April, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The 1Pulse

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Volume 41 • Issue 5 • April, 1999 Syosset High School • 70 Southwoods Road •Syosset,ork 1791-2998 1New Y • 516-364-5702 • E-Mail: pulse@longisland Hillary Clintonisits V illage V School By Kristen Haunss dreams will come true.” Syosset parents for being involved, mentioning In her book, It Takes a Village, Mrs. Clinton After this remarkable speech, even Mrs. that here, parents are “partners in education.” says, “Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it Clinton had a tough act to follow. But, proving Mrs. Clinton offered some advice for the takes children to raise up a village to become all to be a poised, intellectual and witty speaker, Mrs. improvement of schools. First, she sees the need Hello Dolly it should be. The village we build with them in Clinton immediately won the hearts of the audi- for 2 million more teachers because there are more mind will be a better place for us all.” How fit- ence, at least the fifth grade students who were in kids in school now then there were at the height School production ting that she addressed her beliefs of this book in the gymnasium listening, when she invited them of the baby boom. She also wants to connect ev- of Hello Dolly front of a full house of educators and parents at ery school to the Internet, to keep kids up to date declared a hit Village Elementary School on April 20, 1999. in the computer age. She also stated that schools In front of this excited crowd with the press need to be repaired and rebuilt, and that there must Page Six and secret service in tow, Dr. Hankin mentioned be more after school programs and summer that “it is fitting that we are meeting in the Vil- school programs. Mrs. Clinton also believes that lage School. In Syosset Schools, we are all a there should be school report cards on the na- village working together for our children.” Dr. tional level, much like the ones used here in Hankin commented that forty one years ago, First Syosset. High School Principal, Dr. Schneider Lady Eleanor Roosevelt came to the Syosset agreed with these statements and added that “it England & Japan School District. She believed it was an honor was satisfying to know that Mrs. Clinton is very then, and that it is in honor now to have the Edu- aware of what good education is all about and Trips to England cational First Lady in Syosset to speak today. that she is truly intersted in the future of our na- and Japan deemed Dr. Hankin then handed the microphone tion and our children.” Hillary Clinton speaks about education a success over to the well-known fifth grade teacher, Ray “There is no cookie cutter recipe for suc- in Village School Evans, commenting that he is a “teacher’s teacher, cess,” commented the First Lady. Schools and Page Five a master teacher.” Mr. Evans proved to also be a for a tour of the White House. Delighted by the teachers are unique, and the Syosset Administra- wonderful and witty speaker, opening by saying, offer, fifth grade student Michael DiGregorio said, tion knows this and they have created a climate “Tomorrow I leave with our fifth grade students “It was exciting to meet the First Lady, but it will in which teachers are free to create their own style and my colleagues on a field trip to Washington be thrilling to actually visit her at the White to help children learn and reach their full poten- D.C. I knew we were going to Washington, but I House.” tial. She said, the “strategies you have working Students Say… didn’t know that Washington was coming to us.” “Help children learn to learn, and hopefully here are the strategies I would like to see used in In a moving speech, Evans thanked Mrs. Clinton help children love to learn.” That is what the more schools around the country.” Students express and the President for making “education a top First Lady believes is going on in Syosset. After At the end of her speech, Mrs. Clinton said, national priority.” Evans then finished his speech seeing a science lesson about African frogs, she “Every child can learn, no excuses, no excep- their opinions about by commenting, “a community like Syosset and saw happy and engaged students. Although not tions.” It is this belief that Mrs. Clinton hopes the crisis in Kosovo a nation like the United States that does its best commonplace, this is what she would like to see more individuals will understand and will help for its children guarantees that so many of its across the country. Mrs. Clinton also praised children learn in their own unique way. Page woT Juniorsriumph T at Battle Of the Clas

By Sunjay Kelkar From the beginning the sopohmores have totally cleaned up. Kudos to Matt Star Wars Trivia Battle of the clases, held on Friday April were completely outnumbered by every- Rubino, and Matt Ajemian for the fight 16, 1999, was a smashing success. Since body. But they worked just that much they put up as anchors in the tug o’ war Test your knowledge admission was only a dollar we were able and the many great laughs we got from of the Force in time to raise over $500 for charity and school the M&M eating contest. Even with this purposes! That sure shows school spirit. For for the next exciting amazing competition, the juniors were those of you who have been living in a void able to pull themselves together to victory, installment for the past few weeks, Battle of the Classes literally. Congrats to Dean Tsakinikis for Page Three being an amazing anchor for the tug o’ war that won it for the juniors. That definitely took a lot of effort. All in all, everyone had fun and we look foward to next year’s battle of the classes which Lacrosse is sure to be