Impeach Trump Over the Cohen Indictment?

Sept.-Nov. Volume 7, ISSUE 1

Impeach Trump over the Cohen Indictment? Skyler Goldberg Michael Cohen, President Though Mason spoke only of bribing elec- Donald Trump’s longtime attorney, pleaded guilty tors, Sunstein extends the principle to all cases of on Aug. 21 to eight cam- electoral misconduct. He says the framers sought to paign finance violations. protect the electoral process, which they saw as Cohen admitted that he “sacrosanct.” donated more money to Under this standard, could the president be Trump’s presidential cam- impeached? Cohen alleges that Trump directed him paign than the law per- to pay the hush money to protect his candidacy. mits. Cohen paid this money to adult film actresses Some might argue that hiding such significant infor- Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to secure their mation from voters undermines the electoral pro- silence regarding their alleged affairs with Trump, cess and is thus impeachable. who feared that public knowledge of these affairs Others would contend that concealing a legal would sink his campaign. affair is quite different that bribing electors. In fact, While these charges seem to implicate the many Democrats argued at the time of the Monica president in a crime, legal scholars are less sure Lewinsky scandal that what goes on in the presi- whether they are impeachable. The Constitution dent’s bedroom is private. Back then, Democrats empowers Congress to remove a president upon thought that President Bill Clinton couldn’t be im- “Conviction of() Treason, Bribery, or other high peached even for lying under oath about his sex life. Crimes and Misdemeanors.” But what are “high In the same way, one could reject Cohen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors”? account of Trump’s motive. Harvard Law professor Cass Sunstein argues Perhaps, Trump bought the that the phrase refers to abuse of presidential pow- actresses’ silence to protect er. Yes, Trump certainly did not abuse his power by his marriage? Perhaps, he paying hush money before he even acquired the had both goals in mind? power. But he also controversially contends that Should we try to identify Congress can impeach a president who attained the his primary motive? presidency through “corruption.” Sunstein quotes Yet many disagree with Sunstein’s standard. founding father George Mason: “Shall the man who Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law professor emeritus, has practiced corruption, and by that procured his emphasizes the word “Crimes” in “high crimes and appointment in the first instance, be suffered to es- Misdemeanors.” He says that a president can be im- cape punishment by repeating his guilt?” peached only for criminal Continued on page 3

The Scars and Stains of Racism The Phone of the Future? Teacher Feature Pg 4 & 6 Pg 18 Pg 14 & 15 Oliver Pitts 2 Centuries of Culture Destroyed Brazil’s National Museum, long a symbol of museum. “The anthropology department went the country’s heritage and a source of pride for its through absurd budget cuts from the federal gov- people, almost completely burned down on Sept. 3. ernment during the past two years. In my class First opened to the public in 1818, the muse- alone, it was around 70 percent.” In fact, “National um had amassed many artifacts, including relics of Geographic” writer Michael Greshko revealed that Brazilian and South American the museum had not received its full annual budget history, as well as rare biological of $128,000 since 2014. And, in the beginning of specimens. But museum officials 2018, the museum had only received $13,000. believe the fire destroyed 90 per- The following Monday, fire protestors, de- cent of what was previously Latin manding to know the exact extent of the damage, America’s largest collection of historical and scien- attempted to storm the museum grounds. Officials tific artifacts. “It’s as if the Metropolitan Museum of from Rio’s Civil Defense department stated, “Our Art burned down,” said David Reich, a geneticist at technicians conducted an inspection inside the Harvard Medical School. building Monday morning and verified that the One of the few relics that survived the infer- building is still at high risk of collapsing.” To ap- no was an iron meteorite discovered by Domingos pease the protestors, police allowed temporary ac- da Motta Bolteho in 1784 called the Bendegó mete- cess to a courtyard adjacent to the museum. or. The largest meteorite ever discovered on Brazili- Following pressure from the museum and an soil, this 5,360-kilogram artifact was often syn- protestors, the government offered the museum onymous with the museum. $10 million as an emergency budget to salvage what While the exact cause of the blaze is un- is left of the building. However, known, most speculate that a lack of funding and much of the damage is seen as negligence from museum administration is to permanent and irreversible. “It's blame. Vice director of the museum Luiz Fernando a national and worldwide trage- Dias Duarte admitted to Brazilian television report- dy. Everybody can see that this is ers that staff members were aware of the dilapi- not a loss for the Brazilian peo- dated state of the museum, including disintegrating ple, but for the whole humanity. It was a predicta- infrastructure and general lack of sanitation, and of ble tragedy, because we've known for a long time many safety concerns present. that Brazilian cultural heritage has no budget,” said “This fire was caused due to several years of Kátia Bogéa, the president of the National Institute neglect from the federal government,” said Caio, an of Historic and Artistic Heritage. anthropology student who frequently studied at the

Grace Patterson House of Blue Lights At the beginning of the school year, students This past year, the number of school shoot- started to notice new blue lights on ings has risen dramatically. This has led to the in- the walls of the school building, as creased number of safety measures that our school well as outside, which closely re- has. Last school year, the school district hired semble a fire alarm. These lights armed security guards to try and make students have been installed as an additional and their parents feel more safe and protected in safety measure during lockdowns. school. The blue lights add a new level of safety to In case a student cannot hear the the lockdown procedures. Now, students and staff announcement — whether the hallway is too noisy can be alert and aware of what is going on at all or the class is outside — the lights will alarm them times and won’t have to be worry about being kept to a lockdown in progress. out of the loop. Oliver Pitts Do You Smell That? Nearly a dozen homes exploded in Merri- scary,” said Camille Welkins, who was forced to mack Valley, Massachusetts on Thursday, Sept. 13 move her family into a shelter after her home was after a natural gas leak. Affecting towns such as destroyed. Lawrence, Andover and Others were fearful of remaining in their North Andover, approx- houses after hearing about accounts of fires from imately 80 different neighbors. “I'm afraid to go fires erupted. in my house. You know, you “’We opened the cel- While officials don't know what can hap- lar door. It was total struggled to identify an pen at any minute. I mean, smoke. My husband exact cause of the fires, at least now, it's safer be- had a fire extin- most believe the prob- cause they've shut the gas guisher, went down- lem to be a result of troubles with high-pressure gas off. But that's not going to stairs, put it out. We lines running through the area only 25 miles north tell me, you know, will I be called the fire de- of Boston. Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera blamed the able to live in my house and partment. The whole gas utility company, Columbia Gas, calling it slow to not worry that it's going to thing is scary.’” act and negligent in maintaining gas lines running blow up,” resident Bruce through the area. Rivera told reporters: “My fire Razin told nearby news reporters. and police chiefs both have sought answers that As city officials quickly worked to assist they have not been provided. We still to this date - those affected by the fire, many saw the event as a there is no 100 percent knowledge of what the total chance to bring together the community. City Coun- pressure was that was on those lines.” selor Marc LaPlante told interviewers: “I'm just Those whose houses were destroyed were es- lucky to live in a city like this where we've got peo- pecially distraught after the incident. “We opened ple who pull together. And this neighborhood, this the cellar door. It was total smoke. My husband had part of the city, this entire city has pulled together a fire extinguisher, went downstairs, put it out. We in ways that are frankly I'm not so surprised about.” called the fire department. The whole thing is

