Revamped pep-rally brings the spirit

Talon
he
November 2008
The Official Student Newspaper of Sharon High School Since 2005
04
07
Gossip hurts
more than just
reputations
Student
pressure
builds
Sharon High School held its first
ever athletic events under the lights
on October 23rd and 24th. in front of
large crowds.
The lights added excitement to
both games and gave Sharon a taste
of what Friday Night Lights games
are all about.
On Thursday, the soccer team
lost 2-1 to Canton while the football
team was defeated by Foxboro 48-2.
Despite the losses, reaction to the
night games was favorable.
“I thought both games were
positive turnouts. There were a
lot of kids supporting our teams
and generated school spirit,” said
Athletic Director Bob Sondheim.
Many students agree and say
that the lights should be used more.
According to Sondheim, the cost per
game to rent the lights was $1,000
for the first night and $1,995 for the
football game.
“People were excited. I mean
it was our first night game…ever.
How could we not be pumped,”
said senior Patrick O’Brien.
“Not only would we like to have
more night games next year but I am
very optimistic of the school getting
permanent lights because of all the
excitement and school spirit it led
to,” added Mr. Libano.
The power of
media on the
election
Revamped pep-rally brings the spirit
Thursday
night lights
Lee Sullivan
Photo Editor
08
Jeff Fenichel
Correspondent
The many changes made
to the 2008 Homecoming
pep rally were met with
mixed reviews.
The high school band
supplied the music instead
of DJ Mr. Blanchet. Teachers
donned personalized jerseys.
The Superfan results were
revealed. Sports teams were
acknowledged but only the
football team was brought out onto
the floor.
As students entered the
gymnasium, their ears met the
sounds of flutes, drums, trumpets,
saxophones, and clarinets playing
“Crazy Train”, “Iron Man”, and Oye
Como Va”.
Some did not like the musical
change. “It made a bad pep rally
worse,” said senior Ethan Richman.
“The fact that there was no
DJ made awkward silences more
awkward,” commented senior Daisy
Joo.
On a positive note, around
100 members of the faculty,
administration, and staff purchased
personalized maroon football
jerseys. Each jersey costs $35.
Some teachers got very creative
with their numbers and names on
their jerseys. Mr. Manny wore
number 99 and the jersey said
“Being Manny” on the back, a
reference to ex-Red Sox slugger
Manny Ramirez.
Instead of a number. Mr. Sonis’
jersey said “Ocho Cinco” across the
stomach, a reference is to the name
change of Cincinnati
Bengal’s wide receiver
Chad Johnson.
Many of the science
and math teachers had
references to constants
such as gravity. Mr.
Schoonmaker wore
9.8 on his jersey, the
acceleration due to
gravity. Dr. Cho wore
16.00, the mass of
Oxygen.
Some
students
expressed disapproval
at the teachers’ jerseys. “I thought
they were a little corny. I still
respect the school spirit though,”
said senior Rudy Eiland.
Others thought the jerseys were
a good choice. “I was a fan. It gave
me one Sharon team to be proud
of,” said senior Matt Birnbaum.
“I thought it was a great idea.
It helped the faculty feel united in
their support of the Homecoming,”
said Ms. Roberto.
continued on page 4
Social experiment to become
reality at SHS
Felicia Cohen
Correspondent
It is human nature to form cliques
and group with people who seem
most like you, but on November
thirteenth students will be coming
out of their comfort zones.
Sharon High school will be
among the ten thousand schools
participating nationally in ‘Mix It
Up Day’.
‘Mix It Up Day’ will take place in
the cafeteria, a place where cliques
stick together more than ever. Half
of the lunch tables in the cafeteria
will be set up by birth month,
giving any students who sit there
something in common.
Students will not be required
to sit at the birthday tables, and
are allowed to come and go as
they please. Although there will
be no pressure to sit at the ‘mixed
up’ tables, one hundred percent of
student participation is aspired.