just as successful. Kevin Poulter leads the Tug O’ War and Boys’ Junior Varisty pulls the Junior team to victory Lacrosse off to a harder to win two events. The Juniors how- great start! ever, completely dominated the competition, Enthusiastic Juniors strike a pose before showing oodles of spirit with face paint, and Page Eight the games begin a whole lot of cheering. They put up quite a fight and were able to dominate many of the was a competition between: the Freshmen, events . The freshman also put up a heck of Sophmores, Juniors, and Seniors, in many a struggle but were outmatched, outclassed different events. For example there was a and outsized. But they always have next year tug-of-war, miscellaneous relays which in- to redeem themselves. The seniors really cluded ping-pong-balloon-on-a-spoon, bal- gave the juniors a run for the money. If not Matt Ajemian lines up his throw for the loon popping, and balloon racket relays. for their Herculean effort, the juniors would football event. 2 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • April, 1999

S TAFF o p i n i o n s

The Heartbeat of SHS Right On rackT Letter to Volume 41 • Issue 5 • April, 1999 Syosset High School • 70 South Woods Road By Eda Uca TO GO TO COLLEGE!” these stamps Syosset, New York 11791 • [email protected] Syosset High School is a place of of identity not only show our interests, the Editor opportunity and education. With a vast but also, our possible futures. (Pres- Editors In Chief David Roseman array of classes, clubs, and real world sure, anyone?) By Greg Jaime Ross Schwaber connections, it’s easy for one to find his It seems odd that with a 138 page It should be common knowl- Managing Editor David DiGregorio talents and interests and cultivate them. curriculum manual, so many of us feel edge that a person’s identity runs When creating a schedule, however, the as though we have no options. Many much deeper then the clothes he or Business Manager Joshua Sauberman options available can be overwhelming. of us fall into unsatisfying, predictable, she wears or the body part they The factors that decide which class a and boring schedules, based on fear of chose to pierce. Unfortunately, Feature Editor Rachel Stanton student should choose are intelligence, the unknown (“Could I really stand a due to many acts of violence, hate News Editor Ari Stern determination, direction, ambition, rec- whole year of Forensics Science?”), and crimes and actions of some dis- ommendation, luck, and finally, the the lack of prestige of certain classes turbed children, many people are Opinions Editor Ken Spector student’s consent. (“Does Cornell want kids who didn’t looking for “warning signs”. Sports Editor Kristen Haunss Let’s examine the last factor- “The take AP Macro?”). Well, the only ad- “What would drive a person to do Student’s Consent”. What exactly does vice I have for those people is to calm such evil acts?” people ask, with Art Editor Emily Christopher that mean? Well, generally, it’s a tor- down. There is a whole world outside good reason. Please, don’t answer nado of pressure from parents and (be- of these flyer covered walls, and much this question. It is a rhetorical Layout Editor Michael Kass lieve it or not) peers, a concerned guid- of our personal experiences are meant question. Meant for us to look in- Assistant Feature Rachita Argawal ance councilor, and of course, personal to prepare us for it. ward and not at other people in Editor ambition. But the true question at hand So go crazy. Take “Public Policy halls, behind closed doors, behind is what that “personal ambition” is and the Native American” (page 114), trench coats or sitting by them- Distribution Mgr. Peter Intindoli aimed towards. How exactly does one or “Broadway and the Popular Ameri- selves. There isn’t a movie, a color, Data Entry Mgr. Derek Andersen choose which classes to take? can Theater” (page 19), because a song, an artist, a musician, or a For many of us, our classes are chances are, you may not have the op- TV show we can blame. I hate to Staff Damien Augustin stamps of our identity- “Student”, “Art- portunity to take them again. And in Sal Cataldo Continued On Page 7… Matthew Cohen ist”, “Actor.” Since we are continu- that way, by fulfilling your needs aca- Soren Gandhi ally being told that “these are the best demically and emotionally, you’ll most Jose Garrido years of our lives!”, and “YOU HAVE likely get “right on track”. Allison Hoyt Sunjay Kelkar Marissa McGowan Ari Pillar Eda Uca Lettero T the students say… Advisors Elizabeth Schmid Compiled by Ken Spector Amanda Christy The Editor The Pulse is created using Power WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THE WAR ON KOSOVO? Macintosh and Power Macintosh G3 Dear Pulse: computers, an Apple Color OneScanner 1200/30, Adobe Page Maker 6.52™, Microsoft® Office As teachers of the eleventh grade “Terrible. I hope it ends soon. I hope it doesn’t turn into ’98, a Sony Digital Mavica still English, we would like to correct two another Holocaust.” camea, and Adobe Photoshop™ 4.01. erroneous impressions created by Unsigned editorials are the consen- SENIOR ERICA MANOFF sus opinion of the editorial board and David DiGregorio’s article in the last do not necessarily reflect the views issue. The results of the January, of the advisor or the administration. 