Half Hollow Hills High School East Issue 4 June 2015 Final Reflection From the Editor-In-Chief

Collin Giuliani members and submitting written propos- solely my content. The release of the pa- These last four years working for the Editor-In-Chief als into student government meetings… per was always an exciting day for me, Thunderbird were incredible, and I am but to no avail. and knowing that the hard work paid off looking forward to what the school pa- Writing was always something that However, I knew that Hills East had in the end was always a great feeling. per is going to look like in the 2015-16 came naturally to me, especially with the the Thunderbird. There were many Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Dalton also gave academic year. This year, Hills East took newspaper. I was always the person who reasons why I was waiting for middle me confi dence from day one. As a fresh- home eight Long Island Press Awards, spent my free periods in the library typ- school graduation, including the fact that man, the expectation is that you under- and I had the honor of winning one of ing away my opinions on the latest news West Hollow felt way too small and the stand your place in the system; you’re those in the category of Opinion- Pop in the sports and entertainment worlds. fact that I would enter the ninth grade as not entitled to anything right away, Culture for my “Two Directions” article And there wasn’t too much thought that the president for the Class of 2015. That especially when you haven’t proven from the spring issue of the 2015 Thun- went into it; I just sat down, always had being said, knowing anything. So, it was derbird. Hopefully, next year, this num- something in the back of my mind, and that I would have the defi nitely a surprise ber continues to grow, and Hills East typed away. I would just sit down and opportunity to write when in the Fall 2011 takes home a total in the double digits. type, and whatever appeared on the for the school news- issue of the Thunder- Going online proved not to be a feasible screen was the fi nal product. It wasn’t paper was near the top bird (my fi rst issue on move this year, but hopefully, there is too diffi cult to write about something of the list, if not, at the the staff of the paper), some sort of online circulation of the from the outside world. top. I was there at the I had my own corner. paper come next year. There are a good But how do you start a refl ection on fi rst meeting for the A whole full 2-page number of underclassmen currently on four of the greatest years of your life? 2011-12 school year corner of my con- the staff of the Thunderbird, and while How can you thank every staff member as a freshman… and tent in my fi rst issue, that is good, there is no such thing in that got you to this point, and how can now, here I am, four something that nobody journalism as too many writers and too you acknowledge the past while look- short years later, writ- else on the staff had. many voices. I’d encourage everyone ing forward to the future? It’s tough, and ing a senior refl ection Sure enough, my role with an opinion on anything that you after writing what feels like at least 50 as the paper’s Editor- on the paper grew, go- deem to be important to join. The skills articles for the Thunderbird since 2011, in-Chief. ing from a staff writer learned from writing are invaluable, and it only feels weird that this one feels like To start off, even with tons of articles to when you fi nd your comfort zone and the toughest one to write. though it sounds cli- the sports editor to the your style of expressing a well-informed, It starts at the very beginning, at che and seems like layout editor & sports well-constructed opinion, there aren’t Sunquam Elementary School. After an overdone state- editor to the Editor in too many feelings better than that. Thanksgiving of 2005 in third grade, I, ment, the four years Collin Giuliani doing what he Chief this year. Mrs. And, as a fi nal message to the seniors- along with my fellow classmates, was of high school fl ies by loves to do...write. Davis and Mrs. Dal- enjoy the moment. I didn’t truly enjoy informed that Ms. Breglio, my cur- so fast. It might not ton always supported or appreciate senior year until the fi nal rent third grade teacher at the time, was seem like it now with me, encouraged me APs were taken and until after I made placed on maternity leave and would be the stress of taking tests and the college to write, always gave me the freedom to my decision with regards to which uni- replaced by Ms. Yaqubie. Obviously, application process, but once all of that write in a style that suited me, and were a versity I would be attending. After those it was a bit nerve-wracking to have a dies off and you’ve got the fi nal days of big reason as to why I’m going to study burdens were removed, I began to real- change in teachers in the middle of the high school to enjoy yourself in a rela- sports journalism at High Point Univer- ize how great senior year was. It’s tough school year, especially because Ms. tively stress-free environment academi- sity. Without them, I would not be writ- to look back in the heat of the moment, Breglio was an incredible teacher. How- cally speaking, you begin to realize how ing this senior refl ection today. but now that I’ve had the opportunity ever, when Ms. Yaqubie came in, it got fast everything fl ew by. It only felt like I also have to express my thanks to Dr. to refl ect on the year that was, it was even better. She taught for the fi nal seven a few days ago when I was driving into Woodberry, who has been an approach- truly something special. I’ve made new months of the school year, during which the senior parking lot for the fi rst time, able, supportive principal from day one. friendships, and I’ve done things (such we began to do more writing activities. or when I was helping with the construc- I have not had a perfect standing as Edi- as announcing Hills East baseball games It was there when I fi rst truly discovered tion of the Homecoming fl oat, or when I tor in Chief, and over my four years here, and going to Disney World on a school my passion for writing; when I was writ- was at Hills West for the football playoff whether it was through inexperience or fi eld trip with some of my best friends) ing, I felt like I was in my comfort zone. game between the Colts and our Thun- through a poor choice of words, I have that I never thought were possible; I’ve One year later, SUNews was created derbirds. Realizing that those moments made some inexcusable mistakes. I have build bonds that will last long past high under the direction of Ms. Yaqubie. It were months and months ago, realizing written my fair share of critical and con- school. These next two months are go- was her idea to create a Newspaper Club, that those moments were at a time when troversial articles in the past four years, ing to be a crazy time. It’s going to be a and considering the fact that I loved writ- I didn’t even consider High Point Uni- and I recognize that any article in a time to reunite with friends for one last ing and loved Ms. Yaqubie as a teacher, versity as a serious option for school... it school publication is, in many respects, time, it’s going to be a time of transition, I eagerly joined. Of course, the quality feels weird that in just a few short weeks, a representation of High School East and and it’s going to be a summer of oppor- of the paper wasn’t exactly great (you’re I, along with over 450 of my classmates, the surrounding community. However, tunities. Enjoy the moment responsibly not going to get hard-hitting reporting on will be receiving a diploma. even after times of “crisis” where cost- because it only comes once. When you the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from Now that these four years are almost ly consequences could’ve been called remember high school fi ve or ten years nine year old kids who likely don’t know over, and now that a new yet very ex- upon, Dr. Woodberry did not limit this down the road, you’re likely not going to how many sides a hexagon has), but it citing chapter in our lives is about to freedom of speech. He was always open remember the petty drama from that one felt great to be a part of that club, meet- begin, it’s important to look back on to interviews, and I had the pleasure February during sophomore year, you’re ing once a week on Wednesdays in the the past four years that was. The list of of interviewing him earlier in the year not going to remember the one time you library. Whether it was an online comic, people that made my high school experi- about his vision for the school and the failed an English test, and you’re likely a review of my trip to Disney World, or a ence what it was, from faculty members 2014-15 school year, in a moment that I not going to remember the impossible sports update, it felt nice to know that for to friends, in itself, would be about ten will always remember when I remember quiz that your physics teacher gave. In the fi rst time ever, my opinion truly mat- pages long. However, with regards to the Newspaper Club and my experiences all likelihood, you’re going to remember tered. I stayed in the club until I gradu- newspaper, it starts at the top with Mrs. writing for the Thunderbird. Dr. Wood- the friendships made. Hopefully, each ated in 2008 and was disheartened when Davis and Mrs. Dalton, two people who berry never limited what could be said and every one of you has the opportunity I found out that West Hollow Middle were the advisors of this club during my and used critical mistakes not as ways to to look back on high school fondly. School didn’t have a newspaper club. four years here. Without them, none of punish, but rather as teaching moments. It’s been an honor serving as the Editor There wasn’t that platform that Sun- this would’ve been possible. They gave For his support of the school newspaper, in Chief this year, and it’s been an incred- quam had, and there wasn’t that opportu- me the platform to express myself in an for the way in which he conducts himself ible experience serving on the staff of nity to express my opinions in a written open manner. To be heavily represented daily, and for the way in which he made the Thunderbird for the past four years. manner. Time after time, I advocated for in every single paper was an honor, and Hills East a safe, comforting environ- Congratulations to all of us, the Class of West Hollow to create a school newspa- it always felt rewarding to see my hard ment almost every single day, I am ut- 2015, on a job well done. per, bringing it up with numerous faculty work being rewarded with a full page of terly grateful.

INSIDE Cross Campus Choir Where Is The Class of 2015 HSE Baseball Makes Goes to Disney Going to College? the Quarterfi nals THIS ISSUE Page 2 Pages 8-9 Page 16 [2] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 Junior Prom 2015 E-Factor Raises Money Gibran Boyce For Cancer Research Staff Writer Shelby Gosset In early May, the junior class primped sent every aspect of our school district Lifestyle & Entertainment Editor and cleaned up nicely for Hills East’s squeezed into school buses to make a annual Junior Prom. Junior girls threw less-than-elegant entry to the beautiful On Friday April 24th, High School speech to his mother and showed his on their best cocktail-length dresses and Hamlet Country club to celebrate the East hosted the annual E Factor Talent gratitude for everyone’s participation. heels, while many of the junior boys opt- near-end of our junior year. Competition and Fashion Show for the Owens, a former High School East ed for black suits and ties that perfectly To most, our own junior prom was American Cancer Society. With the as- Student, started this event in response spectacular! A common tradition for sistance of our to his mother’s prom-goers includes “pre-prom,” advisor, Ms. Aull, struggle with where all juniors, dressed to im- Joley Schneider cancer and his press, meet at various homes and and I organized passion for sing- smile and preen as families take the fashion show, ing. pictures worth a thousand memo- while the E- Fac- During the ries. The short bus ride from Hills tor portion of fashion show East to the real party at the Hamlet the evening was portion of the Country Club followed. The night organized by Ki- night, numer- included tons of dancing, food, and eran Geed and ous High School silly photos with friends at the photo Tiffany Coleman. East sopho- booth. For most, it ended either High School mores and ju- with an evening of fun and games East Students niors walked the at Dave and Buster’s, private back- showed off their runway in fabu- matched the color of their dates’ dresses yard bonfires with our closest friends talent with vari- lous outfits. The and accessories. Dress selection has be- that would warm our hearts for years ous singing and show’s theme come a fine art of sorts, as it has now be- to come, or maybe even at home after dancing perfor- Congratulations to the performers of the was search- come commonplace for girls to upload a an exhausting night. However we spent mances. Hosts fourth annual E Factor competion on a ing for a cure. photo of their chosen dress to share with the day, it was a wonderful one that will Sam Barkin and job well done! A big thank their classmates prior to the event. As a remain iconic in the minds of each of us Tiffany Cole- you to Carrie’s result, ten girls aren’t accidentally wear- that attended. It is rite of passage that is man started off Closet and Les- ing each other’s exact “one-of-a-kind” larger than life in our high school years the night with high spirits and a lot ter’s for all of the beautiful outfits pro- style. and provides a taste of the far grander of energy. The show opened with an vided to our models. Few people realize that proms origi- senior prom that will be here in just 12 stunning performance from Brooke Thank you especially to Ms. Aull, nated from debutante balls, where young short months. Duncanson, the E-factor 2014 winner. the stage crew, the HSE Custodial girls in beautiful gowns would Other performances included: Michelle Staff, LDS Church, and Adam Estes! get dressed up for the first Carfagno, Joanne Voyard, Fern Paster- We are so grateful for everyone who time and present themselves nak, Claudia Irrizary, Christina Cooke, attended the E-Factor and donated to suitors in their community. Yolanda Jean-Baptiste, Gary Armyn, to the American Cancer Society. We Today, proms are huge events Caitlyn Allsop, and Adara Mifsud. hope this event will bring us one step that friends confidently attend Bryson Owens, creator of the E- closer to finding a cure! with or without dates, looking Factor event, gave a wonderful tribute photogenic and ready to make amazing memories with their peers. Here at HSE, junior prom is a mass of students that repre- HONOR SOCIETY Cross Campus Takes orlando INDUCTIONS Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Shortly after the plane landed at Or- ney gift shop, the choir returned to Ep- Shelby Gosset lando International Airport, the choir Cot for the evening, staying to enjoy the Lifestyle & Entertainment Editor On May 22nd, members of the Half met their tour guide, Deb, and their fireworks show Illuminations: Reflections Hollow Hills Cross Campus Chamber bus driver, Jose, who would take the of Earth. On Saturday, the Cross Cam- On April 15th, the annual National Honor Choir began a six day tour in Orlando, 43 members of the ensemble, plus the pus Chamber Choir spent the morning at Society induction took place at High School Florida. The Cross Campus Chamber chaperones around the parks. Later Universal Studios before heading over to East. The auditorium was filled with proud Choir is that day, the choir had Saratoga Springs Resort in Disney World parents and relatives cheering on the new m a d e an exchange perfor- for a workshop. At the workshop, Mike, inductees. These 11th graders were inducted up of mance with East River a Disney cast member, led the choir in a due their demonstration of scholarship, lead- the top High School; both medley of songs from The Lion King, in- ership, service, and character. These students singers choirs sang a selection cluding “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” truly embody all of the coveted qualities of a f r o m of their own songs. and “Circle of Life.” After performing the High School East Student. H i l l s For the Cross Campus medley, which the choir had not seen prior During the ceremony, all the names of all East and Chamber Choir, the to the workshop, the medley was recorded of the inductees were announced, and they H i l l s songs performed at and was synced in with the footage from each received a certificate acknowledging the W e s t all three performances the actual movie! Following the work- induction. The current Honor Society Board and re- were “Daemon Ir- shop, the choir finished the day at Dis- Members spoke about the importance of ser- hearses repit Calidus,” selec- ney’s Hollywood Studios. vice in the community and the expectations of e v e r y tions from Songs of On Sunday, the choir spent the entire the new students. The guest speaker, Serena Monday Members of the Cross Campus Chamber Innocence including day at Universal Studios. Following a Kindler, spoke about her organization, The a f t e r Choir stand in front of Spaceship Earth at “Introduction (Pip- group lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, the Friendship Circle, which connects children s c h o o l Disney’s EpCot ing Down the Valleys choir performed their final concert of the with special needs with other children and u n d e r Wild)” and “Laughing tour at the Universal CityWalk stage. The teens in the community. The Friendship Circle the di- Song,” “Pure Imagi- final full day of the trip was spent at the is a fantastic organization with which one can rection of Dr. Danielle McRoy. As a re- nation,” “Umahlalela,” and “Tres Can- Magic Kingdom, where the choir was free be involved. This organization helps children ward for all of their hard work, and as an tos Nativos Dos Indios Krao.” After- to enjoy the entire day at the park. The with special needs spend time with their peers opportunity to represent the Half Hollow wards, the choir ate together at Planet Cross Campus Chamber Choir returned and just have fun! I participate this organiza- Hills community in a positive manner, Hollywood in Downtown Disney, and from their Orlando tour on Tuesday, May tion, and not only am I helping a young boy the Cross Campus Chamber Choir spent spent the night at their hotel just off of 27th, after six unforgettable days full of and my community but I am also changing Memorial Day weekend touring in Or- Disney property, Embassy Suites. making music and memories, creating my perspective on the world around me. lando. The six day tour consisted of three The chamber choir spent Friday new friendships, and having fun. It truly Now that I am a member of the National performances and a workshop; when morning at EpCot before heading off was a magical experience. A special thank Honor Society, I hope that my peers and I the choir wasn’t performing, they were to Downtown Disney for their second you goes out to Dr. McRoy for giving us can continue our service and dedication to enjoying their time in the parks of Walt performance of the tour. After per- all the opportunity to go on this trip and the community. The National Honor Society Disney World and Universal Studios. forming at Downtown Disney at the for making all of this possible! It was an is striving to better the community one step at stage across from the World of Dis- unforgettable experience! a time. HHH High School East Thunderbird [3]

India’s Daughter tence, except for a 17 year old juvenile, Study Tips for Finals who was given just three years of im- Julia Silverman & Olivia Ethe prisonment. Following the rape scan- Maddy Propis & Staff Writers dal, rallies and large protests erupted in Rachel Rosenstein Each chapter has important informa- Delhi, which is referred to as the “rape Staff Writers tion that will be on the exam. There For an extremely long time, India has capital of India.” Men and women were are even practice tests that have ques- had an issue with the crime of rape. In- so angry about the rape that the police Students often face numerous ups tions similar to those often asked on dia is in the top ten of countries with had to get involved to control the pro- and downs while studying for re- exams. There are plenty of review the most incidents of rape. Unfortu- tests which were growing more and gents exams and fi nals. It is not un- books to choose from, and they can nately, most of the attacks go without more out of control on a daily basis. common to hear that when taking on be easily found online or in your local repercussions because of the shame The documentary, released on In- the challenge of studying for many bookstore. these women feel. This topic was ternational Women’s Day (March 8th, exams, one’s social life is over and brought into the public eye with the 2015), caused a lot of controversy in is replaced with endless amounts of 2. Don’t save your studying for the documentary entitled “India’s Daugh- India and was eventually banned, prob- homework and studying. In reality, last minute. ter,” directed by Leslee Udwin. The ably due to the harsh statements made however, these exams are manageable Study a little each night starting now. documentary is based primarily on the by the rapists who were interviewed if students put in a suffi cient amount There is a lot of information on fi nals rape and murder of Jyoti Singh, a 23 while in jail. Another extremely con- of effort and hard work. Through the and regents because they encompass year old medical student whose family troversial subject of this video was the tireless work, review exams, loads an entire year’s worth of material. If gave up all of their money and ancestral statements made by the defense law- of homework, and (sometimes) daily you save all of your studying for the land so that she could get an education. yers of the rapists who justifi ed the ac- quizzes, students are now approaching last minute, you will probably inad- Jyoti’s family members were progres- tions of the men by stating that women the “crunch time” vertently skip some sive thinkers when compared to many should not go out alone at night and within the month important informa- Indian people, who would never give should be protected at all times. This of the June. As the tion, and you won’t up everything to provide their daugh- triggered an angry response from many summer and warm have enough sleep ter with an education. Jyoti was at the people, especially women, who believe weather swings in, before the exam. Put movies with a friend, celebrating the that they do not need a man to guide regents and fi nals in time each night to end of her fi nal exams, and afterwards, them through life and are capable of are right around the review. the two boarded a bus to go home. On living on their own. The documentary is corner! Don’t let the bus were several males who were also extremely descriptive towards the the warm weather 3. Take practice ex- acquainted with each other. These ghastly acts done by the rapists, which cause your motivation to plummet; ams. men are responsible for the gang rape may be hard for some people to watch. study hard to ensure all of your dili- Practice exams have questions that and subsequent beating to the death of “India’s Daughter” may be graphic, but gence will pay off. Many students are written similarly to the questions Jyoti. Jyoti’s friend was also physically it does bring even more attention to have diffi culty studying the necessary asked on fi nals and regents. The ques- abused. After the attack, the men threw the fact of the problem of rape in In- amount and often need great assis- tions will get you used to taking this the women out of the bus, which con- dia and is something that needs more tance throughout the exam prepara- style of test. If the exam includes es- tinued to drive. The six men on the bus attention to help protect women all tion process. says, plan the essays before you begin who contributed to the rape and murder over the world. The documentary can Studying for fi nals and regents is writing them. The information in the were arrested and given the death sen- be found in its entirety on YouTube. very overwhelming and challenging questions will also help you to under- because fi nals and regents require a stand the content better and formulate broad depth of information and high proper responses. level of understanding of the course. Students often have diffi culty man- 4. Pay attention and participate in aging their time and dealing with the class. amount of information needed to un- Paying attention in class at this point derstand for these exams. We have in the year is extremely important. Re- been through the pain of preparing and view materials are occasionally given taking fi nals and regents and would out, and participating helps people to like to share some friendly reminders understand the information better. Thunderbird Staff and tips to ensure that HSE students will achieve high scores above mas- 5. Study with friends. Editor-In-Chief: Collin Giuliani tery level. With a few tips, studying More people results in more facts Layout / Photography Editors: Hillary Schier and Lauren Peller can be more effi cient and much easier being shared in a study group. Each than expected. person should input what he or she Section Editors: Heather Andelsman (News & Op/Ed) knows. The stress from studying can Matt Tisch (Sports) 1. Buy a review book. be relieved when studying with friends Shelby Gosset (Lifestyle/Entertainment) Review books are usually divided into by creating a fun environment to share Lauren Peller (School News ) sections based on chapters of study. information and facts.

