Fall Is Here, RHS

RHO ETA SIGMA The Student Newspaper of Rahway High School Volume 3, Number 2 October/November 2015

RHS Recognizes Honor Society Inductees Rho Eta Sigma By Isaiah Boone Editor-in-Chief On Tuesday, November 10, the high school inducted over 200 students into nine separate honor societies. Two of the honor societies represented were new this year, the Math Honor Society advised by Ms. Kai Whitfield Canagon and Ms. Scaletti, and the French Honor Society advised by Mr. Kinch, all of whom worked hard this past year to secure state charters in order to have their organizations officially recognized. Managing Editor The evening began with the Pledge of Allegiance directed by the JROTC and the “Star-Spangled Banner” Deja Butler performed by the Madrigals. Mr. Farinella offered some brief introductory remarks followed by the formal induction ceremonies for each honor society. Sports Editors The nine honor societies represented were the Art National Honor Society advised by Ms. Turon; the Dayana C. Alvarez Math National Honor Society advised by Ms. Canagaon and Ms. Scaletti; the French National Honor Socie- and Courtney Clarke ty advised by Mr. Kinch; the Italian National Honor Society advised by Ms. Soriano; the Spanish National Honor Society advised by Ms. Lulkowski; the Science National Honor Society advised by Ms. Tuohy and Faculty Advisor Ms. Ducore; the International Thespian Society advised by Ms. Modero; the Tri-M Music Honor Society advised by Mr. Bolivar, Mr. Van Wyk, Ms. Spatz, and Mr. Panov; and the National Honor Society, Classes Mr. Brighouse of 2016 and 2017, advised by Mr. Odin. Continued on page two Fall is Here, RHS

Students and Parents Turn Out for College and Career Fair By Kai Whitfield On Tuesday, October 13, the high school held its 18th annual College and Career Fair in the gymnasium and the cafeteria, a night when parents and students have the opportunity to gather information about different educational and employment options and can speak with representatives from colleges, universities, businesses, various branches of the military, technical schools, modeling agencies, and trade schools. This year, New Jersey schools like Rutgers, NJIT, Seton Hall, and Stevens Institute of Technology were in attendance, along with a number of schools representing such southern states as Georgia and Florida. Additionally, other states as far as Vermont, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan sent representatives from their respective schools. As in years past, the event was a great success. RHS students as well as those organizing the event expressed enthusiasm , excitement, and appreciation over how smoothly the night ran. Ms. Stradford, one of the fair’s organizers, said, “We had 24 more schools than last year, and we had more visitors, parents, and students. So it’s a great thing to have our participation increase overall.” Students weighing their options after graduation also had Guidance counselors Ms. Sainte and Ms. Gleason at the Continued on page two start of RHS’s College and Career Fair on October 13.

2 College and Career Fair Thanksgiving: Continued from page one A Brief History many positive things to say. Senior Aanisah Mohammed By Kai Whitfield said, “It was an inspiring experience. All the different tables and colors that represented all of these great We often think about the origins of Thanksgiving beginning with schools.” Senior Ajani Goss-Haywood expressed similar the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, and the Native Americans who celebrated with them in 1621. But while there is some truth to that event in histo- sentiments, saying, “The event made it easier for me or ry, the United States government’s official recognition of Thanksgiv- anyone else to really get a better understanding of what ing as a national holiday is somewhat more recent. you might want to do with your life and what you might In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially want to do next in order to get there.” hold an annual Thanksgiving celebration. In 1827, magazine editor Sa- rah Josepha Hale started a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a Any interested students, especially seniors, who may national holiday. For 36 years, she published editorials and sent letters have missed this year’s event should stop by the guidance to governors, senators, presidents, and other politicians promoting the office to find out more about college and career options. holiday. Finally, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiv- ing Day, in the midst of the Civil War, to be held the final Thursday of November 1863. Since then, Thanksgiving has been celebrated annual- ly in the United States. Beginning in 1939, when November had five Thursdays, President Franklin Roosevelt declared that the second-to-last Thursday of every November as the official day for Thanksgiving. In 1941, Congress passed a bill making the fourth Thursday of every November the official date of Thanksgiving, thus finally establishing the date as a matter of federal law. This year we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving on Novem- ber 26. Schools will be closed on November 26 and 27 in observance of the holiday.