1999 English Regents were consistent Letters to the editor, which relay the with the results on past English Re- opinion of the writer, not The Pulse, are welcomed; they are subject to gents exams and., therefore, quite as “I don’t think we should be involved. We don’t need this being edited and must be signed, al- good as expected Also, we worked now, even though we are the strongest country. I don’t though signatures will be withheld very hard to prepare our students for want fellow Americans to go over there and get killed. upon request. Any questions con- the exam. Since we had less time to cerning advertisments or subscrip- It’s not our country.” tions should be directed to the Busi- prepare our students for a January ness Department. exam than we have had in the past for JUNIOR JESSICA JACKSON the June exam, given these time con- straints, we were very pleased with Telephone (516) 364-5702 E-Mail [email protected] the results. “[Milosevich’s] ethnic cleansings are totally wrong. I Sincerely, believe that our involvement is a necessity. Otherwise, Teachers of eleventh grade English another Holocaust might start. The refugees being de- stroyed is a casualty of war. Some people are gonna die, but that’s what happens. That’s what war is.” Send Us Your Articles! SOPHOMORE JUSTIN STARR If you have an article or an opinion to put in The Pulse, feel “This is a ridiculous situation that has been at hand for free to drop it off at the office about eight years or so. All of the sudden, there are nu- on disk or printed. Or, you can merous gravesites and burnings. I don’t think we’re do- e-mail it to us: [email protected] ing enough to help the refugees. Our school should do Please send articles as attachments, and not as something to help them.” included text. TXT, DOC, and RTF files are SENIOR BETTY KIM preferred. Pub;ication is not guaranteed. April, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The 3Pulse f e a t u r e s Top 10 Most Usefulebsites W How Strong Areou Y With the Force?Compiled by Dave DiGregorio 6. The Semantic Rhyming Dictionary 10. College Depot By Michael Kass 5. Han Solo won the Millennium http://www.link.cs.cmu.edu/dougb/ You’ve probably heard the news: Star Falcon in a bet from: http://www.collegedepot.com/ rhyme-doc.html Wars Episode I will be coming out on May a) Greedo A great site to load up on all that use- A great resource for poetry writing. 19. This long-anticipated sequel is sure b) Lando Calrissian less college gear such as inflatable chairs You can enter a word and it will output all to draw record crowds to theaters and c) Luke Skywalker and lava lamps. words that rhyme. bring out the best in every fan. —But just d) Obi-Wan Kenobi how good are you? To help you prepare for this momentous occasion, take this test 6. The universe’s most versatile pro- 5. Associated Press Homepage on your Star Wars trivia and find out just tocol droid is: http://www.ap.org/ how strong you are with the Force. An- a) R2-D2 Most news websites only have the swers on page 7. b) Slave-I most recent news, but Associated Press c) C-3P0 has news archives from years past. Great 1. Episode IV (Star Wars) is titled: d) Greedo a) Return of the Jedi for research or that ever tiring Driver’s Ed project. b) Shadows of the Empire 7. Star Wars’ theme music was writ- The Cool Atmosphere site of c) A New Hope ten by: CollegeDepot.com d) The Phantom Menace a) James Horner 4. Peterson's College Guide b) Jerry Goldsmith 9. The Shakespeare Online Page http://www.petersons.com/ 2. Before becoming Darth Vader, c) Cliff Eidelman http://emiko.igcom.net/~bruce/ If your just starting your college Luke’s father was known as: d) John Williams a) Palpatain shake.html search process or if your want more in- b) Anakin 8. The actor heard in every movie but Fed up with not understaning formation on the school you will be at- c) Boba Fett never seen on screen was: Shakespeare? This site can give you help tending, Peterson’s is the place to visit. d) Dash Rendar a) Mark Hammil with all the Shakespeare classics. They It’s a highly comprehensive site with a b) Frank Oz also have the entire books online in case great deal of information about most c) James Earl Jones d) Anthony Daniels you forget yours in school and need to do schools. some reading. 9. The rebel base in Episode IV was 3. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia located at: 8. Survival Skills for Students With Special http://encarta.msn.com/ a) Hoth Needs Great for research, Microsoft’s ency- b) Yavin http://www.liworks.org/skills/ clopedia has got information about almost c) Dantooine An excellent site for those of us that d) Alderaan anything you can imagine. Mark Hammil as Luke Skywalker are coping with a disability in school. The 10. The Special Edition added this site has information about how to deal 2. Translations 3. The genius behind the movies is: character to Episode IV: with it. http://babelfish.altavista.com/ a) Gene Roddenberry a) Greedo Easily translate words from English b) Steven Spielberg b) Lando Calrissian 7. Web Elements to Spanish, German, Italian, French, Por- c) Ron Howard c) Jabba the Hutt http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/academic/ d) George Lucas d) Palpatain tuguese and back! A-C/chem/web-elements/fr-genr/peri- 4. Slave-I was the property of: Star Wars Episode I is scheduled to be odic-table.html 1. Mapquest a) Boba Fett released on Wednesday, May 19. For more This one is great for chemistry stu- http://www.mapquest.com/ b) Jabba the Hutt information about the movie, visit the of- dents. The entire periodic table is here This is one of the most useful sites c) Han Solo ficial Star Wars website at: with full and detailed information for each out there. You can create driving maps d) Chewbacca http://www.starwars.com element. and directions to anywhere you would like. Great for the unexperienced driver.

The Pulse would like to congratulate:

Mr. & Mrs. Cascone on the birth of their son, Michael Alexander, who came in at 9 lbs. 11 oz.

Mr. & Mrs. Conklin on the birth of their daughter, Molly Brooke, who came in at 8 lbs. 4 oz.

