Volume 44, Edition 19 June 7, 2011 T he iking aga In This Edition: V S Art Wing Drenched Water pipe burst causing momentary mess in art hallway 5 submitted by r. santo b y Da n Ga f f e y Vandalism Strikes Panic struck on Thursday, May 26 when a water pipe in the art Niantic Benches hallway burst, causing gallons and gallons of water to pour into the hallway and rush into the surrounding classrooms. Freshman Emma Punsalan first discovered the leak in k.kielty/saga her Birth to Three class. She immediately told Fine Arts 6-7 www.thevikingsaga.org Mr. Olsen, Ms. Martin and Mr. Rheaume trek teacher Rachel Michaud about through the water for some damage control. Looking Back at the seeping water. The whole art department then went into high James Warykas off guard. After the flooding ceased, ELHS 2010-2011 alert and started moving all the After the water began leaking only a few supplies in one paintings and supplies to higher into his room, he directed the closet got wet. By the end of the ground to avoid water damage. class to keep it from spilling day, head of maintenance Mike The entire ordeal caught into the supplies closet, where Hewitt and the rest of his team head of Fine Arts Department hundreds of dollars worth of had cleared two inches of water and junior AP English teacher other materials are stored. from the art hallway.

9 litchfieldcountysports.com ELHS Alumni in Money Matters Baseball Superintendent Dr. James to manage the money, so drastic than expected. There were Lombardo and Principal measures, like eliminating plans to update most of the Michael Susi comment multiple teaching positions, outdated technology within the could be avoided. high school. The old computers on the aftermath of the “I have been with schools were to be replaced with newer budget cut making budget cuts before,” models with more memory said Mr. Susi, “But this was the b y Da n Ga f f e y capacity. When the budget was most collaborative process I frozen earlier in the school year, e.mooradian/saga On May 23, Superintendent have seen.” the order for new computers 10 James Lombardo spoke to the On April 1, 20 pink slips were was put on hold as well. With Arctic Monkeys Board of Education (BOE) and issued to teachers district-wide guidance from the BOF, the in NYC addressed how the $460,000 as the BOE was preparing to BOE decided to pay for the budget cut will directly affect cut back on spending. However new computers with a five-year On the back East Lyme High School. with the budget passing, the plan instead of paying in a one The Board of Finance (BOF) BOE reevaluated the number of lump sum. If you were being worked in collaboration with teacher reductions, and reduced Additionally, the BOE and attacked by the BOE to decide where the this number to three reductions BOF decided that if there zombies, where money should be cut from the district-wide. happened to be any money left school’s budget. The BOF With the help from the BOF, over from this year’s budget, it would you hide made several suggestions to the the cutbacks on spending are would go directly into (continued and why? BOE board members on ways going to be easier to handle as Budget Update on Page 5) www.thevikingsaga.org East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, CT 06333 2 june 7, 2011 opinion Talk Less; Say More editorials by Kate Kielty and Emily Mooradian students who are leaders in their the value of their scholarship. successfully the following community. The East Lyme High NHS also had a strong team for year, a job that is currently the School chapter is open to students ACS’s annual Relay for Life responsibility of advisor Henry who are invited to apply based last month. Kydd as students enter the club on their academic standings at NHS at ELHS is composed with no knowledge of how to the end of junior or beginning of leaders from various aspects run the events. of senior year. They are then of the school, yet as the vice- As it stands now, ELHS’s selected to join the group by a president of the organization, I chapter of NHS is dedicated to committee of faculty members can see that there is one missing recognizing seniors who have should they display character, component that could strengthen been successful throughout high service and leadership in their the group’s efforts to its greatest school, but the organization extracurricular activities. potential: juniors. has the potential to achieve b.e.grimwood Once inducted into the As experienced seniors much more than that. NHS organization, students are who have already participated members want to raise money Extending NHS required to collect a certain in similar clubs throughout for meaningful causes such b y Ka t e Ki e l t y number of community service the school, NHS has all of the as the Heifer Foundation and Over the course of senior hours and volunteer at either resources to succeed. Yet, with give back to the community, year, I have had the privilege one or two NHS events based the initial stresses of senior year yet as a one-year activity it is to participate in many different on what time of the year they and the final relief that school difficult to organize these events activities both in the high school were inducted into the group. is almost over, I can see that without the knowledge of prior and throughout the community. This year, NHS organized a members are struggling to find years’ successes or failures and By far, my favorite of these food drive for Care and Share the motivation and time to put the motivation to carry out the opportunities was being a and a carnation sale for their their maximum effort forward groups goals with everything member of the National Honor annual scholarship, created the for the group. With fresh faces else that is going on during Society (NHS). “Pick Your Cause” fundraiser, from another grade, the group senior year. By allowing fall- NHS is an organization raising money for the Heifer would collectively be stronger semester juniors to join the with chapters in middle and Foundation, relief efforts in and the seniors would be able to organization, the two grades high schools across the country Japan, the American Cancer lead the juniors and teach them could combine and make one set to acknowledge outstanding Society (ACS) and