he hieftain TMontville High School Oakdale ,C CT 06370 Issue #10 2016 Are the Contests Rigged?

Homecoming Dance 2016 By: Emmiley Genua Students at Montville High School believe that the spirit week contests are rigged. Assistant principal, Mrs. Patten, said, “It’s absolutely not rigged based on the daily count of dressed up students participation. We usually pick random people to decide the winner of the banner contest and never the same people. In fact, one year freshmen won the banner contest and it was the first time since I started working here.” Every year the seniors tend to win the screaming contest. The seniors have been at the high school for four years, so they strive to be the loudest. There may be some advantages, but the contests are usually determined fairly. Junior, Fernanda Reyes, said, “I think they’re Homecoming Dance 2016 . Photo By: Jessica Stronach rigged. Our class, for two years in a row, had to go against the seniors to determine By: Lilly Pastrana the real winner. We lost both times even With black and orange streamers take a break from the stress of the school though we sounded louder.” As each class everywhere, students lined up at the doors year and surround themselves with people is yelling the students can’t really tell if of MHS for Homecoming Dance. After who radiate positive vibes. Junior, Nicole they were the loudest or not. Therefore, it the win against Ledyard, students were McDonald said, “Homecoming was a fun really comes down to the judges. Juniors revved up and ready to celebrate. experience and usually I would never think this year have 183 students in their class. Overall, there was an enthusiastic to go but I had so much fun dancing and The seniors have 137 students. This would turnout. According to Josh Archibald, letting loose with my friends.” This year’s technically give the juniors an advantage Student Government VP, over 300 tickets Homecoming Dance seemed to create a in spirit week competitions. were sold. Students began pouring into positive response within the student body Although people may have the school when the doors opened at 7:00 and proved to be a successful event run by different thoughts about the fairness of the pm and the gym remained packed until members of Student Government. pep rally, everybody still enjoys it. Angela 10:00 when the DJ played the last song of The homecoming court winners Chen, junior, said, “Obviously it’s rigged the night, “Closer” by the Chainsmokers were announced at the end of the night. because we are going against the seniors, and Halsey. Whether people were hanging The King and Queen were seniors, Colin but that happens every year and you get out in small groups or on the middle of Zawacki and Ria Alvaran. The Prince and over it and still have fun.” the floor, everyone attending this dance Princess were juniors, Greg Clark and Spirit week is the week that seemed to be enjoying themselves Greta Cook. The sophomore Dutch and students look forward to the most. The throughout the night. Junior, Tayler Dutchess were KJ Fletcher and Hannah students get to take a break from all of the Cowles stated, “I felt homecoming had Phillips, and the freshmen Lord and Lady seriousness. They still have homework a very peaceful vibe this year. People were Jayden Long and Kayla Gaughan. and classes, but they’re allowed to come were carefree, including myself. I had Refreshments were available for all to school in an outfit that they can’t wear a beautiful time and didn’t feel any students in the cafeteria throughout the any other day. Senior, Nicole Funk, said, judgement because everyone was just entire evening. “I think they’re rigged, but seniors and enjoying themselves and their friends.” juniors are always neck and neck. Seniors Homecoming is a great way for students to deserve the money.”

