VOL UME 6 8, Iss UE 6 DECEMBER 2006 D.I.V.E. Day And "The Laramie Project" Join Forces Collaboration Furthers "Darien s Initiative To Value Each Other" Leah Lyden In small groups offive or ten, students Managing Editor were asked to identify the issue repre­ sented in each scenario, discuss possi­ During fourth and fifth period ble solutions to the problem, and rank on Wednesday, November 15, Darien the prevalence of similar problems in High School students were broken first their school. into small groups and then into a larger The students then reconvened group oftwo classes to discuss stereo­ for a group discussion of the issues types as part of this year's D.r.Y.E. and an opportunity to share personal Day celebration. A preview ofTheatre experiences involving similar issues 308's fall production of"The Laramie with their peers. Project," shown on Thursday, Friday, The clip of "The Laramie and Saturday of the same week, was Project," which tells the story of slain aired via Blue Wave News at the close gay student Matthew Shepard, at the of the discussion. end of the discussion exemplified the The similar timing of the two need to abolish hatred and embrace events was purely coincidental but people of all backgrounds. While the came off as an embodiment of the clip itself lasted a mere ten minutes, D.r.Y.E. acronym, Darien's Initiative it provided an intriguing glimpse of To Value Each Other. what was to be seen the next day on the In years past, D.I.Y.E. Day has opening night of the production. featured motivational speakers and Though D.I.Y.E. Day and "The student panels on the importance of Laramie Project" project similar accepting people regardless of bar­ messages, the timing was largely riers like race, religion, and sexual coincidental. Ms. Herman, director orientation. of Theatre 308, approached fellow The boys varsity basketball team won itsjirst game ofthe season on Wednesday, December 13, defeating This year, students were present­ English teachers and D.I.Y.E. Day Wilton 52-40. The team will next take on Greenwich at home on Wednesday, December 27, at 7:00 p.m. ed with ten scenarios that D.r.V.E. Day coordinators Miss Sala and Mrs. student facilitators felt exist at DHS. Continued on page 6 Blue Wave Cafe Beyond Current High School Cafeteria Aces Town DHS Senior Ingrid Jacobsen Shares Her Thoughts Food Inspection On Fashion, Physics, And More

Stephen Matson Most people who have experi­ Courtney Rogers Staff Writer enced food poisoning would describe Editor-At-Large it as a miserable experience. In addi­ Every day hundreds of students tion to nasty symptoms like vomiting, At 2:30 p.m. on a Monday after­ and teachers buy prepared lunches and nausea, and fever, death is also a loom­ noon, the halls of Darien High School snacks from the Blue Wave Cafe, the ing threat. Although food poisoning is are empty. The droves of students and Darien High School cafeteria. While not as common in the United States as teachers have left for the day, leaving some complain that the food is ex­ it is in other countries, it is still a legiti­ behind only a few stragglers and the pensive, most would agree that the mate concern, with seventy-six million custodial staff. quality and taste of the food is rea­ cases food-borne illnesses developed But in room B-203, a meeting sonably high. by Americans each year. Fortunately, is about to begin. Tht; members of However, with recent restaurant advanced medical technology prevents Current, the DHS literary magazine, closings in Darien, reports of nation­ a high casualty rate and keeps the risk have formed a circle with seniorIngrid wide E-Coli contaminations, and the of salmonella and other illnesses rela­ Jacobsen seated closest to the white ever-present worldwide threat of food tively low. board. She is responsible for running poisoning, is the food that we eat ac­ In the most recent health code in­ the zine's weekly meetings. tually safe for consumption? School spection, the Blue Wave Cafe received "Ingrid, why don't you start the cafeterias are particularly vulnerable an A grade. This success signifies that meeting?" suggests Mrs. Von Walde, for spreading food-borne disease due the high school cafeteria meets cur­ a DHS English teacher and the faculty to the high output of food. rent Connecticut health standards. The advisor for Current. The root of the problem is usu­ health code requires that employees Ingrid begins by handing each ally not the food itself but rather the wear proper personal equipment like member a packet of poems and short manner in which it was prepared. The aprons and gloves while handling stories. "Today we're going to focus on Ingrid Jacobsen (far right) joins classmates from the China Exchange. two major causes of food-borne ill­ food, maintaining food at proper tem­ reading through the Autumn Contest nesses are improper temperature man­ peratures, and properly preparing and submissions," she says, asking each The next day, we meet at that students submit for publication agement and the overexposure of raw serving the food. staff member to read through the Starbucks and snag two seats at the in the zine. "It's hard to critique or foods to a waml environment. In recent years, the quality of packet and 'pick a favorite piece. bar by the window looking out onto deny something when the person who food in high schools and other con­ When I sit down and begin mark­ the Post Road. Ingrid is enjoying her wrote it is right there," she says. "You sumption venues has become of in­ ing up a poem in pencil, Ingrid hands peppermint laUe, complete with pep­ have to be very careful because some­ In This Issue creasing interest to the American me a red pen. "There's just something permint-flavored sprinkles. "I usually times people are very sensitive about public. With documentaries like Super about using red pen," she says. "It's get pumpkin-flavored things here," she their work." Students'Television Size Me and books like Fast Food different. I trunk it works better." says. "Peppermint is new for me. I do Ingrid says she tries to be care­ Nation drawing more and more atten­ We spend the duration of the like the sprinkles though." ful of the tone she uses when the staff Appearances, .. tion to the issue, foods that were once meeting discussing each piece in As luck would have it, we are sit­ gets together to discuss the submis­ guilty pleasures have become particu­ depth, choosing our top three and ting in one of Ingrid's favorite study sions. The sensitivity with which she larly convoluted. Cafeterias and other deciding which others could be sal­ spots. "I like to sit here when I'm approaches each submission is exem­ Yearbook Update...... 4 eateries nationwide are being forced to vaged for future publications. Just studying," she says. "I get easily dis­ plary of a close friend's comments on offer healthier alternatives while still after three 0'clock, Ingrid dismisses tracted by the people passing by out­ her personality. "She's such a good appealing to people's desire for broad the group and says, "Remember, guys, side, but it's a good distraction." friend," says fellow seniorAnne Elliot. "Laramie" Hits Hard ..7. tastes. you have homework. I want you all to When the conversation turns to "She's always understanding and a Many DHS students grimace read these short stories for next week. her involvement with Current, she great listener." in response to talk of Connecticut's Ski Team 8 Don't forget." With this message, the pronounces, "Current is a club for After reviewing the events of I I most recent attempt to improve the staff quickly disperses and Ingrid and breaking hearts." She's referring to the Current meeting, Ingrid declares, I ~ Continued on page 6 I make plans to meet up later. the critiques and cuts of the pieces Continued on page 6