adding to how to run the organization powerful team for ELHS. Outside The Classroom compiles statistics and Outside The Classrooms: quotes from ELHS students 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 SEX about various topics. The information and data What is your opinion about students at East Lyme High School and sex? published in OTC’s is “You should wait to have sex “Personally, hearing a rumor “It seems like they’re doing gathered from Saga surveys until you are absolutely, totally, about myself having sex with it too young and too soon. that can be accessed at completely positive that the someone makes me laugh, If you’re fourteen, you’re www.thevikingsaga.org. person that you are with loves because it’s so far from the truth. probably not mature enough you and is not trying to take But hearing about other people for sex. For the most part, the “It seems rather common, but advantage of you...” is just is hurtful, and honestly people that I know are being the lack of teen pregnancies – senior girl none of anyone's business.” safe and mature about it.” and (I think) STD's attests to “I think we’re at the age where – senior girl – senior girl how well educated we are.” we should be able to have sex – sophomore girl as long as both the male and “If two people want to have “Sex is whatever you make of female are ready.” sex, they have to be responsible it. If virginity is something you – senior boy about it, think of our bodies as hold sacred, more power to “No one cares anymore, it’s “It seems like such a casual a privilege, don’t abuse that you. But having sex is usually just like another thing on the thing to some people, but sex privilege by sleeping around inevitable in most high school checklist. And it’s assumed for is meant only for marriage, not because something bad will relationships.” all couples, too, even if they’re any time before that.” come of it.” – junior boy not having sex.” – sophomore girl – senior girl – junior girl 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 june 7, 2011 3 into a new kind of ‘scholarship’ While it can’t be guaranteed coined the ‘20 Under 20.’ Each that these young adults Editorial Staff of the 20 recipients receives will catapult themselves to $100,000, not for enrollment Zuckerberg-like status, the 2010-2011 into the college of their choice, entrepreneurial experience but as an alternative to attending they will garner could be a Editors-in-Chief college, a chance to “chase their lesson they would otherwise Kate Kielty entrepreneurial dreams for the not have gotten the opportunity next two years.” In short, the to absorb. Emily Mooradian winners are being paid not to Education is never attend college. something to undervalue - While each handpicked winner however a higher education News n.maddux ranges from valedictorians to does not necessarily guarantee Christine Durkee Buying Success academically inept super coders, a higher success rate. With the all have promising futures in extreme prices of college only b y m i l y o o r a d i a n E M the technology industry. Some further skyrocketing it’s hard to Features The sentiment ‘money can’t of the projects these former blame Thiel for proposing an Mike DeFaria buy happiness,’ has become a students are looking to pursue alternative to this economically common phrase within society with their new-found financial draining social standard dubbed over the years. And while it’s fuel include creating a mobile ‘necessary’ for those seeking Sports invariably true that happiness banking system, cheaper out career success. cannot be bought or sold, is biofuels and household robots. For most of us, myself Bryan Swenson there a way to buy away a Thiel argues that some of included, a college degree students desire to go to college? society’s most talented young is the only way of getting Entertainment Is it possible to pay away the minds can help make great anywhere. But for some, the need for one to educate his strides in the world by skipped best career move ultimately lies Ally Sloss or herself? the debt-inducing stage of in following their dreams rather One businessman in San life that college inevitably than the beaten path. I admire Francisco thinks there is. Peter is and moving onto the ‘real the students who have chosen Managing Thiel, a graduate of Stanford world.’ Although his ideas and to take that risk, and look Samantha Lyall Law School and one of the undoubtedly radical and risky, I forward to seeing what these original co-founders of PayPal, can’t help feeling that he might bright minds can produce in the recently invested $2 million be onto something. next two years. Website Letter to the Editor: Kiersten Sinko Dear The Viking Saga staff, rumors can be enormous; hand, I can name off many Media All it takes is one sliver of friendships are lost, boyfriends friends of mine that have gotten a story you overheard in the and girlfriends break up, and in the butt end of every rumor, Raj Thanabal commons one morning and the worst of cases, trouble with and by the time they circulate BAM, the rumor pandemic the administration. throughout the school, there is Advisor spreads faster than any Now I realize everyone should not one shred of truth left in the possible disease. accept their consequences with story. People stretch the truth so Jeff Beale No one can say honestly any faults they make, myself far that it no longer exists. that they have never spoken included. However, a person’s I personally challenge my about someone they know faults should not be exploited peers to think before you speak, Staff Writers behind their back, or, aided in throughout anyone else in the because in the end, what goes Page Burns the spreading of a rumor even school. Quite frankly, it is around comes around, and if it is unintentional. Everyone nobody else’s business. no good ever comes out of it. Stefanie Duda can also say that they have been Someone once told me For anyone. Dan Gaffey the subject of such rumors. “rumors begin usually with a Sincerely, Kaytlin Murphy The effects of even the smallest shred of truth.” On the other Senior Ian McFarland Ben Ostrowski Do you have any suggestions for next year’s Kaley Roberts The Viking Saga editorial staff? Francis Shields Zoë Smallidge If so, email [email protected]!