Staff Writers: David Bieber, Gibran Caroline Boyce, Jacob Broxmeyer, Andrew Connell, Olivia Ethe, Zach Leff, DECA Goes to States Brooke Megale, Maddy Propis, Rachel Rosenstein, Julia Silverman, and Justin Tisch Andrew Connell Staff Writer Contributors: Larissa Dale In what has become an expected suc- fi nished in second place in extempo- cess, the Hills East chapter of DECA raneous speech. The experienced duo Photographers: Heather Andelsman, Lifetouch, did well once again at the state com- of seniors Alex Blatt and Jesse La- Collin Giuliani, Lauren Peller, Hillary Schier petition in upstate New York. While Fauci fi nished fi rst in the Hospitality the competition took place in upstate category. The national competition for New York, it is a worldwide competi- DECA is in Orlando, Florida, and the Advisors: Mrs. Davis tion that tests participants’ knowledge Hills East qualifi ers are hoping to be Mrs. Dalton on different topics relating to the busi- able to take it to the next level. Jesse ness world. Almost every high school and Alex have qualifi ed before and are EMAIL: [email protected] in New York state was represented at expected to go this year. Club advisor the competition; with roughly 40-60 Mr. Cappiello says, “Even though stu- Disclaimer: participants per event, Hills East did dents have qualifi ed before, it’s tough The Thunderbird hereby states that the opinions within this very well in that they had between to get to that point, and it’s a really publication are those of the writers and do not necessar- 10-21 qualifi ers in one of the largest great accomplishment.” Hills East will ily refl ect those of the staff, administration, or school community. groups the school had ever brought to surely be represented at the national the state level. The team also had some competition, and the entire HSE com- individual stars at the competition, in- munity is proud of what they have al- cluding sophomore Skyler Sands who ready accomplished!

[4] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 ART TEACHERS Baltimore Riots Divide a City TAKE OVER NAHS GALLERY Lauren Peller of the circumstances of Gray’s death, cert. On Friday, May 1st, Mr. Gray’s Layout & School News Editor they demanded answers. What started death was determined a homicide and Larissa Dale out as peaceful the six po- Contributor Recently, there have been a num- protests out- lice officers side the police responsible For the first time in its history at HSE, ber of protests across country con- station and for Gray’s the National Art Honor Society is hosting cerning the violence demonstrated Baltimore City arrest were a gallery exhibit highlighting the work of during police arrests. The headlines Hall, became c h a r g e d the art teachers rather than that of the art detailed the turbulence in Ferguson, more heated with the students. NAHS thought it would be fun to Missouri, after Michael Brown, an after Gray’s fu- crime. The show off the skills of our talented art facul- unarmed black man, was shot and neral on April Baltimore ty. This year’s event will be the first annual killed as he was confronted by a 27th. The riots im- faculty art white police officer. On April 27th, frustration be- p a c t e d show, and more riots exploded in Baltimore gan with kids the sports next spring, resulting in shattered windows and throwing bot- People of Baltimore protested and rioted for world in a NAHS will looting, along with 20 businesses more than a week following the derath of tles and rocks game that open the and 144 cars lit on fire. Furthermore, Freddie Gray. at the police. was the first gallery to 200 people were arrested before the It escalated to and hope- all teachers destruction ended. By early the next the point where the police used tear fully the last of its kind. The Baltimore in the build- day, twenty police officers were re- gas and pepper spray. Unfortunately, Orioles and Chicago White Sox were ing that may ported as being injured and the Na- more people joined in and what started scheduled to play on April 29th, and have a secret talent! For this year’s display, tional Guard was called in to help re- as a protest of police injustice, shifted it was decided that the game should spectators will notice the many vast and store order. The people of Baltimore to looting and destruction. Groups be played in an empty stadium for varying levels of ability and style that ex- were in shock while schools and were seen raging with crowbars as the safety of the people of Baltimore. ist amongst our art department faculty. Ms. some businesses remained closed. they smashed windows and torched Baltimore’s Camden Yards, an iconic Norris, Ms. Mead, and Ms. Godoy work in To try and ensure that everyone businesses and cars. baseball stadium, was eerily quiet a naturalistic style, whereas Ms. Holland, would remain calm, the mayor put Baltimore, also called “Charm and a few die hard fans tried to peer Ms. Nelkin, and Mr. Petrucci have a more a curfew in place from 10 pm to 5 City,” is calling on its citizens to find through the gates to watch their Ori- graphic tendency. As well, Ms. Uttendorfer am. These most recent riots were a way to come together and move for- oles win in a game that didn’t seem and Ms. Diodato showcase their mastery prompted by the arrest of Freddie ward. More recently, local residents to matter that much in the scheme of the camera and darkroom. As a whole, Gray on April 12th when he ran from were seen cleaning up the garbage left of events that had happened just a these teachers contribute greatly to the the police. While he was in police behind and starting to rebuild. On a few days prior. While the riots have success of our art students, so we felt their custody following his arrest, Gray positive note, the Baltimore Sympho- stopped in Baltimore, the aftermath is achievements should be celebrated. This incurred a spinal injury. Tragically, ny Orchestra came out in support of another city torn apart and hoping to spring’s show will be a great way to say he died a few days later on April the residents and performed a free con- rebuild to its former greatness. goodbye to another great year! 19th. When people became aware Fixing FIFA: A Solution In Wake of the Corruption Allegations Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Breaking news: FIFA is corrupt. Anybody of critical votes in FIFA- the vote to award that a state has is equal to every other state. receives the least votes. Every other nation who has followed the sport even somewhat the World Cup and the vote to elect the new There are 100 Senators, with two senators receives a value in between. Under this sys- over the past few years know this to be true, FIFA president. In the first type of election per state. It doesn’t matter whether the state tem, where every confederation has a maxi- as FIFA’s track record has made the IOC look (for the World Cup hosting rights), there has a population of 50 million or 500,000; mum of 34.83 votes in the House of Rep- like saints. are only 22 total votes. One vote makes each state is represented on an equal level. resentatives, there’s balance. A country like However, the 2022 World Cup was the a huge difference. And, because many of This system has worked out pretty well for Germany can have 5.5 votes out of 418 (4.5 moment that got everyone up in arms, includ- these officials are corrupt, their votes were close to 250 years. Maybe a system like that from the House, 1 from the Senate), while ing the United States. Australia or the United bought. Very few, if any, bids are clean. can work in FIFA for voting. a country like Andorra can have 1.02 votes. States would’ve been a perfect choice for the The second type of election is to vote No more voting where only 22 represen- How does this prevent transparency and tournament. Instead, the 2022 World Cup was for the new FIFA president. In that elec- tatives vote for the World Cup. No more bribery? Bribing for one of the 22 votes for awarded to… Qatar. A nation that has never tion, every country receives one vote. voting where there are 209 total votes. In this the FIFA World Cup isn’t too hard, because qualified for any World Cup before. A nation Of the 209 nations in soccer, a candidate new system, everything will be decided by one vote makes a huge difference. However, in the Middle East where women are not al- needs a majority of 105 votes to win and 418 votes. In the FIFA Senate, every nation in every vote from this point on, there would lowed to show any skin. A nation where it is be elected into the presidency. While that receives one vote. It doesn’t matter whether be 418 possible votes- 209 from the House physically impossible to play the World Cup, democratic principle may sound good in or not you’re Brazil or Guyana- you’re get- and 209 from the Senate. It works like the seeing how temperatures reach 120 degrees. theory, it doesn’t work. Why should Ger- ting at least one vote in all matters. In the Electoral College- winner take all (Germany A nation that has basically become a slave many’s vote matter as much as Guam’s? FIFA House of Representatives, it gets a could not use 3 of its votes on Prince Ali and state, where over 2,000 migrant workers have Why should Argentina’s vote matter as little bit more complicated. Simplified, the 2.5 on Sepp Blatter; it would have to use 5.5 died while constructing these venue, and we much as San Marino’s? This means that 209 votes in the House of Representatives on either Prince Ali or Sepp Blatter, for ex- still have over seven years to go before the a candidate only has to focus on bribing will be determined by the country’s stand- ample). Would it truly be worth it to bribe tournament even begins. Africa and Asia, which comprises half of ing in the FIFA ranking. This gives the big- for 5.5 out of 418 votes? It’s a huge risk, How did this nation get the World Cup? the countries in FIFA. The smaller nations ger countries more power than the smaller because the odds of those 5.5 votes being Surely, it couldn’t have been fair and square. such as Barbados and Myanmar don’t countries, as it should be. There’s something the ultimate deciding factor are slim, and the Surely there had to be some sort of bribery to have the resources and infrastructure that fundamentally wrong with the system when odds of getting caught are high. Not worth get the bid (because could any bid be taken countries such as France and even the Armenia’s vote means as much as Italy’s the risk anymore, because the influence of seriously that included technology to con- United States do. While the bigger nations vote. This House of Representatives-esque one country’s vote, big or small, is limited. trol the weather via portable clouds?). Since genuinely vote for the better candidate, the system changes that. Maybe this is the right system, and December 2, 2010, I, alongside many soccer smaller nations go for the money… and Formatically speaking, how would it maybe it isn’t. However, something must fans, have been convinced that FIFA is cor- the cycle of corruption continues, no mat- work? Well, there are 209 nations, so this be done to prevent the beautiful game from rupt/ And, after four and a half years, every- ter who the president is. means that there are 209 possible votes in being destroyed, and it starts with the pro- thing blew up, when fourteen officials from What’s my solution? It’s a system that’s the House of Representatives. There are cess of the vote. Who knows what happens FIFA were arrested right before the FIFA modeled after the government of the Unit- six confederations in FIFA, which are orga- from this point on? Sepp Blatter just recent- presidential election. The CONCACAF of- ed States in the Senate and in the House nized geographically- CONCACAF (North ly resigned, and the next FIFA presidential fices in Miami were raided by the FBI, and of Representatives. For those unfamiliar America, Central America & the Carib- election will be held sometime between De- many top level FIFA officials and executives with US government, there are two parts bean), CONMEBOL (South America), cember and March of 2016. At this point, all were arrested in both the United States and of the legislative branch. In the House of UEFA (Europe), CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia) of the dominoes are falling… but once the Switzerland. The reaction by many wasn’t Representatives, the amount of represen- and OFC (Oceania). When you divide 209 dominoes stop falling, we’re still left with one of shock that FIFA was corrupt, but rather, tatives that a state has is proportional to by six, you get 34.83. Each of the six con- a broken system. We’re still left with a sys- one of shock that the FBI actually was able to its population. California has more rep- federations would receive 34.83 votes in tem that encourages corruption. Whatever capture these corrupt officials. It’s about time, resentatives in the House of Representa- the House of Representatives. The top na- the solution may be, the reform needs to and FIFA is in danger right now. tives than Wyoming, and Texas has more tion of the confederation receives the most be done quickly and swiftly. No longer can The problem right now with FIFA stems representatives than Hawaii. However, in votes (and yes, it can be a decimal number), FIFA go on like this. It’s time for a change... from the voting system. There are two types the Senate, the amount of representatives while the bottom nation of the confederation and it starts now. HHH High School East Thunderbird [5] From ABC’s to A2+B2=C2: When Academic Pressure Comes to Kindergarten Gibran Boyce of a particular subject early on in their educa- may miss the proper development of some of to little children than teens and adults. One Staff Writer tion. However, as with any skill that goes un- these early “twigs”, which can compromise cannot help but wonder if the emphasis practiced, children’s intellectual curiosity and learning later as other knowledge fails to find many middle and high schools place on rote With the Class of 2015 graduating soon, critical thinking skills can diminish or remain the foundation to grow from. Bottom line – memorization and standardized testing takes most graduates are probably recalling their underdeveloped if not cultivated throughout allow kids to be kids so some of that early free a toll on intellectual curiosity. Students have first year of elementary school and their aca- their early learning years. learning can successfully happen. become so pressured that it is not unusual to demic journey over the past 13 years. I, too, As students step into middle school and For over a decade now, the United States has find students willing to take easier courses recall the good old kindergarten days of play- standardized testing gradually becomes tried tirelessly to break away from their poor that protect their higher grade point averages ing with dolls, chasing my friends outdoors more prevalent, students feel pressured to ranking in education as fast as possible. As of as opposed to challenging courses that help until we were all exhausted, writing stories memorize the series of facts needed to pass 2012, the United States ranked 20th among them develop critical thinking skills and gain that had no endings, and reading books like the tests. The result is a definite shift from 34 OECD (Organization for Economic Co- a deeper understanding for a subject. “No, David!” by David Shannon over and creative thinking to rote memorization. Many operation and Development) countries and The problems we are seeing arise in educa- over again until all the words became hard- researchers believe that this contributes to a 28th overall in the sciences, as well as 27th tion today in the United States are not because wired in my brain. Time flies, and by this growing trend of students progressively los- out of 34 OECD countries and 36th out of 65 we lack the desire to get ahead of other coun- time next year, my peers and I, too, will be in ing some of their intellectual curiosity. There overall in mathematics. Much of the “solu- tries in academic rankings. It is more likely the seniors’ shoes, representing newly found seems to be a shortage of time to think deeply tions” the U.S. has created in an attempt to due to our lack of understanding of the toll collegiate homes with sweatshirts and car about new material and create ideas from that catch up with other countries has proven to that rushed early learning, rote memorization, stickers galore and getting fitted for our caps base of thought. It begs the question, are we be only temporary fixes. Not only does it not and excessive standardized testing are having and gowns. sacrificing true intellectual growth for rote make any significant jump in U.S. ranking on students. Further, until we close the edu- Admittedly, I sometimes wish I could return knowledge retention? What is most interest- academically, but there has also been a wid- cational achievement gap we have between to those days where life seemed so much ing is that despite a culture of increased test- ening in the education gap within the United communities, we cannot progress as a na- simpler. The days that David Kohn stated ing, according to Kohn and most researchers, States based on social factors such as wealth tion and be competitive on a world academic in his recent article in the New York Times “American educational achievement lags be- and race. stage. Many researchers argue that excessive as being quickly disappearing, replaced by hind that of other countries,” while countries According to Kohn, “In many schools, for- testing, including those that are part of Com- “teacher-led, didactic instruction” of formal like Finland and Estonia that don’t start com- mal education now starts at age 4 or 5. With- mon Core goals, could widen the education education that “now starts at age 4 or 5.” As pulsory elementary education until the age of out this early start, the thinking goes, kids risk gap, diminish intellectual curiosity, and places I reminisce on these times, I realize now that 7 still rank higher than the United States in falling behind in crucial subjects such as read- too much emphasis on only one component kindergarten was more than just 1, 2, 3’s and math, science, and reading. ing and math and may never catch up. The of knowledge and intellectual growth. A, B, C’s. We were also being taught how to In a study by Dr. Rita Smilkstein, the re- idea seems obvious: Starting sooner means If we are to progress as a nation and become independently think and problem-solve. We searcher identified the Natural Learning Stag- learning more; the early bird catches the more academically competitive worldwide, were learning how to use our imagination to es we go through and how our brain actually worm. But a growing group