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2 DECEMBER 200 6 OPINION NEIRAD Neirad is a monthJy Darien High SchooJ student pUbli­ Delving Into Disunity At DRS cation. The publication is a What Happened To All That Blue Wave Pride? (orum for student thought and ex.pression, and its content .is The holiday season is upon us community in the school. flights of stairs seem too bothersome gate, forging a bond that comprised and friends and family have gathered Ever-present was the risk of to make the trip. the essence of Blue Wave Pride. Even decided solely by the editors to celebrate. Peace and togetherness being trampled by other hustling stu­ The walk to class is not only a D.I.Y.E. Day is no longer a school and advisors. Circulation is seem to dominate every aspect ofdaily dents, but making the trip through the lengthy journey but is also plagued assembly and is instead divided into approximately 1,000. A sub­ life, from the music on the radio to the intersection was somehow always re­ by the monotony of bare walls. A separate rooms. advertisements in magazines and on garded as a worthwhile adventure. major controversy in moving to the Admittedly, the architects did scriptjon can be ordered for television. Finally, there was the ten-minute new school was that students would create some areas for student congre­ $25. All comments should be Unfortunately, this sense of unity common time between second and no longer be allowed to hang flyers gation. The old school's cafeterias, is seriously lacking in the halls of third time slots, which gave students and posters on the walls. Since the separated by class, were replaced with maiJed to the editors at Neirad, Darien High School. In fact, our brand and teachers another excuse to congre­ transition was made last fall, bulletin one main cafeteria where all students 80 High SchoooJ Lane, Darieo, new multi-million-dollar building gate in popular spots like the cafeteria boards were installed in the cafeteria, eat on a daily basis. seems to have fostered a rather austere and the library. This brief break in the but there's no arguing that the building While the tier system of this caf­ cr06820. environment for the student body. day allowed students to chit chat and still lacks the decorative attire that so eteria has resulted in a division of The old school boasted an un­ form stronger ties with their peers. characterized the old building. students along grade lines, at least all ,oITOR-IN-CHl paralleled sense of school spirit, with The new school, on the other Students are also allowed to post of the students can fit in one cafete­ Mackenzie Horan hallways decked out for Homecoming hand, not only denies students and flyers in the hallways as long as they ria during lunch. Again, the installa­ and frequent all-school assemblies. teachers the privilege to socialize but are taped only to doors and windows. tion of bulletin boards in the cafeteria Homecoming Week provided an op­ also seems to work against creating a Though this is an improvement, the showed at least some effort by the ad­ DITORS-AT-LAR portunity for the entire student body unified spirit. Students, teachers, and gray color that dominates the halls ministration. However, this space is Brianna Mulligan to show their pride in the DHS com­ parents alike have criticized the design seems only to perpetuate the somber limited and confined to just one sec­ ourtney Rogers munity. of the new school. appearance of our school. tion of the school, leaving all other The festivities were not con­ Looking at the new school, a The new school also lacks the hallways bare. fined to members of sports teams but gargantuan and cyclical building, colorful student artwork that decorated Even taking into account these MANAGING EDITORS included all students of all grades. one might easily conclude that the ar­ the old school. The display of student small improvements, the divide in the Leah Lyden When it came time to decorate the chitects did everything they could to work in the old school indicated that new school is apparent and seems to Nick PhilJips school, it was the seniors - and not avoid a central intersection. Now, in the school was not merely an academic be growing. Students are isolated from lisabelh Tone just the seniors on sports teams - who addition to struggling to navigate the institution but home to a creative and one another and have been forbidden came late at night to complete the task. new design in four minutes of pass­ vibrant student body. the time to congregate in a commu­ Likewise, school assemblies brought ing time, students are hard-pressed to Furthermore, the school no longer nity setting. BUSiNESS MANAGER the student body together to discuss friends with whom they do not have utilizes assemblies as a means ofcon­ The administration and the David Joosten everything from D.I.Y.E. Day issues classes. veying news to students and teach­ Community Council need to collec­ to drunk driving. The new school also separates ers. Instead, students are divided into tively address this issue of disunity In the center of it all was the academic departments into different homerooms by age and alphabet and and concentrate on rebuilding the ASSISTANT BUSINESS school's infamous intersection, where areas of the building. Even teachers forced to watch impersonal episodes bonds between members of the DHS MANAGER most of the student body converged can be heard complaining that they no of Blue Wave News. student body. An increase in the offer­ arver OucaJly during passing time. However crowd­ longer see colleagues from other de­ While we do not mean to attack ing of school-wide activities and as­ ed and perhaps daunting the intersec­ partments. Foreign language exists on the new homeroom system, we do semblies would make the new school tion was at times, it was a great place its own isolated floor and, for students miss the school assemblies that it has less cold and bring back the strong STAFF WRr,;rERS where students could catch up with and teachers who don't take or teach replaced. These assemblies used to sense of BWP that dominated life in John Bolton . their friends and fostered a sense of French, Spanish, or Latin, the three provide students a reason to congre- the old school. Lindsay (JOrdon Pat Luongo' Spencer Matson Margot Nevin

NTRJBUTINGWRIT$S, . Jack Schlinkert " ..

,1'1 ADVISORS Mr. Francis Janosco ~- ~~r Ms. Sybil O'Hare PRINCIPAL Dr. Jerome Auclair

PRlNTIN~., . D'[orioPrinting( C~m~ S~~ ~trr Neirad is a member: of' the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and The f~hur~us f~U f~shi~DS! Student Press Law Center.

Want your voice to be heard? We do too!

Bg(j h~i~ts r~~d Ifyou are interested in submitting ., . dni~D, et (j6g2(j an OpInIOn ptece phe>D~: for publication on (2(jB) 655-9969 Neirad's editorial page, t~X: please see (2(jB) 655-9979 Mackenzie Horan, Brianna Mulligan, or Courtney Rogers. DECEMBER 2 0 0 6 3 Commun~~Y.,. A Wrestler In Pink Council·.····.:· . DHS Senior Meghan Foley Packs A Powerful Punch Gets It Dohe Nick Sauerberg StaffWriter but at the same time, it teaches you Their> something. 1 am much more mature rs Voice Meghan Foley is in the zone. She from each of the experiences I've had Goals For This closes her eyes and listens calmly and in each town." intently as senior Joey Testa, captain Meghan moved to Darien from Year And B~Ydhd of the Darien High School wrestling Rochester, Michigan, as a sophomore team, gives her a quick pep talk. in 2004. Brianna recalls first meet­ Margot Nevin Just before her first match of ing Meghan and thinking she was "so Staff Writer .,..:...... -: the Nutmeg Series, Meghan opens stuck-up. I didn't like her at all," she admits. "Meghan is a very confident The small group of elected . her eyes and surveys the gym. Three P!lri~n mats have been set up in the center of person and 1guess if you don't know students that comprise High :.. the gym and competitors are pacing her that confidence can be very over­ School's Community Council is held around in their wrestling garb. bearing." responsible for representing the con­ Meghan steps up to the mat, Meghan says her sense of self­ cerns and opinions of the enHresru~ , shaking her arms and legs for a final confidence could easily be misinter­ dent body. stretch. She locks eyes with her com­ preted. "I am incredibly confident; l1lese officers include Presidc.':!t, some people might say that I come petitor, a prestigious wrestler who has Jonny Schoen, VIce President of, across as cocky," she says. "I see that been an FeIAC runner-up in recent VoluDteerism McKay Potter, Vice,. years. but 1don't think 1would change it. I'd President of Political Affairs Mlka .. The referee blows his whistle rather be overly confident than self­ Ike. Vice PresidenlofSrudcnl\ and the match begins. Meghan tries conscious and afraid. Even though I to drown out the screams of parents might come across as a know-it-all Activities Lindsey Thoren, Secretary and coaches and struggles to hear her or [someone who thinks] I am better Wells Landers, and Treasurer coach's instructions and the points than people, I really am very open to ·aroline Prclinghuysen. called out by the ref. knowing lots of people and accepting As in years past, the officers nrc "Take down, two. Escape, one. everyone." responsible for planning evenL~ (or Near fall, three," the ref yells after Meghan's friends insist that, Meghan Foley shows offboth her obsession with the color pink and her the school, discussing student