Page 1 The Chieftain SPORTS Johnny’s Journey

Fall Pep Rally 2016 By: Andrew Petherick Johnny Manziel’s life is experiencing a mid-life crisis that many find hysterical or disappointing. The current free agent has an eventful year. Manziel had been suffering from a drug and alcohol problem that many people have confronted him about. In February this year, Manziel’s father said he was worried Manziel would not make it to his next birthday. The problem has stemmed back to the beginning of Manziel’s NFL career. Early into his rookie year, Manziel was already skipping practices to party in Las Vegas. These little antics were punished. The college football sensation and first- round pick lost his starting position for the Cleveland Browns. Eventually, Manziel found his way into a rehabillation center, Juniors try to yell the loudest at the fall pep rally. Photo By: Grace Carlos which (was unnamed). Despite all of the good news, Manziel got out and continued By: Shumoel Zafar to party. Some caught him holding a The gymnasium was swarming Whittaker, Hannah Phillips, and Lauren rolled-up dollar bill, a popular way to with orange and black and the roars of the Velazquez. For Juniors the nominees snort cocaine, in 2015. During the 2015- students could be heard far and wide as were: Alex Quidgeon, Jordan Rivera, 16 season, Manziel plummeted and was they cheered for their school and showed Greg Clark, Sarah May, Angela Chen, released from the Browns. Montville pride. The pep rally started and Greta Cook. For seniors the nominees Manziel continued his antics with the volleyball players running out were: Joe Satiro, Colin Zawacki, Austin up until this past summer. The former into the gymnasium followed by girls’ Glidden, Ria Alvaran, Alexis Mayfield, Browns quarterback claimed to have been soccer, boys’ soccer, cross country, Samantha Tulli, and Brooke LaVallie. Mr. sober since July 1. swimming, then finally football. After the Grove and Ms. Walsh were once again Some people believe Manziel appreciation of sports, the cheerleaders crowned Emperor and Empress. After will relapse, so many people are in put on a phenomenal dance routine to this took place, the long awaited scream doubt, including NFL teams. A pal close various songs. contest began. Each class screamed MHS to Manziel says, “He wants to make a Following the introduction of the following their cheerleaders signal. The return for the 2017 season.” Manziel teams, class winners for spirit week were winners were the seniors, but it was a reportedly has wanted to sign with the announced. Seniors took home the gold close contest between the juniors and Dallas Cowboys, which is the team of and also won best class banner. seniors. his home state, Texas. Stephen Jones, the The nominees for homecoming The pie contest took place and executive vice president, said, “No, there court were announced. For freshmen Dr. Estep was pied in the face by student, is no chance.” the nominees were: Jayden Long, Frank Zhao Lin who admitted to contributing “a There may be doubt, but Manziel Cook, Sean Ventresca, Kolt MacCraken, lot” of cash towards Estep’s “win.” has been proving us all wrong. The former Jerrell Fitch, Adam Pomeranke, Maddy The event ended with the annual addict has enrolled in classes at Texas Dawley, Kylee Waite, Kayla Gaughan, rain dance in which Mrs. Brooks, the A&M University. Reports have shown and Sydney Winakor. For sophomores reigning champion, won again. him at bars, but Manziel has only been the nominees were: Junior Alarcon, seen socializing. Doubt will be there, but KJ Fletcher, Ryan Gallagher, Mady Manziel seems to be overcoming it.

Page 2 The Chieftain SPORTS Homecoming Football Game By: Elizabeth Whitney After the Fall Pep Rally, a hot drink or hot food. The game was Montville High School’s football team apparently worth it according to Jordyn gave it their all at the Homecoming game. Neese, a junior here at Montville, who It was raining heavily, but students and said, “It felt colder than Antarctica but the the community all flocked to the bleachers one dollar hot coco and pretzel warmed to show their support. me right up. But seeing our football team The marching band played Iron play at homecoming definitely was worth Man, like they do every year, as the teams it in my opinion. I wouldn’t have missed were getting ready and the cheerleaders it for anything.” were getting into position to cheer on their The night wasn’t completely respected teams. perfect; a member of our football team was After singing the National injured in the last 5 minutes of the game. Anthem and football Captain Andrew It wasn’t a serious injury, but nonetheless Petherick giving his speech on safety Montville was there for their teammate. and fairness, Ledyard started the game. By the end of the game, Montville However, it was the MHS Indians who had completely slaughtered the opposing scored the first point. team. The score was 40-0. Everyone was In fact, by half-time, Montville drenched from the rain, but their spirits was winning the game by 27-0. Many were high and they were ready to celebrate spectators circled around the food stand the next night at the Homecoming dance. Photo Courtesy The New London Day in an effort to warm themselves up with Rookie Quarterbacks in the NFL By: Van Heller Last Spring during the NFL offensive players injured, including star Rookie of the Month for Sept. draft, experts warned fans of teams that wide receiver (Dez Bryant) from a knee Every rookie QB has a different drafted rookie quarterbacks (QB) that injury. story this season. Jacoby Brissett (New the progress would be slow and full of Carson Wentz was the second England Patriots) wasn’t expecting to beginner mistakes and based on trial and overall pick in the draft and has secured play two and a half games this season. error. The Eagles, Cowboys, and other his position as QB for the Philadelphia After Tom Brady’s suspension and Jimmy teams in that predicament haven’t felt Eagles. Wentz is the highest selection ever Garoppolo’s injury the Patriots had to look these learning curves as predicted. for a Football Championship Subdivision at their third string QB, Brissett, to relieve Since Dallas Cowboy’s starting (FCS) and for N. D. State University the team. He still retained no interceptions QB Tony Romo injured his back in the (NDSU). Wentz wasn’t going to start at while he was QB. The Denver Broncos preseason, the Cowboys have led their first, until the Eagles traded Sam Bradford QB Trevor Siemian took the position after division the Nation League Conference to the Minn. Vikings, and that same the Broncos lost their proposed QB Brock East (NFC) with their rookie QB Dak day announced that Wentz will start the Osweiler to the Houston Texans. Siemian Prescott. Prescott came out of Miss. State season opener. The Eagles are second in has maintained the prestige the returning where he holds all the school’s passing their division behind the Cowboys. Wentz SuperBowl Champions wanted after record as QB from 2013 to 2015. In last became the first rookie QB since 1970 to losing their veteran QB Peyton Manning. year’s draft he was the 135 draft pick by play two whole games and not throw an the Cowboys. After a shaky 0-1 start of interception. Wentz also won the Pepsi the season the Cowboys have been steam Rookie of the week for weeks one and rolling the competition with four starting three this season and the NFL Offensive

