Have We Got News for You... Learn More About Martin See What Our Teachers Were Rugby in the Luther King Jr

January 2017 Vol. 6 Issue 3 Observer Have We Got News For You... Learn more about Martin See what our teachers were Rugby in the Luther King Jr. like in highschool! Olympics?

European Observations Ball Drop History BOCES

The Life of Vladimir Lenin A Shift of Power Get Advice From Teachers! Observer Contents 2 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Contents Letter from the Mission & Vision 3. Announcements Editors

Have We Got News For You 4. Droppin’ in the New Happy New Year, Year It is our mission as the Alfred-Almond! The mission of this Alfred-Almond Observer to provide 5. New Years Eve: Terrific year’s Observer is to provide an a well-balanced resource for the or Terrifying? entertaining and educational product purpose of entertaining and

for the benefit of the students and informing the Alfred-Almond 6. European Observations staff. As we launch into a new year, community. We intend to create an 7. When Life Gives You the Observer staff would like to easily accessible and reliable source of both local and national news. It is Lenins… supply our readers with historical our goal to leave behind a more articles about the famous New 8. Donald J. Trump: 45th informed and knowledgeable student Year’s Eve ball drop, Martin Luther President body for years to come. King Jr., and Vladimir Lenin. We 9-10. The Impact of a True then transition to more recent Icon history and learn about Observer Staff

Alfred-Almond’s very own teachers 11-12. Little Orphan Annie Makes Editor-in-Chief……...Brendan Walsh and their senior years. As you sift Her Way to AA through the pages of the first edition Editor-in-Chief Lite…...Jessica Flaitz 13-15. Faculty Flashback of 2017, you will be sure to find

some educating, interesting, and 16-18. Words from the Wise Sr. Copy Editor…………...Janu Patel surprising articles. We welcome you 19-20. This Justin: On a Wild to plunge into this newest edition of Copy Editors…………….Jack Castle Adventure We Will Go the Observer and enjoy all that Alex DeGraff

awaits! Happy Reading, and Happy 21. BOCES: A Different Way Madison McCormick New Year! of Learning Abbey Swackhamer

22. Lessons Learned in First Design Managers………Justin Berry Grade Owen Curtin Public Relations 23-24. Cheaper by the Dozen: The Managers…………….Erin Anderson Walsh Edition Have an idea for the paper? Madge Chroniger 25. Facts About Flight Part 2 Contact the Observer staff: Staff Writers………..Greg Boardman Brendan Walsh 26-27. All About Rugby 7’s (Bill Bacon) [email protected] Kalista Calkins 28-29. Salade Flambée Jessica Flaitz [email protected] Charles Elliott 30. Acknowledgements Erin Anderson Dylan Griffin [email protected] Cory Olix Madge Chroniger Harry Robshaw [email protected]

By By Madge Chroniger Abbey Swackhamer Public Relations Manager ANNOUNCEMENTS Copy Editor

Semi-Formal There will be no The school will be school on Spelling Bee will Saturday, NYS regents will Monday, be held on January 21 at be happening January 16 Thursday, 7:30pm for January 24-27 (Martin Luther January 19 at 9th-12th King Jr. Day) 6:30pm graders ATTENTION ARTISTS!

Submit artwork/ideas for a mural in the Senior Area to Mrs. Backer by January 20.

Artwork should promote Acceptance, Community, and Kindness at A-A.

PHOTO CHALLENGE The Reveal:

Green poster: Mrs. Bialecki’s Room “Mischief Managed”: Mrs Turner’s Room Where are these photos found around Heart: the school? Ms. Carretto’s Discover for yourself or find out in the Room next issue of the Observer! Observer Historical Feature 4 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

D’ N Y By: Abbey Swackhamer-Copy Editor

On December 31, the world It included 504 Waterford Crystal turns their eyes to the energetic triangles and 600 light bulbs. A Times Squares celebration of the 100th anniversary ball was made new year. Bright lights, with a six foot diameter weighing entertainment, and positive energy 1,212 pounds with LEDs, fill New York City every year as computerized lighting pattern the clock moves towards midnight while only using the electricity of on January 1 in anticipation for the 10 toasters! This ball was only annual Times Square Ball used once. The Ball, created in dropping to ring in the new year. 2009, is now 12 feet in diameter New York City is the most popular and weighs 11,875 pounds with destination worldwide on New 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles. Year's Eve. Over one million These crystals are named after the people gather in NYC on this day 1907 Ball The original Ball was only city, Waterford, in Ireland and even people around the world five feet in diameter. New Year’s Eve is not only Photo from thenewyorker.com watch and participate in this crazy celebrated in New York City, but celebration... but where did it come The Ball now stands on a 141 foot also celebrated at home or at large from? flagpole and drops down in 30 scale events in many cities. Many This grand party all began seconds. Americans celebrate New Year’s in 1903 when The New York Times Transformations of the Ball Eve at home with friends, family, newspaper opened their new occurred in 1920 when the Ball and the NYC event on the TV. headquarters in what was then was replaced with a five foot, 400 Honolulu, Los Angeles, Chicago, known as Longacre Square. The pound iron Ball. The third Ball Portland, Las Vegas, and New opening was celebrated with came out in 1995, adding Orleans are a few of the most midnight fireworks on December rhinestones and a computerized popular cities to spend New Year’s 31, 1903 and after four years of lighting system featuring strobe Eve, besides Manhattan. Major fireworks, the owner, Adolph lights which were 1070 pounds cities often have a ball dropping Ochs, wanted more attention and 6 feet in diameter. and New Year’s festival of their drawn to the building. He hired an own. For example, Las Vegas electrician to construct a lighted hosts a street celebration called the ball that would be lowered from “Fremont Street Experience” and the flagpole on the roof. At this Los Angeles has a celebration at time, the iron ball was only five Grand Park. The New Year’s Eve feet in diameter. It was dropped for celebration at Grand Park has live the first time in 1907. The Ball has bands and DJs while covering the faced seven transformations entire City Hall and Music Center throughout its history and has will be covered in culture. The dropped every year except during dropping of the New Year’s Eve World War II due to wartime Ball to signify the beginning of a lighting restrictions, in which The 2017 Ball The 2017 Ball is 12 feet in new year has been an exciting diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds, people still gathered in NYC which is much larger than the original tradition celebrated since the without the Ball. Photo from timessqurenyc.org beginning of the 20th century. Observer Feature 5 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

New Years Eve: Terrific or Terrifying? By: Owen Curtin Design Manager become a strategy for bars and targeted North Africans. Assaults on clubs across the nation to increase Syrian and Pakistani citizens were their regular stock of alcohol when also committed. This is a prime the holiday season comes around. example of people adopting this From Thanksgiving to New overly celebratory attitude and Year’s, the alcohol increase of bars drinking too much on New Year’s spikes across the nation. Eve. Although this isn't as relevant According to Lisa Hozella, as a domestic crime, and it’s manager at Brewer’s Outlet in unaware if alcohol was involved, it Pottsville, the bar averages 250 still applies to the abuse of the customers a day, but on Christmas “anything goes” attitude on this day. Eve and New Year's Eve, they Another common crime that New York Crisis: 1 million people were expect upwards of 1500 customers. occurs on New Year’s Eve is expected to attend the New Year's Eve The reflection of one's year vandalism. This past New Year’s celebration in New York City this year. 20% of American citizens are classified as can be an emotional time. You Eve, many people took part in criminals. According to this data, there will could be proud of all that you’ve committing a prank of changing the be 200,000 criminals attending the New accomplished, or be ashamed of famous Hollywood sign to say Year's Eve celebration in New York City. how little you have achieved. In “Hollyweed”. They did this by Photo from mashable.com many cases, the shame of thinking hanging flags in specific places on New Year's Eve, a historical that you’re useless can lead to the “O’s” to change them to “E’s”. day that dates back to 1904 where self-harm and domestic violence However, this crime isn’t too serious the first Times Square celebration related crimes. However, the idea or violent, and this same prank has took place. In 1907, the New Year's that suicide rates drastically been done many times before. In Eve Ball drop made its first increase around this time, because 1977, the sign was changed to appearance where people gather of how emotional of a time it can “Holywood” in celebration of Easter. from miles around to celebrate what be, is nothing but a myth. So remember kids, New Year’s Eve a good year they’ve had, or they look Domestic violence is a major can be a dangerous time, so when back on what a terrible year it was crime that occurs around New this holiday comes around next year, and how badly they want to move on Years because of increased alcohol have fun, but be safe. to the next one. New Year's Eve is sales. Both accomplishment and one of the most anticipated days of shame can lead to an increase in the year, but also one of the most alcohol consumption. When people dangerous. This happens mainly feel this emotional, they tend to The Perfect Time for a Crime: New Year's Eve because of the increase in bail bonds, drink more. In Germany last year, is a popular time for robbery to occur. or more people are being bailed out there were 1200 women sexually Last year in Amarillo, a convenience of jail. There are many speculations assaulted on New Year’s Eve as store was robbed by three young men. Photo from seanlinnane.blogpost for why people are spending this well as an increase in racial related The Perfect Time for a Crime: New Year's Eve great night in the slammer. One crimes. German police were is a popular time for robbery to occur. thought is increased alcohol investigating crimes that Last year in Amarillo, a convenience store was robbed by three young men. consumption. It has Photo from seanlinnane.blogpost Observer Feature 6 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

