The Cardinal Vol. LXXIII No. 4 Pompton Lakes High School May 2014 Mrs. Alexander Awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ “Mrs. Alexander conveys a genu- In addition to being a talented teacher, Mrs. Alexander ine delight in teaching that is further also has some hidden talents and skills, including reciting bolstered by students’ sincere interest the alphabet backwards in less than ten seconds. Her in pursuing knowledge beyond the favorite hobbies consist of word games such as “Words target language,” said Principal Vin- with Friends” or crossword puzzles, in addition to some cent Przybylinski. “Mrs. Alexander of her favorite activities, which are swimming, snorkel- gladly takes on the responsibility of ing, and having a good time with her colleagues. helping all pupils learn English as a “Mrs. Alexander works with a small group of students, second language or English only and not only to help them learn English but to assimilate to achieve their potential in every facet this country, community, and school,” said Mrs. Lucia of their lives.” D’Alessandro, a guidance counselor at PLHS. As a student, Mrs. Alexander Ultimately, Mrs. Alexander is most grateful when attended DePaul High School where hearing the success stories of her former students. she graduated 2nd in her class. From “She is the reason I fit in here. She motivated me to there, she went on to earn a bache- be confident and try to make friends. She was more than lor’s degree in French, certification in just a teacher; she was like a mother,” said senior Elisa education, and endorsement in ESL Diana. “She made learning simple but meaningful, which at Fairleigh Dickinson University I’ll always remember. She’s the reason why I can speak (FDU). Mrs. Alexander then went English.” on to teach for 32 years, 24 of which Mrs. Alexander is truly honored to receive such a have been spent in the Pompton prestigious award, especially considering the way in Lakes district as an ESL teacher. Pri- which it was presented to her. The moment Dr. Paul Am- or to teaching at PLHS she was em- oroso, the superintendent, came into her first period class ployed for eight years at DePaul High to give her the award will forever remain an unforgetta- School as a French teacher. However, ble moment in her life. she switched interests in her teaching “It was surprising but gratifying for the years I’ve subject through the enlightenment been doing this. I am extremely appreciative to the won- Mrs. Alexander was recognized as ‘Teacher of the Year’ by her colleagues. from foreign students that desired to derful staff I work with for the nomination,” she stated. learn English. When she began teach- Although Mrs. Alexander plans to leave the teaching By TAYLOR IRAGGI ing in Pompton Lakes she worked in profession in the near future, she intends to continue to Editor-in-Chief all four schools daily encountering students of all ages. be a lifelong learner, even in retirement. Eventually, she moved to PLHS permanently. “I’ve learned such a wealth of knowledge out of my “I knew by 2nd grade that I wanted to become a 32 years of teaching, and it’s so exciting to learn some- Mrs. Betsy Alexander, who teaches English as a teacher,” Alexander said. “However, it wasn’t until high thing new every single day,” she said. “I look forward to Second Language (ESL), was honored as “Teacher of the school that I knew I wanted to become a language teach- continuing to learn in this next step of my life.” Year” by the Pompton Lakes Board of Education and the er. Originally, my plan was to become a Latin teacher but Pompton Lakes High School (PLHS) faculty on April 28. at the time Latin was dying out in most school districts.” Bowling Repeats as State Sectional Champs

