Quill Issue V Published by the Students of Greenport High School

June 3, 2009 Volume 81 The Quill Issue V Published by the Students of Greenport High School

(Left to right): Technology Teacher Dan Pearce and new superintendent Michael Comanda Greenport’s New Leader Michael Comanda is named next year’s superintendent By Rob Mills “All students, all the time, no excuses, no Comanda started out at SUNY Upon his return, Comanda worked exceptions!” This is the motto GHS principal, Geneseo (State University of New York) at Hampton Bays School for three years as a Mike Comanda, will be bringing with him to where he earned his bachelors in special ed- special education resource room teacher. He his new position in Greenport Schools. The ucation. For the next ten years he worked in would also receive his administrative certifi - opportunity to leave the high school princi- Orlando, Florida as a self-contained special cate at Dowling. He spent seven and a half pal’s position and takeover the job as superin- education teacher for emotionally disturbed years as an assistant principal at Riverhead tendent is among the most diffi cult decisions students. High School. As for the last eight years of Comanda has ever made. As superintendent, He earned his masters at the Univer- his career, he has spent them right here at Comanda hopes to maintain the great rela- sity of Central Florida. GHS. He developed a strong passion for the tionships he has built with the community, Comanda and his wife were both born students of Greenport. After each and every the students, and the staff. He feels, how- and raised on Long Island. He went to high period of the day, Comanda can be seen talk- ever, that he will have just as much, if not school not too far away from Greenport, in ing and interacting with the students around more, contact with the students. “I will have Commack. They moved back to the island him. He is someone students can go to with more contact with the elementary school. I when they decided to have kids. “We believed their problems, ... can walk out of the offi ce anytime and inter- it was very important for our children to be act with the students,” says Comanda. raised around family,” said Comanda. -Continued on Page 9 2 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Editorials We are looking for local businesses to The Dear GHS students and faculty, Quill advertise in The Quill. There are two remaining issues this year. The adver- This year, we will feature student and facul- tisement size and cost per issue are as ty work each issue. Please submit poems, stories, follows: Vol. 81, Issue V photos, drawings, anything you think might be of 1/8 page $35. per issue interest. We look forward to your work! June 3, 2009 ¼ page $60. per issue ½ page $115. per issue Sincerely, Editorial Board Full page $225. per issue The Quill Staff If you are interested in advertising in Give submissions to Mrs. Gibbs, Room 301 The Quill, please contact Jennifer Gibbs EDITOR-IN-CHIEF at 477-1950 extension 364. Robert Mills

Got comments? E-mail us at [email protected] LAYOUT EDITOR Will Bunchuck

Editorial COPY EDITOR By Rob Mills Kristin Biggs

Seniors, the time has come for us learned something new about someone STAFF/REPORTERS to take the next great step in life, Gradu- else on the trip as well as themselves. Katie Zurek ation. Greenport has helped mold and It was a bonding experience that I am Emily Demarest shape our lives. It has created memories sure affected each and every senior that Sara Maaiki great and poor. If there is one thing we went. For those who did not get a chance Caitlin Ryan must never do, it is to erase this time to experience the senior trip, there is al- Megan Drobny from our minds. It has been a most plea- ways Senior Skip Day, in which a fun Sontaneice Griffin surable experience, one I am grateful ﬁ lled day off from school will help the Greg Turner to have shared with many of my class- class bind together. These are all experi- Sarah Parker mates, as I’m sure you are too. ences that we will remember for years to Victoria Carasone Years will go by before our class come. Kaitlin McElroy will be completely back together again. Given Greenport High School’s Kelly Bracken Therefore, we must make the best of small nature, we have been able to get Chanice Taylor our remaining days, creating more and to know each and every one of our class- Desiree Freeman more memories we can cherish as we get mates, as well as the underclassmen. Sara Morey older. I can guarantee you will remem- That is a gift not many other schools can Callie Bubb ber these days for the rest of your lives. give. Greenport is a unique place with Many would say our class is not a unique personality. Our time here has PHOTOGRAPHER as close as those in the past, and I sadly taught us many life lessons and helped Estefany Molina tend to agree. There are many different us grow into the adults we will become. groups of friends and enemies. How- As a class we must continue to exert The Quill ADVISER ever, I believe this will change if it has the character built into our lives by the Mrs. Jennifer Gibbs already not begun to. For those seniors amazing and unique education we have who were able to go on the trip to Flor- received here. ida, I am sure many would agree they The Quill is the official publication of Greenport High School. Opinions ex- Dedication: pressed on the editorial pages do not On behalf of the senior class and all The Quill members, we would like to necessarily express the viewpoints or dedicate this issue of The Quill to Mrs. Jennifer Gibbs, our Quill adviser, for all of official policies of the school. The Quill her hard work, dedication, and persistence in working with us to produce some of welcomes all readers’ opinions on all Greenport High School’s ﬁ nest issues of The Quill. topics. Letters must be signed, but names Thank you Mrs. Gibbs for helping to make our high school careers a memo- may be witheld upon request. The editors rable learning experience and giving each and every one of your students a lesson reserve the right to reject, edit, or shorten they will take with them for years to come. You have been our history teacher and letters. All letters should be sent to : our journalism teacher, but most importantly, you have been our friend. Thank The Quill, c/o Mrs. Gibbs, you for everything you’ve done. GHS will not be the same without you. Greenport High School -Senior Class 2009 720 Front Street Greenport, N.Y. 11944 The Quill • June 3, 2009 3 Opinion Pieces/Features GreenportGGr School’s Big Changes

