Volume 49, Issue 1 Fall 2011

The Beacon A Student Publication of Shore Regional High School IN THIS ISSUE: Welcome, Miss LaPrete! What’s New in News? Shore Highlights By ILIANNA ANISE By ANNA WEEDEN Great things happen at Shore everyday! Check Shore Regional is pleased to welcome our new Interim out some highlights. Superintendent, Miss Renae LaPrete, who succeeds Mr. See Pages 2 & 3 Leonard Schnappauf, who served the district since 1993. Miss LaPrete comes to us with much experience, previ- Do You Know ously serving as the Assistant Principal and Principal of Rahway High School, Union County, and the Assistant Shore’s Science Superintendent in Hazlet, Monmouth County. She re- Department? cently served for two years as Interim Superintendent for New Jersey legislatures have enacted a new anti-bullying Test your knowledge of the Clark Public Schools, Union County. Miss LaPrete has law that went into effect September 1st. The new law is part the science department. planned many initiatives for Shore, including beautifica- of a state-wide initiative to stop bullying and make schools See Page 2 tion of the school grounds. She also granted a senior’s wish safer environments for students. More information about how to have a pep rally, which was a great success, and there Shore is taking a stand against bullying can be found on the will be two more this year. Miss LaPrete is very student- district’s homepage. centered and wants students to enjoy school and have the 56 wild animals, including grizzly bears, monkeys, leop- Free Time? best experience possible. When asked what sets Shore apart ards, wolves and baboons, were set free from an Ohio reserve Check out what your from other high schools she explained that, “schools are in late October shortly before the reserve’s owner committed peers think about popular schools. What sets Shore apart is its small size and a close suicide. Local authorities were forced to kill at least 49 of the books and TV shows. knit family environment. It is more like a private school. animals, but defended their decision as the animals posed a See Pages 4 & 5 Everyone knows one another and there is a real sense of great risk to public safety. community. There is a definite support system.” Miss La- Some Northeast schools declared their earliest snow days Need Advice? Prete states that she cannot say enough about the staff and ever on Monday, October 31st after a storm dumped as much Learn some tips for students at Shore, as well as the positive transition by the as 30 inches of wet, heavy snow that snapped trees and power surviving senior year. board of education she has experienced. lines and caused widespread damage and power outages. The See Page 6 storm, dubbed “Snowtober” by many media outlets, knocked Blue Devils Turn 50 out power to more than three million homes and businesses. Curious About By KELLY BRODY Freed Americans Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer returned Your Future? Shore Regional is a proud home in September after two years behind the walls of an Fall horoscopes, provider of 50 years of excel- Iranian prison. Fattal, Bauer and Sarah Shourd, Bauer’s fian- important dates to lence in education, student cee, were arrested after straying across the unmarked border remember, and evolvement, and athletics. Since between Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran in July 2009. Shourd was so much more! 1962, Shore has been a staple in released in 2010, but Bauer and Fattal were freed a year later, See Page 7 the community, educating stu- after 781 days in captivity and a trial for espionage that Bauer dents and preparing them for life told CNN was based on “ridiculous lies.” ahead. As Shore celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012, Do You Have alumni are asked to share their fond memories of Shore Devils Pride? on the “Shore Reflections” page of the district’s website. Shore’s September Check in with our fall Other events to commemorate the anniversary are taking sports teams. place throughout the year. On October 7th, the undefeated Students of the Month See Page 8 football team of 1963 revisited Shore to talk to present students about their success after graduating Shore. Also, Our new “Student of the Month” program celebrates indi- this year’s Thanksgiving Eve football game on Novem- vidual achievements by creating a culture of learning that val- ber 23rd will be dedicated to Shore’s 50 years of athletic ues academic success and elevates awareness of student contri- excellence. butions to the Shore community at large. September’s winners Clubs and sports teams are encouraged to partake in are seniors Colleen McCarthy and Mike O’Connell. 50th anniversary activities, where how you celebrate is completely up to you. Perhaps clubs and sports teams can draw inspiration from the Shore Players, in which alumnus and director Todd Aikens (’82), and his assistant director and fellow alumnus Jay Giberson (’01), are orga- nizing a cabaret that celebrates 50 years of Shore Players, in which Shore Players alumni are invited to perform again on Shore’s stage. All raised funds will go to the Shore Regional Education Foundation. To assist in fundraising, M&N Cookies is accepting School News 2-3 orders of specially decorated handmade cookies to sell. Order forms are available on www.shoreregional.org/50. In addition to her im- Mike was selected for Arts & Enter. 