Mr. & Mrs. Cook on the birth of their son, Walter Joseph, who came in at 7 lbs. 10 oz. 4 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • April, 1999 f e a t u r e s A Moment With Spector: The Pulse Movie Rev By Ken Spector changing shape in every movie? For instance, in sister does. And finding the right guy for her West opens this summer. He plays another Ah, spring. The perfect time for slacking. “The Wedding Singer” it looked like the left side becomes the top priority. special agent, but finally, no aliens. Just about every senior has caught the highly con- of her face got run over by a truck! Now that’s And, of course, Star Wars: The Phantom tagious senioritis as have some juniors I know. freaky. Life Comedy Menace shall be opening in only a few short Strangely enough, so has the Hollywood indus- BASIS: A geeky 30 year old news reporter Spectroscale Rating B- days. People are already lining up for tickets. try. For we have not one but two! Yes two, count is assigned to go back to high school to get a MPAA Rating R em’, movies about the big ol’ prom. We can all story. She rises up through the ranks and gets to Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence star MOVIES TO COME start dancing in a second, but first, let’s take a relive everything, even her (dare I say it) PROM as two innocent criminals who are sent to a Sidney drops out of school and goes to look at the Spectroscale!!! all over again. prison, where they work on a chain gang. Hollywood in Scream 3 which opens in De- However, we get quite a different concept. cember. SPECTROSCALE Ten Things I Hate About You This is not one of your regular “criminals try- Miramax is trying to sell the rights of A: Better than your average bear. Comedy ing to escape” film. Life shows prisoners just Kevin Smith’s Dogma to another distributor. B: Your regular movie. Spectroscale Rating B trying to go through everyday in captivity Now that they have decided that it would be C: Typical crap fest. MPAA Rating PG-13 without going insane. Definitely not one of too risky to put something that might offend Z: Almost as bad as GI Jane. This somewhat amusing, mildly humorous, Eddie Murphy’s best films, in fact this is hardly too many people under the Disney name. not bad, but not great film demonstrates many one of his good films. It seems to endlessly However, Kevin seems even more interested Never Been Kissed Comedy things: love in high school; the changing of drag towards nowhere with a few small jokes. in working on his new animated series Clerks Spectroscale Rating B peoples inner feelings towards the world; and, And even though it has nothing to do with this which should air by Super Bowl 2000. MPAA Rating PG-13 how to get the date of your dreams to go with movie, I would just like to add. Prom!!! Sorry. Beavis and Butthead Do America 2 is Walrus-faced Drew Barrymore plays a re- you to the PROM!!! For some strange reason It’s a running gag. being worked on right now along with the long porter pretending to be a high school student with every student who goes to this high school has an BASIS: The duo are stuck on a chain awaited Simpsons movie, that Matt Groening all of the odds against her. This movie gives a enormous vocabulary and loves Shakespeare. gang for forty years, due to a crime they didn’t has selected as his next project. freaky sense of being somewhat unrealistic, but Even the teachers rap to Shakespeare’s writings. even commit. Anyway, I’m all out of room. So until somehow Barrymore covers it up well. A bunch And we are supposed to believe this? This teen next time, keep watching the classics and avoid of hidden media gags are supplied throughout flick answers the age old question, Can love be SOON TO BE IN THEATERS the popcorn. this film. Such as the school band playing The bought? Of course it can’t. Unless you have a The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser “Movies to come” information came from Simpsons theme song and the students shouting lot of money. But it’s not real love. Well it kind opens May 7th with some killer special effects. Cinescape magazine, View Askew Online and Austin Powers catch phrases. Ok, now I don’t of is, but…whatever. He stars as a scientist who unleashes an an- Cinescape Online. All of the information is know if I’m the only one who has noticed this, BASIS: Because of her strict father’s rules, cient power that should not be meddled with. true. Otherwise it would just be a waste of but does drew Barrymore’s head seems to be a girl can’t go out on a date until her anti-social Will Smith’s newest movie The Wild Wild time. Fans Bid Farewell to MST3K SciFi Channel Cancels Mystery Science Theater 3000 By Michael Kass seems to be that it’s only a matter of It’s happened again: Mystery Sci- time and effort before the show is short-lived. ence Theater 3000 (MST3K) has been picked up by another network. Says The three seasons on SciFi have series. In the meantime, you can watch the canceled. The cult television series that fan, Syosset Junior David DiGregorio, been among MST3K’s most popular, but remaining episodes on the SciFi channel has endured for ten seasons may be “We can only hope that the show will ratings apparently aren’t enough to sat- Saturdays at 11:00AM – 1:00PM and Sun- coming to a close never to return. be revived by another network and the isfy the network. It would seem that days at 11:00PM – 1:00 AM. Who knows? The show, starring Michael J. comedy of the series will be continued plot would never be a problem, since Perhaps the series will become another Star Nelson as and his robot for many years to come.” every show has the same basic formula: Trek: re-runs will bring it popularity and a friends , Gypsy, , and make fun of cheesy movies from the new series will be created in twenty or so Crow T. Robot has become a cult hit. 50’s and 60’s and make fools of the years; Mystery Science Theater: The Next Fans calling themselves MSTies are main characters in the process. The Generation. crying for a revival. The show has been ideas for the brief sub-plots of Mike and Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that canceled by three other networks in the the robots trying to escape captivity will happen, and so the MSTie community past, starting with a local station in its haven’t run dry yet. SciFi channel has prepares to bid a final farewell to their beloved home state of Minnesota to Comedy agreed to continue the series to the end show. In twelve episodes, MST3k will be no Central and then NBC three seasons more. ago. For more information on Mystery Science Theater 3000, visit the official website at www.scifi.com/mst3000 or check out MSTies Observer (the Brainguy), , and