Keansburg High School's

Fall 2013 -2014 Titan Times Page 1 Keansburg High School’s Titan Times New School Schedule Fro-yo and College Brittany Willie Jonathan Burnley

The 2013-2014 school year Applying to college is like out of that flavor of fro-yo.) brought about change in our “Fro-yo Friday.” You have an Bummer. schedule that is designed to give idea of what you might order The good news is that you us a little taste of college life. when you enter the store… can apply to as many colleges as The design is to show us how (Hopefully you know that you want. And guess what… courses in college are not every you’re ordering frozen yogurt college admission officers love day, requiring work at home and and not Chinese food when fro-yo almost as much as I do! preparation at home on the indi- you walk into a frozen yogurt Your job in high school is to viduals part. This offers students store.) You may not be sure make yourself into a fro-yo fla- more time to do homework and about what flavor you want so vor that is irresistible to these projects. Although at first it felt you look at everything they college admission officers! difficult to remember the sched- have before you make a deci- It’s extremely important that ACT’s aren’t important; it’s al- ule, A day or B day? It has sion. The same holds true you start off on the right foot ways better to score well than to seemed to get easier for everyone when applying to colleges. during your freshman year of score poorly. Make an account to adjust over time. You may not know exactly high school. The moment you on collegeboard.org and act.org Currently there is dialogue go- what col- step through the door on your and start studying for these tests ing on between people agreeing lege you first day of school, you should as soon as possible. and disagreeing with the sched- want to go start thinking about college. Sophomore year! All of you ule changes. Some have asked to yet, but Freshman year is the time to “wise fools” still have a long why this schedule is not being you might explore and experiment. (The road ahead of you in preparing also at Bolger? Or if there’s too have some free fro-yo taste test with those for college. Be daring and chal- much overlap in class to remind prefer- tiny little spoons.) Get involved lenge yourself. Tackle leadership students what they learned two ences. in different clubs, sports and roles and positions in the activi- days ago? For the most part, stu- Maybe you know that you activities. Find out what your ties that you’re involved in. If dents are realizing that this want a medium sized college passions are and what interests you have a passion or you know change can help us be ready to located in the suburbs, maybe you. Additionally, you’re going what interests you, go all out! If for the changes that will come you care a lot about Greek life, to want to think about what col- you have an unnatural interest in with college life. There are some or maybe you care about how leges require as early as you can fro-yo, you better be president of people that really like the new far the nearest fro-yo store is get good grades, prepare for the fro-yo fan club and have a schedule and think is easier (like from the campus? Say it’s standardized tests, and begin to part time job at “Let’s YO”. Alt- me.) I believe with extra time your senior year and you’ve think about letters of recom- hough you may be in fro-yo between classes, I have more made the mistake of applying mendation. College admissions heaven, don’t forget about your time for homework and projects. to only one college (choosing officers will evaluate your entire grades. As your life gets busier, I really like the changes to the only one flavor) and the ad- transcript, so keep your grades you’re going to need to enhance schedule and am confident others missions counselor (the fro-yo up from day one! Whatever you your time management skills will soon too, if they don’t al- guy behind the counter) says do, don’t listen to the hype ready! you’re rejected (they’re all about how the SAT’s and Continued on pg 2

