Vol. 17, No. 2. February 2001 • aSSlC Townsend Harris High School at College 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367 New principal arrives from Far [Rock]away

1 il!Wf~''-7' f! • §' _by Danny Bloch Mr. Cunningham "had some familiarity" ~ Thomas Cunningham, former with the school. "I knew of its excellent ~ principal of history of traditions and achievement," ~ and father of a Harris graduate, has been he said. £ picked to replace Dr. Malcolm Mr. Cunningham sees his new job as ~ Largmann, bringing the hunt for a new "an opportunity to try to implement a ] principal to a close. The announcement vision I have for secondary education. P.. ended months of eager waiting for the [This vision] includes strengthening re­ school, as the activities of the special search skills and offering more Ad­ selecting-committee and the details of vanced Placement classes, so we can be the subsequent stages of the selection as competitive as other schools." process were kept largely under wraps. The improvement oftechnology also Mr. Cunningham expressed excite­ plays a key role in Mr. Cunningham's ment and optimism over assuming the goals as principal. He stressed the role of principal. "It's been a dream of importa~ce of "evaluating web sites, mine to work in a school where research accessing information quickly, . is one of the primary considerations, synthesizing this information for along with the Humanities," says the research, and using the research and the Bronx native, whose daughter graduated information garnered by it for from Townsend Harris three years ago. humanistic purposes." He is interested Shoulder to shoulder: Thomas Cunningham pays his first visit to Townsend Harris and Principal As a result of his daughter's time here, Continued on p. 7 Malcolm Largmann after being named Dr. Largmann's successor. 5 reach Intel semi-finals Weyne says fond good--bye by Steven Lee Service to colleges and universities for by Alice Iosifes:cu a·ad ·Allison All_ year long, they spent countless admission and financal assistance. Slo~--<~~~~~ hours researching and studying for their Although no one from Harris was After ~ to years at Thwnsend Hams, projects; sweating at every mistake and named a finalist, the five semi-finalists Paula Weyne, Eng14sh teacber, is racing towards every possible solution. will be awarded $1000 each, and retiring. That was the life of thousands of students Townsend Harris will also receive $1000 Her departure at the en.d of the fall who applied to the prestigious Intel per semi-finalist to further the school's term wtllleave•ber time to spend the competition, formerly known as the science and mathematics programs. spring in Hou&'ton, 'Fe.xas with her two· Westinghouse. When the results came in Among the 18 students who applied grandchildren. Ms. Weyne wiD miss' ·last month, seniors Allison Barz, Vivian from Townsend Harris in 2001,. the Townsend Harris, as sfie enjoyed Ng, Jason Prasso, Joshua Rosaler, and projects that won were on melanoma, the "beJ,n,g part of a very sacces,sful Zachary Weinstein learned that they most deadly skin cancer affecting 47,000 e,ducational_prognun..'' In addition. she were among the 300 semi-finalists Americans a year with almost 8,000 enjoyed working with the students who chosen out of thousands of entrants. deaths, by Allison Barz; lupus, a disease "are very rew-arding ·in inrellect, "They worked tirelessly on their where tQe antibodies in the body begin character, ambition, humor;" . research and they're an extraordinary to attack the person's own tissues instead Ms. Weyne has taught freshman ~nd group of students," said Susan Brustein, of protecting the body from bacteria or junior English, as well as llnguistic'S Assistant Principal of Science. viruses, by Vivian Ng; role of parp, a and writing process in her yeal'S at The 60th annual nationwide DNA repair enzyme, in zebrafish, to see Townsend,lfarris. Among lre,r fondest competition run by the Science Talent if zebrafish can be used for human memories m;e the annual Read--ins. It is f.or her to choose one Search, currently sponsored by Intel, is research studies, by Jason Prasso; dtffkult Paula Weyne looks forward' ~o refueltlent and one of the oldest and most highly photonic crystals, crystals that can specific moment, though, since she spemting time with.her family. regarded pre-college science contests in control the flow of light waves, by "hasn't let go yet" and is ''still intenseiy the nation. Students from across the Joshua Rosaler; and origins of in it _[teaching]." Ms. Weyne's favorite country submit entries that consist of a associative learning by Zachary book to teach is So'ng ofSolomon, but Weyne also plans to "'fly with the written description of their research, and Weinstein. Since 1988, six finalists and she has also enjoyed "watch,ing culture vulture [travel]." a lengthy entry form that shows evidence 28 semi-finalists have been selected from dramatizations of Th-e Glass As she t:eflects on .. ber yeC)TS as an of their creativity and interest in science. Townsend Harris. Menagerie and helping students with educator, Ms. Weyne is now loolcing A panel of 10 scientists chooses 300 From her sophomore year on, Vivian writing competitions." (orward to the future and "flexible semi-finalists and then selects 40 spent an ·average of eight hours a day, Ms. Weyne's new-found !Too time time." Slie d'oes, howe veer, hoM a finalists from the.300. Semi-finalists and including summers, working in will be spent writing, going to the gym, special place for Towosend Harris as finalists who are selected are laboratories. She spent hours at home and enjoying time with her family. Her she acknowledged that ..it's all too,rare recommended by Intel and the Science reading journals, figuring out how to fix teaching career spanned 31 years, and that you get a place where every

Passing the SING Crouching Tiger, Sports Torch Hidden Dragon pp. 11-12 p.3 pp. 6-7 p.10

·- -·...... ---- · The Classic 2 . Fetiruary 2001 ~ ~g~ "Jm Writin.g a new chapter A page has been turned, and a new chapter is opening in the book of Townsend What's .Going On? Harris. Malcolm Largmann has just departed from his role as principal after 17 ye!lrs. The end of the 'Largmann Era' means the start of a new one, one that will be by Michael Borress filled with new traditions and events as well as maintenance of those that have Every day you pass by it. Sometimes it has relevance to you; other times endured through the last 17 years. This chapter will be written by Thomas it is just meaningless. It sports different colors- sometimes black, sometimes Cunningham. blue, or even red. You riever fully understand what it says because you usu­ In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, Dr. Largmann and Mr. ally rush past it on your way to the staircase. If you bother to notice, here's Cunningham walked around the building together on February 1, entering class­ what it might say: rooms and greeting students. To reassure students that having a new principal does Student Senate Meeting this Wednesday 6:30A.M. 4/4/00 not mean that everything will