Halo 3 Madness! (page 3) Meet Officer Franco

October 2007 — THE BEAK —
Halo 3 Madness! (page 3)
VOLUME XL, NUMBER 1
1
Meet Officer Franco (page 10)
GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL, GREENWICH, CT 06830
October 2007
Photo by Juliana Collamer
Newly Installed “Big Brothers” Watch Over Us All
By Sarah Gordon
Features Editor
Amid the bustle of back-to-school
changes and new people at Greenwich
High School, the freshmen are not the
only addition to GHS. Whether you
approve of it or not, by now you must
have realized that the occasional feeling of being watched has become
rather intensified… with good reason,
too. Though inauspiciously placed in
the ceilings and on some walls, the
presence of security cameras at
Greenwich High School indicates that
the administration feels it needs to
scrutinize our student body carefully
at all times.
A visit with the affable Mr. Michael Brown, the most widely recognized reassuring authority figure in
the Student Center, provided a great
deal of insight into the matter, information that has been kept relatively
quiet.
After laughingly dismissing all
rumors by stating that the cameras are
in fact real, Mr. Brown explained that
the idea of installing security cameras
at school has actually been considered
for a long time. “It‟s been through the
thought process over the last several
years,” Mr. Brown said. “I think unfortunately with the change of times,
it came to the table a little stronger
than it previously had.”
Who had the ultimate decision in
opting for the cameras? The school‟s
administration and the Board of Education both worked together to determine what would best improve the
school‟s safety. Last winter‟s fight in
the Student Center was among the
events that the administration considered as it studied ways of improving
security.
“You want to deter activity. That‟s
the bottom line,” Mr. Brown stated.
“Now that the kids know there are
cameras around, it makes our job a
little easier.”
The cameras are on from six in the
morning until the school closes. They
are monitored by the administration,
as well as select members of security.
Although Mr. Brown could not disclose the specific number or the numerous locations of the cameras, he
did acknowledge the presence of cameras outside the building.
Mr. Brown dismissed the potential
violation of students‟ privacy. “All the
security cameras are in public places.
The student center is a public place,
hallways are public places, stairwells
are public places,” he stated. “But
they‟re not in the locker rooms, bathrooms… those are private, restricted
areas. So there‟s no invasion of privacy, none whatsoever…. It‟s not an
infringement of rights and freedom.
Our job is to make [the students]
safe.”
Some students disagree with Mr.
Brown‟s reasoning. “I think the cameras are major infringement on our
civil liberties,” a student who wished
to remain anonymous said. “They‟re
recording our every motion, violating
the amendment that promises us protection from unreasonable searches
and seizures; this is searching our person for eight hours of the day, even
when there‟s no probable cause.”
While this viewpoint might have
some validity, one cannot deny that in
a school as large as GHS, with over
3,000 people, conflict is inevitable.
Though there are those who are outraged at this apparent violation of privacy, the majority of the student body
seems to be rather apathetic towards
the presence of cameras watching
their every move.
“It seems to be a waste of money;
I don‟t think the cameras will make a
difference,” said a junior. “I mean,
you can‟t stop a fight from happening
solely because there are cameras
watching. People are going to go
about doing what they always do…
But if security thinks it‟ll help them,
go right ahead. It doesn‟t really affect
me; so I don‟t really care.”
“I think it‟s creepy, to be honest,”
another student admitted. “ It‟s
strange to go around from class to
class doing your own thing, and then
realizing that the administration is
watching your every move. It‟s
weird.”
Yet Mr. Brown remained adamant
in clarifying that security is on the
same side as the students. “We‟re here
as a support system for the students,”
he said. “We‟re not the enemy. We‟re
here to protect the well-being of the
students.”
It‟s too early to tell whether the
cameras have already made a difference, but Mr. Brown was hopeful. “We‟re developing some good
citizens, we have a lot of really mature kids who understand what we‟re
trying to do. They‟re here to learn,
and be safe, and I truly think they‟ll
make a difference. That‟s a testament
to you students.”
2 — THE BEAK — October 2007
Opinion
The Greenwich High School Newspaper
Greenwich High School
10 Hillside Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
(Phone) 203-863-8850 ext. 8350 (Fax) 203-863-8823
E-mail: [email protected]
The Beak is published by the students of Greenwich High
School and is distributed, free of charge, to members of the high school
community. The Beak is part of the high school’s communication
program, and it also serves as a medium for the expression and exchange
of responsible opinions. While recognizing the United States
Constitution’s guarantee of a free press, The Beak also acknowledges its
role as a school newspaper. Consequently, The Beak does not publish
material which it deems will disrupt the educational process nor does The
Beak coerce a particular point of view, or violate the right to disagree
with a particular point of view. In addition, The Beak will not publish
material that is obscene, profane, libelous, or slanderous. The Beak
reserves the right to edit or to refuse to publish material that advocates
unlawful activity that unfairly criticizes or demeans any individual or
group, or that encourages action that endangers the health and safety of
the Greenwich High School community. Editorials are the opinions of
The Beak editorial board. Signed commentaries and columns are the views
of the writers. The Beak welcomes letters from its readers. Upon request,
a writers name will be withheld. The Beak accepts appropriate and
responsible paid advertising as a means of defraying publication costs,
but it does not endorse or guarantee any product, services, businesses, or
organizations mentioned or described in any advertisement.
THE STAFF of The Beak
Ben Millstein
Editor-in-Chief
Bob Johnson
Ryan Fazio
Executive Editors
Jessica Blanton Lindsey Kim
News Editors
Doug Johnson Ricky Lurito
Opinion Editors
Sarah Gordon Frank Rinaldi
Features Editors
Sammie Lazar Zade Constantine
Entertainment Editors
Doug Johnson
Ricky Lurito
Opinions Editors
Christina Gestal
Staff Assistant
Michael Drittel
Sports Editor
Colin Peck Gray Ryan Haid
Business Managers
Jay Polansky
Online Editor
Juliana Collamer
Photography Editor
Mr. Dwight Wall
Faculty Advisor
Do you have something to say?
Send us an e-mail:
[email protected]
Your words may be published
in our next issue!
The Case Against Charity
Why Your Aid Is Hurting Africa
aid and still many of its nations
are poorer today. Presently, over
300 million Africans live on less
than a dollar a day; three times
No one criticizes high
more people than 10 years ago.
school students when they raise
While it is an economic
money to send to Africa. After all,
fact that any charity immediately
why should they be criticized for
makes life better by providing
doing something they believe is
people with free goods that both
good? College admissions reward
serve human needs and save labor,
so-called community service. Cein the long run there is little evilebrities like Bill Gates and Bono
dence at all that aid translates into
and Angelina Jolie sponsor such
growth.
charities. Organizations and enterDecades before we were
tainers host grand events like rock
born,
India,
not Africa, was the
concerts to raise money and
prime
destination for
awareness. And, most of
charitable activity from
all, Africa is terribly
students like us. But as
poor and they need help,
Nobel Laureate Richard
right?