What Does It Take To Be Successful? Deanna Green

What exactly is “success?” peacefully at night not thinking water until it was waist-deep. you wanted to breathe, will you The dictionary defines success about what you could have done The young man said, “You’re achieve it.” as “the accomplishment of an differently. Much like respect, crazy!” The wise man said, “I In order to be successful you aim or purpose” or “the fact of success is earned-not given. In guess you don’t really want to must be willing to do anything to getting or achieving wealth, re- order to be successful, you must be successful.” So the young achieve your goal. When you want spect, or fame.” But what does have immense goals. If the man followed him. By the time success as bad as you want to success really mean? thought of your goals do not he was waist-deep, the wise man breathe, you’ll be on the right path. Success is subjective. scare you, they may not be big was neck-deep in the water. The If you’re going to be successful, Success to me is, “living in the enough. To achieve these goals, young man was fearful that the you’re going to have to be willing spotlight.” It doesn’t matter you have to ask yourself: “How wise man would drown so he to give up sleep. where the light is coming from, bad do I want to be successful rushed to him. By the time the As Charles Dubois once said, it may be your own ‘spotlight’ and what am I willing to do to young man reached him, the "The important thing is to be able or the ‘spotlight’ of the commu- get there?” There’s a story that wise man was nose-deep. As he at any moment, to sacrifice what nity, state, country, or world. really inspired me to strive to reached the wise man, he was we are for what we could be.” This Success is when you are com- become more… There was a grabbed held his head under wa- means that you have to be willing pletely satisfied with your posi- young man who wanted to be- ter for several seconds. For the to give up practically anything that tion and achievements in life. come successful and therefore length of time he was under wa- will stop you from achieving. The Success may mean other things sought out to find the secret of ter, the young man struggled to amount of time you’re using to be to other people. If you are suc- success from an old, wise man. break free of his grasp. Finally, on social media sites, or on the cessful, you can lay in bed The old wise man told the young the old wise man pulled him up phone, or partying, could be used man to meet him at the beach at and said, “While your head was for opportunities that will help you 4 a.m. The young man was con- under water, what is the one become success. You could be fused as to why he was going to thing you wanted most?” The studying, planning your future, the beach at 4 a.m. to learn how young wise stared into the eyes working on yourself to make you to be successful but he did as of the old wise man and an- the best you can be, or anything told. At 4 a.m. the wise man swered, “I wanted to breathe.” said, “If you want to be success- The old wise man said, “When Continued on pg 3 ful, follow me” then walked into you want something as bad as

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I’m Not My Sibling than you and there are times I brother or sister, people seem to Annette Nieves have conflicting thoughts that if judge you automatically based on I were to out- shine my own sis- your sibling’s actions. Their My experience has been that ter I would be seen as the bad choices are their own. No one most people believe originality is guy or competitive. truly knows how you will act or the best thing ever. How am I (and Many times whenever some- present yourself until they sit many other students in KHS) able one is compared to their sibling, down and talk you. Just because I to be original when every time we people would say, “Aren’t you have a sibling, doesn’t mean we walk into the school, staff and stu- “so-and-so’s” sister/brother- you are the exact same person. dents constantly remind us that we look just like him/her” or, “You Something that always goes should be more like our siblings? should act more like your broth- through my head is why is peo- Or that we look just like or sib- er/sister” or the one I hear the ple compare siblings so often? lings? It really does get annoying most, “Hey…. Oh… sorry I They are not the same person. Art Honor Society to be called your siblings name all thought you were your sister/ They should not have to over- of the time. brother.” come each other’s shortcomings On October 18th before the I know many of little brothers Something that really bugs me or accomplishments, they should 2013 Fall Pep Rally, The Art and sisters are told they look just is when my people confuse my be able to be themselves and not Honor Society of Keansburg High like their bigger sibling. I get told name with my siblings. It gets have anyone tell them to act like School offered to paint faces for constantly that I could pass as her me so annoyed because I am another person. the day as a fundraiser. Student twin. Many people don’t under- ME- not them. In some cases, I understand if you accidentally members used their artistic talents stand that everyone is their own kids may even get bullied just get confused and mistakenly call in designing some spirited looking person and they shouldn’t com- for being the sibling of a kid me the wrong name, but I think Titan fans faces for the event! All pare people exclusively because who is targeted for bullies. Alt- judging a person based on her money raised was used in support- they share physical features. hough I haven’t experienced, it last name isn’t fair. ing various events throughout our Overcoming your sibling’s and doubt that people at KHS Every person is their original school such as the Key Club Toy shadow is very difficult. In would do this, it does happen. own. No one should be compared Drive and the society’s “ Soup someone’s opinion, there is al- Something else that happens a to their sibling because it’s con- For Shirts” events as well as oth- ways something they do better lot is when you have an older venient. ers!