charige, Mr. Cunningham pointed out the similari­ Report Card Distribution Saturday 3:00A.M. 4112/00 ties between the two men - not just their statures, but also the fact that they are Overly Apathetic Announcements Wednesday 15 minutes into 3rd both joggers, not runners. He also promised the student body that he would main­ band 4/12/00 tain the educational excellence that Dr. Largmann has worked so hard to achieve. Shelter Drill Today -The wall will save you from Nuclear Radiation Townsend Harris without Dr. Largmann seemed like an impossibility to so many Every Club will meet today, except for Shakespeare's Sisters because they students and members of the faculty. The new Townsend Harris was founded with meet every other Wednesday when there is no senate meeting, and the Math Dr. Largmann as its leader, and it has been under his supervision ever-since. How­ team is Tuesday or Wednesday, and MADD is postponed until tomorrow, ever, upon meeting and speaking with Mr. Cunningham, it is apparent that he has while SADD will not meet today. The SAAC and SPAA meetings will also no intention of forgetting all that Dr. Largmann has accomplished. He \Vants to be held yesterday as well as SPE forge ahead with those ideas that have been successful, and create his own legacy Please submit your work to The Phoenix, the Quantum Cat, The with the Harris community so that his chapter will be as rich as Dr. Largmann's. Classic, Crimson and Gold, Web Team, Art Club, and The Times. Good-bye, Dr. Largmann; you will be greatly missed! And to Mr. Cunningham: All community and school service credits are to be given to we look forward to working with you. Good luck. guidance no later than when the sun rises in Japan on the Ides of April Bake Sale Today - Only store-bought goods No School from April13 to April 13- spring vacation These are only some of the announcements one can find on that little rectangular board by the boys' bathroom on the second floor. If an announce­ An affront to our values ment is ever half-erased, don't ask what it said, because no one in Townsend 3 Harris knows when or where anything happens within the school. 'Student Spray-Paints Hurtful Message' . This kind of news won't even make the headlines of most high school newspapers because schools and students encounter graffiti on an everyday basis; people have become immune to vandalism. However, for 17 years, a graffiti news story has not . Guide for the perplexed made the pages of The Classic - not because it has happened so often that it is not worth repeating, but because there was never a reason to publish .one in the first place ... until now. ' · .Dedicated to our new principal On the morning of January 10, Townsend Harris students were greeted by a hateful by Jamie Gullen message scrawled in spray paint over the front of the building. The message was Between the doors we come in through, the floors we go on, and the bands we directed at three students. However~ it tugged at the heartstrings of the entire school go to, the quirks of Townsend Harris, always abundant, can often be confusing, community. but there are logical explanations behind them. For students at Tewnsend Harris, the school represents a safe haven that is free The door used to enter in the morning and leave at the end of school is not from the problems of the outside world. The obstacles most of u.s have to face here actually the front door; it's the side door. The front door is actually situated on the are getting collaterals done on time, and memorizing those last few vocabulary adjacent side from the used door. Now -you might be saying to yourself, "Why words. · would there be a rule that the front door can't be used as the front door, but rather Townsend Harris is not just a building or a school, but a second home that houses the side door is to be used as the front door?" the friends and teachers whom we cherish. Most of us are proud to say that we The explanation for this strange circumstance g-oes back to the time when the attend Townsend Harris. But this incident marred our perfect image of our school. school was about to move to its present location. The people who live in the build­ Although this incident pales in comparison to those that occur at other high schools, ings next to the school expressed fears that the students would be too noisy, and it still showed that we are not insulated from problems. . "poof," the front door was closed down and the side door was turned into a front Most of us have a strong bond with Townsend Harris. We actually believe in the door. · ideals of the Ephebic Oath. Unfortunately, one of our fellow students who took lhe This, however, is not the only thing of this nature at Townsend Harris. The first Ephebic Oath with us was responsible for the event. The fact that someone would floor is actually the second floor. Now you might be saying to yourself, "Why disregard all the hard work that is put into the school, and would use the entire would the main floor, the floor we all come in on, be the second floor rather than building as the backdrop for his or her personal anger, is disgraceful. the first?" The reasoq for this is that under the main floor (the second floor), there Moreover, the event was ill-timed since we wanted to leave Dr. Largmann is the first floor where the cafeteria and the gym are located. remembering Townsend Harris in the best light possible. Unfortunately, he had to This cannot be called· the basement as one wouid logically conclude it to be face the difficult task of dealing with a discipline problem when he should have had because under this floor, there is another floor where the locker rooms and weight nothing else to do but bask in the glory of the school's achievements. room are located. The graffiti was removed in a matter of hours. The administration was prompt in This is still not the end of the quirkiness. Depending on the day, first band is sending the message that vandalism will not be tolerated. The students were appalled actually second band or third band is actually fourth band or ninth band is actually and disgusted by the event, united by the common opinion that this type of behavior eighth band. This is because of the fact that we skip at least one period every day. should not be allowed. This reaction is a testament to the ideals we still hold, and Sometimes this can be puzzling to newcomers. "When I came in as a fresliman, the kind of school we attend. everything was very confusing and I didn't know where I was going or how to get Although this incident has tested our standards, it has only made us reaffirm them. there. I'm still not used to the schedule of skipping periods," said sophomore Sa­ We are still united by the values Townsend Harris has instilled in us. Although this rah Schnee. Despite the perplexity caused by schedules, floors and entrance ways., event has reflected poorly on the school community, it is one isolated incident that all of the quirks help to make Townsend Harris the school it is and there are rea­ does not threaten to destroy what we have worked to achieve. sons behind everything that is done in the school.