Anonymous at www.mindspring.com/ perform a musical routine ~mstanon. Episodes of the first through fifth Many aren’t concerned simply be- seasons are available on Rhino Home Video. cause of the show’s enduring tradition. After the second season, the show’s cre- ator and original star, , left the show. A movie version flopped in the box office mainly because more at- Mike and the ’bots prepare for what is sure to tention was given to advertising the film be an onslaught of cheesy super-imposed bees Crow T. Robot, Michael J. Nelson, and Tom Barbed Wire, released by the same com- of the tenth season, leaving about a Servo get ready to endure another movie pany. After Comedy Central dumped the show, most of the robots’ puppeteers dozen episodes remaining to be aired. Based on the e-mail newsletter I re- were replaced as it headed for NBC af- While there are no plans for the show’s ceived, the SOL Post (the Satellite of ter Saturday Night Live. With the com- immediate future, it’s certain that it will live Love is the featured spacecraft of the ing of the SciFi Channel, there seemed on and be known as television’s most en- Planet MST3k, a familiar sight to MSTies series), the attitude of most MSTies to be hope, but that turned out to be during low-budget science fiction/comedy around the world April, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The 5Pulse n e w s Forty earsY of SHS History England and Japan By Eda Uca have grown dramatically. “SHS is a microcosm Syosset High School’s first senior class of the outside world. There is something here for Trips ASuccess graduated 40 years ago. The valedictorian of that everyone and endless opportunities to pursue class was Ms. Nienstedt, currently the Social Stud- one’s talents and interests.” Ms. Nienstedt also By Ari Stern and Staff Writers Westminster Abbey in London as well ies Chairperson. She has been in the school dis- pointed out that today’s student population is “far This February Syosset students en- as taking an evening walking tour in the trict for about 34 years including 9 years at SHS. more ethnically diverse” than it was in the first joyed the first of many proposed trips bloody footsteps of Jack the Ripper. Through the years, she has experienced the evo- graduating class and “much more worldly.” to England and Japan. They also attended a performance of lution of SHS into one of the finest schools in the Today’s high-tech environment also provides stu- Sensei Watson and Dr. Schneider Phantom of the Opera at the theatre and nation. dents with many more distractions from their stud- headed the group of twelve Syosset stu- saw street musicians playing at Covent In a recent interview with Ms. Nienstedt, ies. dents who went to Japan. The trip ran she recalled four years of hard work and lots of Beyond the addition of activities, Mrs. for ten days and included seven differ- fun at SHS as she and her classmates, one of Neinstedt mentioned other changes in both our ent cities. Students saw the Imperial whom was Mr. Lukaszewski, walked on planks school, and our town. Today, there are more eth- Palace, the Asakusa Kanon temple, between “project areas,” as are an A, B, C, D nic groups. When she was a student, “there were were then known and through hallways still un- no Indians, Asians, Latin Americans, or Mus- der construction. “The school and student body lims.” This diversity of people makes the high were so much smaller then, and life so much sim- school more exciting in her department. The pler.” She remembered, for example, her Senior variety of cultures which the kids are exposed to Prom which was held in the school gymnasium, adds to the teaching environment, as the ideas in decorated by the students and catered by the par- their text books are illustrated by their classmates. ents. “A far cry from the Waldorf Astoria, but Other than the new opportunities to expose Sensei Watson rings a traditional Shinto just as special and just as much fun.” oneself to new activities and cultures, Syosset Bell Ms. Nienstedt participated in several extra- High School has grown in size. “The school used Garden. Other outings included a trip curricular activities, such as the “Pep Squad,” to have only three wings”, and the 9th graders to Bath which Lindsay Pattinger de- which sold refreshments at athletic events and went to the Woodbury School, rather than SHS. scribed as “pretty, antique-y and quaint” promoted activities to build school spirit. She While the original school accommodated students and to see the historic monuments of was also the President of the Student Council, a form North Syosset, the district has expanded so Stonehenge. member of the Foreign Language Club, and a far, that it now serves multiple communities. One of the ideal parts of this trip winner of the Spanish Award. Regardless of the changes that SHS has ex- was that students didn’t have to repack When asked to talk about the environment perienced over these 40 years, the talent of our their luggage every couple of days to at SHS in those days, Ms. Nienstedt smiled. “It student body, the dedication of our faculty, and move to a new place. The group was was exciting and challenging and we were very the support of the Board of Education and com- centralized at the Strand Palace Hotel, proud of being the first graduating class. It was a munity have always been outstanding. and no matter where they went one day, wonderful place to grow as individuals and to “I’ve been very fortunate to have grown to they also came back to the same place. learn.” When asked to draw comparisons be- an adult and to have continued as a life-long The only part of the trip which people tween SHS then and now, Ms. Nienstedt indi- learner at Syosset High School. What a dyna- truly disliked was the food. When Big Ben Up Close and Personal cated that number and variety of academic and mite place to have enjoyed a wonderful career speaking about the overall trip, sopho- extra-curricular experiences available to students and each day is still exciting.” Akihabara Electric City, and the more Manisha Lotlikar said, “ The En- Fukuoka Castle ruins. Sensei Watson emphasized how her students learned a SADD W eek lot about Japanese culture from their By David Roseman On Thursday and Friday of SADD Week, pen pals in a sister school near Kyoto. From March 22, through March 26, SADD members of SADD sat in the cafeteria during She also pointed out how, unlike on held its annual SADD Week. Throughout the lunch periods to distribute stickers, keychains, other school trips, she was able to be week, activities were held to make the students pens and pencils to the students. They also gave the school’s tour guide since she was in of Syosset High School aware of the dangers of out sponsor sheets for the SADD Walk on April her “old hood,” which allowed for her making destructive decisions. 