Spring 2011 - Cranston Public Schools

The
Spring 2011
Cranston High School West
Vol. XLVII No. 5
Check out The West Wind and West Watch online at http://cpsed.net/chsw/studentcenter/westwind.htm
Like a prayer: the debate continues
by: Katie Salisbury
News Editor
executive director of the local
ACLU affiliate, said, “The
Cranston school district policy
Written in 1960, by states; ‘The proper setting for
a former student council religious observance is the home
member David Bradley, the and the place of worship’,”
school prayer hanging in the
The proposed resolution
Cranston West auditorium has to the committee was a sign(s)
been a hot topic in the news in that indicate that the displays in
the past few months.
the auditorium, like the prayer,
In the prayer Bradley, are student work and do not
summons “Our Heavenly necessarily reflect the views
Father” to guide students to of Cranston. This solution was
bring the school credit and was presented by committee member
agiftfromthefirstgraduating Paula McFarland.
Cranston West class. The
The resolution reads, “Be
prayer hangs on the right wall it RESOLVED, that a permanent
of the auditorium across from explanatory plaque, historical
the school creed, and next marker, or other similar item
to the stage. “Our Heavenly be prominently placed in the
Father” refers to God and this Cranston High School West
line is what is said to offend a auditorium to accompany the
Cranston West sophomore.
student works of art extending
At a meeting on Monday around the auditorium walls,
March 7, the school committee indicating that the works of art
voted for the prayer to stay are maintained out of respect
hanging in the school, similar for the student artists and for
to the one in Hugh B. Bain their historical significance and
Middle School. The ongoing not because of any political,
battle began in July when the religious, or ethnic content that
American Civil Liberties Union may be perceived in one or
(ACLU) filed a complaint on more of its elements. Further,
the school, saying it violates that the existing sub-committee
the first amendment. The prepare proposed language for
ACLU also accused the school the plaque, marker, or similar
of violating the separation of item.”
church and state. Since the
“For example,” says
decision to keep the prayer committee member, Frank
Photo by Ariana Joharjian has been made the ACLU says Lombardi, “a sign could be posted
The prayer in the auditorium was written
it will “sue to have the prayer next to the prayer stating that
in 1960 by a former student council member. Fiftythe banner was commissioned
one years later, it is being challenged for violating removed.”
Steve Brown, the in 1960 by the student council
the division between church and state.
as the school sought to start a
tradition. Accompanying this
sign could be another sign saying
that the display is not intended as
an endorsement of any religious
views held by Cranston.”
“The ACLU,” says
Bishop Thomas Tobin, the head
of the Roman Catholic Diocese
of Providence, “should avoid
these squabbles and move on
to more important issues where
civil liberties are actually
threatened”
Another meeting is
tentatively scheduled for April
4, to propose a lawsuit in front
of a full school committee. The
Cranston school department
was recommended to enlist the
help of local lawyer Joseph
Cavanagh and The Becket Fund
for Religious Liberty to defend
the district.
Cavanagh is a Cranston
East graduate, who frequently
represents
the
Providence
Journal, is to be asked to
represent the department without
charge.
According
to
the
committee, the lawsuit is a
“misguided attempt to rid public
buildings of historic references
to religion.”
All teachers and students
have been told not to talk about
the prayer due to it being in
litigation. Mr. Nero said, “the
case is now in the hands of the
attorney”. Mr. Knowlton made
the same comment.
What’s Inside
Junior Jordan Walker won a national art award and will present
his art at Carnegie Hall.
More on page 4
Should there be one two-week long
winter break or two separate breaks?
Find out what the West
communty thought on page 2
The Strokes released
their fourth studio album.
Find out how it compared
to the previous three on page 6
West theater welcomed spring
with the production of
Once on This Island
How did it do? Find out on page 5
2
OPINION
The West Wind
TheWestWind
Published Monthly
by The West Wind staff
of Cranston High School West
Cranston, RI 02920
http://cpsed.net/chsw/studentcenter/westwind.htm
Published 8 times a year, The West Wind is a public forum, with its student editorial
board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the
views of the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcome and
will be published as space allows. Letters must be signed, although the staff may
withhold the name on request. The West Wind reserves the right to edit all letters
at the editors’ discretion. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff,
nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or
policy of the faculty or administration, unless so attributed. Questions, concerns,
or letters to the editor should be directed to B1-1, [email protected], or The
West Wind fan page on Facebook.
