Volume 44, Edition 6 November 23, 2010

InT This he Edition:V iking S aga A True Friend Retires b y Ka y t l i n Mu r p h y lots of “Good morning, it is now people on five minutes before the start a personal of Block A,” is heard every l e v e l , ” 5 submitted by e. gada morning, cueing the mayhem she said. Ceramics Class of the school day to begin. Resetar Eileen Resetar has worked r e c a l l e d Glass Blowing Trip with East Lyme High School m a n y for over two decades, making memories the announcements and at ELHS. brightening up the main office O n e with her smile. Recently, this m e m o r y vital staple to ELHS annonced that not many other that she will be retiring from k.murphy/saga her position as the main office f a c u l t y 7 l.kastner secretary in December after 23 members After two decades of saying ‘hello,’ Ms. Hays Sisters Take years at ELHS to spend more could say Resetar says it is time to say ‘goodbye.’ time with her family. they went Over the School “She has been the voice through is having the offices set and can’t be replaced. She’s of ELHS for so many years, I up in the gym in the ‘90s when a true friend and help to don’t know who could be better the addition was being built. everyone,” said math teacher at what she does. I do know that She also loved watching her Dianne Condon. everyone will miss her deeply,” children grow up at ELHS in During retirement, Ms. said junior Gowtham Yenduri. the classes of ’95 and ’96. Resetar looks forward to At an early age, Ms. Resetar “I’ve made lots of lifelong traveling with her husband already knew what career she friends, and picture them as and spending time with her 9 submitted by l. kirschblum wanted to pursue. family. Every day was different grandchildren in Connecticut Winter Sports “Definitely in an office job; here, which made the job and North Carolina. I’ve always wanted to be a interesting,” said Resetar. “I would like to be more Preview secretary. I remember as a little “Honestly, she is my hero. available, and not have a girl playing ‘work’ and I always There will never be another schedule so I can spend time chose to answer the phones and like her. She is an amazing, one with my family, just change such,” she said. of a kind woman,” said Ms. up the routine a bit,” said Ms. “I’m sure there were thousands Resetar’s dear friend and co- Resetar. “I look forward to of memorable moments; I have worker Ms. Jones. sipping my tea while watching the best job in the place. I meet “She is the face of ELHS the Today Show, too.”

10 submitted by k. sinko Concert Choir Saying Goodbye to NEASC b y Al i c e Na v a r r o England interviewed and the visit. Visits Ithaca NEASC has left the building. shadowed students and faculty To conclude this decade’s The New England Association and conducted walkthroughs accreditation process, a report On the back: of Schools and Colleges of every classroom. NEASC will be drawn up by the chair finished their accreditation visit representatives were judging If you could have of the NEASC committee, of East Lyme High School on how well ELHS was held to formally detailing whether or anyone at the head Wednesday, November 10. the seven standards of teaching not ELHS has been accredited. of your Thanksgiving After arriving on November and learning. When their This report will not be available table who would it be 7, a group of approximately examination drew to a close, the until March, as there is a long and why? 15 faculty and administrators representatives held a meeting process involving the changes from schools around New to reveal the initial findings of and input of the report. www.thevikingsaga.org East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, CT 06333 2 november 23, 2010 opinion Talk Less; Say More editorials by Kate Kielty and Emily Mooradian between high school students need to know our exact class there is always someone who across the nation, with the rank at all. is ranked higher than you. Of intent to accurately assess the In order to decrease the course, there are those who performance of a student in a pressure and competition that have worked unbelievably hard certain subject. After all, an A in comes with class rank, the East and deserve to be rewarded, but Mr. Warykas’ AP English class Lyme High School guidance knowing that they are in the may not be the same as an A in counselors are considering top 5 percent, 10 percent or 25 an AP English class anywhere possibly changing to a decile percent of their class at one of else across the country. system. In this system, the the top 500 schools in the nation While I have come to school will only report whether should be enough recognition terms with being assessed by a student is in either the top 5 for their hard work. these standardized test scores, percent, 10 percent, 25 percent, Sending college applications is

b.grimwood I do think that the excessive 50 percent, etc. of their class stressful enough without having amount of numbers is a little… to both the student and any to analyze extra numbers. With The Right Rank well, excessive. colleges they are applying to. an activities list, standardized This brings me back I, for one, think it is a great test scores, transcript, letters of b y Ka t e Ki e l t y to last February, when the idea. This change would allow recommendations and personal Applying to colleges seems Class of 2011 first received a rank to be specific enough to essays, colleges have more than to revolve around numbers, and their unweighted GPAs and know exactly what a student’s enough to get a feel for what seniors will know what I mean weighted class ranks. At the work throughout high school kind of students their applicants by this. A student’s GPA, class time, I was extremely frustrated has contributed to, yet vague are. ELHS allowing colleges rank, SAT scores, ACT scores, with the several classmates enough that he or she cannot and students to know an exact AP scores and SAT Subject who were openly comparing stress about it too much. class rank provides little benefit Test scores can dictate which their class ranks on Facebook. This is not to say that to college admissions and only schools are reasonably within Why should it matter who has everyone is obsessed with adds pressure on students. reach for the student and which the better rank when it’s only their class rank, but there are Outside The Classroom schools are unrealistic. there to inform students of certainly those who let it get to compiles statistics and For the most part, this makes where they stand among their them that Bob or Nancy has a quotes from ELHS students sense. Both the ACT and SAT classmates? But this year I am better rank than them. Indeed, about various topics. The tests are compared evenly beginning to wonder why we unless you are the valedictorian, information and data published in OTC’s is Outside The Classrooms: gathered from Saga surveys that can be accessed at Pressure and stress www.thevikingsaga.org.

c o m p i l e d b y Ka t e Ki e l t y a n d Em i l y Mo o r a d i a n

Out of 257 students who took a Viking Saga8 survey...