European Observations Following a recent family an adapter break on us during our By: Dylan Griffin - Staff Writer European Nights trip to the United Kingdom, I stay. I had the opportunity to watch decided to share some obvious Despite the expectations Celtic FC vs. Barcelona FC in the cultural differences and structural of what food was going to be, I Champions League.The interaction from the fans throughout the course differences that the United States surprisingly found it to be of the match made for an and the United Kingdom have. I greasier than American food. I unforgettable experience. spent ten days in England and was expecting smaller plates of Photo Credit to Dylan Griffin Scotland, and I saw that there wholesome and healthier food. were vast differences between One of the most frequent dishes here and there. Some of the that I came across was fish and obvious differences were driving chips. I personally did not find on the opposite side of the road, any fish and chips that were less smaller roads in general, and a than satisfactory. Most of the fish different money system. was fresh, as a result of the Sports are just as popular geography. Most dishes came in the UK as they are in the US, with chips regardless of whether but the big difference between the it was steak or salmon. “Chips” in two is the location of venues. We the UK are what most Americans have a larger amount of land and like to call “fries.” To refer to an resources to place our massive actual potato chip in the UK, they stadiums on. A majority of would often be called “crisps.” London Bridge England's major cities are London Bridge is an iconic landmark in the British As opposed to many incredibly old with rich culture. Capital. You can see many major landmarks from the restaurants in the States, refills Their sports teams have historic bridge, including the London Eye and Big Ben. are not free in the UK. Waiters venues that define the city Photo Courtesy of Love Griffin and waitresses did not ask if we skylines. On match days, the wanted refills either - they just whole city puts their support brought them and charged our behind their teams.If you’re not bill. One other major difference headed to the sporting event, I that that stood out to me in the suggest you try to avoid the parts European food industry was that of the city that have major tipping is expected. Even if stadiums. There can be up to you're not a fan of the meal or 20,000 fans walking towards the service, it's expected that you tip stadium in the streets which at least 10%, and if the dining makes traffic in that part of the experience is a good one, a city incredibly difficult to 25-30% tip is expected. This is navigate. something that a large majority of Another difference that Americans may be unaware of. doesn't get much attention, but is From personal experience, I very useful to know, is how know that I would have never electrical outlets are different in expected a tip of that much. the two nations. So anyone who The overall trip itself was goes to the UK and is unaware of an incredible experience that I the change is often hit with London Eye was lucky enough to go on, and it extremely high prices for AC Standing at 443 feet tall, the London Eye is the fourth gave me the opportunity to see adapters. The adapters are not as tallest ferris wheel in the world. From the top you can how we differ from the nation well constructed as they are here can see about 25 miles in any direction on a clear day. that we started from. Photo Courtesy of Love Griffin in the US. Unfortunately, we had Observer Feature 7 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

By Alex DeGraff When Life Gives you Lenins... Copy Editor It’s a new year! With every new year there comes a new anniversary. 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the world’s first communist revolution! To commemorate this occasion, I have written an article about the life of Vladimir Lenin. For those who do not know,, Lenin was a Russian Communist Influence communist revolutionary, and from A map of every country which has had a Marxist ideology he constructed what communist government, thanks to Lenin is known as “Leninism.” Marxism is Photo from wikipedia.com the belief that class-based hierarchies two sisters and a brother, who was Vladimir Lenin should be abolished from society, and executed for attempting to assassinate Photo from findagrave.com that the working-class of a nation the Tsar Alexander III of Russia. This fell ill and returned to Finland to should be in control of every level of violent, revolutionary upbringing recoup. While he was gone, a few production. Lenin, however, made a clearly influenced his decision to start things happened: a few military coups few changes to this ideology in order a Marxist Revolution in Russia. were attempted, and the to better incorporate socialism in Lenin’s revolutionary stint revolutionaries eventually took Russia. Russia’s historically feudal began quite early. During his college control of the Russian government.. and agrarian society meant the education at a university in the city of Russia then had an election, which the country had a very small working Kazan, Lenin was arrested for being Bolsheviks initially lost to an agrarian class. As a result, Lenin also believed the ringleader of an organization Socialist movement. Despite this, that a socialist government in Russia protesting the Russian government’s Lenin still ran the new government, would mainly need the support of restrictions on student organizations. and issued a number of Marxist farmers. He also believed in His sister convinced Russian decrees. He nationalized the land establishing a social government to authorities to allow him to continue owned by aristocrats and by the transition between capitalism and his studies at the University of St. church, closed down complete communism. He was the Petersburg externally, and he counter-revolutionary press sources, head of the Russian Republic from eventually completed his education. and established tribunals to deal with 1917 to 1918, the Russian Soviet After “Bloody Sunday” in counter-revolutionary crimes. He led Federative Socialist Republic from 1905, Lenin began to rally Bolshevik the negotiation of the treaty which 1918 to 1924, and the Soviet Union forces against the tyrannical pulled Russia out of World War I. from 1922-1924. Additionally, Lenin government, and attempted to begin a Lenin stepped down as has the fourth highest score for people violent overthrow. At this point Chairman in 1918 as a result of killed in the 20th century, as he is however, Lenin never actually got deteriorating health. He suffered many responsible for 4 million deaths as a around to revolutionizing. After strokes, which paralyzed and result of the Russian Civil War. around 1908, Lenin moved around eventually killed him. Lenin has been one of the Europe, going first from England to Lenin was a very influential most influential men in history. In his Austria in 1914, where he was briefly and controversial leader in history. He youth, Vladimir led a surprisingly arrested at the outbreak of World War has truly left behind an amazingly lofty lifestyle before getting into the I, and then to Switzerland in 1916. large, although not always positive, revolutionary business. His father had Finally, in 1917, Lenin returned to his legacy. He caused 27 countries risen from serfdom to aristocracy by homeland, coming to the city of throughout history to adopt becoming a professor of physics and Petrovich, where the February communist policies, and began the mathematics, and his mother had come Revolution began. In the middle of popular support for the ideology that from a family of nobility. He had revolutionising, however, Lenin America would battle for decades. Observer Vol. 6 Issue 3 Feature 8 January 2017

