T H E V I K I N G

Volume XLI Edition 14 March 20, 2008 CSPA Gold Medalist

SagaThe Student Newspaper of East Lyme High School East Lyme, Connecticut Heading East A Little Corn Beef ELHS teachers plan summer trip to China and Tibet Goes A Long Way by Ellie Kleinhans she study with a lama (a While the student Tibetan teacher.) body is awaiting summer Along with about dismissal, World History 20 other teachers from and Religions teacher Connecticut, Ms. Alice Pembrook and Pembrook and Ms. African American Studies Anderson will embark on teacher Cortney Anderson their voyage on June 26th are anticipating their trip and return on July 12th. to Tibet. “If you go by yourself, “We’ll be fl ying into you do not have a Beijing, visit Shanghai and sounding board and the Great Wall of China. ability to brainstorm. Then we will visit schools You don’t have the initial to try to make connections contacts that you have and visit three different when you go with people

monasteries,” said Ms. who are really interested Photo Submitted/J. Christensen Anderson. She became in the topic,” said In spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, ELHS freshman James Christensen nurses a 1-year old vulture interested in Eastern Ms. Pembrook. back to good health with his mother’s corn beef. Christensen was taking a walk in the woods philosophy last year The group will be behind his Grassy Hill Road home with his brother and friend when they came across a when her acupuncturist in guided by Pit Peng, a citizen vulture stuck in a coyote trap. By poking the bird with a stick, they concluded that it was alive East Lyme suggested that (See Tibet page 4) but weak. The boys trekked the two miles back home with the bird wrapped in a jacket, where it was nurtured by the family for one day before being released back into the wild. I American Studies Replaced? N Page 4 To Graduate, or not to Graduate... Senior graduation only requirements for exit stipulations. Schools successfully complete T What does your requirements at East ELHS seniors to graduate like Lyman Memorial the senior project to H backpack say are passing CAPT and High School have “a graduate in June.” Lyme High School I about you? acquiring 25 credits required senior project “We thought it would S Page 7 by Andrea Chrunyk in certain subjects, for that involves a lengthy be benefi cial for Lyman Study Hall The most celebrated example, half a credit of research paper and students and would E Etiquette moment of your high Civics. Many schools, concludes with a multi- translate well to Lyman, D Page 7 school career usually like Stonington High faceted presentation and the recommendations I Defend Yourself comes at graduation, but School, have similar to a team of faculty of the State Department Page 9 does this come easier for requirements to ELHS. members in the spring of of Education and the New T East Lyme High School But a number of senior year,” said Lyman England Association of I Vantage Point students that those of surrounding schools Memorial High School Schools and Colleges,” O Movie Review surrounding schools? employ vastly different guidance counselor Dave said Mr. Tedesco. N Page 11 As of right now, the approaches regarding Tedesco. “Students must (See Exit page 5) The Viking Saga Opinion March 20, 2008 Our Two Cen news channels. By the time I realize I have you, or creativity does (at least for me). tossed away hours of precious work time, I It is in these moments of am about ready to get down to business with irrationality where you write the my homework, pressured by the deadline of getting to sleep at a reasonable hour. world’s best term paper. It is in these On weekend and summer nights, the late moments when you have a heart-to- hours take on a whole new excitement. These heart phone conversation with an hours are when the largest chunk of fun- old friend. In these moments when happening occurs. It is in these moments that you later refl ect and wonder “why you realize that you should really be in bed did I do that?” Then you realize when the best laughs come and you feel the closest with your friends. Then there are also that these were the best moments of those exciting minutes you spend rushing to your life. get home before curfew while the rest of the Looking back, I see high school as a string town seems to be sleeping. of late, sleep-deprived nights. Memories of __ No one remembers the nights they stayed These are the times that I love—the cranky that midnight dive into the ocean, or that night home, watched television and went to bed and sleepy, yet giddy or quiet or stressful I was working on the Warykas community at 7:30. moments at night when you realize how early project until 4:30 a.m. (only to wake up in a There is a special energy about the wee you must be up the next morning. half hour to go to Early Bird P.E.) fall into place hours of the night that cannot be matched After hours of procrastination—organizing like plastic beads of a friendship bracelet. during any other part of the day. pencils into their correct location atop your They form a circle of images and smells and During the school week, I manage to desk, seeing what everyone did over vacation sounds that I will never forget—leaving out the diddle away the hours of daylight after (via their online photo albums) and stacking groggy, Diet Pepsi-jolted, pajamas-to-school school that I consume with facebook and the cans of soda you have consumed in the mornings that I never seem to remember until internet browsing, or just fl ipping through the past hours, your conscience gets the best of I do it all over again. Does East Lyme High School have a clique problem?