dispose of Environmental Science Science Club is a unique combina- path. Three large, clear garbage bags trash that is tion of fun and environmental were filled with recyclables and one Club found lit- John Lupino care, and if you are interested in large, clear garbage bag with filled tered in the joining, you can ask Mr. Katz to with trash. All bags were placed in

area. Not join in room 208. the appropriate dumpsters located There are a great variety of The only do the outside of the cafeteria. Students clubs in the Keansburg High members who participated included Samantha School! With the numerous activi- Members of the Environmen- clean up the trail and make it a saf- Rasmussen, Sydney Simoes, Esteban ties and clubs, it’s important to pri- tal Science Club picked up litter er and more appealing place to be Vargas, and John Lupino. oritize and choose ones to join that along the paved path that leads around, they also divide the recy- really interest you! The Science from the KHS parking lot to the clables and the real garbage. This Club is a good example of a club to Henry Hudson Trail during a clean club, run by Mr. Katz, cares for the join that is welcoming new mem- -up effort on Tuesday, October 15, environment and is a good way to bers throughout the year. This club 2013. Club members were careful get a couple of community service is famous for its annual trail clean- to separate recyclables (i.e. glass hours added to your record. Other ups, an event where the members of bottles, plastic bottles, and alumi- events vary between doing puzzles the Science Club rendezvous out- num cans) from non- and hanging up birdhouses. Mr. side of the high school after dismis- recyclables. Most of the litter was Katz, the mastermind behind the sal by the path that connects the found in the dry stream bed club’s activities, attends all activi- Come out and support the Envi- high school and middle school and that runs adjacent to the ties alongside his members. The ronmental Science Club!

Fro-Yo cont’d from pg 1 Junior year, you should be a stretch, this is crunch time! As a cess (besides the interview.) fro-yo connoisseur by now. Make senior, if you haven’t already tak- Write, rewrite, revise, edit, and (admission officers love stu- sure you register at least once for en the SAT’s or ACT’s, or if you polish your college essays. Check dents with time management either the SAT or the ACT (or want to take them again, you’re your essays carefully for spelling skills because it’s a skill that is both) before the end of the year. going to need to register for them and grammar. If you have some- especially useful in college.) Make a list of colleges that interest ASAP. Get those final college one else help you to revise your You’re also going to be intro- you the most and schedule college visits in. Some colleges offer in- essay, make sure it doesn’t lose duced to the SAT world by tak- tours through their websites or talk terviews (both optional and re- your voice. When you’re all done ing the PSAT (a practice SAT to the guidance office about col- quired) on campus. If the inter- with college applications, it’s test.) Your PSAT score provides lege trips that you can attend this view is optional, I recommend scholarship time! Trust me, free a pretty good estimate on what year. Collect as much information doing it. The interview will give fro-yo is much better than fro-yo your SAT score will be. By about these colleges to determine you a leg up on the next person you have to pay for! There are now, you should really try to if they’re really the right fit for who stayed home sick with a bad billions of scholarships out there, study for those standardized you. Find out what the application case of senioritis. By now, you you just have to find them and do tests. During your sophomore requirements are for the colleges should have already created an your best. All college applicants year, you should also be think- that you’re interested in. Make account on naviance.com and should complete the FAFSA ap- ing about what kinds of colleges yourself irresistible by meeting commonapp.org to help you ap- plication in January. interest you and what you might those requirements when you ap- ply to colleges. If you need help, More information about the want to study (I wonder if they ply in the fall of your senior year. don’t hesitate to see the guidance college application process and have a fro-yo major?) Stay active in your clubs and ac- department. You should be ap- how to prepare in high school tivities and KEEP YOUR plying to a couple of “reach” may be found on GRADES UP!!! Grades from your schools, a handful of “good knowhow2go.org and col- Junior year are more important to chance of getting in” schools and legeboard.org. Don’t forget to pay admissions officers because they a few “fall back” schools. Get it forward. Help someone with his show your most current perfor- your college applications out of or her college prep along the way. mance in school (aside form the the way like a shot at the doctors’ (Going out for fro-yo with a midyear report of your senior year office, but do it right. Your col- friend is more fun than going that you may send to the college). lege essays are your only oppor- alone.) One town, one high Fro-yo and senioritis don’t tunity to uniquely express your- school, one titan family. mix. Don’t slack off on the final self in the entire application pro-

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Making Strides Against Cancer Walk Girls & Boys Cross Country & Heroes & Cool Kids

The Heroes & Cool Kids along with the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams participated in the “Making Strides Against Cancer Annual Walk” on Sunday, October 20th hosted at the Silver Lake Parking lot in Point Pleas- ant, NJ. A fun time was had by all while bringing about awareness and rais- ing money for the cause. Donations were made to the American Cancer So- ciety (ACS,) which is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to elimi- nating cancer as a major health problem through prevention, and diminishing suffering through research, education, advocacy and service.