Page 3 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE

Apple Harvest Festival Participation in Class Council By: Brooke Dominello Southington’s Apple Harvest festival was estimated to have 100,000 visitors this year. Open for the first two weeks of Oct., the festival was short, yet loved by the community. A large number of the attendees were from Southington and surroundings towns. The majority of visitors were repeat attendees. The festival was designed to be family friendly with a variety of activities for children. Rides such as the Yo-Yo and Ferris Wheel were popular with all age groups. For those who didn’t fancy the rides, there was a large selection of prize games. The adults were provided amusement as well, with around eighty shopping kiosks the time flew by for those in attendance. Three members of the class council. By: Fernanda Reyes While the weather was bitter, the Food and Arts building could warm By: Joshua Archibald anyone up. Filled with blankets, hot cocoa Every year at Montville High participation is low because of the way and apple pies, it created an atmosphere School, students elect officers to their in which the councils function. Asked that screamed autumn. respective Class Councils. However, not how the groups could improve their Hundreds of people lined up this many people know what happens after the methods to optimize student participation, season at the famous Southington Apple election. junior Caroline Ricupero states, “Class Harvest Festival to grab a bag of the Zion The responsibility of Class Council should allow the school to vote Lutheran Church’s famous apple fritters. Council at MHS is to “promote on events so the majority of the school is With an estimated number of 14 tons of collaboration, unity and pride in the pleased with what we are doing.” Others, apples, the church expected to sell 10,000 graduating class, as well as to guide however, believe that involvement is dozen apple fritters. Southington residents students through fundraising activities and dependent on students’ initiative. Junior, claimed they waited for hours outside just events leading to graduation and prom,” Ryan Radgowski says, “It’s hard to get to kick the craving. These scrumptious according to Mrs. Beltran, a junior class what you want when you’re just standing treats have been the highlight of the advisor. Sometimes, however, students on the sidelines.” season for the past 48 years dispute how effectively the organizations The consensus among those The Apple Harvest festival also execute that mission. already involved in the councils is clear: provides a different type of treat for “A lot of times…the class as if students want to be more involved in pumpkin spice lovers. Pumpkin spice a whole is frustrated at some of the class affairs, they should start by attending fritters were available and the best part, decisions that are made by the Council meetings. According to sophomore Class there was no line. To me, it looked like and they are very judgmental, but they’re President Chris Jaskiewicz, “You can apples won this side of the state over. also not here at the meetings,” says Mrs. come in … any date that we have a meeting Sorry pumpkin spice fans, maybe next Mathieu, a senior class advisor. “Less … [and] you’ll be very welcomed.” year will be your time to shine. than ten percent of the entire class body” Senior Maggie Cheung adds, “It feels Overall, whether it was catching actively helps in the senior council, she great knowing you’re contributing [to the an appearance from Ms. Southington or estimates. class].” watching the bands, the Apple Harvest Some students argue that Festival was the place to be.