7 What do you think about the pressure on students to succeed?

6

Students said that the most Students5 said that their biggest

4 “You need some pressure to

3 “It’s much better if YOU want

pressure to succeed comes from: concern2 at the moment is: 1 get anywhere in life. Without

to succeed and not if someone

5

4 50% it, I know that I would just 3 else wants you to.”

2 the future be lazy.”

1 - junior girl 45% 40% (college/career) 22% - sophomore girl parents themselves classes and “Students in East Lyme have grades “I just think the hardest thing to a skewed sense of success. learn is how to say no or when 5% standardized Why does everybody have to test scores to say enough’s enough. No 10% GPA 2% family be the best at everything all one ever stops or takes a break and class rank 3% friends 8% teachers 1% employment 5% having fun the time?” when they should.” 4% feel no pressure to succeed 5% sports -senior girl -senior girl Other statistics: “I think that it’s good in “There’s too much pressure • 213 of the 257 students said that they feel great pressure to succeed in classes moderation, but it gets to you to get good grades, and not • 65 said that they feel pressure to do well on standardized tests • 55 said that they feel pressure to succeed in athletics after a while so you definitely enough to find a career that will • Also, 14% are never or rarely stressed, 41% feel a normal amount of stress and need to relax a little.” make us happy.” 45% said that they are very or always stressed. –freshman girl –senior boy The information and data published in ‘Outside the Classrooms’ is strictly for informational purposes and The Viking Saga does not encourage or discourage any of the views presented. the viking saga opinion november 23, 2010 3 to the giant cards that were who have sacrificed so much presented to veterans at local for this country. Editorial Staff nursing homes. During the ELMS celebrations 2010-2011 However, I feel that this I experienced I was given the effort is merely a step in the opportunity to meet and talk Editors-in-Chief right direction. ELHS must with veterans and see a moving still make great strides in order ceremony in honor of the vets. Kate Kielty to respectfully appreciate and These experiences, which Emily Mooradian honor veterans. are offered to 12-year-olds I’m sure many students down the street, would be more News shared what was the extent of meaningful if again experienced Christine Durkee my contribution- scrawling my as young men and women in high n.maddux name on a card and watching school, who are faced with the Features recorded speeches crammed in decision of whether or not to get Remembering the last 20 minutes of school, involved with the armed forces Mike DeFaria knowing that many of my themselves. The experience with Honor fellow seniors were no longer would be more profound and Sports b y Em i l y Mo o r a d i a n even in the building to see students could come away with Bryan Swenson When the Board of Education this viewing. a greater appreciation after made the executive decision for As a student who does not learning about these wars and Entertainment East Lyme to attend school on have a history class and who is the reasons behind them for Ally Sloss Veterans Day my middle school not a member of Contemporary years in our history classes. self was mildly confused about Issues or music department, Perhaps the solution to the decision, but I traipsed into I was not given the chance Veterans Day is for it to be a Back Page my respective kiva at East Lyme to formally participate in the half day. Devoting half of a Elena Felitto Middle School regardless. Veterans Day celebration. school day entirely to honoring, Several Veterans Days later While good intention was learning from and appreciating Managing the administration’s reasoning present, I think it was insufficient veterans, but also giving families Samantha Lyall became clearer to me: We are in to leave our school’s celebration the time to spend the day school to ensure we honor and of Veterans Day at this. Yes, together in commemoration. Website commemorate those who have there are students who, if given Although I will not be present fought for the freedom’s we as the day off, would spend it at ELHS’s next celebration of Kiersten Sinko Americans get to enjoy, and sleeping in and catching up Veterans Day, I hope that we sometimes take for granted. on homework. However, it is can return to the original reason Media I applaud Principal Mike unfair for students who would for having school on Veterans Raj Thanabal Susi and the rest of the faculty honor with family and friends Day- to honor, respect, learn for making an effort this year to to have to come to school if we from and remember those Advisor get the school more involved. are not going to adequately pay who have made immeasurable Jeff Beale Each department contributed tribute to the men and women sacrifices for our freedom. Staff Writers Ho r n s Up Ho r n s Do w n ... Page Burns Horns down to the final NEASC meeting being closed to the press. Kat Cook Stefanie Duda Horns up to the National Honor Society for organizing their annual Billy Fritz Care and Share food drive, as well as to the people who donated food. Dan Gaffey Caeleigh Jennings Horns down to walking from the parking lot to the school in the cold. Kelsie Lane Kaytlin Murphy Horns up to Thanksgiving Break being tomorrow! Alice Navarro Ben Ostrowski Agree? Disagree? We want to hear from YOU! Kaley Roberts Email us your letters to the editor, suggestions or story ideas at Francis Shields Zoë Smallidge [email protected].