It is unrealistic to expect that
‘Mix It up Day’ will eliminate
cliques, but the goal is that it will
broaden connections between
groups, and take away mystique
that make alien groups seem
intimidating.
“I think ‘Mix It Up Day’ is a great
idea, especially for new students,”
said Bhavin Desai, a junior. “It’s a
chance to meet new people, and it’s
only for one day so I wouldn’t mind
doing it.”
The official ‘Mix It Up Day’
only takes place once a year, but
why shouldn’t students break free
from groups, labels and stereotypes
more often?
‘Mix It Up Day’ supporter, Vice
Principal Mary Trahan, says “‘Mix
It Up Day’ should be fun, why do
it only once a year? It opens up
Questions? Comments? E-mail The Talon at [email protected]
continued on page 2
News
November, 2008
Issue 2, Volume IV
Fitness facility
design released
Capital improvements
proposed
Arielle Reiter
Managing Editor
administration has decided to re“In any community, the high place all the numbers on the doors.
school is always the flagship,” said No longer will there be the homeprincipal Jose Libano. Sharon High made, decorated number signs
School has a talented student body, outside the doors (sorry teachers!)
Many SHS students are exa wonderful faculty, but a less than
cited
for the potential arrival
adequate building. To improve this
end, the administration has proposed of these new numbers, and the
two new capital improvement proj- confusion they will eradicate.
“I am so excited to get new numects and researched a dozen others.
Capital improvement projects
are projects that cost more than
$10,000 and whose items have a
lifespan of greater than five years.
These are funded by a town account
that funds various town departments. Collectively, all the Sharon
public schools receive $700,000
-$1,000,000 a year for their projects.
The first project in the works is
the boys’ locker room. The number
of lockers will be upped from 108 to
178 and there will be an additional 9
benches. According to Libano, the
new locker room will improve the
already great sports and physical education programs at the high school.
The girls’ locker room, already
with a surplus of space and lockers,
is receiving a new coat of electrostatic paint on its lockers as well.
The second project being discussed is new signage in the school.
Finally, after several years, the
bers on the doors! I will finally know
where I am!” said excited senior,
Jessie Handler. “I won’t accidentally walk into the girls’ bathroom anymore,” added senior Dan Novick.
While these projects are immediately on the table, there are numerous other projects being explored.
The first are internal improvements such as replacing furniture,
redesigning the TV studio, updating the foreign language lab, and
getting new flooring in the 600s.
Outdoor projects include a new
electronic SHS sign, renovating
the greenhouse, resurfacing the
track, repaving the tennis courts,
and adding solar panels to the roof.
“If we had solar panels, we
could create our own energy and
use it efficiently,” said Libano.
“The end result is making
the high school a better place
for everyone,” said Libano.
Social experiment
continued from page 1
it only once a year? It opens up
communications. Even I learn a lot
about a student from talking to them
informally.”
Trahan also has plans to make
‘Mix It Up Day’ affect the whole
school day, not only lunch. She has
created surveys to fill out in math
classes, essay and discussion topics
about division and discrimination,
in English and History classes, and
other class activities to help bring
people together.
The students who went to the
Teen Speak Out on October twentyseventh showed a lot of interest
in ‘Mix It Up Day’, to attempt to
bring the students of Sharon High
together.
Sharon Middle School has been
a part of ‘Mix It Up Day’ in recent
years, and many of the students
who went to Teen Speak Out have
participated in it before.
“I don’t think “Mix It Up Day’
will be helpful at our school,” says
junior Elizabeth Aspinwall. “When
we did it in middle school nobody
followed it. I think everyone will
end up sitting with their friends.”
‘Mix It Up Day’ has taken place
in over forty-three thousand schools
total, and all age levels had taken a
part. The program also gives money
to schools that need extra help to
become united.
The Talon, Page 2
Felicia Cohen
Correspondent
Finally the ball has started
rolling on constructing a new fitness
facility that has been in speculation
for years.
The School Committee already
approved the idea of a new work
out building. The building will
be freestanding behind the gym.