4-5 Director of Public Information, Mr. Ker, reflected on this special time for Shore by saying, “Shore’s 50th an- pressive resume, Col- demonstrating significant niversary is special because it provides all the district’s leen was selected for her academic progress in his Activities 6 stakeholders (alumni, community members, current outstanding consideration IB programme of studies. students, etc.) with an opportunity to reflect on a truly of others. Colleen has He always brings a posi- Living 7 momentous event in the histories of the four sending dedicated her time and tive attitude to class and districts. Shore is rich with history and the 50th is an energy to helping many of has become an exemplary her peers in need of extra student at Shore. Sports 8 inviting opportunity to kindle interest in the struggles and successes of establishing the district and making it the help or even just a pat on great school system that it is today.” the back. 2 The Beacon Fall 2011 School News Once Upon a Time By TERESA CAMPBELL & DANIELLE DEFAZIO SHORE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL As Shore Regional celebrates our fiftieth year, it may be hard to Board of Education imagine what Shore was like for the Ronald O’Neill, President Blue Devils of yesteryear. Luck- Nancy DeScenza, Vice-President ily, our staff is comprised of several David Baker Shore graduates who took us down Beth J. Garrigal memory lane. Mrs. DiFede, Ms. Diane Merla Williams, and Ms. Bahrs gave us Anthony F. Moro, Jr., Ed.D. an idea of how Shore Regional has Frank J. Pingitore progressed over the years. Mrs. Paul Rolleri DiFede, Class of 1992, described how much the school has changed. “It Tadeusz Szczurek definitely has had a face lift.” She also added that there were different class offerings when she was a student, such as auto mechanics, which Administration was taught in a garage that is now the weight room. Other classes includ- Interim Superintendent/Principal: Renae LaPrete ed silk screening and typing. She was also asked about the culture of the school and how it has evolved. “There was always a lot of fighting in the Business Administrator: Dennis W. Kotch, CPA hallways and smoking in the bathrooms and I’m glad to see those things Assistant Principal: Harry S. Chebookjian, III have changed.” Vice Principal: Vincent G. DalliCardillo Ms. Williams recalls the same memory as Mrs. DiFede as she told us Director of Athletics: Michael Carr that, “teachers smoked inside and students 18 and older were allowed Director of Curriculum & Instruction: Bruce Preston to smoke in an enclosed area outside.” She added that, “cell phones and Director of Student Personnel Services: Jon Warner IPods are a current distraction we didn’t have. Study halls were quiet and Technology Coordinator: Michael Vaccarino there were fewer kids roaming the hallways.” Ms. Williams also stated that, “back then the school spirit was everywhere” and that less school The Beacon Staff spirit in our school today may have something to do with how many fewer students there are. Ms. Bahrs agreed by adding that, “about 1100 Advisor: Mrs. Victoria Koontz to 1200 students made it crowded. Mr. Kolibas, the principal at the time, Copy Editor: Kelly Brody would have to direct traffic in the hallway.” With such a large number Design Editor: Jenna Wyatt of students, it may be surprising to learn that when Ms. Bahrs attended Staff Photographer: Megan Sacco Shore, there was no E-hall, back gym, or back cafeteria. Editorial Assistant: Annie Siegel Contributors: Kelly Altenau, Ilianna Anise, John Bazley, RJ Bohnert, Kelly Brody, Teresa Campbell, Ali Chirumbolo, Maria Conroy-Covin, Nikki Damiano, Danielle DeFazio, Do You Know Shore’s Alana DeRario, Andre DiStefano, Samantha England, Josh Feinberg, Tom Genovese, Josh Gordon, Christian Grainer, Science Department? Gina Jelliff, Evan Jones, Jessica Kwok, John Leslie, Becky Long, Paula Matsunaga, Conor O’Brien, Emily Reiser, By JESSICA KWOK Emily Roberts, Nicole Roselli, Katie Sempkowski, Annie See if you can figure out who these Siegel, Samantha Todres, Caitlin Ulbricht, Allison Vaccaro, fun facts are about. Kayla Valinoti, Anna Weeden, Melissa Yacubovich The Beacon is published several times a year by the students at SRHS, West Long Branch, New Jersey. The staff encourages letters and editorials This teacher has over 250 German beer steins. from interested readers. Items for possible publication should be submitted to The Beacon Staff, c/o Victoria Koontz, Room A15, Shore Regional High School. This teacher had a summer job trapping field mice, secretly The views and opinions expressed in this paper do not necessarily repre- enjoys bluegrass music, and could eat pizza for every meal of sent those of the staff or the administration of Shore Regional High School. the day. This teacher resuscitated a mongoose in the Virgin Islands. I.B. Corner This teacher camped cross country for six weeks during col- Shore Regional High School’s IB students have lege with the geology department of Lehigh University. been quite busy throughout the summer and fall, as they have assisted various agencies in orga- nizing major charitable fundraisers; and over the This teacher was born in Chicago, has visited ten countries in next several weeks, they will continue to partici- Europe and five countries elsewhere in the world, and loved pate in community service projects. Less than two weeks after school the Marine Biology course he/she took in college... in the Cay- opened, several students helped various maritime organizations present man Islands. programs at the second annual “Paddle the Navesink Day” on Saturday, September 17. On September 25, eleven IB seniors assisted BikeNY This teacher attended Riot Fest (an all day punk festival), in the staging of the Twin Lights ride by manning the Oceanport sta- worked as a senior laboratory technician for Rutgers Univer- tion. Led by Jaden Dicopoulos and Colleen McCarthy, the Shore IB sity for seven years before moving into teaching high school students took part in the Red Bank Area CROP Walk on October 16. This event is one of the largest world-hunger walks in the nation, and science, and has a secret passion for watching battle rapping the IB students have participated in it for the past three years. Students documentaries. supported this effort by donating rice, beans, and/or peanut butter. As always, any student interested in more information about Shore’s IB *Another department, and answers for the science department, programme should see Mrs. Ensor in A7 for more information. will be featured in the next edition of The Beacon. Fall 2011 The Beacon 3 School News Check Out Shore’s New Faces Meet Ms. DePinho Meet Mr. Wishart Meet Ms. Pontoriero Meet Ms. Cavet By MARIA CONROY-COVIN & By CAITLIN ULBRICHT By EMILY ROBERTS By ALANA DERARIO & SAMANTHA TODRES & MISSY YACUBOVICH PAUL GORDON