Impeach Trump over the Cohen Indictment-Continued from page 1 abuses of power. rant impeachment. Dershowitz contends that allowing Congress Still, some might apply the same standard to impeach based on an arbitrary standard violates but understand campaign finance law differently. the president’s civil liberties. He fears that partisans With different understanding of the statutes, some will impeach simply because they don’t like a presi- scholars might advocate impeachment. For exam- dent. Additionally, he says that loose standards un- ple, election law expert Jerry Goldfeder says that dermine separation of powers, empowering con- using campaign funds to pay hush money is illegal. gressmen to hog-tie presidents they dislike into co- While he does not address impeachment, North- operation. Or face impeachment. western Law Professor Michael Kang sees the pay- Based on this understanding of the Constitu- ments as so high that they constitute a “high crime.” tion, the famed civil libertarian argues that Trump Impeachment has the power to save our likely can’t be impeached. Dershowitz argues that country from a tyrant. Impeachment has the power no law prohibits candidates from paying hush mon- to destroy democracy and undermining checks and ey. As a result, he says that Trump could be im- balances. If we don’t use it in the former case, our peached only if Trump Organization reimbursed country will collapse. If we use it in the latter case, Cohen as the indictment alleges. But Dershowitz our country will collapse. When deciding whether points out that Trump has said that he used his own Trump should be impeached, we must ignore politi- money, in which case the professor says that trans- cal preferences and choose sober constitutional action would be legal. Dershowitz also argues that analysis. failing to report the payments is too minor to war- Olivia Shamberger Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Director Spike Lee’s “BlackkKlansman” is remarkably balanced perspective, acknowledging by no means your average period piece. Having both the pros and cons of police, as well as of the debuted dur- government. In handling such sensitive subject ing August of matter, there is no political rhetoric or politiciz- this year, this ing issues of racism, only a reflective and insight- historical and ful look at America’s past and what this may political drama mean for our future. has undoubt- In an era where openly discussing racism edly earned is tantamount to courting controversy, the prom- itself a place as an early Oscar’s contender. Da- inence of racial themes permeating Lee’s screen- vid Washington stars as Officer Ron Stallworth, play is an essential and welcome change of pace. the first African-American police officer to work Not only are these depictions historically accu- in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Set rate, but racial phenomena — such as the duality in the 1970s, the film depicts the true story of of being an African-American police officer — Officer Stallworth’s infiltrating one of the most are still relevant in our present. In the wake of prominent American hate groups of the time pe- cases like Philando Castile and Trayvon Martin, riod — the Ku Klux Klan. these same realities are clearly still manifest to- Stallworth purports himself to be a poten- day. tial recruit for the Klan over the phone. His Furthermore, “BlackkKlansman” hits up- white partner, Flip Zimmerman, played by actor on multiple — Adam Driver, serves as an undercover agent, the widely “A reminder of the terror face the klansmen see. In this 2 hour and 16 mi- unacknowledged and malignant injustice rac- nute epic, Lee provides not only an engaging and — historical oc- ism has wrought on the intellectually stimulating experience, but a vivid currences that ul- American ethos. A reminder of the ingrained racial prej- illustration of the racial divide that has split soci- timately shaped udice that persists in the ety since our country’s inception. the racial narra- hearts of many, to this day. Above all, the film’s most impressive tive here in Amer- In a time when misinfor- quality is its candor, a trait thought nearly ex- ica. For example, mation runs rampant and tinct in contemporary Hollywood — especially it discusses “The inaction is far too common, concerning prejudice. Rated R, the film holds Birth of a Nation,” it is vital to know — not to nothing back in terms of slurs, reflecting the re- an abrasive and think, but to know — that alities of the 70s’ social climate. These words, destructive film, bigotry is hardly a work of falling on the sensitive ears of the widely politi- which portrayed fiction.” cally correct, have a jarring effect to say the least African-Americans as savage threats to but are, in my opinion, absolutely integral to the “civilized” white society, a film hailed by then historical integrity of the film. President Woodrow Wilson as “like writing his- Lee does an outstanding job in creating a tory with lightning.”