Page 4 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE

Ignite Your Voice

By: Elizabeth Whitney and Staff Editor Some students from Montville “Apologize to Girls,” and “Something High School met after school to share to Say.” “Apologize” was a breathtaking special poems that they either had written poem to all the girls who are told that or found. The event is called, Ignite Your something about them is bad or wrong Voice, and is run by Christiana Johnson, when really it isn’t. Karishma Chouhan, Karishma Chouhan, Mrs. Laurencot and (senior) read her poems as well. They Mrs. Do. were “Algebra 1” and “Inside Out.”. Matt “Being a first time guest, I was James, (senior) was inspired like Neese worried that it was going to be extremely and wrote a poem during the meeting as boring. However, that wasn’t the case well. It didn’t have a title. and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was Mrs. Laurençot shared a poem so inspired that I wrote a poem myself written by Steve Straight called “Buying during the meeting,” stated Jordyn Neese, New Shoes.” She read a piece of a short a junior at Montville High School. She story that she wrote, called “Bird Alarm.” read her poem, “Broken,” out to the group. Ignite your Voice holds monthly It was a piece about struggling with a open mics night at MHS. You can follow romantic relationship that is hurting her them on Twitter at@MHSIgnites. emotionally. Christiana Johnson, (senior) also read some poems such as “Closer,” Photo By: Kaylee Kingston Kylie Cosmetics By: Ashley Seldon Kylie Jenner’s cosmetic line, under she explains, “I want to admit the boosting the stock’s value. In addition, Kylie Cosmetics, took over the summer. lips, but people are so quick to judge me Jenner is using this newfound platform Moneynation.com reported that the on everything.” Jenner came up with the to help charities. One of her newest lip 19-year-old raked in 8.7 million dollars off idea of creating a cosmetic line because kit shades, Smile, will give the proceeds her new business venture. Kylie Cosmetics whenever she would try to purchase the to support cleft surgery. The non-profit has become very successful after the first same shade of lip liner, it would be sold organization, Smile Train, is working to launch of its lip kits. Moneynation.com out. The shade she desired would not give new smiles for children in need all stated, “The colors range from Candy K to be in for weeks. The cosmetic line was over. True Brown K, Posie K, and Dolce K. The something that she was passionate about Jenner has made it known that kits sell for $29 each and sales have been since she was young. she has numerous “fall surprises” in the hot. The first release was in November Though Kylie Cosmetics works, some of which have already been 2015 and all colors have sold out in 30 became popular because of the lip kits, launched, including four new lip kit colors. seconds.” Jenner has branched her line into eye The lip kits Trick, Moon, Pumpkin, and It was revealed that Jenner’s lips had shadows, eyebrow pencils, lip-glosses, Spice are all traditional fall season shades grown plumper due to lip injections in and eyeliners. One can see women of all sure to add a festive flare to whatever looks the spring of 2015. In an article from E! ages wearing the products. Jenner’s brand one is attempting to accomplish. She has News, “Kylie admits, ‘I have temporary continues to sell out. Celebrities like also introduced a new eye shadow palette lip fillers, it’s just an insecurity of mine Chrissy Teigen and Hailey Baldwin are called “burgundy” featuring gorgeous and its what I wanted to do.’” Because regular customers. Even online retailers, warm tones perfect for the holiday season. of the extreme scrutiny she’s always like eBay, have hopped on the trend,