of scientists, ed- we must reexamine how we are developing create solutions, from being an “architect” learns: ucation researchers, and educators say there the academic strengths and talents of all chil- creating a city out of wooden blocks to the is little evidence that this approach improves dren, independent of their social status, and informal education like our class-wide eco- Stage 1: Motivation - Watching an instructor; long-term achievement; in fact, it may have how and when we are introducing core sub- nomic system to trade silly erasers and Silly- instructor showing interest. the opposite effect, potentially slowing emo- ject matter to children. Play time should not Bandz. Unfortunately, however, as we grew Stage 2: Start to Practice - Practice; trial and tional and cognitive development, causing be replaced by test time in the very young. older and moved on to new grades with new error; ask questions. unnecessary stress and perhaps even souring It may mean that we need to come up with teachers and a more challenging curriculum, Stage 3: Advanced Practice - Practice les- kids’ desire to learn.” new measures of excellence and learn how to Kohn believes that there was also a reduc- sons; gain confidence. In a study by Dr. Sebastian P. Suggate, pub- reduce our reliance on standardized testing as tion in curiosity and imagination replaced by Stage 4: Skillfulness - Some success; enjoy- lished in 2012, he looked at a group of 83 stu- the only criteria for foreshadowing success. If more high-stakes testing. ment. dents over several years and found that those we fail in these objectives, we may also fail to The freedom we had as children to develop Stage 5: Refinement - Improvement. who started school at age 5 had lower reading cultivate the leaders of tomorrow and forever and hone intellectual curiosity or be pushed Stage 6: Mastery - Able to teach it; recogni- comprehension than those who began a for- lose those wonderful days of Silly-Bandz and by teachers to unearth answers ourselves, as tion; higher challenges. mal education at a later age. Kohn discussed silly play to yet another test date. opposed to being told what the answer is, has this in his New York Times article, as a reason been suppressed by excessive testing, earlier So if optimum learning relies on prior learn- why the problem isn’t simply about starting introduction of challenging material, required ing, Dr. Smilkstein explains that it is like twigs kids on formal education at younger and Kybella: The Next rote memorization, and a more rigid curricu- on a tree needing one branch to sprout the next younger ages. lum. Students learn how to create or discover branch. The fear is that if we force accelerated Intellectual curiosity is an invaluable asset. Big Thing? answers and grasp a genuine understanding learning down to lower and lower grades, we It is also a trait that comes more naturally Lauren Peller The Cost Comes Before College: Test Taking Layout & School News Editor Kybella may be the newest answer for the Shelby Gosset Entertainment Editor vexing double chin that appears in pictures and reminds people of the reality of aging. Going to college is one of the most ex- take a required exam. $91. Even though this cost does not According to the FDA, this injection is tar- pensive decisions that one will make in In addition to the cost of taking the compare to the expenses of college, this geted for those who have “moderate to severe his or her life. Let’s face it - your parents test, a large investment is made in pre- adds up. For those high school students chin fat.” It has the power to destroy fat cells, started saving for this moment the day paring for these tests. Students who love these challenging courses, it but it is considered dangerous when injected you were born. Still, you end up taking may have a pri- comes with a price. anywhere else in the body. The medical term out thousands of dollars in student loans vate tutor or These driven students may also want that you will be paying back for the rest sign up for a to take SAT II Subject Tests. These ex- for this chin fat that produces a double chin is of your life. It’s not secret that college is class to pre- ams test your knowledge in a particu- “submental fat.” Surveys have indicated that a significant investment that takes hours pare; they lar subject, such as biology, chemistry, chin and neck fat are a top concern of people of preparation, hard work, and decision mathematics, and US history. These who feel that they look older than they are. making; However, before college even exams are not requested by all colleges; In the past, the only option for getting rid of begins, thousands of dollars are spent m a y however, many top-ranked schools re- chin fat was to undergo surgery. Since 2007, simply to get into and apply to college. also pur- quire them. They also are a good way dermatologist drug trials have shown that this From ACTs, SATs and AP exams, the chase books to demonstrate your skill and passion in noninvasive option has excellent results. This road to college is a costly journey. containing a particular area. The SAT II costs $26 treatment will not require bandages, and it will In order to apply to most colleges, the informa- dollars for the first two exams, and $16 incur only minimal down time for the patient. you are required to send an ACT or tion they need to learn, tips for taking the for each additional exam. Even though SAT score. Most schools require one of test, and practice exams. These books AP exams and SAT II subject tests are Common side effects of Kybella are swelling, these tests to evaluate your intelligence may cost anywhere from $10-$40 de- not required, they are still additional ex- bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and hard- in a way other than your grades. Even pending on the company and the place penses and hurdles faced when attempt- ness around the treatment site. On the nega- though these tests are required, their where the book is being sold. All of ing to rise to the top. tive side, it may take up to 50 injections in a costs are somewhat steep: the ACT costs these additional fees for preparation for Despite the fact that most of these single sitting and possibly up to six treatments $38 without the writing part ($54.50 the ACT and SAT can add up to thou- tests offer fee waivers in some cases, to produce an improvement. The release of with), and the SAT costs $52.50. Both of sands of dollars. they are not available to all students. this drug is accompanied with a stern warn- these exams also have charges for sign- In addition to the basics standardized They are only applicable to low income ing about the dangers of using it in areas of the ing up late, changing your testing cen- tests, many students are also enrolled in students, but even if you can receive the body that are not approved; treatment should ter, and receiving your test in the mail, AP courses in high school in order to fee waiver, it may not cover the entire be provided by a licensed health care profes- as well as an additional fee if you send receive college credits and demonstrate cost of the exam your score to more than four schools. their willingness to challenge them- Saving for college seems to always sional who discloses the associated risks. Some students may take both the SAT selves. In order to gain these college be on people’s minds, but maybe they Over 2,600 patients were involved in these and ACT multiple times. The costs can credits, you must achieve a certain score should consider saving for high-school studies, and the FDA estimates that it will be add up to in excess of $500 to simply on the AP exam. Each AP exam costs and college prep expenses too! commercially available this summer. [6] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 Adventureland Hits Some Turbulence Pitch Perfect 2 Collin Giuliani Yes. When it’s all said and done, it’s going to family entertainment centers. If we were going Hits a High Note Editor-In-Chief be about $5 million, which includes all of the to go bigger, I’m not sure in which direction we marketing and all of the advertising. I think what would go, because we are limited. The benefits Emily Disman, Alexa Grill Brand new for 2015, replacing the iconic Turbulence means is invaluable. It’s a brand of staying the size that we are is what we can do & Jamie Siegmann Hurricane Coaster that’s stood at Adventure- new ride. In the amusement park industry, it’s internally. We take a lot of pride in how the park Staff Writers land since 1991, is Turbulence, Long Island’s not that common for a park of our size to put in a is landscaped and how we can create a park at- first spinning roller coaster. Reaching speeds $5 million coaster. They usually try to stay small, mosphere that’s different from the industrial The Bellas are back! Pitch Perfect 2 is of up to 40 miles per hour, the coaster is sure to and this is the first time that we had a custom ride atmosphere of Route 110. We’re pretty satisfied an experience of new characters, new song generate a lot of excitement for fans of the park. built directly from the factory to us in the foot- with where we are, and if we can add rides like mashups, and new competition. When the In preparation for the opening of the Turbulence, that would be great. musical comedy came out in theaters on May new coaster, I spoke with Caitlin DiS- 15, many teens and parents rushed to see it. calafani, a manager at Adventureland, Because the park is landlocked, Anna Kendrick (Beca Mitchell), Rebel Wil- about Turbulence and about the park when you add a ride, it often results son (Fat Amy) and Brittany Snow (Chloe) are in general. in the removal of another. Which back in this sequel and all play a huge role in swap would you consider to be the helping the Bellas work together to redeem Why did you build Turbulence? most successful? themselves from their Lincoln Center perfor- We had the Hurricane coaster for Turbulence remains to be seen, be- mance, where they embarrassed themselves about 23 years, and I know that the cause it’s not open yet. We moved the in front of the President. Despite the presence process of them deciding what ride to train station from the restaurant patio of many old characters, the Bellas have many get started about three years ago. Steve to a more centralized location, and new faces as well, including Hailee Steinfeld and his family went to Knott’s Berry that’s been pretty successful. But, Tur- as Emily, a new girl who joins the Bellas as a Farm in California, and they have a sim- Turbulence, the most expensive ride in the history bulence might dwarf that comparison legacy member. New competition is around ilar roller coaster built by Mack Rides; of Adventureland, is now open for 2015. when it opens. when the Bellas have to compete against their they’re the company in Germany that German rivals, Das Sound Machine, in order made this ride (Turbulence). When they decided print of the Hurricane. It’s very exciting for us, What are some of the challenges of having a to regain their status. This movie has many that they should get a new roller coaster to keep and obviously, management took a lot of time landlocked park? parts that resemble the original, with funny things updated, they decided to ride the spinning and energy in putting the whole thing together. The challenges are that you have to be creative. characters and catchy new songs. We think roller coaster to see if it would fit their park, and I don’t think that there was an opportunity to that the songs from Pitch Perfect are more it was a good fit. Besides the opening of this ride, is there any- make Adventureland a three roller coaster park fun to sing along to, but the storyline is bet- thing else special planned for 2015? at this point, although it may arise in the future. ter in Pitch Perfect 2. This movie made over Why was the name Turbulence one of the We did redo the inside of the Haunted House. You always have to be able to create it with park- $50 million in its first weekend alone, prov- five finalists for the naming contest, alongside There’s new animatronics in there, and there are ing, which I’ve think we’ve done a pretty good ing how highly anticipated the movie was to Boomerang, Rotator, Jester, and Mantis? new rooms decorated. We’ve had that haunted job at. People are always looking for more water see. Pitch Perfect 2 was very funny and well How decisive was the vote in choosing the house since 2005, so we didn’t change the out- rides, and that’s a challenge, too - trying to find thought out, and is definitely worth seeing! name, and how many people voted? side, but we did change the inside. It’s themed this balance. When we selected the five names to choose along the lines of the classic haunted houses from, we did a little homework. We talked such as those in Frankenstein. Are there any other attractions that will like- Jams at amongst the staff, and Turbulence was a favorite ly be added or removed in the coming years? Jones Beach right off of the bat because it fit with the same Why did Turbulence replace the Hurricane? We got a new midway game last year, so I think theme as the Hurricane as a weather related The Hurricane was 23 years old, and it was we’d update some of the new kiddie games in Collin Giuliani term. During the contest, we had about 3,000 time for a change. Turbulence has completely the near future. We also got two new kiddie rides Editor-In-Chief people participate, and Turbulence was the changed that whole midway. You can see it last year, but other than that, I don’t think so. Every summer, some of the hottest con- overwhelming majority, getting more than half from Target and Route 110; it looks completely certs on Long Island happen at Nikon at of the votes. different. While it was bittersweet [to take out the What has been your most memorable expe- Jones Beach Theater. What are some of the Hurricane] since it was the coaster that I’ve rid- rience while working at the park, and what concerts there to watch out for this year? How do you expect attendance to change den since I was a child, I think it was necessary to is your personal favorite ride/thing about the with the opening of this ride? make Turbulence the feature of the park. park? BLI Summer Jam (6/13): Nick Jonas is We do expect an increase in attendance. Studies I started working at the park when I was in the headliner for this annual concert, and have shown that the attendance does increase Were there any thoughts about taking down high school. My favorite thing was that I got if his performance at the 2015 Billboard over the first five years of having a new attrac- a different ride and having three coasters in- to do something different every day, even now. Music Awards was any indication, then the tion. We think it’s going to be a big hit for the stead? Different things happen every day. My most “Jealous” and “Chains” singer will put on families, especially because we lowered the No other area in the park would’ve allowed us memorable experience is going to be riding a really good show. The rest of the lineup height requirement (44”) [Note: The height re- to have the kind of flexibility that we needed. Turbulence. I like roller coasters, and I’ve never consists of Walk The Moon, Flo Rida, quirement to ride the Hurricane was 48”, four With the Hurricane, the line was right in front of been on a spinning roller coaster before, so I’m Carly Rae Jepsen, Charlie XCX, Tove Lo, inches taller than the height requirement to ride the Hurricane. With Turbulence, the line wraps saving my favorite moment for riding this one. Echosmith, Natalie La Rose, R5, and the Turbulence]. People are going to want to bring in front of the ride. We didn’t want to put it in I’ve watched Turbulence be built from the Nick Tangorra Band. their kids here because they can now ride both Kiddie Land because the Ferris Wheel and the ground up, and it’s pretty daunting to go to work the Ladybug and Turbulence. swings are the main attractions there. On the every day and see a roller coaster come together, Train/The Fray/Matt Nathanson (6/16): back end, we have the log flume and the pirate so I’m excited for that. Pat Monahan is a surprisingly good singer, What have you done in terms of advertising ship, so it wouldn’t fit anywhere else. Having the as evidenced by his stellar concert at Radio and promoting the new ride? two roller coasters right next to each other is a Where do you expect to see Adventureland City last September, where he closed the We have been active on our Instagram, Twit- good fit. and Turbulence in five years time? show with an incredible cover of “Dream ter, and Facebook. Over the winter, when we I hope that we continue to strengthen our reputa- On.” The band is back to perform songs off took down the Hurricane, we made a timelapse What was the initial reaction to the taking tion as a family amusement park. I think there of their latest album, Bulletproof Picasso, video of them taking the Hurricane down, and down of the Hurricane/building Turbulence, are still families on Long Island, even in the tri- along with their signature hits of the past, we had a camera set on the construction of Tur- and how has this reaction changed since state area and Connecticut, that aren’t too famil- including “Drops of Jupiter” and “Hey Soul bulence as well. We’ve also been reaching out then, if any? iar with our park, and I think that Adventureland Sister.” through our email blasts and through our ads on We announced on August 14th, National Roller is the perfect place for families to come and the radio, as well as some print and some TV. Coaster Day, that we’d be saying goodbye to make plenty of memories. 