con­ though she may come off as cocky or each advance. Each call corresponds cerns, and getting students involved passion for wrestling. intimidating at first, it's impossible not to a sharp hand signal. in lhe community. "Shoot," calls Joe Vano, DHS bring towels to clean the mess. The says senior Brianna Mulligan, one of to be her friend once you get to know Mr. Buck.ley, faculty advisor wrestling coach, instructing Meghan game has stopped - for now. Meghan's best friends. "She's death­ her. or the Community Council, agree to make an offensive move. "Double­ Meghan, a DHS senior and the ly allergic to peanuts, fish, and pretty "She's really open, honest, and leg take down! Two-on-one!" only girl on the high school wrestling much everything else. It's almost like easy to get along with," says Brianna. thal the members keep themselves Meghan's opponent counters team, lives for the "sheer absurdity" of she can't eat anything at all." "She's extremely funny. It's just hard very busy. her lunge with a move called out by wrestling matches. She finds that this "It's like she's allergic to life," not to be friends with her." "lIn addition 10 plQllning Spirit his coach. Meghan is trapped. "Stand chaos exists not only in wrestling but adds Matt. "Sometimes people make as­ Week and the Homecoming dance,) up!" her coach calls out. "Get up to in every aspect of her life. Also contributing to the chaos sumptions about who I am," Meghan they are rllsponsible {or the organi­ your base!" "Anything than can go wrong of Meghan's life is the fact that she adds, "but I think if they took the time lion of all oUter events," he says. Suddenly, with the quick tum of will go wrong," confirms senior Matt has lived in eight different towns and to get to know me, 1 bet I'd become "They're also involved with the friends with them." an elbow, Meghan is struck violent­ Trigaux, Meghan's boyfriend of six six different states, an experience that Spec.ial Olympics." ly in the nose, causing a prolonged months. Referring to the nosebleed has made her more confident and self­ Unbeknownst to many, Meghan In nddition to staning the pro­ nosebleed in the middle of the match. incident, he says, "That would only knowing. is as accomplished as a golfer as she grom "Quarter \{YOII Care," where­ Blood streams down her face onto her happen to Meghan." "Every place 1have lived in has is as a varsity wrestler. She will play in students dOnate quarters to be headgear and her opponent. Her uni­ Another thing that makes Meghan contributed somehow to my personal­ the number one spot on the DHS var­ form and the mat are stained with deep unique is her allergy to countless ity," says Meghan. "My history makes sity team this spring and looks forward donated 10 a charity at the end of crimson. Coaches from both teams foods. "She's allergic to everything," me who I am. Sure, it sucks to move, Continued on page 6 each quarter, this year's membe planned Ute Snowball dance, held on Saturday. December2. They wore also responsible for the facilitation of Field OilY. Lights, Camera, Action! The members agree that their job is sometimes difficult. With sig­ nificantlirne passing between home­ DHS Students Reflect Upon Past Television Appearances rooms and delivery of morning an- . nouncemelllS, it is often difficult for· Lindsay Gordon 'ommunity Council to advertifJ: ~ii-" StaffWriter [our AP Physics] class more intense," coming events. says senior Kyle Fitzpatrick, "because always feel like to· For most, appearing on television you really had to act like you were "I it's hard is a far-fetched dream. For some lucky paying attention so you could repre­ get Students 10 know what's going on Darien High School students, however, sent Darien High School the right way because we don't have homeroom this dream has become a reality. on TV." thaI often." says sopbomore t'Cpre­ In December 2003, DHS senior Being in front ofthe cameras un­ sentativc Kendall Murphy. Lindsay Thoren and her sophomore earthed some new realities about real­ Mr. Buckley says another brother Tally traveled to Panama ity television. ·'It makes you see how cause is the waning commitment of with their family, where they en­ much reality TV isn't actually reality ommunity Council members. riched themselves in the culture ofthe because they really can edit anything "f thin.. one of the biggest Wounaan Tribe as part of the National you say," says Tally. "As a person ap­ weaknesses of Community Council Geographic channel's World Apart pearing on the show, I was angry when is tbat some members don't know series. they made things that didn't happen Just weeks ago, seniors Charlie appear to happen." what it means 10 be a representa­ Hannon and Emily Stout of Post 53 Tally's sister, Lindsay, adds that tive." be says. were filmed for a CBS program to be the personalities being depicted on He goes on to explain that if aired on national television. camera are not realistic because people borne members took their job morc Also in November, senior James behave differently when there are cam­ seriously and Pllt more time lllto It, Wyper was filmed for a News Channel eras around. "You're not being your­ the council could accomplish more 12 segment highlighting his involve­ self in front of the camera," she says. and thestudent body would be beuer ment in academics and track as part of "You have to be so careful with the informed. his nomination for the Webster Bank things you say so that you don't come One of tbe council's most Scholar-Athlete award. off as this mean person on TV." recent successes was the estnbUsh­ When these fi ve students found Even after giving in to her initial ment of Qrecycling progrnm al the out they were going to appear on hesitation and agreeing to participate Lindsay and Tally Thoren are two ofseveral DHS students to have TV, their reactions were fairly under­ in the series with her family, Lindsay high school. which went inlO effect appeared on television. Together they were filmed for National standable. "My family was psyched," says being on TV did not have any on TuesdQy, December 12. Geographic's World Apart series in 2003. says Tally. "We had no idea what to significant impact on her life. Though An upcoming project is disput­ expect." TV appearance on their everyday lives. to say, so it was just really awkward she loved the experience, "I didn't care ing the infamous no-backpack rule. Lindsay had a very different reac­ "Aftera while, you forget that the cam- in general." at all about being on TV," she says. "I "Were trying 10 get rid of thot role tion when she learned her family was eras are even there," Tally says. Peers of students being filmed mean, it's cool to say that I've been for the IibI"Jry," lIays senior officer going to appear on TV. Lindsay found the filming more. also had mixed reactions to all the on TV and that I got to feel famous Wells Landers. "We'rejust about to "My initial reaction when I found intrusive. "They were in our faces cameras. Friends ofthe Thoren family for five minutes when my family and start that." out that we were invited to be on a real­ constantly," she recalls. "We couldn't were very excited about the idea. I were in California and this woman In the meantime, Murphy says ity TV show was that [ did not want to take off the microphone because they "Everyone was like, I want to corne asked us if we had been on Worlds all students are we.leome 10 voice have anything to do with it," she says. wanted to catch any spontaneous, gos- over and see the camera people," Apart. But in the end, being on TV "My family, especially my mom and sipy, dramatic action between family Tally says. didn't really mean anything." their opinions to tmy member of the my sister, was so excited because they members." James's friends were equally ex- Despite the minimal impact on 'ommunity Council. "If they hnve like to do things like this and they love Junior Bryn Dyar ofPost 53 had cited when cameras followed him to her day-to-day life, Lindsay has "no any questions or concerns about to be in the spotlight, but 1didn't want similar feelings toward the constant his AP Physics class. "It wasn't really regrets" about having appeared on na­ something," she says, "they can to do it at all." filming. "The camera men were there intrusive, so most people didn't mind," tional television. In the end, it seems bring it to us and we'll bring it up Tally and Lindsay also had dif­ constantly, which was annoying some- he says. "They thought it was cool." everyone wouldn't mind ten seconds in the meetings." ferent opinions on the impact of their times," she says. "No one knew what "The people filming James made of fame.