CORRECTIONS
The West Wind is committed to fixing errors.
Please submit errors to B1-1, Mr. Jones’ mailbox,
[email protected] or The West Wind fan page on Facebook.
AlbanyEscobarwasnotlistedintheholidayshowfinalepicture
on page 4 in between Brandon Scavitti and Danielle Leporacci.
RicondoCole’sAthleteAlleypictureonpage8wastakenbyMattGinolfi.
Bryan Yarce and Ryan Kenneally’s photos on
page 8 were taken by Jenn Ricci and Allie Melillo.
Alan H. Rudolph
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Spring 2011
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3
OPINION
The West Wind
Spring 2011
g
n
i
v
o
R
Reporter
Do you think there should be one March vacation
rather than two separate vacations in February and April?
Talk
r
e
h
c
a
Te
Do you think there should be one March vacation
rather than two separate vacations in February and April?
Amy Andrews
freshman
“No, because
I would rather
have two
weeks that
area spread out
instead of one
week.”
Sarah Cascione
sophomore
“I’d rather have
two because
it’s a longer
time to spend
with family an
friends.”
Mrs. Giblin
career prep
“Yes, because
February
vacation is a
waste because
it is cold and I
would rather get
out early in the
warmer weather.”
David
Stanielone
junior
“Well, not
really, I think
that we need
two vacations.
One month
without any
break is hard.”
Henry Santos
senior
“Yes, we should get
a March vacation
because it is spring
break for colleges
and we should get
out at the same time
as colleges.”
Mr. Simpson
math
“Yes, one break
isfine.Iwould
like us to get
out earlier.
Mr. Wilk
English
“We go to school 180
days a year. Whether
we have one vacation
in February and one in
April or one vacation
in March we still go to
school all 180 days.”
Mrs. Copeman
art
“No, I like that it’s
broken up and the
weather is not very
nice in March.”
Student Work
In response to diversity week, some students in Mrs. Boscia’s
freshman English classes wrote sonnets about diversity.
Italian Chopsticks
Diversity
The voices snide and snicker through the mess.
Way back when we were little, we had learned
They pierce the innocent hearts like bruises.
That the world is full of differences;
A girl likes J-rock, a boy wears a dress,
With distinctness we shall be unconcerned
And a woman with two different shoes;
Otherwise people could lose privileges.
They have to much variety to hurl.
Wealth, tradition, nd personality,
A black boy busts raps, and a woman knits;
Language, religion, and colors of skin,
Only a boy can date or love a girl.
Everyone’s own originality,
Why can’t Italians eat with chopsticks?
Combine in the melting pot we live in.
But here I stand with my knee-high mint socks,
But consider a land containing clones,
Bonnets and a yellow tulle skirt showing.
As interesting as an empty room.
I am more superior than that fox
A world with no questions and no unknowns,
With the latest bag and mainstream clothing.
No details that we may have to assume.
So the happiness from when I’m myself,
Trading hate for acceptance is the key
Compares to no pound of gold on a shelf.
Cause this world’s in need of diversity.
by: Rini Assante
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4Jordan Walker wins national art medal
NEWS
The West Wind
by: Melanie Higham
Contributing Reporter
Jordan Walker, a junior at
Cranston High School West, recently
won the National Gold Medal and
an American Vision Award for his
drawing, “What Lies Within.”
“What Lies Within” is a selfportrait of Walker, with a twist. It is
a pen and ink drawing that is unique
because, while most students create a
typical, common self-portrait, Walker
took an entirely different approach.
This is a portrait of the young
artist’s face, minus his jaw. The entire
bottom of the face appears to have
fallen off, and the face is surrounded
by small, intricately drawn objects
that represent his thoughts.
Walker is aware of how
unusual this piece, and many of his
other pieces are… and he likes that.
He enjoys taking ideas that are weird
and uncommon, and branch these
things out into his work.
Both the National Gold Medal
and the American Vision Award are run
through the Scholastic art program,
which provides recognition for young
up and coming artists, as well as
providing scholarship opportunities
to the students in the future.
Placing at the top in this
competition was very excited for
Walker, and he was both surprised and
pleased by the success he has had.