Donald J. Trump: 45th President

By Donald Trump plans to uphold the Cory Olix laws in our land and remove criminal Staff Writer aliens immediately. Also, people that overstay their visas will be forced to President of the United States leave. These promises go along with of America: The most powerful man what our laws already state. in the world. The responsibilities that Trump’s vision about gun the leader of the free world has are rights include appointing a justice immeasurable and prestigious. The that will uphold our laws and risk of unpopularity is never too constitution. He plans on upholding much of a factor, as being somewhat our 2nd Amendment rights. Donald unpopular comes with the job. We've Trump believes that “the right of the had many up and down presidents, people to keep and bear Arms shall but where will Donald Trump find not be infringed upon.” Donald himself among the ranks? Will his President Elect Donald J. Trump will be sworn in Trump does not believe that the unpopularity among distinct voters January 20 to become the 45th President of the government has any right to dictate leave him only with four years in United States Photo from businessinsider.com what people can buy or use, in office? Will he complete the rough ISIS since it is an ongoing problem relation to guns and ammunition. task that is put in front of him? Time for the United States. One of the One of the last major plans will tell how President Trump will most important foreign policy feats Trump has is to get rid of unruly affect the United States, whether it be that a president needs to do is protect business regulations and create jobs. positively, negatively, or a little bit from outside terrorism and its Government is not in charge of jobs; of both. Donald Trump is no longer potential trek into our own country. capitalism is the key to employment. just a candidate for one party, he is Nominating multiple high-level In order to let capitalism work, many now the leader of all Americans. generals is for sure a precaution that feel that regulations need to be Since Trump has won the Trump is taking in order to have decreased by a large amount so that Presidential election, we should high-level intelligence about the the next generation of entrepreneurs become knowledgeable about his enemy, as well as plans to defeat can develop their product and or plans for this country. them. business to help make jobs for others. For starters, Trump's Another plan coming into Trump’s plan to reform the entire proposed plan coming into the office is to build a wall along much regulatory code is one step toward a Presidency is to unleash $50 trillion of the border between the United more free market. For example, the in untapped shale, oil, and natural States and Mexico to physically keep less regulated a company is, the less gas reserves. Nominating Scott Pruitt out illegal immigrants. involved the government is, which in as the head of the EPA will sure turn could allow for the creation of make for a new regulatory new jobs, and ultimately a better perspective. Pruitt has been a stark economy for the American people. opponent of many actions of the EPA Donald Trump is a in the past, but only because he businessman that is now at the believes in a balance between highest office in the United States. environmental protection and While jobs are one of the most economic prosperity. important aspects he hopes to bring, Next, Trump has stated that only time will tell the totality of what he would like 540,000 active duty he can accomplish for the USA as soldiers. His major goal is to beat President. Photo from businessinsider.com Observer Historical Feature 9 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

The Impact of a True Icon By: Jack Castle - Copy Editor

Every year on the third The message got through to the Monday of January, we celebrate Supreme Court, declaring that Martin Luther King Jr.’s effect on segregation on buses was this nation. In addition, the whole unconstitutional. month of February is known as Then, for the next eight African American History Month. years, King led multiple successful King played a major role in the marches. He led his most historic movement to end racial action on August 28, in 1963. segregation and discrimination. Image from etonline.com King's March on Washington for This movement is called the jobs and freedom took a life of its “African American Civil Rights own. The event hosted over a Movement,” which lasted from contradicted Malcolm X, another quarter of a million people who 1954 to 1968. This year on January human rights activist, greatly. were all facing King while he gave 16, we celebrate the day after Malcolm X was violent; he used his “I Have A Dream” speech, King’s birthday, formally known thoughts of any means necessary standing with his back to the as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. to end racial segregation and Lincoln Memorial. In King’s “I King is known mostly for his “I discrimination including preaching Have a Dream” speech, he cited Have a Dream” speech, where he violence and racism. Regardless of The Bible and The United States dreamt of having the same their differences, King and Declaration of Independence opportunities as a white person, Malcolm were both very effective multiple times. "I have a dream which for that time period was and influential civil rights activists, that one day this nation will rise up hard to come by. In that speech, and wouldn't have achieved and live out the true meaning of its King also expressed a wish that victory without each other. creed: 'We hold these truths to be his “four little children will one King’s nonviolent tactics self-evident, that all men are day live in a nation where they will forced the issue of segregation created equal.' Now is the time to not be judged by the color of their onto federal levels, surpassing the lift our nation from the quicksand skin, but by the content of their powerful local governments and of racial injustice to the solid rock character”. police forces who had of brotherhood. Now is the time to Beginning in the late institutionalized segregation for make justice a reality for all of 1800’s and ending in the mid multiple years prior. King led God's children”. 1900’s, Jim Crow laws, rooted multiple marches in his quest for from the Black Codes that were racial equality. Beginning in 1955 overridden by the Emancipation with his civil rights campaign of Proclamation, legalized Montgomery,Alabama, King segregation between blacks and “emphasized the importance of whites in America. King lived the equality among all races, whether majority of his life with the on a bus in Alabama, a restaurant limitations set by the Jim Crow in Georgia, or a voting booth in laws, only living four years out of Mississippi” the restrictions because of the Civil tavaana.org/en/content/martin-luth Rights Act of 1964. King was a er-king-jr-fighting-equal-rights-am major power that put these laws to erica-0, Martin Luthe King, Jr: rest by fighting against the racial Fighting for Equal Rights in A True Spokesman King speaks into segregation and discrimination America, E-Collaborative for Civic multiple microphones, his words of civilly, which Education. wisdom motivating millions. Photo from parade.com Observer Historical Feature 10 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Continued... The Impact of a True Icon

With Martin Luther King “And then I got to Memphis. And Jr., Malcolm X, and the Supreme some began to say the threats... or Famous MLK Court all on the same page, talk about the threats that were Quotes: multiple acts were passed and out. What would happen to me goals were achieved, suppressing from some of our sick white “Faith is taking the first step even segregation and powerful steps brothers? Well, I don't know what when you don't see the whole forward in the Civil Rights will happen now. We've got some staircase.” Movement. Coincidentally, the difficult days ahead. But it doesn't same year that King was shot and matter with me now. Because I've killed in Memphis, Tennessee. been to the mountaintop. “Our lives begin to end the day King was headed to Memphis to [applause] And I don't mind. Like we become silent about things show his support for African anybody, I would like to live a long that matter.” American city sanitation workers life. Longevity has its place. But who went on strike February 11, I'm not concerned about that now. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to 1968 because of unsafe working I just want to do God's will. And conditions, getting paid He's allowed me to go up to the justice everywhere.” significantly less to the white mountain. And I've looked over. worker, and receiving no pay if the And I've seen the promised land. I “The ultimate measure of a man workers had to stay home because may not get there with you. But I is not where he stands in of bad weather. King's final want you to know tonight, that we, moments of comfort and speech, known as “I’ve Been to the as a people, will get to the convenience, but where he stands Mountaintop,” and his parting promised land! [applause] And so words came the day before his I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried at times of challenge and assassination in an address at the about anything. I'm not fearing any controversy.” Mason Temple, making references man. My eyes have seen the glory to a bomb threat on his plane trip of the coming of the Lord!” “I look to a day when people will to Memphis: not be judged by the color of their

King was then shot and skin, but by the content of their killed the following day, on April character.” 4, 1968 at 6:01 p.m.

King had been awarded the “Life's most persistent and urgent 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and Named Time Magazine’s Man of question is, 'What are you doing the Year in 1963 and 1964. After for others?” his assassination, he received the Presidential Medal Of Freedom in “The time is always right to do 1977 and the Congressional Gold what is right.” Medal in 2004, and of course a Confident leader. King looking national holiday, which we will be confident as ever, persuading even “I have decided to stick with love. celebrating on January 16, in honor more followers with his words, Hate is too great a burden to attitude, and behavior. of the legacy he leaves behind. bear.” Photo from usatoday.com Observer Entertainment 11 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Little Orphan Annie Makes Her Way to AA