Ms. DePinho is the new Video Pro- Mr. Wishart also known as “Mr. duction teacher here at Shore Regional. Wish” to his students, is the new his- Ms. Pontoriero, an English major Ms. Cavet is molding minds and fulfill- Ms. DePinho went to Monmouth Uni- tory teacher here at Shore Regional. He and a Rutgers graduate, is a new ing her destiny—all from Shore’s own A-10! versity where she studied business ad- graduated from Muhlenberg College in English teacher and cheerleading Though this is Ms. Cavet’s first year of teach- ministration, communication, television, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and current- coach at Shore Regional. She taught ing at Shore Regional, she already has a year video, and radio. She has a Bachelor ly teaches US History I and US History at Rumson before coming to Shore of teaching experience at Kearny High School of Science in Business Administration II. He says that his favorite part of Regional. She said, “I’ve cheered in Hudson County. She is excited to be here at and a Bachelor of Arts in Communica- being a Blue Devil is the great atmo- since I was eight years old and I Shore where she can become more involved in tion. Prior to teaching here at Shore, sphere and upbeat tempo of the school. wanted to be more than a teacher who the school community. In fact, she is already Ms. DePinho taught at Henry Hudson He notes that everyone seems to be in leaves at three o’clock.” It was her making a mark as the class advisor for the Regional. Ms. DePinho’s favorite part a good mood, which he thinks is great, favorite thing to do in high school Class of 2015. Students would be happy to of teaching a video production class is and enjoys getting to know his stu- and the most memorable part of know that Ms. Cavet is very relaxed, but if she news broadcasting. She absolutely loves dents, explaining, “I like working with her first week at Shore was her first had to choose one worry, it would be that she being in front of a camera and teaching students. I especially like working with game. She knew she always wanted considers herself an overachiever and wor- students to be in front of one. Outside of students who put in effort and care.” to be a teacher, but decided on Eng- ries about “putting 100% into everything.” the classroom, she is involved in many When asked why he decided to become lish in her third year of college when She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and activities. She really enjoyed helping a history teacher, he simply replied, she was inspired to become a high a master’s degree in education from Rutgers with the fall cheerleading team and will “I feel it’s the most important subject, school English teacher. She noticed University. Ms. Cavet is an avid reader, who be coaching winter cheerleading along and I love it.” Mr. Wishart’s favorite that people always shy away from just recently finished Sara Gruen’sWater for with Ms. Pontoriero. She will also historical figure is Richard Nixon be- teaching high school and felt that she Elephants, and takes special interest in British be advising the ski and snowboarding cause he finds him to be very interest- could bring something more creative literature as well as comedic novels. In the club and working with the new sports ing. When asked what he would do if to teaching the subject. classroom, Ms. Cavet loves teaching things involvement club on a video. In her free he wasn’t teaching, he replied,”I would Her favorite thing about Shore she can make come alive for her students. time, Ms. DePinho loves to go shop- be a chef because I’m a great cook... is that it is such a small community Outside of school, Ms. Cavet loves watch- ping, run on the boardwalk, and walk fantastic, actually!” You would be able and everyone knows one other. She ing Bravo TV and cooking. She even studied her puppy, Blue. So far, Ms. DePinho’s to find him in a kitchen somewhere also says, “the whole English depart- abroad in Italy during college, where she favorite part of Shore Regional has been whipping up dinner every Wednesday ment is great!” In her spare time, she visited Rome, Florence, and Pisa. Her biggest planning and building the new broad- night, like he used to do for his family. enjoys reading and her favorite book role model has been her mom, and she wants cast television studio and being a part After school, his favorite thing to do is is The Other Boleyn Girl because she her students to know that she loves what she of the big changes coming to the video grab a Mojo Cliff Bar and either catch likes the incorporation of history in does. “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” production class, including plans to film waves surfing or watch a movie. Green the novel. says the new English teacher. and broadcast the daily announcements. is his favorite color because it reminds Prior to teaching, Ms. DePinho worked him of the ocean. Mr. Wishart reflected at New Jersey Network News. Outside on his high school days at nearby of Shore, Ms. DePinho is filming two Ocean Township High School where Meet Mr. Siciliano Meet Mr. Geis pilots for television series. he was involved in many activities, By GINA JELLIFF & By EVAN JONES like soccer and basketball. He was in EMILY REISER & CONOR O’BRIEN the Spanish and Italian clubs, served as senior class president, and was elected Hallway Q & A homecoming king and prom king.