Alice Iosifescu News Staff : Anthony Ciolli, Beth Dubin, Emmy Favilla, SOorts Staff: RacheiAcnsta.CarolinaCbang,J<\shFox,Talya Townsend Harris High School at Queens College Allison Slotnick Debbie Gopstein, Akshta Kalla, Lorraine Kapovich, Bryan Lieberman, Ashley Pillsbury 149-11 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. 11367 Co-Editors-in-Chief Kirschen, Alice Lee, Narae Lee, Danielle Lord, Rachel Mindlin, Photography Staff: John Bunela, Gloria Chi, KaveetaDesai, The Classic is an open forum for the expression Michelle Potofsk.y, Carolina Pruss, Tian Ying Jamie Gullen, Matthew Kirschner, Hillary. Homier, Jamie Liu, Linh of student views. The opinions expressed therein Arielle Frost Hye-Kyung Yang Feature Staff : Jessica Berger, Nataliya Binshteyn, Dimny Ly, Laura Ng, Shard Siegel, Jennifer Sheth, William Yang should not be taken to represent those of the Bloch, Lily Chu, Marlo Dublin, Jennifer Gong, Jamie Gullen, Karen administration or faculty or student body as a ~ports Editor Photography Editor ~ Raymund Bam, Ryan Dennie, Vivian Chang, Annie Lau, whole. Hendershot, Angela Hom. Stavie lsradian, Sybil Kollappallil, Doris Ortega, Janine Petroviu, Rachel Schiffman, Stephanie Zapata Terrance Lai, Steven Lee, Anna Olson, Sunayna Ramdeo, Rachel Readers are invited to submit letters to the editor. Kerry Purtell Layout Staff· David Belsky, James Cleveland, Clarke Carolina Pruss Schiffman, Sarah Schnee, Steven Seidenfeld, Katherine Shi, Shar• Letters should be placed in Ms. Cowen's mailbox in Emily Rivlin Nadler Gradinger Business Man.ager Siegel, Diane Tiao, Jessica Wang, Tina Wu the general office. The Classi<; reserves the right to Art Editors CirwJ.aticn· Clarl

by Allison Slotnick and ethics at home. "But, I think if you are night on a hot summer night with a fected." Alice Lee raised with a sense of who you are, a bunch of parents and kids, waiting our Contrary to the belief of many, Dr. Each year at sense of what is right and wrong, and _turn to go in and make a big spiel about Largmann took no part in the process Founder's Day, Archon what is justice, you_are raised with re­ why we need a new building," recalled of selecting the new principal, -Thomas · and Arista inductions, spect for other people, that you are half Dr. Largmann. Cunningham. As Mr. Cunningham en­ and graduation, Princi­ way to being a very successful person," A landmark that stands out in Dr. ters Townsend Harris, Dr. Largmann pal Malcolm Largmann he said. While growing up, Dr. . Largmann's mind was when Townsend hopes that he "will be very warm and addressed the student Largmann learned this respect from his Harris got its first Westinghouse Science body and faculty with words of inspi­ parents, grandparents, and neighbors. In Talent Search (now Intel) winner. The ration and praise. Ever since its found- addition, educa­ school was proud, and Dr. Largmann tors also helped was extremely excited. "We were hug-· shape Dr. ging and dancing in the hall," he remem­ 'I wanted to be a fireman. I Largmann and bers fondly. inspired him. "I Dr. Largmann's goal for Townsend ·wanted to be a policeman. I think that it's not Harris was to "create a community of wanted to be all the things that a one person that learners, not only student learners but affected me but teacher learners." This goal is still af­ little boy wanted to be.' the ability of firmed in the school mission statement some very, very which sets forth the philosophy of the outstanding school. When asked if he thought the ing in 1984, Dr. Largmann has been the teachers to influence and that's what I goal of the school was accomplished, driving force behindTownsend Harris hoped I would become," he said. Dr. Largmann remarked that "you're and all that makes it unique. He has led Townsend Harris High School was never finished with the job; as the school Townsend Harris to become one of New Dr. Largmann's "big break." He was gets · larger, it becomes mor~ York City's most praised public high contacted by Nathan Quinones, the Ex­ difficult. .. School is a work in progress. schools. In an interview with The Clas­ ecutive Director of High Schools, in late It goes on and on and on." The real test sic, he discussed the past, present, and 1983 and invited to a meeting, At this of his own success, he said, is that of future of his professional career. meeting, representatives ofthe Board of time, "whether it can continue beyond Dr. Largmann is a true New Yorker, Education, the Alumni Association of you." The way he sees it is that "if the as he was born and bred in the city and the "old" Townsend Harris, · and of principal has done a reasonable job, is "a product of a edu­ Queens College, including its president; when he leaves, the school should be cation." He attended New Utrecht High Saul Cohen, talked about the possibil­ able to move on in the same way as it School in Brooklyn, earned his bach­ ity of re-establishing Townsend Harris , was." elor degree at Cornell, and obtained his the Humanities-oriented school for After 17 years of hard work and loy­ Masters degree and Ph.D. at New York gifted boys that had been closed in 1942. alty to Townsend Harris, Dr. Largmann University. However, contrary to what They began asking Dr. Largmann a se­ decided that it was time to retire. He many in the Harris community believe, ries of questi9ns about the school's acknowledged that "it's good to get new being an English teacher was not Dr. background and his views on how he ideas, new people, and new leadership Largmann's first goal. "I wanted to be would run it if it were tci be revived. Im­ to move the school ahead. Maybe you a fireman. I wanted to be a policeman. I mediately, Dr. Largmann "got very ex­ need to get a new pair of eyes to look at wanted to be ail the things that a little cited and started talking and talking." things." boy wanted to be," he said. As he grew He had no idea what the exact purpose Originally, Dr. Largmann had in­ up, he accepted reality and at first ma­ of the meeting was, and thought they just tended to retire in June of 2000, but he jored in mathematics. He soon discov­ wanted to get information and ideas. It agreed to stay on for an extra semester ered,. though, that his creativity could was not long after that meeting that he so that there would be time to find a new be more engaged through litera1ure. was invited to be the founding princi­ principal. When he started to think about Now Dr. Largmann says his ideal job pal of the new Townsend Harris. retiring in February, he realized that "in would be "a principal who's teaching. When the school finaiiy got off the terms of my career, good things have If I didn't have to mark all those En­ ground, Dr. Largmann faced groups of always happened in February. So, glish papers, essays, I would have done fierce opponents who did not·want the maybe it's the right time to do this." He ·~ ~~~r~~r.