 International After being questioned by French po- Société Générale was one of France’s lice, Kerviel alleged that his superiors at people we knew were being hurt by it.” Kosovo declared indepen- biggest and most prestigious banks. But Société Générale were aware of his activi- In the 2007 election, President Kibaki dence from Serbia on Febru- that did not stop it from getting hoodwinked ties but turned a blind eye as long as his was running for re-election, but was not ary 17. Kosovo, which has a by one of its own traders, Jérôme Kerviel, deals proved profitable. Kerviel did not expected to win. His victory in December majority of ethnic Albanians, whose illegal investments cost it over $7 benefit personally from the scheme, and led to controversy and claims that Kibaki’s billion. Beginning in 2006, the 31-year-old said that his motive was to increase the supporters rigged the election. seeks independence after Kerviel bank’s earn- Mrs. Wilson knew that a global re- years of conflict with Serbia, circum- ings, according sponse was needed to address the problem including the civil war ten vented to cnn.com. in a way that fit Sacred Heart’s abilities. years ago that left 10,000 the bank’s “He hoped Mrs. Wilson said, “We can’t all pick up dead. controls to be seen as and go to Kenya, but we can pray for this and con- an exceptional situation as a school to tell those affected by ducted trader, a man the violence that they are not alone.” A suicide bomber in Afghani- risky able to predict The controversial election and result- stan blew himself up outside trades, the market, ing chaos has made it difficult to commu- of a dogfighting event. The using a and he hoped We can’t all pick up bombing left 80 dead and 90 series of to get a bigger wounded, the single worst fake deals bonus,” said and go to Kenya, but we to cover French lawyer “ bombing incident since 2001. can pray for this situa- his tracks. Jean-Claude Marin, who is tion...to tell those affect- The new.yahoo.com The much-anticipated parlia- scheme Rogue trader Jérôme Kerviel began making illegal invest- prosecuting in ed...they are not alone. mentary elections in Pakistan unraveled ments in 2006, which would eventually cost Société Générale, the legal case the French bank, over $7 billion. -Director of Campus Ministry on February 18 did not pro- the week against him. ” Mrs. Lori Wilson duce clear winners as violence of January 19, when Société Générale un- Kerviel was charged with abuse of confi- and confusion caused low covered Kerviel’s fraud and sold his posi- dence and illegal access to computers and nicate with the Sacred Heart network in tions, losing an estimated $7.2 billion in could face up to three years in jail, accord- Kenya. voter turnout. Voting day vio- the process, according to economist.com. ing to cnn.com. Mrs. Roberts said, “It’s difficult to get lence at polling stations left 10 Executives of Société Générale have The scandal has engulfed Société Gé- accurate information.” dead and 70 wounded. called the fraud “exceptional in its size and nérale and the French financial markets, However, with her connections at ABC, nature,” and “extraordinarily sophisticat- already shaky because of the recent Amer- she gets news from a reporter stationed in President of Cuba Fidel Castro ed,” according to bbc.co.uk. Kerviel appar- ican economic downturn. CEO of Société Nairobi and conveys that information to announced his decision not to ently used forged documents, fraudulent Générale Daniel Bouton offered to resign both Headmistress Sr. Magnetti and Supe- trades, and his knowledge of the bank’s in- when the scheme was uncovered, but re- rior General of the Sacred Heart Network run in Cuba’s next presidential ternal security checks to escape detection. mained in his position in spite of calls for Sister Clare Pratt. election. This leaves the coun- Although his behavior raised red flags as his dismissal. “[Right now] people are helping to try under the control of his far back as November 2007, Kerviel used The future of Société Générale looks supply food to [Kenyans] who don’t have it brother, Raul. his talent with computers to disguise the uncertain, as investors question how a anymore. They’re back to basic needs,” said losses. lone trader was able to carry out a fraud Mrs. Wilson. “The violence has escalated. “When challenged, he was clever of such magnitude. If its stocks fall even It’s a tenuous situation.” enough to say, for example, that he had further, it may be bought out by another On Friday, January 25, Sacred Heart made a mistake,” said Jean-Pierre Must- French bank like Crédit Agricole or BNP participated in an international day of ier, the head of Société Générale’ invest- Paribas, according to economist.com. prayer for peace in Kenya. Media cover- age reaches My first election new levels Teachers reflect on their first voting experiences liz masi sports editor joan degennaro between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan tha Lehn voted for the first time in the last staff writer while attending college. presidential election. With the upcoming 2008 presiden- Mr. Cushman said, “I voted for Jimmy “I was very nervous in the little tial elections, news channels, newspapers, Entering the voting booth for the first Carter in the 1976 election. I completed all booth,” she said. magazines, and websites are displaying ev- time comes with responsibility as an Ameri- the necessary steps for filing an absentee bal- “I voted against ery detail of political news. People can flip can citizen. With the coming presidential lot and got it in the mail at college.” Bush, [for John through almost any news channel on televi- Mr. Knight experienced a controversial Kerry] and sion and witness the blue Democratic don- Becoming a citizen and local congressional race between a Democrat- proudly wore key and the red Republican elephant butting my sticker all voting was one of the most ic and communist candidate. heads. Whether it’s by watching CNN or even “ He said, “There were no Republicans day.” browsing Facebook, many find that a greater important things in Amer- running and probably about half the people I remem- number of people have taken an interest in ica. in my dorm voted.” ber the first the election, especially with the record num- Upper School history teacher Ms. Jura time I voted for ber of voters showing up for the primaries. - Upper School history teacher Mohen was a political science major in col- President of the “In past elections there’s always been ” United States. Ms. Jura Mohen lege. Growing up in an immigrant family heavy coverage, but now with the advent of greatly influenced her views on voting. It was 1984 and I the Facebook and MySpace generation, there elections of 2008, the results of this year’s “Becoming a citizen and voting was one was 18 years old. I are resources that not only get people to talk primaries thus far show that young adults of the most important things in America,” was away at col- about their opinions, but also ensure that are more politically involved than ever be- said Ms. Mohen. lege and had to they will be aware, even if they are not of vot- fore. This momentum surrounding the elec- Over the years, she has watched the elec- use an absen- ing age,” said Convent of the Sacred Heart tions has also allowed Convent of the tion process change. tee ballot which senior and Student Body President Katie Sacred Heart faculty time to “The role of the media has changed seemed like a Eisenberg. reflect on their first voting through the years. I remember as a hassle, but my In the Iowa caucus, supporters of each experiences. little girl staying up and watch- parents had always party came in droves. An approximate Spanish teacher ing Kennedy get nominated told me that it was impor- 220,588 Democrats came, compared to the Mr. Peter Clark re- because it was still a mystery tant to vote. Ron- 124,000 that participated in 2004. Around members voting in until the convention,” she ald Reagan was 114,000 Republicans participated, whereas his first presidential said. “When I got older, the running against only 87,666 did in the last election, accord- election. primaries and campaigning Walter Mondale ing to msnbc.msn.com. In New Hampshire, “At that time, I process was no longer a mys- and there were a total of 526,671 residents voted, breaking was just entering the tery. It makes me sad because groups on cam- the previous record of 396,385, according to Navy,” he said. “I voted in a democracy, everyone pus advocating tulsaworld.com. for their candi- Election for Nixon. I was very con- who wants to have a shot Many believe that the increasing turnout servative because my family fairvote.org [at winning] should have a dates. I remember being happy to be able to of the primaries is due in part to increased was very conservative.” shot. This year, people dropped out participate and being worried that something media coverage of the elections. Upper school math teachers Mr. Bryan before Super Tuesday. It makes our system a would happen to my ballot. I sent it in and During the week of January 8, political Knight and Mr. Bob Cushman both voted in little sad and tired.” wound up using the absentee ballot for three debates, primaries, and speeches dominated their first presidential election in the race Upper School math teacher Miss Saman- subsequent elections. mainstream news channels, with 49 percent of news stories relating to the election. In ad- dition, 53 percent of radio airtime was spent dicussing the upcoming elections and 66 Americans reject their right to vote 2008 percent of time on cable television, accord- ing to journalism.org. caroline kitchener “Americans have eroded their trust in lead- ballots,” said ABC News’ Karen Travers on YouTube, a website with millions of vid- ership. The standard joke is ‘I don’t know the night of the New Hampshire primaries. asst. features editor eos uploaded from across the world, has tak- and I don’t care.’” Statistics from the Associated Press show en a more serious route from the site’s usual On the night before the Iraqi elections With political broils plaguing the de- a revived New Hampshire turnout record. comic clips, including posting various videos in January 2005, rebels pledged to bathe bates and nasty campaign ads focused on 453,000 people voted in the 2008 primary, of the political debates. the streets of Baghdad in ‘voter’s blood.’ the negative, some Americans have lost up from the previous record of 396,385. Junior Kyla Harrington said, “I’ve been The next morning, Iraqi voters turned up at faith in the integrity of their government. Formerly a dormant group of voters, following the elections a lot more closely. the polls by the millions. They risked los- “In the past few years, people have 18-to-24-year-olds turned out at the 2008 I think the media’s helped. Putting the de- ing their lives for the chance to make their become disillusioned with the government primary polls in unprecedented numbers. bates on YouTube, which is a user-friendly country better. In America, CNN statistics show site, makes it so much easier to access.” three-fourths of the popu- that this young voting lation is not willing to lose margin was responsi- half an hour. With voting ble for Senator Barack turnout plunging below 25 Obama’s nine-point e27.sg/ Facebook.com/politics incorporates several percent in the last national lead in Iowa. Through- election-related features election, the vote has lost out his campaign, its glamour. Obama has focused on Facebook, a popular networking site for “In today’s society, college towns, working high school and college students, sponsored many people in other coun- to permeate the wall the Manchester, New Hampshire debate of tries aren’t allowed to vote between conventional the state’s primary, along with WMUR and at all. We are so lucky to politicians and young, ABC News, according to abcnews.com. Fa- have a democracy and yet, idealistic voters. cebook.com/politics includes videos, polls, a people have started to take “I agree with most “soundboard” to express opinions, and sev- our opportunities in Amer- of Obama’s ideas and I eral links, including one to register to vote. ica for granted,” said fresh- think that he’s making Facebook not only increases media cover- man Grace Hirshorn. a very wise decision to

age, but appeals to the younger generations When entering into sfgate.com appeal to the younger of America, encouraging more citizens from the United States at JFK Voters encourage their fellow citizens to “rock the vote.” In the non-presidential elec- generation because the ages of 18 to 24 to vote. airport, a banner overhead tion in 2006, turn-out was less than 25 percent. their votes hold so Other people believe that the election reads, “Welcome to Amer- much power. If Ameri- issues themselves, not increased publicity, ica, home of the free.” Yet, according to due to the fact that they feel their voices are ca is truly ready for a new type of president, contributed to increased turnout. Fairvote Democracy and Voting Research not being heard. I feel that the animosity which I think that they are, then Obama is “I don’t think the media has affected Center, rates of utilized free-speech are among the candidates makes people not it,” said senior Katie Eisenberg. the election. The voters have spoken loud drastically lower in the United States than want to vote. At this point, it has become Young voters may be the deciding fac- and clear in the states. It’s more of what the those in other democracies. The United the battle of two opposing evils,” said junior tor of the 2008 elections. The poll results in voters want,” said Upper School English States ranks twentieth out of twenty-one in Gillian Redman. Iowa prove that teenagers and college stu- teacher Mrs. Mimi Rafferty. “Who would voter-turnout. Although turnout in past election years dents could be the ones to lead America out have guessed last summer that John McCain In 2006, a non-presidential-election was low, the early 2008 primaries show of its voter-turnout crisis. would have won? The media was down on year, voter turnout fell below 25 percent. that this year might be different. Both Iowa “If millions of people didn’t think that him, but he’s probably going to be the Re- Although more voters always show up to and New Hampshire experienced high par- their vote has an impact, then we wouldn’t publican candidate. The people really value mark a presidential ballot, the steady trend ticipation in their January primaries. have a democracy,” said sophomore Katie experience, and they make a difference,” she of voting decline is impossible to ignore. “Turnout [in New Hampshire] is ab- Randolph. “It’s especially important that said. President of the Committee for the solutely huge and towns are starting to get young people participate in politics and re- American Electorate Curtis Gans said, concerned that they may not have enough alize the power of their vote.” From caucus to convention meg larson presidential election year, their names are wants to award delegates on a proportional Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have inescapable in the press. What these three been awarded about 1,200 delegates so chief layout editor method or a winner-take-all method. unassuming states share are prime spots in In many states, however, voting in far. If this stalemate continues, both can- New Hampshire, Iowa, South Caro- the series of presidential primaries. primary elections is limited to members of didates could fall far short of the 2,025 del- lina. These are not the usual states associ- Every state holds a primary elec- the two largest parties, the Democrats and egates needed to win. If that happens, the ated with being hotbeds of political activ- tion. This determines which candidate Republicans. Democratic nomination could be decided ity, but for the few weeks beginning every the party’s representatives will support at Senior Morgan Davis registered to in a “brokered convention.” In a “brokered the party’s national convention vote as soon as she turned 18. convention,” both candidates campaign later this year. It may seem as “I was going to register to be a member and pull political strings to get the sup- if these few states have a rela- of the Democratic party,” said Morgan, “but port of superdelegates. Superdelegates are tively small number of rep- I decided that I didn’t want to limit myself congressmen, governors, and party leaders resentatives and thus would so I am technically an Independent.” who are not bound to any state. There are not be as important as the She did say, however, that under New 796 superdelegates in the Democratic par- elections in more populous York state laws, this prevents her from par- ty, or about 20 percent of the Democratic states like New York, Califor- delegates. nia, or Texas. However, Some states have come un- since they are the first, der fire for moving up the date many believe the rest of their primary in efforts to gain of the country is influ- more recognition for their state enced by the candidates and influence in the primary. By who win in these states. violating the committee’s set pri- Beginning with the mary calendar, these states have Iowa Caucus on Janu- risked losing influence at the ac- ary 3, primary elections tual convention in exchange for continue throughout influence on the national stage. the next several months, As a penalty for states who chose ending on June 3 with to do this, the Republican Na- Montana and South tional Committee has stripped Dakota. However, the Michigan, South Carolina, Wyo-

