The Student Newspaper of Rahway High School Volume 4, Number 2 Fall 2016

RHO ETA SIGMA The Student Newspaper of Rahway High School Volume 4, Number 2 Fall 2016

College and Career Fair a Great Success Rho Eta Sigma By Imani Street On Wednesday, October 19, RHS hosted its annual College and Career Fair, a chance for stu- Editor-in-Chief dents, especially seniors, to explore educational and professional opportunities by meeting and Dayana C. Alvarez speaking with representatives from dozens of colleges, universities, branches of the military, vo- cational schools, companies, and other employment agencies. Managing Editor This year’s event, as in years past, took place in the high school gymnasium. Ms. Stradford Vashae Stevens organized the event, including making all of the arrangements for schools, businesses, and military branches to attend. Dr. Fields and all of the guidance counselors were also in attendance. Sports Editor Colleges and universities that attended included, among many others, Caldwell, Clemson, Jake Ferraro Drew, Gettysburg, Immaculata, Johnson and Wales, Kean, Lincoln Tech, Monmouth, Montclair, Pace, Rider, Rutgers, St. Peter’s, Seton Hall, Stevens, University of Connecticut, Villanova, Wag- Faculty Advisor ner, and William Paterson. The branches of the military represented included the Army, the Ma- rines, the Navy, and the Air Force. Many businesses sent representatives to speak to students Mr. Brighouse about employment opportunities. Prominent among these were very successful institutions such as TD Bank.

RHS faculty members thought the evening was very successful and productive. Ms. Bodek thought “the evening went very well.” Dr. Fields agreed, saying, “The night was a huge success. We hope to continue to add a few more schools in the future.” She noted that additional schools can be added next year specifically on the basis of student interest and their recommendations. Mr. Zech, another of the guidance counselors there that night, had this to say: “College-bound students establish relationships with representatives, which lead to further communication with the offices of admissions and financial aid. These relationships also lead to students conducting online searches, scheduling college visits, and completing applications. Whether a student is plan- ning to attend college, pursue a career in the trades, or enter the military, all options are available through the Guidance Office to ensure that students and parents make informed decisions.” Seniors weighing their options following graduation also found the evening informative and helpful. Bryanna Rivera said, “The event really brought to life the idea that college visits and applications are right around the corner. Though it was a bit nerve-racking, the opportunity to find out more about colleges was very helpful.” Senior Nasir Velez agreed, calling the event “a great experience.” He went on to say, “The night really gave me a great look at some schools I would never have expected to consider. I had a great experience meeting with representatives and learning about my college options.”

Mock Election Sets Mood for November By Juan Machado and Takshat Patel

On Friday, October 14, RHS students had the opportunity to participate in a mock presidential election by using the actual voting machines that will be in operation on Election Day, Novem- ber 8. The final tally of votes at the end of the day was Hillary Clinton with 575 votes and Donald Trump with 120. Throughout the day, students came down to the high school’s small gymnasium, usually during their social studies classes, in order to vote. Given two choices—either Hillary Clinton or Don- ald Trump, a large photograph of each candidate prominently displayed—students made their decision and learned what it feels like to take part in the election process specifically and American democracy more generally. The event came about through the efforts of history teacher Mr. John Odin who thought of the idea this past summer. He made a connection with the Union County Board of Elections, whose staff delivered four voting machines and demonstrated to the students how to use them. They were on hand throughout the Students wait their turn in line to vote on October 14, the day of mock presidential day to answer questions and assist with the voting process. Their elections at the high school. Actual voting machines were provided by the Union services, including use of the voting machines themselves, were County Board of Elections free of charge. The event gave students, some of whom provided free of charge to the high school. are already old enough to soon vote in their first official presidential election, a Continued on page two chance to experience the election process firsthand.