~-··_,;u¥:~:~, that. But, there just wasn't time to mark ·. .!·~~~J!J•'' . school to survive. The other Queens had also become an Assistant Principal _,.-·: the papers," he said. h'igh schools Seth Low Junior High School in feared that .. :' Brooklyn was the location for Dr. Townsend Harris Largmann's first professional job, would take away 'It's good to get new ideas, where he was a substitute teacher. At the upper echelon new people, and new the beginning of his career, Dr. of students, and outgoing and not be afraid to take risks Largmann encountered various students residents of the leadership to move the and try things, even though they may who have left lasting memories. "I re­ area surrounding schoolahead.Maybeyou not be great successes." Dr. Largmann member a little chubby boy who lit a Queens College offers this advice for being a successful match and almost burned the long hair did not want high need to get a· new pair of principal: "Stick to your guns and let the of a girl sitting in front of him .... They school students in eyes to look at things.' people, even your supervisors, know this really gave the teacher a run for his their neighbor­ is what/who I am and this is what my money," Dr. Largmann recalled with a hood. school is going to be." laugh. Even after As far· as his future goes, Dr: · While growing up, Dr. Largmann felt Townsend Harris proved that it was a of English in February and had founded · Largmann wants to take the next few the influence of various individuals. He successful school, Dr. Largmann and the Townsend Harris in this same month. years "slow." He jokes about what the · perceives that the dynamics between faculty still had to fight for acceptance As Dr. Largmann reflects on his pro­ next 5-10 years will hold for him, say­ residents in neighborhoods when he was and prove that they were among the fessional career in education, he regrets ing, "Oh God, I hope I live long a youth were very different than they elite. One of the biggest struggles was "the kids we didn't reach, kids who may enough." Seriously, though, he hopes are today, as neighbors had a common obtaining the present building on the have been disaffected. You have a large to relax, travel, "get involved in com­ sense of values and priorities. This made Queens College campus. A rally was community, over 1000 people; there are munity affairs and ... probably ... do it easier for a child to learn his or her held "around City Hall until about mid- always going to be some who are disaf- some consulting work." The Classic 7 February 2001 New principal to build on cherished traditions Continued from p. 1 in hiring someone to "coordinate all the For two and a half years, he served forded by this school." troduce myself. I will build a consen­ technological activities in the building," as principal of Far Rockaway High According to Mr. Cunningham, he sus on a vision for the school," he adds. and in taking "the next step forward" School, a time he describes as "excit­ owes his success to his parents, teach­ Outside of work, Mr. Cunningham technologically. "I'm never ~oing to ing, rewarding, and successful." While ers, and supervisors. "[My parents] gave lets his athletic side show. "I'm a jog­ give up those traditions that mean so principal there, student achievement in­ me educational opportunities. My teach­ . ger. I ran in the New York City Mara- much," he said. "But maybe we'll cre­ creased significantly, which · Mr. ers believed in ate some new ones." Cunningham attributes to the staffs me. They pro­ Web sites and the Internet are a far "functioning as a team for the students' vided support 'I'm never going to give up those cry from the Westchester. farmhouse benefit." and encour- where Mr. Cunningham grew up. ·Origi­ Mr. Cunningham believes his agement, as traditions that mean so much. nally from Parkchester, the Bronx, daughter's years at Townsend Harris well as some But maybe we'll create some new Cunningham is one of eight children and were ve~y worthwhile for her. "I saw demanding "by the time the eighth came along, we her grow from an immature adolescent projects along ones.' couldn't find an apartment big enough to a thoughtful, caring human being," the way. [My [for us]." His family moved to he reflects. "I saw her develop friend­ supervisors Westchester and settled into a farmhouse ships that I believe will be lifelong. She gave me] the encouragement to develop thon -last year. I was in the middle of that his father still lives in. developed the ability to clearly enunci­ solutions to intractable problems," he the pack .. .l didn't have enough time to Mr. Cunningham received an under­ ate her goals. And she knows how to explains. train. Next time I do it, I'll give it a bet­ graduate degree from St. John's Univer­ write a good essay!" As principal, Mr. Cunningham iden­ ter rlin," he. says. Mr. Cunningham also · \ sity and his Masters in Science and Edu­ From his daughter's experiences, Mr. tifies meeting the staff, "both profession­ enjoys reading, particularly science fic­ ·i cational Psychology from Albany State Cunningham gained an awareness "of ally and personally," as one of his pri­ tion, mysteries, and New York Times University. · the excellent education that was af- orities. "I will visit every class and in- best-sellers.