Q: What advice do you have for our new teachers? Mr. Siciliano comes to Shore Re- Mr. Geis, a soccer-enthusiast and veter- gional after graduating from the Uni- an architect, has come to Shore Regional to Meet Ms. Caravella versity of South Carolina with a degree teach the art of technical draw. A native of A: “Be consistent and understand By NICOLE ROSELLI in art education with an emphasis in Carteret and graduate of St. Joseph’s High that you’re not infallible.” & ALLISON VACCARO painting. He grew up in Ocean Township School in Metuchen, Mr. Geis was for- - Mrs. Cook where he attended Ocean Township High merly an architect for nearly thirty years. Ms. Caravella School and participated in the football So far, Mr. Geis absolutely loves it here at A: “ Pick one thing to focus on im- is excited to be a and wrestling programs yet, ironically, Shore Regional.“It’s a really nice school,” proving each year because you can’t part of Shore as she he never took an art class. He says that he says. “All of the kids are friendly, do everything perfectly the first year.” teaches Art in the his schedule “didn’t allow electives.” everyone is friendly…it’s great!” Mr. Geis Visual World as the - Ms. McGowan Mr. Siciliano’s interest in his subject is studied architecture at Roger Williams long-term substitute easy to see. “I like everything about art. University and has worked in the field ever for Mrs. Anders. Ms. I like the expressiveness of art and how since, up until this year. He felt he needed A: “Tomorrow is always a new day.” Caravella attended it gives an individual a chance to have a change, though he wanted to stay in the -Mrs. Burley Middletown North a voice. It is what I really enjoy doing.” architectural world, so when Shore offered High School, and He always wanted to become a teacher him this job it was the perfect fit. Mr. Geis Q: What qualities should a good looks back fondly on her time as a stu- since high school because he comes from teaches both technical draw and advanced teacher possess? dent there, explaining, “I have so many a family of teachers. Before knowing engineering and architecture here at Shore. great memories; high school was a fun that he wanted to pursue art, Mr. Sicilia- According to Mr. Geis, tech draw is an time.” She then attended Montclair A: “They should be fair.” no originally thought about becoming introduction to AutoCAD, a computer en- State University and majored in art -Mike Flood a special education teacher. He enjoys gineering software, and advanced engineer- education. Ms. Caravella was inspired everything about teaching at Shore and ing is for students who have an advanced to teach because she “always liked art, believes that the smaller school size al- knowledge of the program. Outside of A: “A good teacher should be clear enjoyed being a student, and wanted to lows him to develop better relationships school, Geis enjoys listening to music and and to the point.” bestow her passion for art on others.” with his students. One of Mr. Siciliano’s playing his guitar. “I like a lot of classic -Kelly Altenau She describes Shore Regional as a “lib- goals is to become an accomplished rock, folk and bluegrass,” he says, while eral arts high school,” meaning there painter. In his free time, Mr. Siciliano citing his favorite song as “While My Gui- A: “A good teacher is admirable yet is a focus on art around the school. enjoys fishing, spending time with his tar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles. Geis’s relatable and has realistic expecta- During her free time, you can find her family enjoying his favorite Italian dish, favorite sport is soccer and he has already tions of their students.” outdoors or spending time with her “zuppa di pesce,” drawing, painting, attended many of the soccer games here at -Caitlin Ulbricht family and friends. surfing and traveling. His most memo- Shore. The Fox Soccer Channel is always rable vacation was the summer he spent on in his house and he’s both a Yankees in Portugal with his best friend. and Raiders fan. 4 The Beacon Fall 2011 Arts & Entertainment Superchunk’s Super Album Surviving Senior Year By ALI CHIRUMBOLO By BECKY LONG & NIKKI DAMIANO Seventeen years ago Merge Records released Foolish as the first album from Superchunk as the band left behind former label. Matador. The band recorded seventeen songs in only three days since that was all they could afford in studio time. Despite the fact that they were rushed to record the songs, only getting one take for most of them, the record does not feel at all hurried; in fact, it is slower than previous albums. Foolish begins and ends relatively soft and melodic and alternates between slow and fast songs. The album You finally made it to your senior year! Less work, more play, right? itself is a turning point for Superchunk since there is a better sense of WRONG! Hey, hey, don’t have a nervous breakdown just yet--wait maturity to it. All of the songs have a serious feeling to them, and as until the college applications have been sent in. Take a look at this nifty drummer Jon Wurster says that, “there’s darkness to Foolish that doesn’t list, compiled by some of your absolutely AWESOME classmates (no shade other Superchunk records.” Foolish remains one of Superchunk’s shame in self campaigning, right seniors who took the time to go around best albums and a favorite among many. Remastered, it obviously has exclaiming, “Put me for best ______!”?), which details some of the a cleaner sound to it, though still with the raw feel that is custom to the things YOU need to do before applying to college. band. The drums and guitars, which are heavy, loud and wonderful, remain prominent throughout all the songs, even the slow ones. This • Make a list of 6-10 colleges that you are going to apply to. record shows a different side of Superchunk and they deserve praise not • Find out what types of applications are accepted by your col- only for that, but also for creating an album that rocks. leges, keeping in mind that many schools accept the Common Applica- tion. • Begin creating an activity resume highlighting your involvement Fall Concert May The Tech from freshman year on. • Ask two teachers to write a letter of recommendation for you. Schedule Be With You Some teachers will only do this for a certain amount of students, so get a By ALI CHIRUMBOLO By ANDRE DISTEFANO move on it! • Begin drafting your essay and remember that essay requirements may vary from college to college. The Stone Pony: • Sign and return all forms to your guidance counselor as soon as 11/01 Yellowcard possible. • Attend the college fairs offered at Shore Regional to gain infor- 11/12 EOS Benefit Show mation about your possible institutions of higher education. 