“A little between the Salem and East Lyme kids.” -freshman Theresa Horan

V.Ferdon/Saga “I think there are cliques, but I S.Felitto/Saga think it is a natural part of high “Yeah there are cliques, but school for kids to divide into if you approach another

their friend groups.” S.Felitto/Saga group there won’t be -senior Julia Murphy a fi ght.” -sophomore Dan Hornik

Page 2 The Viking Saga Opinion March 20, 2008 ts are Free: Teachers preached throughout elementary and Saturday detention for various reasons, each middle school about diversity, acceptance and representing a stereotypical social group. compassion in hopes that students would feel At the end of the fi lm, the Breakfast Club comfortable in befriending every classmate writes a letter to their principal which says: they come across. While this is all said and Dear Mr. Vernon: We think you’re crazy good, the reality is that they were attempting to make us write an essay telling you who to eliminate a universal aspect of society. we think we are. You see us as you want to Cliques are present in the form of college see us: in the simplest terms, in the most sororities and fraternities, in neighborhood convenient defi nitions. But, what we found associations and in the workforce. Cliques out is that each one of us is: a brain…and an are a way of life, but they are not always bad. athlete…and a basket case…a princess…and Friendships and associations are a criminal. Does that answer your question? somewhat concrete in the real world. Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club. We meet people, decide if we The truth is, ELHS has cliques. We have like them or not and if we do, the jocks, the hippies and the brains. Our lunch They are the school administration’s room is so clearly divided that a map could worst nightmare. They are strong. Their we keep them. If not, we don’t. be made of the different “groups” equipped power is deep rooted in the social realms of And although people come in and with labels of who sits where at the table. high school. They part the sea of students out of our lives at different times, there What people fail to understand is that in the hallway. They have been present is always our core group made up of it is not a problem. From my observations, in every generation of human existence. longtime friends and family from whom these group divisions and labels are for They are unbreakable. They are…cliques. we seek love, advice, comfort and support. the most part dropped in the classroom This description of cliques is exactly how The classic example of cliques is the setting, where students easily mingle. But they have been portrayed by adults since 1980s fi lm, The Breakfast Club. It is the when it comes to friends, we know who we entered kindergarten at the age of fi ve. story of six high school students who get we like. And that’s the way it should be.

Have an opinion? “Yes, everyone has their own Send your letters, questions and comments to Th e Viking Saga at little group and you can always [email protected] tell when there is a new person because it is obvious that they haven’t blended into a The Saga Staff: group yet.” Stefanie Felitto & Featured Writers: -junior Sarah Mooradian Valerie Ferdon V.Ferdon/Saga Editors-in-Chief Alex Addabbo John Kleinhans Hannah Barner News Editor Kit Brown Mollie Teeter Features Editor Andrea Chrunyk Kyle Weiss Ryann Foulke “I think there are defi nitely Sports and a few groups who isolate Back Page Editor Matthew Heath Kate Eberle Ellie Kleinhans themselves but there are also Entertainment many who are open to meeting Editor Amy Li Jeff Beale Emily Newton new people.” Advisor -senior Leah Clement Ramona Ostrowski Ariel Nicolosi V.Ferdon/Saga Featured Illustrator Brendan Welch

Page 3 The Viking Saga News March 20, 2008 The Modern World Takes Over the Classroom Civics class to potentially replace American Studies by Hannah Barner tudents may soon say goodbye to sophomore Isabelle Celentano. “I really liked very internationally diverse… We need to SAmerican Studies, and say hello World History, and they do a lot of American prepare our students for that interaction.” to The Modern History in With the proposal still formulating, World. East Lyme.” many aspects are still being discussed, Due to a proposal Though there such as new classroom materials, potential currently in were many ideas involvement with online courses and new development by incorporated into teacher curricula. Once this is fi gured out the Social Studies the new course by the department, it can move on to the department, the changes, there were next stage: getting the proposal accepted by focus of mandated two main reasons the administration. history courses for the proposal. “Once all the curriculum is written, we will likely shift “A primary will do a presentation to the Board of from American reason for this is Education, but right now it’s not at that to world history J.Kleinhans/Saga to de-westernize stage,” states Sandford. and events. Say goodbye to your average American Studies Class, our curriculum; Even though American Studies would be Planned to be looks like the Class of 2014 will be diving into the we have more consolidated into United States in the 20th in effect for the Modern World U.S. History here Century and Civics, the state still mandates graduating class curricula of 2014 (the current eighth graders), they will at East Lyme High which will be take United States in the 20th Century during School than virtually incorporated their sophomore year instead of in their junior any other high school ‘You’ll be able to get involved in into ELHS year. It will be in their junior year that they in the state,” said politics on a level that’s much less along with will take a Civics course. The focus in this ELHS principal the same class would be on local and state government Lawrence Roberts. academic and much more hands on.’ required with more hands-on learning because the “You’ll be able to get -Principal Larry Roberts three years of students’ ages and maturity would allow involved in politics on social studies for it. The second half-year course would a level that’s much less courses. be The Modern World. Proposition for this academic and much With the class includes educating students about more hands-on.” nation and state turning its education events happening around the world that are Social Studies department head Christopher towards world events and culture, it’s time generally not covered in the mandatory social Sandford voiced another reason for the for East Lyme to join in the movement and studies classes. proposal, explaining, “A lot of the [colleges’] look beyond American borders. “I think it’d be a really good idea,” says kids are going to are very competitive and