This is the first award Walker
won
for
scholastics, but has won other
Photo provided by Jordan Walker
awards
during
his high school career.
Walker’s piece “What Lies Within” won a Gold Medal and American
“His work is amazing. I’m really
Visions Medal from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Spring 2011
surprised he hasn’t had any work
submitted to scholastics by [his] other
teachers,” says art teacher Valerie
Bruzzi. Bruzzi was not surprised at
all that Walker won such a prestigious
award for his work. Walker has always been interested by
art, particularly drawing. He always
had fun doing it, but does not recall
ever really being good at it before
his freshman year. Prior to that time,
it was “always just doodles in my
notebook like everyone else,” said
Walker modestly.
Walker’s current art teacher,
Ms. Heidi Copeman , is very
impressed with Walker’s work. “He is
very dedicated to his art and is always
in class drawing in one of his many
sketch books, always using pen, and
we all know how difficult that can
be,” said Copeman.
Having always liked art,
Walker plans to incorporate it into his
future career aspirations. He plans to
become either a conceptual designer
for films and videogames, or write
and illustrate his own story books,
with a greater focus on the drawings.
Presently, Walker “writes short stories
for fun.”
Now that Walker has won
these awards, he hopes to enter his
artwork into more competitions,
such as the Arisia Awards, which
is a science fiction art contest. He
also plans the submit more pieces to
Scholastics again next year.
Walker will receive his awards
at the end of May at Carnegie Hall in
New York City.
Career and Technical Center Updates
Programs are filling up for incoming
10th graders. Applications can be found in
the guidance office or online at the CACTC
website (www.cpsed.net/cactc).
Students should give their application to
their guidance counselor as soon as possible.
Friday night dinners hosted by senior
culinary students have begun in the Culinary
Arts Program. They will be served every
Friday until May 7th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30
p.m. To view the menu go to the culinary page
via the CACTC website (www.cpsed.net/cactc/
Culinary/culinary.html).
If students or teachers are having
computer troubles visit Cisco Networking for
more information on how they can help.
Official Team Dealer of
Cranston West Athletics
1553 Elmwood Avenue
Cranston, Rhode Island
Photo from the Career and
Phone:
(401)-781-9113
(401)-781-9198
www.elmwoodsportscenter.com
In school SkillsUSA competitions have
been completed and 100 students were selected
to participate in the state-wide competition
in March. In the competition every program
has a specific challenge but there are also
leadership challenges that any CACTC student
can participate in. If a students succeeds in the
state competition, they move on to nationals.
If a student wins nationals (which take place
in June) than that student is considered to be in
the top 2% in the country.
CISCO students will be participating
in the SANS Institute Cyber Challenge. The
challenge includes internet cyber security.
Phil Vincent Music
(401) 323-5006
philvincent.com
www.myspace.com/philvincentrox
MUSIC CAN BE PURCHASED
FROM iTUNES
Spring 2011
HUMAN INTEREST
West theater does not disappoint
The West Wind
5
Once on this Island is a success
by: Lindsay Millerick
Staff Reporter
Photo by Alicia Accetta
The cast of Once on this Island dance during the ball scene from act two
of the play.
The weekend of March 2527 the CHSW spring production was
held Friday and Saturday evening at
7:00 p.m. as well as Sunday afternoon
at 2:00 p.m.
Once on This Island is a
love story between a peasant girl Ti
Moune, played by Shilah McGuiness,
and Danieal Beauxhomme who is
wealthy young man, played by Gabe
D’Antonio. Ti Moune ultimately dies
after promising her soul to the god of
death in exchange for Daniel’s life.
Though the love theme of the
play seems typical, it was portrayed
in a very interesting way. The tone
of the play took an earthy vibe and
focused heavily on natural elements.
The costumes were exotic looking,
complete with vibrant greens, blues,
pinks, reds, and oranges.
The actors provided the
audience with impressive vocal
performances. Shilah McGuiness had
great control and really projected her
voice which was sweet to listen to.
D’Antonio’s voice had good range,
and complimented McGuiness’ voice
well. The god of earth played by Kia
Smith had a fantastic voice that was
strong and powerful, and filled up
the entire auditorium. Tiana Tiburcio
who played the god of love also had
a notable vocal performance. The
vocalists were very talented, and the
young actors are demonstrating great
potential.