11/13 Asbury Music Awards • Make sure all college forms are handed in to guidance at least two weeks before your school’s deadline. 11/18 Keller Williams • Register for the SATs and ACTs if you need to take them. One new and innovative • Keep your grades up! 12/9 Gaslight Anthem piece of equipment recently released is the Droid Bionic by Motorola. This intuitive Smart- Starland Ballroom: phone allows users to interact 11/04 Panic At the Disco with friends, play games, and browse the web with ease. It 11/05 Sebastian Bach joins the ranks of the other 11/06 Jersey Shows Verizon devices using the 4G Battle of the Bands LTE network, the fastest to date. Of course, I would be remiss Fall Into Sudukos 11/12 Anthrax & Testament as an Apple fan boy if I did not w/ Death Angel mention the newest innovations Level: Hard 11/13 Owl City from the super company. One of these is the much awaited 11/23 Four Year Strong release of IOS5 for IPhone and 12/11 The Devil Wears Prada IPad, as well as IPod touch. This new OS will be the most IZOD Center: seamless for Mac users, par- tially due to the creation of 11/5-11/6 JAY-Z & Kanye West “ICloud.” This program will 11/17 Guns N’ Roses integrate all Apple devices on a Mac network. Finally, I’d like 11/18 Judas Priest to share a personal tribute to the late Steve Jobs. There are many amazing individuals in this world, and now there is one less. There is no creative force strong enough to replace the insight and wisdom you were, and in spirit, still are as a man. Your inven- tions inspire greatness and you were a societal phenomenon. You were taken too soon from us, but alas, are finally in peace. Fall 2011 The Beacon 5 Arts & Entertainment Fall’s Top TV Picks Check Out These Adventures By KATIE SEMPKOWSKI & KAYLA VALINOTI By JOHN LESLIE

Fall is a season with much to offer, in- Of all of the future society novels in which cluding the shows that are projected onto our the characters’ world has crumbled, The Hun- television screens. Keeping up with all of ger Games stands above them all. In the past the shows airing during this season can be a year and a half, The Hunger Games has be- difficult task, but with many cable companies come extremely successful and popular. The offering an OnDemand feature or DVR, you story focuses on a girl named Katniss who can catch all of your favorites. lives in the Twelfth District of the country Panem, which is a new country that flourishes The third season of Glee is underway, in what used to be North America. Panem and with this year being senior year for fa- is divided into twelve districts. Once a year, vorites like Kurt, Finn and Rachel, it will two young adults, one girl and one boy, are prove to be the show to watch. picked from each district to compete against The X Factor has also started its first each other. All twenty-four teenagers are put in an isolated environment U.S. season, and though it just seems to be and forced to kill each other for survival. The last one living out of the just another singing show, the prize of five 24 returns home with riches and glory. The barbaric games were created million dollars is the largest cash prize in after the failed revolt of district 13, in which the Capital resorted to de- stroying the districts. The games are meant to remind the poor citizens TV history. Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul that the Capital should not be questioned and revolution is hopeless. are together once again, making many Suzanne Collins’s plot is intriguing and captivating and, although the people call The X Factor a show to look out wording is average, the suspenseful story keeps the reader hooked. It’s a for. fantastic novel for all readers. Sequels to The Hunger Games include, in Two and a Half Men has started a new order, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, both now available. Current The season as well, and with Charlie Sheen Hunger Games fans are looking forward to the film adaptation, which is gone and Ashton Kutcher as his replace- set for release on March 23, 2012. The story is amazing and a true waste ment, it will be fun to see if this show will to miss. If you like The Hunger Games, another adventure book you should be able to keep its original flavor. check out is The Lost Hero. Many readers know about Rick Riordan’s With a brand new cast, Dancing with the Stars hits our television sets Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in once again. Its cast includes professionals from past seasons, and obvi- which the story of beloved Percy Jackson is ously the stars, who consist of David Arquette, Hope Solo, Elisabetta incorporated with Greek mythology. Rior- Canalis, Rob Kardashian and others. dan’s new series begins in the same world The cult favorite Modern Family started its new season as well. It and picks up only months after the ending of won an Emmy for the second year in a row for Best Comedy, so we will the Percy Jackson series. The novel intro- just have to watch and see if it can live up to its reputation. duces Jason, a teenager who can’t remember anything about his life; Piper, his supposed girlfriend; and Leo, Jason’s best friend. Soon after the novel begins, the three friends are attacked. Readers travel back to Camp Half- Blood, where they reunite with old friends like Annabeth Chase, and a missing Percy Jackson. It is a new adventure that will reveal much more about the subject of Greek mythology and dedicated readers will be familiar with old friends and places. The writing and story is just as good, maybe better, than the original series. The story is beautifully written, and the plot goes deeper, sucking in any reader like quicksand. The sequel to The Lost Hero, Neptune’s Son, recently arrived in book- Steals