(Tibet continued from front page) between the schools in China and East differently, but have similarities because of China. “We had time with him last Lyme High School. “There is so much to they are teenagers,” said Ms. Pembrook. year,” said Ms. Pembrook in reference to learn. They can learn from us and we can As the trip gets closer, both teachers her trip with Principal Lawrence Roberts learn from them,” said Ms. Anderson. are getting more excited. While this to China. “There are a lot of cultural “There are at least 70 students per class. will be Ms. Anderson’s fi rst time to differences that you have to be aware of When a teacher enters the room, they stand. eastern Asia, it will be Ms. Pembrook’s and he schools you in this.” Last year, when Mr. Roberts and I went, third time. “I am really pulled to that Ms. Pembrook learned some of these they asked us for our autographs,” said part of the world. It is so furthering for differences last year. She explained that Ms. Pembrook. She further explained that us to see world diversity,” commented a major one is “certainly respect…when ELHS has a sister school in Zibo, China Ms. Pembrook. you’re being handed something you and students of the two schools have been What both teachers are looking forward always use two hands and show that it is communicating through email. to most is going to the three monasteries. of interest to you.” “My fi rst semester World Religion kids, “For me it’s an educational study, but it’ll Although the group will be visiting some of them had pen pals. And some of be a spiritual one as well. The experience national attractions, Ms. Anderson last year’s ninth grade World History. It itself will be a learning experience. To explained that their goal is to gain benefi ts because it is an opportunity to share go is one thing, to see it in a picture is correspondence and communication our humanness. The students do things another,” said Ms. Anderson.

Page 4 The Viking Saga News March 20, 2008 (Exit continued from front page) No Room in the Gym In addition, he noted that several have The North Gym remains closed been very creative, involving themselves in by Brendan Welch the “Make a Wish Foundation,”developing East Lyme High School is still proving that sports classes run into some trouble. a video for 8th grade students looking the oft-recited phrase “a little rain never hurt “We have about 35 kids in each tseam sports forward to attending Lyman and the design anybody” is, quite frankly, a fl at-out lie. It was, class. Unfortunately, because of the lack of space, and construction of new dugouts for the after all, just a little rain that appeared out of thin at any given time we have two team sports classes baseball fi eld.” air on what was supposed to be a clear summer but only one gym, and you can’t have 70 kids ELHS guidance counselor Marcia Goldreich day, ruining our favorite sporting venue for most locked up in there at the same time,” Biggs said. explained that the reason why there is not a of this year. To combat this lack of space, classes alternate required senior project like the one at Lyman As the days drag on, the North Gym continues between the South Gym and the one area P.E. Memorial is because the number of students to be frequented by maintenance workers rather class is supposed to get a student out of: the enrolled in the W.I.S.E. (Wise Senior/Junior than eager student-athletes, has seen the loss of classroom. Independent Experience) program used to be Biggs acknowledges that this goes against in the hundreds. Since there were so many kids the purpose of P.E. class, as far as students taking it, the administration felt that it should getting exercise. not be a requirement. “At the same time, our hand sare tied and Since the numbers have dropped signifi cantly it’s out of our control,” he said. “Frontloading over the years to now only one class, Ms. wasn’t a bad idea, but it’s left us in a bad Goldreich says, “We’ve been talking about spot.” doing it,” in regard to a required senior project. The situation has been almost unanimously Ms. Goldreich said that the reason that ELHS unpopular with students. would have a required senior project is “so that “It would be better to have more gym time, the students can demonstrate a specialty in their

J.Kleinhans/Saga as it is ‘team sports,’ not ‘team watch-a-movie own area of interest.” as a supplement to class,” said junior Dan At Waterford High School “students need A crowded gym class in the middle of a fl oor hockey game Smith. 80 hours of community service to fulfi ll this asbestos rather than a visiting team, and has been Junior Surav Sakya referred to the class as [volunteering] requirement,” said Waterford fi lled with equipment suited for construction rather “Film 101.” High School guidance counselor Jason Adler. than competition. Junior Matt Sangster had similar feelings. East Lyme administrators have rejected “We’re on the cusp of fi nishing the repairs,” “We’re supposed to be getting physically this idea. “Philosophically, our principles said athletic director Scott Mahon. “The only educated, as opposed to sitting around watching aren’t behind required volunteering question right now is whether or not the town is because it doesn’t come from the kids, it willing to pay for new bleachers.” comes from the administration,” explains To make the North Gym suitable for Ms. Goldreich. contests once more, the bleachers will need But Mr. Adler explained that “this was put to be moved. The problem is that once this into place as part of Waterford High School’s occurs, the bleachers will have violated state ‘Learning through Service’ curriculum, which safety guidelines and will need to be replaced runs through students’ classes as well. The which can be costly and inconvienent for philosophy is that through giving to others, the town. students can learn about themselves and Gym classes have been most affected by how their studies can relate to the real world, that rainy day so long ago. Classes were kept J.Kleinhans/Saga especially in terms of how that knowledge can small in the fi rst semester in the hope that Since the most of the PE classes are so overcrowded, some help people.” the gym would be ready by the second half students have even decided to bring homework to the gym While Waterford High School senior Ben of the year, but that has turned out to be a The Longest Yard.” Lazarus notes that required volunteering false hope. In the meantime, it looks like the longest somewhat defeats the purpose, he said According to P.E. teacher Jack Biggs, there are yard the school will have to gain is the decision overall, “I think it’s a decent idea and only three teaching spaces, which are the weight on the bleachers. Until then, that little bit of rain they are trying to get us involved in room, the South Gym, and the pool. Conditioning will continue to pain our sports and physical our community.” classes will always get the weight room, but team education classes in a big way. A new state mandate might also force ELHS to adopt this type of program, albeit several years from now. Daffodil Days Drive: The staff at East Lyme High School recently contributed $440 “I think you’re going to see some to the Daffodil Days Drive, which gives money to the American Cancer Society. The changes when the new state requirements drive, coordinated by media specialist Marie Shaw, has been running at the school for are put into effect,” says Ms. Goldreich. She about 20 years. The teachers donate money and buy daffodils and the proceeds go to the also notes that the state is “giving a lot of American Cancer Society. Shaw is welcoming student support and participation and is advanced notice so that we can start working open to ideas to gain more money for this organization. Great Job! towards that.” Page 5 The Viking Saga Features March 20, 2008 The Best of the Best (Doughnuts that is) Flanders Donut and Bake Shop, truly the best of the best by Emily Newton