the viking saga 4 june 7, 2011 news Passion to Profit Culinary teacher Ms. Frausini piloting a brand new business course called and cooperative case studies.” offers new business class “Passion to Profit.” So far, Ms. Frausini has booked a field “Students taking this class will explore trip to Ashlawn Farms, a business that sells b y Zo ë Sm a l l i dg e what it takes to turn an idea into a product and distributes their own coffee to places Culinary teacher Laura Frausini, who or service,” said Ms. Frausini. all along the Connecticut shoreline. Also, just began to work at East Lyme High The main goal of the course will be to let the founders of G.I. Nutrition, a sports School this past year, is extending herself students think creatively, and use potential protein and supplement company out of in the school’s curriculum in yet another business ideas to form a strategy that will New Jersey, are booked as guest speakers way. Starting next fall, Ms. Frausini will be make their plans successful. for the class. “Each person has a skill or “Through analyzing consumer demands, idea or specific interest, and market opportunities, and social needs, this class is about harnessing students will enhance their skills in problem that creative energy as solving, communication, organization, and entrepreneurial thinking,” leadership,” said Ms. Frausini. “Ultimately, said Ms. Frausini. students will choose an area of focus, Ms. Frausini currently whether it is tech development, music teaches multiple Culinary production, interior design, sports nutrition classes and the Fashion class, or anything that is a passion, and work to so she is very excited about analyze whether this is a viable product piloting “Passion to Profit.” or service.” “I am expecting this “I know that students here at East to be a high-energy class Lyme High School have so many talents with ideas bouncing off the and interests, and I hope that by offering walls and students working this course, students realize that these cooperatively to develop interests or ideas that they are passionate plans that they may ride to about have great potential to grow into a success in the future,” said financial resource for themselves,” said Ms. z.smallidge/saga Ms. Frausini. “Students will Frausini. “If students are as enthusiastic as be involved in active learning I am, I can see this course growing to be Ms. Frausini poses with one of her culinary through guest speakers, field an integral part of the culture at East Lyme students, sophomore Emma Arnold. trips, community placements High School and in the community.” Students Bite into Spanish Culture Ms. Barry’s Spanish students get the dessert flan. All chance to taste Spanish cuisine of the waiters and waitresses b y Fr a n c i s Sh i e l ds spoke fluent Thirty-five of Ms. Barry’s Spanish Spanish and tried students recently had the opportunity to to encourage eat at an authentic Spanish restaurant in students to use Hartford on a field trip. At the restaurant, as much of called Costa de Sol, the students were served the language a variety of authentic Spanish dishes. as possible “This is the only restaurant nearby that when ordering. serves real, authentic Spanish food,” said “It was great Ms. Barry. “It was a good experience for to learn all about the kids.” ordering food Different types of Spanish paella dishes at a Spanish were served to the students at the restaurant. restaurant,” said hartford.cityvoter.com Their options included seafood, chicken freshman P.J and chorizo (sausage), and vegetarian. The Craddock about The restaurant at which ELHS Spanish students ate students also got to sample the Spanish the field trip. on a recent field trip. the viking saga news june 7, 2011 5 Budget ELHS community speaks Boardwalkabout the damage to Vandalism boardwalk benches Update b y Ka l e y Ro b e r t s (Continued from Front Page) The spray paint did its damage the budget for the next school year. on April 8: 25 of Niantic’s With the cut however, advanced boardwalk benches were placement and accelerated learning anonymously colored by the tag classes are in jeopardy. “There is “Snorp.” always a direct effect [to classes] with A reward of $500 was cuts,” said Mr. Susi, “[It is] either immediately offered to anyone reducing classes with low enrollment, with information leading to an or lose electives.” arrest. Sixteen days later, a local The budget cuts are also going to put nonprofit organization increased submitted by r.santo a hold on maintenance work around the that sum to a whopping $17,000. The tag “Snorp” was put on the Niantic school. The proposed repaving of the The arrest of Clint Franklin, back parking lot where the pavement a 22 year-old man from Old boardwalk benches in April. has been in poor condition will have to Lyme, quickly trailed the reward be put off until it is financially feasible. increase. On May 17, he appeared in the meaningfulness destroyed by some random Also, the maintenance department will New London Superior Court, where he guy…I’m glad he got caught.” have to wait on the plans to make was charged with criminal mischief and Sophomore James Barone’s grandparents the school building m o r e criminal trespass. East Lyme High School also purchased a bench when they went on handicap accessible in compliance students felt his arrest was justified, because sale around the time the boardwalk was with the Americans With Disabilities many of the $700 benches were purchased finished. He was equally as disappointed as Act (ADA) guidelines. to commemorate their families. Horner to hear about the vandalism, as it An unexpected return from the Sophomore Madison