and Deals stores this month. By JOSH FEINBERG With holiday shopping season right around the corner, here are some websites that can save you some money. • Groupon.com is a site that features entertainment, clothing, restau- Heard in the Halls rant, and hotel deals at great prices. Sign up for their emails to find out what the daily deal is. For example, retail deals have featured By SHORE JOURNALISM STUDENTS $25 for $50 worth of merchandise at Nordstrom Rack. • Ebates.com allows you to sign up for their site and save a desig- nated percentage off your total purchase at different retailers. Four Question: What are you reading right now? times a year they will send you a rebate check, so if you buy more, you get more. Natalie Toro, 10th grade: • Restaurant.com offers discounted restaurant gift certificates and “I just finishedThe Last Song in three days. It was features extreme discount days. There are offers from an array of really good, but I cried a lot.” restaurants across the United States. Be sure to check for excluded Mr. Valenti: days and holidays on which certificates may not be valid. “My favorite book right now is The Lincoln Lawyer by • Citypass.com offers discounts throughout major cities across the Michael Connelly. It’s very intriguing because it shows country including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. a different side to the justice system. I’m going to read all of Michael • Playbillonline.com sells tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway Connelly’s books because that’s how I roll.” shows at extremely discounted prices, allowing people to experi- Mrs. Cook: ence theatre and the arts at reduced rates. “A Storm of Swords, from the Game of Thrones series. It’s a fantasy po- • Local stores and retailers will often send exclusive deals and promo- litical novel with dwarfs, knights and death. What more could you want? tions right to your e-mail, so sign up through your favorite retailers’ Oh wait, and dragons.” websites to gain access to even more hot coupons. Allye Amorino, 11th grade: “I’m reading Such a Pretty Girl right now.” 6 The Beacon Fall 2011 Clubs & Activities Let’s Go Clubbing! Cheers to New Cheerleading Your guide to Shore’s clubs and activities. By CAITLIN ULBRICHT SADD is proud to announce the new executive board. President: Katelyn Patti Vice-President: Lauren Kessler Secretary: Samantha Marchisin Treasurer: Dana Kelly Communications Liason: Jenna Wyatt Freshmen Representatives: Jessica Layton & Natasha Toro Sophomore Class Representatives: Natalie Toro & Caitlin Ulbricht Junior Class Representatives: Harrison Baker, Kelly Brody, & Josh Feinberg Senior Class Representative: Emily Acerra Cheerleading is back and better than ever! New coaches, new On October 16th, approximate- captains, and new uniforms are bringing this squad to a whole new ly 65 Interact members partici- level. Ms. Pontoriero and Ms. DePinho are this year’s cheer coaches pated in the American Cancer and have brought new ideas and energy to the team. They are both Society’s “Making Strides new teachers here at Shore Regional and want to take the cheerlead- Against Breast Cancer” walk in ing squad to new heights. With almost double the amount of girls as Point Pleasant Beach. The club last year, the coaches need a little help from the captains, Olivia Sipler, raised over $1,900 for breast Katie Sempkowski, Kayla Valinoti, and Kaitlin Scarpino. These cap- cancer research through online tains are motivating the team and doing anything they can to help them fundraising and cash donations succeed. So far, the buzz about the new squad has been very positive, submitted at the walk. and all the girls are working hard. So, come out and support the Shore Regional cheerleaders! Put Up Your Paws For SAW By SAM ENGLAND & PAULA MATSUNAGA

A special thank you to the mem- bers of our senior class who par- ticipated in the September 17th car wash: Jake Laurino, Lauren Kessler, Megan Hunziker, Dana Kelly, Rachel Rodriguez, Angelica Ciaglia (pictured), Gabby Amado, There has been a lot of buzz around Shore about the new SAW Abby Reinhard, Caroline Shep- club. SAW stands for Students for Animal Welfare. Juniors Ilianna pard, Jen Latteri, Nicole Britton, and Justina Anise and Harrison Baker created the club with the mis- Kayla Golden (honorary senior), sion to inform students and adults about the harsh realities of animal Nicole Bocco, Tyler Sperling abuse, animal testing and animal cruelty in society. One main goal is (pictured), Colleen McCarthy (pic- to make people become conscious of making decisions that benefit tured), and Julia Watts (pictured). animals. The advisor for the club is Mr. Labush, who explained that, “even though I love bacon, I have always been a supporter of animal Do you need something rights.” This year, SAW will be fundraising for various causes and or- to look forward to? ganizations and working to raise awareness and support for a number of issues. There will be many opportunities to raise money for SAW *Check out these upcoming events!* and participate in events throughout the year. If you want to contribute in your own personal way, you can volunteer or donate to some of the Beginning of following foundations: The Roses Foundation, Fur Bearer Defenders, Marking Period 2 Homecoming Game and the Whaleman Foundation. The creators of this club said, “Any November 9th November 23rd and all members are able to make a difference for the treatment of ani- mals in society.” Interested students should see Mr. Labush in A5. NJEA Convention- School Thanksgiving Break- School Closed Closed COME SEE OUR November 10th-11th November 24th-25th FABULOUS Shore Players- Grandma’s Winter Break- STUDENT Getting Married School Closed MODELS! November 11th-13th December 26th- Senior Fashion Show & November 17th-20th Main Gymnasium Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 Homecoming Dance 7:00 p.m. November 21st Fall 2011 The Beacon 7 Living Things You’ve Fall Horoscopes By ANNIE SIEGEL

Never Heard Of... Scorpio (October 22nd-November 21st)- By GAIL WYNAND & JOHN BAZLEY Your relationships will flourish effortlessly this month, but you may have a tendency to slack in your work ethic. Try to stay focused and stick to your schedule!