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4 DECEMBER 200 6 A Year In Pictures Yearbook Club Captures The Past And Plans For The Future Elisabeth Tone "The theme of this year's year­ ideas and it completely changes within brary." She insists the new theme will ensure that the captions are associat­ Managing Editor book is 'fill in the blanks, '" Batha says. the first few weeks ofschool," she ex­ be "appropriate" for the rest of the ed with the correct photos," she says. "This theme will be [featured on the plains. "Fortunately, we have some yearbook, as well. "This may seem like a simple task, but In past years, the yearbook club cover) and carried throughout the rest leeway in terms of designing and ed­ "The way we see it," she begins, it's actually one of the most common has had a legion of loyal members of the pages as well." iting the pages, so we have time to "each section divider will have a sen­ errors you'll ,see if you look back at working to publish the book. Last The theme was originally sup­ change our minds." tence on it and a blank line, with a past yearbooks." year, however, the club lost a number posed to be "DHS In The Spotlight." Although the staff members are word bank of all the possible answers In addition to perfecting the cap­ ofseniors to graduation, leaving senior There was going to be a spotlight shin­ still brainstorming ways to continue beneath it. For example, a sentence tions, Batha plans to list the teams' editor Victoria Batha the only return­ ing on the cover and a special section the "fill in the blanks" theme through­ for the sports page could be 'my fall game schedule 011 their respective ing staff member. Ten or so people called "Captain's Spotlight" dedicated out the entire yearbook, Batha reveals record was' with a blank and under­ pages, possibly inside a scoreboard or attended the club's first meeting this to each sports team's student leader on some exciting plans they have in the neath it would be the records of all some other athletic graphic. fall, however, showing promise for the every sports page. works. the teams, along with phrases like Batha also explains that the pho­ future of the organization. Now that the theme has changed, "The front cover is going to be 'undefeated. '" tographs featured in the yearbook are Batha says the staff has already however, Batha says, "The 'spotlight' a picture that is broken up into cubes, She makes it clear, however, that often the work of a professional pho­ begun planning many of the year­ on captains is obviously not going to but some of the cubes will be colored students are not expected to actually tographer, a practice that ensures qual­ book's concepts and designs. She re­ happen in the same way because that in to match the dark blue background," fill in the blank with the word or phrase ity but often allows lillie coverage of veals what students can expect to see is no longer the theme, but we want to she explains. "Part of the picture are that applies to them. "It's for visual junior varsity and freshman teams. She in the 2006-2007 edition of Darianus, keep the captain's corner idea so we'll missing - or blank." purposes only!" she insists. says the staff cannot ensure that these placing special emphasis on how she find other ways to incorporate it." Batha and the other yearbook' Despite the tentative nature ofthe teams will be featured but guarantees and other club members will be alter­ "The thing with the yearbook is staffers got the idea for the cover yearbook's plans, its editor insists that that every varsity team will have its ing the appearance of this year's year­ you think ofa theme over the summer design from an old Monroe yearbook there are several definitive goals. "On own page. book. and then you get new kids with new that they keep in their "yearbook li- the sports pages, we are determined to Continued on page 6

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" .;... .~~ .~' ... .1':' 1; .~ :~;,i :;~( ~, ~'":.. o EN i!l . ~.': ' JUICY COUTURE SOLOW MICHAEL STARS BIG STAR FREE PEOPLE TRUE RELIGION \ \SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIND " GOLDSIGN ::i. "'!to J BRAND \ .. GENETIC DENIM ." SWEET ROMEO ~...... , "" PROJECT E LACOSTE ". o;/' .,,: ·-t .' . ';;"'!.f PAIGE "r ':.. ~ " HUDSON ." ROCK & REPUBLIC MEN AG BIG STAR TRUE RELIGION LACOSTE DECEMBER 200 6 5 More Credits To Graduate? Darien High School principal Jerry Auclair recently proposed a controversial plan to increase the graduation requirements for the Class of 2009. Dr. Auclair hopes to convince the Board of Education that seniors should be required to take six courses both semesters of their senior year, as is the standard in all other years. Currently, seniors are required to maintain of course load of five classes per semester, whereas all other students take six classes at any given time. The plan would have implications on the BOE budget and would go into effect for this year's sophomores. Here's how current students responded to the question, should seniors be required to take more classes in order to graduate?

Toned Down by Elisabeth Tone

D.I.Y.E. Day succeeded in em­ phasizing the stereotypes prevalent at Darien High School and in inducing "It probably isn't a bad idea since "No, I don't think so, but it depends "I think seniors have enough going "Students work hard enough in discussion about ways to avoid and other schools in the area have higher on if they've completed their on - between college applications their first three years here and they resolve such crippling prejudice. None requirements." credits." and extracurricular activities, I think deserve time to get ready for college of the themes presented in the discus­ it's more of a time constraint issue." and prepare for it." sion were particularly surprising, for - Junior Kristen Schau - Junior Nina Palmer - Senior John Cappiello - Sophomore Jorden Cappiello students at DHS have long been aware of a tendency to discriminate against people of religions, races, and orien­ tations that differ from the norm. In such a homogeneous society, where the prospect of intimidation and pres­ sure deter many from taking a different path than their peers, lifestyle choices rarely incite conflict because of our nearly non-existent diversity. However, the various scenar­ ios that were discussed on D.I.Y.E. Day demonstrated that even the most common of situations can be deroga­ tory toward particular contingents of the school population oreven just indi­ vidual students. Kate's insecurity over her rejection of partying and underage "No, because everyone's really "If they've gotten everything done "I don't think so. They've already "No. I think seniors are busy enough drinking and Colin's sensitivity about occcupied with college applications that they need to graduate and they had three years of high school, so the with college applications." his driving test are both complete­ during senior year." don't want to take any more classes, last one should be easier." ly plausible circumstances that have they shouldn't have to." nothing to do with racial or religious - Senior Casey Delaney - Sophomore Chris Shay - Sophomore James Crittelli - Senior Ted Rizzo discrimination. If D.I.Y.E. Day has taught us anything over the years, it Many who know Mr. Keleher is to respect our neighbors no matter Mr. Keleher agree that his job is no cakewalk. what their skin color, sexual orienta­ Nobody knows this better than Mr. tion, or stance on drinking, etc. Continued from page 8 Rubin, who previously worked as the One man who might have ben­ back on us by a half an hour," he athletic director at the Wilton High efited from more than a few hours of jokes. School. diversity training is Fred Phelps, the Mr. Keleher just laughs. "We did "It's a common misconception aggravating protestor portrayed in Act the best we could," he says. A wry that it's an easy job," he says, "that II ofTheatre 308's production of The smile spreads across his face as he trots it's not as demanding as other admin­ Laramie Project. The seventy-seven­ over to assistant principal Mr. Rubin's istrative jobs. That's very untrue. In year-old pastor at Westboro Baptist side. His shoulders are slumped over, most cases, it's more demanding - the Church in Topeka, Kansas, is also a blank look on his face. Within min­ hours, the commitment, the constant known as an infamous activist against utes, he will be up and running again to scrutiny from the public. You answer homosexuality. Among his ludicrous make sure everything is in order. to many different groups of people." claims are that "God hates gays" and DHS social studies teacher Mr. that homosexuals and those who sup­ Mr. Keleher's love of sports Buckley, who also coached the junior port them will sentence the world to traces back to his childhood. Born in varsity boys soccer team this fall, eternal damnation at the hands ofGod. Hartford, he moved to Essex Junction agrees that the athletic director's job Phelps and his followers often attend outside of Burlington, Vermont, with is often underappreciated. gay rights parades and gatherings to his family as a toddler. At age seven, "I think people think that he has warn supporters of the destruction he moved to Wethersfield, where he control over everything that goes on they will one day bring upon them­ grew up with his four brothers and with sports -like refs and schedules," selves and