Posner points out, despite
Surely, different
being the leading destinapeople are entitled to
tion for public and private
pursue their own cause.
aid India‟s economy grew
Yet, a project that apat an average of less than
pears to be benevolent
1% from the „50s through
and altruistic does not
the „80s.
mean that the cause is
History has shown
efficient or worth the
us
that
certain
values preeffort.
suppose any chance for
It is easy to
development. Not until it
glance at Africa and see
began to liberalize barriers
that it is poor. A little
to trade and investment in
more rigorous inquiry
the early „90s did India
reveals the root of the
begin to emerge as the rapsituation there as well as
idly developing economy
what changes are necesit is today. Of course,
sary to bring to life a
those were not the only
continent that has yet to
factors at play, but they do
emerge from the Dark
provide fundamental emAges.
pirical support for the
The point is that
theoretical reasoning.
the billions in charity
Like Indians and
that civilization pours
many others, Africans
into Africa do not help
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/10/20/bono.jpg
must create an environthe situation; and that
ment conducive to progress. Pribefore college-hungry high school
On the macro level, instudents volunteer to help Africa centives still apply. By ignoring marily that requires a spirit of individualism which is not yet
and feign compassion, they should and rewarding the massive debt
rooted in the continent. Africa has
at least stop to examine whether
which years of unproductive ecomany problems that only its peothey are helping at all.
nomic ventures caused, the world
People respond to incen- provides no indication to Africa of ple can solve for themselves, but
the best start is to condition them
tives. It doesn‟t get any simpler
what virtues are necessary for
to be independent.
than that. The best way to initially growth. If charitable interests
If you truly want the best
gauge what effect aid has had on really wanted to underwrite stanAfrica is to analyze the system of dards for eventual economic suc- for Africans, contributing to the
incentives that charity creates is
incentives it creates for the region. cess, they would have held firm
Charity connote a nega- on the payments owed and dem- an idea worth reconsidering. Try
advocating for political reforms
tive message to Africans. In a
onstrated that Africa‟s present line
which create freer markets in the
simple economic sense it says: we of economic activity is not to be
will give you money because you rewarded. Instead, by bailing them third world, or speaking out for
are poor. At the same time organi- out in the short term, we signaled the moral values necessary for
zations like the Heifer Club may that we will also come to the res- human prosperity. Either way,
say that they will continue to sup- cue in the future. By virtue of our solving the problems of the poor
requires an approach different
ply funds for the needy only if
altruism, a bad system of accountfrom the altruistic impulse for
they show good behavior or meet ability is in place and it encourcommunity service.
some set of standards.
ages dependency on the part of
Even if that means you
To be sure, that is a more Africa—an attitude that will never
can‟t get into the college of your
intelligent approach, but at the
yield progress.
choice, at least you won‟t be hurtsame time it does not eliminate
Since 1960, Africa has
ing Africa.
the primary incentive which is:
received at least $600 billion in
By Ryan Fazio
Executive Editor
„we will give you money because
you are poor.‟ Hence the result is
a confused myriad of incentives
which occasionally set good standards on one hand, but always
require minimal productivity on
the other.
In 2005, the G8 summit of
world leaders decided to forgive
the $40 billion of debt owed by 18
African nations to various financial organizations. As if that were
not enough, the US pledged an
additional $50 billion in aid by
2010.
Entertainment
By Andrew Stevens
Staff Writer
Halo-licious
Stores are opening their
doors. Salesmen and saleswomen are
carefully checking their stocks, reviewing the number of units available
for the day's sales.
Wal-Mart, Target, EB Games,
Game Spot, and every other hot shot
corporate chain are preparing for the
juggernaut. Whole sections of the
stores are dedicated to the new coveted product. Store managers are
frantically pacing back and forth,
controversial. Despite establishing
itself as the definitive gaming experience on Xbox Live, Halo 2, failed to
please fans that were deeply invested
in the story. Halo 2's narrative was
scattered and confusing. Its ultimate
failure, however, came in its final moments.
Fans endured an excruciating
cliff hanger. For three years, they
have painfully waited for the conclusion. Fans were teased by a brief
graphic novel (The Halo Graphic
Novel), a fourth addition to the book
series ( Halo: Ghosts of Onyx) a three
ers, you can stop here, or you can continue for some pleasant nostalgia),
Halo is the flagship series of Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360. It's a story
of war between the UNSC (United
Nations Space Command) and the
Covenant, a militaristic and theocratic
alliance of aliens.
Our favorite grunt smashing
hero, Master Chief, is the main protagonist of the series, the "last hope"
for humanity against the alien menace.
Many critics complain that
the storyline is shallow and butchered,
glancing every now and then at the
mob of gamers waiting outside the
building, the tension is almost palpable. Do they have enough copies?
September 25, 2007, was a
day that will be remembered in history for its implications in the video
game industry and the entire entertainment community. The Halo series finally came to an epic conclusion with its third and final installment, Halo 3.
All dedicated fans of the titanic shooter can remember September 9, 2004, the last time they were
blessed with a new Halo experience. But the experience was highly
-week long online beta test of Halo 3,
and multiple viral campaigns that required fans to search the internet for
clues.
That patience has finally
ended. No more teaser trailers, no
more fan-boy rumors, and no more
unnecessary behind the scene documentaries of the developers engaging
in social sports team practice. For today, all major entertainment stores are
ready for millions of gamers to purchase the most anticipated game of
the past decade.
For those who have been isolated
in some poor impoverished country
for the past six years (seasoned gam-
and based off the tired cliché of humans vs. aliens. Others argue that it is
an epic and emotional storyline of
sacrifice, desperation, and gritty war
time drama. This humble writer can
only say that he just loves "owning
noobs" in the face with a variety of
explosives and guns. If you are still
completely lost in gamer apathy, then
continue reading about the wonders of
Halo 3 multiplayer, which this writer
experienced for three short weeks this
past summer!
Bungie Studios, the creators
and developers of the Halo series, was
quite generous to the Halo community
this past summer. Bungie gave fans a
PREVIEWS
By Bob Johnson
Executive Editor
After coming off a recordsetting summer for the movie business, many movie-goers are skeptical
about whether Hollywood can keep
the ball rolling. After all, $4 billion in
ticket sales is tough to follow. Nevertheless, here is a list of movies to see
on each of the four weekends in October.
The Heartbreak Kid (October 5)
Ben Stiller has proven his
ability to draw in audiences with his
low-concept, yet big-laugh films such
as Dodgeball: A True Underdog
Story, Zoolander, Night at the Museum. Stiller first struck comedic gold
October 2007 — THE BEAK —
3
taste of the Halo 3 multiplayer
through the Halo 3 beta, and the results were spectacular for both fanboys and casual gamers.
For three weeks, gamers got
to compete against each other in three
diverse maps: the open ended Valhalla, the intensive High Ground, and
the constrictive Snowbound.
Weapons came in all shapes
and sizes, each serving a unique purpose, yet still able to handle any situation thrown at them. Fan favorites
were still represented (sniper rifle,
battle rifle, rocket launcher, etc),
along with some new unique weapons
(Brute grenade, Brute Spiker, Spartan
laser, etc). Best of all, though, was the
return of the Assault Rifle and Pistol!
Gamers reveled in the return of the
archaic weapons, which hadn't been
seen since Halo: Combat Evolved.
Many vehicles were added to
the game bringing new experiences to
the game play that had become redundant. The Mongoose, a small recon
ATV similar to the Covenant Ghost,
quickly became a favorite for players.
Combining style and practicality, The Mongoose opened up tons
of strategic possibilities for gamers: A
sniper team could drive up to a hill,
hold the area, and then buzz off on the
Mongoose when an overwhelming
force came there way. Two of the
Mongooses could zip around the battlegrounds with passengers armed
with rocket launchers, making for effective anti-armor units. A force on
the defensive could send out a team of
Mongooses to disrupt the enemy advance, letting the rest of main force
prepare for defending territory or
flags.
The variety of features and
the promise of a trilogy completed
make the release of Halo a momentous occasion. On a global scale Halo
3 will shatter records, just as its predecessor Halo 2, and sell in quantities
the entertainment industry has never
dreamed of.
On a personal note it marks
the end of productive hours in
school. I'll be along side millions of
gamers finishing the fight.
October-Film-Fest
in 1998‟s There’s Something About
Mary.
Nearly ten years later, paired
again with the directors of Mary, the
Farrelly brothers, the comedy trio returns to what promises to be the
raunchiest comedy of the season.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (October
12)
All right. Of all the movies to
have a sequel, 1998‟s Elizabeth is
having another go in its 16th century
romance/drama genre. Though this
one is not likely to go big at the box
office, expect a Helen Mirren-like
performance, once again, from Cate
Blanchett. Also, watch out for stellar
performances from Clive Owen, and
Geoffrey Rush.