2 Mock Election

Continued from page one Students who took part in the voting had positive things to say about it. Junior Tymek Jones thought everything went very smoothly. “It was a quick, easy, and efficient process,” he said. “It made me realize how simple and easy voting actually is.” Another student who took part, sophomore Lyanka Pimentel, said, “It was a good experience because we’ll know now what to do when we actually vote for real. More schools should have practice elections on actual voting machines.” Sophomore Jymier Anderson also had a good experience voting but was surprised that it was all over so quickly. “I was sort of disappointed a little,” he said. “I was thinking about voting as this big complicated thing, but it was so simple and quick. I felt like I needed more time to think about my choice. It showed me that by the time you get to the loca- tion to vote you really need to have your mind made up.” Mr. Odin, who organized the event, had this to say about it: “I found watching these young people excited to take part in this process hearten- ing and inspiring. Having served in the United States Marine Corps in the early 1970s, I witnessed many young men make sacrifices so that others could enjoy the right to vote. I believe our future is in good hands.” RHS seniors discuss college opportunities with a representative from Saint Peter’s University at the College and Career Fair on October 19. In concluding the election event, Mr. Odin sent the newspaper staff a quotation from President Ronald Reagan that he felt summarized the election process and the importance of voting. President Reagan said, Comedian Drew Lynch Brings “Voting is a precious right that for two centuries Americans have fought Laughter to Serious Topic and died to protect. Let's all honor that sacrifice this Election Day. Wheth- er you're a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, show that you care By Jake Ferraro about America's future and get out and vote.” On Friday, September 23, comedian and America’s Got Talent 10th season runner-up Drew Lynch visited the high school, speaking with 9th and 10th graders in the auditorium. Students thor- oughly enjoyed themselves and could not stop laughing as Mr. Lynch’s full range of comedic abilities were on display. Drew Lynch’s visit was part of the high school’s anti-bullying initiative. The event was arranged by Mr. Picone and Mr. Brian Remo, the executive director of the Union County Performing Arts Center, right here in Rahway. Mr. Picone opened the event, intro- ducing Mr. Remo. Mr. Remo said a few words as well and intro- duced Mr. Lynch. The comedian’s background story is very interesting. Hit in the throat with a softball at age 19, Lynch developed a severe stutter. His original dream of becoming an actor was put on hold, and he began performing comedy as a form of therapy and as a way of dealing with his disability. He uses his stutter and often references it as part of his act. He highlighted to those students in attendance Members of the SADD Club visited the 7th and 8th Grade Academy with Mr. that it is always possible to turn something negative in one’s life Picone on October 6. into something positive. Lynch told numerous stories and engaged with the audience, SADD Club Raises Awareness taking questions, and referring to his service dog, whom he brought with him. Though the event was often light-hearted, it contained a By Jayden Cintron serious message. Lynch told students to “always try to laugh at yourself first. That way you take the power away from a potential On Thursday, October 6, members of the high school’s Students bully.” Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) visited the 7th and 8th Grade Ending on a serious note, Lynch mentioned that the person he Academy in order to speak with 7th graders about the problem of bully- was before his accident probably never would have wanted to hang ing in schools and ways to combat it. out with the person he is now. He’s learned so much over the last The high school students who attended were David Tobar, Johnathan several years, he said. What was his simple concluding message to Torres, Ana Marques, Katelynn Perez, Jay-Quan Johnson, and Skyler students? “Be yourself,” he said. “And be unique.” VanDiver. Mr. Picone, who has been running the SADD program for the past nine years, reports that the event was very well-received by the 7th graders, and SADD members enjoyed participating in it. The SADD Club at the high school is very involved with a number of positive activities in the building. The week of October 23-31 was Na- tional Red Ribbon Week, a week devoted to raising awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use and how to prevent it. In support of this, members of the club tied red ribbons on all the trees surrounding the high school. Additionally, on Tuesday, October 25, SADD organized a poster sign- ing event in the lunch periods, during which they encouraged students to sign a pledge committing to remain drug-free. “The poster with all the students’ names,” Mr. Picone said, “will be prominently displayed in the high school throughout the year.” Two days later, on Thursday, October 27, Mr. Picone and members of SADD encouraged students and staff to wear Rahway gear in support of the theme “Rahway Unites Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse.” Many more events are planned throughout the year related to anti- bullying, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, and other concerns. Those with questions about upcoming events should speak with Mr. Picone in Comedian Drew Lynch, who appeared on Season 10 of America’s Got Talent and Room 328. finished in second place, performed for 9th and 10th graders on September 23.