By ZACH PAGLIARONI 610 series in the sectional final. 699 series at the county meet and Assistant Editor The Cardinals had control also performed strongly in state for the majority of the sectional play contributing to a major part match but were challenged by a in the Cardinals advancement The Pompton Lakes Bowling good Hawthorne team through- throughout the tournament. team had a chip on its shoulder out. “We came together as a coming into the season. Although “They gave it everything they unit and fired on all cylinders the Cardinals entered the 2013- had but we had just enough to when it mattered most,” said 2014 campaign as the reigning overpower them and keep our Schoonmaker. “When everyone North I Group I sectional cham- season alive,” said senior Spen- was on top of their game we pions, they proved their domi- cer Schoonmaker. were nearly impossible to beat.” nance once again by duplicating The sectional championship The bowling team now joins last year’s performance earning win earned the Cardinals a spot the football and baseball teams them a second straight title. at the Meet of Champions. The at PLHS who have successfully After a perfect 16-0 regular Cardinals placed 5th against defended their sectional titles in season, the Cardinals went into some tough competition, includ- their respective sports. Although their North I Group I cham- ing Central Jersey power Immac- bowling may not be as popu- pionship meet with plenty of ulata, who took home the title. lar throughout the school, the confidence. Head Coach Doug The Cardinals were led by players on this team still take Batsch’s squad had beaten most 3 First Team All-County selec- tremendous pride in what they of the teams they were set to tions, senior Dillon Cilento, ju- have accomplished. face that afternoon in group and nior Frank Magyar, and freshmen “Bowling isn’t much of a league play already. The Cardi- Nick Cilento all chipped in to the spectator sport, but we put in nals knew their biggest competi- Cardinals success. The Cardinals the same amount of work as any tion would be themselves. won the NJIC Colonial Division others athletes and this year’s “We knew we had to prove with ease behind the strong play success is something the entire that we could rebuild with new of upperclassmen. Dillon Cilento building can be proud of,” said people stepping up in certain bowled a county high 277 this Cilento. Members of the State Sectional champtionship bowling team were all smiles spots. Each member of the team year and was consistent through- With multiple underclassmen after winning a second consecutive title. handled their roles very well and out his senior season. Magyar, a returning such as Nick Cilento we wound up on top,” said senior Second Team All-North Jersey and Frank Magyar next sea- perhaps three peat in the section season run. Dillon Cilento, who bowled a Selection, bowled a team high son, the Cardinals are poised to and make an even deeper post 2 The Cardinal NEWS/OPINION May 2014 ‘Survivor’ Winner Delivers Powerful Message for Zohn, including how to overcome mental dents mocking or discouraging others, they could teach and social challenges over the course of 39 about their strengths, interests, and skill sets. days living in Kenya’s Shaba National Re- Be a necessary member of the group: The last point serve, and what to do with the million dollars that Zohn asked of students was to learn to become that he was suddenly awarded. He challenged necessary members of the group. While on Survivor, himself to be as unselfish as possible, which he had to form relationships that would eventually lead led him to co-founding Grassroot Soccer. to victory. Simply put, he became too valuable to the After winning a million dollars, many may members within his tribe that needed him. Zohn became consider what to buy first. However, Zohn so valuable that he is the only contestant in the show’s thought differently and considered how being history to not receive a single vote against him, which unselfish is self-empowering and can help speaks volumes about his character and worth. contribute to living a better life. This message Being a part of a community means that people are is an essential one, and is one that all high unified and living in harmony with people contributing to school students need to learn. Many high a group. It means that people can work together towards a school students spend their days wondering common goal and can contribute to the group by sharing what smart phone they should buy next, or their skills and talents. Each member of the community what kind of car they want to buy the day should bring something special that is needed and appre- they get their license. Being unselfish doesn’t ciated by the group. More people should strive to become necessarily mean spending that money on a part of their community, and students can achieve this someone else or giving it to a charity, but tak- by being a contributing member of a team, club, school, Ethan Zohn encouraged students to be an active member in their community ing a minute to do something for those who or other group. They should strive to be someone that has by being unselfish and becoming leaders and teachers. are less fortunate or may not have the same character and someone that people want to be around. opportunities in life. As a winner of Survivor, a Division I soccer coach, By ALEX DEBONTE Be a leader: It only takes one person a professional soccer player, and a two-time cancer Editor-in-Chief to make a difference, and Zohn is living proof. If one survivor, Zohn explained how these experiences helped student is willing to stand up and get involved, he or she him to become successful and inspired him to change the Ethan Zohn, the winner of Survivor: Africa, spoke to will inspire others to do the same. It is too easy to be a world around him. Ultimately, he emphasized how it’s students about becoming motivated, unselfish members follower. Being a leader takes work, time, effort, thought, too easy to do nothing from day to day living. Instead, of the community on Wednesday, April 23. During the courage, and commitment and requires determination and it’s more rewarding to get involved, be active, believe assembly he challenged students to help make a differ- confidence. If more people stepped out of their comfort in something, and then do something about it to make a ence in someone’s life and learn what it means to have zone they would see that being a leader is not as diffi- difference in someone’s life. And once this happens, the character. cult as it seems and that it’s more rewarding in the end. difference made will be found within yourself. Zohn won the third season of Survivor in 2002, using Besides, the world needs leaders, especially his winnings to create Grassroot Soccer, the global on the youth level. non-profit organization that uses soccer to educate the Be a teacher: The goal of Grassroot youth in Africa about HIV and AIDS. In his early thirties, Soccer is to use soccer to educate, inspire, while working with the organization, he was diagnosed and help communities to stop the spread of with CD20-positive Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Based on HIV and AIDS. It educates by teaching the The Cardinal those experiences, he speaks to high school and college importance of making decisions regarding students about his battle with cancer, his remission, one’s health. It also helps to empower local Grassroot Soccer, Survivor, and what it means to live life role models with tools to educate the youth passionately. within their own communities. Zohn spoke Over the course of the assembly, he challenged stu- to the students about becoming teachers. He Staff dents to do four main things: be unselfish, be a leader, be asked them to challenge themselves and to Alex DeBonte & Taylor Iraggi a teacher, and be a necessary member of the community. help educate others about issues they value Co-Editor-in-Chief Be unselfish: Winning Survivor meant a lot of things and will pursue with passion. Instead of stu- Zach Pagliaroni Assistant Editor