Once the final design is done,
the last step before construction
would be gaining the permission
of Superintendent Dr. Barbara
Dunham.
$56,000 has been set aside to
spend on a new building. None
of the money has come from the
school budget, instead from the
Sharon Booster Club and Mr.
Sondheim, the athletic director.
Sondheim has been selling the
banners in the gym, and outside
on the baseball field and track to
families and businesses for the past
six years. The price of the banners
ranged from $300 to $600.
When the program was started, all
profits were set aside into a separate
account solely for the building of a
new weight room. However, since
the budget cuts two years ago,
all funding goes to the athletic
department in general, not specific
projects. The cut has slowed down
the process of the building, as well
as the lack of an architect.
“The football and wrestling teams
will be primarily the ones who
will benefit from it [a new work
out building], along with a few
other athletes,” said Sondheim, “It
would be open to all students, as
well as staff if they want to use it.”
The current work out garage has
the same open access policy, but
it is rare to see a student taking
0
advantage of the weight room
if they are not on a sports team.
Since our funds are limited, and the
cost of a new building expensive,
all new equipment seems out of the
question. Health centers and gyms
often turn over equipment in a year
or two; so most machinery will be
donated.
To try and qualify the school for
new equipment, Sondheim plans on
applying for a Carol White Physical
Education Program Grant. PEP
grants are used to access otherwise
impossible funds for new supplies,
and training. The new fitness facility
will hopefully be up and running by
next summer.
“A new weight room would
significantly help the wrestling
team,” says Coach Jeff Sonis, “The
team is undersized.”
“The new facility will be three to
four times the size of the current one,”
added Sondheim, “It will include
cardiovascular equipment as well as
free weights and machinery normal
gyms would use. We’ll try to max
out on the best stuff that we can get
for the kids and staff of the school.”
Kevin Duffy, a junior on the
football team, also thinks a new
weight room would help the sports
team. “A new weight room would
help the football team because we
could bulk up, our team could get
bigger and would help compete
with other team,” he said.
Teammate Ross Friedman is
skeptical “I’ve been hearing about
getting a weight room for like seven
years yet I see no weight room; only
a garage.
A new weight room would help
the team tremendously, so stop
saying you’re going to build one if
you aren’t,” he said.
By the numbers...
students out of 51 polled (one Freshman class and one Junior Class)
knew what the school’s mission statement, REACH, stood for.
1
successful collaborative effort made by the polled junior class
to determine the acronym of REACH—Respect, Empower, Achieve,
Create, Honor.
2
points scored by the Sharon football team against Foxboro, their
highest point total against the bad boys in blue since 2006. Career, the
Eagles are 8-29 against Foxboro and have scored 430 points. The points
were scored on a botched 2-point conversion, which was recovered by
Scott McPherran for a 98-yard return.
2950
dollars spent on lighting for the Thursday soccer game
and the Friday night football game. For more information, read Lee
Sullivan’s article on page 1.
Op-Ed
October, 2008
Staff Editorial:
An “exclusive” look at the pep-rally
The Talon, Page 3
Issue II, Volume IV
XKCD:
Election
Here at The Talon, we love school spirit. And we love
having all our periods shortened by 12 minutes, which
may be the main reason why SHS looks forward to the
pep-rallies. Well of course, there’s also the showcasing
of fall teams such as field hockey, football, girl’s soccer,
boys’ soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, cross country,
sailing, and golf. But this year, we were struck square
on our melons when we saw only one team represented
at the pep rally.
While some see football as the epitome of all school
sports, other sports are just as-if not more-deserving of
recognition. Congratulations on playing for the pride
of the school for an entire season from the hot summer
through the cold, and the crunchy fall leaves! You are
special. Now take a bow and sit back down next to the
other teams.
While it may be typical at most schools to only
recognize the football team, we need come to terms
with who we are at Sharon High School. As we have
done in the past, several members from different teams
should participate equally in the pep rally. Students
remember members of the girls soccer team racing in
an obstacle course against girls from the field hockey
team. Mix it up. This way, the full range of fall sports
can be recognized.