Page 5 The Chieftain OPINION Benefits of College Senior Superlatives Support Judging Education By: Natalie Wright Most people can agree that attending college provides young adults with countless opportunities. These benefits include simple everyday perks and career options; people with a college degree are likely to earn more money. There are a lot of people who question whether a college education is worth the time, effort, and money. It is true that any route is expensive. Whether someone is attending a private college— which, on average, costs $32,000 per year—or decides to stay local and take courses at a community college (avg. of a little over $3,000 per year) the cost is bound to put a dent in their wallet. Attending college and spending the extra money, however, grants students countless A superlative crown. Photo By: Rachel Marchini opportunities to be successful and earn even more money in the future. By: Abigale Houser According to educationcorner. Best eyes, hair, laugh, smile, who another’s bodies in the first place. com, high school graduates make an wouldn’t want to be judged for something Instead of “Most Likely to average of $30,000 per year. Someone they can’t change? Senior superlatives Succeed”, assuming that others won’t with a bachelor’s degree makes just over shocked many this year with Van Heller succeed, the superlative should be “Most $50,000 in a year. A higher degree brings receiving eight crowns and Nicole Funk Likely to Help others.” Instead of “Best in an average of $70,000 yearly. It’s easy accidentally almost being crowned Dressed” the superlative should be “Best to see the correlation between higher “Quietest.” What is more shocking is the Volunteer.” Schools should be supporting degrees in education and the payroll that seniors who campaigned for themselves positive superlatives or at least even ones. goes with it. cheering, “Vote for me for “Best Smile!” If there is “Most Likely to be Famous” I believe college education is well Sadly, because students were allowed to then why not have “Most Likely to be worth the money and effort. Participating receive more than one crown there wasn’t Forgotten? If having a superlative for in college programs will not only increase much luck for those who campaigned. being forgotten sounds mean think of the the likelihood of a future laced with Seniors who do get picked for students being judged by their appearance. success, but it even helps people with senior superlatives deserve it because Any way superlatives are given there are social issues, in the sense that focusing every award given is a result of all of the going to be students left out. Schools in on a major will help them to find and seniors voting on student.yearbookvote. really shouldn’t be supporting students make connections with people of all com. What would be a better option to judging other students by the way they different racial, religious, and cultural make senior superlatives more inclusive look or dress, not everyone has amazing backgrounds. On top of that, by looking for those who don’t get crowns is making genes or money for nice clothes. into different majors, a person is more the superlatives less about the student’s Schools should change their likely to find a career that they are appearance and more about the students superlatives to reward students for the interested in, rather than just applying for themselves. Not every student is going positivity those students give back, not random jobs just to get by later in life. to get “Best Physique.” “Best Physique” judge students by the way they look. While it is certainly possible to have a should not even be a superlative because career and make a nice living without ever students shouldn’t be judging one going to college, options are limited when that route is taken. Page 6 The Chieftain OPINION Freshman Spirit Week By: Maddy Dawley Spirit week is a new concept for for the freshman. Butzgy said that they the freshmen at Montville High School. have had those two spirit days before at At Tyl Middle School, there was spirit the middle school as well, so they were week, but kids were not nearly as into it all ready to go with their old outfits and at Tyl than in high school. An interview orange and black apparel. was held with Bella Butzgy, a freshman at Finding outfits for USA Day and MHS, who participated in spirit week. Class Color Day wasn’t as simple, but According to Butzgy, MHS spirit not much of a challenge either. Butzgy week seemed to be different from the had used clothes that she already had, and spirit weeks held at Tyl. In the interview still managed to show her school spirit she had mentioned, “In middle school, and participate. A handful of freshman nobody really cared about spirit week decided to go all out for spirit week. We but in high school everyone participates.” saw tutus, many different colored tights, Even though sprit week here is brand and personally customized shirts. new for the freshman, they did know to After realizing what spirit week participate. Butzgy stated that she saw at MHS really looks like, the freshmen “about three quarters of the freshman should know what to expect for next year. participating in spirit week.” Turn Back the Clock Day and Orange and Black Day were nothing new Photo By: Fernanda Reyes Empire vs. Power By: Ashley Seldon Attention all “Empire” lovers, drop of its premiere episode 18-44 in modern day pop culture. Guest stars have the hit drama series might be losing comparison to its season two opener.” included: Naomi Campbell, Snoop Dogg, ratings due to Fox’s new drama “Power”. “Empire” depicts the life of French Montana, and Birdman. Plus, in “Power” is a drama about a recurring former drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul, every episode there’s chart-topping music tale of a man named Ghost, an owner Luscious Lyons. He runs his own record that is produced by Timbaland, a big name of a popular nightclub titled Truth. The label (Empire Entertainment) where his in the industry who has worked with major television production captures his double three sons: Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem acts like Rihanna and Jay Z. life as a business owner and notorious work for him either as artists or his right Season three premiered on drug lord. If that isn’t enough, he struggles hand man. Cookie Lyons (mother of the Wednesday Sept. 21, and opened with a with balancing his marriage with his wife three sons) is released from prison after heart pounding murder and the marriage Tasha Egan, and a racy relationship with serving a 15-year sentence in the first between Luscious and his son’s baby Angela Valdez. All while managing his episode. The show portrays the group momma. Despite all the bad rep “Empire” crime ring with his partner Tommy Egan. running from the feds, a whirlwind of has been receiving for supposed “no A key mastermind behind the romances, and corruption within the views” Co-star Taraji Henson (Cookie show’s recent success is none other than music industry. Lyons) shut down rumors in the following Grammy award winning 50 Cent, who Although I can’t deny “Power’s” Instagram statement that I.B Times isn’t afraid to brag about it via social enticing plot, I feel that “Empire” reported, “Empire” remains the number media. An interview from Sohh.com showcases many more elements of one scripted show on broadcast TV after stated, “The hit show lost just over two entertainment. In almost any episode premiering to a 4.1 rating in adults 18- million viewers and suffered a 20 percent you’re sure to see a celebrity relevant to 49.”