Continued on page 6 The Mind Behind the Crime Nicole Cordes Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Are you looking Among the many other shows out there, for a new show to “Criminal Minds” stands out as especially intri- watch? Well, guing. “Criminal Minds” portrays a different as- “Criminal Minds” pect of how the agents catch the criminal. The may be the show agents put themselves into the mind of the vic- for you! “Criminal tim and the offender, using this to figure out Minds” is a fiction- what type of person the offender is, how they will al TV show that centers around the Behavioral act and how the crimes occurred. Also, the char- Analysis Unit of the FBI. In this unit, a team of acters add some humor to the dark topic, all the agents attempts to catch criminals by creating while maintaining a cool head profiles of them. As these criminals are often around crime scenes. Viewers murderers, the show may have some scary and come to love the dynamic char- graphic scenes. The 14th season of “Criminal acters as they develop through- Minds” is currently on CBS although you can out the seasons. This amazing find the first 12 seasons on Netflix. There are show will keep viewers antici- about 20 to 25 episodes per season with a new pating what will happen next, crime investigated every episode. Some of the so beware of binge-watching. characters will change throughout the seasons as Overall, “Criminal Minds” is a fantastic show I an actor leaves the show or a character dies off, highly recommend to anyone who has an inner but many remain on the show for multiple sea- detective or just needs a new show to watch! sons. Beyond the Galaxy Charlotte Gann Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Look- tem called HUE. Gary and KVN’s relationship ing for a has quite a few ups and downs, but they put show with aside their differences to protect each other. And excitement, while every good show has a love interest, this drama, love, one is a little more difficult, because of Gary be- and even … ing separate from his supposed “love of his life” mooncakes? While serving his sentence, Gary meets a green, Then check oval-shaped alien on the run, whom he calls out “Final “Mooncake.” Mooncake is fleeing from the Lord Space,” which Commander, another alien who is trying to use plays only on the little green energy ball for his own evil doing. TBS, and had recently just finished their first The power of Final Space will bring the planet season. Premiering in February 2018, Final Earth to its demised end. As we progress Space’s creator and executive producer Olan throughout the show, we learn more and more Rogers shoots us into a space scene. Gary Good- about the potential tragedy this power will bring speed, a young prisoner, takes us through the to the people of Earth. With the help of others final days of his prison sentence on a spacecraft. that Gary interacts with throughout his journey, Throughout the show, Gary’s character is built he believes that he can and will survive the Lord up by others he meets. Onboard with him is a Commander. robot named KVN, and an automatic voice sys- The Scars and Stains of Racism-Continued from page 4 Lastly, the film concludes in present day, Additionally, “BlackkKlansman” has a with a reel of footage depicting the violence in stellar cast. Washington and Driver play along- Charlottesville, Virginia last year, as well as com- side tal- ments from several modern figures, including ent, such President Donald Trump and “National Direc- as the tor” of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke. The foot- young age is a harrowing echo of so many of the themes Laura depicted throughout the movie. Spike Lee could Harrier, have chosen no better scene with which to end who this powerhouse of a film. The outright injustice stars as the president of the Black Student Un- faced by so many in the ‘70s may seem a far cry ion. The earnest performances, together with the from today’s society, but, even with the end of copious cultural details, create an immersive Jim Crow and the “success” of integration, that ambiance, transporting the audience back in chapter of American history has by no means time. reached its end. A staple of the film is found “BlackkKlansman” is not in the poignant performance of just a movie. It’s easy to get caught American civil rights activist and up in the plot, the case, the specta- singer, Harry Belafonte. Belafon- cle of it all. But Lee truly brings this te’s character, although left un- motion picture to life and holds the named, leaves a lasting imprint on audience accountable not only to the audience as he recounts a trag- watch, but to consider the film’s edy he witnessed as a boy in a true implications and realities. packed room of attentive African- I cannot recommend this American students. Belafonte tells movie enough, and I encourage the story — a true story — of a 1916 everyone of appropriate age to go lynching in Waco Texas: the story and watch it. Lee develops a near of 17-year-old Jesse Washington. crystal clear image of the challeng- After being falsely accused of rap- es faced by the African-American ing a white woman, Jesse Wash- community, and reminds all of the ington was convicted by a 12-man subtle, insidious nature of preju- jury that deliberated for a grand dice. total of four minutes. A reminder of the terror and malignant Belafonte’s character describes what he injustice racism has wrought on the American witnessed as a child, what was done to Jesse’s ethos. A reminder of the ingrained racial preju- body — the stabbings and beatings that buffeted dice that persists in the hearts of many, to this Jesse immediately upon his exit of the court- day. In a time when misinformation runs ram- house. His body, a living corpse, charred to the pant and inaction is far too common, it is vital to bone, chained by the neck, and dragged through know — not to think, but to know — that bigotry the streets to be repetitiously strung up and is hardly a work of fiction. down like a doll for two whole hours. Music is the Outburst of the Soul Olivia Shamberger On Sept. 7, 2018, 3:15 a.m., American rap- from his “Watching Movies With the Sound Off” per and hip hop artist Mac Miller, 26, was found tour and a pending lawsuit, Miller started using unresponsive in his Los Angeles home, having died promethazine, or “lean,” as a crutch and became of an apparent overdose. Investigators reported addicted along the way. that Miller’s home appeared to have been scrubbed In an interview with Complex Magazine, of drugs, prior to the 911 call. Upon their arrival, Miller reflected on the tour, saying: “I was not hap- police found only faint traces of white powder. py and I was on lean very heavy … My friends Miller unquestionably impacted both couldn’t even look at me the same. I was lost.” the hip hop and wider musical community. He Miller emerged from the 2013 tour, with a touched the lives of many artists, including rappers different perspective, one he immortalized in his Drake, G-Eazy and Childish Gambino, who have 2015 album “Good A.M.” The album contains each expressed their heartfelt condolences to those many reflections on his experiences and the wide- grieving and mourn the loss of their reaching repercussions of his actions. comrade and friend. In the time after “Good A.M.” sees some passionate con- his death, let us remember his breath- fessions from Miller, featuring soulful taking career, as well as the special im- compositions to accompany his intro- pact he made in life. spective vocals. In an interview with Born Malcolm James McCor- Larry King during the same year, Miller mick in 1992, Miller grew up in Pitts- looked back on his struggles, discussing burgh, Pennsylvania. He developed a the extent to which his drug use and de- passion for music exceptionally early, pression were intertwined. He said: "I venturing into the world of hip hop at think it started (with success) ... It's fun- the tender age of 14. He was a quick ny, because you talk to people, and they study, releasing his first mixtape, “But say, 'What do you have to be depressed My Mackin Ain't Easy,” by the time he about? You have money.' ... Fame is was 15. Only three years later, in 2010, Miller was tricky because you read what's said about you, and signed with Rostrum Records, where he would of- you know what you know to be true, and the lines ficially begin his career with the release of his first start to blur." album in 2011. Despite these challenges with his self- When he was 19 years old, Miller’s debut image, and growing fame as an artist, Miller’s ca- album, “Blue Side Park,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard reer continued to advance rapidly during the fol- 200 in 2012, the first time an independently- lowing years. Miller’s maturation was almost tan- distributed debut album opened at No. 1 since gible in his music, having cycled through many 1995. As far as the content of the album, the sound genres from his pop-punk boom-bap roots to the of “Blue Side Park” was heavily rooted in the rap- jazzy flows of 2016’s “The Divine Feminine.” Not per’s beginnings — the boom-bap and pop-punk only did his sound change; there was an evident beats evoking strong feelings of nostalgia. shift in perspective. In addition to his tonal change Next, Miller released his electric 2013 al- of pace, these new experimental tracks allowed bum, “Watching Movies with the Sound Off.” Hav- Miller to mature not only as a rapper, but as a vo- ing achieved a bit of a higher profile by this time, calist in his own right. Miller’s tracklist featured many established art- An astonishingly unique artist, Miller