the viking saga 4 november 23, 2010 news What They Stand For After election day, The Viking Saga caught up with two of Connecticut’s politicians b y Bi l l y Fr i t z Andrea Stillman Ed Jutila The Viking Saga: What is The Viking Saga: Is there your opinion on the state of a particular issue that you public education nation-wide find to be very important and, in particular, in the state to address? of Connecticut? Ed Jutila: Yes. We need to Andrea Stillman: I feel very continue to create jobs and positive about public education improve the economy in in Connecticut and hopeful Connecticut. We recently about it in the rest of the country. passed a bill during the last I do believe we need to do more session that will help create to enhance public education more jobs which, in turn, will through curriculum advances, help improve the economy. teacher accountability and The second issue we need http://www.housedems.ct.gov/jutila/ submitted by a.stillman parental involvement in their to address is Connecticut’s Connecticut State children's education. Early Connecticut Senator budget; we need to balance it in Representative Ed Jutila. childhood education is crucial a responsible manner. Finally, I Andrea Stillman. VS: How do you plan to help to a child's success. believe that another large issue increase Connecticut’s economy? that we need to address is mass VS: What are your plans for VS: If you were to give a piece EJ: We need to have transit. I have been advocating public education? of advice to a high school businesses that want to come for improving mass transit AS: I am very hopeful under the student who has aspirations of to Connecticut and entice the in Southeastern Connecticut, leadership of Governor Malloy going into politics or following businesses to stay so that they especially railroads. that we will see him advocate in your footsteps, what would will grow. Through creating for universal pre-school. He you say to them? VS: In your opinion, what are incentives for businesses to stay successfully created it in AS: Get a college education, the greatest problems facing here they will help create jobs Stamford and it is a model for experience the real world for a teens today? and those workers will become the rest of the state. few years and never say never. EJ: I believe that one of the consumers that will pay taxes I would also like to see Life experience is important problems facing teens today is and buy local products which, more collaboration between to making good decisions and that they need to stay focused in turn, will stimulate growth high school curriculum and understanding issues. Also, get on a good education and avoid in the economy and help us to community college. involved in your community. destructive behavior. balance our state budget.

Ealahan. “I was all for it.” separate times and it is now “We got so many reactions and in remission. Think Pink! I feel like it made a statement,” Ealahan said that another ELHS students dye hair pink to support breast cancer said Ealahan. According to her, reason for dying their hair was b y Zo ë Sm a l l i d g e reached the halls of East Lyme all of the feedback has been because not only had it affected The trend of dying one’s High School, thanks to freshmen very positive. people in their lives, but it had hair to support breast cancer Kit Luzi and Juliet Ealahan. The pair had not heard of also affected “so many women awareness is spreading like a “A lot of people say things anyone else dying their hair pink all over the world.” pink wildfire, and has already like, ‘Oh my God, your hair for breast cancer before them, “Breast cancer can happen is pink! Why?’” said and said it was just a sudden to anyone, but one way to help Luzi. Ealahan and idea that they had. Apparently, reduce the risk of it is by leading Luzi each dyed a they were on to something a healthy lifestyle,” said Health small section of their as salons across the country and Physical Education teacher hair hot pink in early offered pink hair extensions Jennifer Carney-Brush. “I think October as a way to available through organizations that it is great that they are show their support. such as the Susan G. Komen showing their support”. “We were like, ‘We Foundation as a part of Breast Will they do it again? “Yes!” should dye our hair Cancer Awareness Month. said Ealahan. pink for breast cancer.’ “We both have a friend who Luzi agreed and said, It was a spontaneous has cancer,” said Luzi. Their “Definitely. Juliet and I plan on http://www.expertclick.com decision,” said friend has battled cancer three re-dying it as soon as it fades.” the viking saga news november 23, 2010 5 Passion at Prescient Glass Studios News in Brief Ceramics students learn techniques b y Ca e l e i g h Je n n i n g s a n d b y Bi l l y Fr i t z from glass blowing expert Ka t e Ki e l t y