Horner’s family, also struck his family directly. district’s insurance helped lower the for example, purchased a bench in memory Senior Kate Powers, however, has a budget cut. Although the insurance of her grandfather. The plaque on it reads, bench on the boardwalk that is for “The rates were expected to increase, they “In Memory of Stan Horner. Gone but not Powers Family.” actually decreased, making the bottom forgotten.” Upon hearing that the sentiment “When I first heard about the vandalism line lower than projected. could have been destroyed –spray-painted I didn’t immediately think about the fact The Alternative Education School is over –Horner said her primary reaction was that my family had a bench,” said Powers. also under close scrutiny. “We’ve done anger. “I was more upset that someone would all the research and have looked for the “I just thought, ‘Why would someone do vandalize such a great spot of town. I was best practices and other opportunities that?’ I mean, people spend tons of money happy that they found the person that did it, that other schools offer,” said Mr. Susi. on those, and they’re meant as memorials,” though, and hopefully he can repay the cost “We are looking to dissolve the program said Horner. “To have all that money and of the damages done.” [there is] now, and replace it.” Contrary to speculation, if the school was going to be replaced, the money would not come from the BOE’s budget. The funding for that operation would come from federal grant money which may not be refunded if it is not used. Although these are rough economic times, Mr. Susi seems to approve of the way this budget is heading. “We are working smarter, not harder,” said www.publictrustfoundation.org/ Mr. Susi, “We are maximizing every The Niantic boardwalk memorial benches before they were tagged. dollar we have.”

the viking saga 6 june 7, 2011 features Tauro Helps Haiti Sophomore Gabi Tauro to spend the her trip plans for final week of school year helping earlier this year due the children of Haiti to the earthquake that occurred in Haiti b y Pa g e Bu r n s last year. On June 19, while the majority of students “I am ready to see will be spending time cramming for final the culture and meet exams, sophomore Gabi Tauro will be all of the people doing something much more meaningful. in the town,” said As the seniors are getting ready for the next Tauro. “I, hopefully, day’s graduation, Tauro will be flying to will be helping out Jérémie, Haiti to assist a group of doctors with young children in hopes of caring for Haitian people. and babies. Even Tauro’s father, a neurologist, is long if helping means time friends with the Haitian Health giving them a Foundation’s founder Jerry Lowney, and McDonald’s toy to submitted by g.tauro after 25 years of working hand-in-hand he play with, I hope I determined that it is time to pass down the can make some kind Gabby Tauro hopes to volunteer like her father tradition of helping others, by getting his of difference.” (pictured above) in Haiti. eldest involved in the project. Tauro will be “I’ve always wanted to go,” said Tauro. the only teenager on her trip. For the most While Tauro continues to prepare herself “My dad used to show me pictures of all of part, she will be surrounded by doctors to make a difference on her trip, it is the the kids and it made me want to help make a who will be giving out immunizations and inevitable truth that Haiti will still need help difference in their lives. This just happened other forms of basic health care at hospitals even afterwards. to be the year that the trip worked out and I such as a local government hospital and “I do hope that this is the first of many trips am so excited.” Mother Teresa’s Hospital. She will also in my life and if not, I know I will always be a Even at the age of 5, Tauro showed visit the village of a family in which her part of the Haitian Health Foundation,” said signs of her desire to help those in need. own family sponsors. Tauro. “[The Haitian Health Foundation’s] On a Christmas card she even wrote, “Dear “My parents have always come back main office is in Norwich, and they need as Santa, please visit the children in Haiti.” saying how rewarding the trip was, and how much help as possible from anything like Though she was not eligible for the trip [the sponsor family] has helped them more loading the shipping crates, to adopting a until the age of 15, Tauro had to postpone than my parents helped them,” said Tauro. family, donating clothes or even food.” Remember When...? Three unforgettable events that defined school year 2010-2011 at ELHS b y Ka y t l i n Mu r p h y The Heated Spirit Week The Infamous Winter Ball Never Ending Snow Although tension always arises during Whether it be the auditorium lecture Mother Nature hit Connecticut as well that epic week in October, Spirit Week about inappropriate behavior or the as the majority of the East Coast pretty this year was not only competitive but gossip centralized around the night for hard this year with hundreds of inches of controversial. Seniors dominated the whole days afterwards, this year’s Winter Ball snow just over a course of a few months week, leading them to their precedented was certainly the most discussed dance, during the winter. As a result of this “three-peat,” and the freshmen were, well, but maybe not for the best reasons. weather catastrophe, numerous snow days freshmen, but what happened between the Undergarments were lost, less-than-classy affected this year’s schedule. After the sophomores and juniors will forever remain “dancing” was executed and disciplinary first few days off from