Sagittarius (November 22nd-December 21st)- The first half of November may not be too exciting for you, but the second half will bring new projects and opportunities for you to enjoy.

Capricorn (December 22nd-January 19th)- Music Review: A lot of important events may go on this month, The Wonder Years--The Upsides allowing you to be very social and amiable to oth- In May of 2009, the Philadelphia-based al- ers. This will also allow you to further develop your ternative rock band The Wonder Years spent relationships with others. days and nights in a 15 square foot basement writing The Upsides, an album that would Aquarius (January 20th-Feburary 18th)- change countless lives. The album stays true This month you will naturally be more apt to stand to a central theme of getting over depression strong in your opinions and views, but try to sympa- and looking for the upsides in a life that is thize with others or you may come on too harshly. constantly bringing you down. The theme immediately shows in the first lyrics of the Pisces (February19th- March 20th)- album opener “My Last Semester,” a song November will bring you a busy schedule that may about not fitting in at school: “I’m not sad seem hectic at times, but it will also bring you new anymore, I’m just tired of this place. The friends full of charm and new ideas, allowing you to weight of the world would be okay if it would pick a shoulder to lean on, so I could stand broaden your horizons. up straight.” This energetic track leads into “Logan Circle,” which uses the fountain at Lo- gan Circle in Philadelphia being turned on in the spring as a metaphor for change in singer/ Aries (March 21st-April 19th)- lyricist Dan Campbell’s life. “Everything I Own Fits In This Backpack” is about life on This month you will have hard decisions to make the road and raises questions about where “home” really is, while the short, but fast-paced concerning long-term events and relationships. You “Dynamite Shovel” takes a stance against hatred, particularly that of the infamous Westboro will also have plenty of energy allowing you to do Baptist Church. The three songs that follow, “New Years With Carl Weathers,” “It’s Never extra activities. Sunny in South Philadelphia,” and “Hostels and Brothels,” flow into each other well, slow- ing down the pace of the album with slower tempos and somber lyrics. “Melrose Diner” is Taurus (April 20th- May 20th)- an infectious pop-rock song that emphasizes the imperfections in everyone and why they November brings warmth and light to your relation- should be praised. Lightening the mood of the record, “This Party Sucks” mocks MTV’s ships this month, allowing you to be more charming Jersey Shore with sarcastic lyrics such as the memorable “I don’t need to pump my fist to to others. It will also bring recognition to your merits look sweet.” “Hey Thanks” is The Wonder Years’ take at an acoustic jam, featuring a uku- if you have been working hard on a project lately. lele chord progression and a trombone lead in the second half of the song. The final tracks, “Washington Square Park,” and “All My Friends Are In Bar Bands” go hand in hand, with Gemini (May 21st- June 20th)- Campbell announcing, in reference to the first track, “I’m not sad anymore, I’m just tired You may feel more emotional this month, but this of this place. If this year would just end, I think we’d all be okay.” Through catchy hooks, will help you highlight your talents and work better a unique sound, and memorable lyrics, The Wonder Years have created one of the greatest with others. Your workload is a bit more relaxed this rock albums in recent history. month, which will motivate you to do better with what you have. Music Review: The Antlers – Hospice Cancer (June 21st-July 22nd)- The term “emotional roller coaster ride” Your confidence will shine through to all of your is thrown around a lot when it comes to relationships and will let you make positive changes powerful pieces of media, but none seem to in your life. You will also work extremely well with come as close to the meaning of the phrase others this month, as you may need their help. than the The Antlers’s 2009 album, Hospice. It starts with a solemn atmosphere created Leo (July 23rd-August 22nd)- in the prologue, followed by the frail and This month, you will be extremely passionate in deeply emotional vocals of Peter Silber- everything you do. You won’t let anything hold you man during “Kettering,” and continues to back, nor will you take no for an answer. headphone-shattering heights in “Sylvia” and “Thirteen.” The album then dives to Virgo (August 23rd-Spetember 22nd)- heartbreaking depths in “Atrophy,” “Shiva,” November will make you extremely emotional and and “Wake,” moves to songs of hopeful optimism in “Bear” and “Two,” and concludes sentimental, though things will most likely work with “Epilogue.” However, apart from the divine beauty found in the instrumental por- themselves out. Communication is key this month! tion of the songs, the lyrics of this album are extremely powerful, with a deeply emotional tone that perfectly compliments the solemn atmosphere. The lyrics tell a story of a hospice Libra (September 23rd- October 22nd)- worker and his relationship with a terminally ill patient, an allegory for suffering through This month is all about strategies and decisions, an emotionally abusive relationship and the pains of breaking free. Silberman wrote the whether it’s about school projects, or relationships entire album, and claims the lyrics come from personal experience. Nowhere else could you with friends, so make sure you think critically about find such sincere, raw emotion. If you are in the mood for the emotional experience of the your actions. decade, and have a box of tissues at the ready, then this reporter strongly suggests you give this beautiful piece of art a listen. 