By Cast List Madge Chroniger Public Relations Manager Annie: Mirra R. Mr. Warbucks: Wyatt Ames Grace: Abby Kelly The Alfred- Almond drama Miss Hannigan: Maeghan Rodd department will be presenting Annie Rooster: Joe Miletti as this year’s Spring musical, and we Lily St. Regis: Amya Snyder are extremely excited to carry on the Molly: Katelynn Roulo/Lauren Johnson tradition of America’s well known Kate: Grace Hildreth little orphan. The show first Tessie: Claire Volk originated out of a poem by James Pepper: Ryann Donlon Whitcomb called Little Orphan July: Ella Napolitano Annie written in 1885. Thomas Duffy: Reagan Comer Meehan, one of the original Alfred Almond’s Annie Mirra R. will be composers, thought it was a rotten stealing the show as our little redhead. Orphans: Zoe Tarun, Angel Kenyon Photo courtesy of Madge Chroniger idea when the idea came about to Sandy: Kilroy create Annie into a show He didn’t When it came time to find Drake: Noah Briglin think any success would come from their golden girl to play America’s Mrs. Pugh/Sophie: Emelia Enke the production. beloved Annie, Columbia Pictures Mrs. Greer: Caroline Ding Despite Meehan’s thoughts, ran into a problem trying to find that Cecille/Connie Boylan: Larissa Eichler they followed through with the perfect little actress. After Annette/Ronnie Boylan: Katlyn Guild composing of the show and the auditioning 8,000 girls in ten months Bert Healy/Kaltenborn: Logan original stage production premiered in over twenty different cities, Whittall on August 10, 1975 at the Columbia Pictures found the perfect Bonnie Boylan: Amber Trudell Goodspeed Opera House in match - Aileen Quinn. She became Jimmy Johnson/Harold Connecticut. After a long run at the the new Annie, and made her debut Ickes/Announcer: Justin Berry opera house, Annie finally made it to singing “Maybe” on May 21, 1982. Fred McCracken/Wacky: Alex Broadway; the first show was in Just like Columbia pictures, the DeGraff April of 1977 at the Alvin theatre, Alfred- Almond drama department is President Roosevelt: Greg Boardman which is now the Neil Simon theatre. excited to search high and low for Morganthau: Jesse Berry This theatre currently houses the the perfect match to become Alfred- Frances Perkins: MacKenzie Ormsby famous Broadway show Cats. While Almond’s beloved redhead. We Cordell Hull/Lt. Ward: Jake Schultze Annie was in its fantastic run of hope to have a strong cast that will Louis Howe: Erin Anderson 2,337 performances on Broadway, help us present Annie as another Bundles McCloskey/Cop: Arnold Saint the show received ten Tony fantastic show. While talking with Phard nominees and won seven out of the the director of the show Miss Karr, ten, including best musical. The little she made it clear that her Star-to-be: Dominica Nunez redhead we all have grown to love expectations for Annie are that it Dog Catcher: Dustin Kinnaird continued to climb the ladder of will be the best show yet. Although Assistant Dog Catchers: Owen Curtin, success and was claimed for movie not sure of the exact number of Dan McMahon rights by Columbia Pictures in 1979 people there will be in the cast, Karr Usherette: Emily Campbell with the plan of creating a $50 shares that the number of people in million movie. last year’s show was too much. Observer Entertainment 12 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Little Orphan Annie - Continued...

With a cast size of 56 are good problem solvers who are students in Alfred - Almond’s willing to take initiative. Also, all production of Fiddler on the Roof, those looking into being on stage Annie’s cast will need to be much crew this year should definitely smaller. Miss Karr shares that the practice their duct taping skills - this thing she is most excited about isn’t comes in handy more than you think the cheesy answer of opening night; The tradition of Annie Annie’s original cover it would. As stage manager, being in her excitement is all for art still is used to help carry on the tradition charge of everything that happens of America’s beloved redhead backstage, naturally Miss Acker had callbacks.Unlike other shows when Photo from mtishows.com she has had a general idea of who the thoughts about how a live animal will play into Alfred-Almond’s lead is, she had no idea who would the performances. She is most show. She is extremely excited to be in each role this year. She was excited about the fact that she gets to have Kilroy as a part of our cast, and excited to see new people audition work with new kids that aren’t in her looks forward to the experience who could bring forth new talent. classes and will get to know the because he is well trained. She is Although Karr is excited for people she doesn’t otherwise see on a hopeful that Kilroy will bring a the production, she does have daily bases. Like our director, we all calming presence to the cast and concerns, with her biggest being the have concerns and fears for the show. crew. set. The massive combination of Miss Acker is specifically worried And finally, you can’t have a many complicated, big set pieces about the set and how set design is musical without the music of the Pit could be a challenge, but we know going to play out. One of Miss Band. Director Mr. Bialecki has we can pull it off. Her response Acker’s many jobs is to search for some thoughts on this year’s show as about the fact that we will be having people to be on our stage crew to well. He is excited and is looking a live animal on stage playing Sandy help pull off a seamless show. Some forward to the opportunity to help is that it scares her. She isn’t very of the things she is looking for in out with making Annie a success. sure about live animals in shows.The stage crew candidates are people who The advice he gives to anyone fact that Kilroy, a kind loving are able to work well with others, involved in the cast, crew, and pit is therapy dog, will be our live animal work well under pressure, are “Preparation, Preparation, makes her a little more comfortable flexible literally and figuratively, and with the fact we will have a dog on Preparation.” Mr. Białecki also stage. Although there are excitements shares his thoughts on having a live and concerns from our director, she animal on stage, “ I hope the animal is faithful we will pull off yet another has been “walked” before it goes on fantastic show. stage...” Our head stage manager, Along with the great Miss Acker, had some input on the excitement for the production and the expectations for our show and what amazing sense of family that comes our crew should be preparing for. from being involved in a show, there She really likes that we are doing is a lot of work that goes into putting Annie. She thinks that it will be a fun a performance together. We hope to show and will attract a different bring a classic story to life through audience, and because it is a kid countless rehearsals, long hours, and friendly show, we are hoping more Thomas Meehan The composer who little sleep. Be looking forward to kids and families will attend originally thought Annie was a rotten Alfred Almond’s production of idea and shouldn’t have been created Annie. Photo from mtishows.com Observer A-A Feature 13 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Faculty Flashback By Janu Patel Sr. Copy Editor Have you ever wondered what our teachers were like in high school? Or what they had planned for their futures? As a senior, I have been making some big decisions about my future, but everybody knows things don’t always go as planned. While I currently feel like I know what I want my future to look like, I know that my plans and visions will change as the years go by. So I set out to ask teachers about their plans for the future, favorite memories and advice from their senior year.

Here are the questions I asked them: What were your plans for your future as a high school senior? What is your favorite memory from senior year, or the best part of senior year? What advice would you give to high school seniors?

1. When I was a high school senior I wasn't sure what I was going to do in college. Being a teacher was always something I wanted to do, but I wasn't sure what I wanted to teach. I was also interested in becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner or physical therapist. 2. Senior trip to Boston. 3. Start to get some experience in the field you want to pursue now. It's helpful to go into a major with background knowledge and experience. Enjoy your last experiences as students at

Photo courtesy of Miss Acker Alfred-Almond. ~ Miss Acker

1. My plans were to graduate, attend college at Alfred University (my major was undecided, but I had an opportunity to attend college with free tuition, so it seemed silly to pass it up), and then live out my days working a horse farm. 2. My favorite part of senior year was graduating. I was eager to get out of the daily routine of school.... go figure! 3. Be open to change and look for the opportunities that exist right in front of you. Sometimes our plans and what is meant for us are two different things... life is unpredictable, so enjoy each moment for what it is! ~ Mrs. Backer

Photo courtesy of Mrs Backer Observer A-A Feature 14 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Faculty Flashback

1. To attend Alfred University and major in ceramic engineering. I switched majors after I saw the required textbook list. 2. Best part: Open Campus. If you were an honors student you were allowed to leave during your lunch periods and study halls. I had a first period study hall so I didn't have to report to school until an hour after everyone else. Photo courtesy of Mr Hall 3. If you are college bound: 1. Choose your institution based on Photo courtesy of Miss Carretto its programs first and social life, second. 2. Be committed to yourself and 1. I had no plan other than to join your learning because you are 47K students at UW Madison. 1. I was headed for college paying for it! 2. The forging of deeper friendships (Where I hoped to read every In general: with the knowledge that we were all book in existence (and avoid Find something you enjoy doing! going our ways out into the world. Vietnam for four years)). Remember it's OK to change your My best personal senior memory 2. Girls. See my autobiography mind! ~ Miss Carretto involved Dirk Debbink and his for details. dancing, but you will have to ask me 3. Wear your seatbelt. about that story.... Remember that there are 3. Future Freshmen, take advantage people who love you and worry of the opportunities available at about you. You are not college! Future employers want immortal or invulnerable. Pay unique skills, community attention to all the wonders volunteerism, and leadership. You taking place all around you. Be never know what is going to help kind to fat old bald guys. you or what combination of interests is going to put you up ~ Mr. Hall above the crowd. ~ Mrs. Donius