school, students’ a little fuzzy. The two classes were neck actions were required to take place. Though cheers of joy turned into moans of agony as and neck throughout the whole week, but this dance may not have turned out the midterms seemed to never end since they once the pep rally came around, emotions best, it served as a lesson for the students were repeatedly delayed. Not only were heated up. Whether the accused juniors of ELHS as behavior and dancing was exams affected, but students anxiously actually cheated in a few of the rally events improved in time for Spring Fling, a couple anticipating the upcoming summer learned or points were miss-counted, the world months later. Just remember, four-on-the- they would have to wait longer than planned may never know. floor was meant for tables. to be released from school in June. the viking saga features june 7, 2011 7 Inside and Out of the Box Students prepare for this year’s Moffat’s production revolves around ourselves to this hilarious show before the Black Box production four proclaimed “crazy people” in jail pressure is on.” and their wild shenanigans. According to Despite the stress of final exams and b y Pa g e Bu r n s Moffat, his eight minute show is intended the show itself, the pressure has not limited There is no doubt that East Lyme High to have no plot. Moffat, Lecce and the other members from Schools Drama Club is overflowing with “Plot gets in the way of the funny parts,” expanding their talent. talent. With new and developing talent said Moffat. “[Moffat and Lecce] are artists growing each year, the club’s success continues to Lecce’s play, on the other hand, is a and experimenting in their element,” said outshine itself. On June 13 and 14, however, romantic comedy in which a young woman Pilarski. “It really is incredibly beautiful to ELHS students will utilize their talent in the (Mugovero) facing romantic predicaments experience, especially when you’re working unique annual Black Box performance. meets a relationship with people as Black Box productions are minimalist counselor (Pilarski), ‘They are artists growing in their passionate and theatre experiences. The audience sits upon who flips her world element. It is incredbly beautiful well-defined as risers to watch short productions using less around in a frantic Pat and Cam.” costuming, make-up, stage lights and set, attempt to help her out. to experience, especially when Unlike any other that are written and directed by seniors Pat Though the date of you’re working with people as ELHS Drama Moffat and Cam Lecce. These productions the show is persistently passionate and well-defined as e x p e r i e n c e , will feature seniors Kathy Dana and creeping onto the Pat and Cam.’ Black Box Nate Whipple and juniors Adam Pilarski calendar, Moffat, Lecce -junior Adam Pilarski deserves an and Miranda Mugovero. Black Box will and crew continue to a t t e n d a n t also include segway performances from aim their efforts toward audience. seniors Brenton Kelley, Kelly Eberle and the success of the show, as well as the end “It is truly a unique experience for both sophomore Katelyn Ollhoff. of the 2010-2011 drama season. audience members and actors,” said ELHS “For me, this was a fun and creative “I want to go out shining and I think we Drama Club advisor Mr. Place. “It is a last project in which I could show off my need to go out on a high note,” said Lecce chance for seniors to perform as a part of creative energy and have fun,” said Moffat. as he commented on the thought of his final the school, but it also is a great experience “It’s like a full length movie that subtracts ELHS production. “Black Box is also right for the underclassman, and will make all of the non-funny parts.” before finals start and we all deserve to treat them better.” Year One Mr. Susi reflects on his first year at like, it could be almost anything. ELHS But I think you guys – when I say you guys, I mean the students – b y Ka l e y Ro b e r t s are extremely creative. … I think The Viking Saga: What are your feelings there are a lot of opportunities on the first day versus today? here to take that ingenuity and Mr. Susi: I was excited about coming creativity and help create new here; I think the excitement has continued. ideas and new opportunities. Things like Spirit Week, the different plays VS: What are the final that I’ve gone to, interacting with students, achievements of the NEASC teachers … I’m still very excited. process? VS: What was your favorite day of the Susi: It highlighted two things. year? One was the dedication of the

Susi: I’m not sure if I can pick just one faculty – that was articulated www.thevikingsaga.org day. I’m having a blast, I really am. I well. The second part was about enjoy coming to work every day, I enjoy the students. They were really Mr. Susi with senior Eric McGlone and interacting with the people. I’m having a impressed with you guys, as they junior Sean Chimilewski at the Pep-Rally lot of fun. … For me, just to see what you should be. During the visit, talking this year. guys are doing is a blast. with other principals and teachers VS: Any ideas or alterations planned for that were on the visiting committee, they faculty, how the students respect the school, next year? couldn’t get over how respectful and those things were all looked at and reported Susi: I’d like to see more entrepreneurial appropriate the students were. … The on. And we got great marks on them, so, type things in the school. What that looks relationship between the students and the it’s really a great place. the viking saga 8 june 7, 2011 sports End of the Year Awards Sports superlatives for the 2010-2011 school year, one of the more exciting years b y Da n Ga f f e y Athlete of the Year Best of the Best Freshman of the Year