At The Talon, we are dedicated to representing
diversity here at SHS. So, if you didn’t see your team
recognized at the pep rally, you can bet you’ll see your
team recognized on our sports pages.
THE TALON
Editorial Board
Editors-in-Chief
Erin Doniger and Bert Connelly
Managing Editor
Arielle Reiter
Online Editor
Alejandro Escobar
Op-ed Editor
Nathan Meserve
Feature Editor
Hallie Kruger
Sports Editor
Jake Abrams
A&E Editor
Tina Kazan
Photo Editor
Lee Sullivan
Editorial Cartoonist
Ben Noel
courtesy of Randall Munroe at xkcd.com
A stupefying look
at going green:
How SHS is changing the world,
one greenhouse at a time
Bert Connelly
Editor in Chief
As an ignorant senior in high
school and an avid supporter of
the liberal media, I found myself
dumbfounded by the latest trendgoing green. “What is it?” I ask
myself. No answer. It seemed as
though my own brain would be of
no use in this matter, so I was forced
to turn to the deep dark dungeons of
the Internet for a response.
Wikipedia’s
entry
on
“Environmentally
friendly”
reads as follows, “Environmental
friendly, eco-friendly, and nature
friendly are synonyms used to refer
to goods and services considered
to inflict minimal harm on the
environment.”
“That sounds phenomenal,” I
said to no one in particular, “What
steps is Sharon High taking to
contribute?” I did a little digging
(PUN) and found my answer in
the form of a greenhouse. Yes, you
heard it here first, Sharon High
School has its very own greenhouse
complete with tree. And while that
tree may be dying-or dead-it isn’t
clear, the very fact that we have a
tree speaks volumes of the progress
we have made as an institution.
The greenhouse is located in the
courtyard between the 200’s and
300’s hallway and is filled with a
single, overgrown, underfed, shrub
of a tree. The tree has been in that
same spot, presumably, since the
school’s opening in 1956 and has
been, presumably, fed thrice.
But why go green if you aren’t
going to tell anyone about it? It was
my understanding that the very nature
of this “green initiative” was to toot
your own horn. The greenhouse has
existed for decades and not a soul
is aware of it. Stubborn as always,
Senior Ethan Richman is adamant,
“It doesn’t exist.” When confronted
with visual proof that the greenhouse
was, in fact, existent, Ethan went on
to mumble curse words under his
breath, none of which are fit to print
in this publication.
Greenhouse: Check. Where
do we go from here? Aside from
refurbishing this greenhouse, a
project apparently underway, the
school has its work cut out for
it. Mayhap gas-powered lights at
sporting events improved school
spirit, but it certainly did not help
our carbon footprint, whatever that
is.
Poll Question:
Do you know what R.E.A.C.H.
stands for?
Yes
No
Dece
Submit your
response by
placing the slip in
the dropbox in the
600’s wing
Op-Ed
November 2008
Issue II, Volume IV
The Pressure cooker- welcome to high school
Gilad Haas
Contributor
SAT, ACT, PSAT, MCAS, finals,
midyears, essays, tests, quizzes,
homework, college applications,
parents, friends. If I could categorize
these, it would most certainly be
under “pressure.”
Many kids have the same routine
for the whole year: sleep, school,
extra curriculars, and homework.
I am sure that every kid reading
this is nodding his or her head and
smiling (or grimacing) because it is
exactly what they do everyday for
four years.
Pressure from parents is the
worst. We want to make them proud
and live up to their expectationsespecially in an affluent town such
as Sharon. Many of our parents are
successful people, and living up to
their expectations isn’t as easy as
they think it is. But the yelling and
punishments are sometimes what
lead us to “meltdowns.”
Doctors recommend teenagers
get eight to ten hours of sleep.
Most of us do not even get eight
hours of sleep. After we finish our
never-ending homework, we have
household chores and of course
those TV shows we all watch
religiously.
