Respecting the President’s The Life of Rodney Brown: Big Blue is Back Student Inaugural Madame Keeping it in Action Voice Address Riordan Clean
2 4 5 September 20087 /// www.darienps.org/neirad8
DHS: Committed to Commitment Administration Haron said. ment policy. attention by parents and anonymous puts expansion The commitment policy has under- Last year, players were only on com- sources to help establish evidence of drinking policy gone some revisions since the plan was mitment during their season. However, against students who broke commit- into effect publicized last year. These changes in- this year if an athlete or club partici- ment. clude a difference in the duration of pant is caught in a season when they Unlike last year’s Community BY reece pelley the punishments. First-time offend- are not involved in any school activi- Council President McKay Potter, new As students strap on their backpacks ers will be suspended from sports and ties, the strike against them will still President Amy Marchesi has taken a and shuffle into school, some changes all extracurricular school activities for count. Even though they cannot be drastically different approach to the will be obvious for a new year. Many 14 days. Second-time offenders will suspended from activities, it will still administration’s commitment policy. DhS CLUBs will be pleasantly surprised by the tree be suspended for 28 days, and anyone show that the student has one strike “I recognize that underage drinking is a in the courtyard and the artwork on caught a third time in one year will be against them and will remain that way prevalent issue in our school communi- the once drab hallways (See September suspended from all sports and school for the rest of the year. ty,” Marchesi said. “However, I disagree Quidditch Enilno for more on the new artwork). Yet activities for the remainder of that Along with the new rules comes with how the new commitment policy students seem to already know of the school year. new opposition. Some people say this approaches the issue. I don’t under- commitment change, considering they “The main difference is that this new provision does not only affect the stand how denying students the oppor- at DHS already began la- tunity to be in- BY JOE SIMONSON menting over it volved in positive The biggest jocks of Darien High last year. “I recognize that underage drinking is a prevalent activities is the School’s football, hockey, and la- The tough new solution to un- crosse teams have a new club to policy has official- issue... however, I don’t understand how denying derage drinking,” devote time to after a hard day of ly been put into Marchesi said. practice. Quidditch, or as we “non- effect at Darien students the opportunity to be involved in positive M a r c h e s i ’ s magic-using” folks call it, “Muggle High School this stance is one of Quidditch,” is a new sport at DHS fall. The policy re- activities is the solution to underage drinking.” the main points that is capturing some magic of its quires that both —Amy Marchesi, Community Council President brought up by op- own among DHS’s biggest Harry athletes and now ponents of the Potter fans. club members sign an agreement that year’s policy will cover everything,” Mr. person caught violating the policy. new policy and could possibly be an “We really started DHS Quidditch they will not partake in using alcohol Haron said. This means that no activity “Commitment is ridiculous. What hap- area for discussion about revision in just for fun. We all grew up read- or drugs. Those caught doing so will is exempt from the newly revised com- pens if the lead role in the play gets the future. She also feels that it is not ing Harry Potter, and I think we risk losing their spot on a team or in mitment policy. For example, a player busted for drinking and then cannot always the school’s job to police un- all secretly wish we could attend their club. on the football team and a member of perform at opening night?” junior derage drinking that happens off the Hogwarts.” senior David Hammer The reason for the change? “We feel Theatre 308 must abide by the same Theatre 308 member T.J. Ganser said. school grounds during non-school said. that this will help reduce the amount rules, and will receive the same pun- T.J argues that the new policy affects hours. Marchesi said she feels that In May of 2008, Hammer cre- of underage drinking,” Principal Dan ishment for violating the commit- those who are not caught violating breaking the law by engaging in ille- ated a Facebook group to create the policy as well as those who are pe- gal activities such as underage drink- awareness of the budding sport. DOWN FOR THE COUNT Yahoo! HEALTH STUDY nalized. ing is the purview of the Darien Police In a matter of days, the group had Mr. Haron said this stringent new Department. more than 150 listed members stance will not extend to accessing stu- “I hope that we can work things – all of whom are DHS students. dents’ Facebook accounts for the pur- out with the administration in find- The league was divided into nine pose of commitment enforcement. In ing a different approach towards deal- teams, although this number con- fact, he said administration has never ing with the commitment policy,” tinues to grow in order to com- 75% 25% used Facebook proactively to monitor Marchesi said. pensate for the group’s expanding Amount of high school teens who say Say they’ve had a recent episode of student behavior. However, they do membership. The teams include they’ve tried alcohol heavy drinking (more than 5 drinks) say pictures from students’ Facebook Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, accounts have been brought to their N and Ravenclaw, whose names are derived from the renowned Hogwarts’ houses in the Harry Potter series. Hammer will pre- side over the league as Quidditch The More Frosh the Better Commissioner. The six other teams names are taken from professional Quidditch DHS Undergoes Changes to teams. These include Chudley Cannons, Equipe Nationale de Accommodate New Class Sizes Cote d’Ivoire, Falmouth Falcons, BY EMILY DELEO Puddlemere United, the Irish National Team, and the Moutohora school to help guarantee the spaces we need,” Mr. Macaws. With such a great amount Fiftal said. of talent spread across multiple The influx of new students has spurred ren- teams, rivalries are expected to ovations to add space to the three-year-old build- rise. So far, the two top contenders ing. “We have done some work over the summer seem to be Slytherin and Equipe to create some more classroom space and we hired Nationale de Côte de Ivoire. more teachers to accommodate the enrollment in- “I chose Slytherin because we crease,” Principal Dan Haron said. are