The Patriot Issue 5 Washington Township High School, Sewell, NJ March 2006 Township staff takes stage Margaret Bonanni ‘09 Mr. Raymond Anderson’s fierce James Brown impression, and their Township’s got talent, and proved performance of ‘Lets Get It Started’ it on February 15, 2007 at the Faculty by The Black Eyed Peas. Talent Show. The show was In the second act, Township Fire envisioned by Mrs. Debbie McFadden, reminded students and faculty were Mrs. Carol De Lucas, and Mrs. Karen reminded of the great times they’ve Muro in 1996, and is now produced experienced at Washington Township by McFadden, Mrs. Pat Brown, and High School with a slide show. The Mrs. Criquette Norris. It has become slides depicted images of Township an anticipated event for students, and from the past and present and got a a growing tradition. great response from the audience. “I’ve been in all six talent shows, “I thought the slide show was from the beginning, and every year hilarious, especially when they the crowd gets bigger. You can tell showed the part about the chickens from the energy that students are being caught in Quay Way! It was excited about it,” said Patricia Conroy. my favorite part of the show”, stated That night the audience was able Kayla Dieter ’09. to see some of their favorite faculty Photo Courtesy of Colonel Wolozyn The show closed with Sgt members display their incredible Mrs. Cheryl Silverman and Mr. Chris Lawler as “Silvy & C-Law” Schirmer’s Clan, where the guidance talent. Opening the show was This wow the crowds with their rendition of “Mockingbird” department got to get funky with their Old House Band, featuring popular a more contemporary selection of which received an exciting reaction rendition of Lou Bega’s ‘Mambo music from the past, and today. With songs. from the crowd. In this piece Number Five’. This performance left their great choice of music the band’s “It was great when they teachers danced to a mix of songs the show with a comical positive note performance was a great way to open played ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis, and from different decades and music and sent the audience home smiling. the show, and give the audience a over all the show was fun,” said types, and showed how dance has Not only was the show com- taste of what was to come. Alex Quinn ‘09. changed over time. prised of great performances, and Other music was performed by In addition to the opening of “This had to be the best act of a sight to see, but it also benefited Mr. Robert Hart’s band, who chose the show, Hart’s band also played the night,” says Desiree Trzaska ‘09, students. The proceeds from the during intermission and in between “It was so cool to see the teachers show went towards Project Gradu- performances of the show. dancing on stage and having fun.” ation and Renaissance. Be sure to Inside... In the first act, the audience was Another great performance in catch next year’s Student Talent dazzled with amazing dance acts the first act was Teachers With an Show on its usual date before the What’s Happening p. 5 such as The Evolution of Dance, Attitude. The crowd was stunned by Presidents’ Day Weekend. Commentary p.6 Letters p.8 Features p.10 FCCLA “lovin’ it” Lifestyle p.12 Tech Talk p.14 Club serves up good time for kids in need Odds & Ends p. 16 Books p.17 Laura Marder ‘07 Chicken Devan with multiple were so happy to have something to keep appetizers and desserts. The club and remember us by,” said Letty Scanlon Entertainment p.18 On Feb.20 FCCLA made a helped prepare the food at the school ’07, president of FCCLA. Sports p.22 difference in a group of very special and the officers brought it over and “Everyone was so appreciative, all people’s lives at the spent the evening with of the parents thanked us,” said The editors of the Ronald McDonald “seeing the kids the residents. Besides FCCLA officer, Julianne Curry ’07. preparing the meal, Ronald McDonald house is made up Patriot would like to house in Camden. For faces... was so the fourth year in a row they brought crafts of 20 nicely decorated rooms where apologize for the delay they nourished the rewarding.” supplies and led the the families stay. Each room in the of Issue 5. Production resident’s appetites, as - Letty Scanlon families in working home is sponsored by a different group issues prevented us well as their hearts as together to make in the community. Washington from distributing at an they served dinner for the families decorative masks in the spirit of Township Student Council sponsors earlier date. of seriously ill children recieving Mardi Gras. one of the rooms