Correction:

In our previous issue covering new high school faculty, we labeled one of our new teachers incor- rectly. Our new Special Education English teacher is Ms. Veronica Paredes. The staff of Rho Eta Sigma regrets the error and offers its sincere apologies.

SGA Elects New Officers By Destiny Hernandez and Stephanie Shefton Oliver Watson and Ryan Silva are co-leaders of this year’s Team 1228 RoboTribe. The high school’s Student Government Association (SGA) has some exciting things happening this year. First, the club welcomed two new advisors, social studies teacher Mr. Celoski and chemistry Robotics at RHS: teacher Mr. Kurczeski. Additionally, the club has just elected its officers for the 2016-2017 school year. Interview with Mr. McCullough On Friday, September 23, candidates for the various SGA positions gave speeches in the auditorium outlining what they planned to By Shahid Williams do if elected and how they hoped to improve the high school. Rho Eta Sigma sat down with technology teacher and Robotics SGA’s officers for this year are: President Cedric Price; Vice Team advisor Mr. McCullough and asked him some questions about this President Xavier Lighten; Treasurer Ciara Price; Recording Secre- year’s RoboTribe. tary Myrsha Frejuste; 12th Grade Senator Luzangela Martinez; 11th Q: So tell us a bit about the Robotics Team. Grade Senator John Coulson; 10th Grade Senator Alissa Davila; and 9th Grade Senator Angela Peters. A: First, let me say that anyone can join, and we’re always looking for new members. We’re entering our 14th year, and this is my second On her new role with the SGA, Ciara Price said, “I take great as the advisor. My co-advisors are Mr. Santner and Ms. Monteiro. pride in my position as SGA's treasurer. My job for this organization is to help benefit the club with awesome fundraisers for the students I think of Team 1228 RoboTribe as a small company, because we and school. By doing so, relationships and bonds can be formed with need many heads and hands to produce a fully functional robot in only the students. I just hope that this will be a successful year for SGA.” six weeks. Our season starts with the FRC Kickoff on the first Saturday of January each year. The specific requirements for the robot we need Mr. Celoski and Mr. Kurczeski have high hopes for the year as to build will be revealed this year on Saturday, January 7, 2017. I be- well. Mr. Celoski noted that one large goal of the club is to “assist lieve the last day for us to work on the robot will be February 20. students in becoming active participants in how government works and help them decide if working in government positions interests There is so much more to the team than just building a robot, them in the future.” though. Once we find out what the objective of the competition is, the team needs to fully understand the written scoring parameters of the The SGA has already been busy. Members organized the game and start coming up with design ideas for the robot. school’s homecoming dance on Thursday, October 6, and adminis- tered homecoming elections, which were announced that night with Students may get involved in any one or more aspects of what it the crowning of the king, queen, and princesses. (See takes to get our robot to the competitions. Some of the primary areas “Homecoming” on page 4) are designing, manufacturing, building (electrical, pneumatics, metal parts, etc.), programming, operating/driving the bot, pit-crew for fixing Other activities the club is looking forward to are possible trips to the bot while at competitions, safety, fundraising, and multimedia. We Trenton and Washington, D.C., attending school board and town have a website and produce literature, team buttons, and other items to council meetings, and community service activities. Members are hand out at the meets. Also graphic arts is a big part of what we do. We looking forward to serving as liaisons between their fellow students usually design “skins” for the robot and tee shirts for the team members and Mr. Farinella, as they work to accurately represent the views and going to the competitions. concerns of the student body. Q: What are competitions actually like? Some changes are already obvious in the building. On the initiative of the SGA, this year, all homerooms have elected a representa- A: The competition itself is a lottery three-on-three. No team knows tive to report back to homerooms about SGA meetings and other is- who they will be teamed up with until the actual day of the meet. Each sues that concern them. team usually has “scout” students who go to meet and talk to other teams they’re teamed with to find out what each team’s robot can and Senior Cedric Price assumes the responsibilities of SGA Presi- cannot do so that the “drive” team knows how to work with each robot dent with optimism and enthusiasm. He tells us, “I’m excited. It’s a in order to maximize scoring. Each match lasts two-and-half great honor. I really want to work to build relationships between the minutes. On Saturday, each team enters about eight matches and on students and also between the students and the faculty. I wanted to Sunday about four. On Sunday, successful teams move onto the final run for president to make big changes. RHS is already great. I want round. There were 39 teams at each of the three competition weekends to help make it even better.” we participated in last year. Q: What kind of students would make good additions to the team? A: Students who like a challenge, are mentally tough, and who have determination to accomplish something. Just like learning anything in school, some subjects come easier than others. Similarly, some aspects of building a robot and competing are easier than others. We’re always looking for students who are tenacious and like competition. Q: Anything else you’d like to add? A: In terms of classes I offer, I teach two related to robotics specifically, Introductory and Advanced Robotics. I also teach Introductory and Advanced CAD (computer-aided design and drafting). All of my classes use the latest technology and software, from 3D printers to the latest robotics kits, like Lego’s Mindstorms NXT and EV3. Students interested in Team 1228 or anything else I’ve mentioned should definitely stop by Room 118 for more information. Thanks for the interview. New SGA President Cedric Price.

