A PUBLICATION OF MONMOUTH REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MAY 2006 • VOLU M E 44 • ISSUE 07 Procrastination HIGH TECH HELP “Indeed, even today, procrastina- FUN FACTS “Whether it is shoes, rackets, or balls, “Did you know that 15% of Ameri- tion is practiced by many, yet high tech equipment is destined to cans bite their toe nails?” mastered by few...” change the face of sports forever...” – page 07 – page 03 – page 05 is the Word working [well],” he said. as well. Selling out on opening night was the first by Emalee Rodriquez The rest of the Pink Ladies consisted of Mrs. sign that students were anxious and excited to see Staff Writer McLaughin (Frenchie), Ms. Dellarusso (Jan), and their teachers perform. “I thought it was hilariously Ms. Famelio (Marty), while Mr. Crivello, Mr. funny. The teachers were ridiculous,” said junior Lights, camera, action! In mid-May, Monmouth “The hardest part of directing the teachers Grimes, and Mr. Pinkus completed the T Birds. Even Dylan Savoca. Sophomore Angelica Stephens Regional teachers took the stage in “Grease” and was that I had to turn teachers with no theatrical Mr. Teeple made a cameo as D.J. Vince Vontain. agreed, “It was really good because I love ‘Grease’ kept the whole school laughing with delight. From experience into performers,” says junior Anthony From the lead roles to the small parts, every teacher and I got to see my teachers be out of character.” the moment the curtain went up and Mr. Teeple Greco, an established MRHS actor and the director seemed to walk away with fond memories. The junior class’s little idea turned out to be strutted across the stage, “Grease” proved to be a of “Grease.” However, not all participating staff “It was a good bonding experience for all a huge success with all of Monmouth Regional. great idea that served its purpose: to make money had to acquire singing, acting, and dancing skills. teachers and students involved,” says Mrs. Russo, When fundraising and theater collided, it created for the junior class and show the school a great Mrs. Alimonti-Chevestick, Sandy, has had her share who acted in high school and minored in music in a production worth remembering. As director An- time. of experience on the stage. A 1994 MRHS gradu- college. Not only was “Grease” beneficial to the thony Greco put it, “It was an amazing job well With all the expenses of prom, graduation, and ate, she worked under MRHS drama teacher Mr. faculty, but the students seemed to be entertained done by all!” the senior trip, the junior class needed to make big Liebenberg throughout high school, and received photo by John Leu bucks fast, so when the idea of doing a teacher a scholarship to Rider University for theater. After production came about, they ran with it. The junior college, she pursued her acting career, performing class hit the jackpot with their latest fundraiser, at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, until raising about $3,500. On opening night, all seats marriage and family caused a change in profes- were filled, and at seven dollars a ticket, the money sion. Alimonti-Chevestick was thrilled to work was flowing in. However, this idea was not all about with student directors, “A [student] will not get business – it was enjoyable too. “[‘Grease’] was a the confidence in their directorial abilities unless fun way to get the school involved with our class,” you back their decisions,” she said. says junior class president Michelle Turli. Also starring in the production as Danny was A lot of work went into the two-night show- Mr. Leibenberg, MRHS drama teacher, who also ing of “Grease” with cast members and directors enjoyed the student- teacher interaction. “[Working practicing after school and on weekends for hours with student directors] was very gratifying because on end. it showed that the student [drama] program was THE CAST OF GREASE shown here performing; students agree that Mr. Pinkus (far left) was the most enthusiastic. photos by Sarah Boyd MR. MONMOUTH winner Jesse Shea is All Hail King Jesse “thrilled to be part of something bigger than myself.” by Sarah Boyd Staff Writer A MRHS tradition of seven years, Mr. Mon- show was not without memorable moments from in doing so, earned himself straight 5s from all the mouth is the ultimate in high school competitions. all of the participants, however. With the help of judges. Others, like senior Joe O’Donnell opted to This annual battle of upperclassmen is fought for five hostesses, a panel of six faculty judges, bands keep it classic, complementing his beachy sandals the honor of a crown, a title, and, of course, brag- Billy Gene and I Am the Medic, and a sassy opening with a