bulk of the primary elec- mccullagh.org ming, Florida and New Hamp- tions occurred on February 5, At the each party’s convention, the presidential nomination is shire, of half their delegates at with 24 states going to the polls on met with celebration. the convention. Meanwhile, the what was termed “Super Tuesday.” Democratic National Committee Both the Republican and Democratic Na- ticipating in the primary election. stripped these states of their delegates al- tional Conventions occur this summer, This election year has been particu- together. It remains unclear how this will when each party will officially name their larly interesting because it has taken a long affect the nomination at the convention Election candidate for the presidency. However, it time for frontrunners to emerge from each later this year. is usually known well before then who will party. The race for the Republican nomi- While she admitted she was glued to be the party’s chosen candidate based on nation has been narrowed down to John news coverage of the primaries, Mrs. Col- results from the primaries. McCain, although Mike Huckabee has re- lins lamented the fact that now “the whole “The drawback I see to the primary mained in the race. McCain, as it stands, focus is on the upcoming election rather system,” said Head of the Upper School has the easiest chance to reach the 1,191 than the problems at hand and the people Mrs. Jayne Collins, “is that so few people delegates needed to secure the nomination. who are working in the House or the Sen- participate, so then a minority of either Mitt Romney, who was previously Mc- ate. There are major things are going on in party is choosing who is going to be the Cain’s main competition, decided to pull the senate and Hillary and Barack aren’t 2008 candidate.” out of the race following Super Tuesday. there.” Today, the Democratic party awards Subsequently, Governor Romney endorsed The Democratic National Convention delegates at the convention based on a Senator McCain for the nomination. will be held August 25-28 in Denver, while proportional method, while the Republi- The race for the nomination in the the Republican Nation Convention will be can party lets each state decide whether it Democratic party is even tighter, as both held September 1-4 in St. Paul. Q: What is most important to you when voting? henrygop.com I think stabilizing the economy is extremely important right now. - Freshman Grace McMorrow

The Iraq war is a big issue which needs to be addressed. - Sophomore Carolyn Toner

Health care, because that’s something that affects every American. Although the war in Iraq is a pressing issue, I feel that the news is too centered around it.

precisionbillingsol.com - Junior Tara Cochran

Abortion and the environment are important is- sues to me. - Senior Cassidy Mara

The most important issue is getting out of Iraq, definitely.

massdems.org - Assistant Dean of Students Ms. Maura Foster compiled by emily schloss graphics by emily oehlsen 8 features Teacher crushes Taking a pregnant pause continued from page 1 Teenage pregnancy becomes increasingly common in the media and in society in the classroom, but not on someone he ing a pregnancy test. Teenage actresses like for pregnancy, thereby promoting abortion, caroline kitchener sat next to. Jamie Lynn Spears get pregnant at 16 and or they allow an 8-month mother to wander Mr. Haeseler said, “I was 14 years old asst. features editor their names and reputations are trashed by the halls, her kilt doing nothing to conceal and my French teacher was fresh out of the tabloids. Some believe that this kind her present circumstances. A boy dies driving drunk and it’s sad. college. French very quickly became my of media coverage is actually encouraging “It would be horribly mean to make A girl gets pregnant and it’s scandal. In to- favorite class.” day’s teenage culture, pregnancy is Upper School French teacher Mrs. not cool. While alcohol and drugs Kathryn Cooley was never aware that have somehow assimilated as ac- she could balance her career along with a cepted conditions of teen-hood, marriage. teenage pregnancy remains taboo. She said, “When I was in about second Thirty-one percent of teen grade, a boy named Richard Gorman and girls become pregnant at least once I would always walk home from school to- before they turn 20, according to gether. One day he asked if we could get teenpregnancy.org. Although one- married when were older. I liked him very third of teenagers get pregnant, less much, but I wanted to be a teacher and than half of those girls actually give I thought you had to be a nun for that. I birth. told him I was sorry but that I couldn’t.” In the new hit comedy, Juno, the main character seriously consid- When I was in about ers an abortion. It is only upon hear- second grade, a boy ing that her baby has fingernails that “ she turns around and rethinks her named Richard Gorman situation. Though Juno doesn’t go and I would always walk through with the abortion, the fact that she considered the alternative home from school to- is significant in today’s culture. gether. One day he asked “Hollywood is generally as- if we could get married sumed to be a bastion of political mtv.com liberalism, but when movie charac- when we were older. I Juno McGuff, who chose to have her baby and give it up for adoption, is not the typical teen ters find themselves unintentionally pregnancy case. Juno had the support of her friends, her family, and her sort-of-boyfriend liked him very much, but pregnant, one of two things hap- Paulie Bleeker. I wanted to be a teacher pens: they keep the baby, or they conveniently miscarry,” said Jennie Yabroff teenagers to get pregnant. you stay in school when you are showing. and I thought you had to of Newsweek. “Children are having children because It’s so embarrassing. You can’t keep some- be a nun for that. The issue of teenage pregnancy em- it puts them in the spotlight. A baby is for- thing like that quiet because, frankly, our bodies a similar aura to that of the United ever. A child is forever. Girls are having uniforms show a belly,” said sophomore -Upper School French” teacher States army’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” poli- babies for the novelty of being special, ma- Chrissy Fernandez. Mrs. Kathryn Cooley ture, and womanly. It’s an epidemic,” said In Mrs. Collins’ past 17 years at Sa- cy. Until Juno, teen media kept very hush- For Dean of Faculty Mr. Andrew drama teacher Ms. Nancy Maloy. cred Heart, to the best of her knowledge, hush about the reality of teenage abortion. Byrne, his first crush became something One of the main messages from Juno is the school has never had to implement its It’s happening in the largest numbers since more. that society should respect pregnant teen- pregnancy policy. If the situation did arise, 1991, yet America often refuses to recognize “Honestly, my first crush was the day agers. Unlike half of those affected, preg- however, the school has a clear plan of ac- the truth. I laid eyes on my wife. I knew she was the nant girls made the choice to keep their tion. “There is no going back once an abor- one,” said Mr. Byrne. babies. Juno McGuff decided to stand up to “We would support any decision made tion takes place. A teenage mother may However, love is a deep mysterious a judgmental society. by the mother. If she wanted to stay in do it all alone, only telling her very best part of life that some teachers are still try- “I would never want a student to feel school throughout the pregnancy, we would friend who swears to keep it a secret. This ing to work out. she has to choose abortion. I would hope support that. We would expect to keep her is a tragedy that happens every day in every “I remember when I lived in the city, that no one would ever feel embarrassed to in school until graduation, but if she wanted community in our country,” said Mary Ro- I was in the subway one day, and I looked come forward and ask for help. Our job is to to leave the school for any reason, we would nan in her book, Raising your Children in over at the train to see the most beauti- love and mentor, not to judge,” said Head help her find and settle into another institu- an Ungodly World. ful man in the world. It was love at first of the Upper School Mrs. Jayne Collins. tion. In no way would we pass judgment. It On a recent episode of Gossip Girl, sight. Naturally, I never saw him again,” Private high schools all over America would be contrary to our values if we acted Serena Vanderwoodsen is shunned by her said Media Center Director Sister Mau- have to make a choice. Either they punish in any other way,” said Mrs. Collins. school community because she is seen buy- reen Wade. From self-defense to drugs to date rape: Sacred Heart health class antonia cecio propriate, so human growth and develop- and drug use, and cliques are all discussed. is the Prepare unit. Prepare is a self-defense ment, puberty, decision making, personal “Health class in Middle School was a class that teaches students how to fight off staff writer responsibility, eating disorders, alcohol good experience, and I feel it is important potentially dangerous predators. Health classes to start learning about health earlier on,” at Convent of the said junior Meg Taylor. My favorite part of Sacred Heart have In the Upper School, students take recently stepped up health two years out of the four. This class is health class is the Pre- their game. Not only a full-year course that meets for 55 minutes “pare self-defense unit. It are students at Sa- once every eight-day cycle in sophomore is so helpful and fun to cred Heart enrolled year. In sophomore year, students cover in a health class that personal safety, self-defense, CPR, drug learn how to protect my- meets once every and alcohol use, self destructive behaviors, self from predators. eight-day cycle, but human sexuality, and nutrition. the eighth graders, Freshman Hannah McGovern said, - Sophomore Cassie” Burke sophomores, and “Health class is a great way to become in- seniors in this class formed and learn about nutrition and dis- “My favorite part of health class is the learn self-defense, orders that affect teenage girls.” Prepare self-defense unit. It is so helpful the effects of dis- Seniors take this course for half the and fun to learn how to protect myself from eases, and how to year during the same eight-day cycle. In predators,” said sophomore Cassie Burke. prevent and treat senior year, the same basic topics are cov- The chair of the Health & Physical disorders. ered, but they are extended and more age- Education Department Mrs. Jenn Bensen In the Middle appropriate. In senior year, health students said, “The unit on Prepare is introduced in School, eighth grad- are able to learn about STD prevention, the eighth grade, and then revisited in the ers take health class date rape, and the female reproductive sys- tenth grade and again during the senior each year for half of tem, including pregnancy and childbirth, health classes. This has proven to be very the year. This class which are more appropriate in a twelfth valuable and an area most students enjoy. meets once every grade setting. Hopefully, no students will ever need to six-day cycle for Senior Danielle Giorgio said, “Health use the skills learned, but, if necessary, the