Byyy Tim Heaney Although I won’t be wandering the Abruzzo is no longer in the high school of- scrawny legs can hold it up. Mr. Golden will mean halls of Greenport High next year, there fi ce; that’s because Mrs. Capone got a job at be teaching an A.P. Micro Economics class will be many changes. Some may or may not East End Eye Associates, and Mrs. Abruzzo which focuses on how they get cheap people agree with them, but change is inevitable. Not is training with Dr. Kozora to be Mr. Coman- like him to buy things through marketing. only is enrollment dropping from 361 to 326, da’s secretary next year. As everyone knows Mr. Martilotta will be teaching an array of but we all know that Mr. Pearce, Mrs. Gibbs, by now Comanda is taking the responsibility electives, which he feels is awesome. Dr. Kozora, Mr. LaSalle, and Mrs. Thompson of superintendent, and seems to be gearing won’t be here. up and getting ready. He should make a great Mr. Pearce will be replaced by a young replacement. Comanda’s job will be taken guy from Long Island. He will take over on by a Mr. Skuggevik; he likes to be called Mr. Davis’s Production Systems class, and “Skuggs”. will also introduce a much anticipated CAD All exterior doors will be locked from class. Unfortunately Auto Tech won’t be of- 9:00AM to 2:45PM. There will be a camera, fered next year, but will be in two years. He and intercom/buzzer system at the front en- is qualifi ed to teach the course, but when the trance and the northwest handicap accessible curriculum was planned, a replacement had door. Some feel this will take away from our not yet been found. Even though I won’t be rural laid back feel, and others are for any- here, I think that a Metal Shop class would be thing that will help improve student safety. a wonderful thing to bring to GHS. This is in the budget under “Central Services Mrs. Gibbs duties will be picked up Maintenance” for $16,200. There is also hope by Mr. Connolly, and Mrs. Viggiano; they for some improvement to be done. There is a are dually certifi ed. Two of Mrs. Thompson’s long range repair plan known as the “Building math classes will be taken on by Ms. Foster. Envelope” which will be done in stages, and Mr. LaSalle’s Spanish classes will be taken on set in motion next year. This is long overdue, by a female teacher that is currently teach- as most of us don’t appreciate getting rained ing Spanish at the Jail, so she should be more on while studying PH balances. than capable of dealing with the torturous Mr. Conti will be taking on the heavy Greenport students. Many have noticed Mrs. burden of The Quill, and let’s just hope his Tim Heaney Goodbye... A last word from history teacher Jenny Gibbs

By Jenny Gibbs, History Teacher/ Quill Adviser

A few months ago, I would never become a better teacher and a better are the best. I will always remember have anticipated that I would be saying person. I consider myself most fortu- 9th period. You know where to ﬁ nd goodbye to Greenport, but here I am. nate. me. We don’t have much Quill space left so I would like to express my grati- The last thing I would like to say I need to be brief, but know that every tude to Dale. Dale, your actions proved is that Greenport has many wonderful word is heartfelt. to me that I must have done something years to look forward to. Mike Coman- I have been blessed to have right. Your efforts made me cry (in a da, as superintendent, will guide the worked with the teachers and students good way).You have so much poten- school with integrity. He is the only of Greenport. The last four years have tial. Recognize the opportunities that choice for Greenport. Mr. Comanda, been the most challenging yet the most are out there for you, work hard, and I thank you for the support you have rewarding of my teaching career. For shine. I believe in you. Thank you. given me over the last four years, espe- some, teaching is a job; for others it is I would also like to thank every- cially for the last few months. a calling. Greenport is truly fortunate one who has been so supportive of me. It has been an honor to have been to have so many individuals following I do believe that when a door closes, a a Porter. Best wishes to all of you. a calling. As for Greenport students, window opens. without question they have helped me As for my journalism kids, you 4 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Our School Farewell: Alicia Thompson Dan Pearce