the world. As was demon­ two sisters. It was here that he devel­ Mr. Buckley speculates. "You know, strated in the play, he even appeared oped a taste for baseball, basketball, he's just really one part of the bigger at Matthew Shepard's funeral, though his antagonistic ploys were partially and cross country. Mr. Keleher has served as DHS Athletic Directorfor five years. organization of the CIAC. I think "I think it was an area in which I people think he has more control than obscured by the efforts of Matthew's always got positive feedback," he says. school systems. He was a physi- Mr. Keleher has three sons, Jack, he actually does." friends, the self-proclaimed angels. "There [weren't much] youth sports cal education at Rham High School Colin, and Ted. He has two grandsons On or off the job, Mr. Keleher No matter how repulsive I find when I was growing up. In middle in Hebron and a cross country and - Colin, age one, and Jamie, age seven tries hard to keep up the good work. Phelps's beliefs, I suppose that ev­ school, I got a lot of positive feedback track coach at East Connecticut State months - whose photographs are fea­ With the long hours and minor and eryone is entitled to his or her own and I was always first or second to be University for five years. Shortly tured above his desk. major details he handles on a daily interpretation of God's will. It's their picked [in gym class]. So in and after thereafter, he began teaching physi- Though he says that his family is basis, our athletic director maintains prerogative, and indeed their respon­ high school, it just seemed natural to cal education at Central Connecticut fairly spread out, he insists that they a good attitude about his job. sibility, to form their own opinions of continue." University, where he also coached a have common interests like sailing, "Like any job, it's got its ups the world around them - and whatev­ And continue he did. After serv­ number of sports, for seven years. golfing, and eating together. and downs," Mr. Keleher says. "The er may lie above or below - but these ing two-and-a-half years in the army, Then Mr. Keleher spotted an ad "I think the biggest thing for hardest part ofthe job is the enormous opinions should be Rept to oneself. Mr. Keleher became the physical di­ in the newspaper looking for someone an event is being around my sons or amount of details that go into it. The Once these opinions - especially rector of the YMCA. His responsibil­ to replace Darien's ailing athletic di- grandsons rather than the event him­ easiest part is going to the games and hostile ones like Phelps's - are project­ ities included planning activities for rector. self," he explains. "I love going into watching the young people play - but ed upon others, disrespect and preju­ kids and adults, hiring staff members, "Central Connecticut was offer- New York City with my wife and that's still part of the job." dice are dispersed throughout society. and maintaining a budget - many of ing a retirement buyout," he explains. going out to dinner, but the company Mrs. Fraoli, the athletic secretary, Perhaps I'm too much ofan idealist or the same things he takes care of today "Basically they were offering a re- is what's most important to me." agrees that Mr. Keleher doesn't take maybe I expect too much of others, as Darien's athletic director. tirement package so I took that. But I his job overly seriously. To keep him­ but I don't think it's too much to ask "The part of my job that you hear wasn't ready to 'retire retire,' so, when Mr. Keleher has served as the selffrom being "pulled in fifty million that people consider others' feelings about is the athletic part," he explains. I saw this ad, I applied." DHS athletic director for five years. directions," she says, he keeps a good before unleashing their controversial "But I'm also in charge of hiring and Luckily, this new job doesn't "He has maintained the pursuit of ex­ sense of humor. views upon them. I acknowledge that evaluating coaches, scheduling facili­ infringe upon his family life quite as cellence the athletic program here has "One time, he went into the stor­ the achievement of world peace is im­ ties, evaluating facilities, developing much. "My wife has a career of her always stood for," says Mr. Rubin. "He age bin under the bleachers and there possible, but simple courtesy and rec­ the athletic budget, and I guess devel­ own and my sons and grown and have helped with the mechanics of getting was a nail," she recalls. "He was trying ognition of the multiple lifestyles that oping facilities. There are a lot of tiny careers too," he says. "My life is more the new building up and running, get­ to lift something up and hit his head on coexist in the world today is more than details I need to take care of." scheduled than it was before, and it ting all the tracks on line, being sup­ it. He didn't want to go for any medi­ worth the effort it requires - yet it is After leaving his job at the would have been harder to do it when portive of his coaches, working to cal treatment, but eventually we took so hard to come by. YMCA, Mr. Keleher taught gym and they were in middle school or high get the coaches to understand what it him (upon my insistence]. All he said I do not by any means fancy coached sports in other Connecticut school." means to be excellent in their sport." was, 'Okay, Mom!'" Continued on page 6 , " 6 DECEMBER 200 6 ing machines and offered incentives come to life." Society. She is also the co-president of always-popular senior section near the D.I.V.E. And to schools that sell nutritious snacks. While Ingrid does not have a fa­ the Saferides program in Darien. end of the yearbook. "We are doing While some students appreciated the vorite designer, she does enjoy leafing Despite all these impressive ac­ away with the baby pictures for each Theatre 308 goals of the program, they disagreed through the pages ofVogue and watch­ complishments, her passion remains senior so that there is more space for with the way in which they were car­ Continuedfrom page 1 es Full Frontal Fashion while baby­ to be wrestling. Meghan says that kids quotations and messages," Batha ex­ ried out. sitting. She admits the show is one of from out of town are surprised when plains. "However, we are thinking Mammana several months ago about "I don't understand why we, as her guilty pleasures, perhaps the most they assume that DHS has a girls wres­ about including a 'way back when' integrating the two programs. almost adults, should be forced to not prominent of which is "chocolate!" tling team and that she has to inform section so that these baby pictures can "I was looking for a play that eat the foods we like," says sophomore A self-proclaimed chocoholic, Ingrid them that she's just a girl on the boys still be featured. We are also bring­ had something to offer both the kids Allison Jones. "We should make the makes no attempt to disguise her love team. It's not often that you see a one ing back the senior signatures that of Theatre 308 and the community," choice to eat or not to eat fatty foods. of the wonderful foodstuff. "I don't hundred twelve pound girl participat­ were not included in last year's year­ Ms. Herman says. "I asked them if We should be responsible for our own even know why I like it so much," she ing in such a physically demanding book." there were some way we could inte­ actions." says. "It's just so good!" sport and competing against boys more The deadline for submission of grate our two programs. That's when Although students' access Ingrid says that the vice ofchoco­ than twice her size. seniors' personal messages and super­ we developed the idea of having a to soda and sugar has ended, the Blue late has been helping her get through Meghan says some people have lative votes will be early in the New little video." Wave Cafe still offers hot breakfasts, the stressful process of applying to given her a hard time about wrestling. Year, though Batha is unsure of the "This play and D.I.Y.E. have the lunches, and snacks throughout the college. In her college search, she has "The majority of the time, they're exact date. She notes that many stu­ sarne goals, so there were automatical­ school day. But are these offerings included some schools that most DHS great," she says of her teammates. dents "have difficulty remembering ly some natural con!1ections," explains promoting healthier eating habits? students typically pass over: women's "They know I work really hard. A lot when the deadlines are, so all seniors Ms. Sala. "We discussed how those "The foods in the cafeteria are colleges. "There's a certain stigma at­ of the times, just because I'm a girl, if should look out for a notice and make same issues intolerance, hate, and not healthy at all," says sophomore tached to schools like Wellesley and they need someone to pick on, they'll sure to get their stuff in on time." insensitivity - play out in our school. Amanda Fuller. "Even with the ab­ Smith because they are single-sex," pick on me because they know I can't After explaining all ofthe chang­ It was really important and really pow­ sence ofcandy, soda, and cookies, we she explains, "but I liked the sense of do anything about it. But in the end, es students can expect to see in this erful to be reminded of how they plan can still have fatty pizzas and sand­ community that I got when I visited I'm just one of the