It is a common sight to see students walking and three hours earlier than Starbucks. coffee or donuts. There is no drive-thru...yet. in late to school with a Starbucks coffee in Since the recent opening of Starbucks, one Even though problems originally existed hand. Although Starbucks may be all the may think that Flanders would suffer a loss when talk of a drive-thru came up, Mr. rage right now, there is one place that has of customers. “We’ve really had no negative Terracciano says that by the end of March, and always will be a gem of East Lyme. That effects from Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks,” one should be in place. “Currently, we are place is Flanders Donut and Bake Shop. says Mr. Terracciano. working with construction and hope to get the A family-owned and operated business since “We didn’t even know they were open drive-thru done soon,” he explains. He also 1972, Flanders Donut and Bake Shop hopes that this will boost sales and get provides coffee and doughnuts unlike more students to come to Flanders. those of chain restaurants in a warm, Although some students say that friendly atmosphere. “If I could say they have “never heard of Flanders anything about Flanders, I would say Bake Shop,” like senior Ashley Perry, that our quality is better,” says owner with one taste of Flanders’ goodness, and manager Greg Terracciano. Mr. the customer will never go back to the Terracciano jokes that “besides being common chains. the best,” Flanders makes all of their “It’s probably the best doughnut food and coffee “on the premises.” shop in town… my favorite is the In comparison, Dunkin Donuts has sprinkle doughnut and Boston crème their food shipped to them twice a doughnut because they make their day from a large plant. E. Newton / Saga own homemade custard,” says senior Flanders certainly holds true to Chris Seery. Other popular items are their promise of making fresh food. A sample of the wide variety of innovative donuts offered at the French Vanilla coffee, specialty Employees wake up at the crack Flanders Donut and Bake Shop danishes, cinnamon buttercups, and of dawn to prepare and bake food for the the fi rst week…we had the same, if not more over 20 varieties of warm, soft bagels. upcoming day. “The bakers come in at customers,” adds Ms. Feeny. Dunkin Donuts Flanders Donut and Bake Shop is truly 2 a.m. in order for us to open at 4 a.m.,” has been open for 10 to 15 years in East a highlight of the ever-commercializing East says employee Gina Feeny. This can be Lyme, but Flanders loyal customers continue Lyme. It has great coffee and doughnuts, particularly convenient for students who wake to come back for everything that they offer. excellent, personable service, and will have up for Early Bird Gym at 6:15 a.m. Flanders One downside to Flanders Donut and Bake an amazing drive-thru very soon. Go to is open an hour earlier than Dunkin Donuts Shop is that you have to go inside to buy your Flanders today… you will be glad you did.

The only things that have our back in school are our What Are You Packing? backpacks. So why shouldn’t backpacks get a little credit What our backpacks are trying to say for what they do? Here are four of the most well known by Matt Heath backpacks and what they have to say.

Name: L.L. Bean Name: Rollie Backpack Enjoys Carrying: Fishing poles, graham Enjoys Carrying: Large textbooks and crackers, chocolate and marshmallows healthy snacks Interests: Camping Interests: Speeding through hallways at Favorite Movie: Strange Wilderness lightning speed Weakness: Lasts way too long Favorite Movie: Owner does not have time

M. Heath / Saga for movies M. Heath / Saga Weakness: Is a pain to students following on the stairs, and as a result, is kicked a lot

Name: Nike Name: Ralph the Misshapen Backpack Enjoys Carrying: Soccer cleats, various Enjoys Carrying: Anything that has been forms of padding and gatorade run over by a vehicle Interests: Sports Interests: Letting teenagers spill food on it Favorite Movie: Rudy Favorite Movie: Ghostbusters 2 Weakness: Held together by weak rope Weakness: Its horrible stains

M. Heath / Saga M. Heath / Saga Page 6 The Viking Saga Features March 20, 2008 ‘Extraordinarily Green’ Study Hall Etiquette An interview with French teacher Rebecca Miller The way study halls should be by Matt Heath by Kit Brown