Rendition (October 19)
With last winter‟s overlooked
masterpiece Zodiac under his belt,
Jake Gyllenhaal looks to keep the ball
rolling in this political drama set in
the Middle East. Surrounded by a
slew of other politically driven films
that include The Kingdom, Lions for
Lambs, and The Kite Runner, Rendition will undoubtedly have a difficult
time separating itself from the pack.
The movie also stars Academy Award-Winner Reese
Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, and
Academy Award-Winner Alan Arkin.
Saw IV (October 26)
Each of the past three installments of the Saw franchise has topped
the box office and from the looks of
it, will probably do the same on the
Friday before Halloween. However, it
seems as though the torture/horror
genre has nothing new to offer.
Recent failures include Hostel
II and Captivity, both of which
bombed commercially and critically.
Saw, on the other hand, has managed
to maintain its fan-base for the past
three installments.
Will the fourth be its last? We
all know Saw is not the epitome of
quality cinema, but its gruesome violence, lack of plot, and even further
lack of good acting seems to draw
audiences in.
Entertainment
4 — THE BEAK — October 2007
Feel This!
Superbad: Greatest Movie Ever
By Zade Constantine
Entertainment Editor
In a summer filled with unc o n vi nc i n g e x pl o di ng r o b o t s
(Decepticons and Autobots alike),
Bruce Willis dying hard (yet again),
and the vapid return of Danny Ocean,
one film had the audacity to rejuvenate the summer blockbuster. Conceived by the screenwriters at the age
of thirteen, this film is a beautiful lament about love and loss. I am referring to the genius that is Superbad.
Superbad was crafted by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg at the age
most of us were learning our timetables. The film evolved out of a long
line of comedies that preceded it. In
1982, a film that broke all conventions
was released.
Fast Times at Ridgemont
High, became an instant classic
among teenagers who knew a
“Spicoli” or saw
themselves in the
plethora of memor abl e
c ha r a c ters. This was the
first honest movie
made about teenagers for teenagers. Twenty years
after its release,
Fast Times gained
a spot on the
American Film
Institute‟s Top 100
Funniest
films,
proving the film is
just as relevant for
a new generation
as it was when it
was first released.
F a s t
Times’s ultimate
legacy, however, was to prove that
there were brutally honest stories
about high hchool that could make us
laugh and cry all at once. Unfortunately, no one took notice of the social nerve that Fast Times had
struck. Hollywood resorted to making
The Breakfast Club and Pretty in
Pink, which quickly set the standard
for the fantasy version of high school
that all movies would present. Gone
was the honesty of Fast Times, replaced by an upbeat 80‟s soundtrack
and accompanying montages.
Superbad stays true to the rule that
comedy that makes the viewer uncomfortable is effective. These horrid
moments are derived from the pains
of adolescence that resonate with
every teenager in America.
Therefore, Superbad is more
honest than any other film this summer. It has the courage to explore the
taboo subjects, the majority of which I
can‟t write about in this paper, that are
so readily discussed and dissected by
students at lunch or in the hallways. The great irony is that realism
doesn‟t sell in Hollywood.
Fast
Times almost never became the classic that it is now considered because
Universal Studios didn't think the film
would become a hit. They even considered not releasing it on the East
Coast so that the film would fail
quickly at the box office.
The success of Superbad, both
financially and artistically, needs to be
attributed in part to the adult comedy
at the start of the summer, Knocked
Up. Proving that comedy didn‟t have
to come at the expense of plot and
sentimentality, Knocked Up, was
smart and witty and definitely not a
movie you could enjoy with the whole
family. It stared Seth Rogen. the
writer who at thirteen wrote Superbad, had grown up and become an
unlikely comedic star. A rarity in
Hollywood, Knocked Up, without the
aid of A-List actors, garnered critical
acclaim and more importantly was
highly profitable at the box office. America had embraced the return of the R-Rated comedy.
Would lighting strike again
with Superbad? With virtually no
known actors, a massive campaign
was started to promote Superbad on
the heels of Knocked Up. Months
before the release of the film teenagers were exchanging memorable
quotes from the trailers. “I Am
McLovin‟” was the definitive slogan
of the summer, months before the
movie had even been released. The
concern that a foul mouthed and realistic film about teenage angst wouldn‟t sell was no longer an issue. The
hype around Superbad was a drastic
departure from the anxiety that surrounded Fast Times at Ridgemont
High.
What makes Superbad so super? As the lights went up in the theater and the masses began to converse,
I realized that the lasting implication
of this film would be deeper than its
one-liners that will be overused by
practically everyone.
A teenager
made a comment, as I exited the sold
out theater, which
was unlike anything I had ever
heard at your
standard “TeenComedy”. “You
really cared about
the characters”
the unknown teen
said to his friend.
Like Fast
Times at Ridgemont High, this
film had captured
the universal nature of the high
school
experience.
It had
brought forth issues that were
relevant today,
www.google.com
without simply
being an updated Fast Times or succumbing to the fantasy surrounding
the latest installment of American
Pie. For once, I believed main characters Seth and Evan weren‟t simply
stock high school students. These
were people I knew, conversations I‟d
had, and awkward moments that I experienced.
Superbad has its own voice,
often times that voice includes a four
lettered explicit, and its own message. Undoubtedly, it will be called
“crude” and “disgusting”, but I hope
more films strive to be as smart, candid, and genuinely funny known as
Superbad.
By Sammie Lazar
Entertainment Editor
With the new British invasion
of artists like Amy Winehouse and Lily
Allen,a new breed of sharp rockers are
emerging from across the pond.
The Feeling was relatively unknown to the U.S. until their performance at this summer‟s Concert for
Diana. They have since shot into the
indie music scene with their rock-pop
sounds that guarantees dancing and
singing from their crowd. At this summer‟s Concert for Diana, they were
introduced by celebrity fan Kiefer
Sutherland and sang two of their major
hits “Fill my Little World” and “I Love
It When You Call”, reigniting the energy of the weary crowd.
The Feeling are inspired by
70‟s rock and pop bands. They have a
sound that is like a distinct cross between the sounds of The Cars and
Squeeze. Combined with sophisticated
arrangements and lyrics The Feeling is
a modern twist on the variety of influences that shaped the band.
Their newest hit “Sewn” is a
powerful ballad with lyrics detailing a
life unlived. “Sewn” proves that they
are capable of heartfelt songs that
match a more meaningful message. But for the most part, The Feeling could be considered lighter fare,
categorizing their own music as “five
twenty-somethings from Sussex and
London who love music, playing great
no-nonsense, hook-filled, giantchorused pop music. Music for the
masses, only intelligent with sunshine
hooks and killer choruses that everyone can hum from plumbers to professors.”
I give the highest recommendation for all songs on their new album
Twelve Stops and Home, so if the upbeat Brit-poppers are you bag, then
“fill your little world.”
THE GO! TEAM: an artist spotlight
By Caroline Lazar
Staff Writer
The Go! Team is shattering
boundaries. The Brighton, England
based collective (comprised of a collection of characters that each bring
their personal styles to the table) are
about to release the highly anticipated
follow up to their full-length debut
Thunder Lighting Strike.
Well known in the UK for
eccentric patchworks of songs that are
often splashed with eccentric touches
(cheerleading chants, freestyle rapping, battling drum sets, and explosive horns, just to name a few), the
group
was
gathered together
by
songwriter
and
frontman Ian Parton in 2004.
The
g e n r e hopping cluster has attained huge
critical acclaim as well
as success in
commercial
ventures,
their music
having been
featured in
more
than
ten television
spots in the
US and UK.
A
blend of old
school
hip
hop, seventies funk, and
guitar thrashing oft compared to that
of
Sonic
Youth, all set
on a canvas of random sampling, is
the best way to try and sum up their
sophomore effort (entitled Proof of
Youth), but the entire point of The Go!
Team‟s sound seems to be that you
simply can‟t put them in just one category. Songs from Proof of Youth that
seem to jump off the record include
the city sound studded single “Grip
Like A Vice” featuring a streaming
guitar solo that stands apart from all
of the excitement and rush of the
track, as well as “The Wrath of
Marcie”, that rolls out with high energy and smart lyricism. Proof of
Youth was release in the U.S. on September 11.