Page 7 The Chieftain LIFE Gardner Lake Fall Attractions Mysteries By: Brooke Dominello Some say only fish and the occasional boater inhabit Gardner Lake. Outsiders may ask of its whereabouts. However, those who live on the shore would tell a story that would seem unbelievable if the evidence was destroyed. Most people do not know the true history behind the lake and what dwells on its floor. In the winter of 1895, the lake iced over. Because it was one of the harshest winters on record, the ice was nearly ten inches thick and the temperature was below zero. Thomas Lecount hired a contactor to place his 28-ton house on skids and have a team of animals pull his house across the lake to a new lot. While at the time his Yankee ingenuity may have Picking apples at a local orchard. Photo By: Maritza Reyes appeared to help him out, not a single person questioned if the ice would hold. By: Emmiley Genua The house was left in the middle The orange, red, and yellow Preston Farm’s corn maze. Visitors get to of the lake overnight to split the workload leaves begin to fall off of the trees and enjoy getting lost while trying to find the in half. When returning to work the next there’s a slight chill in the air. Everyone sixteen different stamping stations. Some day, Lecount and his contractor found the sits back and enjoys a cup of warm apple people don’t find them all, but it’s a fun house submerged in water. It took years cider at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill. The mill activity to enjoy, while also getting lots of for the house to fully sink to the bottom. opened up on Sept. 1. Clyde’s is one of exercise. The maze is opened at night too. Today, the house rests 30 feet deep on the the most popular fall attractions around. Visitors at night need to bring their own bottom of the lake. Some people report People go there for their warm cinnamon flashlights and wear appropriate footwear that they have heard a haunting melody sugar doughnuts, or their many choices of because it might get a little dirty inside the come from an old piano that remains fully apple cider items. One can get an apple maze. intact inside the house. cider slushy or just a regular warm apple Every year the corn maze’s theme Located one eighth of a mile from cider. Clyde’s is known for their warm changes. This year the theme is Aliens the boat launch at Gardner Lake is Minnie doughnuts and apple cider, but they do Area-51. People like to go and see how Island. Named after a niece of Orramel have other tasty treats like jams, jellies, the corn maze changes year to year. They Whittelsey, the founder of Music Vale maple syrup, fudge, kettle corn, etc. try to see if they can completely master Seminary in Salem in 1836, the island Clyde’s is well known by local the maze. The concession stand has sits on the border of the Montville and people. Even people from far away come refreshments, and snacks to enjoy before Salem town line. At .88 acres, the island to enjoy the mill. It is the oldest steam or after the maze. It is also where to buy is only accessible by boat, however it powered mill in the United States. Clyde’s the stamping card. is recommended to take a kayak due to is a great place to go with friends or family. Whether one goes to B.F. Clyde’s the island being heavily wooded. Locals Customers always leave satisfied and with Cider Mill or Preston Farm’s Corn Maze spend the afternoon on the island’s shore smiles on their faces. they will have a wonderful experience. because it is a picnic area. Another fall festivity to enjoy Whether it’s a forgotten house or with friends and family is a nice trip to the an unknown island, whatever else rests in the lake has yet to be explored.

Page 8 The Chieftain LIFE Are You Really Paying for that Chicken? By: Nicole Funk Attention Chick-Fil-A lovers! gay organizations over the course of 2010. This Oct. is full of treats, and not just from Some of these organizations include Halloween. The Mohegan Sun will be The Marriage & Family Foundation, welcoming a fan favorite to its extensive who received $1,188,380; Exodus list of restaurants. Chick-Fil-A, a southern International, who received $1000; and fried chicken fast-food chain will now Family Research Council, who received have six locations in Conn. $1000. All of the organizations listed Although Chick-Fil-A is known are labeled as Anti-LGBT and Gay-To- for its scrumptious chicken and waffle Straight organizations (lgbtqnation.org). fries, there is another title tagged onto Customers of other religions the chain, and it’s not a title that’s good may feel targeted as well, considering for business. In June 2012, Dan T. Cathy the fact that Chick-Fil-A is outstandingly (Chief Operating Officer of Chick-Fil-A) Christian, donating $480,000 to the dropped a series of anti-LGBT comments Fellowship of Christian Athletes and and was caught donating money $247,500 to the National Christian through their WinShape Foundation Foundation all in 2011 (lgbtqnation.org). and sponsoring organizations viewed as So, Chick-Fil-A lovers, think hostile by LGBT activists. about this when you’re waiting in line at According to a Huffington Post Mohegan Sun for a poultry platter. article written in Feb. 2016, Chick-Fil-A Stock Photo donated over two million dollars to anti- Brace Position Conspiracy Theory By: Abigale Houser Are airports trying to kill us? airports created the brace position so that There are also some theories According to conspiracy theorists, the passengers will break their necks and about the drop down oxygen masks on airports have created a brace position not survive the plane crash. This allows planes. The conspiracy theory goes that which instructs passengers to put their the airports to not have to pay for the the oxygen masks get the passenger in head between their knees and hug their passenger’s rehabilitation. As if planes a state where they accept that they are knees or put their head on the seat in weren’t scary enough! going to die in the crash. While this theory front of them. These are the positions that Myth Busters however deemed hasn’t been busted, it is interesting to think stewardess tell passengers to assume if this conspiracy theory not true. The about. Just because airports have to pay the plane crashes. The conspiracy goes Myth Busters crew put their dummies to millions of dollars more for plane crash that the reason why stewardesses tell the test in a simulated plane crash. The survivors, people created this conspiracy passengers to use this brace position is so crew created a mini plane cabin that was theory that the brace position is meant to that if there is a crash the seat in front of dropped from fifteen feet. “From that kill passengers in a crash. Although this the passenger will break their necks and height, Buster hit the ground with about conspiracy theory has been “Busted” the passengers head being between their 21 g-force units of impact.” The dummies something about the possibility of the legs will preserve the passenger’s teeth that were sitting upright instead of in the brace position and even the oxygen mask for later identification. According to Myth brace position absorbed more of the impact being meant to kill or relieve passengers is Busters, “wrongful-death settlements can than the dummies in the brace position, terrifying yet intriguing. cost anywhere from $3 million to $40 concluding that the brace position is the million less than paying for passengers safest position to assume during a plane lifetime rehabilitation.” This means that crash.