It is a common misconception that teachers VS: What’s your best fi nd? Study hall is a time for the students have no lives outside of school and that the M: That’s so hard. There are so many good of East Lyme High School to catch up on epitome of their personality is what is seen things. I’ve found a few working computers. homework, study for tests, and even just in the classroom. However, if you take a look The guy I used to date would have them take a break from the long day. Some around, you can fi nd some of the most unique, refurbished and sent to Nicaragua. I think it people abuse the privilege of not having dynamic characters right here at East Lyme should be illegal to dispose of useful things. to be in class by breaking the unwritten High School. Mademoiselle Miller, a French protocol of study hall. teacher, has one of the most individual VS: Latin teacher Cheri Mier describes you personalities at the high school. by saying you’re “extraordinarily green,” Students with boom boxes: No one wants how so? to hear music being blasted for an hour Viking Saga: I heard M: Almost everything and a half. Plus, this isn’t 1993, get an iPod that you are trilingual. I own is used. I try already. Or at least a Discman! What languages do not to purchase new you know and how things. I don’t use Students who hit the vending machines: did you go about regular cleaning Calm down, Tyson. There is no reason to learning them? products. I use things throw a temper tantrum when your M&M’s Ms. Miller: I can like vinegar, baking get stuck. speak English, soda and castile soap. French, and I used In the summer, I clean Students who talk on the phone: Everyone to be pretty good houses with that stuff. is tired of hearing “Yo what’s up? ... at Spanish. I’d say It’s so cheap. You Hello? I said what’s up?” Go near the back I’m really bi-and-a- can clean anything window where there is more than one-half half-lingual. I started with those products. a bar of service. French at 11 and I Baking soda is my was kind of good at favorite substance in Teachers: Some teachers may actually it. I then majored in the world. I also make require students to sign contracts at the it in college. I always my own laundry beginning of the semester about the rules thought it was a detergent out of of study hall, but if teachers are showing up magical thing. biodegradable things fi ve to ten minutes late, maybe teachers are – ivory soap, borax, the ones who need something in writing. VS: What are some K. Brown / Saga and washing soda. Mademoiselle Miller, in her “extraordinarily things you like to do Also, I keep my heat Students who lash out at others when they green” scarf, smiles for the camera in your free time? at like 60 degrees! can’t think straight: Go to the library, it’s M: I have a little doggy. I paint and I sew. I quieter up there. like to sing and play piano. I also scavenge. VS: I hear that one of your favorite quotes is “waste not, want not.” Care to explain? Students who play the guitar: Some love VS: Scavenge? M: I defi nitely believe in that. You have no their playing, but no one likes hearing the M: I like to live frugally and creatively. right to complain about money if you go out same riff over and over. Either play quietly Scavenging is acquiring items that other and buy new things. It’s not like I dress like a or go where no one can hear you…that is, people don’t want. bum, you just have to be creative. unless you have some real talent.

VS: How did you get involved in this VS: You’re a French teacher – does the French Students who sneak out of resource: If interesting activity? culture affect you personally in any ways? getting a credit for that class is so great, M: It’s fun! And I like to recycle. You could M: I like cheese, and I eat a lot of it. The why are you sneaking out of it? always go to the mall and spend $200–but reason I tell people I do so is because I’m a that’s so easy. My dad has always been French teacher and I say I have to! The worse Students with blasting headphones hanging extremely frugal. Right now he’s remodeling it smells, the more I like it. around their necks: We get it. You like his house, and he tore up the wood fl oors. Soulja Boy. Now turn it down a notch. Instead of throwing them out, he used them So there you have it, ELHS. Next time, to make a desk. As a child, we’d always go to before running out the door at 2:10, take a Students who just scream at random times: consignment shops. It’s always kind of fun. minute and talk to your teacher after class. If this isn’t making your friends laugh, Plus, it’s more socially responsible. You might be pleasantly surprised by what why are you still doing it? they are like outside of the classroom.