Opinions
October 2007 — THE BEAK —
5
Get Out The Vote!
By Ricky Lurito
Opinions Editor
For this 2008 presidential
election, it is crucial that young
people get out to the polls and
vote. It is important, therefore, that
young people understand the past.
Social, political and economic
change in this country occurs cyc l i c al l y. H i s t o r i an A r t hu r
Schlesinger proposed a theory to
explain this cyclical nature of
American politics, where he
showed that these liberal and conservative cycles alternate every 15
years.
Where is the United States
today? Is the United States at the
start of a liberal cycle? Much of
the force for a liberal cycle originates from youth. So, is a youth
movement possible today? Such
predictions cannot be completely
reliable as social phenomena are
unpredictable.
Nevertheless, based on
demographics, the changing attitudes of young people, and the
number and importance of issues
present today, it is possible that the
United States is on the verge of its
next liberal cycle. With youth at
the helm of a potential burst of liberalism, young people in the U.S.
have the capacity to induce change
through civic participation.
In 2006 there were 32 million young people between the
ages of 18-25. By 2015, it is projected that the number will double
since there were 70 million under
the age of 18 in 2006. This current
generation is only slightly smaller
than the baby boom in the postwar
era.
Demographics show that
this generation of young people
has the potential to yield incredible
political power within the next ten
years. Population distribution
demographics also mirror the liberal and conservative cycles.
During the years 1968
through 1980, young people between the ages of 18-25 made up
20-21% of the electorate, which
were peak percentages. That number began to decline as the conservative Reagan era took hold.
During the liberal cycle,
the percentage of youth composing
the electorate reached a high of
28% in 1976 and 1978 In 1998,
this percentage reached a low of
14.6% and continues to hover
around rock bottom in 2006 when
the number was 14.7%. But by
2015, young people ages 18-31 are
expected to make up 33% of the
electorate
The last time the percentage of youth composing the electorate reached its highest was in
the middle of a liberal cycle. It is
very possible that the increase in
youth voters in the next ten years
that this new political participation
may trigger a new liberal cycle.
cal interest is a sign of a possible
approaching liberal cycle. Since
young people care more about the
issues and are more educated than
Courtesy: www.google.com
Attitudes of young people
towards politics and civic participation are changing. In a recent
Pew Research Study, 77% of voters 18-29 stated that they were interested in local politics, up 28%
from the 1999 numbers. The same
poll found that 85% of 18-29 year
old voters said they were
“interested in keeping up with national affairs,” up 14% from 1999.
The recent surge in politi-
previously, there is a greater
chance of young people facilitating
change by voting.
A poll conducted by Harvard‟s Institute of Politics showed
that 61% of all people between the
ages of 18-29 said that basic health
insurance is a right of all people
and 68% said that protecting the
environment should be as important as protecting jobs. Clearly the
youth of America is discontented
with the current health care system
and environmental policy. Thus,
not only are the attitudes in place,
but the issues as well, for a liberal
cycle to occur.
Globalization, the Iraq
War, the environment, immigration, healthcare, and reproductive
rights are all issues at the forefront
of today‟s political discussions. No
clear cut solutions have been proposed for these problems.
The Iraq War continues,
there is no nationalized healthcare,
globalization continues to take
jobs away from Americans, and
illegal immigrants continue to
cross the border, assimilating into
the U.S. economy and society
without any legal status.
The presence, significance
and unresolved nature of these issues have the potential to motivate
an increasingly large group of
young people who are more interested than ever in political issues
and political participation.
Similar circumstances during the Vietnam War in the last
liberal cycle and the Iraq War during this transitional stage suggest
that similar forces are at work. The
power of the antiwar movement
during the Vietnam War was tremendous; youth succeeded in ending the war and erasing all traces
of conservatism and conformity by
establishing a new, liberal, more
accepting American culture.
Based on the current similar, unpopular war, and the effectiveness of youth during Vietnam,
the potential is there for young
people to wield their political
power and take action on unresolved issues.
What is the significance of a
liberal cycle? Historically, significant changes in America‟s social,
economic and political fabric have
occurred during liberal cycles.
Demographics, attitudes and the
significance of the issues present
suggest the potential for a youth
catalyzed liberal cycle.
Therefore, it is imperative
that young people vote to make
this nascent cycle a reality, facilitate change, and come closer to
solving issues like Iraq, globalization and environmental issues.
Young people have immense, unrealized political power. They will
have even more within the next ten
years; thus it is not an opportunity
to be wasted.
As awareness of the critical
issues increases and awareness of
the potential power of youth becomes mainstream, there will be a
greater understanding of past successes and a new motivation to
induce change and set the U.S. in
the best possible direction for the
21st century.
6 — THE BEAK — October 2007
News
Town Government Faces
Changing Leadership In November
NEWS
ANALYSIS
By Collin Peck-Grey
Business Manager
After four years of hard work
and leadership, Jim Lash will soon
step down as our first selectman. Having worked in numerous fields
throughout his life including private
equity investment, astronautical engineering, even working for NASA in
the Apollo Space Program, Mr. Lash
was drawn to town politics because he
felt he could get things done.
One of the most difficult aspects of Mr. Lash‟s job was getting
things done in a reasonable time
frame. Greenwich‟s RTM, or Representative Town Meeting, functions as
a legislature that represents the town‟s
citizens, much like the U.S. Congress.
In many cases, the RTM can accept or
deny proposals referred to it by the
first selectman.
In the past, this 230-member
body‟s inability to come to a consensus on complex issues has caused tension and inaction in town government.
The problem lies essentially in the
organization of the body. Because the
body is so large and being elected to it
is reasonably easy, many of the members don‟t consistently come to the
various district and committee meet-
ings prepared and knowledgeable of Lash personally believes would help
the issues at hand.
resolve some of the conflicts now facA stall or an outright rejection ing town government.
of even some of the most uncontroIn addition to the problems
versial proposals is common because encountered by the RTM, Mr. Lash is
of a simple
worried that
lack of adedemocr at s
quate underin the Constanding. A
necticut
plan
that
state legisshould take
lature will
no more than
successfully
a year of devote to inbate and recrease the
finement can
income tax
take up to
in
Confive years to
necticut
get
passed
from 5%under
the
8%, a 60%
current sysincrease
tem.
overall.
A l This would
though a proespeci al l y
posal to inhurt Faircrease
the
f i e l d
minimum
County and
attendance
specifiMr. James Lash completes his tenure
record
to
cally
as First Selection of Greenwich in December.
vote
from
Green50% to 66% is being considered, it wich, which already pays a disproporcurrently seems doubtful that the tionate percentage of the total income
RTM will be downsized into a more tax in Connecticut (11% of the total.)
cohesive and organized body of 50-60
Mr. Lash estimates that if the
committed people, a plan which Mr. statewide income tax is increased, in
ten years, people will be less inclined
to move to Fairfield County, and this
in turn will hurt Greenwich and Connecticut economically in the long run.
Mr. Lash brought this kind of
economic conservatism to his tenure
as first selectman, providing our town
with financial stability as well as getting things done. “It‟s difficult to
make hard decisions without financial
necessity,” Lash explained.
He said in an interview with
The Beak that over the course of the
last four years people would come to
him asking for more money on specific town projects, and he would respond “Ok, what do you want me to
cut spending on?” Usually they don‟t
have an answer or reject offered proposals, sometimes even saying “well,
that‟s your job.”
Giving in to all sorts of financial requests would, although they
make him more popular, undermine
the budget and risk the
stability of
the local economy. For him, it became
a balancing act.
Going forward, Mr. Lash‟s
advice to future first selectmen is to
be prepared and don‟t react to all the
headlines. Widespread popularity is
not always a characteristic of a strong
leader.