Dear Mr.Cu~ningham: Welcome • • • • • • • • • • Dear Principal Cunningham, teachers. The teachers know everyone by name and make themselves completely Welcome to Townsend Harris High School. Although approachable. The comfort that each student feels, despite the rigorous academic I am only a high school student, I can relate to how you load, is very important and perhaps the most valued aspect of the Largmann ad­ be feeling taking this new position .. When I first ministration. came to this school, just like all the other freshmen, I The students and teachers here work very hard, as you know from your daughter's was pretty nervous as well as intimidated. If you are experience. There are a few things that could be improved in order to make every­ ··\ feeling this way., which I'm sure you must be, don't one happier. Many of the students feel oppressed by some of the strange rules of worry. You will adjust quickly. Towl)send Harris is a the school. I am sure you will receive an earful about the bathrooms being locked, ~ · . very warin and welcoming family. Almost everyone the lockers being inaccessible during the day, and the music during band changes ··.} ·::t each other and your transition should be easy. being strictly instrumental. I have faith that whoever was picked to run such an I am currently a junior and I have really enjoyed my esteemed institution such as Townsend Harris will listen to the concerns of the ,. .. ·two and a half years at Harris. There are many traditions students and teacher and work very hard to make the environment a little more Zvhich I have grown accustomed to and certain things I bearable amidst the academic stresses. like to see happen. Although everyone has their · Good luck with your endeavors at our school, and I hope you have a great time own way of working, I would really like one of your enhancing what is already a wonderful place. main goals to be maintaining the status quo of the school · -Jaime Friedman that Dr. Largmann, the staff, and the students have worked so hard to establish. This school is dedicated to producing the most successful students and from that we have gained a great reputation and have made our school unique. This isn't an easy job and takes a lot of time and dedication. From meet­ ing you earlier, I am under the impression that you already have this goal in mind. There are some suggestions that I have for you to further enhance our school. I think the students should work with you to acquire new grants. We truly need · Dear Mr. Cunningham, these grants to offer a wider selection of advanced classes for the numerous over­ How was your first day at Townsend Harris? I hope everything went smoothly, achievers in THHS. Also, they would be helpful to improve our computer labs and you didn't have too much difficulty making a transition into your new job as and other facilities. There are so many brilliant students in our school who are our principal. First days are always overwhelming, but I think our school will being held back due to the limited facilities and classes offered. If you truly want grow into you eventually! to make a mark in the school, this would be the way to do it. I remember my freshman year. It was such a hard time for me, High school I am looking forward to getting to know you and hopefully b~ing involved really did seem like a horror compared to junior high school. But over time, I grew with the new activities you decide to start. I hope you enjoy your new position. used to the people, the teachers, and even the incredible workload! I used to feel ~ - Jessica Nadel really uncomfortable here because most of my closest friend~ had gone to a differ­ ent school, but now that I'm into my junior year, I've come to see this school as one that I admire. People here are so friendly and they're always willing to help. So, you should feel at home in no time! When I talk to my friends who go to other schools, they complain to me about the overcrowdedness of their high school and how they are forced to share lockers. I'm so grateful that this school provides me with a sense of privacy by giving me my own locker, and by minimizing class sizes so that I can receive more of a teacher's attention. It's also very calming to know that ifl accidentally leave some­ thing somewhere, I can go to that exact spot sometime later and find what I had Dear Mr. Cunningham, left still there. It's a great feeling knowing that my personal belongings and I are You came into my Spanish literature class today, accompanied by Dr. Largmann. both safe in.school. Everyone could tell it was "the new principal" by the look of nervousness mixed I think the only thing that should be changed is the number of AP courses avail­ · with excitement in your eyes. We had no idea what to expect, though, Before we able in our school. I remember my sister telling me about the electives and AP actually saw you, a lot of people had the jolly old fat guy, Mr. Cunningham from courses available at her school. It seemed that you could take almost any course at Happy Days, in mind. I'm glad to say I was pleasantly shocked. her high school. But here, there are only so many AP classes and electives we can I would like to congratulate you. People say this is some great place to get an choose from. Is there any way you can change that? education, but it is definitely something special to work here as well. The dedica­ Aside from the lack of courses, Townsend Harris is a wonderful place to be. I tion of the teachers is mind-boggling. As a result of Dr. Largmann 's hand-picking hope you enjoy your time here! of the Townsend Harris staff, we really have the most dedicated and competent -Aimee Teng --

The Classic 8 February2001 ' U'\!fl!II'I!J.!,Ii_·;'_,;:.:~;,Tii; - <.}i~,;~;. ,~;-~t;0~;~'7;!.':;·~ -~ /;-.::·~,--.:.'~L:.' :· .. Yearw-ood joins security staff Under watchful eyes: by Anglela Hom favored sports are walking and bike With 13 weeks of training with the riding. In her spare time, she likes to New York Police Department behind listen to Randy Crawford, who is a jazz Security agents her, Penelope Yearwood is now a secu­ .and Rhythm and Blues musician. rity guard. After classes dealing with Two mottoes that Ms. Yearwood tries self-defense and procedures in law and to live· by are "Live every day to the full­ lessons on how to use handcuffs: Ms. est" and "Early to bed, early to rise." maintain safety Yearwood is on her first assignment as "I don't think they're aware of how by Marlo Dublin the third per- lucky they change, we are constantly switching Security personnel play a major role positions at different times during the manent guard are to have .... in maintaining th~ sense of safety that day; so the shifts don't seem redundant." for this g such a stable is felt by students and faculty in the In the morning, Agent Lee is sta­ school. -5 educational ....tl) . school. Every day while club meetings tioned at the front desk, and -remains "It was my -- en v 1 ron­ :::,.::: . are in session, tests are being adminis­ there until lOAM, at which time a school first time us­ ;5: ment," said tered, and teams are busy practicing in aide relieves her so she can have lunch. ing handcuffs. ]M s the gym, the school is being carefully Agent Yearwood, on the other hand, I had riever ! ' . ~ Yearwood of monitored by three security "agents" watches the back door in the morning held them be­ ~ the students. (most commonly referred to as until lOAM, and then proceeds to go fore. It was ~ "This is the 0 "guards"), who maintain the atmosphere about the other daily routines. When very strange," 1 o kind of envi- that all have come to know. Marlene M s ·S: ronment that lunchtime rolls around, Agent Lee moni­ Lee, who spent much of her career tors the dining hall during band 5, and Yearwood any parent working for the district office, came to Agent Gatling takes over during Bands said of one of should want Townsend in 1988. 