Photo courtesy of Mrs Donius Observer A-A Feature 15 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Faculty Flashback

1. To be a high school history teacher and to marry Kelly McCormick. 2. I enjoyed my friends more, I was aware that the time spent with them was coming to an end. 3. Make smart decisions about what college you are going to and make sure that your major is the one you want for the rest of your life. ~ Mr. Donlon Photo courtesy of Mr Donlon Photo courtesy of Mrs Donlon

1. Special Education 1. Going to St. teacher. “What’s comin’ Bonaventure 2. Hanging out with University for friends, yearbook will come and Elementary Education. assembly, senior 2. Great times with picnic. friends. I had a very 3. Try hard in school we’ll meet it close class and we had because your grades lots of fun. count. Have fun and when it does.” 3. Follow your dreams! make memories. Have fun but work ~ Mrs. Decker ~Hagrid hard. It pays off. ~Mrs. Donlon

1. I wanted to be a HS Math Teacher. 2. My favorite memory from my Senior year was the group of guys and girls that I hung out with. Boyfriends and girlfriends were minimal and we just had a great time being together, wherever that may have been. 3. Spend more time with your friends. Boyfriends and girlfriends will come and go throughout your life, but, hopefully, you will be able to maintain some great friendships Photo courtesy of Mr Decker Photo courtesy of Mrs Decker for life. ~ Mr. Decker Observer A-A Feature 16 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Words From the Wise By Jessica Flaitz Editor-in-Chief (Lite)

Entering a new career field having taught elementary and high can be scary, to say the least, so I school. She came to the conclusion decided to conduct some interviews that high school just made sense. with the teachers that have recently Since Ms. Acker is new to teaching, I started teaching at Alfred-Almond, asked her what piece of advice she as well as some teachers that have would give to students pursuing the been teaching at Alfred-Almond for education field, and she said the best many years now, in order to shed thing you could do is to shadow some light on their motives behind teachers and become familiar with the their decisions, feelings about their workplace. Since she plans to stay Ms. Zeh Began teaching at Alfred careers, and any advice that they’d here, it’ll be a while until she leaves, Almond as the new Earth Science Teacher Photo courtesy of ALCEN like to pass on. I chose three new so I was curious of what she might teachers and made a set of questions leave behind at Alfred-Almond. The students pursuing the education for them, and then made a different one lesson she would like to leave field. Her response: “Keep the set of inquiries for the teachers that behind is that everyone has different enthusiasm for the content because it have been here for a while. strengths and weaknesses, but make isn’t always easy to stay positive My first interview was with sure you are doing what makes you when things don’t go as planned.” Ms. Acker. She has been at happy and what you are passionate I think many students can benefit Alfred-Almond for two years, about. from this. One lesson Ms. Zeh alongside her mother. Ms. Acker Starting a full time job can be would like to teach the student body studied at Alfred State for one year intimidating. Ms. Zeh, before she leaves Alfred-Almond is and then moved to Ohio to study at Alfred-Almond’s new Earth Science to find what you love and what you Cedarville University. I then asked teacher, started this year and told me can see yourself doing on a daily her what inspired her to go into that she plans to stay. When I asked basis. She reminded us that every education. In her response, she took Ms. Zeh if she had any concerns job has its challenges but as long as me back to when she and her sister going into a new teaching position, you still have a piece you are were young and recalled memories she said, “Yes and no.” Elaborating passionate about, it will all be worth of them playing “teacher and on this a little bit, she told me that it in the end. student” as a lot of us used to do putting into practice what she has when we were kids. Growing up she learned so that it is beneficial to told me that another one of her students was one of her biggest inspirations was her mom… again as concerns. This is understandable many of ours is. When she was a because learning a subject is much senior in high school she was in the different than teaching it. After high New Visions program at BOCES school, Ms. Zeh attended Daemen Wildwood Campus. Quickly College for her Bachelor's degree realizing her freshman year at before transferring to Niagara college that the medical field just University for her Master’s degree. wasn’t for her, she took a Like Ms. Acker, Ms. Zeh did a lot of psychology course and came to the substitute teaching before she took on conclusion that education fit her a full teaching position. Staying with Ms. Acker takes on her third year at the same questions, I asked what Alfred-Almond. She hopes to pass on best. I asked Ms. Acker what made some great lessons to all of her students her choose this age group after piece of advice she would give to Photo courtesy of Jessica Flaitz Observer A-A Feature 17 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Words From the Wise Continued... The third new teacher that I course couldn’t leave out the face I knew I had asked the perfect interviewed was Ms. Byrne, who also ones that have been roaming the halls question. “I’ve met so many wonderful plans to stay. Coming from Syracuse, for many years now. In 1995, students and have had so many rich Ms. Byrne attended Alfred University, Alfred-Almond gained a creative and experiences. Teaching has taught me met a group of friends, and decided kind art teacher, Mrs. Booman. Before to always have faith and that this is a that the small towns of Alfred and Mrs. Booman started teaching she very rich journey and wonderful Almond fit her. Growing up in a attended UCLA for her undergrad and career. ” Hearing this really showed family of teachers, continuing the then earned her Master's degree for me the kind heart Mrs. Booman has tradition just made sense. Teaching is teaching at Buffalo State. Mrs. and how the love of teaching she has such a broad career path as to what Booman worked in marketing before runs very deep. To wrap up the very subjects you can choose from, so I teaching at a school, and that is where rewarding interview, I asked Mrs. asked, “Why Spanish?” Well, in Ms. she realized her love of teaching. Booman one lesson she would like to Byrne’s school in Syracuse, she had When she entered the field of teach the student body of the choice between Spanish, French, education, Mrs. Booman said that one Alfred-Almond. She undoubtedly German, and Italian. Originally she thing that surprised her was how responded with, “No put downs.” chose French, but because of a creative the students were. It was Mr. Brady, one of scheduling mistake she was put in the definitely a pleasant surprise, Alfred-Almond’s English teachers, Spanish class. Being too nice to say especially to an art teacher. Since Mrs. started his teaching career at anything, she went to Spanish class Booman has been teaching art at Alfred-Almond in 1984. He studied and instantly fell in love with the Alfred-Almond, both elementary and locally at Alfred University. Mr. Brady language. Teaching any subject other high school, I was curious if she had got his teaching degree in two years than the one she loves just didn’t make the opportunity to change one thing in instead of four, so what surprised him sense to her. Curious of her concerns schools, what would it be? Her the most was the volume of work. starting a new job, she confidently response to this was that she would responded that she didn’t really have like it if students were offered to “take any concerns because she did a lot of more of an ‘Odyssey of the Mind’ student teaching in the past. She also approach.” Odyssey of the Mind gives added that everyone at Alfred-Almond students the opportunity to take more was so nice that it was an easy of a creative and open approach to adjustment. My final question to her problem solving - a very beneficial was, “What piece of advice would you change in my opinion as a student. I give students that are entering the then asked Mrs. Booman what piece of Jess there is nothing in this educational field?” Her response, advice she would give to new teachers “Take it step by step and never be here at Alfred-Almond. She said to photo caption besides afraid to ask for help.” This is a piece “keep your eyes on the prize” and of advice that Ms. Byrne thinks all always remember the value of students could take no matter what learning. Being in one workplace for career path they choose. Before Ms. 21 years, I was sure that we (the Byrne leaves Alfred-Almond, she student) body had to make some would like to teach the student body to impression on Mrs. Booman, so embrace culture and new getting a little deeper into the harder Ms. Byrne Takes on the Spanish room and helps her students embrace different opportunities. questions, I asked her how teaching cultures Talking to three of has impacted her life. Mrs. Booman Photo Courtesy of Jessica Flaitz Alfred-Almond’s new teachers, I of paused, and seeing the emotion in her Observer A-A Feature 18 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Words From the Wise Continued... When I asked him why he My last interview was with decided to become a teacher, he Mrs. Kress, who has been here shared with me that he has always since 1995. Mrs. Kress also had a love for books and he likes studied locally at SUNY Geneseo. discussing them, so being an I asked her if, in a parallel universe English teacher just made sense. I where English isn’t offered, what then asked Mr. Brady what one subject she would teach? After thing he would change in this telling me about not being a very school if he could. He told me that good at playing instruments, she he would like to see the school said that she would choose to teach offer more electives for seniors in choral music. I then asked, the future. There used to be more Mr. Brady If you’ve ever been curious “Why?” She responded, “I like it.” classes seniors could choose from about the ending of a book in one of Makes sense. Curious of what Mr. Brady’s English classes, you can for their 12th grade English credit, almost guarantee you’ll hear his made her decide to be a teacher, and he hopes that they will be infamous quote “I’ll never tell…” she told me that there was never brought back. When I asked Mr. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Flaitz really anything that specifically Brady what piece of advice he made her want to teach, she has would give to the new teachers of just always known since seventh Alfred-Almond, he said that with grade. After asking Mrs. Kress if all of the hoops young adults have anything surprised her, I realized it to jump through just to become a was a silly question because she teacher, it’s easy to get responded, “Nothing surprises discouraged, so “Think positive.” me.” One thing Mrs. Kress would Coming to the end of the interview like to change in Alfred-Almond is I asked Mr. Brady how teaching for books to sign themselves in and has impacted his life. His response Mrs. Kress Even though she says she out and for it to always be the right was, “Teaching to me is a blessing dislikes pictures, she gives a thumbs number. She claims this would because everyday when I wake up up to the camera next to senior, make her life a lot easier. One I look forward to going to work.” Brendan piece of advice she would give to Photo Courtesy of Jessica Flaitz Mr. Brady has been at new teachers is to enjoy Alfred-Almond for 32 years and, themselves, and that teaching is to put in his words, he “derives a fun if they let it be. Teaching has great deal of meaning from taught Mrs. Kress that teenagers teaching.” Before Mr. Brady are really cool people and they leaves Alfred-Almond, I asked him keep life exciting. Thanks Mrs. what one lesson would be that he Kress! Before Mrs. Kress leaves would like to leave to the student Alfred-Almond she wants to teach body. He told me to “strive to be the student body to not take the best you can be.” Mr. Brady yourselves too seriously and be Mrs. Booman helps two very dedicated chose a good lesson to leave in the art students Photo Courtesy of ALCEN very kind to other people. Very walls of Alfred-Almond. nice advice, Mrs. Kress. Observer Column 19 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