col- ists, such as Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler the Creator. laborated with a wide range of prominent figures At this point, there was no doubt Miller was on the in the music industry. While maintaining his iden- rise in the hip-hop game — but with success also tity as a rapper, Miller was able to make successful came hardship. As rap legend Biggie Smalls said, inroads into the pop and hip-hop worlds as well. In “mo’ money, mo’ problems.” With stress stemming fact, Miller recorded many Continued on page 9 Foodfight! How Charlie Sheen Was Driven to Madness James McCarthy Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. To this day, many wonder why Charlie Sheen character development. The majority of his lines are has apparently disappeared from mainstream cine- food puns — some of which don’t even make sense ma, sounding completely insane — that diminish any ounce of potential depth the in any interviews he may have. character had. The other characters vary in how te- This abomination of a film may dious and unlikable they are, ranging from disturb- have caused it. Often reviled as ing and disgusting to rage-inducing and racist. one of the worst movies ever As I watched this film, I expected the worst made, “Foodfight!” gives an en- film I’d ever seen and, unsurprisingly, received it. tirely new definition to the term The story is so discombobulated and nonsensical “buyer’s remorse,” considering that you’d think the writers just taped together ran- that this film’s budget was $65 dom words from old shredded paper for the script. million. The animation is visually nauseating beyond com- The film was originally supposed to be re- prehension. The characters are completely one- leased in 2003, but sat in development limbo for dimensional and look like unsettling plastic dolls nearly a decade until its release in 2012 because the come to life. The humor is insulting and cringe- hard drives containing the unfinished film were sto- worthy. And the acting is so horrific, it could be con- len. It was produced by Threshold Entertainment, a sidered a torture method. company founded by filmmaker Lawrence Kasanoff, The only mildly entertaining part of the film I who previously helped write and produce the Mortal could find was Christopher Lloyd’s acting. Clearly Kombat film adaptations. In 2002, when the film trying to overact like Tim Curry did in “It,” even was announced, Kasanoff claimed that this would Lloyd could not save this CGI catastrophe. make Threshold “the new Pixar,” a claim that went Overall, this “movie” is the worst film I have unfulfilled since the company never made an ani- watched and rightfully deserves its designation by mated feature ever again. many as the worst animated film of all time. When The cast is made up of celebrities prominent asked about his experience during production, in the early 2000s, such as Charlie Sheen, Wayne Sheen claimed the film filled him with “cancer piz- Brady, Hilary Duff, Eva Longoria, Chris Kattan and za.” He is most likely correct that this animated film Christopher Lloyd, most of whom were irrelevant by is sickening. Every single 2012. The setting is a grocery store redundantly college 3D animation named “Marketropolis Market,” in which the aisles teacher on the planet could turn to a city, home to the mascots of the store’s use this film as an example products, after closing hours. If that sounds like a on exactly what not to do “Toy Story” rip-off with mascots instead of toys, when animating under any that’s because it is. circumstances, saying, With innumerable plot holes and continuity “Whatever you do, class, errors, the plot lacks consistency. Sheen’s character don’t do anything remotely is the only one in the film that has any semblance of similar in animation to ‘Foodfight!’.” Music is the Outburst of the Soul-Continued from page 7 songs with pop star Ariana Grande, his former girl- itive and the negative. Having experienced continu- friend. Their lyrical collaborations go all the way al struggles with depression and substance abuse, back to the 2013 hit single “The Way.” as well as sporadic encounters with the law, Miller Miller’s fifth and final studio album, channeled his obstacles into positivity, into his mu- “Swimming,” paints a picture of the last year of his sic. His courage inspired those around him. In fact, life. The downtempo beats provide a melancholy rapper Logic described Miller as “the whole reason” and grounded ambiance to the artist’s contempo- he got into the hip-hop rary flow. “Swimming” is introspective, focusing on world in the first place. ideas of self-love and acknowledging mistakes and Miller captured the pitfalls. Miller based the track-list, somewhat, on heart of many with his his break-up with Ariana Grande, after which he music inspiring warmth was arrested and charged with driving under the and adoration for fans influence. The singer and he parted ways in May around the world. Miller 2018 after a 2-year relationship that ended with was a dynamic talent, and Grande saying on Twitter, “Please take care of your- true gift to the hip hop community, a community self.” left bereft in his absence. Though his time with us Throughout his career, Miller always main- was short, and his loss a terrible tragedy, his kind tained that his music reflected his life, both the pos- spirit and music are immortal. Beauty is truth’s smile Grace Patterson Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Over this past summer, Netflix has released a gave him Sierra’s number instead of hers. As the slew of romantic comedies and movies. After they movie continues, Sierra and Jamey constantly text, released “To All the Boys but she never reveals who she truly is. Sierra even I’ve Loved Before,” which convinces Veronica to help her to deceive Jamey had a great storyline, the even more by going on a date with him. On this lead actor, Noah Cen- date, Jamey asks to kiss Veronica, who says yes un- tineo, burst into popular- der one condition–he keeps his eyes closed. Then, ity. So, when people Sierra pops up and she kisses Jamey while he be- heard that there was go- lieves he is kissing another girl. ing to be another teen romance featuring Noah Cen- At one point in the movie, Sierra is trying so tineo, “Sierra Burgess is a Loser,” people got excit- hard to protect her secret that she pretends to be ed. On Aug. 30, when the movie came out, the ex- deaf just to avoid talking to Jamey out of fear that citement turned to disappointment. he would recognize her voice. Later, Sierra embar- The movie “Sierra Burgess is a Loser” is rasses Veronica in front of the whole school because about Sierra Burgess, a teen girl in high school. Un- she saw her kiss Jamey and got angry. After that, like so many other romantic movies that feature a Sierra’s big secret gets out, and her whole world col- conventionally beautiful girl, this movie combated lapses. But all she does to say sorry to Veronica and those stereotypes. This was the main appeal of this Jamey is write a song about how she’s different and movie — an unconventionally beautiful girl can get how nobody would ever pick her. Then, everything the guy. Being an avid fan of Noah Centineo, and is fine, and she ends up with Jamey. Shannon Purser, I was very excited for the movie Hiding under the guise of “the ugly girl can and storyline. get the guy too,” this whole movie is really just say- At the beginning of the movie, Sierra Bur- ing that Sierra is allowed to do all these horrible gess, (played by Shannon Purser) gets a text from things because she is unattractive. The movie’s mes- someone who believes that she is Veronica, the sage is not one that I agree with. The intended con- most popular girl in school. Jamey (Noah Centineo) cept was good, but it was not portrayed well on had flirted with Veronica (Kristine Froseth), but she screen. Holly Black, the queen of dark fantasy, is plan to make this happen, however, will put her back with another beautifully written fantasy in the middle of a coup that will both her and her book set in the land of Faerie. The book opens family to danger. with a breathtaking scene, in which Jude watch- The author does an amazing job of world es her parents get murdered at the building and character develop- hands of Madoc, a general in the ment. The character list is so army of the High King. The action varied and so fully fleshed out, continues to roll from there. you will fall in love with all of Jude and her two sisters are them unless, of course, you hate taken to live among the Faerie. them for being evil! Here is a She and her twin, Taryn, are mor- great quote from a character tal while their sister, Vivi is half- called, The Bomb (yup, that is blood fey. Jude and Taryn are con- really her nickname): “Just tell stantly bullied and made to feel me what I get to blow up.” As less than because of their mortal this is the first in a trilogy, I status. While Taryn adopts a tactic can’t wait for the second book of trying hard to fit in and not up- (which won’t be released until set anyone, Jude does the opposite Jan. 8, 2019 — ugh, the days and does everything in her power seem to drag on forever!) to find to fight back at the bullies. And out what happens to Jude, her Vivi likes to cause problems for her family, Prince Cardan (who has stepmother and slip into the mor- a tail and is so evil; yet, is he?) tal world occasionally. and how everything will shake out. Run — don’t Jude’s dream to become a member of the walk — to the library to get your hands on our High Court becomes a possibility when the High copy of “The Cruel Prince!” King announces he will be stepping down. Her