Sophomore Eric Bennett said,
“[I usually don’t get enough sleep],
but it depends on the amount of
homework I have that night and if
I have any tests the next day. It’s
stressful to go to sleep when you
have an exam on your mind.”
Most people don’t hate school
itself- they just hate waking up. It
has never made sense to me that
the older we get, the earlier school
starts. And the older we get, the
more sleep we need.
East Elementary starts at 8:50
and we start at 7:30. How would
you like to wake up an hour later?
Fifty-five percent of students
polled at SHS said that they would
rather wake up an hour later, even
though their athletics and extra
curricular activities would start
later.
Senior Matt Birnbaum said,
“I find myself going to sleep very
late at night and then I can’t focus
in class. I try to just keep one eye
open during classes to avoid those
embarrassing moments when I fall
asleep.”
David Zabinsky, a sophomore
at SHS, feels differently, “I would
rather keep school the way it is
now, because then there is more
time in the afternoon to play sports,
do homework, and hangout with
friends.”
The first two periods of the day
are the “waking up” periods, and
if we are too busy waking up, then
we are most definitely not paying
attention. Not paying attention in
class leads to lower grades, which
leads to more pressure and more
stress.
If students could wake up
in the morning and actually feel
rejuvenated and ready for a new
day, then a lot more people would
be focused in the classroom.
Another pressure cooker is how
we are always worrying about what
our friends think about us. We are
constantly worrying that one of
our friends is gossiping behind our
backs and sometimes that will lead
us to put on a guise rather than being
true to ourselves. We will buy more
expensive clothes, work out more,
or do stupid things that we would
never have done previously.
Pressure is an interesting thing.
No matter what we do in life, we
will never fully escape it. We
can always get better, and there is
always room for improvement.
The Talon, Page 4
Pep Rally continued from page 1
A major change to the pep
rally was the substitution of
“Superfans”
for
Homecoming Kings and Queens. This new change received a great
deal of praise. “It showed a lot of
school spirit and that people actually
care about the school,” said senior
Superfan winner Joe Schindelar.
In honor of the Homecoming football game the following
day, Saturday October 18, only
the football team was brought
out onto the floor. All fall sports
teams, however, dressed up and
stood up when they were called.
A select few football players including captains Jamie McCue, Jamie Harding, Kevin Pollard, and Austin Gomes, played
touch football against the teachers.
“I thought the pep rally was much
more spirited than last year,”
said senior Alyssa Greenberg.
“This year we tried to start
some new traditions and maintain
some older ones. Based on the
feedback, some things worked but
some things did not work as well.
It is a work in progress. We are
always open to any ideas and suggestions. Overall, it was the most
spirited Homecoming week I have
seen in a long time,” said Ms. Turner, the head of Student Council.
Economic Crisis impacts students
Tina Kazan
A&E Editor
The Wall Street crisis has
impacted the United States economy
drastically. While parents are trying
to find ways to keep up with their
mortgages and bills, students may
feel the pinch as well.
The average cost range from
$23,712 for a four-year public
school and $61,850 for a four-year
private school, according to College
Board.
“College tuition is at an all
time high, and because of the
financial crisis banks are hesitant
to give student loans. As a result,
fewer students will be able to attend
college,” said psychology teacher,
Mrs. Murphy.
Even if students are able to attend
college, they will be overwhelmed
with college loans.
“Students will be bombarded
with huge debt and interest when
they graduate college and will have
a hard time paying it back,” said
Mrs. Murphy.
The average debt following
a four-year college education is
$20,000 or higher, according to the
Boston Globe.
“Students will be working to
pay off their loans for twenty to
thirty years and it will impact their
chance of living the American
dream,” added Murphy.
Students need to think about
their future and start acting now.
By putting some money aside and
talking with their parents, students
can begin to plan out their course of
action.
“The most important lesson
students need to get out of this
crisis is the value of money,” said
Mrs. Murphy. Students can cut back
on unnecessary spending and put
money aside.