5 Seconds of Summer (9/1, 9/2): The final the Hurricane and saying hello to the new roller concert this year at Jones Beach is set to What are some challenges of opening up a coaster. A lot of people were disappointed at first Anything else you’d like to say about the be the loudest, as the Australian pop rock brand new attraction, especially one of this because a lot of people shared their memories of park? band will be performing for two nights in size and magnitude? the Hurricane. It was great for the staff to know Yes. We recently started a non-profit organiza- early September. “She Looks So Perfect” Weather set us back quite a bit because we that our ride, which is something that we see tion called the Helping Hands Foundation. I and “Amnesia” were their two biggest hits poured a whole new foundation for this ride. every day, meant so much to so many people. hope that our organization can blossom and from 2014, with the former being one of the Because the weather was so bad, it held up the When we announced the new roller coaster and give back to the community, including schol- songs of the summer. Tickets will be hard entire process of getting all of the pieces here what it was going to be, people became more arship money to local schools. And, of course, to come by, as this concert has been on the from Germany and putting it together. On top excited and now want to make new memories we’re definitely looking forward to Turbulence schedule for more than a year now, but for of that, it’s all of the little things, like putting the on this coaster. opening. fans of the band that got tickets, it should landscape together. be a good concert, especially if the band re- Hypothetically, if you were to expand the Turbulence opened to the public on May leases any new material before their second Is this the most expensive attraction in Ad- park, where would it be to? Have there been 22nd, and will remain open for the 2015 sea- album likely drops at the end of the year. ventureland history? Do you have a ballpark any discussions about expansion? son. Please visit www.adventureland.us for range as to what it cost to build Turbulence? Right now, we’re classified as a mid-sized fam- more information about the roller coaster and For more information on tickets and future Do you think that this expensive price tag is ily amusement park. Smaller parks than us who other pertinent information about Long Island’s concerts, visit jonesbeach.com. worth the risk? don’t have the selection of rides that we have are Amusement Park - Adventureland! HHH High School East Thunderbird [7] Aca-rrific? A Review of Pitch Perfect 2 (Spoiler Alert) Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief tion on what the sequel would be once the writers pretty much left themselves and had awkward camera angles that were it was announced that there would be a in a hole if they do decide to do a Pitch more fitting for a music video than for a I’m warning you now - if you want to sequel. The prediction went something Perfect 3 (which, let’s be honest, is prob- movie with a budget of roughly $30 mil- see a review of Pitch Perfect 2 without like this: the Barden Bellas would be on ably going to happen; just slapping a new lion. knowing anything about the plot, then top of their game at the start of the movie. number on the Pitch Perfect franchise is a All that aside, I still liked Pitch Perfect don’t read this. This review contains many Beca (Anna Kendrick) would get an of- guaranteed $150 million at the box office 2, even if it wasn’t as good as the origi- spoilers. However, let’s suppose you saw fer from a record studio company to be a automatically). If it stays at Barden Uni- nal. The highlights were so good that they the movie in the first DJ; she would then have versity and focuses on the Barden Bellas, made up for the flaws of the movie, even month of its release. to choose between the then Emily is the only returning member, if the flaws were critical flaws. Everything You’re not deciding record company and as the rest of the Bellas have graduated. about the retreat scene was great; the se- whether or not to go the Barden Bellas. She Emily is a pretty boring character. You rious moments were a telling indication to it; you’ve already would join the record could build Pitch Perfect 3 with Beca as about being scared to enter the open world spent the $20 on mov- company and then the star, and you could certainly do it with (and it hit me, especially as a graduating ie tickets and food, return to the Barden Fat Amy as the star. You can’t do it with senior), and the funny moments (espe- you’ve already went Bellas in unexpected Emily as the star, and long-term thinking, cially with the bear traps and with the one to the theaters even fashion for the cham- it was probably not the greatest idea in the member of the Bellas fearing deportation) though the movie isn’t pionships, which the world to dismantle the Bellas with every- were hysterical. Unlike the cameos in showing at Multiplex Bellas would, unsur- one graduating. The writers would’ve left “Bad Blood,” which just felt like cameos Cinemas at the Airport prisingly, win. I’ve got themselves with much more freedom for for the sake of cameos (even in a movie Plaza in Farmingdale people and tweets to the future if half of the group were seniors review, I criticize Taylor Swift), the celeb- for some inexplicable back me up on this pre- and half were juniors and the group was rity cameos in this movie were really well reason, and you’ve al- diction. the two time defending national a cappella done. As a football fan, seeing the Green ready seen the movie And, two and a half champions instead of three time defending Bay Packers (who weren’t actually that in its entirety… and years later, the predic- champions. But...that’s another story for bad as an a cappella group) sing a cap- you want an in depth tion was 95% on the another day. pella was funny, the premise of the Snoop review of what you money. The Bellas What about the music? This was a Dogg Christmas album was well done just saw. This is the place. Again, THIS were on top of their game at the start of the mixed bag for me. Truth be told, the ar- (and hysterical to think about), and the REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. If movie, as they were the three time defend- rangements by the Barden Bellas weren’t best performance in the entire movie was you have not seen the movie, this is your ing champions. Beca got the offer from the that great. They felt like just a random probably done by Keegan Michael-Key last chance to turn back before the entire record studio company and had to make mish-mosh of songs that had no purpose from Key & Peele, who played a PG ver- plot is revealed. Still reading? Then I’m the decision between the record company whatsoever. Some might say that this was sion of his character from the hit show on assuming you saw the movie. I already and the Barden Bellas. While she didn’t intentional because in the first two thirds Comedy Central in his role as the record gave anyone who hasn’t seen the movie a leave the Bellas, she came awfully close of the movie, the Bellas forgot what their executive. He delivered funny line after fair warning, so the Thunderbird assumes at the retreat and probably would’ve if it sound was. If that was true, then why was funny line in his ambushing of Dax, and no responsibility past this point for anyone wasn’t for a bear trap. And, she was with “Timber” in a setlist with “Flashlight” at when it was time to be serious, he was se- who is reading, but hasn’t seen the movie. the Bellas at the championships, which the world championships? It felt weird. rious while staying true to his personality. Now that that’s out of the way, what is they won. For the most part, the movie Nothing in his role felt my honest take on Pitch Perfect 2? Well, played out exactly as my prediction did. forced or un-genuine. let’s start at the very beginning with the You shouldn’t be able to do that. Sure, you Better yet, the entire very first Pitch Perfect. The first movie can take a guess on what the main idea will cast stayed true to holds a special place in my heart, because be, but to predict the entire plot almost to themselves. There not only was I in an a cappella group for a tee? It just felt like two hours of going was no scene from ten months prior to this (The B’Tones), through everything that I already knew Pitch Perfect 2 where but also because I saw this movie during was going to happen two and a half years a character who was the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I viv- ago. Everything else about the movie was in the original movie idly remember driving to the movie the- also extremely predictable, from the final did something that ater on that Saturday night that I saw Pitch song (it had to be “Flashlight”) to the re- was uncharacteristic Perfect for the first time, seeing the lines lationships made to the Bellas winning of them. In addition of cars for gas that seemed neverending, the world championships. There were no to plot continuation, and seeing parts of Long Island in destruc- twists whatsoever, and every plot line, if there was character tion; this was followed by me meeting up it wasn’t predicted before the movie hap- continuation, and with friends, many of whom I hadn’t seen pened, could’ve been predicted within the The Barden Bellas performing in the world champi- that’s a very good or heard from since the hurricane (I only first ten minutes of the movie. onships at the end of Pitch Perfect 2. thing. And the jokes got power back the day before, and to be While the main plots centered around were funny; I thought without power for over four days, while the Barden Bellas winning the competi- I’d put every arrangement that the Bellas the announcers weren’t as good as they painful, is fortunate considering what tion and Beca’s struggle of managing the did in this movie behind anything from the were in the original movie, but the recur- could’ve been). I, alongside with some record company with the group, there were original movie. However, “Flashlight,” ring joke of Beca not being able to say of my closest friends, sat in that movie other side plots going on, most notably, while it is a generic, four-chord song, is anything negative about Das Sound Ma- theater at Tanger Outlets at Deer Park to the two other relationships. Say what you a really good song with a good message. chine was well done and felt appropriate, watch Pitch Perfect, and it was a great want about Pitch Perfect, but Beca and Jessie J is singing the pop version, and and Chrissie Fit, who played Florence healing moment. It was a sense of normal- Jesse had a chemistry between them. They it’s likely to get on the radio (her version, “Flo” Fuentes (the Guatemalan member cy for the first time in what felt like ages, did things together, they spoke to each while it wouldn’t suit the movie whatso- of the Barden Bellas), had something and on top of that, the movie in itself was other, they hung out in each other’s rooms; ever, is ten times better for radio than the funny to say (almost playing the role of very good. It was the emergence of Anna even though predicting them as a couple versions of the song made in the movie). If Debbie Downer) just about every time she Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, the a cappel- was as obvious as predicting the sun to rise it was negative for the most part, then why opened up her mouth. la arrangements were incredible (some of in the east and set in the west on any given is it only a mixed bag? Because every time How would I rate Pitch Perfect 2? I’d which inspired me in my own arranging day, there was something there between Das Sound Machine came on, I was blown give it 2.5 stars out of 4. If you liked the for my a cappella group), and while the them. In Pitch Perfect 2, however, the two away. Their arrangements were better than original movie, then you’ll like the sequel, movie was predictable, it was hysterical. new relationships formed were built for every arrangement in Pitch Perfect, and as there were some really funny moments, Pitch Perfect 2, on the other hand? It the sole purpose of fulfilling a plot, as there their arrangement of “Uprising” at the and the characters remain likeable and was… good. That’s about as far as I’ll go was zero chemistry between them. Fat auto show gave me goosebumps when I relatable enough. That being said, would with praising the movie. It’s not going to Amy seemed annoyed every time Bumper saw it for the first time. Unfortunately, Das I watch Pitch Perfect 2 a second time in win any Academy Awards, Rebel Wilson spoke to her, and Benji spoke, maybe, two Sound Machine is not a real thing as they theaters by myself? Probably not. There isn’t going to be walking away with an Os- lines of comprehensible English to Emily. were created solely for the movie, but I wasn’t a lot of repeat value to the movie. car, it’s not going to be remembered as one That constitutes as the grounds to establish would listen to them sing every day of the The plot was predictable the entire way of the greatest movies of 2015 (although it a relationship on? Sure, Beca and Jesse’s week if I could. My other complaint with throughout, and some things occurred in probably will be one of, if not, the high- relationship in the first movie was forced, the music was that, at times, there was too the movie (the two relationships, the Bel- est grossing movies of the year), and it’s but at least there was something there. much. It slowed down to a much more las getting suspended for an entire year for not going to be critically acclaimed twenty There was nothing there in either of the reasonable pace in the second half of the an accident) that just didn’t make sense years down the road like Toy Story still is two new relationships. film, but in the first half, I felt as though from the get-go. It was a solid movie, and today. Don’t get me wrong; it was good, There was nothing wrong with Emily I was bombarded with pointless pop song for a sequel, it could’ve been a lot worse. and I’ll get to the good stuff later. But there throughout the movie; Hailee Steinfeld after pointless pop song after pointless per- Was it as good as the original, though? Not was a lot to not like about this movie. actually gave a pretty good performance formance. The pacing felt like too much really. This movie was aca-good… but I Two and a half years ago, when the first in that role, even though it’s not going to at times, especially in the pointless party wouldn’t go much higher than that in my Pitch Perfect came out, I made a predic- be lauded anytime soon. That being said, scene, which didn’t advance the plot at all final praises. [8] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 what are the plans of our graduating seniors? Compiled by: Heather Andelsman and Hillary Schier

chenbaum, Melissa: University of Wisconsin Fishbein, Ryan: University of Texas at Austin AAckerson, Lexie: Ohio State University Forelli, Matt: Villanova University Aguilar, Marcus: University of San Francisco Francis, Sydney: Auburn University Ahangari, Joey: Farmingdale State College Frank, Emily: Hofstra University Akams, Ijeoma: University at Buffalo Freiberger, Noah: Indiana University Alabre, Jonathan: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Ed. Altemi-Bouzi, Adonhai: St. John’s University Andelsman, Heather: Tulane University Ayaz, Harris: City College of New York “Seize the moment and take ad- Azus, Jake: University of Maryland vantage of any opportunity you altrusitis, Michelle: Emory University can get.” -Adonhai Altema-Bouzi BBanahan, Sean: Hofstra University Barrios, Stephanie: University of North Florida Bear, Nathaniel: Eastman School of Music Bellero, Christina: St John’s University Berland, Grant: Yale University allego, Sabrina: Georgia Tech University Berman, Hunter: Tulane University GGange, Alexandra: University of Miami Bjelke, Nick: Stony Brook University Gaubert, Sybelle: Sacred Heart University Blass, Griffin: Syracuse University Gelman, Alanna: SUNY Oneonta Borg, Nolan: University of South Carolina Gerber, Marielle: University of Maryland- College Park Bottenus, Mary Cate: Long Island University Gershman, Melanie: University of Miami Braunstein, Amanda: University of Wisconsin Gershowitz, Mallorie: Hofstra University Breakstone, Carly: University of Michigan Gershowitz, Jared: Indiana University Bruno, Matthew: Binghamton University Gerson, Rachel: SUNY Geneseo aen, Jonathan: Cornell University Giuliani, Collin: High Point University CCajas, Gabrielle: Syracuse University Glasser, Eric: Stony Brook University Calma, Anna Maria: SUNY Purchase Golan, Eitan: Binghamton University Carfagno, Melissa: Miami University Golan, Yael: NYU Carfagno, Michelle: Cornell University Goldberg, Jacob: Washington University in St. Louis Cavanagh, Riley: Binghamton University Goldberg, Nicole: University of Delaware Chen, Angeline: Stony Brook University Goldsmith, Howard: Stony Brook University Chen, Judy: Cornell University Goldstein, Zachary: Brown University Chin, Wesley: Boston University Goodman, Andie: University of Virginia Chironis, Stavros: Bryant University Gordin, James: Binghamton University Chizner, Alli: Binghamton University Gosule, Jamie: Indiana University Chizner, Jaclyn: Binghamton University Gosule, Jennifer: Binghamton University Choudhry, Aisha: Albany Coll. of Pharm & Health Sciences Gottesman, Noah: University at Buffalo Chung, Nicole: Binghamton University Greco, Nicole: Syracuse University Clark, Elijah: University of Pittsburgh Greenbaum, Casey: University of Michigan Cohen, Alex: University at Buffalo Grosvalet, Brittny: Stony Brook University Cohen, Bari: Cornell University Gruber, Josh: University of Michigan Cohen, Brandon: University of Delaware ammer, Alex: Northeastern University Cohen, Hayley: Penn State University HHandelman, Eric: Binghamton University. Hartman, Samantha: Tulane University Hassenfeld, Justin: Lehigh University “Anything worth doing is Haywood, Bryanna: SUNY Cortland worth doing right.” Hiltzik, Daniel: Indiana University -Matt Schwartz Hees, Andrew: University at Buffalo Heiko, Jessica: Pace University Hein, Emily: University of Michigan Hellman, Erica: Sarah Lawrence College Hochheiser, Lee: University of Michigan Cooper, Jack: Ohio State University Hoffman, Spencer: University of Delaware Costanzo, Catherine: Stony Brook University Holly, Lauren: Ohio State University Cresciullo, Alyson: University of Tampa Huynh, Natalie: University of Rochester Criswell, Michael: University of Delaware m, Sarah: Binghamton University aibee, Karishma: UCLA IInfantino, Andrew: Stony Brook University DDanielo, Jessica: Clemson University Irizarry, Claudia: University at Buffalo Davis, Azende: SUNY Oneonta Isikow, Jordyn: Washington University in St. Louis Dejana, Mary: University of Tampa imenez, Kevin: Florida State University. DeMian, Rachel: University of Pittsburgh JJin, Justin: University of Michigan DePalma, Shayne: University of Connecticut aplan, Brandon: Emerson College Der Aris, Hannah: Muhlenberg College KKarmel, Joshua: Drexel University Diamandis, Nicholas: New York Institute of Technology Katz, Justin: Ohio State University. Diaz, Sydney: Saint Peter’s University Kenagy, Anja: Goshen College Dreznin, Molli: University of Delaware Kenigsberg, Brian: Binghamton University dwards, Benjamin: Cornell University Kenny-Yap, Charlotte: Drexel University EEstes, Adam: Hofstra University Kershner, Noah: University of Alabama Estreicher, Justin: Duke University Keschner, Lauren: Northwestern University abber, Ryley: University of Colorado Boulder Khan, Sarah: Penn State University FFeig, Cheryl: University of Pennsylvania Kim, Lily: University of Delaware Felix, Rachel: SUNY Geneseo Klaben, Jenna: Tulane University HHH High School East Thunderbird [9] what are the plans of our graduating seniors?