the epitome of Quidditch per- An additional two classrooms were gained by fection. And we’re awesome,” removing lockers on the third floor. The move came senior Kevin Ramsey said. Ramsey after it was determined that many students did not acts as Deputy Commissioner use their lockers due to the inconvenient location. of the Quidditch league. Despite Lockers have been moved to a more accessible point rumors of Equipe Nationale being near the cafeteria in the F building. a potential threat, Ramsey remains Although the DHS population has grown in unconvinced: “There’s a lot of hype When the class of 2009 entered Darien High School The senior class is also falling behind the soph- size, the larger numbers will not change the number around the Ivory Coast’s nation- as freshmen during the fall of 2005, it had the distinc- omore class, which now has 319 students, but it is of classes each teacher will teach. Science teachers al team, but I think it’s a bunch of tion of being the largest class in Darien High School still larger than the junior class of 294 students. That have four classes due to the lab schedule; math, art, crap. Everyone who plays Quidditch history. But many students from that grade have since brings the total DHS enrollment to 1,279 students. and the foreign language departments carry five knows that if you want to be the left DHS, dropping the senior population down to 316 Despite being an additional 60 students compared classes; and history and English have a split four/ best, you join Slytherin.” students. The new freshmen class has them beat with to the average enrollment, this number is still below five class load. In other words, history and English The game of Quidditch was a class size of 350 students. the maximum capacity for the building. teachers have either four courses in the fall and five invented by the creator of the “We checked back in our records over the last 15 “When our new high school was constructed, courses in the spring or vice versa. They can be full Harry Potter enterprise, author years. The entering freshmen in 2005 had 351 students it was designed to comfortably accommodate 1,400 year or half year courses. J.K Rowling and is featured in her enrolled, and that was the largest class in a long time,” students. Since the specifications for the school were The DHS faculty is rested and ready to take on the monumentally popular book series. Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Don Fiftal created eight years ago, however, we have added new challenges of a larger student body. According Quidditch is fairly simple. The basic said. “So the new freshman class is the second largest some new programs. So we already are looking to to science teacher Mr. Otterspoor, “Teachers are like idea is to score against the oppos- in the past decade-and-a-half.” the future and making a few modifications in the the military…we are always ready.” N ing team by throwing a >>> P.2 2 Neirad www.darienps.org/neirad september 2008 OPINION Kimberly Michels
evil in this world, there will be articles that may reveal an unnoticed flaw to EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jenny Large A New Chapter in Neirad’s History a system. Through the newspaper we can make others aware of that wrong Kimberly Michels AndRecycle? so our “Czar”, Er, Whats Nick Philips, That? is yearPaper as weand advanced Plastic. not Always! only in our of Neirad so long as it keeps its integ- and correct it. design editor gone. At the graduation of our past edi- writing, but in design and in the ability rity. However, its integrity is irrevoca- Our work may not be quite as pol- Kevin Ramsey tors, it can be noted in the Darien his- to extend our voice. Through working bly gnarled around the principle of stu- ished as that of the professionals, and Asst. Design Editor tory books that Neirad did not dissolve with the creative director of Billboard, dent voice. Instead of complete censor- at times we trip over grammar and Christy Lattimer into utter chaos and a “power vacuum” Neirad now proudly wears its back-to- ship I hope to work towards ensuring stumble over commas. Yet, at the end Senior Editor did not occur. Nor did Neirad hope- school outfit created from a complete editorials are written in a proper tone of the day we are simply high school Mike Klein lessly unravel at the seams. Though redesign. and that our investigative work is done students who love journalism. With our Mac computers are gone that does Neirad Enilno, Neirad’s online edi- thoroughly. No thought should be si- my Staples’s flip notebook in hand and Sports EDITOR not mean they were thrown out the tion, through the efforts of Mr. Sean lenced and no voice quieted. a camera in the other I am not simply Jorden Cappiello windows and a revolt is ensuing in the Otterspoor and Class of 2007 graduate Often, we felt the pressure to quiet a high school amateur journalist, but Asst. SPORTS EDITOR legendary quarters of B-210. Nor does Priscilla Lombardi, too, dared to step the truth as we questioned whether or an aspirer towards those intrepid jour- Meg Murphy our hushed beginning allude to the into the network complexities and not some readers would object. Yet, it is nalists my history and English teach- STAFF WRITERS final censorship of Neirad all togeth- has become another proud aspect to the truth and therefore it must be told ers speak of. Lizzie Kirst er. Neirad is still here. We remain I continue to trust Meghan McIntire as an advocate for student voice. in that principle which Reece Pelley However, we do not begin to dis- “Good journalism questions the very struc- Neirad has not been Joe Simonson suade our readers from the opin- the first to fight for, Will Wygal ion that Neirad has been pro- ture others simply accept. Neirad strives which is freedom of foundly changed by the events the press. As clichéd wEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF of last year. to write articles that lead to discussions.” as it may seem it is Hadley Green This year, as each new begin- —Kimberly Michels, Neirad Co-Editor-in-Chief the truth. There may Spencer Matson ning accounts for, will be a new be more controversial Kelsey Ott year, but with a firmer foun- topics this year. But as I Contributing writers dation based on the efforts of years our history. in this editor’s opinion. have been taught throughout my high Emily Deleo past. Last year, Neirad dared to ques- As a student-produced paper our school career that is in essence what Nicole Granath Today, journalism is often criticized tion itself and by doing so it has pro- audience is the student body not the good journalism is. Mike Hickey and it seems that many wait for an gressed. teachers. We are delighted when