guys." year's volume of Darianus, Batha ad­ out in the real world." wiches. I wouldn't say that all the there. It felt like without the pressure of The way Meghan got into wres­ dresses the club's need for additional The script for the play came foods [offered in the cafeteria] are bad trying to impress guys, everyone was tling is just as absurd as her nosebleed members. from interviews conducted with ... I'm just saying that there still are a so down-to-earth and focused." incident. Her interest in wrestling de­ "I hope all the kids who came to actual people affected by the murder lot of unhealthy foods in the caf." In college, Ingrid expects to con­ veloped out ofher participation in Jell­ our first few meetings stick with it," of University of Wyoming student Whatever the health factor ofthe tinue to study English simply because o Wrestling at the Depot in her sopho­ she says. "And if any other people Matthew Shepard. foods offered in the cafeteria, students the subject matter is of natural inter­ more year. She did it for fun a couple want to be a part of it, they definitely "I was really shocked," says can rest assured knowing that at least est to her. Another subject for which of times before members of the wres­ can be. They don't even have to go senior Victoria Batha. "I know that everything is prepared in a cleanly she has developed a passion is physics. tling tearn approached her about being to the meetings; they can just submit these were just kids acting, but you re­ fashion. While food-borne illnesses "People don't take my love of phys­ a lightweight on the tearn. photos." alize that they're actually saying what are increasingly common in other ics seriously," she says. "They always Meghan fell in love with the sport People interested in becoming in­ real people said. It's so hard not to get parts of world, they aren't something think I'm joking when I say that I immediately. "There's so much to the volved with the yearbook's production mad at the actors because the people that the students ofDHS need to worry love it. But I actually own two phys­ sport that nobody knows about," she must be "trained in using the layout [they play] are just so ignorant." about. ics textbooks and I love how it makes says. "There's so much to it. No matter software" and must therefore attend Senior Peter Caporal, a D.I.Y.E. sense and has real-life applications. how good you are, you can always the club's weekly meetings, but Batha Day facilitator and the president of It's definitely a course that I want to improve. There's always more that insists that the yearbook club wel­ Theatre 308, played several parts in Ingrid Jacobsen take in college." you can learn, there are always more comes any level of student involve­ the play. "I can see a little bit ofmyself The conversation topic of col­ moves out there that you don't know. ment. The yearbook club meets after Continued from page 1 in every character," he says, "and I lege, in addition to the dark sky out­ It's really fascinating." school every Monday in room B21O. think most people in the audience can "Current's big for me, but I do more side, reminds us that we have many "Meghan is a born leader," says do the same." than just Current." other things we have to do tonight. As DHS science teacher Mrs. Ruegger, Directing the play, Ms. Herman Indeed she does. In addition to I see Ingrid's pink headscarffade into who had Meghan as a junior last year Toned Down opted to keep the actors onstage at all heading the staff of the literary maga­ the dark of the parking lot, I wonder for biology since she had not taken bi­ times to help the audience "put them­ zine, Ingrid keeps herself busy with to myself which activity she'll start on ology as a freshman in Michigan. "She Continuedfrom page 5 selves in the place of these people," activities that range from dance to first. Whether it's physics or fashion, was friendly with everyone in the class myself an expert on eliminating dis­ she explains. "The actors rarely inter­ fashion design. Having taken ballet for I'm certain she'll do it with dedica­ and encouraged everyone. She has a criminations in our school society; acted with each other, instead talking years, Ingrid has now made the switch tion, passion, and maybe just a little well-balanced attitude toward academ­ I'm not even a D.I.Y.E. Day facilita­ to the audience. It helped break down to Irish step dance. chocolate. ics, extracurriculars, and her social tor. I'm not even saying that there's a visual barriers between the audience She views dance as a way to life. She was a great addition to my universal solution that will resolve all and the actors." free herself of stress brought on by class, especially with freshmen who of our prejudicial issues. Preventing "I have always loved D.l.Y.E. and the onslaught of applying to college. Meghan Foley needed a calming upperclassman." people from publishing or broadcast­ 'The Laramie Project' really just added "Getting into college is definitely Mrs. Ruegger says that, although ing their views in editorials or news Continuedfrom page 3 to an already wonderful experience," the most stressful thing in my life she did not always agree with her segments would obviously be censor­ Caporal says ofthe two events. "In the right now," she says, "and sometimes to the season even though the team is strong opinions or understand her vi­ ship, which is fundamentally wrong. It play, Rulon Stacy has a line that goes, it's good to just escape from every­ not expected to fare well in competi­ brant choice of clothing, Meghan was would mean fighting fire with fire. On 'I guess I never really understood the thing." tions. in general a very positive influence on the other hand, allowing aggravators magnitude with which some people In addition to juggling Current, "Since we're not that strong of a the class. "She wears pink. She always to abuse their First Amendment right hate.' And I think that rings true for dance, and college applications, Ingrid team, girls come thinking they can play has to wear something pink, some days to free speech simply serves to further most of the actors and the DHS popu­ is an aspiring fashion designer, most varsity golf [because] it will look good more pink than others," explains Mrs. entrench hatred in our community. lation in general." recently involved in making a dress. on their college transcripts," she says. Ruegger. "But in the end, Meghan is Instead ofblanketing society with While no plans have been made She tries to sketch it out for me but "Especially after working at Golfsmith such a unique individual, so thoughtful moral lessons in the hopes that just a for further collaboration between can't seem to get it right. "See, this is this summer, I've learned to appreciate and mature. Everything she brought to few will take such calls for compas­ D.I.Y.E. Day and Theater 308 down why I can't be a fashion designer," she the sport a lot more. I just want to get cla~s was beneficial. I can't think ofan sion to heart, it is everyone's individ­ the line, Ms. Herman says, "If the exclaims. "I can't draw!" the girls to love the sport as opposed occasion where she was a hassle in any ual responsibility to reduce the over­ D.I.Y.E. Day folks asked Theater 308 Although the drawing part may to just doing it." way ... Maybe the pink slippers were whelming prejudice that has infiltrated to be involved in the future, I think we not come naturally to her, her creations Another thing that a lot ofpeople a little over the top." our society. would be more than happy to." are nonetheless full of funky flair. do not know about Meghan is that she As junior Ali Prince, playing On this particular day, she is dressed has been dancing seriously for the past Zubaida Ula, emphatically stated in simply with a pink headscarf tied as a nine years. Her experience expands all Yearbook Club The Laramie Project, "We must own Cafeteria headband, a gray thermal tee, jeans, over the dance spectrum, from tap to this crime." Perhaps one day the stu­ Continued from page 4 and sneakers. Past designs are mostly jazz to modern to point. Though she is dents of Darien High School will ac­ Inspection what she calls "easy, basic circle not taking any classes at this time, she Another change in the layout tually internalize the sentiments of skirts" in unique colors and prints. hopes to pick it up again in college. of this year's yearbook will be dis­ acceptance and morality that are pre­ Continuedfrom page 1 Her decision to make a dress this Besides wrestling, golf, and persing the thirty-two pages of color sented to us on D.I.Y.E. Day and influ­ healthiness of foods offered in state time around was intended as a personal dance, Meghan is involved in Students throughout the entire book as opposed ence the people we meet with our open school systems. A law imposed earlier challenge and test ofwillpower. "Right Against Drunk Driving, Theatre 308, to grouping them together as was the tendencies. Let's pay it forward - not this year put stringent restrictions on now, it's still in the early stages," she the Gay-Straight Alliance, the Edge case in past volumes. in the sense ofmonetary generosity but the types of beverages sold in vend- says, "but I'm really excited to see it Youth Group, and the National Honor Other modifications involve the rather with moral awareness. i Make That First Impression Count! O-~ . p- & Co1l11)-J.n)' ...... -..