About the Author

Famous for the “Spiderwick Chronicles” series, Holly Black earned a bachelor’s degree in English from The College of New Jersey in 194. Influenced by authors J.R.R. Tolkien, Susan Cooper, Lloyd Alexander and Jim Henson, Black won an Andre Norton Award, a Mythopoeic Award and a Newberry Honor. Speaking about her love for the written word, she said, “It is my belief that books are living things.” A Mercurial Rise to Fame Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. Larry Davis and Olivia Shamberger Director Dexter Fletcher’s “Bohemian Rhapso- Though it may be early to glean a general criti- dy” first graced the silver screen on Nov. 2, enticing cal consensus, “Bohemian Rhapsody” has thus far audiences from around the globe. received only weak critical reviews. However, like the This long-awaited motion picture 1975 song of the same name, I suspect this film will portrays the unique and ever- reach far beyond the carping of critics. As of now, changing styles of the legendary rock the film has a 60 percent critic score on Rotten To- band Queen, a band that has enter- matoes, much of which stems from claims that the tained crowds for nearly 50 years. En- film skims over Mercury’s Parsi roots and neglects to tering theaters with just over a 2-hour delve deeper into his later struggle with AIDS. runtime, Fletcher’s sweeping biopic Nonetheless, the film respectfully acknowledg- rocked the weekend box-office with a es Mercury’s struggles and notably includes multiple $50 million domestic debut, grossing a total of $141 romantic partners with whom he was intimate. Yet million worldwide. the narrative ultimately places appropriate emphasis The film depicts many complex and compel- on the prowess and passion displayed in his musical ling circumstances endured by the band. The narra- career, which is what the notoriously private Mercury tive mainly follows the formation and evolution of wished to be remembered for. It is also important to Queen, exploring themes of love and fame while de- remember that this film is neither a Freddie Mercury tailing the members’ individual relationships. The biopic nor a documentary. Bohemian Rhapsody” is a numerous interpersonal anecdotes — which can be biopic about Queen from Mercury’s perspective. The noted in various interviews — truly speak to the intri- historical inaccuracies were, for the most part, harm- cate care and attention to detail put into this project. less and done to ensure a concise narrative. Fletcher creates a seamless balance between Despite its lukewarm critical reception, the narrative and stage performances, performances en- film has thus far been hailed by fans, earning itself a riched by the film’s stellar and dynamic cast. The ac- 95 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. tors not only embody the spirit of the band but bear a Though there were minor narrative missteps, the in- more than striking resemblance to the band’s mem- tegrity of the band, their music and what it meant to bers. With the partial aid prosthetic teeth, Rami Ma- those involved is largely preserved. In fact, surviving lek channels lead singer Freddie Mercury in a capti- members Brian May and Roger Taylor aided in the vating fashion, delivering a near hypnotic perfor- film’s production. mance both on and off the stage. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a reverent portrayal In addition to the film’s talented cast, cinema- of Queen’s multifaceted career, from the band’s in- tographer Newton Thomas Sigel uses a variety of vis- ception in Britain to its domination of rock charts in ual styles — styles he replicates through meticulous the United States. The film’s stark and witty flamboy- study of Queen’s various broadcasts — to re-energize ance is a celebration of one of rock’s most renowned the band’s most iconic on-stage appearances. As far frontmen and of the band that captivated millions as the film’s empowering score, hits like 1975’s “We around the world. Its breathtaking visuals and ear- Are the Champions” and 1980’s “Another One Bites nest representations are heartening to fans and gen- the Dust” evoke an unequivocal and nostalgic sense eral audiences alike, making this exceptional biopic of wonder. an essential trip to the Coupled with the memorable track list, pro- theater. As “Bohemian ducers used multiple voice overlays — in conjunction Rhapsody” showings with Malek’s actual singing — to replicate Mercury’s draw to a close, they legendary vocals. In a recent interview with Metro, echo the finales of con- Malek stated: “It is an amalgamation of a few voices. certs around the world: But predominantly it is my hope and the hope of eve- with head-banging and ryone that we will hear as much Freddie as possible.” thunderous applause. Larry Davis On Oct. 26, 2018, Miller Place High School Mash in 2018 came to be. held its annual Safe Halloween event. Function- In addition, the Safe Halloween program ing under the combined efforts of previously ran on Halloween Day. But this year, Student Government and Service Student Government and Service Club agreed to Club, Safe Halloween welcomed a move the operation to Friday, Oct. 26 after realiz- wave of children and families decked ing that both young children and high school stu- -out in Halloween costumes eager to dents preferred traditional trick-or-treating to receive candy from costumed stu- Safe Halloween. As a consequence of this date dents in classrooms decorated with change, young people did not have to choose be- unique themes. Such popularity is tween traditional trick-or-treating and Safe Hal- unprecedented in the last few years, loween; they could do both. And they did. The and there are multiple factors con- halls were flooded with children anxious to re- tributing to its increased success. ceive candy and engage in Halloween-themed ac- For the first time, Safe Halloween ran in tivities. conjunction with the Monster Mash event. The Overall, the Safe Halloween and Monster event offered a variety of activities, all done to Mash events were a hit. The combination of the music of a student DJ, that ranged from face- themed trick-or-treating and a Halloween party painting to pumpkin-decorating. Grossing over was perfect to fulfill the interests of the young $3,000 in its first run-through last year, Monster community. Children left with smiles on their Mash was easily the most popular and most suc- faces and candy in their cessful fundraising event of the school year. Safe bellies, and high school Halloween, on the other hand, was nearly can- students and faculty en- celed due to measly turnout and even a lack of joyed serving the young student participation. A long-time tradition of people of Miller Place. A MPHS, Safe Halloween was dying, and thus the fun time was truly had by joined efforts of Safe Halloween and Monster all. Seeing the Light Despite the Darkness Hailey Koppelman Hope. Hope is what Chris Pendergast is a symbol of hope. Diag- Pendergast is filled with. We all nosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease 26 years ago, he have hope. Hope that we will get does everything he possibly can to make his life 100% on a test or hope that we the best it can be. Whether it is leading the Walk get a new phone for our birth- for Life from Yankee Stadium to Washington days. Pendergast's only hope is D.C. or staying home and giving love to his fami- to live another day. We may be ly, he exhibits incredible determination. Doctors grateful for that 100%, or that phone, but Pen- consider ALS a hopeless disease that causes rap- dergast is grateful for much more. Pendergast id death, but Pendergast proves them wrong said he is grateful for his sight, wife, children, with his hope and determination to live the best family, assistants, intellect, technology, care, life possible. And for those of you who may lose faith, joy, ALS Ice Bucket Phenomenon, the stu- hope, Pendergast says, "Hope will never leave dents of Miller Place. you. It is you that abandons it."