teach- Good journalism questions the very ADVISORS occasion to point out a newspaper’s This legacy of daring journalism ers read and enjoy our articles yet the structure others simply accept. We Sean Otterspoor faults. It is right for readers to do so as I wish to continue. I cannot dismiss humor and topic choices may be con- strive to write articles that are thought- Sybil O’Hare the facts and events that are entrust- the pride I felt when seeing our thick, fusing or sophomoric to them. provoking and lead to discussions. My Stacey Wilkins ed to reporters essentially record his- white construction paper nestled I am sorry to have caused teach- hope for this year is that our readers PRINCIPAL tory. We not only entrust the The New within binders and gripped by stu- ers grief over satirical articles as their will not look through the tainted glass Dan Haron York Times and The Wall Street Journal for dents’ hands. Yet, pride does not di- anger is simply a misunderstanding. of the past when reading our future something to read over our morning’s minish some criticism and hardship, Issues that students picked up, un- articles. I hope they will keep an open PRINTING Starbucks, but to act as our scribes which ensued from our newfound derstood, and laughed at, teachers mind and if they disagree with us they D’Iorio Printing for what soon will be our history. relevance. picked up with horror. We are simply will write to us. Neirad is a monthly Reporters’ point of views and discern- The criticisms, often, were directed teenagers and our humor can at times Neirad expects future criticisms Darien High School stu- ment direct what other nations will towards what Neirad most endears, seem absurd and quite unsophisticat- because, as my journalism teacher re- dent publication. The publication is a forum know of us and what the future world which is student voice. At times, I ed, but for right now we will remain minds us “good journalism is rarely for student thought, ex- will believe we once were. Neirad does could hear a person utter “Neirad as teenagers. rooted in making people feel good pression, opinions; its not carry such a daunting duty, but yet should be censored” under bated This is a new year. Let us forget what but rather in the discovery which can content decided solely by student journalists we do look to ensure the history of our breath. Yet, I propose a new thought. anger has occurred and just strive to bring strong feelings to the surface.” themselves. A subscrip- school, recorded in Neirad, is some- Their suggestion of censorship sug- work with one another. We want our We expect criticisms, because as jour- tion can be ordered for thing we can be proud of. gested the complete withdrawal of a teachers and students to be proud of nalists we disrupt placid water. By $25. All comments or criticisms should be Lindsay Gordon and Nick Phillips, thought. I do not wish for any thought their school’s newspaper. At times we doing so we may just reveal how murky mailed to the editors at: Neirad’s editors last year, left behind to be censored. I am proud of Neirad. will cover stories that are inspiration- things are beneath the surface. Neirad, 80 High Schoool a legacy of daring journalism. Neirad Even amongst its greatest criticisms al or simply make us laugh. Yet, as we Lane, Darien, CT 06820. questioned its very capabilities last and late deadlines I will remain proud partake of the fruit of both good and N
FROM THE FRONT Inside the Archives Quidditch Everything Old is New Again on the Neirad Web site Continued from Page 1 By Jenny Large quaffle (the game ball) into one of three hoops guarded by the goal Prior to 2008, Neirad’s method of viously been stashed in the school li- issues currently saved on microfiche would be able to use the issues to cap- keeper. For every goal made, the storing its old newspapers consisted of brary and Neirad’s black hole of a filing in the school library to be transferred ture moments from their high school scoring team receives 10 points. an old, beaten up cardboard box and a system onto the computer. From there, onto this new archival Web site. years, which will be shared at their re- And although the players of bottomless mound of papers stored in each issue was organized chronologi- The archives have already proven to union next month. Muggle Quidditch are hindered by a cluttered gray filing cabinet. Thanks cally on the archive webpage, starting be a source of inspiration to the Neirad “There are very few newspapers, high their lack of flying ability, the tradi- to Mr. Sean Otterspoor, that has all with Neirad’s third issue in 1939 and staff. We have resurrected a popular school or otherwise, that have made tion of using a broom throughout changed. continuing up automo- their archive the game is in no way lost. All play- Otterspoor to present day. tive fea- back to 1939 ers are required to run around with is basically The archive ture called available a broom between their legs during Darien High team has been “Hot in the on the web. play. They may not be flying, but S c h o o l ’ s hard at work Lot,” a tra- This materi- they sure can pretend. go-to guy t y p i n g u p dition that al represents The winner of the game is most when it summaries of was start- a unique op- often determined by the team who comes to each issue to ed in the portunity to catches the Golden Snitch, which is anything make search- 1960s that view primary worth a grand total of 150 points. involving ing for past we wish to source mate- The Golden Snitch is perhaps the the DHS articles easier continue. rial about the hardest role in the game. In the Web site. and more We have issues facing Harry Potter series, the Golden From the convenient also made s t u d e n t s Snitch is a tiny gold ball that flies high school for Neirad’s use of ar- over the past around and is extremely difficult homepage readers. ticles that 60 years,” Mr. to catch. Since Muggle Quidditch to Neirad’s When pos- mark mile- Otterspoor said. does not have any magical flying own Web sible, Mr. stones in Although balls, the Snitch is a track runner site Neirad Otterspoor Darien High we have com- dressed in gold. In order to capture Enilno, Mr c o n v e r t e d S c h o o l piled a large the Snitch, the Seeker must tackle Otterspoor each issue at history: number of the Snitch and retrieve the golden is a man of full size and last May, issues from ball from his pocket. many tal- employed op- Neirad fea- past years, With the large amount of stu- ents. Don’t tical charac- tured an ar- the Neirad dents planning to partake in this be fooled ter recogni- ticle about archives are year’s games, a space that is large by his cover tion software the prog- still missing enough to fit the teams has