45 minutes. In the usask.ca classes throughout Upper School have been reinforcement of having the course three Middle School, top- In addition to learning CPR, seniors in health classes become certified very informative.” times can help to train the body to react ics must be age-ap- to use a defibrillator. One very popular topic in health class when needed.” features 9 Pro-Con: The role of faith in young Christians’ lives Religious beliefs should Don’t focus on complete dictate social behavior vs. adherence to doctrine sylvia khoury feel uncomfortable supporting a candidate sarah julian Barack Obama. I could not support Dennis features editor like Mitt Romney, who might not have the editor in chief Kucinich, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, same religious convictions as they. Others Hypocrite. There it is, one of my least or John McCain. Due to the dictates of my Count the number of teenagers at the find the religion of their candidate to be less favorite words. This is not because of any religion regarding abortion, gay marriage, 11:30 am mass at St. Paul’s every Sunday. important than his policies on issues which unsightliness in its spelling, or because of and the death penalty, each candidate is There are usually six or seven, accompanied have no easy resolution, like euthanasia or any difficulty in its pronunciation. Rather, unacceptable. If I were to vote completely by their families. They kneel, pray, line up, abortion. in accordance with my faith, my vote take communion, and depart. The problem What is most difficult is to bring faith I hate the word because I see it applied far is that too many of them leave their faith into social situations. No need to whip out too often to people of faith. would already be locked in. By process at the door. the crucifix at the next frat party and try Christians are often accused of of elimination, I would be voting for Ron Teenagers have to dare to bring to convert the drunken masses. All that’s maintaining a gap between their beliefs Paul. God home with them. Religion is not an really necessary is a “what would Jesus and their actions. Young Christians have Especially with regards to sexuality, exclusively worship-based institution, do?” mentality. The O.C’s Marissa Cooper the especially difficult task of reconciling Christians should not be blamed for failing but a continuous lifestyle commitment. It probably never reflected on the moral their religious beliefs with the often to live up to religious teachings. The might be harder for Christians, who don’t implications of bringing vodka to a dance contrary standards of society. Obviously, a positions of Christian religions on sexuality have the day broken up into five daily in a brown paper bag. Perhaps if she had convergence between lifestyle and faith is are incredibly reactionary. Homosexuality prayers and or have any particular dietary considered whose trust she was violating ideal. However is one to blame is not permitted; birth control is wrong. I requirements, but it’s not impossible. and the damage she was doing to herself, in the case in which one’s think these are outdated beliefs which need One simple way to keep God on the she might not have met her untimely end actions do not match to be updated. Why are natural methods brain during the day is to think of faith after a series of similar episodes. of birth control acceptable when condoms when making entertainment selections. Faith is also difficult to grapple up with the doctrine Be not afraid, there is no need to stop with in terms of sexuality, of one’s religion? are not? Why is the rhythm method a watching Gossip Girl, Weeds, or even Sex something many try not to think In my opinion, the viable way of avoiding pregnancy, while in the City. However lame it might sound, about. Difficult as it may be, the fault lies not with a a vasectomy is not? Both serve the same it does not take much effort to be conscious simple act of quiet reflection “lack of conviction” purpose. Why shouldn’t a couple in a of the moral decisions of the characters. on one’s principles followed in the Christian, committed relationship be able to express There is also no need to stop listening by a rational decision might but rather with their love through sex? to Soulja Boy or Kanye West, but there be preferable to getting a religious Christians should not remain rigidly certainly is a need to inspect their lyrics drunk, crossing fingers, tradition that focused on absolute alignment of religious before participating in dance-a-thons. and hoping for the best. is too hesitant doctrine and lifestyle. Rather than Furthermore, in the religious arena, Once upon a time, in to adapt to spending time searching out the politician teenagers who are usually eager to speak the mountains of Israel, a changing with the most pristine pro-life record, out shy away from their own right to be fearful mortals dared maybe spend some time researching his offended. One can take qualms with the not mention the name of society. way their faith is represented on screen, God. Today, from the hills T o foreign policies. Rather than agonizing in song, and on stage. Take a moment to of Hollywood to the streets follow the over which method of birth control is consider the Oscar Wilde-like spin on of Manhattan, fearful remonstrations acceptable and which is sinful, practice safe confession in a recent episode of Gossip citizens refuse to let His of many sex in a loving relationship. Don’t focus on Girl, where the errant Blair Waldorf steps name pass their lips. The Christians would the minutia. If anything, the best way to into confession wearing some kind of ancient people feared be to incorporate exemplify Christian faith is by loving your designer veil and feigning repentance. the wrath of God and the religious ideals into neighbor, serving the poor, or comforting Another easy step to incorporate faith modern people fear the all aspects of life. the afflicted. I find that living by the Golden into daily life is politics. This is initially label “religious” like they fear In the upcoming Rule is a far better expression of my faith uncomfortable, because the secular the label “racist” or “sexist.” presidential than is absolute convergence between world prefers a clear divide between state It’s time for teenagers to elections, if I were religious doctrine and all of my life choices. and religion. It is synthesis of the two, admit to their religion in If I abide by the most important tenets of however, that will ultimately lead to a public—on the streets, to completely align my faith with my my religion (namely those pertaining to

religious lifestyle. There is no need to shy in a speech, in the wilson keller away from examining the religious beliefs newspaper—and not actions, I would be service of others) I benefit not only myself, of candidates just because the word God just in the safety of unable to vote for but also my fellow human beings. Plus, I is next-to taboo in public places. Some their parish. Hillary Clinton or can vote for John McCain. Upper School Poll: Upper School Poll: Pregnancy Teen 10 features Tech Talk: The kindle Exchange students bring a elyse yoder books and newspapers, the screen uses ink but portrays the particles electronically. taste of Chile to Sacred Heart staff writer Although there are many positive as- grissel barragan The girls agree that it was a good Despite developments in technology, pects to the Kindle, it also has some draw- choice to do their exchange within the staff writer traditional books have made an indispen- backs. The retail price is currently $399 network of Sacred Heart Schools. The two sible contribution to the world today. The on Amazon.com, and the Kindle only pro- The New Year brought new students schools have many similarities, that made demand for new inventions led to the cre- vides an empty library waiting to be filled. to Convent of the Sacred Heart. Three girls the adjustment to a new country much ation of Amazon’s Kindle eBook that was The original $399 price increases when from the Sacred Heart school in Santiago, easier. launched recently in November 2007. literature is purchased. Books usually cost Chile visited Greenwich on exchange. Ju- “The two most noticeable similarities This electronic book is a portable read- around $10 when purchased on the Kindle, niors Trinidad Martija, Valentina Boet- between the schools are their religious ing device that can download books, news- which can lead to a large cost depending on to, and Isabel foundation the number of items purchased. However, Aguirre are the and focus on It sounds like it’s downloading books from a computer onto newest interna- God,” said Val- more time efficient the Kindle is free. tional additions entina. “than going to the Some believe the Kindle does not give to the school The girls readers the same experience as reading a community. are also in- library, but it might book does. All three volved in get rid of paper books “The Kindle takes away from the joy of girls come many service because everyone will reading and makes technology the core of from the same activities such our lives,” said sophomore Afiya Roberts. school, Cole- as volunteer- be reading online. “It sounds like it’s more time efficient gio del Sagrado ing at places -Freshman Molly Blessing than going to the library, but it might get Corazón Monjas like the Carver ” rid of paper books because everyone will be Inglesas. They Center and papers, magazines, and blogs wirelessly. reading online,” said freshman Molly Bless- arrived at dif- Habitat for keller wilson Its six-inch, four-level, grayscale display ing. ferent times in The Chilean exchange students enjoy a visit to the Statue Humanity. holds up to 256 megabytes of information. The first offering of the Kindle sold out late December of Liberty in New York City. But there Thus, it can hold over 200 titles and in- in just five and a half hours, indicating the and early Jan- are some dif- cludes more than 90,000 items available to popularity of the new tech- uary and started school together on Janu- ferences as well. In Chile, the girls do not buy. Content is downloaded to the Kindle nology. ary 7. Each girl is staying with a different use laptops in school. Classes tend to be from Amazon Whispernet using the “Prob- host family for about seven weeks. bigger, with about 30 girls per class, and Sprint EVDO network. Us- ably young It was their first time traveling to the their schedule is set up differently than ers can find, buy, and people who United Sates without their families. They it is here, as is their school calendar. Be- read books instantly. can easily were lucky to meet their host girls be- cause the seasons are opposites in the two Each purchase is deliv- pick up these forehand and to have each other here in hemispheres, they begin school in March ered in under a minute. new ways of Greenwich. and end in December. “I think the Kindle is reading might be Aside from visiting sites in the area really cool because you can have more comfortable such as Greenwich Avenue, Stamford Mall futureofthebook.org The two most no- all your books in one place and you with the Kindle, but lei- and Todd’s Point, the girls have also gone don’t have to lug them all sure reading ticeable similarities into New York City. The Kindle is a new portable device that allows “ around,” said Amanda readers to download books electronically. helps me re- between the schools “In New York, we saw Grease the mu- Weber, a junior at Con- lax. I would are their religious sical, and it was good,”said Trinidad. They vent of the Sacred Heart. still want to read my book at night. I may also went to Washington D.C and have Conveniently, the Kindle’s free net- very well use the Kindle to look up infor- foundation and focus even gone up to Vermont for a couple of work does not require the use of a com- mation but I still want my books. I’m old on God. days. puter or other appliances. Additionally, the fashioned,” said librarian Sister Maureen -Junior Valentina Boetto “I really like the beach here, Todd’s Kindle has free wireless access to Wikipe- Wade. ” Point. It’s very pretty,” said Isabel. “We dia. It takes two hours to fully charge. The Kindle may become a phenom- English is taught at their school, but even got lost.” The Kindle portrays an electronic pa- enon for years to come or stay less popular none of the girls speak it at home, so be- The girls have had a pleasant visit but per display very similar to real paper. It if Americans continue to visit and purchase ing fully immersed in English has helped are looking forward to returning home has very sharp, high resolution. Similar to from their local bookstores. their speaking skills. They now have a to enjoy the rest of their summer before good grasp of the language. school starts again. features 11 Now presenting... Sister Magnetti: Headmistress Members of theA-Team Mrs. Collins: Head of Upper School Most exciting part of your job: Graduation Day. When the Most exciting part of your job: Seeing the seniors graduates line up, standing so glorious in the Front Hall, walking down the front steps on graduation day and full of confidence and presence, I know that all my efforts calling out their names to come up and receive their are worth it. I feel then that my life has true meaning diplomas! and that my vocation as a Religious of the Sacred Heart is strong and alive and purposeful. Favorite TV show: All my favorite shows ended their runs on television – my son got me addicted to Alias, Favorite TV show: I don’t watch much TV except CNN my parents to Jag and my daughter, Megan, to Gilmore or local news. I enjoy the Antique Road Show when it Girls. is on, and sometimes Deal or No Deal. And of course NFL football, especially MY GIANTS. Motto: My Dad use to tell me growing up, “There is nothing you cannot do as a girl if you put your mind to it.” Motto: “We need to learn to see things in the light of eternity.” Janet Erskine Stuart Favorite school Lunch: Anthony’s Thanksgiving dinner! Lunch: I enjoy them all. They are fabulous. Least Favorite Word: Can’t – it is so negative and I always think positively. Least favorite word: “Can’t” or “I can’t do that because…” when someone comes up with a new or Mr. Baber: Assistant Head of School creative idea. Mrs. McKenna: Director of Admission and Financial Aid Most exciting part of your job: One of the most exciting parts is the eclectic nature of it all. In one day I could be Most exciting part of your job: Getting to admit dealing with big curricular issues, completing our school new families to Sacred Heart and calling to re-accreditation process, visiting with alums, interviewing welcome them and hearing how excited they are candidates for positions here at school, then running off to to become part of our community. read a story about Madeleine Sophie to the kindergarten Favorite TV show: I don’t have one favorite- class. among my top favorites are anything on Food Motto: My high school motto was non existent or “We TV except Emeril, PBS Mysteries, and an array of will not fail,” and one of my favorites is “You can attract “brain candy” like The Real Housewives of Orange more bees with honey than with vinegar” by St. Francis County, E! True Hollywood Stories, The Hills, My De Sales, and “One heart, one mind in the heart of Super Sweet Sixteen, and MTV The Real World. Jesus” by Saint Madeline Sophie Barat ties them all Motto: “My goal in life is to be as good of a person as together. So I guess I have three! my dog already thinks I am.” Author Unknown TV: Prison Break, nature shows, and Grey’s Lunch: Our annual Thanksgiving lunch Anatomy with my wife. Least favorite word: “Like” when used incorrectly and Favorite School lunch: Baked salmon on Fridays, and I love incessantly in the course of a conversation. the soups. Least favorite word: Lazy Mr. Byrne: Dean of Faculty and Upper School