School Spirit

Homecoming Game Rahway’s Homecoming 2016 Debuts New Stadium By Alexander Brown, Terrell Frazier, and Cindy Nguyen By Zahir Wilder Rahway’s Homecoming on Friday, October 7, was especially The first Rahway varsity football game at the new stadium in Rah- exciting this year as the varsity football game was played in the new way River Park took place on Homecoming, Friday, October 7. Though stadium. The Rahway Indians started off strong, leading by 13 the game was a 59-35 loss to Somerville, it was exciting to play on the points at the end of the first quarter, but Somerville was able to tie new field and have fans celebrate the day with the players and coaches. the game at halftime 28-28. Slowly, Rahway began to lose momen- We interviewed Coach Russo and got his thoughts on the new stadium. tum and Somerville was able to stop Rahway’s offense and score more points on the Indians’ defense. Rahway lost the game and also Q: Coach, give us some background on the new field. For starters, its undefeated record, putting them at 4-1. The team is now 5-2. how was this funded? Still, the day had some other highlights, which included the cele- A: The field has been built using Union County funding, along with a bration of the winners of the homecoming election. Winners appear portion directly contributed by the City of Rahway. Taxpayers will see a below. very small increase as a result of the field construction. Homecoming Winners: -King and Queen: Zahir Wilder and Najah Hetsberger Q: What schools will be able to use the new field? -Junior Princess: Jodi Alston -Sophomore Princess: Stacey Saint-Paul A: Union County high schools will have the opportunity to play on -Freshman Princess: Ka’Rynn Hill the field as needed. Colleges such as Union County College will also host events. In addition, local Pop Warner organizations, youth football Zahir Wilder had an especially busy day, both as starting quarter- teams, and recreation groups will benefit from the new field as well. back and Homecoming King. He told us, “I wasn’t even going to Q: What was it like playing our first game on the new field? run and then Ms. V-R convinced me to do it. I was a little surprised A: The opening of the new turf field and the fact that two undefeated I won. It felt good because this is my last year and it’s cool to al- teams were competing for a division title made for an electric environ- ways be known as the Homecoming King for 2016.” ment. The night had that big game feel—excited fans, a loyal student body, talented musicians, proud dignitaries, and motivated players leav- ing all they had on the field. Although we fell short of our goal, I was more than proud of the effort and attitude our players displayed. Q: Coach, thanks for talking with us. It sounds like there are some exciting times ahead. A: Absolutely. And thank you.