b y Pa g e Bu r n s Holiday Toy Drive The Shoreline LEO Club is currently On Tuesday, October 26, 28 East conducting their ninth annual Holiday Lyme High School Ceramics students Toy Drive for the Care and Share discovered new meanings to the words of East Lyme. The collection began ‘field trip’ and ‘glass,’ while spending on November 15 and will last until time with glass blowing professional December 3, a box for unwrapped, new Jeffrey P’an at Prescient Glass Studios in or gently used toys will be located in Stonington, Connecticut. East Lyme High School’s main office. “To see how much P’an is into his All donated items will be available to work inspires me to pursue my passion for the needy families of East Lyme and art,” said Ceramics student junior Brionna surrounding towns for holiday gifts. Neault. “Overall, it was a great trip.” Donated items can include anything P’an, a former art school friend of submitted by e.gada from toys and books for young children Ceramics teacher Eloise Gada, is a local man to make-up for teenagers. Other items with a passion for the art of glass blowing. Jeffrey P’an (right) works on a such as winter jackets, sheets, blankets, After seeing his work showcased around glass piece. towels and kids’ boots are also the area, and hearing her students’ interest appreciated for the families who will in the art form, Ms. Gada decided a trip to the final shaping took place. The final step need assistance from Care and Share as see this successful artist in action would be required the glass to be placed into a special the holiday season rolls around. a great way to benefit her classes. oven that would slowly cool the glass over “[P’an] is so open to educating people a long period of time to help remove stress Marching to Victory and making them aware of what is out points that could potentially cause cracking The percussion section of the East there,” said Ms. Gada. “It was my goal or breaking. Lyme High School Marching Band to expose the students to another art form “It was wonderful to have the ELHS placed first out of 16 bands in the United outside of ceramics.” students here,” said P’an. “They were very States Scholastic Band Association’s Ceramics students got to experience a interested in the process and asked a lot of New England Competition on October glass blowing demonstration first hand, questions during the demonstrations.” 23. The competition was held at John as they watched a group of three to four P’an began glass blowing as a hobby, F. Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport. Led people work to make a single piece of glass. in 1993. P’an spent a year in Italy studying by percussion captain, Sean McCarty, The process started at a furnace filled with under various professionals, who helped the percussion section, including molten glass and heated it to 2000 degrees him reach the final steps in his training. the drum line and the front line, had Fahrenheit. The When he returned home, he started the a score of 343 out of 400 points, m o l t e n Prescient Studios. surpassing all other percussion sections glass was Although P’an’s skill may not be directly then twisted applied at ELHS due to fire hazards, the Requiring Rubrics Ceramics students were still able to learn onto the end East Lyme High School has recently from his advice. of a hollow gone through the NEASC accreditation Ms. Gada anticipates a project inspired s t a i n l e s s process that occurs every ten years. by P’an’s work for her level three Ceramics steel pipe, What some students might not know class next semester. A project like this will where the is that administration is thinking enable the classes to show their appreciation glass blower of adding school-wide rubrics for for glass blowing, and art in general, would blow assignments in the core courses. The while still enforcing the curriculum of through. By state accreditation process has required ceramics class. doing so, a school wide rubrics for many years but bubble in the “Devoting time to something you enjoy, submitted by e.gada they have yet to be implemented here at and doing it to the best of your ability can glass was ELHS. Last spring, steps were made in be extremely fulfilling, regardless of what A glass piece displayed made. Using this direction when a writing rubric was it is,” said P’an who hopes that the trip various tools, piloted. While school wide rubrics are in P’an’s studio. showed students, “there are many paths more heat still in the beginning stages, they would through life.” and gravity, the bubble could be shaped be applied to all classes regardless of “It was definitely the best school into a plate, vase or bowl. Halfway through level. They hope to be in place by trip I have been on,” said junior Joshua this process, the glass piece would be next fall. transferred onto another steel pipe, where Allen Silvia. the viking saga 6 november 23, 2010 features Behind the Numbers: LUNCHTIME Orange Crush b y r a n c i s h i e l d s F S East Lyme’s first Nerf team darts “We picked the name because it is their way to third out of eight teams intense,” said Combies. 325 After competing for a day in Boston, the b y Ka l e y Ro b e r t s Number of kids at East four-man army proved to be more than just Lyme High School buying The inflatable arena was drenched with a cool name. Orange Crush finished their sweat. Staying away from the darts flying run, placing third out of eight total teams. lunch on a daily basis. through the air, spectators watched eagerly The tournament rules were simple. Each outside the ring as the modern gladiators match was similar to a game of Capture 3 1/2 conducted battle. the Flag. How many hours it takes Last June, “In the semi-finals, we took on the Blue “In the semi- four East Lyme finals, we took on to make lunch each day. students battled it Freeze-Pops. That was exciting, because the Blue Freeze- out in that arena. as defending champs they are kind of Pops,” said Sophomores famous. And if we beat them, we were in Adam. “That was 7 Adam Rigney, exciting, because The number of lunch ladies the regional championship.” Jason Donahue, -sophomore Adam Rigney as defending involved in preparing and Jon Combies champs they are meals for the student body as well as eighth kind of famous. every day. grader Kyle Rigney participated in the 2010 And if we beat them, we were in the Dart Tag League Regional Tournament. regional championship.” Donahue called the competition, “a The Blue Freeze-Pops ended up as $3 completely legit Nerf gun tournament.” regional champions, taking the Boston title, The price of the most Towards the end of last spring, Adam and qualifying to compete in Las Vegas. expensive singular item was looking to buy his younger brother Next year, however, the ‘Pops will be too Kyle a birthday present on the Nerf website. old to compete in the teenage division of offered at lunch. Instead, he spotted an advertisement the competition. for the dart tournament, and wasted no If they win in Las Vegas, the Dart Tag time gathering his troops for the regional Championship is more than just a title. It is $3 competition in Boston. a $25,000 cash prize. The cost of two At first, the boys only had two things: “We are gonna win it all next year,” hamburgers and small fries each other, and a sick team name of Combies said confidently. “We’ll go at McDonalds. Orange Crush. to Vegas.” $3.50 The amount the average student spends on lunch every day. $630 The amount the average student will spend on lunch in a year. 12 The number of large pizzas submitted by a.rigney made each day. Team Orange Crush: (from left to right) eighth grader Kyle Rigney, sophomores Adam Rigney, Jon Combies and Jason Donahue. the viking saga features november 23, 2010 7 The Math Machine Regardless of the challenge, junior still further his mastery of the subject. Jeff Schumacher is always a Currently, he is the only junior taking AP fierce competitor B/C Calculus, which is arguably the most difficult math class offered at ELHS. b y Be n Os t r o w s k i For Schumacher, math is not only East Lyme High School junior Jeff educational, it is a necessity in athletics Schumacher is just an average kid. as well. Well, aside from the fact that he is taking “When I run a race, I know almost to five AP classes, he is a varsity athlete in the decimal how far I have left to go,” said cross country, basketball and track and he Schumacher. “I can gauge my speed based competes nationally in math competitions. on how far I am from the finish.” No big deal. “He counts in his head, and he is really c. ladipo Math came easy, early and often to good at pacing, so he knows exactly how Junior Jeff Schumacher (left) at a Schumacher. He entered his first math fast to go in practice,” said cross country competition in the sixth grade. In the teammate sophomore Jon Combies. cross country dual meet. eighth grade, he won the state Math Counts Schumacher credits his success in school country coach Sam Harfenist. “Jeff is like competition and went on to Nationals in and athletics to a dedication of practice. a machine.” The simile is spot on. It is Denver, Colorado, where he placed 46th in “I get as much done as I can for as long this constant, unfaltering drive that allows the country. He still practices with the Math as I can stay awake,” said Schumacher. Schumacher to achieve success. League at ELHS, but he can not participate He trained each and every day this past Schumacher does not seem to have a in competitions because of his commitment summer to get in shape for the fall cross take-it-easy mode. He is a machine with an to athletics. country season, he regularly goes to the unlimited fuel tank. He works and works “Math Counts allowed me to use my gym and works on his jump shot and his until he runs out of gas, and that is what competitive side instead of just solving BC Calculus class provides him with plenty allows him to get A’s, score points and problems on a test,” said Schumacher. of math practice. win races. Despite Schumacher’s limited “He sets a goal for himself, and doesn’t But other than that, he is just an involvement in the Math League, he can stop until he gets there,” said boys cross average kid.