Ms. Peloso, Mr. Herrington, and members of this year’s Debate Team. Debate Team Prepares for Start of New Season By Sabian Marrero On Saturday, October 24, the RHS Debate Team par- ticipated in its first competition of the season at Union Catholic Regional High School. The topic debated was “The United States government ought to pay reparations to African Americans.” The team consisted of four two-person teams and totaled five Inductees wins in 16 rounds in the highly competitive tournament. Continued from page one Other teams in attendance were Ridge, Millburn, Prince- Tishana Kirkpatrick, who was inducted into the Art National Honor ton, and Montville. Society, said, “Being inducted is a privilege and I am so excited to be a This year’s teams consisted of Tymek Jones/Giovanni part of it.” Olivier Pierre, vice president of the French National Honor Garcia, Jubril Laguda/David Bellande, Chris Werner/ Society, actually addressed the audience in French and President Kasey Isaiah Dance, and Jimmy Vargas/DeSean Carter. The Tejena translated his remarks into English. Pierre said, “Our choices team captain this year is senior Sean Penaranda. and sacrifices that we have made have put us on a path to success.” RHS’s Debate Team competes in the Newark Catholic Representing the class of 2017 National Honor Society inductees, Forensics League and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays Scott Marcondes, Justin Kanski, and Jubril Laguda expressed apprecia- from 4-6 pm in the Academic Success Center. Practice tion and humility in being selected for induction. Marcondes said, “I’m for competitions is intense as teams must prepare to de- ecstatic to be a part of this organization and very proud.” Kanski said, bate both sides of a topic. Competitions require students “It is an honor and a privilege to be accepted into this honor society. I to defend either side of an issue without informing them believe it will help me to be successful.” Laguda said, “I am honored in advance which position they must take. to be inducted into NHS. I am very proud that I was asked and look forward to what lies ahead.” Mr. Herrington feels optimistic about the 2015-2016 season, while acknowledging that they are rebuilding the The Madrigals closed the night with a musical selection, after which team this year. “Most of our debaters are new this year,” guests were invited to enjoy refreshments served by Mr. Kinch’s 7th he said. “They did very well for their first competition.” and 8th Grade Academy French class. Ms. Peloso said, “The team is very excited this year to Service is an important part of the mission of RHS’s honor socie- welcome six new members. We have already competed ties, and their presence in the high school speaks powerfully to the im- in our first regional competition with a very strong show- portance of volunteer work and contributing to one’s school and coming. All of our teams won one or more debate rounds munity. Over the years, the honor societies have been involved in a against tough competition. We are currently busily pre- number of activities, including the Mayor’s inauguration, community paring for our next event in December.” clean-up days, back-to-school nights, parent meetings, and Rahway Day. Next up for the Debate Team is a December 19 competition at Montville High School. The topic to be debat- Congratulations to all of our new inductees! May you have a great ed: on balance, standardized testing is beneficial to K-12 year continuing to strive for excellence and serving as role models for education in the United States. your peers and fellow students.

RHS Graduate Shanice Williams to Appear in NBC’s The Wiz Live! By Deja Butler On December 3, Class of 2015 Rahway High School graduate Shanice Wil- liams will star as Dorothy in NBC’s broadcast of The Wiz Live!, the retelling of the classic Wizard of Oz story. Williams beat out hundreds of other actors to secure the lead role in her first ever professional appearance. Williams was a key member of RHS’s performing arts program over the course of her high school career, appearing in many plays and musical performances. In celebration of Williams’s accomplishment and as part of the Rahway’s Own program celebrating the accomplishments of the town’s many successful residents, RHS is holding its own broadcast of the show in the school’s Per- forming Arts Center on Thursday, December 3. Doors open at 7:00 pm with a preshow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are required. Those interested in attending should go to www.rwhs.booktix.com or call 732-396-2966 for more information.