17. In addition, SADD members stayed in the to pick out things she felt would be The famous and mysterious Stonehenge, To begin SADD Week, facts regarding the cafeteria everyday after school during the week valuable to her students. While she felt photographed from above dangers of drinking were distributed to all teach- in order to collect donations for SADD. everything went well, she would have ers who posted them for their students to see. In On Friday after school, the members of liked to have spent about another week gland trip was an amazing experience addition, the members of SADD completed the in Japan. Dr. Schneider said, “It was a for any photography or art student.” SADD made posters week of activities by very unique experience to learn first Robyn Brooks and Anne Milman which were hung around painting the speed bump hand about a wonderful culture.” thought London much safer and cleaner the school, as well as in in front of the high Ms. Costanza and Ms.Sibener orga- than New York although they found ev- each classroom. school. The bump was nized the eight day trip to England for erything much more expensive. On Tuesday, Bobby painted white, with the photography students to see both his- Since both trips were so successful, Petrocelli came to speak message “Drive Safe, toric and contemporary aspects of En- their coordinators have already started to the students of all grade SADD” on it in red. glish culture. The nineteen students, making plans for the next trips to En- levels. Bobby Petrocelli is Mrs. Belanger, the accompanied by Mr. and Mrs.Yanosy, gland and Japan, which will take place a motivational speaker advisor to SADD, said, visited the National Gallery and in two years. whose life was changed “I was very pleased with dramatically when a Bobby Petracelli tells about his tragic all the positive feedback drunk driver crashed into experience with a drunk driver about our speaker, his house, killing his wife. Bobby Petrocelli.” Co- The Pulse would like to offer He spoke to the Syosset High School body about President Pam Fisher added, “Bobby Petrocelli his tragedy, and how he has coped with his loss, was a spectacular speaker. I hope that the stu- and how to endure the tragedies that we must dents heeded his advice and will learn for the fu- its condolences to the friends face in life. He emphasized how important it was ture.” Co-President Carrie Willensky said that, to make good decisions, and that ten seconds are “the Bobby Petrocelli assembly was great, and and family of Jonathan Lee. all that it takes to change someone’s life drasti- that I hope everyone listened to his message.” cally. 6 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • April, 1999 n e w s 10th Gradeakes T ripT oT Locker Room Thefts Leave Jewish Museum Students Concerned By Soren Gandhi and Staff Writers hibition explored the dynamic interac- By Rachel Stanton owners. This past March, all 10th grade so- tion between continuity and change The answer to the question, “Is Despite these thefts, most students cial studies classes visited the Jewish within Jewish history and culture. Syosset High School a safe place?” may still feel that Syosset High is a safe Heritage Museum in Manhattan. On the first floor students learned seem obvious to some, but a recent place. “I leave my bag out in the locker Buses departed the school for each about Jewish culture, including the bar string of thefts has left many Syosset room all the time, and nothing ever hap- trip in the morning to arrive at the mu- and bat mitzvah, the Torah, prayers and students asking themselves this very pens to it,” remarked one sophomore, seum at 10:00. Each student entered clothing. On the second floor, students question. who, for obvious reasons, wishes to be through different tours held by experi- revisited the Holocaust by reading and The latest thefts occurred during the left anonymous. enced guides all who were knowl- viewing many posters, showing every- third and fourth weeks of March. One Sophomore Violet Stupin agrees. “I edgable about Jewish history in Europe, thing from German dictator Adolf sophomore, who wishes to remain once left my gym bag, which contained America and other parts of the world. Hitler’s Third Reich to the burning of anonymous, had her wallet, TI Graph- my clothes and sneakers, inside a class- The museum exhibited a story told Jewish houses committed by the Nazis. ing Calculator, and basic calculator sto- room. Nothing was stolen from the bag, through objects and texts. It offered an This floor was set by dark and gloomy len. She had left her bag unattended in and someone was kind enough to return interpretation of two complex ques- lights creating the mood and atmo- the girls’ locker room for a brief time. it to me.” tions: How have the Jewish people sur- sphere of the Holocaust for many stu- When she returned to her bag a few Members of the administration feel vived through the centuries? and what dents. Among the exhibits that were minutes later, she found the previously that Syosset High School is very safe constitutes the essence of Jewish iden- most intriguing were the walls of pic- mentioned objects, which had a com- as well. “[Crime] here is not normal.” tity? tures that displayed many of the chil- bined value of over $125, missing. The said Administrative Assistant Mr. All students discovered that Jews dren who were persecuted during the very next day, another student reported Kimmel. “It is the result of a handful have been able to sustain their identity worst time in history. her money missing from the girls’ of kids violating the rights of the other through culture and continuity, despite The various movies of the Jewish locker room. students. At this school we have a zero wide dispersion and sometimes tragic people and all the exhibits made the trip These two students were lucky. The tolerance policy concerning crimes vio- circumstances, by evolving a culture interesting and educational for many of students responsible for the thefts were lating students’ or staff members’ rights. that can adapt to life in many countries the students. caught, and the stolen items, minus the and under various conditions. The ex- money, were returned to their rightful Continued on Next Page… Dolly Says Hello to SHS Community By Marissa McGowan For those of you who do not know the the dancing painter Ambrose Kempler The musical provided special memories There was a great deal of adrenaline in story of Hello Dolly, it is derived from (Damien Augustin). Dolly has her plate for the