Page 9 The Chieftain MHS NEWS

Montville High’s Successful Homecoming Banner Spirit Week By: Christine Zhu The homecoming banner is created to draw the attention of MHS’s student body to the fact that homecoming is on its way. It informs students of the price and the date of the event in a creative way. If the banner isn’t eye- catching, nobody would take interest in it and its job of advertising wouldn’t be accomplished. This year’s homecoming banner was definitely eye-catching, and it received praise from teachers and students around the school. The student government recruited the help of seniors Monique Vann and Maggie Cheung to create the banner this year. “I feel accomplished,” Cheung stated when asked how she felt about the banner being finished. Cheung continued, Seniors dressed for class color day. . Photo By: Fernanda Reyes “I actually like seeing the banner now, it actually looks pretty good.” The two By: Natalie Wright spent two weeks sketching, painting, and Montville High School kicked only does Student Government handle all finalizing the banner that hung in the front off the 2016-2017 school year right with of the themes, but they are also in charge lobby on the trophy case. Cheung came up a successful Spirit Week. It was the best of the contests that are held, which stay with the design and how the words on the turnout MHS had seen in a long time. The the same with each passing school year. banner would be placed. Vann worked on participation level of all grades was higher The participation contest is a competition it during study hall, and spent most of her than it had been in the past. President of in which all four grades compete to have time making sure that everything would Student Government, Karishma Chouhan, the greatest number of students involved go off without a hitch. said, “This year was a lot more successful each themed day. For the banner contest, Starting the banner seemed to be than it has been in the last couple of each grade has to make a homecoming the hardest, since the two weren’t sure years because a lot more kids wanted to banner. Judges vote to see who has the where to begin. Vann stated, “I thought get involved.” The sudden increase in best banner. During the pep rally, each about Maggie’s disappointment if I did students’ desire to get involved may be grade goes head to head on their ability something wrong, and that motivated me due to the new and interesting themes, to shout louder than one another. In total, to work harder.” which change each school year. This the school gives out 150 dollars in prize Cheung and Vann also worked on year’s spirit week consisted of Turn Back money each year. their own class banner for the competition the Clock Day, USA Day, and the annual Some people participate in Spirit Week during the pep rally. These two won the Class Color and Spirit Day. to win the contests and earn the prize competition last year with their junior While it may seem simple to money, others participate for fun. Though, banner, and hoped to achieve that victory throw together, a lot of effort goes into everyone wears different outfits each day, again. When asked how she felt about the production of Spirit Week. The the themes and contests have “united the finished banner Karishma Chouhan, production relies on the dedication of the people in each grade,” as stated by president of the student government, Student Government. Before themes can freshman Joani Carter. said, “I think it’s beautiful. I’m really be decided, Ms. Patten must first approve happy they did it!” The banner did its job, the ideas and then Student Government attracting attention from people around can vote and make themes official. Not the school. Vann and Cheung created something that they’re both proud of. Page 10 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Humans of MHS: Fernanda Reyes By: Andrew Petherick What were your expectations of high What is the best part of photography? school and were they the same as the Sometimes you take bad photos of reality? someone and you can use it against them, I thought high school was going to be but you don’t. Sometimes getting those really hard coming in as a freshman. Of really bad photos make really nice candids course high school has gotten harder, but that you didn’t mean to take. it was actually really easy. Also, I thought I was going to lose friends, but I didn’t, so What are some fall festives you plan on I don’t think that stereotype is true. doing or have done? I have not done any yet, but I want to go What advice would you give someone to Clyde’s Cider Mill, apple picking and coming into MHS? pumpkin picking. Don’t fool around your first two years, which are very important. Also, just have fun and go with the flow; don’t just want to get out of high school quickly. High school is the only time you are allowed to screw up, so go with the flow.