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Heights Plaza (203) 655-2712 Heights Plaza DECEMBER 200 6 7 Gordon Lightfoot Strikes "Gold" 70's Canadian Folk Balladeer Provides The Soundtrack To Our Lives Nick Phillips Managing Editor

The year 1975 was a tough one for America: Bobby Fischer forfeit­ ed the World Chess Championship to Anatoly Karpov, Lynne "Squeaky" Out Thele Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford, and day­ With Jack light savings time was begun two months early. 'chlinke" America was indeed wearing a Welcome back, last time I talked frowning face, but that frown was about some albums you may not have turned upside-down when Gordon heard of, but the best way to experi­ Lightfoot released his breathtaking ence music is live, so this month I'm greatest hits album, Cord's Cold. Devout Gordon Lightfootfans Mr. Buckley and Mr. Pavia sport "Neo-Lightfootian" beards. going to talk about some of my fa­ For the uninitiated, Gordon vorite places to see live music. There Lightfoot is not only Canadian, but are tons of great places to see music an accomplished singer, songwriter, hit on the American charts. mournfully tell Gord's tale of wist­ Canadian folk. around here, so I've tried to limit it to poet and lyricist as well. The stage was set for Lightfoot ful romance amongst the fluffy His mellow, etbereal finger­ venues in New York City that have From the snowy tundra of to comer the American folk market snowdrifts of his fatherland. picking style is encapsulated by mostly all ages shows. I've also listed the Yukon, Gord's golden pen and by releasing his now classic greatest And, of course, no Gordon the guitar-classic "Bitter Green," these venues in order from smallest to magic tongue have oozed across the hits compilation, Cord's Cold. Lightfoot compilation would be Gord's ode to the lady-friend of a largest so you can follow your favorite border like maple syrup to claim le­ This stirring tribute to the complete without his defining song, deceased sailor. band as they go from underground un­ gions of devoted followers here in timelessness of Gordon Lightfoot "If I Could Read Your Mind." His guitar seems to tell the tale knowns to world-toUling favorites. America. contains all the essential tracks that Some DHS students may rec­ all by itself, painting a beautiful pic­ The Knitting Factory - 74 His brand ofmournful Canada­ we've come to love - from his poi­ ognize the melody from the popu­ ture of a seaman longing with his Leonard St. (A, C or E subway to folk has found a place in the hearts gnant "Wherefore and Why" to lar 2005 Danceteria techno-remix dying wish for one last kiss from the Canal Street.) This cozy downtown of millions - but this uncontain­ the raucous blues-romp of "Early version. gal ofhis dreams. "Bitter Green, they venue is one of the best places in the able talent started from small be­ Morning Rain." Gordon Lightfoot is not a man called her," says Gordon. "And she city to catch up-and-coming bands ginnings. Gordon Lightfoot's vocal ca­ to shy away from the tough issues, was the loveliest girl in the whole before they're big. What makes the Gordon Lightfoot first entered pabilities defy categorization; one however. In 1975, the US was wide world," says his guitar. Knitting Factory unique is that it has the folk-music limelight when he ap­ is reminded of how God must rocked with a tragedy of epic pro­ Gordon Lightfoot's success was three rooms, each with their own peared on the Canadian television have sounded delivering the Ten portions: the sinking ofthe merchant finally granted its crowning achieve­ stage. Bigger acts play at the spa­ program "Country Hoedown" as a Commandments to Moses. ship S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake ment in 2001, when Gord was in­ cious main stage upstairs, but you can member ofThe Swinging Eight. Gord's lyrics reveal a man who Superior due to high winds. ducted into the prestigious Canadian catch unknowns in the funkier and Soon after, Lightfoot hit the has run the gamut of human emo­ There was only one man able Country Music Hall of Fame. more intimate downstairs stages. (The Toronto coffeehouse folk scene, tion. to bring the nation out of its mel­ Gord's haunting, wild-eyed Benevento /Russo Duo, reviewed last honing both his guitar playing and It is clear that often his lyrical ancholy stupor, and that man was gaze staring out at us from the album month, got their start playing down­ songwriting ability. artistry is simply beyond the com­ Gordon Lightfoot. cover may be the best way to divine stairs at the Knitting Factory). With His status as a Canadian folk­ prehension of the average person: His six-minute opus "Wreck of the important message that Gord has three stages to fill, the Knitting Factory legend was cemented when he ap­ "And the big steel rail gonna carry the Edmund Fitzgerald" (included in enclosed for us all in Cord's Cold. books a wide variety ofgenres and on peared at the star-studded 1964 me / Home to the one I love / Ooooh Volume 2) helped ease the nation out He seems to say, "Hello, young any night you can catch anything from Mariposa Folk Festival. Of course, 000000 whu hu hooo /000000 000 ofits suffering and allowed many to stranger. Please don't attempt to avant-garde jazz to indie rockers such we all remember what "went down" 000 000 000 000 00." come to terms with the tragedy. understand my pain. Only listen." as Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. It may that fateful eve. In 1974, Gord's Songs like "Softly," "Bitter Lightfoot's guitar work is con­ We will listen, Gordon Lightfoot. seem a little out of the way for those single "Sundown" became a No. 1 Green," and "For Lovin' Me" sidered to be the best in all of We will. making the hike from Grand Central, but its well worth it for arguably the best all ages venue in Manhattan. Irving Plaza - 17 Irving Place "The Laramie Project" Elicits Strong Response at 15th Street (take the 4, 5, or 6 subway to Union Square.) This midsize venue (about 1,800-capac­ Theatre 30B's November Drama "Very Emotional" ity) is one of the best and my favorite in Manhattan. It's relatively easy to Carver Queally get to (one stop on the subway from Assistant Business Manager to watch was to see each actor portray Grand Central) and is known for con­ many different characters. sistently booking great shows. The As I walked out of the theatre For example, Liz Kiggins, a club doesn't discriminate by genre, on Thursday night, I looked around junior, played a lesbian woman who and mostly books hip bands that have to see the reactions of other viewers. knew Matthew, the police officer who become relatively successful. Bands The woman next to me was wiping handled Matthew initially after his dis­ that have played here include Soulive, her eyes on a tissue, while her hus­ covery, and a member of the Tectonic The Hold Steady, and Citizen Cope. band walked out with his arm around Theatre Project. The vibe here is very inviting, dark, her. A small group of students was Each actor had to fulfill many and funky. The views are great from quietly conversing about what they different personalities, which cer­ up front and the balcony, (just don't' had seen in the play. The actors were tainly was a challenging dramatic get stuck too far back) and the sound beaming, proud of the feat that they task. However, each of them did it system is above average. had accomplished. with ease. Hammerstein Ballroom - 311 Each fall, Theatre 308 produces a The play ran remarkably smooth­ West 34th Street.) The aptly named drama. This year, the participating stu­ ly, with very few line flubs and each Hammerstein Ballroom is actually a dents and the faculty director of 308, actor performing beautifully. pre-war ballroom that's been convert­ Nancy Herman, chose the controver­ What was different about The ed to host live music, and the plush and sial play "The Laramie Project." Laramie Project was that a few teach­ ornate atmosphere largely remains. Theatre 308 's production of"The ers were asked to participate in the The sound system isn't anything to get Laramie Project" was something that play. Mrs. Mason, Mr. Miller, Mr. excited about, and the floor tends to get will be remembered long after the Andrade, and Mr. Minio all took part a little crowded (although theres seats actors graduate. The actors did an in the acting. in the balcony for the claustrophobic) outstanding job of getting into each Not used to seeing the teach­ However, Harnmerstein pulls in some character ers in an environment other than the of the biggest acts to roll through New "The Laramie Project" is the classroom, I was extremely impressed York: the Stroke, Franz Ferdinand, story of Matthew Shepard, who was with each teacher's performance. Senior Nicholas Sauerberg delivers a compelling performance. and Trey Anastasio have all played a gay teenager in Laramie, Wyoming. Mr. Miller, who played Shepard's there recently. When Shepard was twenty two, he was Because the movie was a docu­ members ofthe play. A split rail fence father, gave a heart -wrenching per­ Roseland -1260 Sixth Avenue. brutally beaten by two men, Russell mentary, the entire movie consisted was on the stage, going from the clos­ formance. The biggest of the midtown venues, Henderson and Aaron McKinney, for of interviews, meaning that if it was est corner to the back of the stage. I While reading a speech during Roseland can fit up to about 3,000 no other reason than the fact that he acted out, it would be only in mono­ quickly took in the setting, and took the court case about how he felt about and is usually the last stop for bands was gay. The fatal beating claimed the logues. my seat. the men who killed Matthew, he did before graduating to arenas. Roseland life ofShepard and has become one of Also, because so many vital in­ The lights dimmed and the actors such a great job portraying his father essentially feels like an enlarged ver­ the most publicized hate crimes of the terviews were conducted, each actor and actresses walked down around the that as I looked around, most of the sion of Irving Plaza, with a spacious past few decades. would have to play multiple charac­ audience. Each actor was wearing people sitting near me had started to wood floor and wraparound balco­ The Tectonic Theater Project ters to do the play justice. jeans and a plain black Theatre 308 