The Soul Has No Gender

Deirdre Doherty BATHROOM EQUALITY Miller Place High School has converted the And these restrooms are restrooms in the social studies wing into being not only for the use of gender- gender-neutral. While the nurse’s office has always queer students. They have benefits outside the had a gender-neutral bathroom, this conversion is LGBT community. With Miller Place’s “one-in-one more easily accessible to the student population. -out” bathroom policy, there is often a long wait The school’s Gay-Straight Alliance Club felt time on bathroom lines. Many students agree that that it was important for students who struggled with a single line for the two restrooms, the wait with their gender identities to have a gender- time for these bathrooms is often quick, allowing neutral option accessible in additional locations in them to return to class much faster. the school. Transgender and non-binary students Overall, the student population has received felt marginalized with only gender-binary student the gender-neutral option very positively. The GSA restrooms available, which they were uncomforta- is proud and thankful that the school board al- ble using. Last year, club members who identified lowed for this accommodation and is optimistic as gender-queer confessed that without a common about how this reflects Miller Place’s relationship gender-neutral option, they refused to use a school with the LGBT community. bathroom the entire day.

Dear Suzy,

Hello! Your question is extremely relevant today. With so much happening in the world around us — may it be controversies surrounding the president or mid-term elections — sometimes our Dear Lucy, vision gets clouded. I want you to understand that you and your friend can absolutely stay close. When it comes to politics, people Lately, my friend and need to understand that they will never be able to change the way I haven’t been getting along others think. What’s important is that you listen to your friend with very well. We are constantly an open mind. Hear her views; express your own. Do not let your arguing over our different debate become heated to the point of a broken friendship. Similarly, political ideologies! Some- don’t take what she says to heart. Remember that her opinions are times, I can’t even be in the not targeting you — debates are not personal — and you shouldn’t same room as her because define each other based off political views. Know it’s perfectly okay our views are so different. to disagree, and move on. She’s extremely important to Recall where you and your friend just met and how you be- me, but I’m afraid we won’t came so close. It’s easy to lose perspective when you’re stuck in a be able to look past politics moment. Keep in mind that you can disagree and stay friends. What with someone and still really like them. should I do? Happy to help, From, Suzy Lucy  Erin Rauer

The September breeze breathes newness into the familiarity of our high school years. New year, but same classrooms, same homework loads and same teachers … for the most part. This year, we are welcoming several new faculty members into the hallways of Miller Place High School, most of whom are teachers. Ms. DeFalco Ms. DeFalco, who will serve as a co-adviser for the freshman class, is set on creating an enjoyable and engaging classroom envi- ronment in her first year teaching French at Mil- ler Place High School and North Country Road Middle School. A graduate of Stony Brook Uni- versity, she comes to Miller Place with a Bache- lor’s degree in French Language and Literature, and a Masters of Art in Technology in French. In “Whoever sees me sees the her off-hours, she enjoys running, singing and studying languages teaching, and whoever sees the such as French and Italian. In the classroom, her favorite part of teaching sees me.” ~Buddha the process is being able to see her students steadily gain confi- dence in the French language. Ms. Byrne Ms. Heller Ms. Heller, the latest addition to the art department, started in October. She is guaran- teed to help her stu- dents mature as artists by watching the paths their creativity takes them as she refines their “Que sera sera!” techniques along the Translation: way. As a matter of fact, “Whatever will be, will be!” that is her favorite part of teaching. She also And, finally, we have Ms. Byrne, who will be “Be yourself. Everyone loves making sure her teaching English as a New Language. She is also the else is already taken.” students have fun in co-adviser for the freshman class alongside Ms. De- the process. In addi- Falco. Not only do we really appreciate her filling tion, she turns her free time into works of art — in; but we also value her dedication to creating an drawings, paintings, knitted materials and vari- environment where her students can thrive. It’s a ous works of pottery — but she also spends time mutual relationship because she explained that her reading science fiction. She favorite part of teaching is feeling inspired every majored in Fine Art, Anthropol- day by her students hard work. She loves to travel, ogy and Philosophy, earning both in the United States and to foreign countries, her a Bachelor of Humanities which served as her inspiration to become an ENL and Arts from Carnegie Mellon teacher. University. Fun fact: she has very neat handwrit- ing. Continued on next page Teacher Feature-Continued from previous page Mrs. White The second is Mrs. White, who will be return- Dr. Reinhart ing as assistant principal. Her cheery disposition will The first of our bring a welcome comforting veterans is Dr. Reinhardt, air to our halls this school who will be joining the year. She began her career as music department as the a math teacher for Rocky chorus teacher. Her en- Point High School, where she ergy will surely inspire also served as a coach for her students to aim a bit Junior Varsity Basketball higher in the notes they and Soccer, in addition to reach, and in the goals the startup of Varsity “If you see someone they wish to accomplish Girls Lacrosse. From without a smile, give “Be the change you in their lives. Dr. Rein- there, she became the them yours!” want to see in the hart looks back at her dean of students while ~Dolly Parton world.” ~Gandhi high school years as a continuing to teach. In time of fun, friends and March 2003, she was hired as assistant principal of laughter. She looks forward to being around mu- Miller Place High School. While many students in the sic all day, every day. In addition to teaching, she high school know her from her stints in the elemen- devotes her time to activities in-school and out. tary and middle schools, she was initially hired to be a In school, she is an adviser for Tri-M Honor Soci- part of the high school’s staff. What a journey! Her ety. Out of school, she enjoys playing tennis, run- favorite part of the job is the fact that her interactions ning and cooking. with students take her in different directions. No day is ever the same, and that’s what makes them excit- ing! Mr. St. Nicholas Last but not least, we have Mr. St. Nicholas, our new special education teacher, who will undoubtedly create a fun yet educational atmosphere in his classes. His passion for teaching stemmed from a football injury that caused a lot of emotional distress for him. When he saw that many of his professors and coaches were rushing to his aid in that time, he knew instantly that he wanted to do the same for other people. He attributes who he is today to the contributions those “Greatness is a lot of professors and coaches made to his life. While his favorite part of his job is the little things done well.” students, outside of school, he enjoys watching sports and studying history, as well as learning and reading. We would also like to welcome any new students to our school, whether they are newly-minted freshmen or recent transfers. We encourage you to join clubs or other activities like after-school sports not only to meet new people, but to find some comfort in the newness all around you. And hey, there are a few staff members who are trying to get into the swing of things as well, so we’re sure someone will help you find where you belong! Welcome to MPHS! Grace Patterson Halloween: An Eerie History Every year on Oct. 31, everyone dresses up combined with Samhain. and celebrates Halloween. Whether you go trick-or- Then, Halloween made its way over to Colo- treating or attend a costume party, nial America, where it was more popular in the Halloween is celebrated by many peo- southern colonies because the strict Puritans in the ple. But what some people fail to real- New England colonies disapproved of the holiday’s ize is that Halloween and its traditions pagan roots. During the second half of the 19th cen- have a spiritual history. While Hallow- tury, many immigrants, especially those from Ire- een was developed into a holiday of land, came to the Americas and helped to make free candy and fun, it started out as a spiritual holi- Halloween a widely celebrated holiday. day. Trick-or-treating soon followed. People Halloween started in Ireland with the Celts’ would go door to door asking for food and money. ritual of Samhain. Samhain was celebrated the day Many women in the colonies thought they could before Nov. 1, the Celtic New Year. The Celtic peo- seduce men with tricks and witchcraft type stuff. ple would dress up and dance around a bonfire to Halloween was a time for great mischief, and the ward off ghosts. They believed that the night before thought of witchcraft scared many the New Year erased the line between this world parents who wanted to protect their and the ghost world, allowing their priests to pre- children. Nonetheless, the decora- dict the future. Then, when the Roman Empire con- tions eventually lost the appalling quered the Celts, the festivals of Feralia, a Roman and scary aspects of the holiday that festival where the dead were honored, and Pomona, connected them to witchcraft as Hal- a festival dedicated to the goddess of the harvest, loween lost its religious meaning.