Angela Trajcevska Christina Nicoletti News Editor Entertainment Editor

Brianna Gomez & Harlee York Justin Stoll Features Editors Sports Editor

Alex DeBonte, Brianna Gomez, Christina Nicoletti, & Harlee York Photographers

Amy Cahill, Kelvin Jimenez, Brian Mondino, & Lucy Navarro Staff Writers

Alex DeBonte, Taylor Iraggi, & Mr. Robert Edgar Layout & Design Mr. Robert Edgar Class Advisor

How to Reach Us Mailing Address: 44 Lakeside Ave. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey 07442 Phone: 973-835-7100 Email: [email protected]

Letters to the Editor PLHS students, faculty, and staff members are encouraged to write and submit letters to The Cardinal in response to an editorial or article. Letters must be signed but can be published anonymously upon request. Please submit letters to [email protected] or leave them in Mr. Edgar’s mailbox in the main office.The Car- dinal reserves the right to edit letters for size.

Published by J&S Printing at 3940 Pinson Valley Parkway, Bir- mingham, Alabama. 35217-1856. © 2013 JS Printing-Support@ jsprinting.com. PO Box 94688. 800-677-1368. 3 The Cardinal NEWS/OPINION May 2014 Governor Christie Supports a Longer School Day, Year

and school year in test scores.” New Jersey…we However, many students and teachers strongly dis- should take these agree with the idea, saying it is not the answer. steps -- every “Fix what you have now before you start something possible step -- new,” exclaimed math teacher, Mrs. Margo Streicher, to boost student who believes funding this idea would be a major issue. achievement. And Although this new idea will mainly affect students, one key step is teachers, and staff, it also will affect every citizen that to lengthen the lives in New Jersey and pays taxes because it will most school day and likely be the tax payers who will be paying for this costly school year. This idea. By extending the school day and year, the cost of is a key step to the average student attending school will rise as a result improve student since all the schools across the state would have to install outcomes and air conditioning systems to accommodate the hot weather boost our com- in the summer. petitiveness. We Additionally, the contracts that the teachers currently should do it now.” have would have to be re-negotiated since the hours that Like Gov. the teachers are working will be lengthened, causing the Chris Christie and teachers’ salary to rise. the NJ School In addition, the electric bill to power the extra usage of Governor Christie speaks to students at Stone Harbor Elementary School. (photo courtesy of Press of Boards Associa- computers, air conditioning, and lights within the school Atlantic City) tion, some teachers will also add to the costs, which may be a cause for some and students express budget cuts. By JUSTIN STOLL approval to the idea Another possible problem is that many sports pro- Sports Editor of a longer school day and school year. grams and extracurricular activities could be at risk to be “Students lack a focus on their education that has cut as a result of trying to save money to pay for the other On January 14, 2014, Governor Chris Christie stated existed in past generations. The only way to free young new expenses. Services like maintaining the schools, that he believes New Jersey’s public schools should minds that have been impaired by this lack of learning campuses, and facilities will have to be compromised, lengthen their day and school year in order to “improve is to expand the school day,” stated Mr. Robert Cole, a too. student outcomes and boost our competitiveness” despite history teacher at Pompton Lakes High School (PLHS). With all these possible problems coming with this pro- the fact that New Jersey ranks close to the top of the Senior Erick McNamara also shared Mr. Cole’s opin- posal, many questions are still unanswered about whether national student achievement. ion. this idea would actually benefit students considering all “Life in 2014 demands something more for our “It keeps kids off the street,” explained McNamara. “It the negative possible outcomes. students,” stated Christie. “It is time to lengthen the day will improve grades, higher academic achievement, and Too Much Pressure Put on Today’s Teens