Students Wear Blue in Tribute to Fallen Athlete By Keymaan Coleman and Justin Lacefield On Friday, October 2, fall sports athletes wore blue shirts to school in a sign of unity and respect for the memory of Warren Hills Regional High School star quarterback, 17-year-old Evan Murray, who died on September 25 following an on-field injury that lacerated his spleen. Blue is the Warren Hills team color. RHS students assembled in the gymnasium in a sea of blue and formed the number 18, Murray’s football number, posing for several photographs. The students and coaches wanted the members of the family of Evan Murray to know that they sympathize Elijah King, Ms. Kiefer, and Silver Ortiz of the Gay- with their loss and send their condolences to them Straight Alliance at its Halloween party on October 29. and to the entire Warren Hills community. Mr. Picone, one of the organizers of the event, New Gay-Straight Alliance Encourages said, “I thought it was a great gesture. I feel for the family and especially the parents of Evan Murray.” Acceptance and Friendship Sophomore Isabel Elliott said, “I thought it was a really good thing to do as a school. My best wishes go By Courtney Clarke and Dayana C. Alvarez out to the family of Evan Murray. I was glad to be The 2015-2016 school year marks the debut of a new club at RHS— The Gay part of something so special.” -Straight Alliance. Its purpose, as stated in its mission statement, “is to provide an alliance between all members of the community regardless of sexual orientation” and to “educate and to cultivate an attitude toward others marked by a generosity of spirit and acceptance.” The club’s advisor is Ms. Kiefer. The president of the club is Jasmine Flores, the vice president is Silver Ortiz, and the secretary is Elijah King. The club held its first meeting on October 1. Members introduced themselves and shared their reasons for joining the club. Ms. Kiefer also spoke a bit about the excitement of start- ing a new club and how she was looking forward to the year ahead. She said, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build friendships and support between the students in a kind and compassionate environment.” Senior Angie Rodriguez remarked that she was excited “to bring this kind of thing to the school.” On October 29, the Gay-Straight Alliance met for the second time and held a Halloween Party. Some students dressed up, and everyone seemed excited about the interest the club has generated so far in the school. Asked about her reasons for joining the club, Vice President Silver Ortiz said, “I want to raise awareness of other lifestyles and help others learn acceptance.” Secretary Elijah King said, “I feel like this is a great club and one where I can meet up with others who share similar attitudes and outlooks.” Looking ahead, the Gay-Straight Alliance is planning a number of other activities, including a Day of Silence in the spring to highlight the continuing discrimi- nation faced by gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Students interested in joining the Gay-Straight Alliance should see Ms. Kiefer in Room 313.

Students wearing blue for the Evan Murray tribute.

4 School Spirit

Rho Eta Sigma checked in with some of our fall activities, including several fall sports teams and our incredibly successful marching band. Look for our complete fall sports wrap up coming soon in our December issue, along with our early coverage of winter sports!

Cross Country by Remsley Dorvilus The cross country team finished third at the Union County Conference Championships. This is the third consecutive year that Rahway has had a top- three finish. Corey McGhie finished third, while senior twins Odrigue and Ro- drigue Joseph finished ninth and tenth, marking the first time that Rahway has had three top-ten finishers. Corey, Odrigue, and Rodrigue each earned All- Conference honors. The Indians followed up that performance with a ninth place finish at the Union County Championships. Corey McGhie once again had a top-ten finish earning All-County First Team honors. The Indians had a strong performance at the Central Jersey Group 2 State Sectional Championships. Corey McGhie finished seventh, marking just the fourth time in school history that a Rahway boy has finished in the top ten ad- vancing to the State Group Championships. Corey also smashed the school Coach Colleen Mannix and the Rahway girls tennis team. record, previously held by the legendary Jeremy Antivo. Bryana Rivera had a top-50 finish, posting the fastest time by a Rahway female since 2012. Marching Band By Ashley Kuc The Rahway High School Marching Band, under the di- rection of Mr. Miguel Bolivar, has had an outstanding season so far. Here are some of the highlights: 9/26/15—Piscataway Competition, 3rd Place 10/10/15—North Brunswick Competition, 1st Place, Best Percussion, Best Music 10/17/15—Hopewell Valley Competition, 1st Place, Best Overall Effect, Best Music 10/24/15—East Brunswick Competition, 1st Place, Best Visual 10/31/15—States Competition, 4th place out of 23 bands, Best Visual Rahway High School Marching Band. 11/8/15—Nationals Competition, 5th place out of 27 bands, 2nd in Visual, 2nd in Percussion Classic Thanksgiving Game!!!