Page 7 The Viking Saga Sports March 20, 2008

girls were playing at home game even though ce the game was at CCSU. Although, the girls er•an did wish there was a better showing of the •v White Out. e[pur-suh-veer-uh ns] – noun - steady persistence in a course s The game started, Kolbe won the jump and • of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of diffi culties, r pulled some street ball moves. With a slight e obstacles, or discouragement. travel, a big hop step and a chuck, the ball by Kyle Weiss clanked off the rim. This was a good sign. The EastP Lyme girls’ basketball team ranked there, defeating the No. 1 seed and Buck, Within a minute and a half Walker had the 17th in Class L State Tournament exemplifi ed the girls were on such a high they felt as if fi rst eight points. On fi re? No doubt! just this. they couldn’t be stopped. After winning “It all happened so fast, after the time Winning the fi rst game of the tournament against Pomperaug, the girls had done the out I looked at the scored board and was against the 16th seed Kennedy High School, unexpected. They had reached the Class L like, wow! It got me even more pumped up,” the Vikes moved on to face the No. 1 seeded State Championship. said Walker. team in the division, Wethersfi eld. The girls “We’re goin’ to the ship… What! We’re Late in the second quarter, the only points stared down the throat of adversity and goin’ to the ship… What!” the girls shouted were from either a foul shot or a lay-up. The won in overtime 55 – 52 Vikings were able to keep the game close at bringing them closer to the the half by limiting Kolbe to 28% shooting Promised Land. from the fl oor while the Vikings shot 48%. “When we came back to “At halftime our coach told us that we put the game into overtime, needed to make smarter decisions with the it was a huge morale ball, we needed to execute,” said Blodgett. booster, at that point we The third quarter continued like the knew we could go all the last two: Vikings turn the ball over, Kolbe way!” said junior Emily converts second chances. The Vikings Walker quickly found themselves down by 10. In their way was the They answered with a 10-0 run ending with gargantuan, 6’ 4”, UConn a Jess Blodgett three to tie the game at 43. bound Heather Buck. One quarter left and the girls would have For the entire game three it. Yet in the fourth quarter, Kolbe started girls swarmed Buck as if making shots and pulled away, leaving a they were pit bulls and Viking championship just out of reach. she had a Big Mac in her photo/walker The fi nal buzzer was followed with the back pocket. initial tears. But the team was applauded by The girls after they had knocked off Heather Buck and the I was at half court just the fans giving the girls a much deserved Stonington Bears. standing next to her and standing ovation. she just hit me. The whole game was like in the locker room after their season had “Nobody expected us to get as far as we that. It was very physical,” said junior Ellie come down to just one game. did,” said senior Hannah Formica. Kleinhans. “We just went into every game expecting The Vikings were all smiles on the way The defense of the Vikings that night was nothing, we just played our game and it home riding comfortably in their coach bus. impeccable, Buck was all but comfortable worked,” said junior Jess Blodgett. They knew that they had succeeded; their the entire game. Although she did score 39 of The Vikings were matched up with Kolbe journey was all the victory they needed. Stonington’s 50 points, the Vikings had slain Cathedral of Bridgeport. They were fast, The Vikes will return all but two, Hannah the beast, advancing yet again. rough and had won the State Championship Formica and Leigh McNamara and they This time the Vikings faced Pomperaug three out of the last four years. The true test. expect to be right back in it next year. High School of Southbury. The girls stormed That night, the East Lyme fans doubled the “I am sad it is over, I am really going to over the Warriors, playing like they belonged Kolbe fans easily and made it feel as if the miss the girls,” said Formica.

Everyone knows physical education On February 2nd, East Lyme High The Florida Marlins are looking teacher Rudy Bagos is a wiz School psychologist Christopher for about 10 plus-sized men to efs at kickball and soccer, but not Mountain was inducted into the East dance and cheer at their home i many know that he is also an games. The men will be selected Br Lyme Football Hall of Fame. Mountain s accomplished bowler. Recently, Mr. was a lineman and graduated in based on how well they can learn rt Bagos bowled his fourth perfect 1987. Five other former football and perform a choreographed o game, rolling a 300 during a game players were also inducted at the dance routine. The team will be p in his bowling league. He describes ceremony and dinner at Flanders called the Manatees, in honor of S the experience as “kind of cool.” the 1,200 pound mammals. by Ramona Ostrowski Fish Market.

Page 8 The Viking Saga Sports March 20, 2008 New women’s self-defense Defend Yourself: class held in Norwich by Ellie Kleinhans Imagine a self-defense class to offer something a Bakaj, a sophomore at Lyman Memorial where the environment is so laid little different,” said High School. back that the students are singing Love. “For college there’s so much walking the hokey-pokey and constantly First time around, around and it’s always a relief to know what giggling. A class where high levels the class consised of you need to do to get out of a bad situation,” of athleticism and strength are not said senior Nicole Boike, who plans required. And best of all, a class on suggesting a self-defense class at that only meets once a week for East Lyme High School as her senior eight weeks and costs a mere $60. proposal. “I think self-defense is a This dream can become a reality really important issue…Having it as by joining the new Women’s Self- a gym class would be a fun and better Defense class at Norwich Judo learning alternative for students.” Dojo. For now, while Boike’s proposal is “This class is not to teach pending, go on and join the Women’s people to become masters of self- Self-Defense class at Norwich Judo defense in eight weeks. It’s to give E.Kleinhans/Saga Dojo. Montgomery and Love both them some functional tools to use hope to hold this class again, but gear in situations. Avoidance. Escape. ELMS teacher Ms. it more towards high school girls. That’s our main goal,” said instructor Love shows off some Bill Montgomery who is a fi fth-degree self-defense moves at If interested in joining Norwich Judo Norwich Judo Dojo black belt in Judo. E.Kleinhans/Saga Dojo’s Self-Defense class? Call Montgomery runs this class along (860)917-6318 today and become less with third-degree black belt Joan Love, who six students, also teaches at East Lyme Middle School. only one of whom is in high school. “My vulnerable to sexual predators. Or visit “One of the problems with martial arts is mom got me into it. I’m going to college soon, their website www.norwichjudodojo. that there are not a lot of women. We wanted it’s really a good thing to have,” said Felicia com/women’sself-defense.