graduating seniors. Hello Dolly! was the air as the curtains opened on Wednes- Thorton Wilder’s The Matchmaker. It is truly full, but somehow it works out in the highly acclaimed by members of the school day March 24, 1999 for the opening perfor- centered around Mrs. Dolly Levi, played by end as most musicals usually do. Mrs. board, teachers, parents, and students. Thanks Erin Edelstein, a woman who’s main job is Molloy and Cornelius fall in love and to direction by Ms. Esslinger, choreography meddling in people’s lives. She is arrang- Horace realizes that he the perfect wife he by Mr Conner, and set design by Mr.Alma it ing the marriage of the well known Yonkers is looking for is none other than Dolly. was definitely a show to remember! millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Lee Goodman) to Mrs. Irene Molloy, played by Marissa McGowan. However Dolly has other ideas for who should be his new wife, such as herself. Of course the plot thickens when Cornelius Hackyll (Jared Morganstern), the head clerk of The dancing waiters scene was a hit with Vandergelder’s hay and feed the crowd. Everybody loved the crazy store, goes to New York and antics of this talented bunch. catches Mrs. Molloy’s eye. After hiding in Mrs. Molloy’s hat shop mance of Hello Dolly! , this year’s school and ruining her chances with Mr. musical. The pit sounded wonderful, cos- Vandergelder, he convinces her tumes looked beautiful, sets looked great and her loyal assistant Minnie Fay and the cast was terrific! (Dawn Slawitsky), that he and his “side kick” Barnaby Tucker (Jef- frey Stern), are rich. The two couples go on an adventure to the most elegant restaurant in the city, the Harmonia Gardens, where the dancing waitors pro- vide a spectacular show. Meanwhile Dolly is fixing up Mr. Vandergelder with the heir- ess, Ernestina Money, played hys- terically by Rachel Leventhal, while she is helping Ermangarde Erin Edelstein as Dolly Levi and Adam (Michelle Rosen), Vander- Dreyfus as the Head Waiter gelder’s niece, because she loves April, 1999 • The Heartbeat of SHS • The 7Pulse c l a s s i f i e d s

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A Star Wars riviaT n 1. C A New Hope s 2. B Anakin 3. D George Lucas Locker Room w 4. A Boba Fett Letter to 5. B Lando Calrissian e 6. C C-3P0 Concerns 7. D John Williams the Editor r 8. C James Earl Jones …Continued from Previous Page 9. B Yavin We actively pursue and investigate every situa- …Continued From Page 2 10. C Jabba the Hutt James Earl Jones Is the s tion brought to our attention.” say, “These things just happen”, but Voice of Darth Vader The administration has taken an active role it is much safer to say that than over in preventing thefts and other crimes from occur- speculate. By doing too much specu- ring at Syosset High School, but if students feel lation based on people’s appearance that they are being victimized in any way they we are limiting people’s individual- should report it to a teacher or a guidance coun- ity and saying that he who wears selor. Most of the students who commit crimes black is homicidal or even angry. cartoon of the month while at school are caught. This, I assure you, isn’t true. I could When a crime (like the recent thefts from get into the history of the color black By Joshua Sauberman the girls’ locker room) does occur, depending on and how it represents grace and dig- the circumstances, the student or students respon- nity, or the history of gothic culture sible may be subject to police action. Usually a and how it stems from poetry, fan- student caught committing a crime such as theft tasy, and love, but that would be is given a 5-day suspension by Dr. Schneider. glossing over a much more important When the 5-day suspension is over, district Su- issue. People are not defined by how perintendent Dr. Carole Hankin has the option to they look. The one reason one per- suspend the student or students involved for more son may choose to wear one particu- than five days, or enact a more serious conse- lar clothing item may be a completely quence. different reason someone else may The best way to stop crime at the high choose to wear that exact same cloth- school is to prevent it from occurring at all. ing item. Teenagers, like all creatures Students can avoid crimes like theft by using of the world, are in fact much more common sense and locking up their valuables complex than the experts think, and instead of letting them lie around. A theft can as a result cannot be generalized occur anywhere in the school, but it is a lot about accurately. less likely to occur if students do not leave their possessions unattended. “Buddy, where were Although many students feel that Syosset High School is a safe place, the recent crimes you during the time have left them angry and upset. As Senior Iris Weiner stated, “It’s disgusting that we have to of the incident?” be worried about our personal belongings in our own school.” 8 The Pulse • The Heartbeat of SHS • April, 1999 ss pp oo rr tt ss Lacrosse Currently UndefeatedSoftball Slides Home By Kristen Haunss fourth varsity season. Joining them are By Allison Hoyt Hershman (2nd base), and Diana Pettigrew After a disappointing season last Seniors Kristen Haunss, Molly The 1999 Girls Varsity Softball team is (2nd base). Sophomores Samantha Brookes year, the members of the Syosset Girls Ellwood, Lynn Alampi, Lauren looking forward to their upcoming season. (1st base) and Elyse Morshauser (outfield), Varsity Lacrosse team have vowed to Carleton, Lauren Glaser, Juniors Kim Missing the playoffs by one game last year and freshman Jean Chiang (catcher). The make up for last year’s season. In the Jacobs, Gena Schuster, Kristy Magueri, has made them determined to make it this braves are returning three players who re- newly formed Conference I-B, the girls Samantha Alexander, Alison Finkler, year. With a big win against the 1998 Con- ceived post season honors last year. Sopho- no longer face rivals Port Washington, Kara Langhamer, Rachel Merson, ference Champions, Baldwin, last season, more Lisa Fasano, an outstanding outfielder Nicole Pennucci, Jackie Pinkow, Alison the Braves have a good shot at improving received All-Conference, Sophomore Kurtzman and Sophomore Jen Belk. their status. At the beginning of the season Michelle Mianulli, a tremendous short stop With big wins over rivals the team was stranded with no coach, due also received All-Conference, and junior Massapequa, and East Meadow, the to the fact Ms. Maryann Concessi is out on Allison Hoyt received All County. The Braves are off to a great start. They maternity leave. But now once again, they Braves have a very demanding schedule have already set two