Sisters Piper and Karen Hays represent the sophomore and A Family Business senior classes being the president and leader of the class said Piper. b y Al i c e Na v a r r o of 2011. In her three years of presidency “It can get a little competitive sometimes,” When political races and local elections she has guided the assembly of seniors to said Karen. “During Spirit Week the house heated up in October, East Lyme High an extraordinary time at ELHS through was definitely pretty tense and competitive, School was having its own competition. fundraising and an awesome work ethic. but it was all in good fun.” Senior Karen Hays has made history by Her sister Piper, is following in her The girls have brought many new ideas footsteps. She is the president of the to the table this year, including a potential sophomore class and lead a valiant effort collaboration on where the money raised during Spirit Week, tying the juniors at the from each classes Spirit Week dollar drive end of the pep rally. will go. Sharing positions of leadership on “I wouldn’t say the presidency has their senates has made not only the Hays strengthened or weakened the bond sisters closer, but also the senior and between us, but I think it has helped our sophomore classes. school become stronger as a whole,” “We literally have discussions at the said Karen. dinner table about how our senates can “The girls demonstrate an exemplary work together to maximize profits,” said work ethic both in their classes and on Karen. “Having my sister as a fellow senate,” said Latin teacher Cheri Meier, class president helps when collaboration who has taught both of the Hays sisters.

l. kastner is needed.” “Combined with a very cute sense of “We can help each other out and it gives humor, they make ideal leaders of the Piper (left) and Karen (right) Hays. us a connection to each other on senate,” Classes of 2013 and 2011.” the viking saga 8 november 23, 2010 sports

From The Underdog Usually only the top Swenson’s 200 or so players chosen are considered legitimate prospects for the big Sidelines leagues. The odds were b y Br y a n Sw e n s o n against McDonald, but Trash-talking on the court, field or any he made it anyway, and athletic facility has yet to be canned in became a regular on sports. In fact, it may be getting worse. SportsCenter’s Webgems. Texas student, Connor Docherty, of “I love everything about Marble Falls High basketball team baseball. I guess I’m still took it too far this time. Way too far. a little kid inside,” said Instead of going after the common McDonald, whose love prey of another basketball player on the for baseball began in his