r. thanabal/saga

submitted by b. mauthe Without a doubt the award for best team submitted by j. combies goes to the volleyball team. After making it to the state championships Across the board, ELHS has gifted with a 23-1 record, the Lady Vikes swept It is not very often when the freshman or athletes. It is hard to isolate one as the the defending champions Darien in three junior varsity teams get the limelight like absolute best, but this year’s winner is straight matches. that of the varsity. senior track-star Ben Lakeman. This was quite an extraordinary feat, The freshman athlete of the year goes to In the winter season, he placed second seeing how Darien has never lost in a diver Caroline Gonsalves. She shattered in the state for the 600-meter, and placed state final. the East Lyme diving record with a tenth in the All New England’s. 245.7 performance. Also, Lakeman placed first in the 400- Players She will keep getting better in hopes to meter and second in the 100-meter at the break the East Lyme pool record of 276 in ECC Championship meet on May 21. To Watch the years to come. An athlete never stops training, and two athletes this year who will certainly gain recognition during their senior years are Chad Berry and Kennedy Nickerson. Berry played in the 2010 football state final game against New Canaan, and was a returning starter this past season. Over the past two seasons, he has racked up nearly 140 tackles. He has received interest from big name schools like Harvard, Princeton and the University of Tennessee. Also, he led the lacrosse team in goals this past regular season and will return as a top starter next season. Nickerson has already verbally committed to the University of New Hampshire to play soccer, and is sure to dominate the field submitted by k. nickerson during her senior year. submitted by b. cohen the viking saga sports june 7, 2011 9 Alumni Make Big Marks Two East Lyme alumni make big an hour, he has the credentials and names for themselves arm strength to move his talents to the Major League. b y Br y a n Sw e n s o n Another ELHS alum who has made East Lyme High School graduate Sean an unbelievable achievement is 2007 Donatello, now pitcher for the Avery graduate Adam Rand. He has been Point baseball team, was named Player of offered a contract to play with the the Year by the National Junior College Hamilton Nationals, a Major League Athletic Association. Lacrosse team. Donatello dominated in his 17-team Rand plays lacrosse as a senior at conference this season. With a 1.53 ERA Division I Stony Brook University in (earned run average), Donatello has made Long Island, and is the team’s starting his presence known within the Northeast. face-off midfielder. He is in third place When Donatello pitched for ELHS for the all-time NCAA Division I face- in his senior season, he led the team to a off wins, and led Stony Brook to their 15-4 record and was noticed by several NCAA championship semifinal run in college coaches. the 2009 season. Now a sophomore at Avery Point, he Rand is looking forward to joining led the team to a 39-9 record and an East the Nationals once he completes his District Championship title 6-0 over studies at Stony Brook. litchfieldcountysports.com conference rival Monroe College. “It's a goal that I've always had to Donatello’s game keeps improving. get to that level,” said Rand, “It was a Sean Donatello was voted Conference With a fastball that hovers around 90 miles great honor to get drafted.” Player of the Year this past season. Young Guns of Track and Field Two ELHS underclassmen dominate “I feel like to be successful you have to Eastern Connecticut Conference really enjoy what you are doing, and even though there are those days at practice b y Be n Os t r o w sk i a n d where it seems like it can't get any worse, Fr a n c i s Sh i e l ds in the end I really do enjoy running,” said Stevens. “I like hearing what I have to improve on because I know it will help.” Chelsea Stevens With an attitude like that, the sky is Freshman Chelsea Stevens got an early the limit. taste of winning this outdoor track season, Kevin Foster taking first in the 100 and 200 meter dashes at a meet at Fitch. But it did not stop there. East Lyme High School sophomore The freshman speedster is part of the Kevin Foster is crushing the competition varsity 4x400 relay team along with throwing the javelin. He has won five of sophomore Amanda DeMaio and seniors his first six events. Lauren Kirshblum and Samantha Lyall. However, his dominance did not The team has taken home first place against fade throughout the season. At the ECC Waterford, NFA and Woodstock. Championship Meet, he placed first in “My teammates are so supportive,” said the javelin with a throw of 164 feet and 9 Stevens. “I look up to older team members inches. who have given me amazing advice and Kevin is the brother of former ELHS helped me through those nervous times javelin thrower Jeff Foster and says he has submitted by l. banker before meets.” learned a lot from him. Stevens qualified in the 100 and 200 “He (Jeff) has helped me a ton with my Freshman Chelsea Stevens carries meter dashes for the State meet at the end form and mechanics. All I have left to do is the baton during a race. of the season. just go out there and throw it,” says Kevin. the viking saga 10 june 7, 2011 entertainment