Girls Tennis Coaches vs. Cancer

On October 9th, the Lady Titans played their match at Tindall Pk. Middletown fac- ing Mater Dei Prep dressed in their PINK! In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the girls played in support of the cause and showed their Titan Pride. A donation to the American Cancer foundation has been made in the teams name in hopes of assisting the American Cancer association. Nice Job Girls!!

2013 Football Game Day Chris Viola Chris Viola “One town, one team!” That’s the motto of the new Keansburg Ti- In football, the battle begins of our heads all morning but tan football program. With more than half of last year’s starters gone, it as soon as your helmet goes on most importantly, we all think was time for some fresh legs in both the skill positions and the offen- until the final whistle blows. about what we need to do in or- sive and defensive line. Not only did the Titan football program lose Football is more of an emotional der to win the day. Then, it’s players, they also turned over a majority of the coaching staff. With game than a physical game. hats on! Brian Kmak stepping down as the head football coach, big shoes were Those who disagree have never When we walk out that door left to be filled. Chris Damian felt up for the challenge. Damian was played the game for the love it. we get in two lines. We grab the the running back coach and special teams coordinator for the Mon- They have never played together hand of the person next to us mouth University Hawks. After coaching a great team at Monmouth as a team. For us, we play as a and begin to walk toward the University and being an assistant coach under the direction of Head family. Coach Damian said, field. Some say it’s weird but to Coach, Kevin Callahan for ten seasons, Damian decided it was his time “When you spell out family each us, its just another way of get- to teach high school students the game of football. letter has a meaning. It means ting closer to each other. So I Under Damian, the Titans football program has a new set of assis- forget about me, I love you.” asked Nic and Terry, “Why do tant coaches. Jeff Papcun, a graduate of Raritan High School is the new His words left us thinking until you hold hands with your team offensive and special team coordinator coming from an outstanding we finally realized is all we have when you walk out to the field?” Raritan football program himself. John Bird runs the Titans defensive. is each other. It all begins when Nic replied, “It’s to show unity Bird was the defensive coach at St. John Vianney prior to making the we suit up in the morning, walk and that we are one team be- switch to the Titans. John DeLiso is in charge of the defensive backs as out on that field, and give our cause its just us playing on the well as the running backs. DeLiso is a graduate of St. John Vianney and best effort and hope to come out field, no one else.” Murray Sacred Heart University where he continued his football career. Jessie on top. simply said, “Its to show that Herbert takes control of video coordination and operations. Three If you thought the day before we’re a family. If you don’t play coaches return to coach the Titans this year. Uriel Morfin has been part a game was exciting, wait till as a family you will not win. 11 of the Titan family for two years and returns to coach the defensive game day morning. It’s a feeling as 1!” When you reach the gate, line. Jason Wombough, a Titan himself, is in charge of the offensive you will never understand unless you run onto the beautiful green line. Finally, Kelli Hudson will remain the athletic trainer and continue you play. I talked to two players grass. to keep all players and coaches safe. and asked them “What goes When you run on the field through your head while your all excitement breaks through sitting in the locker room, waiting the nervousness. The jumping to suit up?” Starting receiver and and screaming usually only last defensive back Nic Vloyanetes to the opening kickoff. Howev- answered, “I think about every- er, the excitement needs to stay thing that I am going to do and with us to the last whistle. We play it over and over again.” know that in order to win games, Then I asked Terry Murray and we need to play together to have he took a deep breath and replied, fun. “I think about my responsibilities Most people say it’s all on the field. I also think of what about size, skill and talent. To us the other positions have to do so I it’s all about loving the game can help them on the field.” and having fun. But from the When I reflected about the morn- time we suit up, until the last ing of a game, I think about what whistle, we leave all emotion on I can do differently to make the the field, walk off together, and team better and help us win. Dif- put that game in the past and its ferent thoughts go through each time to prepare for the next week. what your past is, you always be confusing but so long as you cessful because “shoulda, coulda, Success cont’d from pg 1 have to remember: Pain is NEVER, EVER give up, you will woulda” is no excuse as to why you temporary; quitting lasts forev- productive. be successful. can’t be successful. Now ask your- er. So the MOST IM- Hard work is painful. You Work hard and you can have self, “Do I have what it takes to be PORTANT thing you can do may come from a broken home whatever it is you desire. There is successful?” If you answered “no”, to be successful is never give or a great home. You may battle no excuse as to why you could it’s time to change. up. It will be tough, it takes a personal demons or you may be not work hard and accomplish lot of effort, it will be count- a mentally strong person. No your goals. You must do every- less hours of work, and it will matter where you came from, thing you want in order to be suc-