become as a biology to make text ress made pages, issues, a minor problem. The league is cur- teacher, my of each article by the girl’s and whole rently seeking a permanent loca- friends. The bearded man does it all – searchable, for the user’s convenience. varsity lacrosse team since its found- years of Neirad publications. If you tion to hold its Quidditch tourna- including Neirad’s archives. The archival team plans to scan all avail- ing in 1983. happen to have a copy of an early issue ments. One of the candidates for This past March, Mr Otterspoor able back issues and load them onto The archives have also proven to be of Neirad that we appear to be missing, this Quidditch base is Baker Field, and a team of students from Neirad, the Web site so that they can be made a wonderful resource for DHS alumni please contact Mr. Otterspoor. where the first and only Quidditch including myself, began assembling available to students, faculty, parents who are planning their high school tournament of last year was held. the Neirad archives into an online re- and the general public. The archives reunions. Mr. Otterspoor worked hard To access the Neirad archives, go to To read more about the game of source. We began by scanning early currently hold a total of 410 issues, and to get the class of 1978’s issues online
AUTO REVIEW Goin’ Back to Cali Ferrari’s V8 Revival of the California Line Fails to Impress By mike hickey
Ferrari is famous for its chic style, time ever, Ferrari is putting classy look, and top class performance. a new V8 engine mounted in Once again, Ferrari has outdone itself the mid-front position. This by releasing the brand new Ferrari V8 has direct fuel injection California, a drop-top that comes in 12 and delivers a powerful 460 colors. horsepower. The California Everyone knows that classic Ferrari can go from 0 to 60 in four sec- red, but what is Ferrari doing? They onds flat! have released the California in hot pink, The California also features pumpkin orange, lime green, and other the F1-Trac traction control the 360 Modena? Personally, the design colors that are not so Ferrari. Who knew system and Brembo brakes. of the California is not my favorite and I the elegance of Ferraris would soon come This Pininfarina certainly $200k expected more from Ferrari. in the color of Skittles? The California has the performance, but its The starting estimate for The California will make its official definitely has some West Coast flair. look is questionable. In my the new Ferrari California. appearance at the Paris International Now let’s move into specs. Whatever is opinion, Ferrari should re- Car Show next month. As for now, there going on at Ferrari HQ in Modena, Italy, consider the style at the back. The sides the lights and rear fin. The front grill is too American. What happened to those is no definite price, but I’m guessing a they are making history. For the first rise above the wheels and curl back into nice and classy, but everything else is good Italian designs like the Scuderia or cool $200 large. N
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Inaugural Address MUSIC Amy Marchesi Dragonforce Unleashed I want to begin by welcoming ev- I also want to address some of the ByWILL WYGAL eryone back to Darien High School! I new changes that will be implemented Dragonforce is a very special hope you all had a great summer, and are around Darien High School this year. The band. They are the icons of Iron well rested and excited for the upcoming new commitment policy and the sixth Maiden wannabes. Not only do school year! I want to especially welcome credit requirement for seniors have both they sing about legendary tales of the incoming freshmen class. I encourage been established for the start of the year. imaginary creatures their childhood everyone to reach out to the members of The initial reaction to these policies has failed to produce, they also use lots the Class of 2012 so that their transition been mixed. I can assure you that the of fire on stage and bring light to the art of “shredding.” “I know that we have the ability and “Shredding” is a way of play- ing really fast on the guitar with- desire to make this year run smoothly out needing a lot of skill, it usually sounds like crap. Guitarist Herman while still having a ton of fun!” Li feels that he is awesome at —Amy Marchesi, Community Council President guitar and especially at shredding. to the high school can be as positive as Community Council will continue work- I think that says something about this band. possible. ing with the administration regarding Wikipedia defines Dragonforce I am very excited to help lead the these new policies, and will do everything as “an English power metal band.” school in creating a fantastic year filled within our ability to find a solution that I’m not totally sure what an with memorable experiences. best suits the needs of the students at English power metal band is but From the disruptions at Field Day, to Darien High School. Dragonforce certainly fits the bill the infamous Darien/New Canaan hockey As we begin the 2008-2009 school with its “shredding” and extreme- game, last year was rather controver- year, our potential is limitless. I believe ly loud concerts. They were origi- sial to say the least. However, let’s treat that the senior class will lead the school nally called Dragonheart but there this year as a new beginning and put the with enthusiasm, passion, and unbri- was already a Brazilian band with past behind us! Our student body needs dled integrity, and I hope that the rest that name, so Dragonforce was to prove to the administration and the of the school will follow our example. born from the ashes of copyright adults in this community that we have I urge everyone to become active mem- infringement. learned from the events of last year. I will bers of the school community by attend- The current members of the band work tirelessly with the administration ing dances and joining the wide variety are Herman Li on lead guitar and in ensuring that traditional events like of clubs that are offered. Be bold! Take backing vocals; Sam Totman on Field Day will continue to happen, and a risk! Participate! As students at Darien lead and backing vocals;, Zp Theart that trust is reestablished. I know that High we can make this school year as backing vocal;, Vadim Pruzhanov we have the ability and desire to make great as you can possibly imagine. I am on keyboards and backing vocals; this year run smoothly while still having ready to take on the challenge, and I hope Dave Mackintosh on drums, and Frederic Leclercq on bass. Many a ton of fun! you are too! N other members of the band have since left for other projects. Dragonforce’s best