in the Camden house. “Seeing the kids faces while The families get visits each night from Please enjoy! treatment at nearby hospitals. FCCLA prepared a delicious meal of doing the crafts was so rewarding, they See FCCLA pg 2 March 2007 The Patriot - W.T.H.S. News - 1 “Personal honor” focus of ceremony Alyssa Figueroa ‘08 the beginning of advisor of NHS for 4 years. the year,” said “I would really like to focus 100% “Personal honor is the ability Martin, “we had in the classroom.” to do and say the right things when to organize the Certainly, Mr. Lawler will be no one else is around, and when there paperwork, tough to follow. “He is an is little risk of getting caught,” applications, outstanding man and advisor who announced Mr. Beyer, this year’s ceremony, and works with a vision of what he would keynote speaker for the National reception.” like done. I really can’t say enough Honor Society (NHS) induction. And the work positive things about him; he will This year, on Jan. 25, 167 was surely truly be missed,” stated Anderson, students were inducted into NHS, appreciated. who has worked with Lawler on rasing the number of current members New member, NHS for 3 years. to 290. Richie Elles But as we move on, Beyer “Our society consists of 9% of Photo Courtesy of Mr. Lawler ‘08, said, “The advises that, “you’re only worth the student population,” said Mr. Mr. Jim Beyer served as the keynote speaker. ceremony was what you can give away; if you have Lawler, co-advisor of NHS, “we are The recognized advisors then a memorable occasion. leadership potential, and you don’t one of the largest organizations in responded to the admiration by Afterwards, it was fun being display it, it’s no good.” the school, despite the fact only placing a red stole on the member. able to see your friends and And when alone, with no juniors and seniors are admitted.” Mr. Barnshaw, who was celebrate.” audience to share your talents, But the large number of acclaimed by three students, the But with celebrations of new remaining honorable is the key inductees does not make each maximum allowed, stated, “To be accomplishments, sometimes factor. individual any less praiseworthy. honored by the honorable was a comes the farewell to others. At “For my speech, I had a totally “It’s absolutely fantastic to have a humble experience.” the end of the ceremony, Mr. different topic planned, but the word large number of students inducted,” Following the ceremony, Lawler acknowledged his final year ‘honor’ kept resurfacing,” said said Mr. Anderson, co-advisor of refreshments were served in the 9- as co-advisor of NHS. Beyer. “Having personal honor is NHS, “these students truly 10 cafeteria, which also required “I feel that a change will be what true honor is all about; and the represent the best of the best.” much preparation. “We’ve been good for me and the organization,” only person who knows if you Each new inductee walked planning the whole ceremony since said Lawler, who has been an possess it is you.” across the stage that night, in the CBAC, to receive their medal and certificate. However, most felt as if they had really received a sparkling FCCLA shares food, fun trophy of commendation. From FCCLA pg 1 “It was a profound experience different organizations. being honored for the accumulation Sometimes even celebrities of hard work and efforts I’ve made and members of the throughout the years,” said new Philadelphia Eagles come in. member Cristina Virgilio `08. No matter who it is that Hard work indeed. Being in visits the residents are NHS means more than just making always gracious. FCCLA the honor roll. tries to volunteer twice a “It’s all about what NHS stands year. for: leadership, scholarship, service, “It’s nice to give back and character,” said Anderson. to the community, it’s nice Also at the ceremony, members to interact with the kids and inducted last year had the chance to hear their stories of why they essentially give back honor by having are there,” explained their self-prepared speech, Scanlon. acknowledging a teacher, coach, Last year the officers mentor, or other advisor, read aloud. were really touched by the “It is important to recognize story of a two year old girl Photo Courtesy of Letty Scanlon ‘07 the individuals that have made an from Iraq who had gotten her FCCLA officers and advisors smiled for the camera after after hosting impact in your life,” said NHS legs blown off in an explosion. their event for the residents of the Camden Ronald McDonald House. Executive Board Co-Chair Sarah The officers are greatly moved by the design, which she has improved on they love.