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Fall 2013 -2014 Titan Times Page 5

Spirit Week Casey Kaiser

We must commend our student ping up her hair-do raveled in rib- came to the contest with a fun take and King Nic Vloynetes, congratula- council once again for putting togeth- bon. on the “Nick Jr.” theme in hopes to tions! Our spirit week culminated at er another fun and exciting for the Human bowling was held that take home the victory. The seniors the Friday pep rally and the Saturday KHS Spirit Week. The announce- night in the cafeteria amongst last blast from the past theme of “Old Homecoming game vs. Spotswood. ment of the homecoming candidates minute homecoming decorations. School Seniors” brought out a vari- Students returned on Saturday night was done the previous Friday, result- Seniors Casey Kaiser and Nic Vlo- ery to nostalgia that included some for the glamorous Casino-themed ing in freshmen Mckenna Burdge and yanetes were able to strike their very special yearbook photos! On dance organized by student council Richie Squio to represent the class of way to another Friday morning teachers cast their and the homecoming committee. 2017, Stephanie Walters and Daniel victory for the ballot using the criteria of originali- Spirit week definitely pumped up Baumann to represent the class of Senior class ty, school spirit, and creativeness. all students especially the athletes for 2016, Meghan Comey and Tristian “just another Mr. Hoff lead the pep rally as Saturday’s game where they fought Miksza to represent the class of 2015. phase completed appointed MC in Mr. Lee’s legacy. hard against Spotswood although Representing the Class of 2014 boys in Senior Domi- Senior girls tugged their way to coming up short. At half time the homecoming court were Michael nation Week” victory in the tug of war contest entire homecoming court was Keelen, Josh Heck, Jonathon Burn- they said. while the sophomore boys defeated brought onto the field with their par- ley, Carlos Fontanez and Nic Vlo- Spirit week was coming to an not only their younger opponents ents for announcement of the prin- yanetes. For the girls, Class of 2014 end with Thursday’s pajama day. but upperclassmen as well. Finally, cess and queen. Congratulations to homecoming court was announced as Students got cozy during the school the moment we all had been wait- the 2013 Homecoming Princess Ca- Merina Vaugh, Aimee Ascolese, day as well as for their last minute ing so anxiously for… the an- sey Kaiser and Queen Clara Flores. Cassidy Ahrens, Clara Flores, and bleacher decoration preparations. nouncement of bleacher decoration Once again a huge thank you goes Casey Kaiser. A huge congratula- Thursday night offered the moment winners. The freshmen put in an out to Ms. Farnsworth, Mrs. Ince, tions to all! bleacher decorating crews were amazing effort but still came up Mr. Stark, the homecoming commit- rd The students kicked off the week waiting for! These students must be short taking 3 place. The suspense tee, and all of student council. The with funky mismatched outfits on commended for their efforts well continued until the Sophomores 2013-2014 Spirit Week could not Tuesday. Their crazy socks and tacky after school every night, often and Juniors tied for second place. have been so successful without all patterns got students pumped for the needing to eat dinner here, to make The Seniors were ecstatic to have of your hard work and dedication- Volleyball tourney later that night. their decorations the best they could won for their second consecutive Keansburg High School thanks you! The Senior team dominated their un- be. year. All of the hard work on their derclassmen competitors and took The competition was tough this 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s historic home the victory. The competition year between the freshmen attack- and pop culture props brought life continued on into Wednesday with ing the contest as “Ferocious Fresh- to their stands and students. The crazy hair-dos in various spiky styles. men” and the sophomores getting pep rally continued with the an- Students such as Clara Flores let their on their horses as the “Saddle up nouncement of the 2013 Home- spirit determine their style by prop- Sophomores”. The upperclassmen coming prince Jonathon Burnley

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Will it be You? Carlos Fontanez