This Justin: On A Wild Adventure We Will Go By Justin Berry Design Manager

Peace Personified Mrs. Donius is a ball of positivity, and meditation is one of her big hobbies Photo Courtesy of Justin Berry This is the second-coming being very understanding and of This Justin, a column where I example of someone rich with empathetic. She always attempts to inform you awesome readers of personality and life experience. look at other points of view as well people and things you otherwise One exceptionally important as give anyone and everyone a wouldn’t know about. Any high characteristic that she used to chance. These are qualities that schooler worth their salt has been portray herself was gracious; Mrs. everyone should strive for. to the library; it’s a vast field of Donius is immensely grateful for Alongside her kind heart and knowledge and a marvelous place everything she has and all of the understanding nature is an person to get some quality work done or different seasonings that spice up with a vast amount of vitality. She simply relax in a quiet, calming her life. That gratitude permeates characterizes herself as someone environment. If you’ve been to the her being. Mrs. Donius describes it who lives her live to the absolute library, chances are you got a pass as a way of life for her. Some of fullest; spontaneous is a word that from one of the outstanding the people most responsible for comes to mind. Mrs. Donius has librarians that can be found there. making her the wonderful person done so much with her life and has But have you ever thought about she is today include First Lady experienced so much, it’s an the person giving you that pass? In Eleanor Roosevelt, American poet inspiration to hear from someone this issue’s This Justin, I’ll take Mary Oliver, and her loving who has spent their time doing as you on a journey and discuss the husband, Bob. Each one helped to much as possible. One example of living hurricane that is Mrs. give Mrs. Donius the perspective her vivacious personality is when Donius. After interviewing Mrs. that makes her such an interesting she went to a cruiseship to be their Donius for only a short time, I and fun person. Mrs. Donius librarian and ended up dealing could tell she was an extraordinary describes her biggest strength as blackjack. Observer Column 20 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Well Travelled Woman Mr. Donius loves to travel and especially enjoys Geography Photo Courtesy of Justin Berry

Let me elaborate on that. Her favorite hobbies Alongside that, Mrs. She described to me how she had furthermore reflect her compassion Donius described how necessary it taken a job on a cruiseship, and energy quite nicely. Some of is to never limit yourself and wanting to work as a purser - the things Mrs. Donius loves to do always think outside the box, essentially a librarian and greeter to relax and relieve stress includes considering that you never know wrapped into one. After she had gathering wood, recycling, what will happen over your taken a job on the cruiser, she weaving and even a wholesome lifetime. Lastly, she told me to take learned that the job was taken, so game of Pinochle here and there. the time to develop yourself she decided to instead deal She enjoys any activity related to because you are your biggest asset. blackjack on the ship. This is just a nature; it resonates with her to be Interviewing Mrs. Donius small taste of the interesting life close to nature and establish a for this article was an absolute Mrs. Donius leads. relationship with the earth. Being treat; she is an amazing person Parallel to her spontaneous physically active is another with a very interesting outlook on temperament is an incredibly fundamental aspect of Mrs Donius’ life. The amount of vitality she inspirational and considerate life. She has done a variety of demonstrates everyday is nature, demonstrated in this next things, one of which being horse commendable and most certainly story. Nine years ago she was riding. As previously mentioned, inspirational to me and hopefully horse riding and fell off, breaking Mrs. Donius is someone with you beautiful people will her neck. One of her first thoughts enormous wisdom, compassion appreciate it as well. If you ever after breaking it was about whether and life experience. When pass Mrs. Donius in the hall and or not she would be able to be interviewing her I asked if she had she says, “Hello,” make sure to say there for the students that would any nuggets of advice for us “Hi!” back and give her a high-five miss her. Fortunately, it was over growing teenagers, and what she just to show your appreciation for the Christmas break, so she didn’t discussed was very inspirational. everything she does. miss nearly as much school over She told me that it is This concludes the second the four months it took to recover. monumentally important to get as edition of This Justin - hope you That mindset shows how many experiences as possible, all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed kind-hearted and dedicated Mrs. whether that be learning a writing it. See you next time. Donius is to her job and things she language or doing something is passionate about in general. you've never done before. Observer Local Feature 21 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

BOCES: A Different Way of Learning...

By Harry Robshaw Staff Writer

The BOCES (Board of students the ability to conclude their and staff. Students are treated as Cooperative Educational Services) program with a certification to operate a employees and members of a team campus is an excellent opportunity for forklift and gets them a step closer to rather than being talked down to or students. The Wildwood BOCES getting their CDL (Commercial treated as children. Many of the program offers an alternative, more Driver’s License). students attending BOCES also like hands on, experience to the learning The New Visions program the fact that they’re leaving high process. It simulates what working an advances students a whole year closer school with a couple years of actual job would be like in a real to becoming their desired profession in experience in their trade. The students world situation for students. It also the medical field. Students in the also enjoy how it serves as a stepping provides students with the skill set Criminal Justice program can learn how stone into their future. “It’s a good needed to work real world careers. to properly shoot simulation pistols, run blend between a hands-on experience There are many different job forensic tests, and how to properly write and a classroom setting, all while types you can experience at BOCES. tickets and give citations. building a good base of discipline,” There is everything from digital Even with all of these points says Dustin Kinnaird, a senior in the design, where students can learn how taken into consideration, the most Criminal Justice program. He states, to use computers to make their compelling piece of evidence that “It also introduces you to many people drawings to come to life, to building ensures that BOCES is a good choice is from other schools that you would trades, where students can learn all of the personal opinion of the students otherwise never meet.” As all of the the skills necessary to start a career in themselves. Most of the students agree Students that were interviewed can the construction industry. The heavy that there’s a more equal attitude agree, BOCES is a wise step in the equipment program offers towards the students from the teachers direction of learning a trade.

Are these the best pictures you have of boces?