Our Homecoming King and Queen—Najah Hetsberger and Zahir Wilder. Rahway’s Own Celebration Ribbon cutting ceremony at the new stadium. By Keren Lebron and Kayla Monterrosa Fall Sports Wrap Up Coming Soon! On Wednesday, October 5, RHS was visited by three recent inductees of the “Rahway’s Own” program, which honors and recognizes By Jake Ferraro, Sports Editor RHS alumni as well as those associated with the Rahway community who have gone on to excel in their chosen fields. At the start of November, our fall sports season is wrapping up 2016 inductees who were able to attend the event included singer and for all our teams—cross country, football, boys soccer, girls soccer, record producer Eric Roberson, actor Amen Igbinosun, and author Patri- tennis, and volleyball. We’ve got a full fall sports update coming in cia Dower. Darrion Caldwell, a former Rahway wrestler and now a pro- our next issue. Take a look at some of the highlights below coming fessional mixed martial artist, was not able to attend but did speak to students through a very inspirational video. soon. The presenters all spoke about doubting at one time or another the -An interview with Jordan West, RHS’s expert thrower who par- possibility of their names being known outside of Rahway and on a na- ticipates in shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, and weight throw. How tional stage. They noted that those in attendance should feel lifted up and encouraged to achieve their dreams, because they had before them is his season going and what are his plans for next year? three individuals who had accomplished just that. -Senior Rose Angervil and Sophomore Stacey Saint-Paul talk with Whether they were writing Grammy-nominated songs, publishing us about the volleyball team. books, or filming a television series, these Rahway alumni never forgot where they came from. Their presence on October 5 was evidence of -Juan Machado, Takshat Patel, and Franklin Zelaya conduct inter- that. Also in attendance were Rahway’s mayor, Samson Steinman, and views with members of the boys soccer team. Ms. Volino-Reinoso, who organized the event. -Nasir Velez talks football, we interview Ms. Bodek about the ten- Senior Eunice Olugbile captured the feeling in the room well. She said, “I don’t care what anyone says. Almost every student in RHS has a nis team, we wrap up girls soccer, and much more. Stay tuned!!! talent, skill, or ability that you won’t find anywhere else.”