It’s a calling. It’s a cry. It’s an unanswered question left to roam the deep unconscious of our minds, yearning to be answered and resolved. I am here, for you all, I present myself, bear in arms…naked of all cloaks. Why do I leave myself so vulnerable within the words I place on this paper? Why do I tell my tale? Why do I scream to no reply? I’m waiting. I’ve sent my letters home; I’ve recited my prayers, and now its time for you to answer. My questions, my problems, my concerns are all printed within the confines of this paper, and It is my desire, my need, for someone to just write back, give an opinion, answer me. I’ve spent too many long hours, grueling minutes, and agonizing seconds isolated and trying to engulf the throbbing uncertainties that teem my life. I have unlocked the chains that once bound me, opened my book, and released myself… For you. I want all of you to know me, to understand me, to be tolerant of my beliefs, values, and past. Problematic is my lack of voice. I cannot speak of myself. Cannot converse with someone of how I feel. So I write. And I write for help, for therapy, for companionship. Will you help? Will you lend an ear for my words? Will you befriend me? No. It’s okay for I’ve set the bar low, expecting the least. Hopefully, one of you will take the leap. Will it be you?

The Man Who Predicted The Future Steven Valle

If you knew how to calculate the future, would you make the effort to? If you could take observations of events from around the world, and with extreme effort, connect them together to find the out- come to something – the occurrence of a disaster, the pursuit of a tech- nology, the outcome to a war – would you try to act on what you find? And would you be willing to accept the possibility that you could be wrong, that you could have factored something out improperly, that any temptation you have for the next action would be for the wrong direction? Sitting in a tower, was a man who spent most of his current moments predicting how the next would turn out. He was not a mystic, at least, not according to him, nor was there anything truly extraordi- nary about him except what he spent most of his time doing. He sat at a desk in the center of the most elevated room, writing down several notes, diagrams, and other nonsensical scribble that only made sense to him. He had been writing a prediction to a war that was going on between several kingdoms, and what the wisest course of ac- tion would be, as well as underlining the aftermath and possible out- comes that would occur. Nothing was guaranteed to have a single out- come. But this was not what he was truly focused on, for something he had predicted earlier was about to occur in this moment. As he dotted the end to a phrase, a large impact rang against the outer wall of his tower, shaking his desk. He stopped scribbling. He slowly got up from his seat in a cau- tious yet calculated manner. Another loud crack rang from the walls; somebody was using a catapult and attacking his tower. Attacking him. But he expected this, of course. He walked away from the desk and over to a storage closet. As he opened it, a person who looked painstakingly like him had fallen out, unconscious. Aren had several impersonators; people who tried to impersonate him to dig into the riches and fame that came with his un- usual profession; riches and fame that he himself preferred to steer clear from. Most of the time, he publicly dismissed or humiliated them by testing them and easily debunking them away. But he had a special task for this one. A siege missile slammed once more against his home; this time hitting one of the windows in the room he was in. The still-burning rock was lodged into the walls, cutting his view of outside. Aren took a deep If you are interested in contributing to the Titan breath and `proceeded to drag the imposter to where the stone hit, tak- Times, please see Mrs. Hudson in the Athletic Office! ing a handful of rubble and slapping it along the unconscious look-a- like for good measure. As he ceased dragging, the sound of a door being broken into All new writers and artists are welcome!!! timbers echoed from the floors underneath. The soldiers he predicted were coming had broken in. They were moving ahead of schedule, more so than he anticipated. There was always worry when things [email protected] moved later or ahead of their pre-designation.

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Heroes Reflection on what may never be Steven Valle Carlos Fomtanez