cry. He managed to take the spectator ny. Security here can be pretty tight found this story very interesting and Not sure what to expect, I at­ tee-shirt. They took their seats and to a whole new emotional level. - be careful bringing anything you wanted to create a documentary about tended the play on opening night. I the play began. "The Laramie Project" was the wouldn't want a security guard to find. the reactions ofthe citizens ofthe town was blown away by what I saw. The boxes underneath the chairs most impressive play that I have seen Roseland sticks to pretty much rock, to the death of Shepard. The set was rather plain. The consisted of the different props that performed by Theatre 308. The stu­ including bands like Robert Randolph The Tectonic Theater Project background was a beautiful blue sky each actor would need to fulfill each dents were outstanding, portraying and the Family Band and My Morning conducted over 200 interviews with with white clouds. There were six character. For example, the bartender, the characters so well and connecting Jacket. citizens in Laramie, ranging from chairs on either side of the stage each played by Peter Caporal, would need with spectators emotionally. After So dig live music, start look­ people who knew Matthew very well with a box underneath. There were an apron, a glass, and a dishrag, each seeing the drama, I can't wait to see ing for shows, and I'll see you next to people who were merely acquain­ other seats in the front row of the in the box. what Theatre 308 comes up with for time, where I'll be back to review­ tances of Matthew. audience that were roped off for the What was extremely interesting the musical. ing albums. , 4

Third Time's A Charm? Rams Boys Track Team Looks For Third Straight State Title Dominate Lindsay Gordon Wave StaffWriter our first state championship in a long time." With two Class M state champi­ "Each year, we raise the bar Rainy key onships in the trophy case, the boys higher and higher," Webster contin­ indoor track team is looking to top ues. "We continue to exceed what was Bowl dsln two outstanding seasons with a third expected of us. Although the Class of consecutive state title. 2006 was a big contributor to our suc­ This goal may prove tough for the cess and will be missed, we know it's Blue Wave, as many hills and hurdles our turn to take this program to the PSI Luongo lay in the team's path to victory. next level." Coaches Tyson Kaczmarek and The Wave will rely not only on SIaj[ Wrirclr Al Granite also face the challenge of this year's experienced senior class On the rainy and windy preparing the boys indoor team for but also on juniors Logan Hohs, Nick morning ofll1anksgiving Day, their fifth consecutive FCIAC East Phillips, and Doug Wright and soph­ championship, hopefully a second omores Alexi Bello, Kevin Knapp, two teams met at Dunning place finish in the FCIAC champion­ Kevin Sousa, and Artem Skoberv. 'ield for the annual Turkey ship, and a third consecutive Class M In the past two winter seasons, Bowl showdown between state championship. the Class M state title has come down Darien and New Canaan. Senior captains David Joosten, to a battle between Darien, New The historic rivalry be­ Robbie McDonald, Byron Redding, Canaan, and Wilby. tween the two towns yielded Kyle Webster, and James Wyper have This year, with the strong Guilford a relatively small turnout as big shoes to fill after the graduation of and Griswold teams moving up to the Stands were only half-filled last year's seniors. Class M, the members of the winter with winter coats and um­ Among last year's key seniors team face an even tougher battle - but brelJas. SriU hundreds of failS were Chris Bogie (First Team All­ one that they are ready to face. FCIAC, First Team All-State, ten "The young men on this team braved the dismal conditions school records set last year); Clark have amazing talent and the incentive to watch the big game. Coots (First Team All-FCIAC, First to accomplish every goal put before 1n a well-fought battle, Team All-State); and Rob Dalto them by Tyson and me," says Coach Darien lost to New Canaan 14­ (Second Team All-FCrAC, Second Granite. the first quarter, the Rams Senior co-captain James "yper looks to win big in the winter season. a.In Team All-State). "There is always someone will­ got on the board early witb a Other key runners last year in­ Team All-FCIAC, First Team All­ "We had a similar scenario my ing to step up to the challenge and be two-yard touchdo)-Vn ruo by cluded seniors Josh Doying (First State). freshman year when we lost runners an impact runner orjumperor thrower. Daniel Neeleman(twenty.oo~ Team All-State); Matt Teatom (Second "We have some spots to fill in like Chase Pizzonia and Filipe Couto. We wouldn't have a chance at being a carries forninety-fi ve yards Team All-FCIAC, Second Team All­ this year, but I know we're more than We thought it would be impossible to championship team without guys will­ total)...... State); and Ryan Whitehead (First capable of doing so," says Webster. replace them but the next year we won ing to do those things." Darien's defense then pro­ ceeded to create havoc for the New Canaan offense. onstant pressury Jrom the Blue Wave defense, led by It's All Uphill Decoding The seniors P.J. Bay, Bobby Buch, Byron Reding, Mike Ryan, and Tad Schwartz. kept Rams quarterback Curt Casali at bay From Here Director for much of the game. The strong defense also Ski Team Looks To Improve Upon Getting To Know Athletic Director forced New Canaan to fumble the fall seven times. though Darien recovered it only Last Year's Record John Keleher once. Pat Luongo Margot Nevin The only other time in the StaffWriter StaffWriter He jogs to the door of his office, game that the Darien defense flings itopen, and steps inside. Once in let its guard down was in the Most Darien High School stu­ John Keleher walks up the the room, he dials a telephone number fourth quarter, when New dents look forward to the mornings bleachers two at a time and cuts in and drums his fingers impatiently on ~Ulaan MVPDavid Reed car­ when they wake up and see snow fall­ and out of his walkie-talkie. The buzz the smooth, wooden desk. ded tbe Rams down the field ing from the sky. ofchatter and laughter contradicts the To his right stand a variety of before running into tne end For the high school ski team, worried expression on his face. As af­ gleaming trophies. The gold figurines one from two yards out. however, these mornings mean not ternoon sunrays bounce off ofthe set­ of cheerleaders and football players n the offensive end, only a day off from school but also tling spectators' faces and the aroma atop each one provide a subtle re­ Darien MVPRobbie McDonald of hot dogs and hamburgers fills the minder of the athletic atmosphere of plenty offresh powder and good skiing and seniors Peter Saulitis and up at Mount Southington. air, Mr. Keleher finally reaches the top his office. "I just love skiing," says senior of the bleachers and scurries across Two large photographs are lonny Schoen faced tbeir girls co-captain Catherine Flaherty. the roof. pinned to the wall behind his desk. toughest opponent yet: Mother "It's definitely my favorite sport "We're going to have to work Both photos feature babies, one in blue Nature. ever." the fence," he tells Rick Butler, a narc pants clutching his blanket and the Like their New Canaan The team is looking to improve standing nearby. "All the teens run on other sleeping with a Sox cap perched counterparts, they struggled to upon past years' records. Last year, the fields during halftime so it's going on his head. hold on to the ball in the cold the boys team had seven wins and ten to be a nightmare." "Hi, it's John Keleher. Is the am­ and wet conditions and fum­ losses·and the girls team had two wins A member ofthe ski team races "Okay, we'll get on it," Butler bulance coming?" bled the baU five times over the and twelve losses. down the slopes. promises. There is a moment of silence course ofthe game, recovering Coach Brian Zeyer has high Mr. Keleher nods and hops down before he slams down the phone. just two ofthem. the bleachers once more. Whipping out "We're required to have a doctor and hopes for both the boys and the girls are seniors Cameron Calahan and While this year's game and mentions the possibility of both Mike Mogenson. Junior Matt Nestor his walkie-talkie, he steps out onto the an ambulance here for the game," he teams qualifying for States. and sophomore Scott Bora will also track and whispers into the airwaves. explains, "and the ambulance isn't marked the Wave's fifth He says every skier would have figure prominently in races. Seconds later, senior drum major here yet." straight loss to the Rams and to individually improve his or her The co-captains ofthe girls team James Wyper taps him on the shoulder. With a sigh, he gets up and goes the end ofbigh school football speed and technique if the team were are Flaherty and juniorAli Shaw. Also "You guys got the National Anthem? back outside. Hordes of people are for the talented senior players, to qualify but does not rule out the important for the team's success are You know what to do?" he asks. The gathered at the snack table like bees Darien's young team shows possibility. senior Bronwyn Ross and junior Kelly two review the plans. "So once the who have spotted honey. much promise for future sea- "I feel that the team is the most Peace. team is lined up ..." Suddenly a man in a navy blue OilS. valuable skier," Zeyer says. "In skiing, Overall, the team is looking to "National Anthem," Mr. Keleher sweater and dark blue jeans marches Players to look for in the you need six out ofthe top ten racers to finish strong in races and have a little replies automatically. up to his side. "He's one of the '76 future inc.lude juniors Kevin In a nanosecond, he is again talk­ alums," Mr. Keleher tells me later. finish for the team to qualify for each fun along the way. and Brendan Ross well race. Without that, States would look "One of our goals this year is to ing on his radio. "It isn't working," he The man taps him on the shoul­ Joy as a long way off for us." have fun," jokes Zeyer, "and I think says angrily. "They aren't lining up. der and smiles. "You pushed the game as sophomore James Patton. The co-captains of the boys team it's an achievable goal." Forget it." Continued on page 5