Photo By: Jessica Stronach

MHS Band: A Behind the Scenes look By: Arianna Velázquez Marching band is a safe haven different parts of the show.” He explained it might be, it seems that is a staple in for many students. It is where all of the that on the day of football games the band their performance life. It is very important students can be themselves and participate will practice and work on the halftime for people competing in any event to in an activity that each enjoy. Of course, show. “We also run down the national get hyped up before getting out there, the student body loves to hear the band anthem one or two times just to make sure so this must be a significant part of their hyping up the team at football games, but we have that down, and then the band performances anywhere, not only for the no one really know what happens behind members have a break from 4-5:30 to get hype, but also for the fact that can just the scenes. themselves ready for the game.” enjoy themselves and let out any nerves Mr. Ventres, the MHS band Ventres also mentioned their that they might have. director, spilled all of the details about pre-performance rituals. He stated, “We Marching band is an important their preparation before football games don’t have any rituals before the football part of our community. They help to and competitions. “In a standard games, however, we do have a fun song entertain people at the football games marching band rehearsal we spend about that we play before any competitions. while doing what they love. MHS football 15-20 minutes of warming up. It’s a We like to perform the ‘Froggy Song’ games would not be the same without the combination of breathing, music, and together because we did it one time before marching band present. We would miss a playing our instruments, as well as a little a performance just playing around, and major part of the night without them. marching. Sometimes it will go more that happened to be our best performance towards a half an hour,” Ventres explains. we’ve had yet.” Although, only the After warming up, the band will “break marching band members know what the off into sectionals” or “start practicing Froggy Song is or just how entertaining

Page 11 The Chieftain THE BACK PAGE Guess the Senior By: Christine Zhu Last issue’s Guess the Senior was said no because she’d fall. Her favorite Karishma Chouhan. This issue’s Guess the types of movies are romantic tragedies and Senior has been to a nineteen concerts. Her her favorite movie is Titanic. Her favorite favorite concert was One Direction. For scene was when Jack died. The last book music, she will listen to anything that is she read that she actually enjoyed was not country or Taylor Swift. She has never “Just Mercy.” She spends most of her travelled outside of the country, but if she money online shopping. Her favorite could she would want to go to England. beverage is Sprite. After high school she If she could be any animal, she would plans to go to college. She likes dogs be a zebra because their stripes are cool. more than cats. She has two dogs, one cat, Her biggest fear is clowns. She has never and a fish. The most embarrassing thing gone rock climbing, and doesn’t want to that’s ever happened to her is when she because she’s clumsy and “lowkey afraid met Joey Graceffa and asked him to adopt of heights.” She’s never been swimming her before she cried. She has gone cliff with dolphins, but might want to. One jumping twice and says it was the scariest thing she woul change about herself is her thing she has done. Her childhood dream eyesight. She wishes it were better. She was to be a famous singer or actress, but only speaks English, but if she could learn now she wants to be a writer. She prefers any language besides those that Montville the west coast to the east coast and wants provides, it would be sign language. When to live in Los Angeles, California in the Photo By: Fernanda Reyes asked if she’s ever been snowboarding she future. Life After the Gridiron By: Van Heller When a professional athlete hangs have been providing Manning with over Pizza and now makes three times as much up his or her cleats and retires, a lot of 12 million dollars in revenue this year. money as any other defensive player in the them question their next move in life. In Manning also appeared on shows like NFL. Players like: Rob Gronkowski, Cam the past, athletes decided to either distance Saturday Night Live and The Comedy Newton, Clay Matthews, Aaron Rodgers, themselves from the game and start the Central’s Roast of Rob Lowe, where he Vaughn Miller, and countless others have next chapter in their lives, or continue expresses his comedic skills. been endorsing any product under the sun. working in their field as a sports analysist, Brett Favre, Shaquille O’Neil, For the past few decades athletes broadcaster, or any other non-competitive Michael Jordan, and other sports have been making a few extra bucks job in sports. A new generation of athletes legends have been doing the same by contributing in selling commercial have started different post-athletic careers, thing as Manning selling products and products for people across the globe. One however. making guest appearances throughout may ask if other professional athletes Peyton Manning (former Quarter the broadcasting world. From guzzling could be envious or jealous because of back for the Denver Broncos) has stretched down purple PowerAde drinks to playing the offers other athletes are making rather his talents from the football field, to backyard football in the U-shape supported than them. television appearances. Manning has been Wrangler Jeans, retired athletes have been appearing on commercials and making selling these products for decades. cameos ever since he retired after winning Athletes who are still active Super Bowl 50 last year. Commercials like players have also acquired sponsors, JJ Direct TV, Nationwide, Otter Box, Papa Watt (Defensive End for the Houston John’s Pizzeria, Reebok, and Gatorade Texans) has joined ties with Papa John’s

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