All of the actors embraced
their characters and paid close
attention to detail, such as making
voice changes so they could embody
the part. Giana Manzi, who played
Mama Euralie, once more gave a
wonderful acting performance along
with Steve Callahan, Justin Mancini,
and Angel Rodriquez.
The performance held my
attention during the entire duration,
and I never once glanced at the clock
to see how much time had passed. It
was very interesting and entertaining.
The cast and crew really made Once
on This Island come to life. The young
talent in the show gives the theater
program a promising future, and I
look forward to the next production.
West lends a hand for Japan
by: Ariana Joharjian
Editor-in-chief
urged during planning, “Think of the spirit of
it.”
Assistant Principal Frank DeVall said
that last year’s flood was a microcosm compared
to Japan’s current disaster. “It will be us again
someday and we could have
a catastrophe,” DeVall stated.
The fundraising efforts would
send a message to the student
discussed their fundraising ideas with Mr.
Knowlton and class advisors. The classes
sold 115 t-shirts to benefit Japan, and the East
West raised $3,000 during diversity
versus West faculty and student basketball
week to help support Japan after an 8.9
game on Wednesday, April 13 raised about
magnitude earthquake hit the island on March
$600.
11 leaving 9,700 dead and 16,501 missing.
Student council
Current estimates cite $300 billion
advisor
Mrs.
worth of damage. In comparison, Hurricane
Deana Barlow
said, “I’m really
excited
about
this campaign. I
think it’s going
to be more
beneficial if we
can find one area
in Japan that we
can help directly.
We are definitely
getting a good
response from
Photo provided by Mrs. Copeman
both
students
Mrs. Copemn’s freshman advisory raised $379 for Japan. The students were treated to
and faculty, and
lunch at Uno Chicago Grill for their fundraising efforts.
I can’t wait to
see how much
Photo
from
the
Lend
a
Hand
for
Japan
Campaign
Katrina caused $125 billion worth of damage body and encourage them to
we raise.”
The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan has
in 2005.
help those in need.
M r s .
inspired fundraising efforts world wide.
According to Principal Knowlton, who initially DeVall noted that
Copeman’s
wanted to start the fund, the fundraising increasing outlets of social
freshman
started during diversity week to coincide with media have helped the relief efforts. “You don’t advisory rasied $379 for Japan and was treated
an effort to encourage compassion and bring need to have a connection anymore to compel to lunch at Uno Chicago Grill.
the community together in the spirit of helping people to help. The question isn’t where you’re Uno hosted an additional fundraiser for
others.
from it’s what you can do,” DeVall said.
the school on Thursday May, 12 and donated
“This is more than about us,” Knowlton Class council advisors and students a percentage of diners’ bills to Japan.
6
FEATURE
The West Wind
Spring 2011
Sucker Punch hits hard with great action and replay value
by: Alexander McDevitt
Staff Reporter
The soundtrack also helps Punch in
bringing the situation at hand; the film
is certainly never lacking enjoyability.
Overabundance of slow motion,
I mean what else could excite those to
unquestionable visuals, melodramatic
take in some really cool action pieces,
acting, feasible writing, and humble
including fight scenes with 4 story tall
characters that either seems too under
Samurai warriors with gatling guns to
drawn or overexposed. I
armed mechs on a out-ofam of course talking about
control train in possession
the new Zach Snyder (300,
of a ticking time-bomb.
Watchmen) blockbuster only
Sold yet? I think so.
known as Sucker Punch.
The thing that Sucker
Punch provides everything
Punch says to do is to open
an action movie needs to be
your mind. And in that
with a provoking story with
saying, open your mind
cool characters, without
to forgive what the film
being drawn out or boring.
tries to be. A true action
It’s not terrible on any level,
film for action fans,
and I was quite surprised
that’s all Sucker Punch
by how involved I was in
is on the surface. Other
everything, as this really
then tiny flaws in its
focused, exciting adventure
plot, the unnecessary
worth partaking on.