Mathematics Dr. Marr: Head of Lower School

Most exciting part of your job: I really enjoy working Most exciting part of your job: Interacting with Lower with faculty to identify professional development School girls. Some of the conversations we have are so experiences. I have especially enjoyed working entertaining. with the faculty development committee to design Motto: Life is what happens to you when you’re making international experiences for faculty to learn more other plans. about the history of Sacred Heart education and the international work of the religious of the TV: West Wing Society of the Sacred Heart. Favorite School Lunch: I like all the international food Favorite TV show: Lost Anthony cooks. Motto: Faith, Love, & Education Least favorite word: Thing Least favorite word: Can’t In the lab with Mr. McElroy Cuisine of India alex mcnulty chemistry is putting two different things to- Their breads are excellent, ranging gether to produce something new. One of his lizzy von klemperer staff writer from a thick bread called Poori, and Naan favorite books is E=mc2, by David Bodanis. staff writer This small-town northern Westchester bread, which is thicker and doughier. For Mr. McElroy’s love for science helps his stu- boy is a new addition to Convent of the Sa- Coromandel Restaurant overlooks the dessert, Coromandel serves different kinds dents understand chemistry, even though it cred Heart. Mr. Kevin McElroy, the sopho- Goodwives parking lot in Darien, while the of ice creams like vanilla, green tea, or man- can be a complicated subject. more chemistry teacher, grew up just outside twangs of Indian music drown out the roar go. “I think Mr. McElroy makes chemistry of the Peekskill, New York region. Although of the highway a mile away. Though Coro- The dishes range from mild to spicy, easy and fun to learn,” said sophomore Elaine interested in science from a young age, he was mandel’s setting is not its strong point, the depending on preference. Dishes include James. also passionate about sports. food is a different story. Coromandel serves spices like ginger, mango powder, pome- Outside of his teaching life, he enjoys “I enjoyed where I grew up very much. I food with various Indian granate seed, cinnamon, cum- spending time with his wife and two kids. He lived in a neighborhood that had many chil- spices and is open in, saffron, coriander, tur- also coaches Little League sports like baseball dren, so we played pickup sports year round,” for lunch and meric, mint, and chili. and soccer. said Mr. McElroy. dinner. Coromandel “I have enjoyed my involvement coach- Mr. McElroy had a younger brother and The uses a cooking ing youth sports during the past ten years. a younger sister, but they did not share his restaurant oven called Those years coaching sparked my interest in love of science. Interested in experiments, serves meat a Tandoor. teaching chemistry, and so I pursued gradu- Mr. McElroy majored in various sciences and dishes Chicken, ate education studies to enable me worked at several en- includ- shrimp, to do so,” Mr. McElroy said. gineering companies ing lamb and ke- He can also speak Russian before becoming a (gosht), babs are and enjoys traveling, although he teacher. seafood cooked says that traveling is difficult with He first seriously (mach- in this

his kids’ different sports sched- emily schloss considered teaching li) and oven, giv- ules. chemistry during his chicken ing these “My father’s side of the family undergraduate stud- (murgh). foods a is from Ireland, and my wife vis- ies in college, but he But since crunchy, spicy ited a number of times when she decided to get an two of the texture. was growing up and would love to MBA afterwards. He main religions Possibly the return. Lastly, I love to play golf, worked at two chem- in India, Hinduism best part about Coro- and I have heard that to play inI- ical companies and and Buddhism, re- mandel is when the reland you must be experienced as spent 20 years in the quire restriction Coromandel Restaurant offers a variety of Indian food is ordered in a golfer,” he said. financial industry. lindsey festa on meat, many food and is located at 25-11 Old Kings Highway or brought home. In addition to playing golf, Before joining Sacred Mr. McElroy, sophomore chemistry of the dishes are North, Darien, CT. The phone number is (203) The mixtures taste Mr. McElroy likes to cook, watch 662-1213. Heart, he worked at teacher, enjoys spending time with his vegetarian-friend- better after the family and golfing. college ice hockey, and support several public high ly. Vegetarians spices have mixed New York sports teams. His schools, which gave will appreciate Coromandel’s wide range more, giving the dish more flavor. A favorite favorite bands are the Beach Boys, Eagles, him a different viewpoint than the all-girls of meatless dishes that are high in protein. appetizer to heat up is Navaratan Khorma, America, and the Beatles. environment of Sacred Heart. These vegetarian ingredients include tofu, which is a vegetable dish served in a cashew Teaching at an all-girls’ school is a differ- Carolina Hernandez, a sophomore in Mr. cheese, nuts, and vegetables like cauli- sauce with a vegetable samosa. ent experience for him, but he said that he en- McElroy’s chemistry class, said, “I think Mr. flower, chickpeas, lima beans, and broccoli This restaurant is not a good choice for joys it. He says that his biggest goal is to have McElroy loves chemistry and wants us to have covered in peanut and cashew sauces. Coro- people with nut allergies, because almost all students fully understand what he is teaching, as strong an appreciation for it as he does.” mandel also has a selection of vegan dishes, of the dishes include at least a sprinkling of and that a good day for him is when students Mr. McElroy said that his favorite part of like Navaratan Korma. cashews, peanuts, or almonds. ask good questions. 12 features Art students design colorful showcase Courtney Reynolds: “Flower Power” f “Our project was on radial sym- metry, so the piece starts in the center and spirals outward. My idea was to draw a flower, be- cause they have a center and the petals always rotate away from the center. I chose rainbow col- ors because they come together nicely and blend to make the piece come alive.”

Teddy Sulliman: “Vintage Song” h g Elaine James: “Crazy Swirl” “I was inspired by music and in- struments when I made this piece. “For my swirl piece, I chose white I went for an old-fashioned look for the center. I ended up working for the background, with the brown with lights and darks throughout tones and the different fabrics. the whole piece and complementary The human is the focal point of the colors. I painted it with acrylic paints piece, and I added Aretha Franklin and added paper cutouts.” in the background.”

compiled by grissel barragan Hope Force Club helps out in New Orleans tori porter It belonged to an elderly couple who were being forced to sell it because they did not staff writer have enough money to complete the resto- ration. We de-nailed, smashed down a wall, Skipping a double usually results in a took shelves out, peeled tiles off the floor warning slip. On Wednesday, January 16, with shovels, and then swept the entire when I got up to leave my AP Euro class place clean. The couple came to see us in at 12:45pm, Mr. Grisanti said, “Bye kiddo, the middle of the day, bringing with them a have a great time. Be careful, have fun, and cooler full of soda and water and big boxes eat like a princess.” of pastries. So began my trip to New Orleans, Lou- When we thanked them for their gen- isiana. erosity, the wife said, “No, thank you so In September, I joined the Hope Force much. We would never have been able to Club after hearing that they were going do this without you.” to travel to New Orleans again to rebuild Our mission on Friday was to secure houses damaged a church by board- during Hurri- ing up windows and cane Katrina. doors so that home- During club less people could not courtesy of tori porter time, we talked get in. We learned During their four-day stay in New Orleans, students worked with the Presbyterian about when we that people had been Disaster Assistance organization. They gutted two houses and secured a church. wanted to go, living there until that school and wished to see the school. Tour dough put on a plate with mounds of pow- what we wanted very morning, when guides were sent down, and we got a guided dered sugar. to do, and vari- they had been kicked walk-through. The school was not damaged “They’re fried heaven,” said sopho- ous other logis- out by the sheriff. by Katrina and was up and running soon more Antonia Cecio. tics. When we got there, after most of the students and faculty had On Sunday, we went out in groups and The trip was the church was in returned to the city. went shopping in the French Quarter, be- organized with shambles, with bed- The project on Saturday was our last fore heading back home to watch the Giants P r e s b y t e r i a n ding, magazines, cans one. We went to the historic neighborhood game. Mr. Haeseler managed to arrange Disaster Assis- of food, and anything of New Orleans and worked on a house that the antennae of the television set so that tance, a group else the people had was about 100 yards away from a levee. we could see it. Post-game, we cleaned the which runs collected piled every- Luckily, this was one of the ones that did house and packed our bags. through the New where. The vagrants not break during the storm. This house’s Waking up at three in the morning Orleans Presby- had used places not roof had collapsed under the stress of rain- on Monday was fun for everyone, and the tery, the Presby- intended as bath- water, ruining the inside. The woman who van ride to the airport was dead silent. We terian version of rooms for that pur- owned the house helped us, telling us what boarded the plane to Atlanta and then again tori porter an arch-diocese. Girls from the Hope Force Club visited Academy of pose, leaving the to do and where to put everything. to Westchester Airport, where we arrived at The organization the Sacred Heart in New Orleans. church smelling hor- When we finished the job, we went noon. We drove home in a daze, back to our has houses at- rible. home and got ready to go out for dinner. lives of schoolwork and Fairfield luxury, tached to most of their churches for volun- After boarding up the church and We went to a nice restaurant in the French which contrasted so dramatically with what teers to stay in. During out trip, we stayed making sure it was break-in-proof, we got Quarter and had dinner together before we experienced in New Orleans. The situ- in the Woodlands house, across the street in the van and drove to the Academy of the walking around for a bit. After dinner, we ation there is so dire, even though Katrina from the Woodlands Presbyterian Church Sacred Heart in New Orleans. As we got went to get beignets at Café du Monde. happened two and a half years ago. Our trip in the West Bank of New Orleans. We set- out of the van, those of us who had never Beignets are a specialty in New Orleans, showed all of us the extent of the damage tled in, putting sheets on our cots and shop- been there were stunned by the size of the and Café du Monde is known for theirs. and how long it will take to get New Orleans ping for lunch food for the next day. school. We got a girl to open the gate for They are similar to fried dough at a fair, but back to the city it was before the storm. On Thursday, we gutted our first house. us, explaining that we were from a sister much better. They are bits of fried cake-like SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS and Junior Varsity Basketball: Sports Arts

2/2 FAA Tournament at Rye Country Day Highlights: 29-10 win against King & Theater boys flock to join Into the Woods Thomas julie ertl so far, there are a few differences between Ryan does not have much of a theater Sacred Heart and their past shows. background, but he said, “[Sacred Heart] 2/4 Holy Child 22-29 Loss staff writer “This theater experience, compared to simply has an amazing group of people in He looks strangely out of place my past performances, is, well, different. its theater program. Every now and then I 2/5 Good Counsel 11-49 Loss amongst the giggling girls dressed in kilts I’m definitely going deaf from the constant even start to forget it’s just a high school and ponytails. Entire hallways seem to girlish squeals, and I’m bound to get fatter production.” 2/7 King & Low-Heywood Thomas 26-19 freeze as he makes his way down to the from the constant brownie and goldfish The boys all feel right at home, and Win theater. Upon his departure, eruptions of intake,” said Stephen. from the first rehearsal, all the girls easily whispers ensue. Everyone stops to catch a accepted them. The amount of girls was 2/13 Hackley 38-41 Loss glimpse of this foreign visitor. A boy. a bit daunting at first, but now it seems Most students at Convent of the completely normal. Sacred Heart would agree that those alien “I think the first few times I came to people are severely lacking amidst the Sacred Heart I was a little overwhelmed many things the school has to offer. The by the amount of girls, but I got used to drama program has been known to do a bit it after a while because I became friendly of gender-bending when it comes to roles with everyone in the cast and they made for the plays and musicals, but this year, me feel less like an outcast,” said Nick Varsity Basketball: all it took was a journey “into the woods” D’Addesio, a senior at Westlake High to find these four new male additions School. “But I still do feel a little weird 1/26 Taft 26-45 Loss to the cast. walking down to the theater every day From Stamford, Connecticut and and getting stared at by everyone.” beyond, these boys travel to be a part of Ryan also agreed that it can be 1/29 St. Luke’s 47-26 Win the Sacred Heart theater community. overwhelming at times. Highlights: First win of the season! “I became involved with Into “But I have to keep my cool because, the Woods when my friends Megan as we all know, girls can smell fear,” he 2/2 Nightingale 41-32 Win [Lacerenza] and Julie [Ertl] forced- I mean said. “Thankfully, a couple other boys are persuaded me to be in their show,” said left helpless in this cast as well... with any 2/4 Holy Child 31-43 Loss Stephen Emerick, a sophomore at Westhill luck, they’ll get picked off before me and High School in Stamford. “I’d like to thank I’ll last through tech week with at least a 2/5 Good Counsel 44-49 Loss them for introducing me to this wonderful little masculinity left.” school, and I would also like to add that I Jake Levitt, a senior at Stamford High am not being blackmailed into this show in School, thinks otherwise. 2/7 King & Low-Heywood Thomas 35-51 any way.” He remarked, “Oh, are there girls in Loss This musical has Megan Lacerenza to the cast? I hadn’t noticed…” thank, because she also introduced two of Two of the boys, Nick and Ryan, are 2/13 Hackley Loss the other boys to Sacred Heart. returning to Sacred Heart after performing megan morelli “I did a show in Stamford with in the fall play, Dancing at Lughnasa. Both Megan Lacerenza and Carolyn Toner, agree that a major difference is that the and afterwards they kind of kidnapped cast is much larger, which causes things to and dragged me to [Sacred Heart], and be a bit more hectic. They also are excited apparently they haven’t turned me loose for the music in this show and know that it yet,” said Ryan Matherne, a 20-year-old will also be an amazing production. Varsity Swimming: home schooled student. Students at Sacred Heart were glad to The girls of Into the Woods are also have them return and were very thankful 1/13 Greenwich Academy @ The Boy’s extremely pleased with their new cast for their presence. and Girls Club 132-38 Win members. “I like having boys in the cast because Highlights: Sacred Heart takes first in Sacred Heart junior Susannah I don’t have to play a boy, and it looks more every event Lawrence said, “I know it’s very hard professional when we have boys playing to find theater boys who are willing boys instead of girls playing boys,” said 2/4 Hackley 95-75 Win to give up their entire lives to do a show sophomore Carolyn Toner. at our school, and if they do agree, they’re Seniors Jake Levitt and Maria Zoulis are part The boys were a bit skeptical when normally not the best actors or singers out of the cast of Into the Woods. they heard a few male leads would be 2/8 Catholic Challenge @ SUNY Purchase there. But all the boys, all four of them, played by girls. For example, the character Highlights: Win against Holy Child, that we have in this show are amazingly “Even though I make it to one rehearsal of Jack, as in Jack and the Beanstalk, is Good Counsel and Preston talented, so much so that I’m in awe.” a week, it is definitely a lot more exciting being portrayed by senior Katie Eisenberg. The boys range from extremely than my show at school [Les Miserables]. There are some girls who actually prefer it Upcoming meets: experienced, acting since middle school A distinct difference between the shows... this way. and younger, to Into the Woods being their my school cannot pull off a rap version of 2/24 Western New Englands @ Hopkins first musical. From what they have seen ‘Your Fault.’” continued on B6