6 and 7. One agent is always available her experi­ for his or her When district agents were abolished, to do a hallway check during this time, ences during child." Agent Lee was encouraged to go for while making sure that students aren't training. To M s training as a high school security agent. using the bathroom for the first 10 min­ her, those Yearwood After training, she started to work at the utes of the band. weeks work­ said that she old Townsend building, and then moved "As a student, I feel very safe in ing out and is "still wait­ to the new building when it was con­ school," said sophomore Danny Bloch. learning with ing" to use structed. "Although the old Harris build­ "When I walk by the front desk in the the NYPD the skills that was like "gym she learned ing was small," said Agent Lee, "I still morning, I alWays make sure to smile at every day." Penelope Yearwood .during the enjoyed working there. It was apparent the guards sitting there, to let them know She describes that time 'as "pretty course of her training, but she is in no to me that the students were close, and that I appreciate what they do for the everyone was like one big family. I school on a daily basis." simple." hurry to do so. "I'm very lucky to be Track and field is Ms. Yearwood's working here. The students are good. guess some things never change!" Upon being asked what daily task is her According to Agent Lee, Townsend favorite sport. She has enjoyed running · Ev~ryone keeps telling me that," she favorite, Agent Lee didn't need much. since she was young. Among her other said. Harris High School has three guards on time to think. " I love lunch duty, be­ duty at all times. Alice Gatling, who is cause I get to talk with the kids and usually seen stationed at the front desk school-aides," she responded. "During with Lee, and Penelope Yearwood, who the day, most of the kids are in class, so guards th.e back door in the morning, lunchtime is usually the best opportunity comprise the Harris Security team. The to talk with them." day starts for them at 6:45 and ends at "The end of the day is probably the 3:15, although certain days the agents most hectic time for us," claims Agent work overtime, due to a concert or other Lee." All of the kids are in a rush to get special event (in which case they stay home, and we have to make sure they Getting into college anywhere from 2 to 7 hours longer than exit safely. [We do this] while keeping usual). an eye on the rest of the building [too], During the course of the day, the which is a challenge." is a full-time job. agents exercise a variety of different Although being a security agent can shifts that include gym locker room be extremely challenging and stressful checks, hall locker c_hecks and bathroom at times, Agent Lee believes that its ben­ Ours. checks. Although these duties remain efits are rewarding. "I love having con­ the same on a daily basis, each agent versations with the kids!" Agent Lee ex­ Let Kaplan help prepare you for the SAT .. ·does not know what her schedule is go­ claims. "They are extremely bright and ing to be until she converses with the mature, and when I talk to them, I'm Parents and students should attend other two guards in the morning. "One always reminded of how lucky I am to one of our FREE Orientation Seminars and learn of the things I like about my job is the be working here. Dr. Largmann has done test-taking tips a_nd find out more about the college variety," said Agent Lee. "Despite the a super-good job with this school, and i admissions process. fact that our daily routine doesn't will be sad to see him leave us." - The Queens Kaplan Center will hold the following FREE Orientation Seminars: February 14th April 2nd 5 reach Intel· semi-fin.als March 18th April 18th Continued from p. 1 The Queens Kaplan Center is located in the Queens College Student Union Building, Suite LL23, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11367 lab technique problems, writing up reports, analyzing data and finding mistakes. To conduct and understand her research, she read college molecular biology and immunology textbooks,, and seience journals. In the future, all the semi-finalists hope to pursue some area ofscience or medi~ine. Jasen and Allison envision them_selve.s as pediatricians, and Vivian is currently cc:mtinuing wjtb her field of research. Zachary is 1 - 800 - KAP - TEST consideri'ng a career as an astrqphysicist, while Joshua is considering the kaptest.com possibility of becoming a physics professor. "When I saw the winn·ers of the Intel contest (then known as the Westinghouse) on the cover of the New York Times, I knew l would become really interested and thought that it would be.a good opportuni~ to pur-sue m,y interest," said Joshua. The Classic • 9 February 2001 Thomas·Sweetin's life Cqnsuls offer insights celebrated at memorial· into teen' life in Japan by Rachel Mindlin · way in which a true gentleman should The Townsend Harris family, ~ith its . carry out his life. Through tears, Dr. by Shara Siegel New Year's song. The students did not short 16-year history, reunited for the .Largmann spoke of "the elegance of his McDonald's, body piercings, and perform the song for autumn because of first time on Sunday, December, 10. Two smile"and "the gentleness of his spirit." fashion were just some of the topics dis­ its difficulty. Mr. Mori surprised the . hundred twenty-five students, teachers, "He was a teacher to all of us in the tru­ cussed during a meeting with Japanese crowd by pulling out his own flute and and administrators gathered in the audi­ est sense," he said. Consuls on December 5 in the playing a piece he had prepared. torium to celebrate the memory and "He lived his heart's desire," said Ms. principal's conference room. Students Ms. Yonemichi, who attended a pri­ honor the life of Thomas Sweetin, a cher­ Greenfield, "and made it ~~tter." from Makiko Funato' s Japanese 1, 3 and vate school in Japan, talked about her ished teacher, colleague, and friend to Mr. Sweetin was also incredibly mod­ 5 classes participated in this program, experiences there. She was not,allowed the