By Caitlin Ryan By Alex Angelson Since 1978 GHS has been a second home to math Thirty-One years of teaching are fi nally teacher Alicia Thompson. However this June, she is re- coming to a close. As June becomes closer and tiring. Over the years Thompson has been of Greenport’s closer, so does the retirement of a great Green- most valuable educators. “She is very patient, and she port High School teacher. Shop teacher, Daniel keeps math class interesting,” says junior Kyle Simcik. Pearce, is retiring after a long, successful teaching Thompson’s unique methods have helped many Green- career. “I do not regret my time in Greenport,” port students. Junior Tristan Mangham said, “Mrs. Pearce said. “I will not miss the bell between Thompson is the best. She made it fun and easy for me periods. I am sure of that,” he added. Some of his to learn.” Whether it’s the creative songs Thompson most memorable times were the senior trips and sings, or the crazy décor on her classroom walls, every- the Washington trips. “Each was unique; I was one walking into room 208 seems to learn. able to see the kids outside of school.” Mr. Pearce What might be more surprising is Thompson’s in- wants to let someone new come in. “I want to fl uence on more than just her students. “I’m defi nitely have more free time to relax and spend more time going to miss her. Alicia was a big help to me when I fi rst with my family.” When asked about Drivers Ed, came to GHS. She’s always smiling, and I’m also going “There’s nothing like the A-Squad,” he said with a to miss her saying have a good weekend on Mondays,” laugh. But yes, he does plan to continue teaching said one of Thompson’s co-workers, Greg Dlhopolsky. Drivers Ed. Good luck Mr. Pearce. We’ll miss you. Teacher Donna Foster also had praise for Thompson. “There is no one more creative in developing intricate Pura Capone math concepts than she is,” said Foster. Other GHS By Megan Drobny & Kaitlin McElroy faculty members felt Thompson will be missed among Greenport School hallways. “Professionally I am devas- With Dr. Charles Kozora retiring, there will be a tated she is leaving, but personally I am so happy for new secretary for the new superintendent which means her,” said GHS Principal and soon to be Superintendent Mrs. Capone will be leaving Greenport School. She has Michael Comanda. Athletic director Robert Constantini landed a great new job, however, as a medical secretary said that GHS was going to lose one of the “most tal- and surgical coordinator at the East End Eye Associates ented, gifted, and sweet” women he has ever met. in Riverhead. So what is next for Thompson? “My husband and Capone has been part of Greenport’s staff since I have a cabin in Maine. We would like to spend more September 1998. Before working here, she worked at time there. We also might do some traveling,” said Brookhaven Memorial Hospital as a unit secretary and Thompson. But it doesn’t appear that her retirement nursing assistant. She also worked at Suffolk Com- plans will keep her from GHS permanently. Thompson munity College. Capone could be described as a true says it is possible that she will continue to perform in people-person. She started here as an assistant in the el- Greenport Idol. She also plans to maintain her avid in- ementary offi ce and in 2001 was offered the position of volvement with music, in her band and church. Dr. Kozora’s secretary. Capone says she has thoroughly Although it is hard for all of Thompson’s students enjoyed working here for the past 11 years and is really to put their gratitude into words, senior Louie Filippides going to miss it. “The staff and faculty, the students, and did. “Throughout my high school career there has been the whole community are awesome. I wish to continue no other teacher that I looked forward to seeing smile the friendships I’ve made here.” From working in the as I walk down the hall. I hope Mrs. Thompson enjoys medical fi eld to working in a school environment and every moment of her retirement.” GHS wishes Mrs. Ali- now back to a medical offi ce, Capone feels she has come cia Thompson a truly happy retirement and future. full circle. “I’m psyched for this job; it’s a new chapter, a nice challenge.” Mrs. Capone loves working in the “main hub” and socializing with the parents. “It’s not just hellos and goodbye’s, it’s more than that,” she says. Out of all the memories Capone has had here, she says the one she admires the most is when everyone came together as a family when Dr. Claire passed away. It made her realize

how close everyone is here. Continued on page 9... The Quill • June 3, 2009 5 Kristin Biggs, Our School SENIOR Senior Class President PROFILE Who will be ﬁ rst E-mail us, or put your next year? thoughts in the Quill Mailbox

What are your plans for life after They are always there to talk to about high school? anything and everything. I’ll miss them a I’m attending Coastal Carolina Uni- bunch! versity. How will you be remembered? What do you want to study? As the one with the “attitude” and the one I’m not really sure yet; maybe busi- you can always count on for a good laugh. ness because I’m good at scheming. Any extra curricular activities? What’s your favorite high school No, not really. I don’t have much school memory? spirit. Sorry GHS. Gosh there are so many, but probably the senior trip since it’s the last hoo- Favorite part of the school day? rah with everyone. Culture and Foods and study hall. It’s fun to tease Mrs. Ladalia, especially with Will, What is your biggest accomplish- and study hall is my time to catch up on ment during high school? the latest gossip. Going to school the day after the senior trip and being able to graduate. Favorite part of living in Green- Favorite thing to do outside of It’s a great system we have. port? school? The fact that you can know everyone Shop, of course. I can never do that Which teacher has impacted you which allows you to form long lasting re- enough. the most and why? lationships. Well, I can’t pick just one. Mrs. Gibbs Last comments for GHS un- and Mrs. Goldsmith-Agosta are both Favorite part of going to GHS? dergrads? great. Good teachers, good parties (with pizza Just have fun and be drama free, it and soda, of course) and it’s pretty laid makes life a lot easier. back. Student Teacher Sean Hoefﬂ ing Byy Sara Maaiki