When adversity becomes an absolute I cant. I cant thrive, endure, move on. And turmoils take over the norm I’m dying a slow painful death from the inside out. Who stands to bring back order At the most random of moments like right now, as I sit listening to Mr. Kmak lecture about the Colombian Ex- And quell the ravaging storm? change, I’m thinking about you…About us. I feel guilty. I feel as if I let us fail. I made us fail. I failed you. I’m a failure. When safety becomes a myth I didn’t realize what I truly want, what I truly need, what truly makes me happy…You. And life becomes compromised I love you. Will a shield hang over the needy I love us, I love your family, I love our shared moments, I love everything about us. With their pleas and woes realized? I miss you. I miss holding you, and you holding me. I miss the kisses that made me tremble. I miss the hugs that made me safe. I miss the warmth of your body against mine when we watched your favorite Who will stand in the way of inferno, shows. As it claims everything we’ve built I miss cooking for you. I miss feeding your addiction of Pepsi and M&Ms. I miss listening to you complain, judge, and talk about your And hold a sword to fight the flames passions. With an unbridled courage at the I miss the comfort, the intimacy, the trust that did exist, and the love. hilt? What we had, I never had before. What we had, I will never have again. Who will hold back the rushing tide What I had was the best thing that ever happened to me, to ever bless my life, to ever give me the opportunities And fight the cold of the icy waves that you gave me… What stands to fix the broken wills To ever make me happy. Of those who cannot hold up their Happiness is all I want. No drama. No arguing. No fighting. No one else. staves I want you, the happiness you gave me. I don’t care anymore about the fighting and arguing…I’ll take it. If It’s the only way I can have you and be with From the horizon, figures rise you forever…Then Please!...Please come back. You’re not the one that needs another chance, needs to ask for another chance… To cut through all that’s bleak I am. I need to ask for another shot to prove my commitment and love for you. To push back dreading nightmares I can no longer take the long nights of crying and guilt, wondering if you’ve moved on to a better man, pondering And breathe strength into the weak if I made a mistake by letting you go, if I’ll ever get you back, If I’ll just be a faint, lost memory at a brief, fleeting moment in your life located in They take on the world all in stride the deepest, darkest crevasse of your mind. And your wounds will be their scars I’m lost without you. For they’re the ones that go beyond Im nothing. To bring a solution above and far I’m inferior. I’m feeble. They’re the ones who see atrocity I’m incomplete. And still refuse to walk away I’m detached. I’m insufficient. The ones who return to bring an an- Take me back and make me better. I will be better. swer I love you forever and always…even if WE will never be. To come in and save the day

They cast a light in darkness Stopping nightmares from coming to Murder Me Pushing the envelope at every turn Alexis Carlson Believing anyone can pull through

Just scratching the surface, just pealing the skin, that underneath They don’t appear and lying within is a demon, a ghost, a little dead girl, whose lips say In a single form trust me but smile says “meet the end of your world.” She lures you in with her pale, porcelain In armor of knights face. Her clammy cold hands pull you in by the waist, her skin gives you chills and her eyes leave Or modern uniforms you breathless, never have you seen such orbs of emptiness. The eerie music plays but she never speaks all she says you hear in your mind, she tells of your past and replays your pain, holding But they exist around us each memory in perfect frame. She giggles as you cry and feel the pangs of pain inside. She push- Whether their visage shows es you down and pulls out a gun and pushes her sleeves aside. She’s to commit a murder, but Giving meaning to life you’re never going to die. She aims at your heart and her mouth makes a thin line, this slaughter is just not her first time. Her precision is effortless as she releases the bullet, can you even be And the title of Heroes shocked the little dead girl pulled it? The pain hits your heart and you fall to your back, your hand covers the hole that is now in your body. You feel your body burn and the blood on your hand, you stare at the ceiling eyes unable to move. You gasp for air but receive no help, your body con- vulses, your mind corrupts, your heart bleeding, forever broken. From warmth to cold, your body turns. The end for you, you now yearn. The last of your breaths escape your lips and above you witness the final eclipse. You rise from your body as the your killer fades and naturally you go to stand in her place. Arise your body queue this now, and stare your breathing self down. Vindictive and envious they now stand in your place, you curl an evil smile on your face. They breath, you don’t , they blink, you stare, they examine, you pull. Pull this breathing soul to you and lays cold dead hands on them. Push them down and now you see the fate that you are meant to live, to breath, to die. Quickly in your pocket you reach, you pull a gun and aim it so, the anger, the loss, the pain old, and new, stole complete control of you. Before the trigger you do pull, you come to realize the extent of this situation- to a full. You are the dead girl. You are the ghost. You are the demon lurking beneath. You are lifeless, empty, vacant eyes. You are misleading lips, you are an honest, grim smile. You are a porcelain face, now coming to the realization, porcelain is so easy to break. You are pale and you are cold. All these hints you do now hold. You pull the trigger , you are dead. As you were, as you are, as you forever will be. Dying in this life of yours, dying every mo- ment you breath. You watch the last breath escape your lips, now bare with me, no process this. You watch yourself rise from the ground and are aware of what’s to come. You begin to fade, fade away. The new dead girl shall take your place and as you are just about gone, you see a dead body rise once more. A cycle of death, Ironic? Yes. This is how you live. You live dying, killing yourself every moment you let the darkness , sadness win. Every time you stay quiet, when words should prevail. Every time you give up when you have failed. This bullet is depression. This bul- let is repression. This bullet is fear. This bullet is never unclear. This bullet is what it is for you. Whatever it is that you know is killing you. This bullet is what you regret, or maybe what you Artwork by Samantha Orsini have not yet. This bullet you hold control of, so put the gun down, that’s enough…