8 The Beacon Fall 2011 Sports Falling For Fall Sports Shore Physical Education By TOM GENOVESE & RJ BOHNERT Department Steps Up All fall sports started the season strong and the post season is well underway. Solid play by all Blue Devils, especially the field hockey and By KELLY ALTENAU gymnastics teams, set the bar high. We had the chance to interview some “From a physical education standpoint, we are moving on from an of the captains and coaches to find out the keys to their success. outdated system overall,” said physical education teacher Mr. Rankin. Head field hockey coach Williams led her team to win the North Jer- “A more comprehensive grading policy now puts students in a position to sey Section 2 Group I title by defeating Oak Knoll 2-1. Oak Knoll was earn their credit rather than having points deducted as the marking period previously undefeated in their season and in their last 49 games. Shore progresses. At the same time, the new policies hold students more ac- Regional now advances to the Group I semi-finals. Coach Williams told countable. We still want Shore students to enjoy their physical education The Beacon that the team’s chemistry is “…the best I have ever seen. classes and understand the importance of them.” All of the new policies The seniors have taken control of the leadership.” Coach Williams attri- are in alignment with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Stan- butes the team’s success to executing the basics, stating that, “our tech- dards and are aimed at promoting overall fitness while doing new things, niques have not changed. We’ve been executing the basics for 46 years; like fitness testing using the fitnessgram protocols. These new procedures it is an all out team game.” Aileen Johnson and Hannah Barreca, team are working to promote standards in physical education that are just like captains, have embraced Coach Williams’s philosophy and continue the any other course offered here in the school. Classes will be participating tradition of success and love of the game. Both captains will be taking in a wider range of activities, and incorporating Project Adventure Initia- Shore’s standards of excellence to Duke University next year. When tives and character education with the Full Value contract. The classes asked about how field hockey changed their lives, they both explained will also be utilizing the fitness center more. All of these changes in that, “opportunities have grown tremendously. Our travels to Chile and physical education have been designed to benefit everyone. Uruguay were some of the greatest experiences in our lives. There is no feeling like representing your country while doing something you love.” Similar to field hockey, the gymnastics team has shown true pride in their sport. When we interviewed the two senior captains, Julia Watts and Tyler Sperling, they explained that gymnastics means everything to them. Julia explained, “to me, gymnastics is working hard everyday, be- ing determined to become better, and being a leader on and off the mat.” Tyler mentioned, “gymnastics taught us how to be better people besides being better gymnasts.” Head Coach Kristen Zdanowicz described her team as one unlike any other year. Coach Kristen explained that, “this year we have more depth and strong seniors in leadership roles. A majority of this year’s team has had a background in gymnastics, which always is helpful.” The Shore gymnastic team participated in the Shore Conference Meet and will compete next in the NJSIAA state sectional meet. Both of the Blue Devil soccer teams have had great success this fall. They have both clinched the “B” central division title. The girls’ soc- cer team got their NJSIAA state tournament off to a fast start with a 6-0 first round win over Spotswood and was victorious with a 2-1 win over Governor Livingston. They now advance to the Central Jersey Group II finals. The boys’ soccer team is set to play in the first round of the -NJ SIAA state tournament against Hillside. Both have outstanding records that reflect their play out on the field. The cross country teams’ records did not reflect how well they did this season. Although they battled injuries and tough meets, they had much individual success for almost everyone on the team. Times dropped more and more each week. As of October 20, the football team’s record stood at 5-2. They had some great victories over Keyport, Keansburg, Mater Dei and South River. Team leader Nick Grigos said that, “we have a pretty strong team this year and are looking to go back to back as state champions this sea- son.” It will be an exciting November filled with post season games. The girls’ tennis team completed their season compiling an overall record of 12-7 for the year. They played some really great matches and we have seen some stellar performances. Junior Melissa Granet made it to the third round of the state singles tournament, which is a huge ac- complishment.

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Check back next issue for our fall sports wrap-up and winter sports check-in!