This spring, Greenport graduate Sean Hoeffl ing Although Hoeffl ing graduated from high worked with GHS social studies teacher Jenny Gibbs, school eight years ago, his interests remain the student teaching and learning the ins and outs of run- same. “I still love to play basketball, workout, and ning a global history class. Hoeffl ing said that he always go fi shing,” he said. Back in high school Hoeffl ing knew he would become an educator. Teachers like Tom played on the varsity basketball team, participated Taylor and Ron McEvoy inspired Hoeffl ing to come back in Interact, and was even voted best dressed in his to Greenport. “I wanted to give back what I received,” he senior class. He says that GHS hasn’t changed much said. either. “Greenport still has that personal feeling,” After graduating from GHS in 2001, Hoeffl ing Hoeffl ing said. “I’m really glad I came back here to attended SUNY Albany where he obtained a bachelors’ student teach. I’ve learned so much from Greenport, degree in history. Next year he will graduate with a mas- as a student and now as a teacher.” Hoeffl ing looks ter’s degree in education from Dowling. But before then, forward to working with GHS students again in the Hoeffl ing must return to Greenport for another round fall. of student teaching. Come September he will be working with Mike Sage in the special education department. “Hopefully someday I will be certifi ed to teach both history and special ed.,” he said. 6 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Features Best Wishes for our Seniors

To: Tim H To: Everyone, you know From: Krista who you are Best Wishes: “Last class From: Eileen to make you say oooh” Best Wishes: Good luck, –TH<3 I’ll miss you (:

To: Peter Pan From: Nate Best Wishes: I’ve enjoyed your company.

To: Will To: All my girls<3 From: Mom & Dad From: Marissa Best Wishes: We’re so Best Wishes: I love you proud of you! all and I hope we don’t lose touch. I’ll miss you To: Students from OP all! From: Mrs. V Best Wishes: Best to To: Jonathon you now and always! From: ? It’s been a pleasure Best Wishes: Good luck! watching you grow!

To: Mrs. Gibbs To: Louie From: All who read the From: Mrs. Viggiano Quill Best Wishes: Sorry for Best Wishes: Thank you always making you stop all for doing a fantastic playing your guitar dur- job with Quill! ing ﬁ fth period…. You play wonderfully! Keep it up! The Quill • June 3, 2009 7 Features To: Stephanie From: The Commando Best Wishes: Good Luck!

To: Stephanie Horton From: Clarisse Arm- strong Best Wishes: I hope we will stay friends forever no matter how far apart we are! To: Class of 2009 From: D HOOTSCOOP To: All my girls To: Kristin, Will, and To: Class of 2009 Best Wishes: Congrats From: Katie Ashley Best Wishes: Ya beat! to all of us. Even though Best Wishes: I’m go- From: Mrs. Goldsmith- I don’t like half of ya’ll ing to miss you all like Agosta To: Everyone who has but it’s all good. We crazy, I love you girls! Best Wishes: I will miss graced me with their made it though. Woo- our “therapy sessions” presence Hoo! 2nd period next year. From: Krista Best Wishes: I love To: Steve, Skye, and To: Kristin Carolyn you<3 To: Yenessi From: Krista Love: Neisy From: Jake Schott Best Wishes: I love you To: The 2007-2008 Best Wishes: I hope Best Wishes: Hope you little pecan<3 guys have fun in col- seventh period English you enjoyed your senior lege, I know you will. III class year! I am really going Don’t forget about me! Love: Your “Ms. Mac” to miss you. Good luck I love you guys, S.S.C.J Best Wishes: I will AL- and congratulations. for life! WAYS remember! Good Parker’s Place Luck!