effort was with “Through the Fire and Flames” where they hit #34 on the Billboard charts and released the single for play on Guitar Hero 3. But it would go in direct disagreement with my review last May to say anything fa- THE DEPOT vorable about a band selling out to a video game. I’ll just say there may not have been any reputation to ruin by signing on with Activision. The Dragonforce musical style involves obnoxiously fast twin- WELCOMES YOU guitar harmonies with chorus sec- tions that feature “epic” lyrics remi- niscent of a Greek myth. Take the song “Invocation of Apocalyptic BACK TO SCHOOL! Evil”, which features this charac- teristic songwriting: “For the king- dom of fire and ice and the power to be alive” - a typical example of PROUDLY SERVING DARIEN FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS, the overblown writing this band spews out. Dragonforce considers them- OPEN FOR STUDENTS AND RUN BY STUDENTS. selves not power metal but ex- treme power metal or “Nintendo Metal.” This means they sound like music you’d find on video games and movies like Final Fantasy, and everybody knows how cool Final NOW SMOKE FREE Fantasy is. N september 2008 www.darienps.org/neirad Neirad 5 Book Review ROVING REPORTER The Host What are you looking forward to this year? * By Meg McIntire
The world has been invaded. The aliens have taken control. No, they’re not little green men from Mars, but small silver, ribbon-like aliens implanted into the back of a human’s neck and attached to their brain. The aliens are here to bring peace to a world they be- lieve the humans have destroyed with violence. Yet, some humans survived and they want to fight for their home. “I’m just really looking “I’m looking forward to “I’m looking forward Stephenie Meyer’s “The Host” forward to not being a senior year because it’s to being able to go to tells the story of Melanie Stryder, freshman anymore!” rumored to be a little prom.” a human girl, and Wanderer, the —Elizabeth Billeter, easier.” —Chiddy Amarkiri, alien within her. Melanie is a hard- sophomore —Alexi Bello, senior junior skinned individual who stayed in hiding with her brother, Jamie, and the love of her life, Jared, while the “Seeing my friends “souls” or aliens were taking over the world. and experiencing Unfortunately, Melanie is caught by a group of “Seekers” (alien new things.” police). After her capture, the soul —Meredith Persico, sophomore Wanderer, is implanted into her head. However, everything does not go according to the aliens’ plan and Melanie’s mind is not erased. Melanie is stronger than other humans and doesn’t let go of her mind. Wanderer and Melanie share the same mind space, but Wanderer has the upper hand and remains in control of the body that they split. What makes the book so inter- esting is that because their mind “Feasting on is shared, all the emotions and memories Melanie has of Jared and “I’m looking forward to “Expanding my knowl- “Not being considered Jamie, are felt by Wanderer. Melanie being a second semes- edge in a safe envi- an ‘underclassman’ on Underclassmen.” is then able to convince Wanderer ter senior.” ronment and having a my sports team.” --Sam Archibald, senior to try and find Jared and Jamie, who —Mackenzie Milne, good time.” —Brittany Sipple, junior should have made it to Melanie’s senior —Reilly Harmer, junior uncle’s underground community. Yet, when they arrive the commu- From The Staff: Christy Lattimer: I’m looking forward to being able to drive to school everyday. Kevin Ramsey: I’m looking forward to seeing nity can see that an alien has taken *peoples’ reactions to the new Neirad redesign. Jenny Large: I’m looking forward to having two or three frees everyday. Kimberly Michels: I’m over Melanie’s body from the white looking forward to the end of this year. Chris Shaker: I’m looking forward to our soccer team not sucking so much this year. Amy Sanborn: I’m ring around her eye. looking forward to going to Florida in the spring. Tally Thoren: I’m looking forward to the great showing of school spirit at our sporting events What follows is a story about the —Compiled By Courtney Finkel La Vie en Prose The Life and Times of a DHS Language Veteran, Charlene Riordan BY Spencer matson From a DHS student’s perspective, bought one of those huge bags of I feel like I learned so much from her with a very basic sentence (“Spencer one might assume that having lunch candy. It has little Twix, Snickers, and 3 class. And it wasn’t always French.” Matson went to class.”), Madame with a teacher would be downright Musketeers. What I really love are those Prior to her becoming a French Riordan began to cook up her prose. uncomfortable. In most cases, the Hershey bars, Hersheys with almond. teacher 27 years ago, Madame had been Add ½ cup of adjective: “Senior situations in which one actually eats But always in moderation. Everything the “head” substitute teacher and had Spencer went to French class.” with a teacher are not very positive. in moderation.” managed the other substitutes at DHS. Add 1 tb. of adverb: “Senior Spencer strength of love. The book further Usually, a detention or some make- Madame Riordan’s commitment to Over the last 15 years, she has picked Matson enthusiastically went to French probes into the meaning of human- up test is the only reason a student teaching is definitely not in modera- up the Latin courses that the high class.” ity and what truly makes a creature will witness a teacher eating his or her tion. It is the joie de vivre of her being. school offers. Mix with prepositional phrase: “human.” I can’t tell you what be- lunch. However for me, on a particular After graduating from Leominster High “Latin is a wonderful language,” “With his new sneakers, senior Spencer comes of Wanderer and her host period eight lunch shift on a particular School in Leominster, Massachusetts, Madame Riordan said, “It is the base of Matson enthusiastically went to French Melanie, but it’s worth reading to Friday in June in a particularly “foreign” Madame Riordan attend- class.” find out. language department office, I found ed Colby College in Maine Add a rel- Stephenie Meyer, the author myself eating lunch sitting across from where she received her bach- ative clause: of “The Host,” is well known all my former French 3 teacher Madame elor’s degree. Then it was on “ W i t h h i s over the country for her series, Charlene new sneak- “Twilight,” a romance between a Riordan. During an average French ers, senior vampire and a human. While the T h i s one Spencer series has taken off, I don’t believe lunch with class with Madame, Matson en- “The Host” will receive the same Madame can expect to see: thusiasti- amount of attention. The plot is was not 1. A lesson on