3/1 New England Championships at Deerfield Spring sports teams plan to train over March break heather grehan Last year, with the arrival of the Ath- making my skills in softball better,” said staff writer letic Director Ms. Kelly Stone, this program freshman Anastassia Lindo. expanded to include a week-long golf trip Past trips have consisted of a variety of The typical spring break experience to Orlando, Florida and a week-long trip for different activities, including once or twice for students at Convent of the Sacred daily practices with difficult training Heart consists of lounging on a beach sessions in the blazing Florida sun Varsity Squash: in a tropical destination or hitting the for lacrosse, as well as night games at ski slopes out west. However, as Sacred the Wellington Spring Fling Lacrosse 1/28 Greens Farms Academy 6-1 Win Heart strives to improve its athletic pro- tournament. Meanwhile, the golfers gram, the dedication level of the athletes enjoyed daily 18-hole rounds as well 2/5 Greenwich Academy 0-7 Loss expands beyond the standard five or six as hours of lessons with professional days of practice and competition and teachers. 2/8-2/10 National High School Champi- into precious vacation time. “The goal of the trips is develop- onship @ Yale “Compared to our competition, we mental, individually and collectively,” Highlights: 6-1 win against Rye Country got a head start by about two to three said Ms. Stone. Day, 5-2 win against Pingry, and 1-6 loss weeks worth of playing time squeezed Junior Amanda Weber said that courtesy of heather grehan to Taft. The team came in third in the na- into two weeks,” said last year’s golf Last year’s lacrosse team, pictured above, trained in last year’s trip helped her prepare for tion in their high school division. coach Mr. Andrew Byrne. Florida over spring break. the season. This year 81 students will partici- “It got me in better shape in terms 2/14 Challenge Day A @ Brunswick pate in spring training for one of the spring an unlimited number of lacrosse players to of stick skills and buffness,” said Amanda. sport teams, including lacrosse, golf, ten- train in Wellington, Florida. This year, the Many other students agreed that the 2/19 St. Luke’s 4-3 Win nis, softball, and crew, committing their opportunity has expanded even further to trip was beneficial in preparing them for vacation time to preparing for the upcom- include a softball trip to Cocoa, Florida, a the season, but it was not always easy be- Upcoming matches: ing season. However, this opportunity was crew trip to Austin, Texas, a tennis trip to ing on the lacrosse field or the golf course not always available in the past. In previous Tampa, Florida, a second golf trip to Tam- in the Florida heat. For many, memories of 2/20 Rye Country Day years, lacrosse was the only sport that of- pa, Florida, and a third lacrosse trip to Wel- difficult training sessions with the fitness fered a spring training opportunity, and it lington, Florida. trainer are still burned in their brains. compiled by liz masi was open only to a limited number of girls. “I’m looking forward to having fun and continued on B3 B2 sports The Patriots’ incomplete pass at perfection heather grehan the playoffs or Super Bowl matchups. They were a clean team. They were never caught described by his coaches as having a “lack of adorned their hands with three Superbowl cheating like the Patriots were earlier this work ethic,” been arrested for suspicion of staff writer rings and made the playoffs five years in a season. Also, the Patriots did not win the assault with a deadly weapon, been accused A 14 and 0 undefeated regular season, row. After being knocked out of the playoffs Super Bowl,” said sophomore Alexie Poch. of battery, and was fined for inappropriate two division playoff wins, and one Super by last year’s victors, the Indianapolis Another questionable topic is how long victory dances. Bowl Championship: the first ever perfect Colts, the Patriots returned stronger than Randy Moss can last before he commits his “Even though Moss has been playing season in the history of the National Football ever for the 2007 to 2008 season. One key usual offenses and gets into trouble with well this season, I think that he will League. This feat was accomplished by element in their success was the addition the league or just stops trying all together. probably fall back into his old ways and get the 1972 Miami Dolphins, coached by the of all-star receiver Randy Moss to their Despite his talent, Moss is known for his himself into trouble again. I do not think legendary Don Shula. No team has come roster. The Tom Brady and Randy Moss laissez-faire attitude toward games and that he will be able to keep it together for close to matching the perfection of the dream matchup proved to be almost unstoppable only seems to take games seriously when next season,” said junior Jennifer Eliezer. team of ’72, and every year the Dolphins this past season. Brady even broke Peyton he decides it is necessary. In the past, While they might have reached come together to give a champagne toast Manning’s record for most single-season he admitted to u s i n g perfection during the regular season, the in honor of their record that is still intact. touchdown passes and Moss broke Jerry marijuana, New York Giants crushed their hopes of This year the New England Patriots gave Rice’s record for most single-season walked off the matching the record of the ’72 Dolphins. the Dolphins a run for their money. The touchdown receptions. field during The Super Bowl game started with a battle 2007 New England Patriots, coached by “I think that going 16-0 is a huge a game, of the defenses with only a total of 10 Bill Belichick and led almost impeccably on accomplishment, and the Patriots, has been points scored in the first three quarters. the field by quarterback Tom Brady, proved especially with Brady, will keep breaking The fourth quarter came to a climatic end themselves able contenders in the fight for records and dominating the league next with the Giants coming from behind with perfection. They finished the regular season season,” said freshman Ally Huchro. two minutes left to score the winning 16 and 0 and with two division playoff wins While some congratulate the Patriots touchdown. The key to the Giants’ success earned themselves a bid to Super Bowl for their stellar regular season, others was their ability to break the Patriots XLII. But the heart, spirit, and skill of the think that the Patriots’ lack of offensive line. After being sacked underdog New York Giants overcame them sportsmanship and cheating only 21 times during the entire and ruined their dreams of perfection. The scandals tarnishes their record. regular season, Brady was Patriots were beaten 17-14 in Super Bowl At the beginning of the season, sacked five times in the XLII. Bill Belicheck was caught filming Super Bowl game, proving “The Patriots were way too arrogant the Jet’s defensive coordinator that the Patriots are going into the Super Bowl game. They even to decode their plays. He was a beatable team. The trademarked the phrase, ‘19-0: The Perfect penalized with the loss of his Patriots put up a strong Season,’ before the Super Bowl game. Any 2008 first round draft pick and was fight for a perfect season, team that is that arrogant deserves to lose given the largest fine in the history of but their inability to win their record,” said Convent of the Sacred the National Football League. olivia ruggiero the Super Bowl means Heart sophomore Courtney Reynolds. “I don’t think the Patriots can be that the ’72 Dolphins can Despite their attitude, in the past compared to the ’72 Dolphins, because raise their champagne in a toast to decade the Patriots were no stranger to the Dolphins were a likable team and they their record for the 35th year in a row. Mitchell report shames athletes On a winning (blue)streak julie ertl event has caused her to look at these players in a new light. deidre miller than it has ever been, preseason training staff writer “It’s really awful how today’s professional staff writer has become more and more important. I Professional athletes are often seen as athletes are setting this example for high knew that our team needed to get faster role models for the youth. But according to school and college athletes. Steroids mess up and stronger to be more competitive in recent results of a report issued by Senator the way your body should develop naturally,” Furnished with a specialized our league.” George Mitchell, many players of America’s she said. “All of the major league players that hydraulic treadmill, exclusive skating Last winter, when the Sacred Heart favorite pastime are also steroid users. used steroids have set a new reputation for treadmill, Olympic track, and a range lacrosse team trained at BlueStreak with “Those who have illegally used these themselves.” of top-of-the-line training equipment, Coach DePeter, the girls not only improved substances range from players whose major The source for most of the information in BlueStreak Sports Training in Stamford, their fitness but also enjoyed being able league careers were brief to potential members Senator Mitchell’s report came from trainer Connecticut attracts Convent of the to bond with their teammates before the of the Baseball Hall of Fame,” Mitchell said in Brian McNamee, who was the New York Sacred Heart athletes who train during season began. the report. “They include both pitchers and Yankees’ former strength and conditioning their off-seasons. BlueStreak offers a coach. range of training programs designed to Since I’m training “I think it’s unfair that one of increase speed, strength, and agility, such for tennis, I get to work their only sources for players’ names as the Frappier Acceleration Program and “ was a trainer in New York, so it makes individual sport-specific rehabilitation with the trainers to do it seem like a majority of steroid users programs. The athletic enhancement sport-specific training to were New York players, when really training programs work with lacrosse, improve my tennis skills, they just had a lack of sources,” said baseball, football, basketball, hockey, sophomore Corinne Grady. volleyball, soccer, and tennis players to agility, and speed. improve their physical fitness. The Yankees are among six - Sophomore of the teams whose players were Many Sacred Heart athletes take ” accused of using performance- advantage of all the training opportunities Maggie McLaughlin enhancing substances. Others include that BlueStreak offers as they prepare for pinstripesdaily.com the upcoming spring seasons. “It was fun to train with the lacrosse Roger Clemens is one of the athletes the Mitch- the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles ell report accuses of steroid use. Angels of Anaheim, New York Mets, Freshman Emily Hatton said, “I like team last year,” said senior Genevieve Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Texas BlueStreak because it not only trains Rupp. “Being able to work out with position players, and their backgrounds are as Rangers, with a total of 86 accused players. me for running but also in strength and them took my mind off how physically diverse as those of all major league players.” Junior Allie Hagan said, “I think that stretching. They really work your entire demanding the training was. It really The Mitchell Report, a 409-page report the players who are currently in baseball on body, which is key in athletics.” prepared us well for lacrosse condition- detailing the results of an investigation about steroids should be punished, but it wasn’t Tory Bensen, a sophomore who has wise.” steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in entirely their fault.” been training at BlueStreak for over a Junior Alyssa Almeida enjoys baseball, listed many well-known players such Steroids have been on baseball’s banned year, said, “It’s great be able to watch training at BlueStreak because of the as Barry Bonds, Miguel Tejada, Andy Pettite, substance list since 1991, but testing for them the progress of your increasing speed friendly environment. “My favorite part Eric Gagne, and Jason Giambi. However, one did not begin until 2003. However, a harsh and strength as you train. In the game of BlueStreak has to be the people who name in particular was mentioned 82 times: drug policy was not put into place until 2005. of lacrosse, speed definitely gives players go there,” she said. “The trainers and the Roger Clemens. This included year-round testing, a 50-game an advantage, and being able to work on kids are really fun, so working out is less Maria Zoulis, a senior at Convent of ban for a first-time offense, and a lifetime ban improving that at BlueStreak is rewarding stressful.” the Sacred Heart, said, “Baseball used to be for a third positive test. during the season.” While lacrosse players comprise the America’s favorite pastime. Baseball players “Certainly there are players who have With the impressive results that main Sacred Heart athlete population used to be great role models for American broken the rules and should suffer the penalty BlueStreak provides to athletes, coaches at BlueStreak, other girls choose to train kids. Now, with the steroids scandal, parents appropriate for the time when they broke the encourage their players to get involved individually for sports such as tennis and don’t even want their children to be watching rules. It would be nice if all the guilty players with the program. softball. the games anymore.” simply came forward, admitted their mistake, Varsity lacrosse coach Mrs. Courtney Sophomore Maggie McLaughlin said, The use of steroids diminishes the and sought to move on,” said Upper School DePeter, who trained at BlueStreak “Since I’m training for tennis, I get to integrity of the game, and it causes many to physics teacher Mr. John Paul Reid. “In the herself, said, “What motivated me to get work with the trainers to do sport-specific question the validity of baseball records. absence of that, however, we need to assume our team involved in BlueStreak was that training to improve my tennis skills, Freshman Julie Rohde said that this innocence until a player is proven guilty.” with lacrosse becoming a faster game agility, and speed.” sports B3 Iona Prep boys join the swim team Sports trips Varsity swimming merges two single-sex teams into one winning machine continued from page B3 clare mccarrick Ryan Marrano, while the captains of the “Sometimes it’s good and sometimes "My worst memory was when Ali girls team are seniors Ali Whelan and Kelly it’s bad,” said junior Kate Foley. “Some- opinions editor tricked us and said that we had to run Donlin. This is Kelly’s second year as cap- times they can be immature, but they make two six packs and nine gasers, which is Convent of the Sacred Heart boasts 13 tain, but her sixth year on the varsity swim swimming fun.” varsity sports. Twelve of these sports are team. Seventh graders have the opportu- Because the teams have done so well all girls. The exception is the swim team. nity to swim with the varsity team if they in competition, some members are very My worst memory The swim teams of Iona Pre- was when Ali tricked paratory and Sacred Heart “ joined to create a very strong us and said that we had team. to run two six packs The combination of the teams allows both the girls and nine gasers...I was and the boys to swim against so scared tears started schools in the New England streaming down my Prep School Swimming Asso- ciation League. As the league face. prefers to schedule meets - Sophomore Julia Giorgio where both boys and girls can ” compete, the combination of the two single-sex school a total of 14 laps around the field and 36 teams permits them to com- sprints across the width of the field. I was pete as a coed team. They are so scared tears started streaming down currently undefeated in that league. The girls team is also un- My favorite memo- defeated in the Fairchester ries [from last year’s Athletic Association. The “ boys, however, have suf- trip] were Oreo milk- fered a few losses to the very shakes at Applebees, competitive Chaminade and dance parties in our Fordham Preparatory swim courtesy of kelly donlin van...and dancing in the teams in the New York Cath- The Iona boys swim team practices with the Sacred Heart girls as a co-ed team in order participate in the olic High School Swimming New England Prep School Swimming Association League. hallways. Association. - Senior Morgan Davis The captains of the boys team are are able to swim at that level. confident of the strength of the swimming ” seniors Teddy Perley, Rob Eykmans, and “It’s very enjoyable to be able to coach team. It’s very enjoyable to both high school boys and girls at the same “We’re kind of a big deal,” said Iona my face," said sophomore Julia Giorgio. time,” said coach Maura Foster. “Every- senior Charlie Joyce. While there is definitely hard work be able to coach both body gets along well. The bus rides are involved in these trips, they are not all “high school boys and fun and, surprisingly, the boys like chick They’re fast, but we’re work and no play, and team bonding off girls at the same time. flicks.” faster. the field is emphasized just as strongly as Combining girls and boys from single- “ on-field technique. - Iona Senior Ryan Marrano Everybody gets along sex schools in one pool can create an in- "My favorite memories were Oreo teresting dynamic. Some students really ” well. The bus rides are milkshakes at Applebees, dance parties fun and, surprisingly, enjoy this aspect of the swim team. However, that does not mean that they in our van, using my whoopee cushion on “The boys are a lot of fun,” said senior lose their yearning to win. Both teams are everyone, pretending to be Maria from the boys like chick and co-captain Ali Whelan. “They are both very competitive, even with each other. the front desk and calling every room, flicks. funny and cute.” Regarding the girls team, Iona se- and dancing in the hallways," said senior Others can find some negatives in the nior Ryan Marrano said, “They’re fast, but Morgan Davis. - Coach” Maura Foster situation. we’re faster.”