Klein, Aaron: University of Central Florida Renter, Kristen: Loyola University, Maryland Kleinbaum, Zach: Hamilton College Ribeiro, Amanda: Providence College Klemchek, Robert: University of Virginia Rizvon, Zuhair: Northeastern University Knipfing, Kristen: University of Connecticut Rochester, Malcolm: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Koval, Meri: Binghamton University Rochlin, Sidney: UCONN Krauss, Kris: Ohio State University Rodriguez, Erika: Binghamton University Kravitz, Bebes: University of South Carolina Rosenberg, Michael: Binghamton University Kunoff, Andrew: Binghamton University Russo, Paige: Ohio State University Kyle, Sambolin: SUNY Cortland Russomanto, Tom: University of Tampa afauci, Jesse: Indiana University causo, Juliette: University of Connecticut LLandman, Scott: Binghamton University SSchmidt, Jordi: University of Michigan Langhamer, Scott: College: University at Buffalo Schneider, Brett: University of Michigan Leder, Ariel: Fashion Institute of Technology Lee, Steven: United States Marines Leotta, Meagan: Emerson College “Life is more fun when you Levine, Ryan: NC State Levy, Anna: Lafayette College don’t care what people think Lion, Sam: University of Texas at Austin and wear comfy clothes!” Lomele, Claudia: Fashion Institute of Technology -Lexie Ackerson Longo, Luke: Duke University Lulley, Danielle: Binghamton University Luntz, Allie: University of Florida Schwartz, Matt: Vassar College aestre, Danielle: West Virginia University Schwarz, Michael: Ohio State University MMalhotra, Nikki: University of Delaware Scibilia, Sabrina: High Point University Malik, Aysha: Boston University Scurti, Jack: Bentley University Mallon, Connor: Siena College Seiden, Brandon: Ohio State University Mancera, Henry: University of Delaware Shanker, Emily: University of Florida Mantell, Cole: Oberlin College Sheinker, Dara: Binghamton University Marcus, Aaron: Colgate University Shin, Heesu: Cornell University McKenzie, Kristen, Penn State University Siddiqui, Najla: University at Buffalo Metaxas, Arielle: University of Michigan Siegall, Jesse: SUNY Delhi Mifsud, Adara: Fordham University Silverman, Jonathan: UMass, Amherst Milano, Albert: Indiana University Bloomington Skudin, Carly: Colgate University Minor, Aliyah: St. John’s University Snitkoff, Alexa: Florida Atlantic University Moran, Jake: University of Delaware Sokobin, Rachel: University of Maryland Munroe, Avery: SUNY Old Westbury SooHoo, Jessica: Indiana University, Bloomington Murawski, Rachel: Towson University Spano, Julianne: Marist College adler, Hayden: Quinnipiac University Srivastava, Arnav: NYU Polytechnic NNajmi, Cyrus: University of Florida Stein, Spencer: University of Michigan Natalone, John: Middlebury College Stennett, Maya: American University Needle, Marisa: Binghamton University aylor, Matthew: Penn State University Nero-Clark, Kai: Anna Maria College TTesta, Daniel: Georgetown University Nicolosi, Jenna: High Point University Tisch, Matthew: Indiana University gundiran, Doyin: Brandeis University Tobin, Alexandra: University of Wisconsin OOgundiran, Ogundunni: University at Albany Truong, David: Binghamton University Oliveri, Tommy: Binghamton University Truong, Jenny: University of Southern California Olmo, Chanel: George Washington University Tuchinsky, Jacob: Binghamton University O’Neal, Jada: Syracuse University Turner, Malik: Penn State University illa, Richard: Lafayette College VVoyard, Joanne: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Ed. “High school flies by. Every allace, Jenna: SUNY New Paltz moment wasted is a WWalsh, Dylan: Syracuse University Wang, Jennifer: Columbia University potential opportunity.” Wang, Joanna: Johns Hopkins University -Arnav Srivastava Wasil, Akash: Harvard College Weidner, Paige: University of Michigan Weinberg, Zach: Caldwell University Wells, Charles: Brandeis University ae, Deanna: University of California, Los Angeles Werz, Sabrina: University of Maryland PPasternak, Fern: The Hartt School at the Univ. of Hartford Weymouth, Michael: University of California, Berkeley Patel, Dhwani: SUNY Geneseo. White, Alec: George Washington University Petosa, Nicholas: Georgia Tech Wilck, Paige: Binghamton University Pisipati, Manasa: Adelphi Honors College Wild, Hannah: Binghamton University Platkin, Matt: Bentley University Wilk, Emily: George Washington University Pliskin, Ryan: Binghamton University Winter, Rikki: Emory University Plocker, Chelsea: Boston University Worshoufsky, Michael: SUNY Potsdam adecki, Kyle: Farmingdale State College Wolf-Sonkin, Elee: SUNY New Paltz RRamlall, Alyssa: St. John’s University ang, Tiffanie: Georgia Institute of Technology Rao, Divya: University of Chicago YZegans, Josh: Temple University Raj, Arnav: NYU hao, Michelle: Cornell University Rappaport, Benjamin: University of Michigan ZZilkha, Joely: Emory University Rejwan, Jake: Georgia Tech Zoubek, Nicholas: Hofstra University [10] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 Busts From The Billboard Music Awards Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief appearing for five seconds; there was show. All the songs on this list were ever, at the end of the day, Kanye On the pop music awards circuit, no rhyme or reason for it whatsoever. horrible, all of them were lip synced, West is getting the #1 spot because, there is a Grand Slam; it starts with Michael Jackson was able to perfect and all of them were performed by in terms of a performance, it was the the Grammys (in golf terms, this is the the long-form video. Lady GaGa was unlikeable stars. It started with Chris worst. Again, I hated the three-way biggest one, a la The Masters), contin- able to perfect the long-form video. Brown and Pitbull singing “Fun,” even tie because of the lip syncing and the ues with the Billboard Music Awards, Taylor Swift? I don’t even know if I though it was completely lip synced fact that the songs are horrible… but then continues in the summer with at least there was some production the MTV Video Music Awards, and value and at least you heard the entire concludes with the American Music song. But, when you get booed at the Awards. All of those shows are, pri- Billboard Music Awards, it’s normally marily, about the music; the Billboard for good reason. The crowd, as drunk Music Awards, which took place on as they may be, is not going to boo May 17th in Las Vegas, are no dif- Imagine Dragons after performing ferent. Which performances from the “Stand By Me,” or boo Nick Jonas af- show stood out for all the wrong rea- ter performing “Jealous.” Even by the sons? low standards that the crowd has, they booed Kanye West… and rightfully 3. Taylor Swift so. This was so bad it was comical. To Does Taylor Swift count if her per- start off, you couldn’t even see Kanye formance was simply the debut of a West, and I’ll assume that was an ar- music video? Considering the fact tistic decision. He was hiding behind that this is what the Billboard Mu- can call this a long form video, but minus a few “oh’s” by Chris Brown. It a light. Then, he didn’t even bother sic Awards advertised and consider- we’ll call it a high production video… then continued with Iggy Azalea and to censor his performance, so at the ing the fact that it led off the show, and it didn’t work. I can appreciate a Britney Spears performing outside on end of the day, only half of the song then yes, I will count this. I’m not a good video even if the song is hot gar- the Vegas strip; they performed “Pret- was heard. In between fifteen seconds Swiftie, but apparently, there was tons bage, and I can call out a bad video ty Girls,” which might be a song of the of Kanye West rapping, we heard ten of hype surrounding this video, with even if the song is incredible (“Locked summer despite the fact that it seems seconds of absolute silence, just wait- all the cameos and whatnot. This was Out of Heaven” is one of my favorite like a Fergie demo… and it was main- ing for the sound to resume. Imagine supposed to be her “Thriller,” not just songs, but I can admit that the mu- ly just dancers roller skating while a hype man for a rapper performing because of the production, but be- sic video is horrible; that being said, Iggy and Britney just lip synced. And a five minute set… and that’s what cause of the name (“Bad Blood” and “Treasure” and “Uptown Funk” have then, you had Nicki Minaj and David Kanye West sounded like. He was just “Thriller” go hand in hand). And, in incredible videos, so Bruno Mars has Guetta lip syncing their two songs, screaming on stage, and when his set the end… it was a complete bust. First redeemed himself in that department). and while the two songs performed by was clean, it was impossible to under- off, I don’t even know if this should This was a bad song with a confusing that duo aren’t horrible, they were lip stand a word he was saying. When a be considered a Taylor Swift song, video, and it didn’t come together. synced as well. If the Billboard Music performance is comprised of 50% si- so much as it is a Kendrick Lamar Awards are about the music, then why lence due to not being bothered to cen- song. This isn’t the version that’s on 2. Chris Brown & Pitbull, Iggy Aza- can’t the music be performed live? sor the lyrics, there’s really no other the album 1989, but rather, a remix lea & Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj I’ve got a real problem with lip sync- option for the #1 spot. Heck, Eminem primarily featuring Kendrick Lamar, & David Guetta ing; the only exception is if it is done censored “Stan” for the Grammys, and so much so that he actually has more With Taylor Swift, at least I appre- sparingly not to mask a performer’s the curse words were actually neces- of a presence on this song than Taylor ciate the effort. It didn’t work, but I voice, but because singing while do- sary in that song to depict the story line Swift. Calling “Bad Blood” a Taylor could tell that there was a lot of work ing a certain task is impossible. Katy (the curses actually added to the story Swift song makes as much sense as that went into it. Why is there a three Perry lip syncing a part of “Firework” and the emotions of the main charac- calling “Heartbreaker” a Jay-Z song. way tie for second place? Because at the Super Bowl was fine because ter… and yet, Eminem found a way Aside from that, the song itself isn’t these three performances gave abso- she was holding on for dear life while to do it; this isn’t trying to compare that good. The beat isn’t memorable, lutely zero effort. If there’s one thing flying on a shooting star over the sta- Eminem to Kanye West, because they the lyrics are second grade material that I can’t stand, it’s performers who dium. Chris Brown, Pitbull, Iggy Aza- both have made excellent songs in the (“Now we got problems, and I don’t lip sync. Amazingly, we had three lip lea, Britney Spears, and Nicki Minaj past, but it’s trying to show that doing think we can solve them”), and worst syncing performances in a stretch of lip syncing while walking across the something like necessary censoring of all, the music video was disappoint- four performances. You had actual stage is unacceptable and is an insult based on the platform can be done). ing. For all the hype that it got as being talent smushed in between the three to all of the people that could’ve per- Kanye West just started randomly Taylor Swift’s breakthrough video, it of them, as Ed Sheeran performed formed that night but didn’t. spitting out words, and it resulted in a did absolutely nothing. The theme was “Bloodstream,” a song in which I’ve performance so bad that he was booed. confusing, there was no storyline, and reviewed, and even though I don’t nec- 1. Kanye West To get booed at an awards show while while the production value was high, essarily like the song, Sheeran crushed I was debating whether or not to put performing is tough to do. Yet, Kanye the cameos were pointless. It was just that performance. The stretch between the three way tie at the #1 spot because West found a way, and rightfully so. a random celebrity appearing for five 9:45 and 10:15 was one of the worst Kanye West might’ve been treading seconds with another random celebrity 30-minute stretches in any awards into so-bad-it’s-good category. How- Miami: The Hot Vacation Spot Turns 100

Brooke Megale S. Collins became a successful fabulous homes of musicians, Productions, Inc., launched the Staff Writer mango and avocado planter. Col- including longtime Miami sup- celebration. Throughout the cel- lins and his family cleared land porters Gloria and Emilio Es- ebration, there were numerous On March 26th, 2015, Miami to build resorts and restaurants, tefan, Enrique Iglesias, retired musical performances. The Art Beach celebrated its 100th an- including Brown’s Hotel, Prime tennis pro Anna Kournikova, Basel Miami Beach and Miami niversary. This beautiful beach 112, and Nau- and Lenny International Auto Show were city attracts millions of visitors tilus South Kravitz. also featured during the cele- each year. Miami has a rich his- Beach Hotel. To honor the bration. Food Network, Cooking tory that plays a major role in The infamous 100th birth- Channel, and South Beach Wine our nation’s development. The Collins Ave day of this ex- and Food Festival offered 100 first settlers, Henry and Charles in Miami is travagant city, days of giveaways, and Lee- Lum, bought the land in 1870 named after from March Brian Schrager, the festival di- for 25 cents per acre. They built this influential 22nd through rector, sponsored a cake design the Biscayne House of Refuge founder. More recently, Miami the 26th Miami hosted a one contest. The winning cake was located on 72nd Street which is known as home to numerous hundred hour celebration to hon- displayed and eaten during the no longer exists. A decade lat- celebrities and talented profes- or the city’s diverse history and festival. This celebration was a er, two industrialists from New sionals. Today, you can take a culture. Bruce Orosz, longtime fantastic way to commemorate Jersey failed to launch a coco- “Hydra Terra” ride and Duck Miami Beach resident and CEO Miami’s hundred years of rich nut plantation. However, John Tours South Beach to see the of event management firm ACT culture and history. HHH High School East Thunderbird [11] The Fifteenth and Final Finale: How FOX Can Revive American Idol for Season 15

Collin Giuliani show is to constantly change its time 3. Air the Season Premiere After the to the live shows, so it shouldn’t be too Editor-In-Chief spot. Very rarely does moving the time NFC Championship much of a strain on his work schedule. spot of a show succeed, unless it is being Every other year, FOX gets the prime- Either Urban or Connick has to go if American Idol was a big part of my moved to a more prominent spot; for ex- time conference championship game. you’re keeping the three person judging childhood. I remember the battle between ample, moving a show from 9:00 to 8:00 And, fortunately for FOX, though this panel (although I wouldn’t be against a Diana DeGarmo and Fantasia, the sea- can work, and moving a show from one is likely purely coincidental, the NFC four person panel; America’s Got Talent son where Jordin Sparks defeated Blake day to an established block so that it fol- Championships in recent years have has shown that, when done right, a four Lewis, when Taylor Hicks somehow beat lows another show can work. However, been really good games. Since the 2007 person panel can be extremely effective all of my favorite contestants from that to change a time spot so many times is a NFC Championship between the Giants and fun to watch). Moving either Urban season, including Elliott Yamin, Kellie recipe for disaster; to change it so many and the Packers, every NFC Champion- or Connick to a mentoring role would Pickler, and Chris Daughtry, and when times in the middle of a season is just ask- ship has been decided by seven points or be beneficial, considering the fact that Scotty McCreery defeated Lauren Alaina ing for the cancellation. Auditions for sea- less, with three of the last six and four of neither of the two judges has a distinct in the battle of the two country star teen- son 14 aired on Wednesday and Thursday the last eight being decided in overtime. personality but can be very effective with agers. At one point, especially during the nights (different from the usual Tuesday/ Why is this good for FOX? It means regards to giving constructive advice. earlier seasons, it seemed as though ev- Wednesday spot that the show occupied that no viewers will tune out due to the Simon is going to be the toughest one eryone watched American Idol. Finales for years), and the first few live perfor- game being a blowout, and you’ll get to convince to bring back, but enough got upwards of 30 million viewers, some- mances were on Wednesday and Thurs- people watching for the entire game. This money should be able to fix that. Randy times hitting the 40 million mark, Simon day nights. When it got down to the top year, FOX has the primetime conference Jackson, up until this season, worked for Cowell’s criticisms were the meanest, 11, there was one show per week; in the championship game, and they need a lead American Idol, so as long as the bridges yet funniest things on television, Ryan top 11, American Idol aired on Thursday out program. This is the perfect time to air haven’t been completely burned, getting Seacrest was the most recognizable face night, be- the Ameri- him back for one final season shouldn’t on television, and to hear the words fore then can Idol be a challenge; additionally, Paula Ab- “This... is American Idol” uttered within moving to s e a s o n dul is a judge on So You Think You Can the first minute of every show felt like a Wednes- premiere Dance, which is also owned by FOX, so rush of blood similar to the one gotten day night, and ad- bringing her back wouldn’t be too tough when sporting events kick off. b e f o r e vertise it either. Get the original panel back. The It might be hard to believe now, and then hav- like crazy. way to increase ratings by over ten mil- especially for the younger people who ing the American lion people is, if instead of Jennifer Lopez see this show as a poor man’s version finale on Idol was saying that the performance was pitchy, of The Voice, but there was a time when T u e s - the lead- you get Simon Cowell saying that the American Idol was the hottest thing on day and out pro- performance sounded like ten cats getting television. Everyone had a favorite con- Wednes- gram