The Courtyard and Main Building The ICM Building The main building is where all day BOCES students go Home of the New Visions Class. Photo from boces.org to learn. Photo from boces.org Observer Editorial 22 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Lessons Learned in First Grade

By Kalista Calkins Staff Writer

First grade: the true start of your educational career, this is when you begin to learn the basic fundamentals of being a kind human being. You may not think so, but the transition from kindergarten to first grade is really quite a huge jump. In Fun in first grade Evelyn and Vanessa build gingerbread houses Photo courtesy of Kalista Calkins first grade all you do is read, read, Lesson two: Listen when Lesson four: Work quietly. read and even more reading. Which is others are speaking. If your teacher is Always try your best to not be what you’re about to do for the rest of talking, should you be talking? If your distracting around your classmates your school career and life, so you friend is talking, should you be while working. It’s never easy to can thank your kindergarten teacher talking? The answer is no; in first work with lots of distractions. I’ve and first grade teacher for this ability. grade you’re taught to listen and be found that you can get a lot more Additionally, here are a few simple quiet when someone else is speaking. work done when it is quiet and there lessons learned in first grade that you Especially when working with are no distractions. If you don’t work should truly learn to live by. another student, make sure to give quietly you could be sent out into the ----- each other a chance to speak. This is hallway to work alone. Also if you’re Lesson one: Always be kind very important lesson because you in an environment that’s not suitable to one another. When asked what must learn when to talk and when to for working in you can also seek out lessons are learned in first grade, Mrs. give others a chance; when working another location to work quietly in. Burlingame answered with, “Always with someone else you can’t do all the Lesson five: Last but not be kind.” This is usually the first thing talking or ignore their words, listening least, Have tons of fun. The most taught to kids. If you see one of your and making an effort to understand important lesson learned in classmates struggling with something, others when they are speaking is kindergarten and first grade is to the kind thing to do is help them out. important and simply a sign of human always have fun!! With all of this When I was visiting the first grade decency. “rule-following,” you have to make class I saw a lot of this. This lesson is Lesson three: Sharing is room for having fun. For example you meant to stick with you throughout caring. This goes along with always can have fun sharing with your the rest of your life. ALWAYS use be kind. It’s kind to share your toys, friends during playtime, and enjoy kind words towards your friends, pencils, crayons, food and work listening to others speak (and learning peers and elders. When you don’t use materials. Sharing goes a long way, from their insights and experiences). kind words and act nice towards and helps to create friendships that Basically, who you are today others there are consequences, like can last you throughout your time in is partly because of your experience sitting out during playtime or even school, and maybe even life after in first grade, whether it was a good going to see the principal, so be on graduation! The next time you have or bad one. If you keep following your very best behavior! Being kind the chance to share something with these five simple lessons, you will see pays off in more than one way. someone, I recommend you do. the benefits of being a kind, giving, Especially when you get older During my visits I’ve seen students and patient human being. To this day, because the consequences can get share their toys and build friendships I’ve followed these helpful tips and worse. from that. have gained many things from it. Observer Feature 23 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Cheaper by the Dozen: The Walsh Edition By Brendan Walsh Editor in Chief For my third article, I thought As far as the pictures go, that one will I have also had the privilege of it might be interesting to provide a probably never be perfect due to the seeing six human beings grow up little insight to our readers about fact that we will never be able to get all from the time they come home from what it’s like to live in a large twelve children to stare at a camera at the hospital, to present time. And the family. I’m sure everyone knows by the same time. As far as dealing with numbers have always been growing. now that I have eleven siblings. the many personalities, let's just face it, We recently decorated our Christmas Including me, this adds up to a total there is usually a lot of arguing, but it tree and I noticed something of twelve children. To put that into a usually doesn't get bloody. I remember interesting. As you look at the different perspective, that is the taking a trip out west to the Grand decorations on the tree you can see equivalent of two basketball teams Canyon and Yellowstone Park many ornaments that have the names of (with two substitutes), a soccer team summers ago. We drove in a van with every child on them. Over the years (with a substitute), or a twelve people in it for three days, in we have had to replace them. There baseball/softball team (with multiple the middle of july, and the air is one with eight kids on it, then substitutes). Many times in the past I conditioning was broken. This was the another to replace that one with ten have been asked the question “How worst trip of my life, at least the kids on it, and finally the one this do you handle living with that many driving portion. There was yelling and year to replace them all with twelve people?” or, “What is it like?” and fighting and it was nothing short of kids on it. It’s safe to say you never often times “Are your parents done misery. That is the one thing i'm not a know what’s going to happen. having children?” It is very different fan of is long drives with a dozen other from the average family size, and an people. But these are all things I've Living in a large family has experience very few have the learned to live with. also provided me with years of life privilege to enjoy. So here is a little experience that I would never have insight on what it’s like. Despite the obvious downsides, received. I have learned to work with the upsides make it all worth it. Some all sorts of personalities. I have For starters, living in a house positive aspects of a large family is learned to be an arbitrator in with 14 people is not as bad as that there is always someone to do conflicts. I have learned to be patient. people imagine it to be. There are something with, and there is always And I have pretty much learned how definitely pros and cons, but for the someone to have your back and help to parent before I’ve even gotten out most part the good outweighs the you out. There are also enough people of highschool. I remember going bad. One downside to a large family to pretty much play any game you through school here at is obviously the noise level of kids want, which makes family activities Alfred-Almond and being running around the house. Another is much more enjoyable. the conflict of fourteen very unique personalities in the same place at the Springtime Photo same time; a third, the task of Here is just one cleaning a house full of children; and of the many thousands of obviously the impossible task of pictures my taking a decent picture. Over the family takes. years however, we have found a way This is also to fix these problems to the best of missing a kid or our abilities. For example, the task of two Photo courtesy of cleaning the house isn’t so bad when Barry Walsh there is a small army of people to get it done. Observer Feature 24 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Cheaper by the Dozen: The Walsh Edition Continued...

able to say, “My mom had a Luke, Erin, Liam, and Reagan. reunions where I don’t even know baby!” many, many times. I And then of course there are the half of the people there. It is remember going to the hospital to birthdays, which I haven’t even always fun though, and we have see a newborn sibling at least half tried to remember. Amazingly people everywhere if we ever need a dozen times. My oldest sister is enough, my mother has managed anything. It’s also nice to have a 24, and the youngest is not even a to remember the name and age of bunch of people for Thanksgiving, year old, so there is a child in every child and rarely mess up. Christmas, and all the other every age range. Along with this She has also managed to remember holidays. We never spend them large family comes the task of the exact hour and minute that we alone. Many years from now we remembering everyone’s name, were born. My family also expands will be able to celebrate too. It would be much easier to farther than just the people I live Thanksgivings and see everyone give everyone a number, but since with. I have family members from grown up with their own families, we can’t do that, all of my all places of the country ranging and it will continue to be a very sibling’s names in order are: from Alaska to Florida, and from interesting experience to be part of Kristen, Leanna, Kelly, Brendan the Atlantic to the Pacific. . We a large family - an experience that (me), Noah, Kate, Daniel, Tommy, have had family I wish others were able to have.