Getting A RISE Out Of GHS
proached me and asked briefly whether one day, Mr. Capasso pulled me out of invalidate voluntary school desegregaor not I‟d be interested in a new com- class and gave me a little more infor- tion plans; so the mission of RISE has
Editor-In-Chief
mittee that was being developed to mation on the committee and told me its limits.
“Everyone was very conPaige Birnbaum rememcerned when the Supreme Court
bers well her first meeting as a
made their ruling that race couldn't
member of the RISE committee,
be used as a factor for school enrollwhich is a temporary group of parment. However, the RISE commitents and teachers given the task of
tee has been very aware of the posclosing the achievement gap in
sibility of that ruling, so all of our
Greenwich. “I was a little intimiplans abide by it. The superintendated walking into the first meetdent, Betty Sternberg, has been
ing because I was still a little unworking with lawyers to make sure
clear on all the details,” she said.
that all of these plans follow the
“Apparently, most of the people
law,” Paige said. The main thing is
on the committee applied and went
that although race can't be used as a
through a selection process, so
mean to close the achievement gap,
they were a lot more informed
it is a goal that as the gap closes, so
about the purpose of RISE as opwill the racial divide. We are not
posed to my 10 minute briefing in
advocating affirmative action.”
Mr. Capasso's office an hour or so
RISE, for all its hard work,
earlier. Not to mention that I was
has been operating under the radar
the youngest person in a room of
of most students. Although articles
44 perfect strangers.”
on the committee have appeared in
The committee, commisthe Greenwich Time, most high
sioned by the Board of Education,
schoolers are unaware of its exiswas assembled in April of this
tence. “It‟s not just that the students
year and will culminate with procan be apathetic,” says Ms Birnposals to the Board this month
baum. “The entire community at
concerning Racial Imbalance,
times has acted that way. Since I‟m
Space Utilization, and closing the
on the communications subcommitachievement gap.
tee, I see how little people show up
Ms. Birnbaum was the
to the forums, take an interest in
only student selected to be on the http://www.worldaffairsforum.org/
what we are purposing, or know
council, and her task was not easy.
much about RISE at all.”
“The first day we were introduced to help close the achievement gap, and that that afternoon would be the first
Nevertheless, advocates of
the problems of the achievement gap, they were looking for a student repre- meeting.”
racial balance can rest assured that
racial imbalance, and space utilization sentative. He asked if I would be interThe Supreme Court had issued they will always have one young cruproblems. My Contemporary Ameri- ested and I said yes, but a few weeks decisions in two cases (for Seattle and sader in Paige Birnbaum.
can teacher Mr. Harriman had ap- passed and nothing happened. Then, Kentucky school districts) that will
By Benjamin Millstein
News
SPEAKING
TO
THE BEAK
7
Ms. Zeegen
The New Physics Teacher
Jessica Blanton
News Editor
teaching at Western Middle School. I
taught 8 th grade science along with
health and seminar. After 4 years at
WMS, I took 18 months of maternity
leave while my son was born.
Where did you grow up and attend
college?
What made you want to become a
teacher?
I grew up in Toronto, Canada. I got
my Honors Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto and
I received my Masters of Education
at the University of London.
Well, when I was younger, I used
have a lot of summer jobs where I
taught things like sailing, swimming,
and piano, so that's how I got into
teaching. And I've just always been
interested in science.
Where did you teach before coming
to Greenwich High School?
th
October 2007 — THE BEAK —
th
I taught 11 and 12 grade physics at
high schools in Wingham and Toronto, Canada. In 2001, I began
How does GHS compare to WMS?
Well it's definitely a lot bigger, and
the students are more mature.
Are there any differences between
Canadian and American schools?
What are your favorite TV shows/
movies/ music?
In Canada, there's no standardized
testing, so teachers are a lot more
responsible for students' entry into
college.
My favorite TV show is Lost and favorite movie is "The Usual Suspects".
And I really like Justin Timberlake.
Actually, my cell-phone ringer is
"Sexy Back". Whenever the song
comes on the radio, my 4-year-old
daughter always says, "Mom your
phone's ringing!"
What were you like in high school?
What activities did you do?
I played the French horn, and I was in
the school's orchestra and band. I also
sailed for the Canadian Youth Sailing
Team. Later on, I was part of the Canadian National Sailing Team. I'm
now the Assistant GHS Sailing
Coach.
How do you think you'll like it here
at GHS?
I think I'll like it a lot. I've taught
physics before, and I'm definitely
happy to be back teaching.
It’s Signed, It’s Official
Jonathon Agostino
Special Correspondent
The contract has been signed
and handed in at the Greenwich
Town Hall, thus making the On Campus Bocce Court project official. The
Greenwich High School Italian Club
has been working continuously with
the Town and the school for nearly
three years and now they can finally
begin. The on campus bocce court
will be located outside of the DBuilding near the pond and is set to
be complete by mid-year. It will be
the largest project done by the Italian
Club in its 40-run and the largest club
project done on campus in many
years.
“Building
this court will truly
preserve the culture
of Italians.“ said
Julia Marella, an
Italian Language
s t u d e n t .
The bocce
court program has
been led by the
Club‟s President
John
Agostino,
Club Advisor Flora
Mazzucco,
Mr.
Frangione, Nabeel Kurji, Emma
Marr, William Weber, Anthony
Collins and Club members. The club
originally was hoping to finish the
project
by
the
end
of
the 2005
school
year but
failed to
do
so.
A f t e r
m a n y
meetings
the Town
has
fin a l l y
okayed for the construction to begin.
The court may be used by
club members after school and others
interested in learning more about the
classic Italian game. Agostino and
Kurji worked with Mr. Frangione this
past summer to make sure a majority
of the paperwork would be completed
before the beginning of the school
year. “The Italian Club of Greenwich
High School have truly preserved the
Italian culture.” said Michael
Fratello, an Italian Language Student
“ The Club has contributed a lot to
this school the past few years.”
The Italian Club will begin
construction within the next month.
The club meets every Monday after
school in room 517 and anyone who
Come to Thataway for great food and a great time!
409 Greenwich Ave
(203) 622 0947
Www.thatawaycafe.com
8 — THE BEAK — October 2007
Sports
Sports Controversies: Cause For Concern
By Mike Drittel
Sports Editor
$130 million dollar contract, warrants
special consideration.
In August, San Francisco Giant slugger Barry Bonds clubbed his
755th and 756th major league homeruns, tying and surpassing Henry
Aaron for most homeruns all-time.
While Bonds is now the owner of one
of the most coveted records in all of
professional sports, more controversy
is arising with suspicions that Bonds
In a September 9th showdown
with the New York Jets, the New England Patriot head coach, Bill Belichick,
and his coaching staff were accused of
illegally filming the Jets‟ coaching signals during the game. Belichick was
fined the maximum $500,000 and the
Patriots will be
charged a 2008 first
round draft pick if the
team reaches the playoffs, otherwise it will
be a penalty of both a
second and a third
round draft choice.
Arguably the
most dominant franchise of the 21st century, with a stellar
quarterback, Tom
http://www.smidirect.net/images/belichick.jp
Brady, and one of the
most
s u c c e s s f u l Patriots coach Bill Belichick (left) was accused of illecoaches in the sport, gally filming an opponent during a game. Tom Brady
The New England Pa- (right) despite the distractions has led the week
triots‟ stunning legacy through the first two weeks in QB Rating and Compleis now coming under tion Percentage.
attacks of illegitimacy.
achieved his mammoth success with
Last month, Michael Vick, the
the assistance of performance enhancstar quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons,
ing drugs.
pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges
The home run record was not
involving the dog fighting operation he
the starting point of the steroidwas indicted for in July. Vick now
speculation. When the book Game of
faces up to five years in prison for his
Shadows came out in 2006, as Kenrick
responsibility in the Bad Newz KenThomas of Fox Sports reported, Major
nels operation.