Students of the Month Election 2016 Nearly Upon Us September/October By Antwan Gray-Dasher Cedric Price Grade 12 Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, and on that day Americans will go to Jaida West Grade 12 the polls and conclude one of the most contentious and controversial presidential elections in a long time. Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Luis Muller Grade 11 Trump have been battling now for months to energize their supporters and con- vince undecided voters to get out and vote for them next Tuesday. Brianna Calle Grade 11 After a summer where polls showed Clinton and Trump running neck and Christian Rivera Grade 10 neck, with some polls indicating that Trump was taking the lead on Clinton, Kayla Monterrosa Grade 10 September hit and things began to shift due to a number of factors. Three debates over September and October seemed to favor Clinton, many Emari Guillette Grade 9 polls immediately afterward suggesting that she won each of the three, though Kaitlyn Blair Grade 9 by different margins each time. In early October, just before the second debate, a series of accusations of sex- ual harassment and misconduct against Trump, along with audio recordings of Trump making negative comments about women, played a role in shifting some MCJROTC Events of the public’s support away from Trump and toward Clinton. The issue became By Ceiarah Flowers a major topic of conversation in the second debate. As late as early Friday, October 28, polls showed Clinton with a lead over RHS’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Trump anywhere between 5 to 12 points among likely voters, with just over Corps (ROTC) has been busily involved in a number of 47% of voters saying they would vote for Clinton and about 42% saying they worthwhile events, with many more upcoming. would vote for Trump. So far this year, the ROTC, under the direction of Cap- However, this past weekend the race seemed to be tightening. Late Friday, tain Parchman and Master Sergeant Mintz, has participated news broke that the FBI had decided to reopen the investigation into Clinton’s in the following: Back-to-School Night on September 15; use of a private email server while Secretary of State, following the discovery of Jackson Liberty High School Jostens “The Harbor” Tour on new emails the Bureau determined needed to be examined. September 22; food banks on September 26-27 and October Clinton and Trump are once again polling very close to one another, while 24-25; a Columbus Day Parade on October 9; the Home- most analyses of potential electoral votes still leave Trump as the slight under- coming Ceremony on October 15; the 7th and 8th Grade dog. Still, with only four days left until the election, and with a campaign that Open House on October 20; Linden’s Halloween Parade on has witnessed one surprise after another, no one can predict the outcome of October 30; and the Varsity Football games (Color Guard). Tuesday’s election or who will be the next President of the United States. Upcoming events for the month of November include: -November 6: Veterans Day Parade (tentative date) -November 10: MCJROTC Birthday Ball -November 11: Veterans Ceremony (tentative date) -November 11: Central Jersey Marine Corps Ball -November 12: Kevin J. Reinhard Birthday Ball -November 21-22: Food Bank -November 26-27: Toys for Tots Toy Drive Those interested in more information about any of these upcoming events or any other events RHS’s MCJROTC will be participating in throughout 2017 should speak with Cap- tain Parchman or Master Sergeant Mintz for more information. Stay tuned for our next issue when we will cover a few of these events in greater detail and interview some of Rahway High School Marching Band those involved. Marching Band Update By Ashley Kuc The RHS Marching Band has started off the Fall 2016 season with another string of notable accomplishments. The marching band kicked off its competition season with its 2016 show, “Pushing the Limits: Mind and Body”, under the direction of its drum major, senior Xavier Lighten, and faculty leaders Mr. Bolivar and Mrs. Spatz. The first competition took place at Piscataway High School on Septem- ber 24, where the band placed second out of five bands with a score of Students of the Month 75.225. November The second competition took place at Hopewell Valley Central High School on October 8, where the team placed second out of four bands with a Jay-Quan Johnson Grade 12 score of 79.60. On October 15, the band competed in the Yamaha Cup at Metlife Stadi- Abisola Atilola Grade 12 um, finishing seventh out of 16 bands with a score of 80.90 and winning a Gurvinder Singh Grade 11 caption for best percussion. The fourth competition was in Monroe on October 15, and the band Karyna Vargas Grade 11 placed second out of two with a score of 84.70. Jimmy Vargas Grade 10 The most recent competition was on Saturday, October 29. It took place at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. The band placed third out of four Cassandra Hansen Grade 10 bands with a score of 91.75 Syed Sherazi Grade 9 The next competition is Nationals on Saturday, November 5, in Allen- town, Pennsylvania. Kayla Villegas Grade 9