court, he took a shot at a rival school’s http://cache.daylife.com/ backyard and continued quarterback through a cell phone. through East Lyme Little Yet, it was still effective. Docherty ELHS alumnus John McDonald’s League and on to ELHS and PC. He played earned himself a misdemeanor charge journey to MLB retirement baseball, basketball and football at ELHS, of harassment by telephone distributed but did not play varsity baseball until his by yours truly, the police. b y Be n Os t r o w s k i junior year. The actual texts were best described East Lyme High School 1992 graduate “There were just better players than as “threatening” and “nasty,” but cannot John McDonald’s trip to the big leagues me,” McDonald said. “But I was taught by be further detailed in this column. It was was not typical. He did not hit 400 foot my teachers, coaches, parents, everyone at enough to get Docherty handcuffed. homers in high school and he was not a first East Lyme High School that I need to work Docherty is no different than any round pick in the Major League Baseball my hardest. I mean, why not? If you get it, other fan out there, so why didn’t he draft, yet he is a prime example of how you get it, and if you don’t, well, you can go to the football game and heckle hard work pays off. After a successful walk off the field knowing you left it all like none other? Might be a grudge, professional baseball career of 12 years, out there.” or it could be a complete failure to McDonald has decided to hang up his “Everyone loved him – in East Lyme and be funny. cleats and retire from the game he has been now in Toronto,” Littlefield said. Besides the reason behind it, what he playing his entire life. McDonald ended his 12-season career did was wrong nonetheless. Taunting McDonald’s varsity baseball coach as a six-year Blue Jay, with a career-high occurs in every sport, but that does not James Littlefield, a preacher of hard work, six home runs, one of which came on an make it right. The sports world needs explained that McDonald was one of the emotional day. more athletes to go against that grain smallest students in his class. On June 20, five days after the passing and show sportsmanship and respect “So how do you make it to the big of his late father Jack, McDonald blasted toward all opponents. leagues when you’re that small?” Littlefield one out in his first at-bat since his father’s Until now, I have never heard of asked rhetorically. “You work your butt off, death. It was Father’s Day. Before passing someone actually getting arrested for that’s how.” away, Jack had asked McDonald to hit his trashing another player. This is a more For McDonald, his hard work paid off. next home run in his honor. extreme reminder that trashing another McDonald played at Providence College McDonald said he would miss baseball, opponent is wrong no matter the level, and was drafted in the 12th round, 363rd but no doubt, the game of the baseball will no matter the method, no matter the overall by the Cleveland Indians in 1996. miss him just as much. place and no matter the sport. A player does not need to degrade their October 16 fundraiser. Over $1,500 was opponents to boost their own skills. Cup for a Cure raised from sales and donations. All you athletes and fans out there: Besides East Lyme and Waterford several think twice before you are about to b y Fr a n c i s Sh i e l d s other schools participated in the action trash-talk via text or any other method In 2006, the East Lyme High School boys’ including: Montville, Bacon Academy, or you might just get yourself in a soccer team began a regular season match Lyman Memorial and St. Bernard’s. little trouble. against Waterford called the ALS Cup. In addition, for each teacher who wore But above all, forget the flagrant The goal was to raise money for research jeans to school, money was donated taunting and go out there and play to find a cure for ALS, amyotrophic lateral towards the cure. Overall the teachers the game. sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Starting raised $360 and approximately $5,000 this year, the girls’ soccer team joined the dollars was raised by all the schools. the viking saga sports november 23, 2010 9 Winter’s Winning Teams A preview of this year’s teams that will stay hot throughout the cold season b y Ka t Co o k a n d St e f a n i e Du d a Boys’ Girls’ Boys’ Boys’ Basketball Track Track Swimming

The sprint medley relay Last year the sprint The boys’ swim team is one placed in first at States and medley relay of seniors Ryan of the most feared in the ECC. continued on to Nationals Cirillo, Ben Lakeman, Sam This year, the boys look to use last year. Modzelewski and graduate that to their full advantage. While the team and relay Craig Van Alsten finished Captains and seniors Nik lost several seniors, including 17th overall at Nationals. Vidakovic, Kyle Burke and Bridget Buckley, Brianne The exposure allowed them Billy Fritz are looking to rule Mirecki and Manya Swick, to gain experience at a more the pool once again for 2010. the relay team still has captain competitive level that will Fritz and sophomore Billy senior Lauren Kirschblum who no doubt benefit them for the Dumais return to swim the is confident that the remaining 2010 season. 500 freestyle, seniors Dan The rest of the boys’ indoor Connaughty and Andrew Bi are track team is hoping to live up to back to swim the 50 freestyle