records in Syosset have a very strong coaching staff. Mr. ahead of them playing top notch teams such Girl’s Lacrosse history. First, they have Powell has taken over as the varsity head as Baldwin and Our Lady of Mercy. The become the first team to record a shut- coach, and Mr. Andersen is his assistant. Mr. Braves are dedicated, excited, and working out, and second, they are the first team Grecco is the junior varsity softball coach. hard to reach the post season. Watch out Lady Braves Lacrosse players gear up for to have more than 6 wins in a season. The team is extremely strong this year with Baldwin! GO BRAVES!!! the game With these two accomplishments under 10 returning players, and a strong bunch of their belt and the season just halfway new players. The team is led by senior cap- New Hyde Park or Farmingdale. How- over, only time will tell what other tains Liz Horan (3rd base) and Lisa Pitter JV Lacrosse ever, it is not only the new seeding, but records could be set. The team’s main (outfield). Seniors Mary McCue (pitcher) also an improvement in the team’s skills goal of the season though, is winning By Sal Cataldo and Amy Weissburg (outfield) will also play nd that have led to their success. Under the coveted conference banner, which When March 2 came around, a new a tremendous role this season. The juniors the leadership of Coaches Christiansen, at this point looks like it could be a re- season in the Syosset lacrosse program be- are Kristen Buda (3rd base), Valerie Buscemi Borensen, and McGloughlin, the Braves ality. The next few weeks will be tell- gan. Under the coaching of Coach Rizzi, (catcher), Andrea Fasano (outfield), Nicole look like a new team with a strong tran- ing for the Braves as they continue their Coach Brace, Coach Reilly, and Coach sition that can run most opposition to season with the mentality of “refuse to Kopp, this years junior Varsity lacrosse team the ground. lose.” With these thoughts in their looks good. Since so many players tried out The team is led by Senior Co-Cap- heads, the Lady Braves are the team to for the team, the ever-growing lacrosse pro- tains Rachel Friedman and Rachael beat. Golf eesT Off gram had to create a second, freshman team, Neumann, both returning for their By Jose Garrido and Ari Pillar led by coaches Reilly and Kopp. This season is looking exceptionally So far this year the JV team is off to a Tennis Serves Upbright for the returning Long Island Cham- good start. Sophmore defensemen David Lifeguarding pion, Syosset golf team. Senior captains Constantino and Jason Kim, and sophomore Jose Garrido and Ari Pillar hope to lead the goalie Matt Koenig lead the JV team. team to another winning season. Returning Defensemen Brian Liebman, midfielder Another Season Rich DeTrano, attacking John Weissburg, Takes Watch By Matthew Cohen juniors Keith Hendrickson, Ross Morgan, Ernest Fong, and Jon Shifren are working and goalie Sal Cataldo lead the freshman By Kristen Haunss After a disappointing 1998 season, hard to make more contributions to the team team. Coach Kopp of the freshman team One of the most popular physical education the Boys Varsity Tennis Team has com- this season. said, “They are a great group of young classes is the lifeguarding course. Currently taught pleted rebuilding its notorious “top- There will be an additional amount of guys.” by Mr. Powell and Ms. White, the course pro- caliber” team under Coach Dana pressure on the team this season due to last The season looks to be a promising one. vides certification for CPR for the professional Kaplan. Nassau County Champions in year’s success. The expectations for the The teams have had success in the pre- rescuer, Standard First Aid Certification, Ameri- 1997, the team’s players have one thing team are very high, and with so many re- season, and look to continue this success can Red Cross Lifeguarading and the opportu- on their mind, and that’s to bring the turning players from last year’s champion- throughout the season. nity to take the Nassau County Lifeguard exam. championship home after Roslyn won ship team, the Braves are looking forward Physical Education teacher, Mr. Powell, it last year. Led by one of the states top to another successful season. commented, “this is an opportunity many high junior tennis players, co-captain Peter The key for success this year, like last school students don’t have. It is a good opportu- Harjes and Marc “Boom Boom” Lohser, year, is to take one match at a time. The nity for someone to learn to save someone’s life.” Syosset is looking better than ever to team has to keep its focus throughout the In order to take the class, one must do well go the distance. Along with Peter and season in order to repeat as Long Island in general physical education swimming. An in- Marc, the team has many returning se- Champions. Another important point for the terested student must also be recommended by niors but Coach Kaplan has added some team to remember is to have fun in the com- his/her ninth or tenth grade swim teacher. The much-needed depth. Returning Varsity petitions. These keys will lead the team to class is open to all eleventh and twelfth grade players are as follows: Co-captain Matt another memorable and successful golf sea- students, but tenth graders with permission of his/ “Scooter” Cohen, Andrew Schaffler, son. her teacher. An applicant must also be sixteen Jason “Fatty” Greenberg, Ricky Goyal, A Braves Lacrosse player in action years of age. This class also offers one the op- Jeff Kleinman, Josh Zellner, Rob Kuhn, portunity for summer and year-round employ- Shehzaad Zaman, Adam Saltzman and The Pulse ment. This class is an active recruiting center for Jason Gerstien. Newcomers Justin Syosset High School summer jobs at Ms. Babcock’s, Mr. Powell’s and Wein, Jeff Fong, Jared Platt and Ian 70 Southwoods Road the Town of Oyster Bay pools. Sands round off the team. Looking at Syosset, NY 11791 The class is not only made up of swimming, this team on paper, the guys have the [email protected] but also lectures and classroom time. A student ability this year to destroy the compe- will also be required to take written and practical tition and take the title back to Syosset. tests. Standing in the Braves way will be the Senior Keith Gross, who took the class two teams from Roslyn, Great Neck, Jeri- years ago said, “Lifeguard training provides one cho, Bellmore, and Port Washington. with important survival skills not only for the Watch out for the Boys Varsity Tennis workplace but for life itself.” Team in 99 cause they are as hungry as If you are interested, see guidance, Mr. ever and they won’t accept anything Powell or Ms. Babcock for information. less than excellence.