Come see Rahway Football take on longtime rival Clark

November 26th at 10:30 am Veterans Memorial Field in Rahway

Girls volleyball team in action.

Girls Soccer Coach Kawczynski sent us a quick update on the girls soccer season. The girls had a winning season with a 11-9-1 final regular season record. On November 2, the team, seeded ninth, went on to defeat #8 seed Manasquan in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament, Central Jersey, Group 2, in a close 1-0 game. Rahway eventually lost in the quarterfinals on Novem- ber 5 to top-seeded Rumson-Fair Haven. Boys soccer team huddled up, listening to instructions from Coach O’Callahan.

JROTC Raises Money for Wounded Warriors Project By Aja Alexander Between September 21 and October 2, members of RHS’s JROTC conducted a “Support Our Troops Ribbon Sale.” Cadets offered patriotic ribbons to their fellow students for a suggested $1 donation. All the money raised went to support the Wounded Warriors Project (WWP). The purpose of the project is to raise awareness and provide assistance to injured service members and their families. Those wounded in service to the nation have made tremendous sacrifices, and the fundraiser was a way to give back to them in a simple, but significant, gesture. The Wounded Warriors Project is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 following the September 11 attacks. Taking as its Pope Francis at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during his American motto “The greatest tragedy is being forgotten”, the organization visit at the end of September. has almost 100,000 members and spends over $100 million annual- ly on military members and their families. It accepts money from many organizations and individuals, and every donation helps. RHS Teacher Enjoys Rare The fundraiser collected over $250. Ms. Rivera remarked that she was especially proud of the student body because “the majority Opportunity to See Pope of the money collected was from the students themselves who do- nated their lunch change or purchased ribbons during the collection By Isabel Elliott time.” Pope Francis visited the United States from September 22- RHS’s new Senior Marine Instructor, Captain Jerry Parchman, 27. Though he is the fourth pope to visit America, it was his was equally proud of his cadets and highlighted the importance of first time here and the first visit by a pope since Pope Bene- the WWP and fundraising for worthy causes in general. He said, dict XVI visited in 2008. Pope Francis visited Washington, “Injured service members and their families have made tremendous New York, and Philadelphia. While here, he visited with sacrifices. Therefore, we hope our small contribution can have a President Obama, addressed the United Nations, and became huge impact on their lives.” the first pope in history to speak before the United States Congress. His five-day visit followed a three-day stay in Cu- ba. While it was very difficult to get tickets to see the Pope during his brief visit here, one of RHS’s own teachers had the privilege of doing so. History teacher Mr. Odin had the chance to see the Pope in Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 25. Pope Francis addressed a crowd of over 20,000 there and celebrated Mass. Mr. Odin talked about how this amazing opportunity came about. He has volunteered for many years as a tour guide at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the most famous Roman Catholic church in New York City. Because of his work there, he was offered two tickets to see the Pope. He realized what a great chance this was and immediately said yes and accepted the tickets. He went to the event with his wife. Even with tickets, it took Mr. Odin and his wife three JROTC cadets who assisted with the “Support Our Troops Ribbon Sale” hours waiting in line to enter Madison Square Garden. The in support of the Wounded Warriors Project. Mass started at 6:15, and they were able to make it inside just in time by 6:00. It was clearly worth the wait. Reflecting on the day, Mr. Odin said, “My experience was a once-in-a- Students Win Anti-Bullying lifetime opportunity, and it was a wonderful thing to see the Poster Contest Pope.” Would he go again if he had the chance? “Absolutely,” he By Chelsea Ramirez said. “It was a beautiful day, and the Pope had a beautiful Each year, RHS holds a contest to see who can create the best message for everyone in the world.” posters that highlight an anti-bullying theme. This year, four terrific artists won the competition. The anti-bullying poster contest is so important because bullying remains a major problem in schools as well as in society in general. Some statistics show that almost 30% of students are either bullies are have been bullied, and almost 200,000 students stay home from school each year due to fear of being bullied. There is also a strong connection between teen suicide and bullying. Each year, over 4,000 young people commit suicide. Victims of bullying are between two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than those who are not bullied. Therefore, creating a school community that eliminates bullying is very important. Here are this year’s winners of the competition: Jessica Hernan- dez won third place and a $15 gift card. Ziona McClain and Jasmine Taylor made a poster together and won second place and a $25 gift card. And Natalie Hernandez was the overall winner of the contest and received a $50 gift card. Jessica Hernandez, Natalie Hernandez, Ziona McClain, and Jasmine Congratulations to our four winners and thank you all for partici- Taylor. Winners of the anti-bullying poster contest. pating.

