The Patriot Issue 2 Washington Township High School, Sewell, NJ December, 2008 Crowning achievement Lettieri selected Homecoming Queen Miranda Steinman ‘09 Lettieri, “I couldn’t believe I got the red roses, it was unreal,” said Jess. On Friday, Oct. 24, senior A circle formed around her as Jessica Lettieri’s dreams came true. the other nominees and their escorts She was crowned homecoming queen congratulated her. during halftime of WTHS’s The crowd was ecstatic when homecoming game. Mr. Bollendorf announced the The journey to the throne began winner. Some people even began to when 12 nominees were chosen for cry. Many have said that Lettieri’s the homecoming court. personality and lightheartedness was 11/12 Executive Assistant perfect for the role of homecoming Principal Mr. Bollendorf announced queen. Her friends praised her good the nominees in school, and formally nature and loyalty. introduced them with their escorts Alex Quin, ’09, one of Lettiere’s at the Senior Kickoff dance. closest friends said, “She is someone The male population of the who will be there for you through senior class selected the dozen. The thick or thin. She’s my studly best entire class of 2009 were involved in friend who is a tank and has a new voting for the queen. found love for cheesy double beef The night began with plenty of Gina Parker ‘09/The Patriot burritos.” activities. The nominees and their Jessica Lettieri after being crowned homecoming queen takes a Lettieri is involved in many escorts got the crowd excited in the celebratory ride around the stadium with Nick Krauss. school activities. She participates in Spirit Parade when they performed winter and spring track, book club, an upbeat dance choreographed by all be so happy for who ever it was but one red for the queen. Deca, and dance. Regina Vasallo ’09. that won,” said Lettieri. “I was so nervous!” said Lettieri is humble about her After the performance, the girls They changed into their gowns Lettieri, “I felt like I was going to success. were emotional as they changed for and lined up to be introduced to the pass out! I was really excited but “It’s such an honor and the the main event. enormous crowd in the stadium. kind of sad because the experience whole experience was so “We were all so excited but Students and parents crowded to the was so awesome and it was going to awesome. The memories I made with nervous at the same time. Everyone fence to get the best look at the girls. be over.” the other girls and throughout was saying ‘good luck’ and that we’d Each nominee was escorted down the Lettieri slowly unwound the the whole experience was amazing. I track as the girls’ activities and ribbon and cracked the lid to her long love sharing that special bond with achievements were described. They white box. When she found beautiful them. I love my homecoming girls! Why so late? were then lined up given a box red roses inside, tears instantly And most importantly thank you to containing a rose. There was one began to pour down her face. all the people who voted for me! I’ll Due to production delays, white rose in each of the 11 boxes, “I cried. I was so happy..” said remember it forever,” Jess said. we were unable to re- lease the December issue Homecoming provides chance before winter break. Instead of cancelling it, to create, recall memories we decided to give the Weston Eldridge ‘10 Hope, a foundation raising money for Epilepsy subjects and writers awareness. As the food dwindled down, the Spirit Parade credit, and share this Excitement filled the chill air on the night of Oct. was quick to maintain the high level of excitement. with you. We apologize 24 as the homecoming experience gave everyone a “The Spirit Parade is a great tradition that I look for the inconvenience and chance to recollect with friends and have a good time. forward to every year,” said Brandon Rempfer ’10. are working to make sure Students, along with alumni gathered to show their Clubs gathered together, parading along the track. the January issue is out loyalty to WTHS. Weeks of preparation went into the event, ranging from on time. “Homecoming helped get the year kick-started with constructing floats and choreographing skits. two exciting weeks of football, a dance, and the home- “I was involved in the Spirit Parade, I was a baby coming queen competition,” said Joe DeFillipo ’10. for the Student Council executive board,” said -The Patriot editors The night started with tailgating (sponsored by DeFillipo. Outback Steakhouse) that raised money for Clayton’s See HOMECOMING p.3 2 - News The Patriot - W.T.H.S. December, 2008 Tailgating for good cause Katie Mount ‘09 Bollendorf. Caitlin was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome At Washington