Harris community for 15 years. est. He never accepted praise for his called "School Caravan," which aims to wear make-up, and her skirt had to . Many of the guests were former students· scholarship, dedication, and actions. He to teach awareness about Japan and its be a certain length ~ She could not perm who graduated from 1988 to 1997. Mr. simply went through his days, nev\_r fully educational system. her hair, either. Junior Nicole Cleary, a Sweetih taught them English, German, · understanding the impact he had on the Hiroko Toyooka, chief of the pro­ Japanese 3 student, said, "When she was or Latin, or worked with them on Senior lives of everyone he encountered. "For gram, Takatoshi Mori and Sanae talking about her high school eX:peri~ Council or on the yearbook. Other once, Tom," said Dr. Largmann during Yonemichi were welcomed by juniors ence, she put it into real terms that made guests were current. students who had the his speech, "accept our praise of you." Marc Floirnan and Matthew Caesar; it possible for the average high school retired Mr. Sweetin as a substitute over Charles Puglisi, a friend of Mr. Sweetin's Marc read an opening speech in Japa­ student to relate to." the last two years. ' through the PTA and Alumni Associa- nese which was preceded by Matthew's Matthew also spoke about his experi­ The memorial opened with English translation. ence when he went to Tokyo this past junior Laura Kim, playing a Ne~t. Ms. Funato and her students pre­ summer. He admitted ~e "had se~ted the consuls with an array of McDonald's once or twice to see what Chopin Nocturne on the pi- · ' ano. Then members of the. 'He was a teacher to all of songs that represented seasons of the it was like in Asia," and in response to a faculty, a former student, year. Juniors Cassie Chan, Jerusha question from Mr. Mori, said he had friends, representatives of us in the truest sense.' Eames and Karin To along with seniors noticed a trend of body piercing. the Alumni and Parent- Donysa Leatham, Janie Liu and Emily The consulates presented a movie teachers Associations, and Rubenstein, played the Japanese song which showed the educational system Mr. Sweetin's family re- "Sakura" on their flutes. "Sakura" in Japan. Students also participated i'n a - I . counted their memories of him, saying tion, said, "Actions speak louder than means cherry blossom, which stands for trivia game to win prizes. All students . good-bye once more through bittersweet words and Torn's actions were the hall­ ·the spring season. Jerusha said, "I fdt were given a package of pencils that had laughter and tears. mark of his presence." superb because they seemed to enjoy "Japan written in different languages. Although each person who spoke re­ In hislast days, Mr. Sw~etin received our performance." Mr. Mori said one of the primary goals counted different memories, there were 300 cards and letters from students and Summer was presented by "Tanabata'' of "School Caravan" is ''to better our several themes that emerged. The most friends expressing their well . wishes, or "Star Festival," which describes a students like you and get students more repeated of these was that Mr. Sweetin wann memories, and gratefulness for his festival that occurs on July 7. "Jingle interested in Japan.'' Ms. Funato, who was an incredibly kind and gentle per­ presence·in their lives: - Bells" captured the winter spirit and invited them here, said they would like son. Dr. Largmann remembered that his Lou Weiss, Mr. Sweetin's companion, then was followed by "Oshoogatsu," a to visit Townsend Han:is again. "simple kindn~ss, heroic effort, and announced at the memorial that a ~'Tho­ gentle modesty gave real meaning to the mas Sweetin Award" will be immedi­ word generosity." Mr. Sweetin always ately set up to be given annually to a stu­ went out of his way to, put a smile on . dent who promotes diversity. Thewarm, the face of a student or fellow teacher. sunny reading room in the library will He often traveled far to drive his co­ be renamed the "Tom Sweetin Room" Ti~ me ·is workers home from work, practicaJiy in his hono.r. Mr. Weiss thought that · lived in the "old building" to make his "Tom would be the most proud of the students' yearbooks stellar, and gave out success of each student; how they've of his own pocket and heart to students grown to bec~me something in society. on the senior trips that he organized so They are, in their success, reflecting Ru · nnin ~ a · Ou·f well. · . Tom's philosophy that 'Good enough is Most people have aspitations to do never good enough.'" something they love, but few are able to Other speakers included former PTA Don't mw out on the make their dreams c9me true. Tom Executive Board member Rita Joseph; Sweetin wanted to educate others on his Mr. Sweetin's sister, Mary Minard; and best way to maximize favorite subject, literature, and he did so Assistant Principal Shiela Orner. Senior your score on the with a commanding passion. Mr. Hannah Vanek-Mcilwain played a piece Sweetin's brother-in-law, Duane E. by Massenet on, the violin. Minard III, called teaching "Tom's call­ Hollie Pena, a graduate from 1995, ing." His students were the pride and recalled Mr. Sweetin's passion for the s T joy of Mr. Sweetin's life. The school students. "He was always there for us," became his second home and the people she said. "He fought for us with all of his second family. He had an incredible · his heart." ClassSize-12 SAT work ethic, believing that good enough Mr. Sweetin's memorial service was prep classes are was never good enough. Harriette called a "celebration" of his life and Blechman, as a fellow English teacher, work, and that it was. The audience starting soonl knew that Mr. Sweetin "guided his stu­ laughed at the funny· stories recounted Seats are limited dents to_a love oflearnirig," making each by his friends, remembering those in­ class exciting, funny, interesting, and stances and recalling others. Former stu­ Enroll Today! always educational. dents and teachers reunited, exchanging Randi Korobelnick, a former student, their memories of Mr. Sweetin, and look­ ./·Tiie spoke about how Mr. Sweetin "thrived ing through the many pictures that were ( !.!'nceton on obstacles and challenges," and loved in the booklet given out at the service. ...__ serving the school. "He truly enjoyed Mr. Sweetin fiad a favorite saying re­ Review___ being the 'bagel man,'" she remembered, garding his teaching: "You gotta teach · "and his creativity and enthusiasm were them something, love 'em a little, then infectious." Mr. Sweetin did not limit send them on their way;" he used to say. 800.2Revlew www.Prlnceton_Revlew.com his education to that of the children who "We all loved him," said Ms. Blechman. were programmed into one of his classes. · "It was hard not to. He just got sent on He set an example to everyone about the his way a little too quickly." ' . -The Classic I 10 February2001 ------~- ·" · .-.:.