Grace Patterson Royally Different On Sept. 22, 2018, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, marriage is accepted by more than half of the pop- the third cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, married his ulation. And though it is not recognized in North- partner of two years, James ern Ireland, civil partnerships have been available Coyle. Celebrating the royal since 2005. family’s first same-sex wedding, This marriage is groundbreaking in the roy- he and his partner had a private al family, and Ivar Mountbatten is far away enough ceremony on his estate in Dev- down the line to the throne that it doesn’t raise any on. The royal family is totally in questions in the common law. The law also states support of the marriage alt- that only the first six in line for the throne have to hough they did not, and weren’t receive permission from the Queen to be married. expected to, attend the wedding because he is not Ivar Mountbatten and Doyle had a perfect an immediate member of the royal family. ceremony, which, although there were no royal Mountbatten came out publicly in 2016. He witnesses, was a very lavish affair. The couple is was previously married to Penny Mountbatten, very happy to be married and with whom he has three children. Penny Mount- posted many pictures of their batten walked her ex-husband down the aisle dur- wonderful day together. This ing his wedding at the suggestion of their daugh- marriage likely soften the ters. strict edges that the royal While this wedding was the first of its na- family has about proper mar- ture to happen in the royal family, it upset few peo- riages and ascending the ple in Britain or the United Kingdom. Same-sex throne.

It’s a wonderful world

Andrew Friedman THE BEAUTY OF NATURE During our summer vacation, many of us valleys and rivers of America. had the opportunity to go camping, canoeing, or With the emergence of trains in the 19th fishing with their families. Some of us might century, Americans could travel to California have been fortu- with great ease. Consequently, train stations and nate enough to storage depots were erected in close proximity to have taken a the tracks so that passengers could be picked up road trip to one and freight could be transported. Nearby land of New York became extremely valuable and towns sprang up State’s tree-filled along these routes. Land conservation and the parks, and some immediate profits associated with larger cities of us may have even traveled out of state to one were favored over the lure of stripping produce or several of America's 60 national parks. For from fields. No thought was given to what future me, there is nothing better than going out into generations might need. Almost immediately, the wilderness, far away from malls, highways, beautiful fields and forests became barren and skyscrapers. In our state and national parks, wastelands. you are sure to find clear mountain lakes, pine In the 20th century, areas previously con- cone-covered hiking trails and beautiful tree-top sidered almost uninhabitable like Las Vegas, canopies. There, everything seems crisper and Tucson and Phoenix have become metropolises. more refreshing — relaxation abounds in these Hydroelectric power plants and gigantic reser- pristine settings. voirs have breathed life into these areas. Unfor- But there was a time when big businesses tunately, this gift has its downside. Our entire and land developers dug their claws into any- planet is now at risk for the problems that ac- thing they could get their greedy hands on, in- company excessive industrialization and over- cluding land that should have been protected. population. Back then, trees were cut down, but none were It is imperative that we ensure our na- re-planted; land was cleared so that factories tion’s beauty and survival by establishing and and residential homes could be built, but no retaining its parks and forests. The first step to- thought was given to the possibility of exhaust- ward achieving this goal took place on March 1, ing our precious resources. Remote areas suf- 1872 when President Grant signed The Act of fered from inadequate and unhealthy systems to Dedication, establishing Yellowstone National dispose of waste. As a direct result of the failure Park. During the same period, naturalist John of others to think ahead, streams and rivers were Muir filed a petition to preserve and conserve contaminated, some of them irreversibly. Our the land now polluted and poisoned water had detrimental called Yosem- effects on sea life and on the forest animals that ite National depended on healthy fresh water, and, in many Park. This vi- cases, entire species went extinct. sionary knew Humanity is not the only villain in the that domesti- piece. Mother Nature has also wreaked havoc on cated animals, our planet. The four elements — wind, fire, wa- such as sheep ter, and air — have altered our landscape. Hurri- and cows, canes, tornadoes, monsoons, floods, wildfires could eventu- are constantly changing the mountains, plains, ally destroy this area. Fortunately, he was able to

Continued on next page It’s a Wonderful World-Continued from previous page convince luminaries such as Ralph Waldo Emer- ers? Would there still be bison grazing at Yellow- son, Gifford Pinchot, Theo- stone? A century has gone by since we had to dore Roosevelt and Robert ponder questions of this type, but America’s na- Underwood Johnson to tional parks and forests have once again come join his campaign for the under attack by industries that care nothing at preservation of America’s all about retaining America’s natural beauty. We land. Muir’s efforts spear- must all remember that there could come a day headed the movement to protect irreplaceable when we can no travel along historic Route 66, natural treasures like ancient Native American stopping along the way at the Grand Canyon, the ruins, giant sequoias and redwoods, painted de- Painted and Mojave Deserts, Death Valley or serts, curative hot springs and giant craters with Joshua Tree forest. We federal law. must continue the work Without social activists like Muir and of our predecessors so Roosevelt, we may have lost these places forever. that America does not Would we still have the General Sherman tree? lose these irretrievable Would we still be able to walk down Bright Angel gifts that nature has Trail to see the Grand Canyon? Would Yosemi- provided to us. te’s El Capitan still be available for rock climb-