Top 10 Super Bowl XLII Commercials wayneschillo.com

visionmx.com The E-Trade Baby Bud Light Wine & Cheese Dorito’s Mousetrap Pepsi: Justin Timberlake Coca-Cola Balloons Viewers are shown Justin This favorite commercial A group of couples hold a The winner of the “Crash The popular cartoon charac- Timberlake enjoying a meal when featured a baby with the voice wine and cheese tasting party. the Super Bowl” competition for ters Underdog and Stewie (from he is suddenly pulled back and of a man talking about how easy One man enters with a giant Doritos, this commercial features Family Guy) star as balloons in dragged through the streets and it is to buy stocks on e-trade. cheese wheel and brings it to the a morose-looking man who baits the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day suburbs of New York. He even- com. After earning “eight times kitchen, where other men are a mousetrap with Doritos. As he Parade. The two break loose and tually lands in the backyard of the national average” with an E- gathered around the counter. He patiently waits in front of the continue flying through the air, two girls sipping Pepsi while the trade savings account, the baby opens the cheese wheel to reveal mousehole, munching Doritos, a fighting for a giant Coca-Cola voiceover announces that “every said that he spent all of his extra a pack of Bud Light, while the man dressed in a mouse costume bottle balloon. However, it is the sip gets you closer to [a chance money on a clown but seriously other men open their baguettes jumps through the wall and at- classic Charlie Brown who comes and wine cases to reveal more at winning]4 Justin Timberlake out of nowhere5 to snag the deli- underestimated1 the creepiness. tacks him 3to get at the Doritos. beer and 2a TV to watch football. MP3’s, HDTV’s, and more.” cious drink.

Planter’s Ugly Chick Fed-Ex Carrier Pigeons Budweiser Clydesdales Tide-to-Go Interview Coca-Cola Jinx An unattractive woman A shipping company decides The famous Clydesdales A man goes into a typical job Republican Bill Frist and walks down the street. Men to implement a carrier pigeon horses are back for another inspi- interview despite a large stain on Democrat James Carville star in drool all over her and follow her policy, with gigantic pigeons to rational Budweiser Super Bowl his shirt. The interviewer asks this commercial, where they are around. In a flashback from that carry the bigger packages. After commercial, this time imperson- questions, but when the man first shown in a heated debate. morning, we see the woman do- the pigeons begin to destory the ating the famous Rocky movies. goes to answer, the stain on his After saying the same word, ing her hair, putting on makeup, city by dropping packages, pick- Hank the horse is not chosen for shirt begins to speak loudly in Frist “jinxes” Carville, who now and using a Planter’s peanut for ing up cars, and pecking at peo- the Cydesdale team and begins jibberish, distracting the inter- owes him a Coke. The two go out perfume. The irresistible smell of ple, the boss resolves to “switch intense training, with the help of viewer. Tide-to-Go helps you to onto the streets of Washington the peanuts instantly draws men to Fed-Ex.” a dalmation, for next year’s team. “silence the stain, immediately.” D.C. to buy a Coke. to her. 7 “One year later,” we are shown 9 6 Hank being8 led out to join the 10 team.

research by antonia cecio compiled and written by megan morelli On the steps of the Met Sacred Heart senior explores global fashion and design A look into the hottest styles on Gossip Girl emily schloss Rose Bracelet by Tarina Tarantino, From Italy to New York City, Meredith Murphy discovers her passion for art which has a similar design to the Danny photo editor sylvia khoury ring. Ashlee Simpson was photographed Blair, Serena, and Jenny are not just wearing these $38 bracelets in pink and features editor known for drama. The main characters black. of television’s new hit show Gossip Girl Jenny, along with other members Senior Meredith Murphy traveled to are also famous for their trendy clothes of the cast, has sported headbands by Italy two summers ago expecting to re- and accessories. Sporting looks from this Erin Fetherston. The headbands, now on turn a bona fide fashion student. Much year’s hottest designers, these girls know clearance for $3.99, are available in ebo- to her surprise, she preferred the rustic how to hit the streets in architecture of its grand cathedrals to the style. short-lived garments of fashion houses. On Serena’s and Dan’s “I used to think I was really interested first date, Serena wore a in fashion, but I learned that there’s more Tory Burch gold sequined to art than fashion. Fashion depends so dress. Also available in sil- much on the time period you’re in or the ver, the dress can be found place where you live. Design is personal at Bergdorf Goodman for and permanent,” said Meredith. $263, although it was orig- Currently a member of the AP Art inally priced at $750. class, Meredith hopes to pursue the de- For a less expensive sign side of art in college, having devel- version of Serena’s outfit, oped an affinity for its complexities over INC International Con- the summer at the Fashion Institute of cepts has the Metallic Se- Technology. quin Dress, available on sale for $48 at Macy’s. At school there’s a The Thanksgiving epi- focus on the humani- sode of Gossip Girl, “Blair “ Waldorf Must Pie!,” fea- ties and sciences, so tured a number of this fall’s my friends don’t get most popular fashions. Blair sported the Dita Lace to see me when I do mini dress from Marc by

instyle.com art. Marc Jacobs. This classic Serena van der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively, sports a - Senior Meredith Murphy dress with a modern twist gold-sequined dress by Tory Burch. In this episode, the pilot, ” can be bought at Saks Fifth Serena and Dan have their first date. Avenue. In a flashback to the “What helped me best understand In a flashback to the previous Thanks- the theory of design was the nude draw- giving, an intoxicated Serena donned the previous Thanksgiving, ing class I took. At first, it was terrifying. Marilyn Pleat Mini Dress by Alice and an“ intoxicated Serena I walked in late and I had no idea what Olivia, available for $169 on shopbop. donned the Marilyn we were sketching. All the lights were off, com. Even falling over herself, she looked there were no windows, and there was runway-ready in this outfit. Pleat Mini Dress by Alice just one light on this one model. After I Gossip Girl is not only known for and Olivia. finally adjusted, I started to draw,” said clothes, but also for accessories. Jenny Meredith. Humphrey often wears a silver ring by Meredith learned about the beauty Kimberly Baker. Called the “Danny” ring, ny, white and gold,” and red. Fetherston is of the human form as her teachers em- it can be found at kimberlybaker.com for one of the featured designers for Target’s phasized what was inside the body as At the heart of fashion $135. “GO. International Flights of Fashion” opposed to what can be gleaned at first A less expensive option is the Carved campaign. glance. It’s all about the jeans: Styles for everyone elyse yoder Comfort: Splurge: Delia’s Ryan Jeans staff writer True Religion Ava Heritage Select Big T-Berkley Wash If you’re looking for a pair of jeans to lounge and relax in, “Ryan” jeans from These stretch denim skinny leg jeans Delia’s are a great fit. Although they are are a perfect pair on which to splurge. comfy and easy to move around in, the The “Berkley” wash is a simple color, jeans are not baggy nor are they skin tight, but extra accessories contribute to the but a happy medium. They are made out extravagance of the jeans. They contain of cotton-spandex which contributes to the comfort level. Back flap pockets add a nice buttons sewn around the waistline and a touch to the “Ryan” jeans, which come in removable leather strap. True Religion’s light and dark blue denim. signature Fox C thread combination is displayed around the waistline. Price: $30.50 Price: $262.00 i i levisstore.com Dressy: gap.com Levi’s Eco Hi-Rise Skinny h On a budget: Gap Flap Pocket Boot Cut h For a casual or dressy look, Levi’s Eco Hi- Rise Skinny jeans are the pair to purchase. For those who are on a tight budget, the Wear these jeans to make a dressy outfit Flap Pocket Boot Cut jeans from the Gap more stunning or to dress up a casual are a simple pair that do not cost a fortune. ensemble. As a part of Levi’s eco line, these Because these jeans are not decorated, jeans are made up of organic cotton and almost anything can be worn with them green stitching. They feature faux gems and match easily. These premium stretch on the back belt loop and watch pockets to denim jeans create the curves you want give a special touch. The jeans are avail- and flatter curves you already have. able in midnight and black sheen.