By Sarah Parker worth it, especially the fl ight simulators at the Air and Space Mu- Each day my Government and Politics class sits through 42 seum, which seemed simple but turned out to be quite diffi cult. Let’s minutes of Mr. Golden going on and on about Congress and the just say I didn’t even gun down one thing. Finding out I could never Capitol, the Supreme Court, and everything that happens there. So, become a pilot was just fi ne once I fi gured out the hotel would make May 18th through May 22nd we traveled to the capitol city to see me a complimentary ham and cheese omelet each morning. Mr. all the monumental places we had talked about. Unfortunately, we Golden even fi nagled the hotel into giving us free internet. Though, were not able to take a tour of the White House because our request with so many activities planned, we did not have too much to time was rejected at the highest degree, though we did view it from a far. to use it. Every morning we got up at 6:30, ate breakfast, and took Besides a few problems waking up on time, we were off like off to the metro station. The metro was a lot cleaner than I expected, a herd of turtles at 4:30 am with Mr. Martilotta in the driver’s seat though it did have one of the steepest escalators I have ever seen. I of the mini bus; the class would like to give a special thanks to the had been on the same escalator before when I was fi ve, and it was science teacher who generously drove them to the airport. Mr. just as steep now at I’m seventeen. Golden reluctantly boarded the airplane, and when we arrived in As fun as it was, by the third day I was happy to be heading Washington D.C. we immediately started our tour. By that afternoon home. That morning we were out the door by 6:45 to the National everyone was complaining that their feet hurt. The congressmen are Treasury. It was strange to see so much money printed and not be lucky; they get to travel around Washington D.C via underground able to have any of it; 750 million dollars are printed each day at tunnels. By dinner time we had seen the Vietnam Memorial, the the National Treasury. Our last stop was the Holocaust Museum. If World War Two Monument, the Washington Monument, the Ko- anyone ever has a chance to go there, I highly recommend it. Finally, rean Memorial, the World War One, the Lincoln Memorial, and the we left for the Union Station where I had a very satisfying chicken National Zoo. After walking up and down Capitol Hill all day, go- salad sandwich. At the airport, Mr. Golden once again had a some- ing to bed that fi rst night was defi nitely the most looked forward to what diffi cult time getting on the plane. He gets very antsy around event of the day. airports, good thing the “fl ying tigers” were sitting next to him on The following day was all about waiting in line. Waiting for the plane ride home. Well, we did land and Mr. Martilotta was right the Capitol tour, the fl ight simulators, the elevator, the train, and there waiting for us in the mini bus, and I think I speak for everyone the Supreme Court tour took up a lot of time but in the end it was when I say I could not wait to jump into bed when I got home. 8 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Features Student and Teacher Submissions Dear All: Wings By Alicia Thompson, Math Teacher By Nicholas Galjanic, junior This life is such a grand journey. As all eyes look to heaven, arm. And I’m glad to have traveled with you. Gold lies in piles around. Many lessons we’ve learned The glitter invisible, not driven And can you say that to see only black And successes we’ve earned. A beautiful and terrible sound. Made you happy? Made a smile for the But it’s June so I bid you “Adieu.” rack? The eyes look away and stop To make yourself right and the world I’ll remember you fondly as days pass On the ones who are as them. wrong With hopes that you’ll think of me too. Even those who deny its pomp Creates a discord in the piper’s song. We’ve shared many years. Are, to earth, always sent. There’ve been laughter and tears Yes, I leave those ranks and levels But it’s June so I bid you “Adieu.” I don’t look to that light anymore A common attempt to climb to the sky. But feel a lifting unheard of before. For to be an angel amongst alleged devils May your summer be fun-fi lled and restful. And never mistake, there’s been no shift Only makes one scream, yell, and cry May you enter each job fi lled with fi re. These eyes of mine call for you to lift. May you reach satisfaction with your chosen Don’t begrudge me my chosen wings. action That gold you see is scant and plain, Envy, hate, and pride you must abort And fulfi ll your chosen desire. A temporary luster, a spirit’s drain. In order to release those earthly stings; That which hides behind layers unseen Otherwise, that happiness is short. As the future shines brightly before us, is the sought after dream that self cleans. you’ll prepare for new September bells. But don’t forget your brother and sister. But here classes will be The life we all search for That cruel sight makes your wings blister. taught by others than me Can’t be found in self-ascendancy, The truth is you are all and all are you. For it’s June and I bid you “Farewell.” But there is hope for us all Each towards heaven you all once fl ew. To help our eyes break free. If you wont follow, I bid adieu And it’s so that we revel in glee, But without smear if red or blue. In a world where no one’s high or low. Yet from your mind, I strongly shy; With much affection and gratitude, Why chase after a gratifying decree I thrive among less condescending eyes. A. Thompson When all we must do is humbly bow? I fl y away; I fi ght for you to be free. The present day, present day, I fl y away So I really think, so I really pray I leave the confi nes of a hurtful spray. That I left you with a shred of insanity Those mental walls can only harm And broke the structure into a fray. And make us, against each other, take Teacher Submission: Mindy Viggiano Refl ects on Getting Married By Mindy Viggiano, English Teacher Marriage. Just the sound of the word sends harps playing, 1. Wedding dresses are heavy! birds chirping and furry woodland creatures scampering near My advice to any bride is to start working out as soon with the feeling of love. As summer vanished into the golden as you get engaged. This has nothing to do with looking thin for autumn, I stepped into the wonderful world of matrimony as pictures or getting in shape because you are the center of at- I married my best friend. So when Will Bunchuck asked me to tention! This is all for holding up a 50 pound dress for eight to write “something” for The Quill, of course this was the fi rst thing ten hours. Brides should begin work on shoulders, back, arms that came to mind. I could write forever about all the fuzzy- and pectoral muscles as soon as possible. And don’t get me writ- feeling, good things that have come along with being married. ing about the bicep workout from carrying fl owers! Choose light I could discuss with you the fortuitous way in which I meant fl owers, ladies! After your wedding day you will appreciate how my husband or the dislike I have for those who seem to be anti- the soldiers feel who have to carry heavy packs to survive. And, love; however, none of that seems to fi t exactly what I want to you may feel ready to join their ranks. Honeymoon? It should say. After going through this momentous time in my life, what I be called honey-rest because you will need it! Your body will feel would like to do is give some advice to those who are reading my like you just survived wedding boot camp. words. Here are a few things I have learned that hopefully can be used before others take “the plunge.” Continued on next page The Quill • June 3, 2009 9 Features

Teacher submission continued from previous page...