vocabulary. cally went interesting, but I feel Meyer could under t o F r e n c h have expanded on other planets normal cir- 2. An Expo marker thrown at class, a class and life forms as the ideas were rel- cumstanc- your head. for which he atively simple. Nor is there anything es. I had no 3. A remark such as “What do is not pre- particularly memorable or unique test to make pared.” about the characters in the book. up. I had you know?” from Madame in re- And with I’ve noticed after reading the not been as- sponse to saying “I don’t know.” that, a normal “Twilight” series and “The Host” signed de- 4. Being called a “ding-dong.” conversation that Meyers always creates a needy tention. In had turned female character. In “The Host,” actuality, I was using this lunch as an to Paris where she spent two into a gram- Melanie isn’t interested in any- opportunity to talk with Madame for years studying at the famed mar lesson. A thing except Jared and when he my September issue profile (the one Sorbonne and Institute de lesson that, walks into a room she practically you are reading right now). Phonetique. In fact, Madame while not par- explodes with bliss. In “Twilight,” On this particular day, Madame is still a student. She has spent the past the Romantic languages. Not to men- ticularly relevant to the article at hand, the main character is so depressed Riordan was eating a home prepared 10 summers studying at the Classical tion the emphasis on grammar with would carry on with me for as long after her boyfriend leaves she’s meal. First, there was half a chicken Association of New England Summer Latin. If you want to learn Latin, learn as need be. In this small anecdote, unable to get off the couch for a sandwich. Following that was a straw- Institute at Dartmouth University grammar. Works the other way around lies the true essence behind Madame month. I’m not exactly sure what berry Dannon yogurt, half an apple, (yes, that’s right, voluntary summer too. Latin helps you understand how a Riordan. message Meyers is trying to get and two Pepperidge Farm Strawberry school!). sentence is put together, which really “I love to teach,” Madame Riordan across. Whatever it is, it does not Verona Cookies. It was a meal well ap- Even though students in her is excellent to know.” said, “It’s plain and simple like that. If uphold women’s strength. preciated by Madame Riordan. class need to work hard, “Madame’s Immediately following the afore- a student is willing to learn, I am will- Although “The Host” may not be “I love sweets!” Madame Riordan class was always fun,” junior Nicole mentioned comment, the writer of this ing to teach.” her best work, Meyers has proven said in a particularly Massachusettian Schnakenberg said, “But then again, it article received a 10 minute deconstruc- to be a talented and promising accent, “I went to Stew Leonard’s and always depended on Madame’s mood. tion of common sentences. Beginning N writer. N 6 Neirad www.darienps.org/neirad september 2008 september 2008 www.darienps.org/neirad Neirad 7 FRESHMAN Keeping EXPERIENCE Nicole Granath it Clean “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to B-303?” Rolling with “You mean I go to math, then to lunch, and then back to math?” Rodney Brown, These are just some of the ques- Head of DHS tions that I subjected teachers, Custodial Staff upperclassmen, and my class- By kelsey ott mates to throughout the past year as I navigated the maze known as As you excitedly, begrudgingly, or high school. Running to class in nervously walked into DHS to ring in the same amount of designated the new school year, you might have time as in middle school with three noticed the welcomingly clean sparkle times the distance to cover, man- of the building. While you were prob- aging without an accessible locker, ably tanning this summer, the DHS and trying to make sense of the custodial staff of seven prepared the eight-day rotation were all a part of school for its 2008-09 year debut. my experience as a freshman. You see him around the school As confusing as it was, my and acknowledge him with a friend- first year of high school was fun. ly greeting or wave, but how much Middlesex had become boring, do you really know about DHS Head and the novelty of high school Custodian Rodney Brown? Besides broke that monotony. For the same keeping DHS clean Rodney also spends reason, the constantly rotating time with his one-year-old daughter schedule was a welcome change, Zoe, and is currently learning how to as was being allowed to chew gum play the guitar. But music is nothing in class and use cell phones in the new to Rodney. He played in a band hallways. during his work days at Middlesex As the oldest child, I had no idea Middle School called the Rodnifarians what to expect in high school. I’d with fellow middle school teachers heard stories of upperclassmen be- Jason Polise, Jim Carter, Mike Oliver littling freshmen. Even though the and Dillon Spievogel. “It certainly was stories made it sound as if I would a lot of fun,” Rodney said of those jam be lucky to emerge unscathed, I had sessions. no need to worry. For the past 15 years, the Stamford The closest thing to hazing on native has been working in the Darien the cross-country team was the public school system at every school homecoming outfit—a prisoner’s except Ox Ridge. However, it’s only his uniform. However, the whole thing Rodney Brown has been working for the second year at Darien High School. was done in the spirit of team unity, Darien School District for the past 15 years “[Rodney] is the type of person that and its purpose was not to ridicule will go out of his way to help you out or embarrass. The sophomores and smile the entire time he’s help- from the middle school seem to revere out,” he said. at Middlesex Middle School when he and juniors wore the costume, ing,” DHS Principal Dan Haron said. him. It seems as though Rodney can’t A typical day involves getting things had to rummage through the garbage too, and the seniors were in police Haron has known Rodney since high pass through a hall without a student up and running and making sure ev- dumpster after lunch looking for re- attire. The only distinction was school; they went to Westhill High waving at him. A tremendous amount erything is clean. “Floors need quite tainers accidentally thrown away by the face paint—freshmen got their School in Stamford together. (For of respect and friendship has devel- a bit of attention scrubbing, washing, students. “I was actually pretty good whole face painted, as opposed to more on this Westhill connection, check out oped from the student body towards waxing,” Rodney said. Another area at it,” said Rodney, who claims to have the lines across the sophomores the