Arctic Monkeys come to New York City for Arctic Antics: May 24 show at Rumsey Playfield b y Em i l y Mo o r a d i a n additional 45 minutes of sound system set for “one more song.” They delivered and In the ever-clever words of Arctic Monkeys up. When it was finally time for the Arctic then some, playing “The Hellcat Spangled front man Alex Turner, “Anticipation has Monkeys to make their appearance, all of Shalalala,” “When The Sun Goes Down” the habit to set you up for disappointment my exhaustion and irritation dissipated and, my personal favorite, “Fluorescent in evening entertainment.” Fortunately for immediately; the energy was positively Adolescent.” While there wasn’t much myself and my fellow co-chief, Kate Kielty, palpable within the Playfield, and the chatter from Alex and the gang, there the heavily anticipated Arctic Monkeys appearance of the quirky quartet resulted wasn’t any need for stage banter- the boys concert Tuesday, May 24 was anything but in a surge forward from everyone within just played at a breakneck pace, cooly a disappointment. the vicinity, despite the fact that there was confident and giving the impression of Hailing from sheffield, England, this virtually no room to move anywhere. watching a band of best friends jam out in own indie alt-rock Brit Band made the trip After a thunderous applause, Alex was their basement. Just really, really talented across the pond with an impressive line up short, sweet and to the point, greeting the best friends. of gigs all over the country, one of which crowd with a heavily accented “Hello,” included a stop at Rumsey Playfield, the before launching into the opener, ‘Library outdoor venue tucked away in Central Pictures,’ from their soon to be released Park. The excursion to see our favorite fourth album Suck It And See, scheduled to Sheffield four-piece in the flesh had been sell June 7. in the planning stages for about three years, The rest of the night went by in an so Kate and I were beyond thrilled. energetic whirlwind, with the Monkeys Upon entering the arena, we managed playing hit after hit. The set list comprised to squeeze up to the very front row, a mere of an eclectic mix from all three of their railing separating us from the stage the albums, including “The View From The Arctic Monkeys were soon to set foot on. Afternoon”, “If You Were There Beware,” The Vaccines, an up-and-coming band “Pretty Visitors,” and “I Bet That You from London, England, opened with a Look Good On The Dancefloor,” as well short set from 7:30-8, which was politely as some more spectacular surprise songs received, but the crowd was for the most from SIAS including “Don’t Sit Down part just anxiously awaiting the arrival of Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” and the Arctic Monkeys - The Vaccines were “She’s Thunderstorms.” e.mooradian/saga merely elevator music. Although the boys briefly left the stage After the openers traipsed off-stage, at the end of their set they were back within Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex it remained without Tuner & Co. for an minutes to answer to the uproarious cheers Turner rocks out on the guitar. Two summer sensations for The Sounds of Summer 2011 your Library b y Al l y Sl o ss Mac Miller Florence & the Machine Mac Miller is steadily rising to the start of an epic summer In a world where Auto-tune has replaced authentic vocals and fan-base. the actors on Glee perform popular songs better than the original A 19-year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, Mac Miller is following artists, Florence & the Machine is nothing short of a miracle. the trends of today’s popular rap artists, spitting rhymes that are Florence Welch, the lead singer and namesake of the band, has less vulgar and easier on the ears than the hard-hitting jams of a set of pipes that even angels would kill to have; slightly raspy the 50 Cent era. and resonating with tone, vibrato and emotion, Welch’s voice Songs like “Cruise Control” and “Keep Floatin’” (which coats every note with the care and devotion a mother would give feature artist Wiz Khalifa) have 70s style music and thumping to her child. backbeats, with lyrics that are easy to catch onto and are almost The band as a whole incorporates a wide range of instruments. (but not really) appropriate to repeat in public. His songs are also Piano, guitar, synthesizer, drum-set, tambourine, violins and highly dance-able, making them great for bonfires and impromptu cellos – this well-oiled Machine backs up its leading lady’s voice twilight dance parties. in unique and captivating manners. If you are looking for a band While it is unlikely that Q105 will be bumping any of Mac that is under the rader and ahead of the curve, this band is it. Miller’s hits on the radio, his EP “On and On and Beyond” “Cosmic Love,”- “Swimming,” and their most recognizable is available on iTunes. And, when dozens of beach bums at song, “Dog Days Are Over,” are just a few of their songs to start McCook’s will inevitably blast his songs day in and day out, Mac off your summer playlist. You will not get the full Florence + the Miller might find a place in your heart long before he finds his Machine experience, however, if you do not consider purchasing way to your iPod. their album, Lungs. the viking saga entertainment june 7, 2011 11 Megan Disch, were assigned specific spaces and left to drench them in their art Art for All samples. The display areas received a letter grade, leading the ambitious students to ELHS’s 11th annual Art about whether people would come, but we break out everything from holiday lights Expo shines had a good turnout.” to drapes. It created an extravagant effect. The immense turn out truly benefitted “Earlier it was stressful, trying to set b y Ka l e y Ro b e r t