2. People believe the bride’s veil is something to pull! says that there are now two people so there should be twice as many Everyone wants to hug the bride! However, for some un- dishes, right? No. there are four times as many dishes. There are both known reason, guests seem to believe that the bride has a bobble your dishes and then his dishes again. Yes, his dishes again. I didn’t head for the day and to make it move, you yank on the veil. This is not know this, but there are meals between breakfast and lunch, lunch entirely their fault; people get so excited they wrap their arms around and dinner, and also after dinner for those who metabolize way too you while holding the veil, which in turn, snaps the bride’s head back fast. My husband is one of these people that seems to eat many more like a yo-yo. Brides beware, if you don’t keep your guests in line, your meals than are required by health and food professionals. If you don’t head, which is already fi lled with hairspray, bobby pins, and a tiara have a dishwasher you, like me, may fi nd yourself in line with small with spikes on the end, will feel like it will fall off by the end of the children to ask Santa for one. Bless the big guy’s heart if he gets you night, Tell those guests, “Hands under the veil please!” Oh, and watch one! out for the photographer, who will inevitably say to your guests, “Just put your arm around the bride for me!” Words of the enemy! 5. All men’s clothes have the same washing instructions (women’s do not) 3. Changing your name is a pain! Maybe Mrs. Ladalia will be able to help me with this one. No one ever tells you about the little nuisance’s after mar- It appears that all men’s clothing has the same label. “Water, soap, riage like changing your name. Now, readers don’t get me wrong, it’s dryer fi ne.” Yet, every single label on ladies clothing is different. “Dry great to have the same name as your husband and probably ever bet- clean only.” “Hand wash.” “Cold water rinse, no dryer.” And the list ter when children are involved; however, it is a long process with a goes on and on. Now, once this information is known, go smoothly; great deal of annoyances. First, you must go to the social security of- however; there is a time or perhaps multiple times that a husband fi ce. There you will fi nd an armed guard and vagrants of society. You simply follows the directions that he knows from his clothing and will then stand for hours to hand in a paper through the bullet proof tries to apply that to his new wife’s. You may fi nd that your husband glass, which takes all of 2.5 seconds! They then tell you to go home was trying to “be nice” and do some laundry for his new wife. Prepare, and wait for the mail. After this, it is to the DMV for a new license, new you will fi nd silks that made it in with cottons, and dry-clean-only registration, and don’t forget to tell the insurance company. Then off pants that have shrunk to a child’s small. Try not to cry. Count to ten to work to change your W-2’s, your name (which requires the new so- and be calm because this mistake is simply and outcome if the cloth- cial security card and license), your health insurance, and dental in- ing company conspiracy that makes women’s clothing so expensive. surance. Switch the credit cards, loans and other miscellaneous items It is not the husband’s fault. If the clothing manufacturers can make which throughout the whole process you keep asking yourself, “Who men’s clothing that somehow can make it through a laundry cycle am I? What’s my last name?” And the looks you get when a clerk asks and a dryer, they can do it for women! Maybe if we show enough hus- you your last name and you pause with a blank stare. Prepare for the, bands the difference in labeling washing instructions we can create a you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me look along with an eye roll and sigh. change! Like Obama said, “Change we can believe in!” They just don’t realize the diffi culty you have been through in the last three to six months to get the name thing under control! But even with all these little nuisances of the wedding and matri- 4. There will soon be four times as many dishes as there mony, nothing can compare to the amazing things that marriage has once were. brought to my life. Love is truly a splendid thing. My advice, try not Once you begin living with someone, the dishes multiply to take yourself too seriously, enjoy every minute, laugh often, and but not at the constant rate that one would believe. Common sense love much!