By KELVIN JIMENEZ taining a reverence for academ- Staff Writer ics. It has been proven that when students want to achieve some- With getting an education thing they go after it, but trying and performing well in school, to achieve a goal at that specific spending time with family, par- activity often distracts them from ticipating in sports and extra- their academics. Sometimes, curricular activities, and holding however, participating in sports down a part-time job, today’s and extracurricular activities can teens have too much pressure on create additional stress. themselves. In New Jersey, teenagers are Thankfully, our generation allowed to work at the age of lives in a world where techno- sixteen. Student employees must logical advancements constantly obtain paper work that has to be happen and are enhancing our signed and agreed by the school, standard of living. As much as employer, and parent or guard- technology evolves, so does ed- ian. These sixteen year olds that ucation and the competitiveness do decide to work a part-time for higher education. Luckily, job sometimes not only work for living in the United States, high themselves but for their family to school students are granted many help with financial struggles. The options to continue when they great thing about working is the graduate. During that time, stu- reward of getting a paycheck but dents are provided with diverse those who work often fall into Today’s students experience all kinds of pressures from a variety of sources, many of which cause additional stress. programs and electives that the temptation of spending that enable them to reach their full paycheck on both necessary and potential. Unfortunately, some- tic Assessment Test) or ACT children all the time. Instead, causing them to become distract- unnecessary items. It’s ok to treat times students become over- (American College Testing) and families can vary from divorced ed and not as attentive in class. yourself with the money you whelmed with the work load. sometimes SAT Subject Tests parents and families where a par- A popular stress relief for earned, but just be sure to save Students go through about eight and AP (Advanced Placement) ent or parents are no longer with many teenagers can be found by as well. or nine different subjects daily exams, as well as scheduling col- them anymore. Families are seen participating in sports and extra- It’s safe to say that today’s for 45 minutes and are supposed lege visits. Although high school as your teammates since they’re curricular activities. Students can teenagers have great responsibil- to memorize what they learn and is supposed to prepare students the ones who should always be choose from the sports offered at ities and plenty of stress as a re- apply the material to the tests and for college or whatever students supportive when one is trying to school or often reach out to local sult, so in order to excel in each quizzes they take. For some, that decide to do afterwards, there are achieve goals and dreams. How- sports clubs that help them keep it is recommended for teens to experience can be taxing. many students who stress about ever, some teens fail to realize active and maintain a schedule. exert some discipline and focus For those students who are the requirements that are being that not only do family members At Pompton Lakes High School on what is important. Slowing college bound, not only do they asked of them in high school. at home get stressed but every- (PLHS), students are fortunate to down for a moment to take a have to worry about excelling In this fast paced society, one around them as well. The have successful athletic teams, breath would also be beneficial on their regular academic school we no longer live in a “typical” combination of a stressed student as well as artistic programs that to any teen feeling overwhelmed work, but they have to study society. Families aren’t always in a stressful household can enable them to become distracted and helpless. for either the SAT (Scholas- made up of a mom, dad, and two result in an increased stress level, from academics while still main- 4 The Cardinal FEATURES/SPORTS May 2014 Spring Sports Preview and 4 shutouts. Offensively, the Cardi- nals return a bunch of production from seniors Jenn Pezzuti, Sara Villalonga, and junior Sam Beazley. With a combined 59 hits and 59 runs scored between the three, the trio will look to build off last year’s success. With this type of talent, the Cardinals should be able to overcome last year’s county loss and make a significant impact in this year’s tournament. After an impressive (7-1) season, the boy’s track and field team lost some serious talent due to graduation. However, as always, the Cardinals reload again this season with athletes who can dominate their respective events. Seniors Migjen Istrefi (distance runner) and Ray Denti (jumper) look to pick up where they left off in both the winter season and previous spring season. Despite an injury in leagues last year, Denti looks to improve on last year’s 100 points season, a team high. On the field side of the spectrum, seniors Er- ick McNamara (javelin) and Zariq Hewitt (discus) will be heavily relied on in order to contend for a league title. McNamara, last year’s league champion, will look to repeat last year’s success after posting an impressive 80 points despite competing in one event. Also be on the lookout for junior pole vaulter Andy Accardi who Kevin Magee, who has committed to pitch for St. John’s University next Sam Keating has served as a solid pitcher for the Cardinals over the competed in the Meet of Champions past couple of years. fall, has emerged as one of the premier pitchers in all of New Jersey. during the winter track season. Although the girl’s track team may By ZACH PAGLIARONI strikeouts between them. Replacing the for the Cardinals, boasting an 11-6 record. have struggled during the points of the Assistant Editor 155 runs batted in by last year’s seniors Impressively, 9 of those 11 wins came season, this year’s team looks promising won’t be easy, but players such as senior from senior Nick Mosley and junior Chase with many returning members. Senior outfielder Ryan Kazanowski and senior Goodwin, both Second Team All-League distance runner Melissa Hidalgo looks to After a successful fall and winter DH Eric Moeltner will hope to get the bats selections. There is no reason the Cardi- continue her successes during the winter seasons for Pompton Lakes High School going early this season. Also look out for nals should not be in contention for an season where she won a sectional cham- (PLHS) athletes, the spring shows signs juniors Jimmy Huber and Nick McCarthy NJIC Colonial B title and a deep county pionship in the 3,200. The Cardinals also of keeping this year’s winning trend alive. to make a significant impact this season. tournament run. return senior jumper and pole vaulter With many returning starts and plenty of The boy’s tennis team is hoping to Hoping to build off an impressive 19-6 Christine Cottrell along with junior Caro- up and coming talent, spring sport athletes improve off an impressive 10-7 season season, the softball team has high expecta- line King, who ran the 400. Additionally, have a lot of expectations placed on them. last year. The Cardinals will rely heavi- tions with the return of 8 key players from the Cardinals expect to have senior sprint- In order for the baseball team to build ly on 1st singles player Will Pendexter, last year’s team. After losing early in last er Sarah Soojian back after she missed last off of last year’s Passaic County Champi- a Second Team All-County selection year’s county tournament, senior pitchers season due to injury. If the Cardinals can onship team, the Cardinals will need play- who went 7-10 his junior season against Sam Keating and Alex DeBonte will look get things going early, they are without a ers to fill the shoes of last year’s seniors. some tough competition from surround- to keep runners off the base paths. Keat- question in the hunt for a league title. The Cardinals bring back all-county left- ing schools. Another big return for the ing, a Second Team All-League selection, hand pitchers Mike Coss and Kevin Ma- Cardinals comes in the form of doubles. is looking to build off an 8 win season gee who went a combined 16-4 with a 180 The 1st doubles last year was consistent which featured a 1.04 earned run average In the Spotlight: Migjen Istrefi