League Baseball had to start paying
The Michael Vick scandal,
closer attention to the steroid issue.
involving the gory details of animal
Former slugger Jose Canseco had also
torture and execution, is another low
published a book a year earlier implipoint in an already tumultuous offcating many other superstars in the
field resume.
steroid controversy. CBS News reRecently, Vick was in the meported in a 2005 interview with Candia for supposedly trying to enter an
seco, “Following this story, several of
airplane carrying a water bottle with a
those players, including Mark
marijuana-like odor. Previous to that,
McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro, were
the superstar was caught on camera
called to testify before Congress about
shooting the bird to disgruntled fans in
steroids in baseball.”
his own team‟s stadium. While the
Canseco went after a number
sports world is already familiar with
of celebrities in his book, including
behavioral issues caused by tremenSammy Sosa, who along with
dous public pressure, Vick, with his
McGwire is one of the heroes responsi-
ble for baseball‟s revival in 1998 due
There is something about
to a historic home run chase. He also sports heroes that draw attention from
attacked Alex Rodriguez this season, people. One example is St. Louis Carwhile Rodriguez was in the middle of dinal Rick Ankiel, an ex-pitcher who
one the finer seasons in New York turned too wild to perform. He thus
Yankee history.
went back to the minors recovering
While it is fair to claim that from rotator cuff surgery and learned
professional athletes should have no how to hit. ESPN reported he played in
more expectations to act appropriately 27 games, hit an impressive nine home
than any other American citizen, and runs, drove in 29 runs and batted .316,
that all citizens, athletes or not, should incredible numbers for a former
have to abide by specific laws, there is pitcher. He was a St. Louis favorite,
something to be said for the influence and a national hero, a true underdog
athletes have, particularly on younger story.
fans. EBay.com reported that its secBut not long after, word got
ond most often purchased football jer- out that Ankiel had taken human
sey was that of Michael Vick, one growth hormone, or HGH, during his
place behind Randy Moss, who has recovery. In an article called
also been linked with controversy re- “Exposing Our Dirty Double Stangarding his sportsmanship and mari- dards,” ESPN writer Jayson Stark injuana use.
vestigated the double standard some
The bottom line, however, is fans are willing to put up with for
that many young fans are catching Ankiel because he was, at one time at
passes
in
least, an
their yards
inspiraas
Randy
tional
Moss,
or
a n d
throwing
heart
passes and
warming
running as
story.
Michael
But he
Vick, only
appears
to turn on
to
be
the news to
another
find
their
sports
sports heh e r o
roes are doturned
ing
drugs http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1884210/posts
villain.
and tortur- Michael Vick, star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons With the
ing dogs.
will wait to serve jail time, although the convicted Vick is m a g n i T h e expected to spend at least a year behind bars.
t u d e
sports world
w i t h
is expanding along with the age of in- which sports are being covered by the
formation. ESPN has contributed to the media, it will be increasingly difficult
industry‟s marketability. The news by to find heroes in any sport. It is time
television, radio, print, and internet has that we fans realize that the eras of
enabled the sport fan to have heroes Babe Ruth, Joe Montana, Mickey
and idols outside of his or her home- Mantle, and other 20th century sports
town. With the ability to be analyzed idols has given way to a new era, in
from nearly anywhere at anytime, ath- which controversy overwhelms even
letes are becoming more and more the most compelling or seemingly heworshiped and hence more and more roic athletes.
scrutinized under this pressure.
Field Hockey Team Plans for Victory
Alyssa Caputo
Special Correspondent
Change is the big word this
year when it comes to the Greenwich
Varsity field hockey team. During the
off-season, the outstanding team that
brought home the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference class L
championship for the second time in
school history had to say a few good
byes. But despite the sad loss of extremely talented seniors and the departure of head coach Needham, the
wheels of change are now in motion
and the future looks bright for the
team with a lot of new talent coming
in.
“We lost some great players to
college and have to fill in their spots
on the field, but we have a lot of players that are new to varsity this year
that are playing really well,” said senior tri-captain Courtney LeRose.
In addition to having brand
new teammates, returning players will
now face the challenge of adjusting to
a new coach. Around a month ago,
the Cardinals found out that coach
Needham, who has lead GHS to great
victories during her two years as head
coach, left to take another position at
the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“A few girls had her all three
years we had played,” LeRose said.
“She was a great coach and we miss
her a lot but Dr. Shannon is doing
well and things are coming together.”
Dr. Shannon is definitely not
going to work in Needham‟s
shadow. “Coach Shannon might not
have the experience that Coach
Needham had [on the varsity level],
but he certainly has the effort and
spirit to make up for it” said Kim
O‟Neil, another senior tri-captain. Dr.
Shannon had previously coached the
freshman team.
In order to prepare the girls
for this year, he is having them condition well and is working on the team‟s
weaknesses. The defensive skills especially, mixed with of course shoot-
ing and passing, have all become central focuses at this year‟s practices.
“We have had a few scrimmages and have been able to see in
games what we need to work on and
focus on those aspects in the next
day's practice,” said O‟Neil.
The team has already started coming
together, performing well at these
scrimmages and tying against GA,
Rye High School, and Manhasset and
winning against Taft.
Every player is contributing a
great deal of effort and even in these
early stages certain people are already
shining. Key players on offense are
junior Hana Bowers, senior Emma
Kramer, the final senior tri-captain,
and Annie Rosencrans. Defensive
players Courtney LeRose and Kim
O‟Neil will be expected to perform
well this year if Greenwich is to repeat its recent success.
In addition to those stars, returning teammates include seniors
Lauren Pastore, Ines Sheppard and
goalie Ingrid Smith. Also returning is
sophomore goalie Brooke Cabrera
Already promising new players include seniors Ashleigh Cameron
and Brooks Walker, juniors Luz Alcedo and Melanie Lee, and sophomores Sarah Kramer, Taylor Stafford
and Storm Kodde.
With the devotion, effort, and
hard work each of these girls brings to
the team, Greenwich can look forward
to another successful season. While it
may be difficult to meet the high expectations set for this season, the GHS
Cardinals are always up to the
task. Winning is part of the culture
here at Greenwich High and this
year‟s Varsity field hockey team expects to fit in perfectly.
“I think that if we work really
hard in the game and play like we
want to win that we can,” LeRose
said. “This season can be a successful
one as long as we always practice and
play hard.”
Sports
October 2007 — THE BEAK —
9
GHS Football Team Anticipates Another Successful
By Ryan Chou
Sports Editor
this year, notably in the defensive
line, a troop of new juniors has come
to step in the empty shoes, with players such as Willy Mchale, Robby
Catalano, and Matt Grant playing larger roles.
Despite the confidence and
plethora of new players, the team still
feels that they have some things to
work on, such as conditioning, as well
as defense. They also feel that they
will have some tough competition this
After taking the LL CIAC
championship and the FCIAC championship last year with a record of 121, the Cardinals, led
by Coach Albonizio,
are on the move
again. The captains,
Chris Bisanzo, Jim
Dunster, Jonathan
Meyers, and Phil
Catalano, all feel
that their team is
destined for success.
“We are pressured,
but we can live up to
our reputation as the
Greenwich Cardinals,” said Captain
Chris Bisanzo, in
response to whether
they would face any
difficulty as a result
of their successes
last year. The reasons for such confidence are aplenty.
“The team is
hardworking, and
that equates vicPhotos Courtesy of Juliana Collamer
tory,” Bisanzo replied. “We have a lot
Big Red Stretching It Out
of seniors on the
team, and we have
New quarterback Tucker Staf- year in the form of such rivals as
that camaraderie and teamwork. (The ford has also impressed some of the Stamford and Staples.
coaches‟) record speaks for them- captains. “He‟s a good leader, and
“We ready… we ready…”
selves. Our coaches can make us do he‟s pretty tall,” said captain Jim was the aptly put rebuttal to any linthings that no other coaches can.”
Dunster, echoing thoughts shared by gering doubts about the upcoming
Despite the fact that the team his fellows.
games.
did lose many players to graduation
In addition to the normal
FCIAC and State tournaments, the
Greenwich football team is also heading to Florida to play against Naples
High School. This is one of the few
times that a Greenwich team will
leave Connecticut and
play out of state
“It‟s an expensive trip. Only the best
of our players will be
able to go, and we‟ll
just take it game by
game. We‟re going to
win big, it‟s the first
time we‟ve been out of
state, and we hope to be
there,” Tucker stated.