s the student artists, who worked yearlong all my work up,” said Shen. “But now, The commons was a museum, the to harness their individuality and display seeing everyone else’s work all together, cafeteria a stage. Art oozed window it at the May 17 expo. it’s very cool.” to window at East Lyme High School, “The expo is sort of what we’ve been While the AP art students busied coating its walls in the whimsical youth of working for all year,” said senior Marisa themselves with set-up, though, their high school imagination. Glynn. “It’s our one big hoorah type of peers warmed up musically. The expo This year’s Art Expo was a gigantic deal, where we can celebrate how far featured the Chamber Singers, Sweet event that encompassed art as it is written, we’ve come and celebrate each other.” Harmony, Digital Piano and Guitar performed, constructed and put on paper. “It’s nice because people can actually students and a string quartet. The 2011 With a two see what Fine Arts Magazine was also presented for hour running ‘It’s our one big hoorah type of deal, where w e ’ r e the first time. doing,” Not even tunes and a fabulous magazine, time – 6 to we can celebrate how we’ve come and we can 8 p.m. – s a i d however, could distract from the artwork. and over 50 celebrate each other’ s e n i o r “We see [her work] all the time,” said students’ -senior Marissa Glynn E m i l y Rob Wilson, as he stepped out of the crowd w o r k R o s a . surrounding his daughter, junior Fallon d i s p l a y e d , “ T h e y Wilson’s, graphite sketches. “It’s just nice the expo was no simple event. The woman can see that we take [art class] seriously to have other people enjoy them.” who braved its complexity for the 11th and it’s not just a blow-off class.” “There are so many talented people,” consecutive year was fine arts teacher Glynn and Rosa are two of the five said Shen. “It’s great for other people to be Rachel Michaud. members of Ms. Michaud’s AP art class. able to come see their work, because you “It was successful as always,” said Ms. They, along with their classmates, seniors wouldn’t really, anywhere else besides at Michaud, at the expo’s end. “I was wary Sawyer Marchand, Danielle Shen and an expo like this.”

Confession Number 19: I still wish I were a wizard. Ever Confessions of a since my August discovery of wizard rock, my passion for magic has grown immensely. It seems the only way Bookworm: to satisfy this wish, unfortunately, will not come around until July 15. b y Al l y Sl o ss July 15 is the release date for the second installment of The entertainment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Part Two of this world from a nerd’s epic movie picks up where it ended in November, with eye view Harry, Ron and Hermione still on their treacherous quest to defeat Lord Voldemort and save the wizarding world from his control. For most of the world, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two marks the end of an entertaining movie series that has captivated them for 10 years. For another group of people, myself included, this movie symbolizes something far greater: the end of an era. There is a group of Muggles out there who have been enthralled with Harry Potter since the very beginning. Our parents used to sit us on their laps and read us a story about a peculiar boy with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. When we were old enough to read on our own, we reread this story by ourselves, and then the next story, and the next story, and the next story. When a new Harry Potter came out, we locked ourselves in our room for days, not coming out until we had completed the book, cover to cover. And then, when our books became movies, we would complain for hours about the Quidditch matches or Death Day parties the director so carelessly left out. We could barely contain our tears when J.K. Rowling tied together all the loose ends with the closing sentence of her last Harry Potter book; I highly doubt we will be able to contain ourselves at the end of the last Harry Potter movie. It is a strange coincidence that the end of the Harry Potter era comes at the same time as the end of another era in my life: the end of my childhood. While Harry, Ron and Hermione prepare to leave Hogwarts behind, I am preparing to leave East Lyme behind. Surprisingly, though, I am not afraid of either of these ends. No matter how far away I go, I will always have East Lyme to return to. No matter how mature I become, I will always have my beloved Harry Potter books to reread. And, no matter how old I become, I will never be too old to believe in magic. the viking saga 12 june 7, 2011 back page If you were being attacked by zombies where would you hide and why?

“Mr. King’s room. “Behind Dan There are all kinds Scheyder’s calves of zombie-fighting for obvious weapons in there reasons.” from throughout - senior history.” Zach Skelton - freshman Evie Moore

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“I would hide in “Jack a ferry since Sarah Lento’s arms I’ll have food, because they are very bathrooms, and comforting.” zombies can’t - sophomore swim.” Annie Lussier - senior Tori Luce

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“China... My brain “Sasquatch’s hairy is inferior to the belly because other billion people who would attack there.” him?” - senior - sophomore Jay McCaffery Matt Gillespie

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“Mr. Buchan’s room “In a hut of dead because his music zombies because would scare them they are not away.” Cannibals.” - junior - senior Rafeed Hussain Patrick Moffat

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