“Snyderness” that builds
Snyder
himself
in every scene (with
uses the camera in keeping
everything being hyped
Photo from screenrant.com
steady, not in blinding us in
beyond belief), I enjoyed
Babydoll, played above by Emily Browning, must open up her mind in order toescape the reality she now Sucker Punch tenfold with
shakiness, keeping up with
lives in. Depicted above, Sucker Punches’ imaginary footage does dazzle those with unmatchable visuals, its memorizing scenery,
these incredible visuals of
but at the same time, pack in time for character development, even with (for example) battling a giant well placed cast, and its
the time period prove why
Samurai warrior.
he’s a great action director.
comic book feel. I can
A typical Japanese Palace
tell the male demographic
of the 12th century to the trenches of fate in ending up in an insane asylum inducing ride for yourself.
will absolutely love this movie for one
battleground during the First World War isn’t the best luck for anyone currently The best possible thing to talk reason: it’s a dream come true in a
look insane. The man really knows how in a mid-life crisis.
about Sucker Punch to is the action sense. There is really no meaning in its
to make a movie an experience, and scenes depicting the “fun time” battles,
The rest of the cast, including sequences split up within the well
unlike more of the craft, delivers more a menacing Oscar Isaacs as Blue the paced flick. Along with the typical over but again, do you ask to care for a film
other then flying bullets and blood. caretaker to the surprisingly well
stylized editing by Snyder to make like this?
For a time, the action may be totally blended cast of tormented convicts, Sucker Punch look like a comic
commanding, but it’s followable.
(Facts gathered from IMDB,
from Jenna Malone as Rocket to book, intensifying in each new panel of
Emily Browning (A Series of Vanessa Hudgens as Blondie. Each of the story arch with unrelenting violence.
the Internet Movie Database)
Unfortunate Events) leads the cast of
Sucker Punch to do exactly what they
need to do: stand there and look good.
I mean, what else is there for me to say
about the acting here? Does it get the job
done? Sure it does. Browning herself
holds up well as Babydoll, whose recent
these characters have time to shine in
the “imagination” part of the film, from
battling zombie soldiers to battling a
giant dragon in a B-52 airplane. I know:
Why is this happening? And honestly, I
can’t even tell you the answer. Just sit
back, turn off your brain, and enjoy the
The Strokes release fourth studio album
by: Dan Palmisciano
Sports Editor
due to the incredible speed. This
drumming most notably appears
in the song, “You’re so Right.”
New York garage
Valensi has many intricate, fast
band The Strokes released
solos throughout the album,
their fourth studio album,
which differs from old albums
Angles,
on
Tuesday,
where solos were based more
March 22nd. Angles was
on rhythm and technique than
the bands first new album
speed.
since 2006. The Strokes
Casablancas became the
consist of vocalist Julian
star of Angles though, showing
Casablancas, lead guitarist
a different side of his range and
Nick Valensi, rhythm
writing abilities. All the songs
guitarist Albert Hammond
off of Angles seem to show off
Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture,
a more sensitive side of Julian,
and drummer Fabrizio
as opposed to other albums,
Moretti.
The
Strokes
where lyrics were not emotional
discology to this point
or
technically
developed.
includes Is This It? (2001),
Casablancas puts his vocal range
Room On Fire (2003), and
on display for all as well, changing
First Impressions of Earth
his voice throughout the album.
(2006).
He sticks to his deeper, mellow
Each
album
voice in some tracks, and is even
includes its own unique
occasionally accompanied by
sound, different from the
back-up vocals. He stretches to
previous album. Angles is
higher notes often, and holds out
no different. The album
his voice for long periods of
includes a lot of spacey,
time.
almost
psychedelic
The second track off the album,
sounds, most notably on
“Under Cover of Darkness,”
the tracks “Machu Picchu,”
which debuted on Saturday
Photo from Google
The Strokes’ released their fourth studio album Angles on March 22. Angles charted at number
“Games,” and “Taken for a
Night Live, probably shows off
3 behind Adele’s albums 19 and 21.
Fool.” The Strokes do keep
the vocal range of Casablancas
their old sound in a couple
the best.
typical signatures sounds, although bass playing
songs, including “Under
Angles was a different
does
not
seem
as
prominent
on
Angles.
Fabrizio
Cover of Darkness”, and the slower, emotional
route for the band, but it turned out to be a very
Moretti’s drumming is incredibly more skillful, and well put together, unique album.
track, “Life is Simple in the Moonlight”.
The guitars of The Strokes feature their at some points it sounds like a drum loop is going