Page 8 Titan Times Fall 2013-2014

Reflection on Diversity Sunita James

I remember when I first moved to Keansburg, I was surround- ed by people who didn’t look, dress or talk like me. Coming from New York, of course I had experience with a diverse community but I also saw a lot of people who were the same complexion as I was or talked and dressed like I did. Being new anywhere, was frightening me. I was afraid of not fitting in. I was afraid of not having commonality with the students in school. To my surprise though, I made many friends. I realized nothing was different, it didn’t matter what skin color I was or if I had a different hair tex- Terry Murray Stephanie Walters ture, my friends liked me for who I was not what I looked like. “For Mr. Stark not killing me in “For my lunch table friends” It’s been five years since I’ve moved to Keansburg, as the my four years… yet” years go by, the amount of diversity has definitely increased. I have to admit, I thought I was the only one but I have been prov- en wrong. I’ve notice a large increase recently in the Latino cul- ture, as well as many other interesting ethnicities such as German, Egyptian, and Chinese. Not only that, but, most people are mixed with many different backgrounds! Were not all the same and we don’t all have to be the same. Our INDIVIDUALITY is what make us special and know that we could all be around each other and still enjoy ourselves. Learn Ms. Caporaso Sarah Comey from one another and grow as individuals! Understanding and “For being here with all of you “My new house that I just moved appreciating our differences, not just in race or ethnic origin but children” back into” as people makes all the differences in the world seem a little smaller!

Alyssa Olsen Clara Flores “My friends and food” “I’m thankful for education be- cause it empowers me”

Pen Pal Letter: Zombie Apocalypse Syd Simoes

Dear Mattie, It’s been a week since the zombie apocalypse has started; I lost my younger sister and cousin… I had to kill them. A bullet each to the head. I hate what has hap- Zach Foster John Corrigan pened but I know if I didn’t, we’d all be dead. My mother was pregnant “For surviving the storm” “Casey Kaiser” at the beginning of all of this but the stress of it all must have caused the miscarriage. Now she is ill and is having a hard time fighting it off. Our survival is based on an everyday trust between the small group of us that have yet to become infected. Me, my mother, the Johnsons (which are our next-door neighbors) and the local gardener have found a way to stay alive together. The Johnsons have two sons, Adrian who is 15– like me, and Elliot who is only 10. Their mother, Sara, is always so paranoid but I guess with good reason. Every corner she turns she thinks her face is going to get torn off (which it might, it can happen to anyone these days). Then there’s the local gardener. His story is kind of weird and honestly pretty sad. He was born into poverty and he re- mains unmarried and unhappy. There’s a rumor that murdered a man. Even if it’s not true, I’m glad he’s on our side. I’ve also heard it whis- pered that it was my father he killed. My mother doesn’t trust the old man one bit, and she hates when I talk to him. I don’t believe he killed my father. I like the old man. Well, I’d tell you more about our back- ground story but that’ll have to wait, my mom’s fever is acting up again so I’ll talk to you in a bit. …Oh, hey you’re still here, good; I thought you would’ve left by now. I had to go out back because a zombie just attacked my dog so I had to go take care of the mess and the undead. It’s weird, what if my dog came back as a zombie? Then I’d have to kill him too! I don’t think I’d have the emotional stability to do that again, after my sister and cousin, I can’t take anymore. It's almost dark, it's not safe and I don't know why I'm still outside when I'm hearing low growls and dead moans. Hmm, how does one determine a moan is dead? I guess once you experience the apocalypse even for only a week you can tell the difference, well I should really go now. Talk to you later, friend Seraphina