submitted by s. loomis high expectations, and captain and sophomore Adam Opsahl seniors Lakeman, Anh Nguyen, will take on the 200 individual Last year’s team paired a Bill Dowd and Greg Yacavou medley and 100 breaststroke. 19-4 record with an Eastern are up for the challenge. The boys will have to step up Connecticut Conference “Our goal is to win ECC’s,” their game after losing graduates Championship, led by two-time said boys’ indoor track coach Jacob Mauthe, Andy Chen, All-State selection graduate Steve Hargis. Ross Sanfilippo and Brendan Jon Nazarko. Despite graduating key Wilcox, but the team is ready Returning senior starters players Van Alsten, Nico to hit this challenge head on. Angel Ortiz, Spencer Loomis Marcello, Kevin Miao and Both Opsahl and Dumais were and Eric McGlone still have named All-Area swimmers high hopes and standards for the by the Norwich Bulletin their upcoming basketball season. submitted by l. kirschblum freshman year and another year “[The team will be] better runners have the ability to in the pool will undoubtedly than last year because of the greatly help the team. improve their times. chemistry we have... and the “I’m not sure who will take “We’re hoping to come out intensity and rebounding over for [last year’s] seniors this strong for our first meet,” Eric brings to every practice year, but Maddy McDermott, said Connaughty. and game,” said Ortiz. His Amanda DeMaio and Lindsay With strong hopes, the prediction is supported by Schneider are all very talented Vikings will sweep the McGlone’s confidence in the sprinters,” said Kirschblum, ECC Championship. rest of the team’s ability to adding that she is very excited step up. about the season. “I think we have a strong Sophomore Caroline Regan, submitted by b. lakeman senior class this year with good who is also eager for the speed to run the court,” said upcoming season, believes Andrew Somps, the Vikings McGlone. “Spencer and Angel Kirschblum will do great as a have some fresh talent. Hargis have really worked hard this captain because she is a very has pegged Ben Ostrowski and offseason and should really be dedicated runner and “someone Stavros Ghirardi as rookie all- a strong force among the league the team can look up to.” stars for the upcoming season. this year.” “Just like any sport, if you The combination of experience Along with the addition of focus on a goal, each time and raw talent guarantee the juniors Jeff Schumacher and you step on the track you are boys a successful season. Harry Thiede, the team will determined to achieve that “We’re just a year smarter,” surely achieve its goals. goal,” said Kirschblum. said Hargis. submitted by j. mauthe the viking saga 10 november 23, 2010 entertainment ELHS Concert Choir participates Concert Choir on Tour in music festival at Ithaca College b y Ki e r s t e n Si n k o set list included “Didn’t My Lord Deliver “My favorite part was hearing all From November 12-14, the East Lyme Daniel,” “Set Me as a Seal” and “Drive the other choirs. They were sick,” said High School Concert Choir attended My Car.” sophomore Mitch Andres. the Ithaca College Annual Choral “They worked really hard for this According to junior Olivia Ferdon, the Composition Festival. trip, and I think it really paid off,” said trip to Ithaca College was, “an opportunity The festival is a competition for new choral director Anthony Maiese. An of a lifetime.” composers to premiere their music. Ithaca alumnus, Mr. Maiese was asked to “I think this trip was a great way to Composers submit their pieces for participate in the festival by his college showcase [the concert choir’s] ability evaluation in the summer and six finalists professor, Lawrence Doebler. to produce an amazing show with such are selected. The Concert Choir, along The Concert Choir also performed a strenuous time limit. The quality of with five other high school choral groups, “Dona Nobis Pacem” with the other high work that we produced for this trip would were given the opportunity to premiere a school choral groups and members of the normally take the choir until spring to do,” finalist’s work at the festival. Ithaca College Choirs. said Ferdon. The Concert Choir was asked to premier “New Communion” by Josh Freilich, whom they were able to meet and rehearse with during the day. “[The choir] was fantastical!” said Freilich after the performance. “I was crying happy tears the whole time. I don’t think anyone could have done it better.” Along with the performance of “New Communion” during the evening concert, the Concert Choir was also asked to perform for the other choral groups during the day on Saturday. submitted by k. sinko The Concert Choir began preparations for the concert at the The Concert Choir poses for a picture before beginning their performance beginning of the school year. Their at the Ithaca College Annual Choral Composition Festival.

Lil’ Wayne’s eighth studio album, I Am Not a Young Money is Back Human, is another hit b y Da n Ga ff e y After my first listen through Lil Wayne’s in the intro, he adds his own flavor by Wayne can hopefully create an album to newest album, I felt that a negative review dropping an original beat. top I Am Not a Human Being and bring his was in order. This prediction was incorrect, Unfortunately, Wayne did manage to talent to a whole new level. however, as I did not give up on the CD disappoint me. “What’s Wrong and found that it had the potential to be my With Them,” fools the listener favorite album of the month. into thinking the song will be Lil’ Wayne is inarguably one of the most rich with a techno-like beat iconic rappers of this decade. His raspy after listening to the first 12 voice is either admired or hated by listeners, seconds. This is not the case. The but this sound is what sets him - and the following 3:18 features a weak album - apart from every other rapper. baseline and weaker vocals from In I Am Not A Human Being, Lil’ Wayne. It sounds like he is in pain Wayne starts off the album with two songs and needs help. To be honest, this that bring the listener back to some of his song made me want to put him classics like “A Milli” and “Bedrock.” The back in jail. tracks all begin with a techno beat that I do not recommend buying the leads into his freestyle rap. whole CD; it is a waste of $11.99. Although it starts out in this pattern, I do suggest, however, that you the album’s third song offers listeners a give “Right Above It,” “Bill different, softer sound. “With You” features Gates” and “I’m Single” a listen. pieces of the Motown classic “Benjie,” and Now that he is out of the as Wayne sings over the woman’s voice cell and back on the streets, Lil’ www.hiphoprx.com the viking saga entertainment november 23, 2010 11 Black Friday Survival Guide Five tips and tricks to make your shopping experience more successful b y Ch r i s t i n e Du r k e e a n d Al l y Sl o s s