The players,
when asked to describe
the upcoming season as
tersely as possible, felt
that such words as
“ V i c t o r y , ”
“Perserverence,” and
“Go Big or Go Home”
accurately described
their situaton.
Whatever happens this season, the
players have great
hopes for the future.
Jim Dunster is already
committed to play football for the University
of North Carolina, and
other seniors have expressed interest
in other schools including currently
top ranked University of Southern
California.
10 — THE BEAK — October 2007
Features
Student Resource Officer Arrives At GHS
Frank Rinaldi
Features Editor
There are many new faces
this year at Greenwich high school:
the freshman class, new housemasters,
guidance counselors, and teachers. One new face is especially
unique: School Resource Officer Carlos Franco. This is the first year that
Greenwich High School will have a
school resource officer and many students are curious about exactly who
Officer Franco is, what his responsibilities will be, and what authority he
has.
Many students may be wary
of the idea of a permanent police presence at Greenwich High School. In
response, Officer Franco has made it
clear that his primary duties as a
school resource officer are not to
make arrests or to spy on the students. Rather he views his new job as
a better way to introduce the Greenwich police force to the teenagers of
Greenwich, CT.
Office Franco hopes to present a more favorable image of the
police department. He will be available for counseling and guidance, not
to make arrests or act as an intimidating force. There have already been a
few incidents in which he has enabled
students who could have been arrested
to follow a different course of punishment. However, he has made it clear
that “if [an arrest] is needed it will be
done.”
Another side of Officer
Franco‟s job is to be a teacher. He the Greenwich Police Department for
can be a guest speaker when requested over a decade and is fluent in Spanish
on a wide range of issues from law and can communicate in Portuguese
and enforcement to drugs and alco- and Italian. These skills cannot be
hol. His experience as a police officer overstated in a school as diverse as
makes him a valuable source of guid- Greenwich High School. He will be
ance to students. He believes that able to reach out to a wide range of
informing
the stustudents
d e n t
about the
body.
law and
In prepaits penalration for
ties can
this job,
help them
Officer
to avoid
Franco
trouble
attended a
that many
one week
may not
training
have even
session in
known
Minnethey were
s o t a ,
getting
w h i c h
t h e m focused
selves
mainly on
into. For
how
to
example,
underhaving a
stand and
fake govwork with
ernment
both stuOfficer Franco flashes that winning smile
ID is a
dents and
in his office at GHS.
major felparents.
ony that could lead to extensive jail Officer Franco was instructed in a
t
i
m
e
. wide range of areas such as juvenile
Five candidates vied for this law, family and domestic issues, speposition nally. Mr. Capasso stated that cial needs students, psychology and
were all very well qualified, but Offi- communication. He views the traincer Franco was selected because of his ing he received as a great experience
extensive experience in both the po- which will aid him in this new role.
lice force and the Hispanic commuThe big controversy with
nity. He has been a sworn member of this program stems from the presence
of guns in school. As a member of
the Greenwich Police Force, Officer
Franco is required to be armed when
on duty.
Fortunately, the outcry
against this has not been large. Last
year two youth police officers were
working within the school and Mr.
Capasso said that he did not receive a
single complaint. Furthermore, both
he and Officer Franco have said that
they received nothing but positive
feedback from the students, parents,
and community at large meeting regarding the SRO program.
While his qualifications are
unquestionable, many may wonder
what one officer can really do in a
school as large as Greenwich High
School. To address this concern it is
important to look back on what the
purpose of the SRO program is: it is
not to establish a strict police presence, but rather to provide another
resource for guidance and support and
to create a better relationship between
the police and students.
So while Officer Franco will
not single-handedly weed out all of
the illegal actions that occur at GHS,
it is important to realize that this was
never the goal. His goal is to reach
out to as many students as possible
and create valuable, helpful relationships with students.
Officer Franco will surely be
an excellent addition to our school
faculty, and all of us here at The Beak
would like to personally welcome him
to GHS and wish him the best of luck
in his first year!
Speaking With The New SRO, Mr. Franco
Jay Polansky
Online Editor
and
Ryan Haid
Business Manager
This year Greenwich High School has
added a permanent police presence in
the form of a Student Resource Officer (SRO). Mr. Carlos Franco was
selected for this job, and recently The
Beak had a chance to sit down and
speak with him.
Many people have the perception
that an SRO is merely a police officer. How is an SRO different?
Well, it's sort of like a triangle in the
sense that I am an officer, as well as a
counselor and a teacher. As a teacher,
I want to hold classes about drug
awareness, abuse, alcohol awareness,
anything like that. As a law enforcement officer, if someone breaks the
law, he has to deal with the consequences. But, if we can get around the
law…not get around it, but work at it
and come up with an different solution, then we have a thing called police discretion, when we can take another approach to the situation.
In what occupations have you previously worked with young adults?
Occupation-wise, I was a fireman, and
taught fire/safety classes. I also
coached baseball and basketball for
younger kids, but I prefer working
with teenagers.
Do you have kids of your own?
Yes, I have two kids, but I like to
keep my personal life personal.
Do you take the Artistolean view
that human beings are inherently
good-natured and virtuous, or do
you lean towards a Calvinist analysis of human
nature
that
sees people as
essentially evil
and that believes people
must struggle
to
overcome
their
weaknesses?
[Laughs] That
is a textbook
question, right
there. I treat
people the way they treat me. My belief is that they are good-natured; and
given the right opportunity, people
can be okay. That's what I live by.
ing with young adults. I want to make
a difference, and I know it's hard
growing up in this town. There's a big
gap between the youth and the Greenwich Police Department. You hold a
negative enmity towards us, with
speeding tickets, the avenue, always
in the negative. But the problem is,
we have a job to do, and it's your parents complaining to
us, and we
have to react on that,
and if we
don't, then
we're
not
doing our
jobs.
“I took the SRO because
I really do enjoy working with young adults. I
want to make a difference, and I know it's
hard growing up in this
town.”
What motivated you to become a
police officer? Why did you apply
for this position?
All right, we're going to get corny
now. I was a fireman at first, and I
always liked to help people. If I could
help one person out of 100, and I
make a difference, then it's great. It's
within me to help people. I took the
SRO because I really do enjoy work-
How
do
you think
people react when they see you? How do you
want them to react?
So far, there has been a lot of positive
feedback among the students. A lot.
Shocking, actually. I want them to see
me not as a security guard. I'm here as
a counselor, teacher, a mentor someone they can talk to. I like to be on a
first name basis. Just don't disrespect
me, and I won't disrespect you.
Tell us about your training experience in Minnesota. Exactly what
sort of training did you undergo to
become an SRO?
That was an eye opener. I went to St.
Paul for a week for a class that went
from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. It covered juvenile law, juvenile psychology. Hopefully, it will
help me do a good job here.
GHS is well known for its academic
success, but at the same time is notorious for some of its mischievous
students. What expectations did you
have of GHS, before coming into
the position?
What I heard most about is the free
time you guys have in the student center, outside the campus, and you get
into "silly" problems. Things that you
can easily take a step back and avoid,
but for some reason, you get into it
anyway. If you can understand where
we're coming from at the police department, and work that relationship,
then we can deal with those problems.
Certain acronyms have multiple
meanings here at GHS. SRO, for
example, stands for 'Student Resource Officer', but it also signfies
'Standing Room Only', the senior
show. Do you plan on making a
'guest appearance' on the show?
[Chuckles] Actually, I just got something today for the Septemberfest [...]
I'm not much of an actor, but I can
throw on a light switch, open up a
curtain, I could do something like
that. But acting is not my forte, so
we'll see.
Features
P.D.A. Pandemic
Hits Home!