Price: $29.99 Price: $78.00 store.delias.com truereligionbrandjeans.com Sacred Heart senior explores global fashion and design Backstage at From Italy to New York City, Meredith Murphy discovers her passion for art Mercedes- “Art hides some- busy and we went to his studio, where Benz Fashion thing, but design ex- he was in the middle of a shoot. He was poses things. It has a shooting these women for a body propor- purpose and a func- tions spread. He really knew what he was Week tion. There’s nothing doing and exactly what he wanted,” she kelly donlin hidden in my pic- said. contributing writer tures—they’re simple and edgy. There are As the lights went out, the white walls clear lines and defined What helped me best flanking the runway flashed images of ice edges,” she said. understand the theory sailing and The Killers music began pound- She also learned “ ing at the first show of Mercedes-Benz to manipulate photo- of design was the nude Fashion Week. Over the next 15 minutes graphs on Photoshop, drawing class I took. At the audience was treated to 45 different which is the basis of first, it was terrifying. I looks at Nautica’s men’s collection for the much of her current fall of 2008. Nautica’s Creative Director portfolio. It, in turn, walked in late and I had Miriam Lambert said she has always been consists of pictures of no idea what we were “in love with Nautica because of its asso- flowers taken at the ciation with water,” and it led her to chan- Botanical Gardens in sketching. nel “the active athlete into a line inspired by ice sailing.” The overall look for the fall New York City. Much - Senior Meredith Murphy of her portfolio was ” season is “practical: Global warming,” ac- inspired by the work cording to “Women’s Wear” in The Wall of her favorite de- Meredith’s aunt Carla Frank, the art Street Journal. sign artist, Howard director for Oprah Magazine, arranged As the models prepared to walk on Schatz. this encounter, and has helped her in her stage, giant signs backstage reminded “I actually got to artistic endeavors. Her parents have also them to be, “masculine, confident, sexy, meet Howard Schatz. been supportive, frequently searching for healthy.” The runway was filled with the He’s a famous pho- programs to help her further her experi- signature blue and yellow pieces of Nautica tographer who works ences. but was accentuated by red accents includ- with dimension and She claims that the reception of the ing helmets, scarves, knit caps, and wind- light and nude mod- arts at school is entirely different. breakers. els. He takes ordinary “At school there’s a focus on the flowers and heightens humanities and sciences, so my friends their dimensions to don’t get to see me when I do art. Some- give them personali- times when I say I want to major in the ties,” she said. arts, there are a couple of eyebrow lifts,” Schatz is a fine she said. arts-based photog- Influenced by her time at FIT this rapher out of New summer, Meredith hopes to major in York City. His work graphic design and international busi- has been published ness. meredith murphy in magazines from “I took an international design mar- Time to Vogue. He ex- keting class, and we talked about how to periments with move- target a design market and the socioeco-

ment, water, and flu- nomic issues in selling a design product. donlin kelly of courtesy At the heart of fashion idity. I thought it was really interesting,” she Kelly Donlin met Nautica’s Creative Director Miriam Lambert backstage at the show. “He was really said.

There was a mix of vests, cargo, sweat- pants, rugbyies with cashmere, three-piece Older styles make a comeback suits, and bowties. Chris Noth, “Mr. Big” from Sex and the City, sat enthralled in the Teachers reminisce about the fashions of their high school days front row. While the 20 models emulated lizzy von klemperer “I wore a uniform in high school, so However, hair styles that were popu- athletes during the entire show, it was ap- I don’t remember any specific style from lar in the 1980s have not returned. 1980s parent they had fun with designs as they staff writer my high school. Uniforms then were simi- hair included teased, huge, curly, frizzy, enthusiastically walked down the runway, Some Convent of the Sacred Heart lar to the uniforms that Sacred Heart stu- and dyed hair. Headbands were popular, shirtless. teachers spent their high school days in and hairspray was essential. Backstage was a blur of lights and the 1970s, when tie dye and platform “I don’t really know noise. Models frantically searched for their shoes were popular. Others went to high what styles have come back clothes while crew members attempted to school in the 1980s, when leg warmers, since my high school years, change everything for the next show, yet oversized shirts, shoulder pads, and fin- because I was in high school the Creative Director remained collected. gerless gloves were the latest fads. In the so recently that there hasn’t She successfully combined the concepts of 1990s, teachers experienced styles like been much of a change,” said the athlete, the spectator, and the owner grunge, fluorescent clothing, and fanny Upper School math teacher into one fluid show. Directly behind the packs. Those eras may be long-gone, but Miss Samantha Lehn, wear- runway were 45 candids of the models their fashion influences are making a ing a baby doll dress and leg- from the run-through, so that in the hustle comeback. gings, an outfit combination of frantically switching outfits, the models “I went to school during the horse reminiscent of the 1980s. could make sure they were wearing the and buggie days,” said Upper School “In high school, bright col- correct ensemble. Next to the Polaroid, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Catherine ors in sweatshirts, socks and each model placed their official company Hennelly. “The fashions that I see com- shoelaces were popular,” she modeling card for people to take. Some ing back today are peasant tops, and said. even included their emails, websites, and some people still wear and make tie dye The official stereotypes cell phone numbers. Within five minutes of t-shirts or socks. The fashion that I don’t and divisions between styles, the show’s end, more than half of the cards see coming back from my high school like preppy, Goth, and punk were ripped off the wall by other designers years are platform shoes.” have remained prevalent and the press. During the Upper School Kick Off in throughout the ages. Twenty Each model had his own dressing rack the fall, students tie dyed t-shirts, a tra- years later, brands like La- with a poster affixed to the front depict- dition borrowed from the 1970s. Other coste and Ralph Lauren con- ing each of his different looks, including Sacred Heart trends reflect the styles of tinue to define the preppy the accessories for the finale. Chad W., a the 1980s. style. model who had four looks, including the fi- courtesy of samantha lehn Upper School Dean of Students Miss Miss Samantha Lehn, Upper School mathematics teacher, “I think big styles that nale, had instructions that were so detailed Karen Panarella said, “Leggings and skin- poses with her prom date. She thinks that fashion styles this generation will be remem- that they instructed him to wear his blue/ ny jeans have definitely made a comeback have not changed much since she attended high school. bered for are big earrings, like white striped Henley “tucked in, pulled from the 1980s.” hoops or chandeliers. I espe- out slightly on the right side,” and his yel- A main component of the Sacred dents wear, except the girls rolled their cially love mismatching earrings, like a low Nautica scarf “wrapped twice around Heart uniform is leggings in the winter. skirts more, so everyone looked like they lock and a key or two different musical neck.” Outside of school, over-sized shirts over had really thick waistbands,” said Miss notes,” said sophomore Chrissy Fernan- But the attention to detail paid off. The leggings have come back into style. Panarella. dez. show was a great success. B6 arts

with personal back stories and light Boys at the Convent melodies. Growing up, Alison was a passionate continued from B1 Lacerenza picked up Katie Eisenberg on stage and spun her around... right into the REal writer, often writing her own lyrics and “I think that Sacred Heart students window set piece, which promptly fell right accompanying them once she taught are equal to the task of playing boy roles over," said Ryan. herself to play the piano. Some of her and that we should not cast any students Into the Woods has been a learning inspirations include Aqualung, Coldplay, our performances,” said freshman Grace experience for all and many feel it has helped and Keane, and their laid back tones can Hirshorn. "I do recognize the benefit ROCK be heard in many of her songs. them grow as a person. of authenticity in casting ‘real boys’ for Stephen said, "It has changed my life Below the Radar more mature roles and in the context of greatly, and I am thinking about attending Alison was a passion- relationships between characters. However, next year." I think that whenever possible, male roles Ryan credits Ms. Maloy to helping A Fine Frenzy ate writer, often writing should be assigned to Sacred Heart students “ him through this show and Dancing at her own lyrics and ac- to provide more opportunities for aspiring Lughnasa. companying them once student thespians." "When I first learned during Dancing at Lughnasa that I would have to learn she taught herself to five different monologues, I thought about play the piano. dropping out while they still had time to find a replacement," he said. "But Ms. Maloy A Fine Frenzy’s debut” album, One pulled me aside and really gave me the help and advice I needed." Cell in the Sea, was released July 17, 2007 While most of the boys are seniors and and reached 91 on the Billboard 200 unable to return next year, Stephen hopes to chart. The album’s first single, “Almost be a part of Sacred Heart productions in the Lover,” also made it to 25 on Billboard’s future. Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. "I would be honored to return next Other songs on her album, such year because I could not fathom how my life as “Near to You,” tell stories of past would be without [Sacred Heart]." relationships and break-ups, with her Other than acting, the boys have a low, soft vocals that bring out the pain wide variety of interests. Most of them in her stories. Others, such as “Borrowed are musically inclined, and both Stephen Time,” bring a more cheery note with a and Nick play the baritone saxophones for more pop-tone than her other songs their respective schools. Stephen also plays

the bass drum and guitar, and Ryan has afinefrenzy.com

megan morelli Her inspirations been playing the piano since before he can Alison Sudol, from A Fine Frenzy, sings and Ryan Matherne and Nick D’Addesio plays the piano. include Aqualung, rehearse for Into the Woods. remember. He also has a strong background in the martial arts. “Coldplay, and Keane, megan morelli All four boys see this as a positive "I have my first dan black belt in and their laid back experience, and each has his favorite Taekwondo, a little more than a year’s worth asst. arts editor moments so far. While Stephen is in awe of of Krav Maga, and I’m currently working tones can be heard in the clean bathrooms compared to the ones towards my black belt in Kimpo. I intend With a name pulled straight out of many of her songs. at his school, Jake’s highlight was watching on hopefully opening up my own Do Jang Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Katie milk Grace Hirshorn, who plays Jack’s eventually," he said. Dream, it’s no wonder that A Fine Frenzy beloved pet cow. is bringing a unique sound to the music Already making it big as a VH1” You Jake also has an unusual hobby. Ryan had many to choose from, but his "I have a multitude of interests, but I industry. Twenty-two-year-old Alison Oughta Know artist and an iTunes free favorite came from a rehearsal at Dancing at cannot disclose them at this time, as they are Sudol and her piano provide heartfelt single of the week, A Fine Frenzy also Lughnasa. currently confidential," he said. "Okay, fine, lyrics with simple piano arrangements. opened with Rufus Wainwright during "I think one of the best was when Megan I’m a spy." Alison’s airy vocals breathe life into songs his ’07 summer tour in New York. arts B7 Gamers rock and roll at home with Guitar Hero Newest version of video game proves popular with consumers lauren manning easy when others play it. It doesn’t look that “I haven’t used the old version of Guitar said Gillian. complicated, but it is a lot harder than it Hero, but the new version looks good. The Guitar Hero has been featured in music arts editor looks. You are trying to do so many things at technology is great, and it is one of the better videos and TV shows such as Gossip Girl. It is For everyone from casual gamers to avid once,” said freshman Tara Nooyi. design themes I’ve seen,” said junior Gillian a popular party game and has helped bands players, Guitar Hero gives regular people the Even popular musicians have joined the Redman. gain fame when they are featured on chance to be rock stars. A fixture on the tour Guitar Hero phenomenon, having played For those who feel that they the game’s set list. One band reported buses of superstars and in the playrooms of on tour buses, at home, or even on stage. are musically challenged, a 126 percent increase in sales after families, Guitar Hero has quickly become In early 2007, celebrities teamed up with Guitar Hero being featured on the game. a popular addition to the worlds of video Guitar Hero and Red The game’s creators recently gaming and music. Bull brands to released Rock Band, a four-player game Guitar Hero, produced by Activision, that allows singers, drummers, and bass pgrevolution.com lets people play along with the hits of provides an guitarists to rock along with Guitar Hero’s music legends like The Police and Jimi experience of top- standard lead guitar. Hendrix, without leaving the living notch musical tracks with no “Rock Band is fun because you can room. The game is played by pressing guitar skills necessary. play it with your entire family or friends,” multi-colored buttons on the neck of “Guitar Hero is a fusion of music and said senior Emily Leitner. “It’s a lot of fun a plastic guitar, which correspond to gaming,” said sophomore Chrissy Fernandez. to collaborate and participate in the game. musical notes scrolling on the TV “I don’t think it really matters that it is not I enjoy hearing people sing in Rock Band. screen to which the gaming system is like a real guitar, because it is so much fun It’s hilarious to listen to your friends sing connected. Players earn points when to play.” renditions of songs you know,” she said. they successfully hit a note and can play at For sophomore Maria Brusco, the fact higher difficulty levels as they improve. personalize that the game is nothing like a real guitar is I didn’t know what the “I never play video games on the Guitar Hero II a turn off. big deal was, but...it’s re- computer, and I don’t really like the Wii,” controllers to raise “I haven’t really played Guitar Hero, “ally addicting. Now, my said Convent of the Sacred Heart Director money for charity. but I would much rather play the real thing,” of Community Service Mrs. Kerry Bader. “I would definitely buy these controllers said Maria. daughter and I fight over “When my kids kept asking for Guitar Hero, because these are for an actual purpose. Guitar Hero has also done a lot for the whose turn it is to play. I didn’t know what the big deal was, but once entertainment business. Many bars and It is for fun, but it’s better when you use it - Director of Community Service you start playing it’s really addicting. Now, for charity purposes also,” said freshman clubs host “Guitar Hero nights,” replacing Mrs. Kerry Bader my daughter and I fight over whose turn it is ” Anastassia Lindo. the classic karaoke night with something less to play,” she said. Although hitting the right After the initial release in 2005, four embarrassing. The prices of Guitar Hero and Rock notes does not look particularly difficult, for more Guitar Hero games were released and “I think that Guitar Hero nights are Band vary depending on which game console many, Guitar Hero is much more difficult millions of copies were sold. The newest a good thing. That is kind of a lifesaver, is used, but the average cost is around $70 then it looks. version includes a wireless guitar and a because most people who do karaoke should and $170, respectively. Both have a strong “I just got the game, and it looks so much-improved song listing. probably not be doing it in the first place,” fan base and a thriving online community. And the award goes to... A monster hit on Broadway Sophomore Beth Labossiere wins film award Young Frankenstein moves to the stage emily oehlsen mentary featured the preparation and pre- megan morelli Chaperone, Thoroughly Modern Millie) sentation of the musical Pippin, which was who truly shines with her rendition of “Roll asst. news editor performed in the summer of 2007. asst. arts editor in the Hay,” a spoof of the classic movie Very few people can claim to be first The Off-Beat Players, established by Young Frankenstein, the brainchild of line. Together, they discover Frederick’s in the country for anything, because in a executive producer Kim Malara, is based quirky comedian Mel Brooks, opened on grandfather’s scientific secret and are de- country of just over 300 million people, it in Greenwich, Connecticut at the Arch Broadway on November 8, termined to continue is no easy feat to be first. But a Convent of Street Teen Center. 2007. Based on the 1974 his research. the Sacred Heart sophomore, Beth LaBos- “I have been part of The Off-Beat Play- hit movie, which snagged Other standout siere, has those unique bragging rights. ers for more than two years,” said Beth. two Academy Award nomi- stars include Shuler On Saturday January 28, Beth attend- “After the first year, I loved it and knew I nations, and Mary Shelley’s Hensley, who plays ed her first broadcast journalism confer- wanted to keep doing it.” classic novel, this enticing the part of the “mon- ence and won first place in the nation for Beth originally wanted to make The new musical will draw the ster” created by Dr. her documentary Off-Beat Players attention of all audience Frankenstein with about The Off-Beat the subject of her members. Whether or not striking similarity to Players. documentary they have seen the movie, Peter Boyle from the Along with when the proj- the comedic style of Mr. film version. Will & sophomores Ka- ect was assigned Brooks will not be over- Grace fans will en- tie Randolph and by Studio Direc- looked. joy the performance Adaire Carey, Beth tor and Broad- Favorite old charac- of Megan Mullaly as traveled to Ana- cast Journalism ters such as Mr. Hilltop, Elizabeth, Dr. Fran- heim, California teacher Ms. Ellyn the volunteer used by Dr. kenstein’s fiancée to attend a confer- Stewart in the Frankenstein at the begin- back in New York. ence hosted by the spring of 2007. ning of the show, will have evolvingnerwen.blogspot.com However, Andrea Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein hit