pair of white mid-calf tube socks. ging rights. “It was hard to find contestants,” said number performed by the contestants themselves, The second category was the proverbial talent coordinator Ms. Hawley of the science department. so began Mr. Monmouth 2006. competition. From senior Joel Vasquez’s break “But after we found them, they were gung-ho.” The contestants were judged in three categories, dance to senior Sean Lasoff’s Flashdance, this Ten competitors decided to take on the challenge, the first of which was swimwear. Although Ms. year’s competitors did not disappoint in entertaining nine of them seniors. Only one would possess the Hawley admitted that this portion of the competi- the audience with their unique performances. Senior glory of Mr. Monmouth; this year, that person was tion was prefaced with one rule, no Speedos, King Sam Gene paid homage to the Mr. Monmouths of returning competitor and senior Jesse Shea. The Shea himself decided to break out the spandex and “yester-year” with an original song, while fellow senior Jack Campbell performed his rendition of the Johnny Cash classic “Ring of Fire”. Some contestants even flaunted their athletic skills like junior Georgio Ballentine, who demonstrated wrestling maneuvers and senior Julian Clarke, who showed off his soccer tricks. But it was Jesse Shea’s spirit-boosting rendition of “Jingle Bells” on water glasses that won over both the audience and the judges. Finally, it was time for formalwear—the third and final category. This competition not only al- lowed spectators to see the Mr. Monmouth hopefuls in their spiffiest attire, it afforded the opportunity to learn a little more about the guys in their very candid interviews. Sean Lasoff revealed to interviewer Lindsay Corcione, junior, that his favorite place in the school is, “Mr. Halbedl’s room for obvious tion, giving his best impression of a falcon. reasons.” In his interview, Jack Campbell explained Scores tallied, Georgio Ballentine and Jack that his DVD collection is his most prized posses- Campbell snagged the titles of first and second sion. But interview responses were not limited to runners up. If history is to repeat itself next year, mere words. Georgio Ballentine busted out his best as the only junior, Ballentine could very well use dance move—a cue he took from Michael Jackson, the “returning competitor” advantage and take Mr. and Jesse Shea ended his interview with the same Monmouth ’07. But until then, let the reign of Shea school spirit he had shown in the talent competi- begin. 2 May 2006 f e a t u r e s The Falconaire Embarrassing Moments by Matt McIntyre Staff Writer up with the seatbelt.” her, thinking she was going to give me Danielle Garcia, junior ome on, we’ve all had embarrassing one. When I walked up to her, she said moments. Here are some from some ‘can you get the person that was standing “I went behind a guy once, that I thought Cfellow students to make you feel bet- behind you?’. Needless to say, I didn’t get was my friend, and kissed him on the ter about your own faux pas. the donut.” cheek. He turned around and it wasn’t Felipe Robles, sophomore my friend.” Karina Sousa, junior “My most embarrassing moment was this “Once, I was going up the stairs, and I one time in gym. My class went outside slipped on my flip flop, and fell straight “One time, when I was in sixth grade, to the low ropes course. I shouted ‘no one to the floor. I had to throw my hands out, I played recreational baseball. I was on can do this!’ and I ran as fast as I could on to prevent from falling on my face! Then second base, and had to run to third, so I the logs. As I went to turn, my foot slipped I had to walk down the steps to retrieve took off and slid way too early, so I came and I fell to the ground and almost hit my my flip flop.” to a halt in the middle between second and face on the log. The whole class laughed Keona George, freshman third base! I got up as fast as I could and at me.” luckily got to third and I was safe.” James Tiggs, sophomore “One time, I was getting out of my Steve Nowak, sophomore friend’s truck, and my foot got caught on SOPHOMORE DAN SHEA reenacts an “One time this girl was passing out donuts the seatbelt, so I tripped and fell onto the when I was in sixth grade. She pointed in ground. Then my friend had to lift me up embarassing moment he once my direction, so I walked over towards and untangle my foot because it was tied encountered. photo by Alex Palomino of Directors of Interfaith neighbors in Georgia, Brazil, China, Korea, Ghana, Asbury Park presented “Sexism, Racism, and Puerto Rico shared their experiences and Religious Tolerance,” with two other as Monmouth Regional students.