Just another photo My family often times goes on adventures and takes photos First time in the Leaves Here is a picture of along the way. This is a photo behind the house around Easter time of last my youngest brother Liam playing in the year. My mother usually likes to take pictures for Easter and Christmas. This leaves for the first time outside in the yard photo is lacking the newest child, Reagan. Photo Courtesy of Barry Walsh Photo Courtesy of Brendan Walsh Observer Feature 25 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Facts about Flight - Part 2

By: Charles Elliott Staff Writer My previous article was the checklist for the Cessna 172; this is the continuation of that article. These checks are necessary for getting the airplane in the air. 1. Make sure your seatbelt is on and your doors are locked. 2. Press and hold the brakes. 3. Turn the master switch on. 4. If it's an older model airplane, you will have to prime the airplane; pump the throttle two to six times, then push the throttle in about ⅛ of an inch. 5. Yell “Clear” out the window, then put the key in the ignition and turn it and hold Alfred Almond from the sky, Our school from 3,500 feet. until the engine starts. Photo courtesy of Charles Elliott 6. You know, these checks are really boring… Let's just skip them and get ➢ I've flown to many places around New York, some of right into flying. them being Rochester, Ithaca, and Wellsville. Once you pull out onto the runway, you will want to be in the middle. Push the throttle all the ➢ In this Cessna 172, you could fit six people: the pilot, way in and get up to sixty miles per hour, then copilot, two passengers, and two kid seats that are gently start pulling up on the yoke; the airplane removable. will lift off the ground with the magical powers it possesses. No, really, it has to do with the ➢ If you're interested in receiving flight lessons, go to the shape of the wings and propellers, but that's airport at 1100 Airport Road, Hornell, NY 14843, or another story. Once you're up in the air a couple call (607) 324-2742. thousand feet, take a look around and view the world from a whole new perspective. During my first flight I felt scared but excited. I felt like this was what I was meant to do. Throughout my experiences, I have had multiple moments of fear, as well as accomplishment. One of my fearful moments was when we were practicing takeoffs and landings, I was turning left getting ready to land and was about five feet from touching the trees. Fortunately, nothing bad happened, all I had to do was push the throttle in half way. Then there are moments where you feel proud. My most accomplished moment was when I landed the airplane for the first time. This landing wasn't my best, but I did get the airplane on the ground safely. Hornell cloverleaf, The I86 entrance and exit ramps from a couple hundred feet.. Photo courtesy of Charles Elliott Observer Sports Feature 26 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

All About 7’s

By Madison McCormick Copy Editor Rugby 7’s is a shortened variant of rugby. Rugby is an intense, high-contact, all levels, warm weather sport that Caption Headline cutline Credit American football was partially derived from. It involves two opposing teams of usually fifteen players, and the objective is to score more points than the other team by either getting the ball past the touchline for a “try” for five points or performing a drop goal worth three points. Rugby 7’s is played on the same field, called a pitch. The game is also more intense than normal rugby since the game play is shorter, therefore play has to happen more quickly with no time in between. (Unlike football, rugby 7’s does not allow time for huddles.) There are also less players so the level of skill needed is higher.

Fiji got their first ever Olympic medal in 2016 was the first time that 7’s 2016 when their men’s 7’s team beat Great Rugby has been in the Olympics. Britain. The Australian women won the gold Regular rugby was last featured as an that same year when they beat New Olympic sport in 1924 when the US Zealand. Men’s team brought home the gold.

The game was invented The game is called in 1883 in Melrose, Rugby 7’s because Scotland after butcher unlike regular rugby, apprentice Ned Haig there are only seven suggested having each players and each half team have only seven of the game is only players and last only seven minutes long fifteen minutes long to (there is a one cut down on the cost of minute break in playing the game by between halves). reducing the number of players that had to be paid.

Photo from lineoutcoach.com

New England Patriots’ New Zealand and Fiji Teams consist of three special teams player are the two countries forwards and four backs, Nate Ebner was on the that have the most as well as five US Men’s Olympic 7’s championships in the replacements. team. sport. Observer Sports Feature 27 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

All About 7’s Continued

Rugby Vocabulary All Blacks - name of New Zealand's national men’s rugby team Conversion - two extra points for a kick at the goal after a try Maul - convergence of players around a ball carrier to push the player and the ball forward Pitch - playing field that is 112.5 - 133.4 Maul the players surround the ball carrier to move him forward Photo from stuff.co.nz Scrum yards by 74.3 yards Scrum - a means to restart play in Photo from the42.ie which players interlock arms and push forward against the other team in order to gain possession of the ball that is thrown into the area Touchline - one of two lines that form the long sides of the playing area Try - act of taking the ball over the try line and grounding it to earn five points

7 Colleges near Scrum the way that play will be reinitiated after a minor infraction Alfred-Almond that Photo from the42.ie

have Rugby Clubs Binghamton Brockport Cornell Geneseo An official Rugby Sevens ball weighs 14-16 ounces and is St. Bonaventure 11-12 inches long. Syracuse Photo from GilbertRugbyCanada.com University at Buffalo

Fijian players proudly display their country's first Olympic medals Photo from sportsmanager.ie Photo from reuters.com Observer Recipe Editorial 28 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Body text... Salade Flambée

By Bill Bacon The Best Staff Writer

The one thing I respect about the French is that they light their food on fire. My father thought salads were inherently communist, and yes, yes they are. So as a public service, I will teach you how to cook the commie out of your salad. The Ingredients George Washington would be proud Photo secretly borrowed from Larry’s Attorney Ingredients For Salade:

put my newspaper with eyeholes daily routine of watching Channel ● Salad down and rushed off with it. My 44 on his T.V., ignorant again of ● Any amount of Donut plan went out without a hitch; my presence. ● Easy Cheese everyone was transfixed by my The best part of this recipe ● Patriotism genius when I looked back. is that you can use any kitchen ● Cookie Dough The next step: Dumpster available, which is why I used ● Barbecue Powder diving. Some people think Larry’s, that is, until he called the dumpster diving is a dirty waste of cops. So I retreated into my base of ● Bacon time, but you would be amazed at operations to prepare my magnum ● Heavy Whipped Cream all the useful treasures you can opus. ● And a copy of the find. For instance: the ingredients The order of the ingredients Second Amendment for this recipe. The easy cheese, goes from the lowest to highest donut and cookie dough were patriotic density. The first thing Now getting a salad might found behind “The Jet.” The needed is the inherently be a bit difficult. You either have Second Amendment is a common communist salad. Then the cookie to appear to be communist while household item and should be dough chunks. Next add any ordering one, or you could do what aquired easily. If you need any I amount of the American Donut. I did and borrow one. I staked out have 500 copies. Then generously spray the Heavy a Mcdonald's and waited for The other ingredients I Whipped Cream on the Salad. someone to order a salad. This obtained by initiating secret Then, the glorious American took a surprisingly long time, as in borrowing with one of my invention of Easy Cheese. a few weeks. No, seriously. I went neighbors, Larry. He was rather Liberally Patriotically spray it there after school every day for a confused by the sudden absence of everywhere, then add the bacon solid two weeks. But one day the snacks he was just eating. But strips on top. Unfortunately my someone walked in and ordered he grew bored of the mystery, and base of operations lacked a one, and I went back to his Observer Recipe Editorial 29 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Salade Flambée Continued...

stove, a campfire, or any fire at all to cook with. I ended up just kind of, slapping them on there, uncooked. The raw patriotism was needed anyway. The final ingredient I added to this masterpiece was pieces of the Second Amendment to thoroughly get rid of all the remaining communism in the salad. Apparently this was the last straw, as the salad spontaneously combusted when I sprinkled it on. I promptly threw it out of my inflammable base of operations. Being a man of science I realized that the communist elements of the salad being mixed with the Pre-Flambée Currently Communist “Trash,” but still capitalist elements of my beautiful Photo secretly borrowed from Larry’s attorney ingredients caused a fire to occur. That torch of freedom was actually the last of the communism dying. I ran into some legal trouble while making this due to a certain person whose name rhymes with “berry.” Because of this my photos were stolen by the government in an attempt to sabotage me, but no worries I will find a way to get those photos to my readers. Now before you shed some patriotic tears of victory you can send your thanks to me at [email protected]. If you would like to donate those American tears to potential future recipes you will find that my base of operations lacks a mailing address. So just mail it to Larry, he won't mind. Salade Flambée My magnum opus Photo secretly borrowed from Larry’s attorney Observer Acknowledgements 30 Vol. 6 Issue 3 January 2017

Acknowledgements By Madison McCormick Copy Editor Mrs. Murphy’s Class Helping to keep the DL room clean and presentable for students and staff ~Mrs. Calkins

Alexis Watson Has shown great gains in honesty and integrity and classroom performance ~Mr. Hall

Kellie Galusha Continues to fight for improvement and and frequently wins the fight ~Mr. Hall

Isaac Little Excels as a student, musician, and person - not a bad hat trick ~Mr. Hall

Miss. Karr Starred in White Christmas and did a good job ~Mr. Hall

CAD Class Helping with the pilot for the 3D printer ~Mr. Levey

Mr. Barniak Pumping up the Physics class AA Physics Class

NHS For helping make our annual Blood Drive so successful -Mr. McAneney