Student Television courtesy of beth labossiere But because viewers reminiscing about the Broadway stage in early Novem- Martin (Fiddler on the Network. Sophomore Beth LaBossiere, pictured above with footage was not the classic movie. ber 2008. Roof, Oklahoma) truly sophomores Adaire Carey and Katie Randolph, Beth received was honored with a first place award for her available until the “You know it attracts steals the show, with her award on Sat- documentary at the Student Television Network. group reconvened a bunch of fans of the movie,” said ensem- her perfect comedic timing and Transylva- urday night from in the summer, ble member Jack Doyle. “I always hear a nian accent as the famous Frau Blücher. two industry professionals. this was impossible. few laughs when I come out as Mr. Hilltop With a $16-million plus budget, it’s no The conference was sponsored by Instead, Beth decided to gather foot- on the stretcher, because they know what’s wonder that, with the start of an extremely Adobe, Apple, and Schooltube.com, a site age during the summer and make the doc- coming.” realistic lightning bolt, the sets and light- similar to YouTube, where students can umentary in the fall. For those not familiar with the plot ing instantly pull audiences in. But with air their work. Featured at the conference Beth said, “This is definitely my favor- line, the musical stars Roger Bart, last tickets up to $450 per seat, nothing less is were lectures, break-out sessions, and on- ite piece. I worked really hard because I seen in The Producers, as Dr. Frederick expected. Director and choreographer Su- site filming contests. cared a lot about how it turned out.” Frankenstein, a New York brain surgeon san Stroman, who previously worked with “My favorite part of the conference Beth, who has been in broadcast jour- and professor who travels to Transylvania Mr. Brooks on The Producers, once again was seeing the work that other people had nalism since her freshman year, has dedi- to settle his late grandfather’s estate. Dr. brings her talent to the stage with outstand- made in the on-site contests,” said Beth. cated herself to her work. Frankenstein’s grandfather was a mad sci- ing dance numbers such as “Puttin’ on the “We were intimidated by the idea, but “I am proud of Beth for taking a topic entist, said to have found a way of bringing Ritz,” pulled directly from the movie, and when we saw the final product, there was a that she is really passionate about, helping dead people back to life, who was hated and the “Transylvania Mania.” big range of ability. We could have partici- people with special needs, and applying feared by Transylvanians. Although ticket prices are at record pated in it and won an award.” this passion to a thought-provoking docu- Frederick, who insists that others highs on Broadway, audience members will Through The Off-Beat Players, the fo- mentary,” said Ms. Stewart. “Beth spent mispronounce his last name to avoid be- not be disappointed. From dancing mon- cus of Beth’s documentary, 50 high school hundreds of hours videotaping and edit- ing associated with his grandfather, joins sters, to yodeling, and almost word-for- and college students collaborate to put ing her documentary. I am impressed by up with the infamous character Igor, bril- word jokes straight from the movie, Young on a theater production. The 6-week long her tenacity and her maturity.” liantly portrayed by Christopher Fitzger- Frankenstein will leave audience members summer program involves kids both with Beth hopes to attend the Student Tele- ald of Wicked fame, and his “lab assistant” waiting for the next trick up Mel Brooks’ and without special needs. Beth’s docu- vision Network conference next year. Inga, played by Sutton Foster (The Drowsy sleeve. B8 arts Foreign Film Focus Poets meet in Port Chester Still Life stands for sleep-inducing Two local schools gather for poetry coffeehouse conflict with the Three Gorges Dam. The cristina ceballos Greenwich Academy and hold workshops Three Gorges Dam, a massive government cristina ceballos managing editor throughout the day. project to create a hydroelectric power managing editor “The poets will share their own work, Insomniacs rejoice, a cure has been source, will also displace an estimated 1.13 and later we’ll have a workshop rotation found. Chinese director Jiang Zhang-ke’s million Chinese as their homes slowly sink Sipping hot tea and bundled up in where we’ll split into smaller groups,” latest film, Still Life, is the perfect remedy below the new waterline. In Fengjie, villag- warm winter coats, young literati from said Greenwich Academy junior Carson for anyone in need of a good nap. Set in ers are already leaving, and 200-year-old the Greenwich area gathered to read and Wos, who works on Daedalus and helped the Chinese village of Fengjie, the movie buildings are demolished in a matter of discuss po- organize etry. Stu- chronicles the lives of coal miner Sanming months. the event. dents from “They’ll and housewife Shen Hong, who travel to Residents seem cynically resigned to Convent of have Fengjie in search of their missing spouses. the impending destruction, bewildered the Sacred writing Both eventually find them, but not much but helpless before the changes. When Heart and prompts else happens during the nearly two-hour Sanming asks a young moped driver to Greenwich to get us film. Instead, the movie drags on with over- take him to his wife’s old house, the driver Academy started, ly-long, dull scenes and a vague plot that merely points at a distant spot of green in met around and we’ll fails to capture the audience’s interest. the middle of the flooded valley, saying, a cozy ta- also send The movie focuses on the parallel “Your street is where that island is.” An el- ble in Wa- our po- terfront journeys of Sanming, played by actor Han derly hotel owner, forced to move out of his etry to Roasters them Sanming, and Shen Hong, played by Zhao lifelong home, finds a new house under a café for a in ad- Tao. Sanming, a simple coal miner, travels bridge which rattles with every passing ve- poetry cof- vance to Fengjie to find his wife and 16-year-old hicle. feehouse so they daughter, seeking reconciliation after they The film lightly touches upon the prob- on Febru- can left him over a decade ago. Shen Hong, on lem of political injustice and corruption, ary 10. read it courtesy of liz masi the other hand, wants to get a divorce from although the censorship of the Chinese They Students from Convent of the Sacred Heart and Greenwich Acad- and cri- her husband, an unfaithful businessman government prevents any stinging con- read their emy gathered on February 10 at Waterfront Roasters Cafe in Port tique it. in charge of the Three Gorges Dam proj- demnations. In one scene, a family argues own poetry Chester to share their poetry. This is a as well as ect. Since the two characters never meet, loudly with a relocation official, pleading really ex- works from their favorite published poets. citing opportunity for all of us,” she said. the film jumps between the two storylines, for government compensation after their The topics ranged from childhood memo- This is the first time that the poetry switching abruptly at seemingly arbitrary home was flooded. Guo Bin, the business- ries, to growing up, to The Great Gatsby. festival will occur. The idea was originally moments. man husband of Shen Hong, regularly em- Mr. Jeff Schwartz, an English teacher at conceived over the summer, and students The acting, although adequate, is noth- ploys gangs of thugs to beat up rival com- Greenwich Academy, read a poem titled have been planning the event throughout ing exceptional. Director Zhang-ke uses pany workers. But Zhang-ke does not dwell “Ohio is where we begin,” about his child- the year. little dialogue throughout the film, instead on this theme, preferring instead to chron- hood experiences in Ohio. preferring long, drawn-out scenes in which icle the Three Gorges Dam project through “It was a great way to get to know It was a great way to the characters say little and silently stare at wide panoramic shots of the rising river each other, since you learn a lot about people through their writing,” said Sylvia get to know each other each other instead. A typical scene includes and the surrounding mountainside. Khoury, a senior at Sacred Heart and the “ a short question or comment by one of The cinematography is extremely real- since you learn a lot Editor in Chief of the school literary mag- the protagonists, followed by a long, awk- istic, with a jerky, almost documentary-like azine, Perspectives. “Since we’re going to about people through ward silence as the camera pans across the feel. Special effects are rare, although there have the poetry festival soon, we decided their writing. scene with agonizing slowness. Five min- is one inexplicable scene in which a build- that the coffeehouse would be a good way utes later, another character deigns to re- ing takes off like a rocket, leaving behind a to meet and get to know each other be- - Senior Sylvia Khoury spond, but the long-awaited answer is usu- cloud of dust. This utterly bizarre incident, forehand,” she said. ” ally three words long. Another long silence unseen by the characters and left complete- The staffs of Perspectives and Dae- “Organizing it has been so much follows, and finally a cut to the next scene. ly unexplained, was the last straw in an al- dalus, Greenwich Academy’s literary work, but it should be a lot of fun,” said magazine, are planning an inter-school Although the sluggish pace was relaxing for ready frustrating film. The sheer absurdity Heath Goldman, a junior at Greenwich poetry festival to be held on February 23. Academy who read some of her poetry at the first half hour, by the end it was merely of it overwhelmed any of the movie’s re- The poetry festival will allow young po- the coffeehouse. “I met two of the poets, maddening. maining credibility. Slow, boring, and just ets to share their works with published Brad Davis and Dan Donahue, from a The most interesting part of Still Life is plain strange, Still Life is best described as poets like Robin Becker, Brad Davis, writing workshop that I did over the sum- its setting, in the center of China’s current sleep-inducing. D and Dan Donahue. These poets will visit mer at the Pomfret School.” Q: What is your favorite fashion accessory?

I love to wear jewelry because it is an easy way to add pizzazz to my outfit and express myself beyond our regular uniforms. “ ” - Freshman Erin Aoyama My favorite accessory would definitely be shoes. I love how there are so “many different styles. Shoes can easily express people’s personalities and add character to any boring outfit. - Sophomore Jillian Georgio ” jcrew.com

I’m a bag person. I love big bags, especially huge leather bags. “ - Junior Kyla Harrington

nordstroms.com ”

Shoes are the best accessory, especially if you don’t feel like “wearing a colorful outfit. They can make an outfit casual or elegant. - Senior Josie Blanco ” jcrew.com I’d have to say the skirt. It’s what I own the most of be- “cause they are just so flowy and happy. - Upper School math teacher compiled by deidre miller Ms. Samantha” Lehn photo and graphics by megan morelli