Grace Patterson The Phone of the Future? On Sept. 12, 2018, Apple released the iPh- on the back, but Apple says that it can take high- one XS and XS Max, upgrades of last year’s iPh- quality pictures as well. This new line of iPhones one X. Additionally, they started a new line of also introduced portrait mode to the front-facing phones with the iPhone XR to give people iPh- camera. The front-facing camera has been im- one X features without the hefty price tag. proved from the X to take better pictures and al- The 64-gigabyte iPhone XS costs $999, low for better facial recognition. the XS Max starts at $1099 and the XR starts at The new phones use A12 bionic chips. $749. The XS and XS Max come in three colors: This chip improves game playing performance, gold, space gray and silver. The iPhone XR uses less battery power than the A11 and in- comes in white, black, yellow, coral, cludes a neural engine. The phone is blue and red. The iPhone XS has a constantly learning and improving 5.8 inch display, the XR has a 6.1 the way it performs just like our inch display and the XS Max has a brains do. Constantly processing 6.5 inch display. The iPhone XS and information, this chip will also im- XS Max differ only in size and bat- prove face ID and enable “animoji,” tery life. The XS, XR and XS Max have glass animal emoji that, according to Apple, “use your backs and fronts. But the XR has an aluminum voice and mirror your facial expressions.” binding while the XS and XS Max have stainless These new iPhones, while expensive, are steel bindings. really improving the smartphone world. Tech- The XS and XS Max both have two camer- nology has advanced quickly throughout the past as on the back to help take better pictures and to decades and will keep improving. I think that the create “bokeh effect” in pictures. This is when iPhone XS is a beautiful phone with a great the subject of the photo is in focus and the back- screen and a battery that lasts way longer than ground is blurred. The XR has only one camera my old phone. Andrew Friedman

Homecoming is a tradition where the The sophomores embodied the ‘50s with their entire Miller Place community is invited to poodle skirts and leather jackets, the seniors watch the kickoff of went back to the ‘80s by playing songs that our high school were popular back in that decade, the juniors’ football season. In disco float was reminiscent of the ‘70s, and the addition, for the freshman’s groovy colored glasses had us all students of Miller flashbacking to the ‘60s. Place High School, The grand finale was held at our recently it is a weeklong cel- renovated outdoor football stadium. The skies ebration where they changed from a dismal gray to a beautiful cyan get to interact and just as the parade began. By the time the Miller Wilhelm Stocken presents flowers to his parents. compete with one Place Panthers took the field, the weather was another. The school perfect. The four grades continued their com- week leading up to the homecoming game, a petition, seeing who could raise the most mon- week we call Spirit Week, transforms each ey selling food, money that was then split be- grade into a team. This year’s teams were the tween a charity and each grade’s school fund. Fire Freshman, the Sweet Life Sophomores, the During halftime, the four teams battled Jaw-Breaking Juniors, and the Star-Gazing it out in a game of tug of war. The seniors easi- Seniors. ly won this event. Nevertheless, after a long but The first event in this year’s competition careful review of all the events, the Spirit Week was for each class to decorate an assigned hall- trophy went to the Jaw-Breaking Juniors who way according to a pre-selected theme. For an received the entire week, members from each team came to most points school between the hours of 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. or for their from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. During that time, stu- float and dents worked furiously to create eye-catching hallway dec- murals that would allow their class to win over orations, as the judges and take first place. well as for MPHS also hosted a parade be- their class fore the football game that slowly made its way spirit. But the juniors weren’t the only students from the firehouse to the high school. Specta- celebrating victory. Though the underdog, the tors were treated to the Miller Place cheer Miller Place Panthers also came out on top, team’s acrobatic choreography and the pep beating the Comsewogue Warriors with a score band’s marching songs as the two groups of 28-15. walked in front of each team’s colorful floats. Skyler Goldberg LUKE MARCHELLO Though unsure where he will apply to college, Luke Marchello knows he will fondly remember play- ing football and hanging out with his friends when he looks back at his high school career. Marchello began playing football in sixth grade because many his friends joined the team. And he loved the sport. He enjoyed the competition, the team- work, the thrill. Fast-forwarding to high school, Marchello feels that his English and public speaking classes have best prepared him for the future. Asked whom he sees as a role model, Marchello points to “Turn on the darkness” Mr. Vonthaden.

AVA BURNS ABIGAIL CURCIO Ava Burns, captain of the Miller Place Abigail Curcio has been playing field hockey team, will be attending Syracuse soccer since she was 4 years old when she joined the University, where she St. Louis DeMontfort Church league, which her intends to major in edu- mother coached. Her skill cation. She will also evident, Curcio has play lacrosse and, if she played varsity soccer for can, field hockey. Burns the past 5 years. She finds chose Syracuse because the sport riveting because of its great athletics and of the competition and academics, as well as its described victory as proximity to home. She “surreal.” And Curcio in- tends to continue playing feels that her AP Eng- “One day in retrospect, the “Anything is possible lish Literature and days of struggle will strike at St. Joseph’s College. with hard work and Composition class, pub- you as the most beautiful.” Looking to major in ele- dedication.” lic speaking class, and mentary education, this Computer Literacy class have prepared her the starting center midfielder chose St. Joseph’s College most for college. Reflecting back on her high because of its excellent academics and its proximity school career, Burns feels that she will best re- to home. She feels that her English classes have pre- member her the field hockey team’s accomplish- pared her the most for college, teaching her how to ments and the friendships she made playing. write papers. Beyond academics, she told the Asked how she started playing lacrosse, Burns K.R.O.B. that she will best remember all the life les- said that she began in second grade when she sons she has learned in high school, as well as the was trying out different sports friendships she has made. But her influences extend to see what she enjoyed most. past the school building. She looks to her dad as a Lastly, Burns attributes her role model, crediting him with many of her accom- character to her mom, whom plishments. “(H)e has always pushed me to do my she sees as a role model. best,” she said. k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k/k KROB Newspaper Staff Issue 1: 2018-2019 Adviser: Mrs. Sturtz

Skyler Goldberg John Mari Editor in Chief Assistant Editor in Chief Staff:

Isabella Alexander Andrew Friedman Oliver Pitts

Julianna Campo Charlotte Gann Erin Rauer Nicole Cordes Hope Mari Olivia Shamberger Larry Davis James McCarthy Deirdre Doherty Grace Patterson

Remember to follow us on Instagram!