By Monika Walker
Special Correspondent
If an alien visited Greenwich High, the first thing it would
ask would be why the student body
was constantly eating each other's
faces. Someone would have to explain; "Couples. Just don't run into
them while they're face-devouring
and you'll be fine" They're everywhere — under the stairwells, in
every corner of the hallways, teen
love follows you everywhere you go.
Just when you think you've found
solace in the girls bathroom, there
they are! They also love making out
smack dab in the middle of the hallway, because it is so romantic to
block the entire student body from
getting to the science wing.
Couples aren't all bad, though.
They have the ability to restore people’s faith back into the human
race. An example of such a couple
are Jake (11 th grade) and Karen
(10th grade), who have been dating
for eight-and-a-half months, which
after giggling a bit, they were able
to tell me without hesitation. Their
relationship easily survived the
summer heat, and it is headed for a
long future. I asked Jake if he
would still go out with Karen if she
cut off all her hair and dyed the
fuzz leftover green; he stared at me
blankly for a few seconds while
Karen sniggered next to him. Eventually he smiled and said, "Yes, if
she had a reason…" I left the two
still in giggles over the last question,
and moved on to my next victims.
I cornered two kids in the student center who seemed like they
were having a bit of alone time together and cut in, promptly asking
if they would answer a couple of
questions for the Beak. They stared
at me, so I took that as a cue to continue. "How long have you been
dating?" They kept staring at me
blankly and glanced, embarrassed,
at each other. "You're not dating,
are you?" I asked. "Uh…no..." was
the reply I received. I found myself
in a fairly awkward situation, so I
apologized and quickly shuffled
away, torn between bursting out
with laughter and putting on a
dunce cap.
Later, I caught Luke and Diana,
both sophomores, together for the
entire third lunch. I asked them if
What Does Crunk
Mean To You?
By Dan Silkman
Special Correspondent
When asked what the word
“crunk” means to you, what might
you say? In recent interviews, we had
the opportunity to find out. A few
students thought they knew the meaning, while others could merely speculate. Junior brothers Bruno and Ismaels Canales took a stab at the
October 2007 — THE BEAK —
The New Face Of Folsom
By Connie Huang
Special Correspondent
they would answer a couple of questions for an article about couples.
Luke grinned and said, "What
makes you think we're dating?"
Diana laughed along with me. It's
refreshing to see how aware they
were of their togetherness, considering they've only been dating for
three months. Before I could even
get to the end of the "if she shaved
her head and dyed it green" question, Luke cut in with a grinning
"yes." Judging from this it can be
concluded that couples at Greenwich High are dedicated. Unfortunately however, I only interviewed
three couples. Many of my attempts
turned out like this:
The dawn of August 30 brings
two things—the end of summer, and
the beginning of a new school year.
For some, returning to Greenwich
High School has brought few changes
and the day crawls on as slowly as it
ever had; for new students, the high
school is a labyrinth of confusing halls
filled with frightening teachers and
students. But not all the new people in
the school are students—Ms. Martha
Zornow, the new Folsom Housemaster
is a perfect example.
The Beak was assuredly there to
provide an inside look at the mysterious new face of Folsom House. In the
interview I learned many new and exciting things about Mrs. Zornow. That
Me: Hi, do you mind if ask you a interview is included below:
couple of questions for The Beak?
Q: Hello. As you know, Ms. Zornow, I
Them: *sucking noise*
Me: I don’t mean to interrupt, work for The Beak. It certainly would
but I would really appreciate it if you be a pleasure to hear what you think
could help me with my story before about this school. After all, you are
quite new, is that correct?
class starts.
Them: *sucking noise*
Me: So how long have you been A: Very new.
dating?
Q: So, that being the case, what do
Them: *sucking noise*
you think of GHS so far?
Me: What are your names?
Them: *sucking noise*
A: Well, I‟ve been here since July 2,
Me: Thanks for your time.
Them: Can you please get out of and even in that short span of time,
I‟ve been quite impressed at how
here?
many opportunities are offered to the
Judging from the plunger students through clubs, electives etc.
sounds in the hallway, the summer
heat has produced many teen-love
filled dramas. Whether you love
them, or they make you want to
throw up your chocolate chip pancakes, couples are everywhere. So
we wish all of the couples the best of
luck as we watch you wander
through the hallways, hand in
hand, gazing into each other's eyes
as the sweet sunset lights up the
glass hallway, gently kissing in the
breeze. HEY. NO. WE ARE NOT
JEALOUS AT ALL. SHUT UP!!
11
Q: And now the dark side of the
moon—is there anything that could
use improvement that you have seen?
A: Back to the opportunities for students. I think that administrators could
do a better job to find activities for
students, as freshmen and new students might feel shy about clubs. It
would be great to see clubs reaching
out to students even more then they
are now. I mean, they are a real plus
for everything—they‟re fun and rewarding and also look good on college
applications. Just joining any clubs
you like would set the colleges and
universities off saying, „Wow, this is
one cool kid!‟
To return to the point, couples
are always going to be there
whether you like it or not. Good
luck to Jake and Karen, Tito and
Noel, Luck and Diana and all the
other adorable pairs scattered Q: Right you are, Ms. Zornow. Your
throughout the student body. Let's favorite thing about this school, behope the fall coolness doesn't chill sides the student opportunities is…?
any of the hot summer lovin'!
A: That‟s an easy one. I‟d have to say
that the best thing for me while I‟ve
been here is the energy. All the stu-
dents and teachers and even the building exudes this energy that we didn‟t
have before school. It‟s like someone
popped a cork on the first day!
Q: So, care to move onto the touchier
subjects?
A: Please.
Q: Homework—Too much? Too little?
What’s your view?
A: Well, I think homework is something that nobody sees eye to eye on. I
think that homework is necessary in
some cases only to reinforce things
students learn in class, to help understanding and thinking; homework is
not something that should be given
just for the sake of giving it.
Q: Well put. What about school
hours? Although we’ve learned to live
with it, many people think that school
simply begins too early.
A: I don‟t think students should have
to wake up earlier than this. Even
now, the mornings are hard on their
body clocks, and I admire the people
who actually manage to get to school
despite all this.
Q: Well, you’ve made it very clear
that homework and sheer hours of
work are not the most important
things for a student to have. So tell
me, what is?
A: A willingness to take academic
risks is an important part of being a
student. Also, trying hard and working
hard to learn are important as well.
With these ingredients, a student is
sure to succeed.
Q: Do you have any goals in particular for this year?
A: Yes, just one. I wish that all students here could feel at home and connected with the high school.
Q: …Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I‟m hoping to get to know all of
my students! Come say hi to me when
I‟m standing outside the house in the
mornings!
Q: Will do. Thank you for your time,
Ms. Zornow, it’s been a pleasure.
A: The pleasure‟s all mine.
word‟s definition.
“Crunk...? Like...crunk….” It least they gave it a try. Some people man Kevin Trierweiler thought he
was apparent Bruno had no clue.
knew for sure: “Crunk means „to
“Crunk?‟” The other brother
be highly intoxicated, while doing
stared at the ceiling, trying to
crazy things.‟” Truly, a profesthink of a response.
sional definition.
“Oh, I got it,” Bruno sudYou‟ve heard it straight from
denly exclaimed, “like „crunk up
the kids, but were they right? Hot
the volume!‟”
f r o m u r b a n d i c t i o n a r y. c o m ,
“Naw man, you‟re thinking
“crunk” simply means “crazy
of „crank up the volume.‟ Crunk
drunk.” It‟s also a type of hip-hop
is a nickname.”
music, commonly used by Lil‟
“A nickname?” asked Bruno
John, and first used by Three 6
http://www.mtv.com/content/
incredulously, “No, you‟d say „I
Mafia. But, please, whatever you
music/best_of/2006/images/
crunked up the volume.‟”
do, don’t get crunk n‟ drive...
Lil’ Jon Keeping the Legacy Alive
The Canales brothers couldn‟t
agree on what the term meant, but at simply could not figure it out. Fresh-
12 — THE BEAK — October 2007
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