Sport Jumpers The reasons and effects of upperclassmen sport-jumping by Amy Li Try to remember the thrill in your mind to provide for themselves. “[A job] can help because they believe that their chances of as you ran across the fi eld on your fi rst day at us get what we want without relying on our contribution are slim. Junior Ashley Rotchford practice. You may think it is exciting at fi rst, parents,” said Long. jumped from softball to track because the but in time, the “fun” loses meaning. When Crew coach Scott Mahon explained that varsity team was already organized, and she other priorities take over, athletes tend to he lost fi ve seniors this year because the felt that she would not have much playing drop out of their sport. rowers needed a job to pay for their cars and time. The track team on the other hand is “When I was a freshman and a sophomore, insurance. The students had to work right after much more accommodating to everyone who sports were exciting because there was not school, making it impossible to attend after wants to participate. Rotchford explained that much to do…but when I grew older, there school rowing practices and competitions. it is easier to do track instead of softball, and were more responsibilities such as paying for Over time, enthusiasm can also fade, “track helps to stay in shape.” bills and cars…that’s where the job comes causing some athletes to no longer feel Regardless of the reasons why athletes in,” explained junior Susan Long, who quit compelled to play. Senior Cameron Gerbers stop playing sports, most teams that lose softball this year to work at Stop & Shop. explained that he stopped playing basketball players are affected to some extent. Mr. As upperclassmen, many players have in the fall because every year “it seemed Mahon explains that in crew this year, the demanding work schedules that leave no room more and more like a chore,” and it was no loss of experience makes it diffi cult to fi ll for sports. Athletes of various sports quit as a longer enjoyable. Gerbers also switched from spots on boats. In other sports, having fewer result. During freshman and sophomore year, lacrosse to golf this spring, due to various players may impact specifi c plays and if students have more spare time, and are more head injuries he suffered in the past. Golf has an athlete were injured during a game, inclined to participate in sports, but as they a “less chance of an injury,” said Gerbers. fi nding a replacement would be harder with advance towards adulthood, students want Some athletes stop playing or switch sports, fewer players.

Page 9 The Viking Saga Entertainment March 20, 2008

Reality Television, Meet Real Reality Attention All You’ve seen reality TV stars on VH1, MTV and Bravo... but in East Lyme High School? Maybe not, but several of ELHS students and faculty bear striking resemblances to reality personalities. To name a few: Movie-Lovers! Best Buddies will be hosting a movie night, featuring

Ferris Bueller’s K. Eberle/ Saga www.javno.com K. Eberle/ Saga sportsillustrated.cnn.com K. Eberle/ Saga blogspot.com Day Off Junior Denise Guzman and History teacher Matthew LaConti Junior Alex Addabbo and Jason at Melanie “Scary Spice” Brown and Howie Mandel (Deal or Castro (American Idol) 6 p.m. (Dancing With the Stars) No Deal) on Thursday, April 3 Senior Kris York and Nick Hogan Senior Catherine Tang and Tila Senior Katie Perkins and Bonnie in the (Hogan Knows Best) Tequila (A Shot at Love With Dominguez (Project Runway) ELHS auditorium Tila Tequila) Tickets will cost $3

Come out to support the club and to enjoy a night of fun!

K. Eberle/ Saga www.evilbeetgossip.com K. Eberle/ Saga blog.instantcast.com K. Eberle/ Saga www.ew.com The Unsung Hits of Anime by guest writer Max Engel Remember back in the day? You would babble), this six-episode series is pure gold in girl, her short-tempered twin sister, and a watch Pokemon or Dragonball Z with your nearly all aspects. rich, glasses-donning girl. Many references to friends after school. Both of these hit shows Lucky Star (2007) could be to Japan what Japanese popular culture are made in the show, are examples of anime. Anime, or Japanese Family Guy or The Simpsons is to America, even to shows that have come out within the animation, is popular in the United States. although without the dark humor. Lucky same year! Like the more popular Azumanga Conventions for “anime-freaks” are held Star features the high-school antics of four Daioh, this show is a slice-of-life sitcom nation-wide, from New York to Hawaii. Some schoolgirls: a gamer, a naïve about schoolgirls. However, Lucky Star takes animes, like Naruto or Bleach, are overlooked, The main what Azumanga gave us and magnifi es it by though they are already booming with a fan character a hundred. base that puts even the people who enjoyed from Aim Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi Pokemon to shame. Here are a few of the best: for the Top! (2003) tells the wild and crazy adventures of Aim for the Top! Gunbuster (1988) is Gunbuster Arumi and Satoshi traveling to different areas the story of a 16-year-old girl named Noriko of their local shopping district with different Takaya and her journey to defeat the aliens themes. With a unique and hilarious poking fun that killed her father. Sounds pretty generic at at topics from hard-boiled movies to prehistoric fi rst, right? Wrong! The character interactions, ages, you really can’t go wrong here. Star the scripting, and the tear-jerking ending are Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey jokes are what made this anime an overlooked gem and abundant during the sci-fi themed episode. truly different from other super robot animes. References to those addicting medieval role- From famed Neon Genesis Evangleion playing games are scattered among director Hideki Anno (though without the second episode. It’s going to be a NGE’s trademark psychological wild ride! animeworld.com