story on Mr. Haron in the April issue of him: “He’s da man,” senior Chris Gray that takes a good amount of time is a retainer recovery rate of more than and juniors’ faces. The freshmen Neirad Enilno). said. the school’s many windows, which are 75 per cent. did carry the water coolers to and Rodney particularly enjoys working According to Rodney, the worst part now sparkling clean. “There’s a lot of Over the summer, the janitorial staff with the other staff members and stu- of the job is snow removal. This dislike walking,” Rodney said about getting did mostly standard jobs—cleaning and dents he encounters throughout his could have sprung from Rodney’s bad all these jobs done in time for school a lot of repairs—so the school could daily journey. That feeling is definite- experience of getting caught in a snow to open. look as great as it does now. “It’s not ly mutual on the part of the students. bank while plowing. “I was stuck there Now and then, there’s also a lot of the most glamorous job in the Those who have followed Rodney for 10 minutes…[until] I could reverse dirty work. Rodney remembers times world, but I love it.” N
from practices and games, but that’s an example of seniority at work—the least favorable jobs get passed down the totem pole until Remember the good old days... there’s no one else to whom it can be handed off. Like most of my classmates, in ...When you had a wide selection eighth grade I signed up for the ice cream social, where I would meet of full-service men’s clothing stores my “Big Sister.” The idea is that each incoming freshman is paired for your shopping needs? up with a junior or senior who sup- posedly has the same interests and Unfortunately, most of them are long gone. But can show you around and give you advice. Anushree Banerjee of the there is one that’s been serving Fairfield County class of 2007 took all of the same customers since 1976 with friendly service, great classes as me as a freshman, and we were both on the debate team. selection, and reasonable prices. She knew many of my teach- ers, and told me what I should Check out Edward Tunick...from socks to suits and shouldn’t do in their classes. When I ran into her in the halls, I to outerwear. You’ll even find a tall men’s depart- would ask her questions like, “is it ment, tuxedo rentals and sales, and a large selec- hard to manage ASR with all of the other classes you’re taking?” Even tion of women’s sweaters including handknits. It’s though not everyone clicked with the place for casual or formal wear. their big brother or sister, many of my friends found mentors through Flip Flops - Ribbon Belts - Watches - Bags - Headbands - Key Rings sports, like the ski team, or clubs, such as Building with Books. For --Over 50 different ribbons currently in stock! every scary upperclassman, there’s another one who’s willing to help. --Women’s sizes 6 to 11 Noroton Heights Shopping Center Ninth grade is about becoming --Children’s Eliza B flip-flops and belts also in stock (Exit 10, Conn. Turnpike) Darien, Ct accustomed to the way that high --Large selection of men’s Leatherman flip-flops, school works. My participation in ribbon belts and theme belts 203-655-1688 various activities, the help of some- www.edwardtunick.com one older, and wonderful classes --You will not find a better in stock selection of Eliza B and teachers all made my experi- anywhere else! ence an enjoyable one. Nicole is a DHS sophomore. N November 2008 /// www.darienps.org/Neirad
Fall Preview Something New for Big Blue By Pat Luongo DHS Mascot Duties Passed Down By Jorden cappiello In the final days of summer, As students reluctantly pile added the blue cape to increase the be considered, but a lot of them had added that he will give Mike all the most students steered clear of the back into the hallways of DHS, many image of a wave. Every adjustment conflicts with the time commitment. information on cleaning and storage school and sunk further into their wonder how the Blue Wave mascot since then had been for internal When considering who he should of the unit, as well as instructions couches. Yet, DHS athletes trudged Big Blue will remain a symbol of function: Kraft added a water pack pass the legacy on to, John paid close about putting it on. to the fields to begin practicing. pride with its bearer gone. With the with a straw inside the suit to help attention to body size. John is 6’5’’. Last year, Big Blue only made Even with the loss of graduates, new school year comes the curiosity prevent dehydration, and a cold vest “The costume was made to fit me,” an appearance at the home foot- this year’s fall sports teams are not of who will step into the mascot’s for those brutally hot football games. John says, “I didn’t want to have to ball games, but Kraft would love it really looking for incoming talent. blue and white Hawaiian-patterned John also revamped the original sup- completely revamp the costume, so I if Mosca decides to be part of more Though that is not to discredit the shorts and take on the lead role of port system from athletes from last year, it is simply what used to be that this year’s sizable senior class Styrofoam support will be able to take starting roles over the shoulders on the various sports teams. Here to a current metal is a look at some rising stars for scaffolding type fall 2008. of backpack har- The DHS Girls Cross Country Mike ness, which proves team has senior Caroline Mosca, McDonough for one more season. to be a lot stronger aka “Big McDonough, who was fifth in the and more comfort- Blue” entire state last year, placed fifth able. in New Englands for the two mile our school’s most prominent icon. “I think that during the indoor track season. Although last year was the first Big Blue should While the girls’ team will be count- year that DHS students were able continue to ad- ing on McDonough to carry the to attend a football game and see a vance over the team on her shoulders, there giant wave cheering on the team, Big years,” John says, are three sophomores who are Blue has quickly become an impor- “I would expect it poised to elevate the varsity squad: tant piece of our high school. to grow through Tricia Vossler, Megan Keane, and The idea of a mascot came from the ages with each Amanda Dobler. These sopho- former DHS student, John Kraft, who person who wears mores were already on the varsity graduated last year and is now begin- the suit.” team last year as freshman. Their ning college at DePauw University in So, who is the improvement over the summer will Indiana. John, along with the help of mystery male or Big Blue Cheers on the DHS Varsity Football Team help determine whether they can his father, crafted the Blue Wave cos- female that John help the team