to run over by a monster truck. testant, everyone laughed at the absurd- day night. The biggest show of the sea- the NFC Championship a few years ago, ness of the auditions, and everyone tuned son, the finale, is airing on a night where and that got relatively successful ratings 5. Have a “Night of Champions” in every Tuesday and Wednesday night it hasn’t aired all season. That could work despite not even being the season pre- American Idol is in a good spot in to watch the madness unfold. However, if, let’s say, you’re the lead-out program miere; in fact, that episode got the third terms of how they’re ending, because all good things must come to an end, and to the Super Bowl, but for a dying televi- highest rating for season 11, only behind they have a year to prepare for their ulti- once Simon Cowell left, the show began sion franchise, it’s not a good idea. Stick the finale and the season premiere. Get mate death. This is not a sudden cancel- a dramatic decline in ratings. Sure, things to Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the en- some buzz for the show by airing the lation, and the producers have a year to improved when Steven Tyler and Jenni- tire season (or Wednesdays and Thurs- premiere for the fifteenth season imme- determine how they want to handle the fer Lopez got added to the panel, but once days). diately after the 2015 NFC Champion- fifteenth and final season. Many people that fell apart...everything just fell apart. ship. The amount of viewers that will be have floated this idea around, but due to With competition from The Voice, which 2. Follow Empire retained from the conclusion of the foot- logistics, it never seemed possible. How- is thriving right now on NBC, American A show’s ratings can increase dramati- ball game will be a good amount, and it ever, now that there’s a year to prepare for Idol was surviving purely on name value. cally if it follows the right show. Look should give the show some strong ratings it, and now that we know that this is it, And, it was recently announced, in an at the Super Bowl lead-out show; while to start off the final season. maybe it’s time to see what can be done. unsurprising, yet somewhat sad decision, a regular episode of a show like Under- One of the result show nights (remember, that American Idol is getting cancelled. cover Boss can get approximately 8 mil- 4. Bring Back the Former Judges... Es- we’re expanding it back to the two night There’s going to be a fifteenth season so lion viewers, when the show followed pecially Simon Cowell format) would be two hours (probably that the show can hit that milestone and so Super Bowl XLIV, it got over 36 million We’ve talked about the television logis- the night after the season finale of Em- that there can be a year to prepare for the viewers. It used to be that FOX would tics of how American Idol can be brought pire so that American Idol could air at death of the program, but the show is get- put their best show after American Idol back in top form. Now, it’s time to talk 8:00), and while the results show would ting axed. After one of the most success- and try and hope to keep the retention rate about the actual show, because in the very still be going on, it would work similar ful television runs in American history, high and possibly make people interested few portions I’ve seen of the show this to the Idol Gives Back results show from and after creating a program that helped in a show in which they otherwise would season, it looks like a shell of its former years ago, where an elimination would put FOX on the map for something other have no incentive to watch. Now, it’s the self. First thing’s first, the current judging occur alongside one of the biggest nights than just cartoons, such as The Simpsons other way around- American Idol needs panel needs to be altered. Jennifer Lopez of the season. The season premiere would and Family Guy, the show is now over. a high profile show so that their ratings doesn’t exactly offer anything construc- be huge, as would the finale; however, if When the top 3 performed on May 6th can increase. Does FOX have that high tive in terms of criticism (her chemistry done right, this Night of Champions can (and if you can name who’s in the top profile show? Yes, they do -Empire. The with this panel isn’t as good as it was be one of the biggest nights in series his- 3, that’s impressive), only 6.93 million season premiere of Empire got approxi- with Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler). tory. How it works is simple- each of the people watched. That’s an abysmal rat- mately 10 million viewers and was so She can go, and I’m not sure how many fourteen winners in the history of the ing for the Wednesday night slot at 8:00, critically acclaimed that FOX immedi- people would miss her. Keith Urban and show performs either their biggest hit especially for a show that, in it’s prime, ately ordered the production of a second Harry Connick Jr. are both good judges since leaving the competition, their win- got 30.3 million viewers. I’ll be shocked season; by the season finale, the show who can offer constructive criticism, but ning song, or a medley of their hits. It’s a if the finale for season 14 gets into eight was at 18 million viewers. Empire is the they don’t exactly have any personality win-win in terms of the fact that not only digits. The show has lost its luster, and marquee show of FOX, and the season to them. People watched American Idol do you get to hear the stars from the show now, its time on television is ending. premiere is probably going to get over 20 in its prime not just because of the per- such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Un- However, this isn’t about the cancella- million viewers when it comes back this formances, but because each judge had derwood, but you also get to hear perfor- tion of American Idol. This is about what fall. The live shows for American Idol a personality attached to them. Numer- mances from winners such as Lee DeW- FOX can do to make American Idol the start in mid-February, and considering ous shows, including the initial cast of yze and Ruben Studdard. Anyone who’s best season yet. Right now, American the fact that Empire is airing 18 episodes, America’s Got Talent, tried to replicate ever watched a season of American Idol Idol, despite its success early on, is tread- splitting the season in half, that would be that formula of having the Randy Jack- will enjoy it; it’s a blast from the past if ing into dangerous, last season territory. a perfect plan for the show. Air the results son in the group, the Paula Abdul and the you’ve watched between seasons 1-14, With a strong fifteenth season, however, show at 9:00, so that it is one hour long, Simon Cowell (David Hasselhoff was and if you only started watching this sea- it can go out the way that shows like and air Empire at 8:00. That should be your Randy Jackson, Sharon Osbourne son, there’s still the elimination. If FOX Seinfeld did- with a bang, in a way where enough to get American Idol through to was your Paula Abdul, and Piers Morgan decides to actually go all in and throws people fondly remember the show. How the top 3, and from there, with 2 episodes was your Simon Cowell). My advice? some money at making American Idol’s can American Idol be saved for the final left in franchise history (and with positive Bring it back, or at the very least, bring final season one that will be remembered season? A few suggestions... reviews if done right), the ratings will back Simon Cowell. For one final sea- fondly, then this idea of having a Night of speak for themselves. What do you do son, it’s worth it; it doesn’t interfere with Champions is certainly possible. 1. Stick to One Time Spot about the auditions, though? the airing of The X Factor in Great Brit- The fastest way to kill a television ain or Britain’s Got Talent with regards [12] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 Kicks for Canada: Preview for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief qualify for the knockout round out THE FAVORITES: Not counting three teams to advance out of the For the first time ever, the Wom- of 24 (meaning that a team can come the USA and Sweden, who enter group, as they are ranked #19 in the en’s World Cup is coming to Canada, in third place and still qualify). This this tournament as the favorites? world, while Cameroon and Ecuador and will feature 24 teams (expanded is not a panic-situation like it was Germany is ranked #1 in the world hover around the #50 mark. If Lara from sixteen from the 2011 Women’s last year for the USMNT in the 2014 right now, and the Germans won the Dickenmann, the 29-year old for- World Cup in Germany). With Ja- World Cup in Brazil, when they were Women’s World Cup in 2003 and ward who has scored 40 goals in 99 pan as the defending champions, the in the Group of Death as the under- 2007. While they had a disappoint- caps for the Swiss, can continue her USA being put in the Group of Death dogs in a situation where only two ing tournament in 2011, as they only run of form, then Switzerland should (Group D) alongside Australia, Swe- teams advance per group. Who is qualified for the quarterfinals despite be able to qualify for the knockout den, and Nigeria, Pia Sundhage (the in Group D for this Women’s World the fact that the Women’s World Cup stages with ease. Ranked fourteenth former manager of the USWNT) Cup? Nigeria is ranked #33 in the was being held in Germany, they are in the world, Spain is another nation going up against the USWNT with world, and they are going to be the still sitting atop the FIFA rankings. making their debut that has a legiti- her Sweden side in group play, and underdogs of the tournament; no- Leading the way up front for Ger- mate shot at getting out of the group. Christine Sinclair, one of the greatest body is giving these girls a chance many is 24-year old forward Alexan- Brazil is the favorite to win Group E, goalscorers in the history of women’s in the world at advancing into the dra Popp, who has scored 27 times but the rest of the group looks rela- soccer, possibly playing in her final knockout round, as Nigeria has only in 54 appearances and will likely be tively easy on paper; South Korea is ever Women’s World Cup, there are made it out of the group stages of the a regular in the team’s starting XI. ranked #18 in the world, and Costa tons of storylines to watch out for. Women’s World Cup once, back in There’s no doubt that Germany will Rica (who is also making their debut Here’s everything you need to know 1999, when the Nigerians made it to advance to the knockout stages; Nor- in this tournament) is ranked #37 in for when the ball is kicked off and the world, both of which are behind the month long tournament begins. Spain’s ranking of #14. The Neth- erlands, ranked #12 in the world, THE USA: At the end of the day, all could be another team to watch who eyes are on the USWNT. The USA is making their debut; while their has won this tournament twice and ranking is good, they are playing in has always finished in the top three a tough group, led by the host nation since the first Women’s World Cup Canada, and two other teams inside was held in China back in 1991. The the top 20, New Zealand (#17) and USWNT are ranked as the #2 team in China (#16). Will inexperience take the FIFA rankings (only behind Ger- over for the Dutch in one of the hard- many) and are coming off of a sec- er groups on paper? Also in the batch ond place finish in the 2011 Women’s of first timers are Thailand and the World Cup in which the team lost to Ivory Coast, both of which are two Japan in the championship match of the lowest ranked teams in the on penalty kicks. Starting in goal is The United States Women’s National Team 23-man roster for the tournament and are expected to leave Hope Solo, arguably the best keeper 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, captained by midfielder the group stages without picking up in the world. This has not come with- Megan Rapinoe. a point. out controversy; last year, Solo was arrested for domestic violence, and THE PREDICTION: How will the although the charges were dismissed the quarterfinals. The game against way is ranked #11 in the world, the USWNT do? They’ll get out of the earlier in 2015, there have been nu- Nigeria is the last game of the group Ivory Coast is ranked #67, and Thai- group on top with seven points, de- merous calls for the USWNT to not stage for the USWNT, so while it land is ranked #29. You also can’t feating Australia and Nigeria while select the keeper who has played in starts off hard for the Americans, if count out the defending champions drawing with Sweden in what should 170 games for the USWNT in her it comes down to a must-win situa- of the tournament, Japan. Japan won come out to a 1-1 game. It’s tough to career; nevertheless, she is leading tion for whatever reason, at least it’s the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup predict the bracket, because the for- the way in net. Where the USWNT a semi-automatic three points on the and followed that up with a second mat isn’t concrete due to four of the shines is up front with their forwards, final day. However, nobody’s con- place finish to the Americans in the six third place teams making it into as the team has three of the best for- cerned about Nigeria; it’s the other 2012 Summer Olympics; right now, the knockout stages, and then being wards in women’s soccer to their two teams that make Group D the the Japanese are ranked fourth in the reseeded based off of record. How- choosing: Alex Morgan, Abby Wam- Group of Death. Both Sweden and world. Homare Sawa is likely play- ever, if the bracket does hold form, bach, and Sydney Leroux. Wambach Australia are ranked in the top 10 of ing in her last ever Women’s World then the USA should make it into has scored 182 times in 242 career the FIFA rankings, with Sweden be- Cup; the #10 for Japan has scored the semifinals (as they have done in games, and at 35 years old, this is ing ranked #5 and Australia being 82 times in 197 appearances, and is every Women’s World Cup since the likely Wambach’s last time playing ranked #10. Sweden is managed by the anchor of that midfield. The good tournament’s inception in 1991) and at a Women’s World Cup (although Pia Sundhage, who was the manager news for Japan? The entire starting take on the Germans. A win in that she’s probably going to play in the for the USWNT when the USWNT lineup from the 2011 Women’s World game, and the USWNT advances to 2016 Olympics down at Rio de Ja- finished in second place in the 2011 Cup Final is back for 2015, so there the final match for the second con- neiro). Scoring goals shouldn’t be Women’s World Cup and when the are no question marks for this side, secutive tournament, where they too much of a problem for the US- USWNT won the gold medal at the and no replacements that need to will take on… Sweden. Yes, it will WNT; in their last 24 matches, 2012 Olympics in London. On top step up. And, despite their #7 rank- be a rematch of the group stage for they’ve scored in 20 of them. Also of that, Sweden finished in third ing, you can never count out Brazil the final match. Sweden gets to the likely playing in her final ever Wom- place in the 2011 Women’s World if Marta, arguably the best player in championship game after defeating en’s World Cup is defender Christie Cup, and while they have never won women’s soccer right now, is playing Brazil (if you contain Marta, you’ve Rampone; the 39 year old defender the tournament, they did manage to at the top of her game. Japan enter as just stopped their whole game plan) for Sky Blue FC of the NWSL has come in third place in 1991 and sec- the favorites of Group C, while Bra- and Japan (the Japanese did not have made 306 career appearances with ond place in 2003. They should be zil enter as the favorites of Group E. a good Algarve Cup, and might be the USWNT (second all-time, only the USWNT’s greatest threat, and if sloppy after playing in the weakest behind Kristine Lilly, who had 352 the Americans are going to lose any THE FIRST TIMERS: With the group in the history of the Women’s caps between 1987-2010) and has game in the group stage (which has expanded format to 24 teams, many World Cup). The Swedes defeat the made it onto the final 23-man roster only happened once- 2011, when the countries qualified for the 2015 edi- Canadians in the semifinals (assum- for the tournament. The USWNT en- USWNT lost… to Sweden), it’s go- tion of the Women’s World Cup for ing that Canada defeats England; in a ter as the favorites, and are looking ing to be this one. Australia has made the first time ever. Eight of the 24 close matchup on paper, though, take to win their third Women’s World it to the quarterfinals of the tourna- teams in this tournament are making the host nation), setting up Pia Sund- Cup ever, and their first since 1999. ment in back-to-back years, and they their debuts in this Women’s World hage’s shot at revenge against the are led by forward Lisa De Vanna, Cup. Japan is the favorite in Group USWNT. And… I can’t go against THE GROUP OF DEATH: The who is going to record her 100th cap C for a reason- every other team in the Americans, especially in wom- only problem for the USWNT? with the Aussies during this World Group C is making their debut in this en’s soccer. The USWNT wins 2-1 in They’re in the Group of Death. This Cup. Again, the Group of Death Women’s World Cup. Switzerland, extra time, becoming world champi- shouldn’t be a huge deal, consider- shouldn’t be a problem for the US- Cameroon and Ecuador are playing ons for the third time ever and for the ing the fact that the USWNT are WNT under this format, but Sweden in the same group, and are playing first time since 1999. Let the tourna- the favorites to win the group, and could give them a real challenge, and in their first Women’s World Cup. ment commence. considering the fact that 16 teams even a defeat. Switzerland is the favorite of those HHH High School East Thunderbird [13] Bye Bye, Bartolo? Why the Mets Should Trade Bartolo Colon

Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief

Many people thought that this Sox and had a 1.26 ERA, the best have the rest of this year left to does he serve when the Mets are would be the year that the Mets of his 21-year career. At the age produce at a solid level, and then in a good spot without him? It’s would make the jump and would of 42, now playing for the Cleve- maybe, the 2016 season. In 2017, not as though losing Bartolo Co- become a competitive team in the land Naps, he went 19-15 with a though, if he’s still playing and in lon leaves the Mets depleted in National League. Heck, I thought 2.26 ERA; at 43 years old, while the rotation, then his ERA is go- any way, shape, or form; they’ll that the Mets would be a wild card Cy Young did go 7-10, it wasn’t ing to be in the 5.00 range, and still have a deep rotation without this year and finish with 86 wins, entirely his fault, as he posted a it’s just going to balloon. By that him on the mound. so the fact that the Mets have 2.53 ERA. However, by the time point, if the Mets want to offload Trading Bartolo Colon might started the season in good form he turned 44, he was a shell of his him, it’s too late, as the value then even result in a huge pickup. Look isn’t too surprising. However, not former self; he posted the second will be absolutely nothing more at the R.A. Dickey trade that the many people expected them to w o r s t Mets made at the end of the 2012 finish April with a commanding ERA of season; Dickey just won the Cy lead atop the NL East. In what has his ca- Young at the age of 38 years old, been a weird season in baseball reer at and the Toronto Blue Jays were (a season where the Houston As- 3.78 (the in win-now mode. New York tros look as though they’re going w o r s t traded Dickey to Toronto in ex- to run away with the AL West), w a s change for, most notably, Travis the Mets, as of this writing, are when he d’Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard. sitting atop the NL East, look- p i t c h e d The Mets also acquired catcher ing poised to compete for a spot for the John Buck in that trade, but then in the playoffs. Part of it was the C l e v e - traded him to Pittsburgh along Washington Nationals getting off l a n d with Marlon Byrd in exchange to a slow start, and part of it was S p i d e r s for minor leaguer Dilson Herrera; a credit to the New York Mets and in 1894, Herrera has hit .370 in Las Vegas their hot pitching staff. However, when he this year, and it looks as though for the first time since 2006, the went 26- it won’t be long until he becomes New York Mets could find them- 21 with Can Bartolo Colon keep pitching at this high level or a regular part of the Mets lineup. selves playing deep into October. a 3.94 should the Mets trade him while the iron is hot? d’Arnaud looks like the catcher Photo: AP Which is why this is a contro- E R A ) , of the future, Syndergaard looks versial opinion. The Mets are f i n ishe d like a future star… and Dickey one of the better teams in base- with a .438 winning percentage, than a .220 Single A hitter. has flamed out in Toronto; in ball, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix went 7-9 while spending time The numbers don’t lie about 2015 thus far, Dickey is 1-5 with it… right? Not necessarily. For with both the Cleveland Naps and pitchers falling off of a cliff past a 5.76 ERA, and his time as a the benefit of the franchise both Boston Rustlers, and didn’t play the age of 43, but why else should quality starter is probably done. in the short term and in the long after that 1911 season. the Mets trade him? Truth be told, While many fans questioned the term, the Mets should strike while It happened with Nolan Ryan, they don’t need Bartolo Colon. trade at the time, it’s clearly paid the iron is hot, and should trade Cy Young, and Jamie Moyer as Colon was a great stop-gap pitch- dividends for the team now. If away one of their best players. well. History (and the effects of er in terms of being a guy that the Mets could do the same with That player? None other than Bar- age on a professional athlete) of- the Mets could put in the rotation Bartolo Colon, especially now tolo Colon, the 42-year old pitcher so that that they’re in an even better spot who has been a revelation for the t h e y with regards to starting pitching Mets this season. When the July d i d n ’ t than they were in 2012 when they trade deadline comes, if I was have to traded away R.A. Dickey, then it the general manager of the Mets, call up would benefit the team. I’d be exploring options to trade any of Short term, there’s probably away Bartolo Colon. t h e i r going to be no difference with- In the middle of a pennant race, p r o s - out Colon, because the Mets’ ro- why should the Mets make this p e c t s tation is that deep that it should move? Why trade away one of t o o be able to overcome the loss of the stars on their team? Well, to e a r l y . Colon with ease. Long term, the start off, he’s 42 years old. The Howev- benefits for the Mets will be huge. fact that Bartolo Colon is playing er, the In 2016, they’ll have new Major at this high of a level is incredi- M e t s League players and even more of ble… but how much longer can he have a a stacked farm system while Co- keep it going? Can he even make d e e p lon’s arm finally gives out, since it until the end of the season? The r o t a - Father Time is undefeated. The stars show that, especially past t i o n , Mets are in a golden position right the age of 43, the numbers start to e v e n now, as they legitimately have a decline. Roger Clemens was still Listed at 285 pounds, the Mets’ Bartolo Colon pitching against if you shot to get back to the playoffs for one of the best pitchers in base- Atlanta. Picture Credit: Daniel Shirey/USA Today Sports t a k e the first time in close to a decade. ball entering his 40s; sure, PEDs B a r t o - While trading Colon, the #1 pitch- might have had an impact in that, lo Co- er in that rotation and the Open- but between the ages of 41-43, ten proves to be cyclical. Keep in lon out of the picture. Basically, ing Day starter, might seem like Roger Clemens posted ERAs with mind- all of the pitchers mentioned if you trade Bartolo Colon, you a huge risk, in the end, it would Houston of 2.98 (41 years old), are either Hall of Fame pitchers, still have five solid starters for work out. If you told me that I’d 1.87 (42) and 2.30 (43). He goes borderline Hall of Fame pitchers, this year, and that’s if you leave have the option of either keeping to the New York Yankees one year or pitchers that would be in the Steven Matz in Las Vegas. Next things the same or keeping things later in 2007, and at the age of 44, Hall of Fame if it wasn’t for drug year, Matz likely gets called up the same (since, due to the depth goes 6-6 with a 4.18 ERA. use. Bartolo Colon has 210 career and Wheeler comes back, so that of that rotation, the Mets wouldn’t Cy Young, albeit in a drasti- wins and a career ERA barely un- total increases to seven. The Mets see any drop-off) and improving cally different era (his career be- der 4.00. He’s not making it to the are in a good position because for the future, I’ll take option two gan in 1890 with the Cleveland Hall of Fame, especially after the they have a surplus of pitchers. every single time. The Mets tried Spiders and picked up over 300 PED suspension that he served. If At the end of the day, you’ve got to trade Colon, but in the end, wins before the first World Series the guys mentioned before were the opportunity to have a rotation decided not to. Now, they’ve got was played), is one of the greatest close to Hall of Fame pitchers that next year of Harvey, deGrom, another opportunity. The time is pitchers to play the game, accu- fell off a cliff after turning 44 Wheeler, Syndergaard and Matz, right, the stock is at a relatively mulating over 511 wins in a record years old, then where does a guy all of whom are young guys that high point, and the young pitchers that no pitcher will ever reach. In who is not close to being a Hall the Mets can build around. Where below Colon are ready to enter the 1908, Cy Young was 41 years old; of Fame pitcher go? How far does does a 43-year old Bartolo Colon Show. The time is right to trade he went 21-11 with the Boston Red he fall off? Bartolo Colon might fit into the picture? What purpose Bartolo Colon. [14] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015 New Stars in New York?: Draft Analysis for the Jets & Giants

Collin Giuliani Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Editor-In-Chief

First Round Analysis- Many people Biggest Value Pick- The biggest value First Round Analysis- Not sur- zuwa was, aside from Collins, considered Leonard Williams to be the pick goes to the player outside of the top prisingly, the Giants addressed the team’s best pick in the entire best player in this draft class. He didn’t two rounds who slipped down the board, the offensive line in the first draft, even despite the incredibly go to Tampa Bay or Tennessee because somehow fell to that spot, and ended up round, taking Ereck Flowers out hard to pronounce name. Aside those two teams were in dire need of a being a very good selection. When you of Miami (FL). It fills a posi- from Jason Pierre-Paul, who was quarterback, and he didn’t go to Oak- only have four picks outside of the top tion of need, it helps protect Eli slapped with the franchise tag land at #4 because wide receiver was a two rounds, there aren’t too many op- Manning (something which had earlier in the offseason, the Gi- position of need for the Raiders and Am- tions for biggest value pick, and truth to happen after the offensive line ants don’t have another defensive ari Cooper was one of the best receivers be told, I wasn’t a fan of what the Jets fell into shambles last season), end. Sure, they signed George to come out in a long time. However, did in the draft outside of the first round and it’s a solid pick. Maybe the Selvie in free agency away from there were many people that believed with Leonard Williams. However, Deon Giants were hoping that Brandon the Dallas Cowboys (and at an that he would go to Jacksonville at #3 Simon in the seventh round could be a Scherff would fall and that he awfully high contract evaluation), or Washington at #5. So, how good was very good pickup. The Northwestern would be on the but let’s just this pick? Not only did the Jets get one State alum is a nose tackle who didn’t board, but in the say that despite of the steals of the draft, but if the play much last season end, the Giants his surprisingly draft was in New York, the due to injury, but got one of the good 2013 sea- fans would’ve actu- ended up be- top three tackles son with Dallas, ally applauded the ing one of in the draft with the there’s a reason selection. Williams the top ninth pick. He’s that the South was a can’t miss d e f e n - got a nice physi- Florida alum is prospect and to get sive line- cal frame, stand- now on his sixth one of those outside men in the ing tall at 6’6” team in six sea- of the top five is al- Southland and weighing 329 sons. Owamag- ways a good thing. What Conference of pounds, and should be Odighizuwa does this mean for the Jets? the FCS. It’s not so be able to take over might start right It gives them one of the most stacked much his production as to at either left tackle away for the Giants; defensive lines, quite possibly, in NFL why he’s the biggest value pick, but or right tackle, seeing as though at worst, he’s going to be ahead history. The front three will consist of rather, his physical potential. Taking he played both while playing as of Damontre Moore on the depth Leonard Williams, Sheldon Richardson, guys in the seventh round that have a member of the Miami Hurri- chart and will be the first rota- and Muhammad Wilkerson. Last year, upside and have the frame to do some- canes. They got an upgrade at a tional guy on the line. Odighi- Richardson and Wilkerson made the thing extraordinary is always a good position that desperately needed zuwa had 61 tackles in his senior PFF All-Pro First Team, and now, you idea, and sure enough, that’s what the one, and in the first round, espe- season for UCLA, recording 11.5 add Williams into the mix, who might Jets did here. Deon Simon is 6’4” and cially in the top ten, that’s all you tackles for a loss in the process be the best player in this draft class. weighs 332 pounds. That’s almost 20 have to do. and six sacks. Many people had Maccagnan’s mission was simple- re- pounds heavier than Muhammad Wilk- Odighizuwa going in the middle vamp the defense. He used his money erson and almost 40 pounds heavier Second Round Analysis- How- of the second round, so to snatch in free agency to address the secondary, than Sheldon Richardson. He’s got the ever, their second round pick him up in the third round, espe- getting Revis, Cromartie, and Skrine at frame to do something special. This has was one of the best picks of the cially when he fills a critical po- cornerback, and in the draft, he boosted the potential to work out well for the draft. Somehow, Landon Collins, sition of need, was a great move. a defensive line that was already one of Jets if the frame matches the production the strong safety out of Alabama, the best in football. on the field. slipped into the second round. Biggest Reach- When you get The Giants lost their strong safety into the final three rounds of the Second Round Analysis- Switching Biggest Reach- Did the Jets really need Antrel Rolle to the Chicago Bears draft, you’re looking for guys sides of the ball, the Jets addressed to get Bryce Petty? I wouldn’t neces- in free agency and did absolutely with huge upside, a great physical wide receiver with their second round sarily call this a reach, considering the nothing to upgrade that position frame, guys that fill a position of pick, choosing Devin Smith, the wide fact that many people had him going in prior to the draft. How the Giants need, or guys that dominated in receiver out of Ohio State. Maccagnan either the later part of the third round or ended up getting the best strong college. Mykkele Thompson only already addressed the position earlier in the earlier part of the fourth round (and, safety in the entire draft is mind fits the position-of-need criteria, free agency when he acquired Brandon sure enough, he went in the earlier part boggling, considering the fact and that’s assuming that Nat Ber- Marshall from the Chicago Bears in ex- of the fourth round), but did the Jets re- that it occurred all the way in the he isn’t the starting free safety change for a fifth round selection. Jere- ally need to get the Baylor quarterback? second round. Landon Collins is next year. The Giants overhauled my Kerley moves into the backup wide In the fourth round, the Jets traded a box-to-box safety, fitting the their secondary in terms of the receiver role, and Devin Smith is now with the Jaguars to move up one spot scheme of defensive coordinator safety position, as the team opted the slot guy. I like what the Jets tried to in the draft and get Petty. Was there a Steve Spagnuolo perfectly. He’s not to re-sign Quintin Demps or do with this pick, as the idea should be need to do this? It only feels like a lat- a hard-hitting guy (almost like a Antrel Rolle. While strong safety to surround Geno Smith with as many eral move, at best, from Geno Smith Donovin Darius) and fills a posi- seems set now with Landon Col- weapons as possible so that he has every and Ryan Fitzpatrick. The general rule tion of need. The Giants had to lins, free safety seemed like Nat chance to succeed. The Jets needed two of thumb is that a team doesn’t need to trade up to get him; In the end, Berhe’s job to lose, especially wide receivers to play alongside Eric carry three quarterbacks unless the third it was worth it. Collins isn’t considering the fact that many Decker, and with Marshall and Smith, one is a veteran. Bryce Petty isn’t going the greatest in coverage, but he people around the organization it looks as though they have them. That to get reps in practice, and he isn’t go- knows how to tackle and play liked Berhe’s work ethic last being said, while I like the idea, I’m not ing to climb up the depth chart ahead of inside the box. It’ll take a slight year. Mykkele Thompson adds a huge fan of Devin Smith. Smith is a Smith and Fitzpatrick. It’s not as though adjustment to the professional depth to free safety, but it’s a bit big play receiver… but that’s all he is. the Jets drafted Marcus Mariota or Ja- level for Landon Collins to be ef- of a lateral move at best. That be- He only had 33 receptions in his final meis Winston with this selection. They fective, but if he can learn quick- ing said, this pick was the big- year at Ohio State; all things consid- drafted a third string quarterback who ly, then he can become one of the gest head-scratcher for the Giants ered, he averaged about two catches per hasn’t played out of a pro style offense best strong safeties in the league because Thompson didn’t exactly game. While he can stretch the field and and who threw 831 passes in his final in just a few years. The second do anything in college. Thomp- make some big plays, he’s also prone to two seasons at Baylor (the quickest way round pick was an A+ all around. son played in 51 games at Texas, drops. I would’ve chosen a purer slot for arm fatigue is to overdo it with the It filled a position of need, it was playing for four seasons in prac- receiver in the second round like Ty- reps). Was there a need to draft a third a great value pick, and it fits the tically every single game. He fin- ler Lockett out of Kansas State (who string quarterback in the fourth round, scheme. Perfect fit all the way. ished his collegiate career with went to Seattle), or even trying to pos- especially over taking an outside line- 3 passes defended. That’s less sibly trade back for Jaelen Strong out of backer like Jake Ryan out of Michigan Biggest Value Pick- Much like than a pass defended per year, Arizona State (who went to Houston). or Davis Tull out of Chattanooga? It’s the Jets, the Giants only had and for a free safety, even having Smith reminds me a lot of Stephen Hill- a flashy pick, but it’s not one that made four picks past the second round, an average of 3 passes defended a second round wide receiver who made too much sense; it feels all too much mainly because they traded some per year isn’t good. Thompson big plays and only big plays in college, like a lateral move that adds depth to of their picks to the Tennessee should be able to beat out Josh but had tons of drop problems. Hope- the quarterback position, when the Jets Titans in exchange for Landon Gordy and Bennett Thompson for fully for the Gang Green faithful, Smith need to upgrade the quality, not the Collins. What value did the Gi- the backup free safety spot, but doesn’t turn out the same way as the quantity, of the position. ants get past the second round he won’t be able to do too much failed Georgia Tech alum did. of the draft? Owamagbe Odighi- else. HHH High School East Thunderbird [15] Thoughts from the NFL Draft Fantasy Football Booms & Busts Andrew Connell & Zach Leff & Justin Tisch and passing situations while teammates Jacob Broxmeyer Staff Writers Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Staff Writers Richardson command double teams. Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kevin Tre Mason (HB, St. Louis): Last to be chosen that high, Alex Smith is White (WR, Chicago Bears). With Best Draft: Cincinnati Bengals. The year, Tre Mason ran for 765 yards and throwing him the ball, and no wide Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte already Bengals got potentially their two start- 4 touchdowns as a rookie. Tre Mason receiver on the Chiefs scored a touch- proven playmakers, White will likely ing tackles of the future by drafting Ced- has the potential to be a great running down last year. With Kansas City’s see single coverage, which should help ric Ogbuehi from Texas A&M and Jake back in the league, but in fantasy foot- passing attack being iffy, Maclin his stats. He will also have the threat of Fisher from Oregon. These offensive ball mock drafts this year, he is pro- should be targeted between the fifth running back Matt Forte that defenses linemen will help improve the team’s jected as high as a second round pick. and sixth rounds. will have to account for. At 6’3”, White running game and should protect QB Mason is not worth a second round will be able to snag deep balls thrown by Andy Dalton for many years to come. pick. There are plenty of run- Jarvis Landry (WR, Miami): Jay Cutler, and his height will give him ning backs ranked lower than There were two rookie wide re- a big advantage in red zone situations. Worst Draft: Dallas Cowboys. The him who will most likely have ceivers out of LSU last year Cowboys failed to draft a running back a better season, mainly who made an impact; Defensive Rookie of the Year: Leonard after they let DeMarco Murray, the because the amount of while Odell Beckham, Williams (DE, NY Jets). Now that the league’s leading rusher last year, leave touches that Tre Ma- Jr. was the more nota- Jets have a new and improved second- in free agency to join the Eagles; addi- son has will be lim- ble one, quietly, Jarvis ary, look for the team’s defensive line tionally, Dallas did not draft a QB, leav- ited by the emergence Landry had a great sea- to improve, starting with Williams. Wil- ing the team with Brandon Weeden un- of first round pick son for the Dolphins last liams will be able to thrive in running der center should Tony Romo go down. Todd Gurley once year. As a second round he is fully healthy. pick in the 2014 NFL Pick Tre Mason in the fifth to seventh Draft, Landry recorded 85 receptions, Chicago: The True Draft Town? round range. 750 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Landry will benefit from a larger role in the Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Jeremy Maclin (WR, Kansas City): offense this season due to the depar- Last year, Jeremy Maclin came back ture of Mike Wallace this offseason; For more than fifty years, the NFL The centerpiece of Draft Town, how- from an injury to have his best sea- additionally, the acquisitions of Kenny Draft was held in New York City, ever, was the stage. On the third day son as a pro, recording over 1,300 Stills and Greg Jennings should help most recently at Radio City Music of the draft, all selections were made yards and 10 touchdowns. In free spread the field. Landry should be a Hall. And, I had the incredible privi- outside on the Draft Town stage, with lege of going to the NFL Draft in 2012 commentary by Scott Hanson and La- agency, Maclin left the Eagles to join target between rounds 8-10, and he and 2014. It was an incredible experi- Dainian Tomlinson in between each the Chiefs. According to mock drafts, could be a draft day steal if Ryan Tan- ence both times; the atmosphere was pick where the duo would answer fan- Maclin is a second to third round pick; nehill plays well. very good (especially on the first two submitted questions, play trivia with while his statistics say that he deserves nights), and I got the opportunity to the crowd (one question was about meet some ESPN analysts, as well as the 1964 NFL Draft as it pertains to some of the drafted players. Safe to the Chicago Bears; because I was the say, for the NFL fan in me, it was an fastest one to answer via Twitter, in a unforgettable experience. surreal experience, I was able to go up NBA Awards Recap However, after a scheduling conflict on stage and meet the two in person), emerged with the NFL and Radio City and provide their analysis of picks David Bieber due to the spring show of the Rock- made throughout the draft. And, it’s Staff Writer ettes, the league decided to move the safe to say that Draft Town was a suc- draft, eventually deciding on placing cess- over 200,000 people showed up MVP: Stephen Curry (Golden fensive and defensive side of the ball, the event in Chicago. Somehow, I got to Grant Park in that three day stretch State). Curry won this over James averaging 16.5 points per game, 7.2 to go to this draft as well. The expe- for the NFL Draft, enough to fill up Harden and LeBron James after he led rebounds per game, and 2.3 steals per rience was, once again, incredible; Soldier Field three times over. the Warriors to a 67-15 record, which game, while shooting over 47% from meeting Mark May, shaking Dante For the first two nights, the draft was was the best record in the NBA and the field. With this award, Leonard be- Fowler Jr.’s hand, staying in a hotel held in the Chicago Auditorium on the in the history of the franchise. Curry came the first non-­big man to win it in the middle of Chicago... the three campus of Roosevelt University (al- averaged 23.8 points per game to go since Ron Artest won the award in the days that I was in Chicago for the NFL though it’s not a true campus). While along with 7 assists per game, and shot 2003-04 season. Draft were some of the most fun days there was nothing exactly wrong with over 43% from three point range. This of my life. the first two nights, the atmosphere is Curry’s first MVP award in his six Most Improved Player of the Year: Naturally, this leads to the question of wasn’t as good as it was in Radio City. who did it better. Having been to the At Radio City, the crowd was elec- year career. Jimmy Butler (Chicago). NFL Draft three times (twice in New tric for the first two nights the entire Butler was a big reason as to York, once in Chicago) and having way through. In Chicago, though, the Rookie of the Year: Andrew why the Bulls went 50-32 this been to both locations and seeing what crowd seemingly died out after the Wiggins (Minnesota). Wig- season, as he improved in ev- each location, has to offer, there’s one seventh pick in the draft (when the gins, the 20-­year-­old swing- ery area of his game and made clear cut winner. It’s Chicago, and Bears were on the clock). Midway man out of Kansas, was the it to the All Star Game for the quite frankly, it doesn’t come close. through the first round, the auditorium first overall pick in last year’s first time in his four year ca- That’s not to say that New York did was halfway empty. NBA Draft by the Cleveland reer. Butler went from aver- it badly, because that’s not true. Chi- That was the only real flaw with Chi- Cavaliers; he was traded aging 13.1 points per game in cago set the bar for how the NFL Draft cago hosting the draft, though. The to the Timberwolves in the the 2013-14 season to averag- should be done for future years. As third day was ten times better in Chi- great as the draft in New York was, it cago than it was in New York. Some- deal that sent Kevin Love to ing 20 in the 2014-15 season; was only appealing to the NFL fans. If how, Chicago found a way to make Cleveland. Averaging 16.9 additionally, his rebounds per you were an outsider, you would never sitting down for seven consecutive points per game, Wiggins game total jumped from 4.9 be able to tell that there was a draft go- hours listening to names get chosen won the Rookie of the Year in to 5.8, his field goal percent- ing on. The atmosphere was only elec- fun, something that New York never a landslide, receiving 110 of the pos- age jumped from .397 to .462, and his tric inside of Radio City; everywhere came close to doing (when the Jaguars sible 130 first place votes. three point percentage jumped from else, it was just business as usual. In weren’t on the clock in New York, I .283 to .378. Chicago, however, they shut down the was doing other things on my iPad; Sixth Man of the Year: Louis Wil- city for this event. Grant Park (Chi- in Chicago, I was actually engaged liams (Toronto). Williams has been a Coach of the Year: Mike Budenhol- cago’s version of Central Park) was the whole way through). For the most sixth man throughout his entire career; zer (Atlanta). Budenholzer coached shut down and was transformed into part, the atmosphere was superb, and Draft Town. At Draft Town, activi- blew New York away. The NFL might this year, he had the best year of his the Atlanta Hawks to their best ever ties that you’d find athletes doing at be onto something here with rotating ten year career, averaging 15.5 points season by record, as the team went 60- the NFL Combine such as the 40-yard the location of the NFL Draft. Chicago per game and helping the Toronto 22 after going 38-44 last season de- dash, vertical jump and kicking field set a bar that was so high because they Raptors to a 49-33 record. spite having a roster that was largely goals, were held. Additionally, there turned the entire city, for three days, the same as last year’s. Four players was an NFL Shop, draft tents for all into an NFL fan’s paradise. If the NFL Defensive Player Of The Year: on the Hawks make it to this year’s 32 teams with unique items in each decides to keep the NFL Draft in Chi- Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio). Ever All Star Game, and Budenholzer was tent pertaining to each team, such as cago for 2016, I’d have absolutely since winning the 2014 NBA Finals named the coach of the Eastern Con- a team locker and a team wall, and an zero complaints. They raised the bar, MVP award, Leonard has been one ference; additionally, the Hawks made exhibit showcasing the history of the and when New York couldn’t host it, of the best players in the league. Even it to the semifinals for the first time Chicago Bears and the history of the they delivered. Chicago might be the Super Bowl (in honor of the fiftieth new Draft Town. though he missed 18 games this sea- since the 1969-70 season. anniversary of the title game, which is son due to injury, Leonard was a huge happening this upcoming season). asset for the Spurs this year on the of- [16] Thunderbird Special Graduation Issue Issue 4 June 2015

H i l l s E a s t s p r i n g s p o rt s HSE Baseball Advances HSE Tennis Finishes 16-3 to Quarterfinals Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Collin Giuliani Editor-In-Chief Tennis has always been one of the matchup, Hills East lost 5-2, ending stronger sports at Hills East, and this the team’s 106-match winning streak. Hills East had a phenomenal sea- Birds scored twelve runs in the fifth and year was no different as the T-Birds re- After a 13-2 regular season, Hills East son in baseball; after missing the sixth innings combined to come back in ceived the #2 seed in Suffolk County, entered the postseason as the #2 seed; playoffs in 2014, the T-Birds made it dramatic fashion, a 7-1 victory against making it all the way to the champion- victories against Mattituck, Hunting- all the way to the quarterfinals of the Walt Whitman High School in a game at ship match behind the play of players ton, and Commack sent Hills East to Bethpage Ball- including Travis Leaf, Sahil Varma the finals for yet another season. How- park, home and Brian Rhee. Hills East went 16-3 ever, for the third time this season, in of the Long Island Ducks, where Patch Dooley re- corded twelve strikeouts, and an 11-2 vic- tory against Copiague on AA bracket, the furthest the team has Senior Day. Hills East’s 13-7 record in gone in more than a decade. To start the regular season was good enough for off the season, the Thunderbirds went a third place finish in League III, only be- 6-0, sweeping both Copiague and hind Smithtown East (18-2) and Smith- Walt Whitman in a three game series; town West (15-5). With their 13-7 record, this 6-0 start is the best start in school Hills East entered the postseason as the history since Tim Belz started man- #10 seed. Playing thirteenth seeded Riv- aging the squad. The T-Birds eventu- erhead in a home playoff game, the T- ally finished the season with a 13-7 Birds won 10-0, with Brandon Bonomo record, led by a great pitching rota- pitching a complete game shutout; in overall this year, finishing the regu- the championship match, Hills West tion of Brandon Bonomo (6-2, eighth their next playoff game, which was a road lar season with a 13-2 record. The won, ending Hills East’s title streak best record in Suffolk County), Patch game against seventh seeded Sachem T-Birds opened up the season with dating back to 2010. Nevertheless, Dooley (who had a 12 strikeout game East, Hills East won again, defeating the three consecutive perfect 7-0 victo- while the T-Birds weren’t able to keep against Walt Whitman), and Kevin #7 seed by a final score of 11-2. The win ries, winning their first six games of their 106-match winning streak and Jimenez, with Nate Byrd and Joey against Sachem East was the only win by the regular season. Unfortunately for 5-time title streak alive, it was still a Marzouk coming out of the bullpen to a lower seed in the qualifying round. the T-Birds, their kryptonite was their successful season by most standards, finish the game. On offense, freshman Unfortunately for the T-Birds, their district rival, the Hills West Colts. In as the T-Birds went 16-0 against every Matt Hogan and senior Richie Villa season ended at the hands of Connet- both regular season matchups, the T- other team this year, and made it to the each hit three home runs, which is a quot, the #1 seed in the tournament, who Birds lost to the Colts, getting swept championship round for yet another tie for thirteenth amongst all players finished with an 18-2 record in League by their district rivals; in the first season. in Suffolk County; additionally, the T- II. Hills East lost in the quarterfinals to Birds got consistent play from seniors Connetquot by a final score of 11-3, as Tommy Oliveri (first base), Spencer Connetquot knocked the T-Birds out of Stein (third base/designated hitter), the playoffs just one round away from Hills East T-Birds: The Year in Review Jordan Milo (second base), Matt the semifinals. However, it was a fan- Collin Giuliani Field Hockey: 0-15* Forelli (third base/designated hitter), tastic season for the T-Birds, and one in Editor-In-Chief Girls’ Swimming: 6-2*$ and Matt Schwartz (right field), all of which the team exceeded almost all ex- The 2014-15 school year has been a Girls’ Gymnastics: 5-6*$ whom were regular starters through- pectations. Even though key seniors are Boys’ Golf: 10-2$ out the season. graduating, the T-Birds should still be in pretty successful one for Hills East on the athletic front in most sports; Among the highlights in the regu- a good spot next year with Matt Hogan WINTER lar season for the T-Birds besides leading the way at the plate, and Patch when combining the fall and winter seasons, 83% of all teams that Hills Boys’ Swimming: 9-0*$, league cham- the 6-0 start included a 14-6 victory Dooley leading the way on the mound. pions against Smithtown West, where the T- Great season, T-Birds! East fielded either made the postsea- son or finished in the top three in their Wrestling: 7-0, advanced to postsea- respective division. With so many son sports teams performing well, how Boys’ Basketball: 11-7, advanced to Football Schedule Determined did each team do in the final stand- round of sixteen ings? NOTE: An asterisk indicated Girls’ Basketball: 10-8, advanced to round of sixteen head (6-2) and 10/3 against Centereach a combined team, a dollar sign in- Collin Giuliani dicates a sport that does not have a Boys’ Fencing: 9-5*$ Editor-In-Chief (2-6) follow, before the T-Birds return to Girls’ Fencing: 11-3*$ their home turf on October 10th, where postseason system. Unless indicated, a team with nothing next to its record After finishing with a 5-3 record they will take on Smithtown East, who SPRING last season and making it to the post- finished 6-2 last season. The team’s -fi missed the playoffs. Record are regu- Boys’ Tennis: 13-2, advanced to finals season for the first time since 1998, nal road game comes on October 17th lar season records only. Girls’ Golf: 5-9$ the Hills East T-Birds are looking to at Deer Park, and the T-Birds will finish Softball: 5-15 follow up on one of their most suc- out the season with two games at home cessful seasons in team history for the on October 24th against Copiague (0-8) FALL Baseball: 13-7, advanced to quarter- 2015 season. For the second straight and October 31st against West Babylon Football: 5-3, advanced to postseason finals season, Hills East will be playing in (2-6). On paper, this is an extremely fa- Boys’ Soccer: 8-6-1, advanced to post- Boys’ Track & Field: 4-2$ Division II. Their season will official- vorable schedule for Hills East, as the season Girls’ Track & Field: 2-3-1 ly kick off on September 12th, when team manages to avoid having to play Girls’ Soccer: 10-6, advanced to post- Boys’ Lacrosse: 14-2, advanced to the T-Birds will take on North Baby- three of the top five teams from last sea- season quarterfinals lon, who finished 2-6 last season. On son- Bellport, Hills West, and East Islip. Girls’ Tennis: 15-0, advanced to finals Girls’ Lacrosse: 8-8, advanced to September 19th, Hills East has their Can Hills East make the playoffs for the Boys’ Cross Country: 4-2$ postseason* first home game of the season, when second straight season? All dates and Girls’ Cross Country: 4-1*$ Boys’ Badminton: 16-0, league cham- they will take on Smithtown West, times are subject to change; Visit sec- Boys’ Volleyball: 13-5, advanced to pions*$ who finished 4-4 last season. Two tionxi.org for future updates. postseason* Girls’ Badminton: 14-2, league cham- road games on 9/26 against River- Girls’ Volleyball: 4-10 pions*$