Greenport’s New Leader Pura Capone Continued from front page... Continued from page 4... for guidance, and advice. question why he was cho- Greenport, according my life over again, I’d As superintendent, he will sen to be superintendent. to Capone, is her sec- live in Greenport,” says not be giving seniors any Comanda has and always special privileges. “Any will be a big part of Green- ond home. “The staff Mrs. Capone, who has additional privileges will port High’s unique family. and faculty are amazing been a wonderful asset be made with the new high Comanda has one and they all genuinely to Greenport School school principal’s input,” piece of advice for the next care. I feel nothing but and will be greatly says Comanda. high school principal, “Be respect and admira- missed. Mike Comanda is open, honest and upfront tion for this school, an educator with an out- with the students, and they standing resume`. There will be the same in return and I will forever feel is no question why he was with you. Greenporters this way. If I could live hired eight years ago to be can smell a phony from a Greenport’s High School mile away. I’ve never seen principal. And, there is no anything like it!” 10 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Features Greenport’s Own Youth Leader GHS SADD Promotes STD Awareness By Callie Bubb By Emily Demarest Being selected for a lead- would end the day at 10 pm,” From April 27th to May in the hallway, members gave ership conference is a great Sponza stated. “We had enough 1st, GHS students got the chance them pamphlets with informa- honor. Nominated by a GHS time to eat and get to the bus.” to learn more about sexually tion about Syphilis, Chlamyd- teacher, sophomore Holly Spon- The whole time she was in D.C., transmitted diseases education ia, and other STD’s. Freshman za attended the National Youth Sponza was with sophomores, and prevention. SADD mem- Alexia Reed said, “We passed out Leaders Conference in Wash- juniors, and seniors. However, bers Lorena Perez, Callie Bubb, bracelets along with the informa- ington D.C. from March 31st to most students that attended the Daneisy Silie, and Alexis Reed, tion packets which many of the April 5th. “At fi rst I didn’t want conference were juniors. Spon- along with their adviser, Jillian students seemed to like.” SADD to go, but my mom persuaded za still keeps in touch with them Ruroede, began planning for received these pamphlets from me to go. I’m really glad I went,” through Facebook.com. She also STD Awareness Week a month the Suffolk County Health De- she said. added that the friends she met in advance. “To prepare for STD partment. During the conference were soon attending the GYLC, Awareness Week, we talked about Overall, STD Awareness there were three simulations. which is a Global Youth Leaders where we would set up the table Week was successful. Teach- The fi rst one, Sponza’s favorite, Conference. There is a GYLC in and what kind of information ers and students alike thought it was If I Were President. Her Washington that travels to New would be available for people to was good that SADD informed role was the National Security York City, China, and Prague. take,” said sophomore Daneisy the student body about STD’s. “I Advisory. The second simu- Sponza said if other GHS Silie. The group decided to focus think STD awareness week was lation was called Testing the students get an invitation to on STD awareness because of the very helpful to the students be- Constitution, while the last was a leadership conference, they serious risk STD’s pose to teenag- cause even though many people Model Congress. should defi nitely attend. “It ers. felt uncomfortable coming up to While in D.C. Sponza was was such an amazing experi- SADD members took the table, the students really took so busy, she didn’t feel homesick. ence. I made a lot of friends and turns sitting at the table through- something away from it.” “We would wake up at 6:30 and learned a lot.” out the day. As students passed Interview with Nicholas Galjanic Writer Extraordinaire

By Megan Drobney

What inspired you to write? How long have you been working on the one you are writing Many, many things. Aside from very tough trials that I’ve gone through now? such as my father’s death, I’ve been very interested in things from out I’d say almost two years. I’ve had the ideas for a long time, I just of the ordinary. Going through these trials, I’ve learned a lot of things hadn’t started them as an effect of a lack of self conﬁ dence. Eventu- about life, avoided destructive decisions, and recovered from serious ally I decided, Why should I care if someone doesn’t like it? There will depression. I feel I need to share these things I’ve learned with other deﬁ nitely be people who won’t like it and won’t even want to hear the people who are or once were in the position that I was. I guess, to put message. But, now I’ve got two books in progress that are, so far, over it simply, I want to help people by using my own interests. one hundred pages long each.

Do you plan on writing as your career? When do you think you’ll be done writing the books? Absolutely. I’m also planning on, if they’re successful, making them Well, I went on kind of a hiatus on the fi rst book, as ridiculous as it into movies. seems. I just recently got to a point where I can start it again. My fi rst book is nearing the end. I’m not sure when it will be done, but soon. What genre do you write in? I would say fi ction, action and horror. When do you plan on publishing them? I fi gure that, although I could publish it right now, readers would How many books have you written? probably take an adult author more seriously. The guy who wrote Er- Well, I’m in the process of writing two, but I have good ideas for about agon got really lucky. I doubt I’d get as lucky with these controversial ten books. Four of them are in a series. books of mine.

Is it hard writing two books at once? Is there anything you’d like to say about your books? Well, they’re both in the same series and a couple of books apart so They have many layers and many messages. In order to fully under- no, not really. I don’t have to tailor the end of the fi rst book to fi t the stand them, you have to be good with symbolism. I pack symbolism fourth in the series. The hardest part is probably deciding what mood into my books and poetry. The symbols could be characters, physical, I’m in and whether I want to work on the fi rst or the fourth. mental, events, etc. My work is almost purely allegorical. The Quill • June 3, 2009 11 Student Columns Music & the Arts:

European Flavor Music Department Needs More

By Desiree Freeman By Sara Morey American music can get old. If you feel like the While there are different types of music, there things you listen to are getting drab, why not switch are also different types of instruments to make the it up and listen to something from over the pond? music. Instruments are like a painter’s brush; each Europe has hailed some of the most popular musi- “brush” has a different effect. In the music world, cians of all time, people ranging from The Beatles there can be tow very broad categories of these to Oasis and even White Snake. The newer bands “brushes,” string and wind instruments. Generally, aren’t far from the greats, once you give them a good kids are exposed to both, but in Greenport, the stu- listen. dents are only exposed to wind instruments. Strings and winds are quite different though, and because of Artist: Lisa Hannigan this, students should not be solely given the option Song: I Don’t Know for band or chorus. As a string player, it is easy to Lisa Hannigan is an Irish singer/songwriter. She’s say that playing a string instrument, such as a vio- been featured on shows like the Colbert Report and lin or cello, is very diffi cult. A lot of musicianship had a song air in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Her is required. Unlike a woodwind instrument, like a debut solo album was released in Ireland in Sep- saxophone, a violin has no buttons. A violinist must tember of 2008. She has a very soothing almost folk be able to hear pitches and connect them to proper sound; her album “Sea Sew” is available on itunes fi nger placement. Not only is production of sound and is well worth the ten dollars. quite different, (and appears to be somewhat more diffi cult), but expression is created through different techniques. Vibrato, which is slightly shaking a fi n- Artist: The Arctic Monkeys ger while placed on a string, is an example. This can Song: Fluorescent Adolescent produce either an angry or seductive mood, instead The Arctic Monkeys received the BRIT award for of relying completely on dynamics, which is level of Best British Album and Best British Group. How- loudness or softness. These differences, alone with ever, their popularity is not limited to the UK. The many others, are not known to the student body of song, “I Bet You Look Good,” was very popular here GHS. in the states a few years back and gained them a As junior high school and high school are sup- strong and loyal fan base here in America. “I Bet You posed to prepare its students for the outside world, Look Good” is only one of the many amazing songs GHS is failing to do so in the department of music. by the band. Fluorescent Adolescent is a fast paced Not only should it expose students to what exists in song riddled with clever lyrics. the outside world, but school also helps kids realize what their interests are for hobbies or career op- tions. If one is never exposed, how should one know Artist: Kate Nash if they could potentially excel in the subject area or Song: Foundations enjoy it? Although GHS is small, and has a limited Kate Nash has just recently made it to America ra- number of teachers, it is worthwhile to make the ef- dio stations, although her song “Foundations” has fort to have a string program regardless of its size. been out for more than a year. Kate Nash is a British Students need to have option of strings over wind, indie-pop-rock singer. She has worked with artists as they may fi nd it more interesting or useful. Even such as her best friend, Dockers MC and even the though I feel it is disappointing others can’t enjoy Arctic Monkeys. In February of 2008, she received the same types of musical experiences I do, others the BRIT award for Best Female Artist. such as students and parents also feel the same way. Music is an art that is very prominent in society, and I think Greenport students would benefi t from learning about all varieties of music. 12 The Quill • June 3, 2009 Features Greenport Idol is Once Again a Success By Kelly Bracken For the past four years, GHS has been hosting Green- port Idol. It has given students a chance to show their talent and most importantly, the money donated goes to the Dr. Claire Scholarship Fund. This year’s show was an all around success. Putting on a show is always hard work. “Getting the acts in order to perform was probably the hardest part,” Greg Dlhopolsky said. Joe Capuano was hired by Greenport School to run audio and lighting along with the help of stage crew. From Jennifer Lopez to R.E.M. the show was a colorful varia- tion of talented acts. NaQuasia Heyward, a junior who moved to Greenport this year, fi nished in fi rst place. She sang a song she wrote herself, called “Stunner” which she played on the piano. Hey- ward moved here from Renaissance High School in the Bronx, where she learned to express her talent. “I get my inspiration through life experiences. I’ve been through a lot,” she says. “It is my dream to perform.” John Kalinowski, 1949 graduate of Greenport High School, won fi rst place for playing the accor- dion.. It was Kalinowskis time to shine as he received standing ovation and many blown kisses from the crowd. Last but not least Brandi Hopkins, Carolyn Drobet, and Jillian Ruroede were the faculty winners. They performed The Congo by Mi- ami Sound Machine. Perfect scores and great performances brought in a whopping $4,000, another Greenport High School success story. Greenport Idol was recorded by Michael Richter and will be out on DVD hopefully some time this year. Courtyard Garden Pond Byyg Megan Drobny y

For a number of years the school courtyard has been empty, except for a few stray balls kicked over from recess. Greenport Elementary School principal, Paul Reed, has big plans for this empty space. Reed would also love to see the courtyard used by school kids in the near future and eventually wants to put in a greenhouse, patio, and some brick walkways, along with some student artwork. For the ﬁ rst step, a garden pond has been built with the help of senior, Tim Heaney. Heaney designed the pond as an Eagle Scout project. He has been involved in Cub Scouts during elementary school, and then crossed over to Boy Scouts in the 5th grade. He is now an Eagle Scout. With Heaney being involved in all these activities, Reed thought it would be an appropriate project for him. Along with Tim, there were many other people involved in making the courtyard come alive. The PTA, several teachers, his brother Sean Heaney, his father Kerry Heaney, Matt Grzesik, and mostly the Boy Scouts helped. This project took Heaney about an hour to design and four hours to construct. Mr. Reed gave him pictures of similar ponds he had from previous schools for reference. Tim went from there with his experience. The fact that the pond is located right by the window allows people to always see it and Reed knows that it won’t just be pushed away and ignored. The morning of May 7th, Reed held a breakfast to dedicate the pond. Past and present PTA, some teachers and of course Heaney attended it. Being an Eagle Scouts requires hard work and dedication, but Heaney enjoys the commitment he’s made.