page 10 The Viking Saga Entertainment March 20, 2008 A View to Kill El Concierto Era Un Ratico Vantage Point fl ops in theaters Juanes graces Mohegan Sun with a concert by Emily Newton by Kate Eberle I should have seen the signs. It’s not like To most East Lyme High School students, the put the mic down and shouted, “No, no, no... ¡con I’m a superstitious person or anything, but bad name “Juanes” has no meaning, unless it was once fuegos!” (With fi re!) After that, there was no lack of omens can be easy to pinpoint. When an elderly mentioned in Spanish class. To a majority of people enthusiasm to be found anywhere in the audience. woman asked about 17 questions before buying from Latin America, however, it is a household Two hours of amazing music later, it was time her ticket, I should have taken my cue and left name. Juanes, a Colombian singer, is one of the for the show to end. After an encore including his Regal Cinemas in Waterford. most popular Latin American musicians of all time. songs “Difícil” (Diffi cult) and “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Entering the movie theater, I was expecting This was evident immediately judging by the Amor” (I’m Worth Nothing Without Your Love), a well-written, impeccably directed, JFK-like audience’s reaction to his entrance onstage at the Juanes took a bow with his band and left the stage. presidential assassination that would keep my Mohegan Sun Arena on March 5. As he began It seemed like the concert had fl own by – but it was eyes on the screen and not on my phone. Much playing his 2002 hit “A Dios Le Pido” (I Ask God), certainly a ratico that everyone in the audience will to my dismay, Vantage Point merely played the crowd went wild. One woman even began remember forever. the same scene of the president being shot six sobbing with joy. different times, each from a different perspective, The beginning was not the only part of the concert in order to discover the killer (who was revealed to elicit an emotional response; his performance of to the audience within the fi rst 45 minutes). “Minas Piedras” (Minestones) from his most recent This would have been okay if a new clue was album, La Vida es un Ratico (Life is a Moment), discovered each time. Once again, the audience was incredibly moving. During this song, Juanes was disappointed as they watched a scene for 20 sang powerfully about the violence that has been minutes, only to discover that yes, the president caused by landmines and the hope that it one day was still killed by a remote-controlled gun. will end, while the screens on either side of the stage The level of acting in this fi lm matched up showed pictures of landmine victims. They were to the script, which did not even seem to be simple photographs, depicting people who had lost fi nished. The roles played by Matthew Fox, arms or legs, and yet they said so much. It was clear Dennis Quaid, and Sigourney Weaver were so at this point that Juanes doesn’t just write and sing poorly portrayed that their characters’ names his songs - he puts his heart and soul into them. went in one ear and out the other. Watching Though he has a remarkable ability to touch Fox, it was hard to think of anything but Jack people’s hearts, Juanes also knows how to get them from Lost. having a good time. In the middle of his catchy song No one in their right mind should waste their “La Camisa Negra” (The Black Shirt), for instance, time watching this fi lm. Just watch the trailer six he held out the microphone for the audience to sing. times in a row, and that’s Vantage Point for you. Deciding that they weren’t singing loud enough, he http://img.timeinc.net/ The Junk Drawer by Kate Eberle A great vintage clothing shop is something that to the fact that the owner, Tove Vigen, certainly shopaholics everywhere dream about, but knows her fashion; she graduated from is also something that is often diffi cult the Fashion Institute of Technology to fi nd. Tova’s Vintage Shop in Old and once designed a line of vintage- om .c e Saybrook, then, is a dream come true; g inspired dresses, so she knows which

ta

the store consists of two large rooms vin vintage pieces will be able to make

vas

to the transition from yesteryear to this that are fi lled with eye-catching vintage w.

dresses, shirts, purses and other clothing ww year. So when you’re sick of the brand- items. As opposed to other vintage or new clothes from chain stores that everyone consignment stores, where a lucky shopper may fi nd seems to have these days, head over to Tova’s a gem or two buried among dozens of old t-shirts and tapered at 1330 Boston Post Road in Old Satbrook and snap up jeans, Tova’s is bursting with potential. Perhaps this is due something to make all your own.

page 11 The Viking Saga The Back Page March 20, 2008 You’ve seen the signs that say no smoking, no pets and no trespassing... If you could put an original “no______” sign on your front door, what would it say?

V. Ferdon/Saga S. Felitto/Saga “NO Fornicating “NO cameras or videos (I like the word.)” (I don’t want to fi nd myself on YouTube.)” senior Kristin Summers P.E. teacher Rudy Bagos

S. Felitto/Saga S. Felitto/Saga “No Heavy loads” “NO Red Sox fans” freshman Devon Nesta freshman Brett Renkowitz

S. Felitto/Saga S. Felitto/Saga “NO Freshmen” “NO walking (everyone should levitate)” junior Paul Reutenauer freshman Blake Winkler

S. Felitto/Saga V. Ferdon/Saga “NO Parking IN the pool” “NO annoying sisters” security extraordinaire Mr. Barnes sophomore Kate Larkin Page 12