6 Rahway’s Own Celebrates Notable Rahway Residents By Deja Butler On September 24, an assembly was held honoring successful Rahway residents and RHS alumni. The assembly was part of the town’s Rahway’s Own program, a local campaign intended to put a focus on notable Rahway residents, while celebrating their accomplishments. Ms. Amy Garcia, who runs Rahway's Art and Business District, opened the assembly with a short speech. She devot- ed her talk to four Rahway residents who are currently part of the Rahway’s Own campaign: actress Shanice Williams, former professional football player Antonio Garay, dancer Daph- ne Lee, and surgeon Sayuri Jinadasa. Other well-known Rah- way residents, all RHS alumni, were mentioned, including as- tronomer Carl Sagan, economist Milton Friedman, and artist Lloyd Garrison. Shanice Williams and Antonio Garay attended the event. Ms. Williams talked about her upcoming performance on NBC’s The Wiz Live! and presented a slideshow of her RHS 1998 RHS graduate Antonio Garay. Garay is one of a number of Rahway res- performances. idents who appears in the Rahway’s Own program, a marketing campaign Mr. Stueber beamed with pride as he introduced his former designed to highlight the accomplishments of Rahway residents. Garay student-athlete Antonio Garay. Mr. Garay talked about his played professional football for the Browns, Bears, Jets, and Chargers. time in the NFL and encouraged students to work hard and follow their dreams. The parents of Sayuri Jinadasa presented a brief video clip that Dr. Jinadasa prepared for the event. Mrs. Jay Lee spoke The Origins of Veterans Day on behalf of her daughter, Daphne Lee, who was also unable By Courtney Clarke to attend. Every November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day, a national All in all, the event was filled with nostalgia and inspiration holiday to honor all those who have served in the United States for the students in attendance. Ms. Volino-Reinoso remarked, Armed Forces. Veterans Day is sometimes confused with Me- “We’ve already gathered a list of guests for next year. We morial Day, celebrated in May. Memorial Day honors those want to inspire students to do their best and maybe one day who have died while serving in the military, while Veterans become one of ‘Rahway’s Own’ themselves.” Day is a day to honor all veterans. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, the day on which World War I ended—November 11, 1918. The country began celebrating the day the following year, and it was made a federal holiday in 1938. Eventually, the United States was involved in other significant conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. In order to make Armistice Day a day to remember everyone who served in those conflicts as well, the day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Great Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, along with other countries, also celebrate their own versions of Veterans Day on or near November 11. Canadians call their day Remembrance Day, while the British celebrate theirs the second Sunday of November. One interesting side note about the holiday is the spelling. The holiday is often misspelled with an apostrophe either before or after the “s” as in “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day.” The Department of Veterans Affairs explains that there is no Candidates for Homecoming on October 17. apostrophe at all, because the day does not belong to veterans but is intended to honor all veterans. 2015 Homecoming Winners By Dayana C. Alvarez The high school held its Fall Pep Rally on Thursday, Octo- Students of the Month—November ber 15 in the high school gymnasium and its Homecoming Dance on Friday, the 16th. On Saturday, October 17, Rahway football lost a close William Both Grade 12 game to Voorhees, 24-17. Despite the loss, it was a great day Victoria Zito Grade 12 to be part of the Rahway community and enjoy a football game. Homecoming winners were announced and celebrated. Juan Obando Munoz Grade 11 Our 2015 winners are: Allison Mendez Grade 11

Oscar Ortiz Grade 10 Homecoming Queen: Stephanie Camacho Destiny Otto Grade 10 Junior Princess: Amanda Rolon Da’Shon Moore Grade 9 Sophomore Princess: Natalie Quelopana Mona Doronila Grade 9 Freshman Princess: Keren Lebron