· , .,. -Lee fires up scr~en Celebrity Slghtings Wax in with Crouching Tiger - Times Square by Danny Bloch _ - by Alice losil'~u Ang Lee's resume may be the most di­ Te (Lung Sihung). Shu Lien takes th~ ma­ Where can you take center stag-e with and Charlie Chaplin, and the .l~st versified of any director working today. jestic weapon, called the Green Destiny, Madonna or stand side by side with exhibit has Jerry Springer and Cher. The Taiwanese-born, New-York-based toTe's lavish home in Beijing. Michael Jordan? The answer: Madame Madame Tussaud's is a great way t<1> Lee has tackled everything from Jane Matters become serio.us when the Tussaud's Wax Museum. tak.e pictures ~it.h your fav-orite Austen (Sense and Sensibility) to do­ Green Destiny mysteriously vanishes, Conveniently located on 42nd Street celebrities. Security is pretty lax, so mestic dramas '(The Ice Storm) to the causing Mu Bai to return to his old ways in Times Square, Madam.~ Tussaud's there's ,no~ing t0 pre'wever, Oprah Winfrey and Barbara devf:Jted to explaining the process 'Of Lee imbues each with an individual style befriends Jen (Zhang Ziyi), a young aris­ Streisand a:Jm:ost seem like caricatures making wax. figures. AI Roker's ~lay and manages to create a captivating tale. tocrat with a secret. The movie has many of themselves. likeneSs is used as a model, wh;joh is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; his intricate subplots, including a love story The mus,um 's ftrst ·exhibit is the shown from the vety'ftritsi'tliing 10' tile latest film, is no exception. Drawing setih the Gobi Desert that's told almost scene of a celebrity garden party. The final touc,IHlp. AecortHng to the upon his childhood love for the Hong entirely in flashback .. lighting and oecomtions make the party museum, the artists take Jocks of hair· Kong martial ~ts genre, Lee and his But the best is yet to come. Crouching seem very realistic. In addition, the when they can, ami sometimes dental crew mix intriguing romance with the Tiger contains at least five stunning fight · celebrities in their natu;ra;l poses add to ca-sts are e¥en 'Qbtained £rom the thrilling moves and swordplay of kung scenes, with battlegrounds rangingfrom th.e authenticity of the scene. F'or subjects ewn .dentist. fu. The results are nothing short of in­ the tiled rooftops of Beijing to the slim example, Woody Allen is sitting at a Madame Tussaud was a real llfe wax credible. branches of a bamboo forest. These se­ table in the co.m¢r while Barb'ara maket,during the time a.f the French The cast is composed of some of the quences (choreographed by The Matrix's Streisand is seated on the edge of a R:evohrtio)l, cemmissioned to create foremost Asian actors working today. _Yuen Wo-ping) are like ballets at bullet ­ fountain holding a champagne glass. · .. death masks," wax castings made Chow Yun~Fat (Hard Boiled, Anna & train speed, leaving you wide-eyed and Tbe nex,t room i>S a gallery of frem the faces of the deceased. Tussapd historical figures that !nciudes John F. became so renowned, she even took the the King) plays Li Mu Bai, a 19th cen­ breathless. At times the c~aracters fly tury martial arts scholar who realizes his through the air, done with the aid of har­ Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and wax.likenessof'Benjamin'F'ranldinand friendship with Shu Lien (Malaysian nesses that were later digitally removed. Princess Diana. The last major e$ibil Napoleon Bonaparte. She op-ened a ~ star Michelle Yeoh of Supercop and To­ A haunting score by Tan Dun with cello is· a baU 9f popular cultJtre figures, wax museum ~n Lo,adon; wber.e organized by decade. For example, the Madalne Tussaod 1s Wax Museum stiil morrow Never Dies) is more than pla­ solos by Yo-Yo Ma, striking cinematog­ beginning rooms start wi•th Babe Ruth stands today. tonic. Yet for the sake of their life-long raphy by Peter Pau, and-strong perfor­ camaraderie, the two put their emotions mances across the board (Ms. Yeoh and on hold. Ms. Zhang in particular) also impress. Since its opening, Crouching Tiger, The film is also gaining Oscar buzz Mu Bai has decided to give up the At the end, Crouching Tiger, Hidden among the critics. I Hidden Dragon has won many fighting life, and plans to present his Dragon provesto be another skillful sur- accolaides Among them are a: Golden (In Mandarin with English subtitles, former master's swotd to -the elder Si~ prise from Ang Lee's bag of gifts. Globe fof'Best Direction for Ang Lee·. rated PG- 13),

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Name of student's school Parent's name Date The Classic February 2001 11 Boys ·strive to stay on track for indoor se·aso.n by Debbie Gopstein 93rd Public School Athletic League Fishman, Another promising season has begun (PSAL) Championships on February 17, and fresh­ for the Boys' Indoor Track team. The he remains optimistic. "I plan on taking men An­ bO indoor season commenced ori Decem­ a few seconds off my time every time I d r e w ~ ~ ber 2, and is hoped to be a continuation run," said Gonzalez. ''That way, I should Danilovac, :I ~ of the success experienced by the team be able to qualify in no time." and Matt ., during the cross country season, during Other veterans this · season include Yu com­ £ which the team finished undefeated in junior runner Justin Joseph, who is just bine their £ 8 its division, and sixth overall in the bor- seconds away from qualifying for the efforts to ~ ough. . PSAL Championships in both the 300 form a The Indoor Track team, now com~ and 600-meter races, with times of39.1 strong posed of almost 25 runners, is coached seconds for the former, and 1:41.3 for sprinting by George Rio and led by a strong core the latter. Other varsity runners making team. of veterans. Junior Alejandro Gonzalez significant contributions include seniors "Weare is the co-captain of the team along with Paul Mendez, Armando Orozco, and rea I 1 y fellow junior Jon Schwartz. Gonzalez junior shot-putter Dan Wallenstein. lucky to hopes to bring his 1600-meter time An able gro'-'p of yom~g runners have the down to one of the best in the city. At complements the veterans. Sophomore freshmen Neck and neck with the competition, seniors Paul Mendez and Arinondo Orozco the 47th Annual Bishop Loughlin Carlos Chincha and freshman Christian and sopho- give it their all as they approach the finish line. Games on December 16, Gonzalez Cansino round off the solid distance mores we broke his personal record, running the team. They both finished in the top five do," said Schwartz. "It's good to know mile in 4:54 and winning his heat. Even in their heats at the PSAL Developmen­ that even after some of the veteran Girls' shot at though he will still need to reduce his tal Meet on December 2. Sophomores members are gone, the team will still time by I 0 seconds to qualify for the Carlos Gonzalez, Zak Anolic, Alan be able to be competitive." pl:ayoffs f·alls short by Arlene Frost 'Winning combination' aims to dash After all of the hard work and in­ spired play of the 2000-2001 Girls' Var- . sity B.asketbafl team, it aU came down past competition to a