Township High when she was a toddler. He said this School, there is one event that syndrome is a “complex and a appeals not only to the school, but difficult to control” form of to the entire community as well. epilepsy. Homecoming is a traditional “I believe we’re a better school ceremony that gathers all age groups because we have kids like [Caitlin],” to create new memories and Bollendorf stated. “Students are very reminisce on old ones. WTHS understanding, and I am always incorporates many events into amazed at how well the other Homecoming, such as the Spirit students treat them.” Parade. This year, the DECA club The fundraising did not stop introduced a new event by organizing with the tailgating. On Nov. 1, the a pregame fundraiser tailgating party. second annual Steps for Seizures, Although tailgating is common also founded by the Myers family, before WTHS football games, this took place in Washington Lake Park. was the first year that proceeds Gina Parker ‘09/ The Patriot During homeroom, students were would be donated. encouraged to donate and participate DECA members present a check for $1,204 to Clayton’s Hope to “We really wanted to do in the walk. At the event, DECA something to help the community help fight epilepsy. The money was raised at a homecoming tailg- presented a check for $1,204. The and raise money for a good cause,” ate party with food donated and prepared by Outback Steakhouse. Bollendorf family was called onto DECA Executive Vice President “I loved the tailgating,” Colleen “The reason we picked the stage to say a few words of Mike Lizon ’09 said. Byrne ’09 said. “The food was great, Clayton’s Hope is because we know recognition. Outback Steakhouse donated and I had so much fun.” people in our school are affected by “I was so overwhelmed by the food and volunteered their time to All the money raised from the epilepsy,” Lizon said. “We thought response of our friends along with help. Participants paid five dollars event was generously donated to it would be nice to donate to a my second family, Washington to create a platter which included Clayton’s Hope, an organization foundation that contributed to fellow Township,” Bollendorf said, “I hamburgers, fries, salad and choice dedicated to raising money for students of Washington Township.” couldn’t speak.” of dessert. Along with food, DECA Epilepsy research. The foundation One of those students is Caitlin For all of the words he couldn’t included raffles, games and music to was created by Ashley Myers ’11 Bollendorf, daughter of Executive say, Caitlin made up for it by saying entertain the visitors. and her family. Assistant Principal Mr. Joseph “Thank-you”. Symposium raises political awareness Nicole Heath ‘10 Sponsored by National Honors Society, the policy, they criticized it saying it was a ‘one size debate was formal, equipped with a set amount fits all’ stance. On Wednesday Nov. 29 in the CBAC of time for responses and rebuttal. Despite of the fiery Democrats the Washington Township High School held an “I didn’t want it turning in to a screaming Republicans held their ground. Led by well- electoral debate. One side was the Republicans contest, which it didn’t, said Republican coach spoken member Lucero, the Republicans led by teacher and NHS co-advisor Mr. Raymond Anderson, “rather my goal, as NHS Co-Advisor, defended the Patriot Act and applauded the Anderson, on the other the Democrats coached was dialogue and conversation.” Both teams success at stopping terrorist at Fort Dix. They by history teacher, the enthusiastic Mr. Todd were required to have their members, both onstage also stating plans for rebuilding the economy, and Oberhaltzer. Both teams consisted of a number and off, dress appropriately. reiterated the phrase ‘Senator John McCain is of students with a mixed amount of upper and The format for the symposium had two not Bush.’ lower classmen. Hosted by Executive Principal sections. The first round of questions was pre- The coaches were proud of their teams. Rosemarie Farrow, the debate was composed of prepared, while the second was phoned in by the “I thought that the McCain team was question asking what each candidate, Barack school’s listening audience. Teams had to be ready superbly prepared. They came armed with Obama and John McCain, would do for the for any question that might have come their way. research data, poise and grit in their presentation. country if they were elected president. Questions ranged from terrorism to health care, They were fierce debaters and helped to elucidate Both teams consisted of many students, but and even to questions about their vice president the rationale for the McCain campaign,” said four selected members were chosen to debate on pick.