Columbus Day: A Brief History By Jasmine Kareem

Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries, which celebrates the anniversary of Italian explorer Christopher Colum- bus’s landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492. The exact date it is celebrated differs from country to country. This year in the United States the holiday was celebrated on Monday, October 10. Many local and state observances of Columbus Day preceded its status as a federal holiday, which occurred in 1937 and was pro- Marc Mero spoke with RHS 11th and 12th graders on October 10. claimed by President Franklin Roosevelt. It is now set in the United States as the second Monday in October. Many Latin American countries continue to celebrate Columbus Marc Mero Inspires with Day as well, though it is typically called something else. Its English translation in many of these countries includes “Day of the Race”, Story of Struggle and Survival “Day of the Americas”, and “The National Festival of Christopher Columbus.” In Italy and many Italian-American communities, the By Dayana C. Alvarez and Vashae Stevens day is also recognized as a celebration of Italian culture and accomplishments. On Monday, October 10, former WCW and WWE wrestling cham- In recent years, the celebration of Columbus Day has been sur- pion and motivational speaker Marc Mero visited the high school and rounded by controversy. Some groups, especially Native Ameri- brought a powerful message of struggle, survival, hope, and triumph. cans, feel that the celebration of Columbus and his early contact Mr. Picone arranged the visit in support of October’s School Violence with Native American people erases the atrocities and violence Awareness theme for RHS 11th and 12th graders. committed by European settlers and explorers. Mero shared with students many aspects of his life, especially his Another criticism is simply that Columbus did not actually dis- cover America first, despite what children have been taught in difficult early years growing up with a single mother in a poor, gang schools for generations. In addition to those native groups who and drug-infested neighborhood. He talked about always wanting more were obviously here first, there is much evidence today that other from life and working hard to become an amateur boxer and, then, sev- groups—Russians, Chinese, and Vikings—actually made their way eral years later, a professional wrestling champion. to parts of the Americas hundreds of years before Columbus. He emphasized, however, that his sights were not always set on the Despite the controversies surrounding the day, Columbus Day does remain an important time to acknowledge that 1492 was the right things, isolating from family and friends and focusing his time and beginning of major exploration and settlement of the Americas by attention instead on superficial things like money, cars, homes, and Europe. Today, some towns recognize this by taking a day off from fame. A series of personal tragedies, including seeing his mother, sis- school, while other towns have parades, celebrations, and cultural ter, and brother, among others, die tragically, along with his own strug- festivals recognizing Columbus’s Italian background and heritage. gles with drug and alcohol abuse, forced him to reassess his life and change his goals and priorities. Retiring from professional wrestling in 2006, Mero founded with his wife in 2007 a nonprofit organization called Champion of Choices, de- signed to inspire students to make good choices and become champions of their own lives. He told RHS students that he tries to reach young people on what he called “the level of the heart”, encouraging them to act responsibly concerning issues like bullying, substance abuse, peer pressure, suicide, and community involvement. Mero brought so many inspirational messages to his talk with stu- A depiction of the Santa Maria, the largest of Columbus’s three ships. dents that the RHS audience was rapt with attention. Some of his fa- vorite quotations he used to inspire them included, “Your friends are November Contest!!! like elevators. They either take you up or down” and “It’s time to stand up, step up, and speak up against bullying and abuse. You can be the Rho Eta Sigma is running its first contest light in someone’s darkness.” of the year. Here’s the deal. During the Ms. Rivera, one of RHS’s vice principals, attended the event and month of November, students may stop by said, “Mr. Mero provided a powerful, touching presentation which stu- Mr. Brighouse’s classroom, Room 219, during dents took to heart. Many students reached out to him on social media Periods 5, 6, or 7 or immediately after school. and expressed the positive impact that his message made on them.” He will show them an image that depicts a Mr. Picone, who organized the event, agreed, saying that “many stu- historical event, person, or theme. Students dents and staff shared with me that it was the best presentation they had ever attended while here at RHS.” write down their best guess of what they’re Students, of course, shared similar responses. Senior Jefferson Ca- looking at and Mr. Brighouse will keep all re- det told us, “Marc Mero’s presentation was so high energy. Growing sponses. One guess per person. up and overcoming so many difficulties was so inspiring to hear. When At the end of the month, the most accu- he spoke, everyone was listening to every word he said. He made that much of an impact.” rate response wins. In the event of multiple correct answers, one response will be chosen Senior Anly Paulino summarized the impact of the event well, saying, “It was eye-opening how someone can go through so much but still at random. The prize? You’ll have to partici- manage to accomplish so many great things in life.” pate and win to find out. Good luck!