rise from its 19th tume in August of 2007 in hopes of Kraft passed this iconic costume was looking for a person over six feet football games and possibly basket- place in state opens. creating a lasting legacy at our high on to? This year’s Big Blue will be tall!” Mosca fit the shoes, perfectly, ball games this year. The DHS Boys Cross Country school. It took John and his father senior, Mike Mosca! without having to change anything “I wish Mike luck with the job, team will have its athletes compet- about a month and $100 to create “Mike showed interest from to the outfit. and I hope that Big Blue continues ing for a spot on the varsity squad. There are five returning seniors to the original suit. early on, and we had discussed it Mosca says that he is definitely to grow to become a really important the team, and the last two spots However, over his time as being several times,” Kraft said. “He had excited to be the next Big Blue and part of the school,” John said. are up for grabs between juniors the Blue Wave mascot, John made helped me at one point during [last lead crowds in cheering on our high Although after this year the Willem Sandberg, Alex Reynoso, some changes to the original Blue year’s] Homecoming game, so he school football team. “John gave me pants will need another replacement Jake McCauley, and senior James Wave. After he first built a basic ver- has a good understanding of the many suggestions,” he said, “and student, Mike Mosca is willing to put Carroll. “Our gap between our sion in early August, he advanced costume.” Kraft explained that there ways to contact him in case I ever his all into being the lead symbol of third best runner and our ninth and it to a fur suit. From that point, he were a few people who had wanted to need to ask anything.” John also our blue and white pride! N tenth best runner will be extreme- ly small,” said the team’s coach great J.V. program has prepared the un- Tyson Kaczmarek, “It will be very The 2008 DHS field hockey team hopes to surpass last derclassman enough for us to achieve interesting to see exactly who our year’s success. that,” Vegliante said. top seven will be in our postsea- Pictured: 2007 FCIAC Champions Vegliante said there are advantages son meets.” to the mass exodus of upperclassmen: The football team also has key Naymevec Goeshyre an opportunity to grow new talent. returning athletes to look for in- “The graduating of eight seniors will cluding senior Nikki Dysenchuk give the underclassmen a lot of oppor- who will see his playing time in- tunities to prove themselves and earn crease with the graduation of more playing time, but they definitely Kevin Joy. (Joy is now a freshman have big shoes to fill,” Vegliante said. at Dickinson College) As the run- Fellow captain Allie Townsend ning back, Joy helped the team to echoes her teammate’s point about FCIACs for two years in a row. The creating a new talent pool. “The six team feels it has a legitimate re- seniors are all really strong and so is placement for Joy in Dysenchuk. the junior class. We can also depend Though Dysenchuk will be the on sophomore Ellie Reigel, who was team’s primary option out of the the only freshman to make varsity her backfield, senior Mike Gencarelli freshman year,” Townsend said. is expected to also see an increase The team’s coach, Mo Minicus, is in carries. there to lead the girls. Vegliante said, The football team is also get- “She is very demanding and pushes us ting a new place-kicker, junior John to do everything to our best abilities, Gardner. The team lost a crushing which is what makes her respected by game to New Canaan during last all of her players.” year’s Turkey Bowl by two points Practices have been more challeng- because the team lacked a place- ing and intense than ever this year. kicker to kick the extra points. For “Everyday we are working to defend more on Gardner, see Neirad Enlino our titles so we can’t afford to waste at www.darienps.org/neirad. any practice time.” Vegliante said. As FCIAC runner up, the DHS However, as the saying goes, work Girls Soccer Team lost senior su- hard, play hard. Minicus keeps the perstar Caroline Spillane from its Defending Their Title line-up. (Spillane is a freshman team’s spirits high by having fun. She Girls Field Hockey Shoots for Another State Championship By Lizzie Kirst has had the girl’s over to her house for at the University of Pennsylvania) a pasta dinner and starts dance-offs “Cat Thomas will probably re- After a great season last fall, many to the challenge. “I feel confident This year’s senior captains: Olivia with the team to get them pumped up place Caroline Spillane at forward,” people are eager to see how the girl’s with the new senior leadership that Vegliante, Allie Townsend, Helen before games. senior captain Meg Gilbert said. field hockey team will perform this the team will go far and I wish them Robinson and Grace Doering, are look- After spending the summer pre- “She was the most consistent re- year. Will they take it all the way again paring the ath- serve on our team last year. She to FCIACs and State Championships letes started never really had a bad game, and is like they did last season? “I feel confident with the new senior the season off probably the most fit for the job.” Last year’s team became legendary in great shape. The Boys Soccer team has as they one both States and FCIACs for leadership that the team will go far and I The team went junior Robbie Schindler, an out- the first time in more than 20 years. to a camp at standing goal keeper, to replace After losing eight seniors last spring, wish them the best of luck in their season.” UCONN in July graduating senior Matt Nestor in the team will certainly be missing —Caroline Frelinghuysen , 2007 Field Hockey Captain to develop their the goal keeper’s spot (Nestor now some of that departing talent. This in- f i t n e ss a n d attends Trinity College). Schindler cluded Katherine Cobb, Carly Dudzik, the best of luck in their season,” last ing forward to having another great skills. Given all the hard work they will be an oddity in the soccer Kimmie Carey, Caroline Frelinghuysen, year’s field hockey captain, Caroline season and have high expectations for have put into their training over the team’s starting line-up as he is a Lee Sheldon, and MVP of FCIAC cham- Frelinghuysen said. (She is now a their team. summer as well as during practices we junior amongst the 16 seniors on pionship game: Kelsey Flowers. freshmen at Hobart and William Smith “We’re planning to win FCIACs and can only expect great things from this the squad, most of whom are re- However, the new seniors have risen Colleges) States again next year and I think our field hockey team. N turning starters. N