1. Ut i l i z e c o ff e e t r u c k s . Although inside, jump down – you will startle the Friday. Your only hope for getting that big getting up early is not everyone’s cup shoppers around you, they will lose focus ticket item is flocking to the store at least of tea, it can be good for a cup of coffee. and you can go after the presents they were an hour before it opens. This allows you Over the past few years, coffee trucks too distracted to notice. to be in the front of a crowd who is more from Dunkin’ Donuts and other big name 3. Br i n g a f r i e n d . than willing suppliers have been making the rounds There is no greater According to the National Retail to fight to the early in the morning on Black Friday. After disappointment than Foundation, 172 million shoppers went death for the the exhaustion of early morning shopping racing toward your top to retail stores and online shopping same item sets in, the trucks look like an oasis in the coveted Christmas gift you want. desert. This caffeine fix will provide you only to be pushed out sites on Black Friday weekend of 5. Hi t t h e with the extra energy to keep your eyes on of the way by an over- 2008; this year, bring a friend so you b i g g e r s t o r e s the prize and your elbows limber and ready eager grandma, thus do not get lost in that massive crowd. f i r s t . People to shove. failing to retrieve the do not wake last item the store has in up at obscene stock. To prevent such sadness, take a friend hours just to buy a pair of pants. They will along with you, especially an athletic one. be storming the stores to snag the newest With an extra person fighting for the same HDTV for Dad or the cheapest PS3 for little present, you have a better chance of getting brother – and so should you. Make Best what you want and a great shield against a Buy and raging crowd. T o y s 4. Th e e a r l i e r ‘ R t h e b e t t e r . It U s /www.endlesssimmer.com can be hard to t h e get up at all first 2. Do n ’t w a l k ; g e t c a r r i e d . After waiting after stuffing

in line for hours, most people take the yourself on www.abuw.org s t o p s www.gtvhub.com traditional approach to Black Friday and Turkey Day, on your walk into the stores on wobbly legs. If the but if you B l a c k crowd at the store is massive, a strategic want that great Friday journey. This gives you a better option may be to get carried in by those deal you have to chance of getting the highest quality around you. This allows you to enter the be awake before the crack of dawn; gifts and hopefully puts you up against store more quickly and sneakily. Once many stores open as early as 2 a.m. on Black sleepier shoppers.

Confession Number Six: I eat like a pig on Thanksgiving. Confessions of a Nothing gets me quite as excited for that November Thursday as the endless feast that will be spread across my dining room table. I do not even mind the ensuing Bookworm: food baby that is bound to last for another three days. b y Al l y Sl o s s Thanksgiving is not just a time for good food, though; The entertainment it is a day in our lives where we can take a step back world from a nerd’s and appreciate all that we have. I was recently reminded eye view of this true Thanksgiving spirit thanks to a special pair of shoes: my TOMS. TOMS are simple shoes that are traditionally made with a leather sole and a snugly fit canvas top (like a primitive Converse Low Top). They come in various colors and patterns and are available in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes. But TOMS are more than a comfortable trend. They are also helping to better the lives of children in impoverished countries. For each pair of TOMS purchased, they give another pair to a child in need. As of this September, the company has provided new shoes to over one million children all around the world. I have always been fortunate to have a new pair of shoes as soon as my old ones were too tight or faded, and even some pairs that I have only worn once or twice. The TOMS movement, though, has made me realize that not everyone is fortunate enough to have shoes on their feet every day – I am lucky that I get to. It is simple things like this that add a little more meaning to the holiday season. So, with TOMS on my feet and an empty stomach, I can truly say I am thankful for all that I have this Thanksgiving: for my friends, my family, the Tollhouse Cookie Pie waiting for me at the end of dinner and even a pair of shoes. the viking saga 12 november 23, 2010 back page If you could invite anyone to sit at the head of your Thanksgiving table, who would you choose and why?

“Albert Speziali “Mr. Sharf, so I because he’s sexy.” could have someone - junior to guard my Melissa Sanchez omnomnoms.” - sophomore Jonny B. Good e. felitto/saga e.felitto/saga e.felitto/saga

“Tony Hayward “Dave Matthews because he’d pour oil because he’s a in my gravy!” musical god.” - freshman - senior Gabe Watson Lauren Flower

e.felitto/saga e.felitto/saga

“Ms. Meier because “Mrs. Weasley - in if I had her over, spirit of the movie maybe she would premiere and eating give me an A!” well.” - sophomore - junior Kyrra Gelinas Sarah Kukich e.felitto/saga e.felitto/saga

“Bill Gates, because “Dr. Evil and his cat, maybe he would Mr. Bigglesworth leave his wallet because he is EVIL!” behind!” - senior - freshman Sean McCarty Hannah Stiles

e.felitto/saga e.felitto/saga

Want to see more funny responses? Check out our website, www.thevikingsaga.org! the viking saga