Favorite vacation spot: The motherland bathrooms Start of running career: Freshman year College plans: Stevens Institute of Technology Favorite restaurant: Brownstone majoring in chemical engineering Favorite food: Grilled Salmon Favorite drink: H2O molecules (water) Favorite athlete: Richard Sherman of the Seattle Number of spoken languages: Two Seahawks and Steve Prefontaine, one of the great- Favorite sports brand: Nike est runners of all-time Favorite snack: Sunflower seeds Best friend: Ramon Fantauzzi/ Austin Gausditis Favorite memorable PLHS experience: Watch- Favorite movie: Prefontaine ing girl fights freshman year Favorite sports: Street Racing, Cross Country, Extracurricular activities: Training for the 2016 Track Rio De Janeiro Olympics Favorite subject: Mathematics Senior year highlight: Watching the Life of Birth Favorite teacher: Mrs. Sarnelli movie What he does in his free time: Help the elderly Favorite TV show: The Boondocks cross the road Favorite cereal: Cheerios What he likes about running: Winning Favorite quote: “Ain’t worried bout nothin” Future plans: Conquer the world, and hopefully Favorite musicians: Biggie Smalls, Dr. Dre, and run in college Wu-Tang Clan Favorite course to run: Darlington Favorite book in high school: Biloxi Blues in Pre-race ritual: Chia seeds and bathroom stops Mr. Edgar’s class Favorite book: 50 shades of Grey Number of medals won during high school: Too Siblings: 3 many to count Future goals: Marry Mila Kunis and have 20