Clothing stores such as
Abercrombie and American Eagle
have noticed a 5% to 11% decrease
in sales, according to their retail
portfolios. While stores like
Wal-Mart and Target’s sales are
increasing.
“Teens will be impacted in
regards to extra money they can
spend towards food, clothes and
gas,” said Mr. Fish
They need to be able to put their
priorities in order and pick which is
more important to them-clothes or a
college education.
Parents can help students
manage their money by opening
saving accounts and persuade their
kids to put some of their weekly
allowance aside for the future.
“I was fortunate enough to be
raised in an environment where
I didn’t have to worry about not
being able to pay off college loans
or be effected with limited amount
of spending money-but for many it
is a scary and heavy burden that is
always in the back of their minds,”
said Junior Ross Friedman.
“Citizens can and should petition
their government for support with
the cost of sky rocketing tuition
costs,” suggested Murphy.
“The increasing tuition costs
and the economic crisis leads me
to think that our government is run
by inefficient political leader,” said
Junior Brett Shenkel.
We are entering a new
presidential term and this is the time
voice this issue. “Government should
question college administrations
and investigate the reason of the
drastic increase in college cost,”
said Murphy.
The thought of college might
be far in the future for some, but the
issues involving student loans must
be addressed immediately.
Check out the next
issue of The Talon for
results to the poll
question!
Op-Ed
Richard C. - Senior
“I’m Every Woman”
Whitney Houston
November 2008
Issue II, Volume IV
Ashley S. - Sophomore
“My Torah Portion”
Cantor Klepper
Emily H. - Freshman
“C is for Cookie”
Cookie Monster
The Talon, Page 5
Asiah S. - Senior
“My Name is James”
James & the Giant Peach
Man On the Street:
What is the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Jeff A. - Sophomore
“Bleeding Love”
Leona Lewis
Brad M. - Junior
“Barbie Girl”
Aqua
Matt K. - Freshman
“Too Sexy”
Right Said Fred
Michelle G. - Junior
“Can’t Help Falling in
Love”
S Club 7
“We care,” Comcast says
Nate Meserve
Op-Ed Editor
As I groggily meandered toward
the school entrance at 7:25 in the
morning last Wednesday, something
sinister caught my eye, and it wasn’t
Mr. Garneau reprimanding another
tardy student.
A banner hung from above
the portico, and it drew a crowd
of onlookers, including School
Resource Officer Michael Hocking.
Few adjectives can describe the
mood of the group of students
and staff looking at the banner:
bamboozled,
perplexed,
and
befuddled all fail miserably.
“Comcast Cares” was the
message the banner relayed, and
most Sharon High School students
were probably left wondering what
it was exactly they cared about.
By the looks of it, some prime
billboard space and a little more
publicity to ward off stiff cable
competition in Verizon FIOS
seemed to be all Comcast had in
mind.
Advertising in schools is
nothing particularly new, but it has
been a topic of heated debate in the
past few days because most did not
understand what Comcasts motives’
were.
Ms. Mitlin, the School
Adjustment
Counselor
and
coordinator of Teen Speak Out,
explained the origins of the banner.
“In the past, Teen Speak Out has
been funded by local [non-profit]
organizations such as the Appleby
Charitable Lead Trust as well as
local banks,” she said.
“Comcast
was interested
in doing a
community
service project
for
students,
and they chose
to fund Teen
Speak Out. We
appreciate the
fact that they
were generous and gave money for
the program.”
Teen Speak Out’s acceptance
of Comcast’s grant is reasonable
enough: the program requires
funding and Sharon High School
students enjoy the event for reasons
ranging from missing class to “just
talkin’ and stuff.”
The main quandary was that
the banner did not clearly convey
its surface intention—the funding
of Teen Speak Out—so translations
were muddled and lost. Of course,
that was merely the “surface”
intention, meaning there were
obviously more sinister motives
beyond philanthropy.
But I digress: it is my belief
that advertisements in schools,
despite their seemingly intrusive
and assumed malignant nature, are
beneficial to our school systems
and our economy. Capitalism is the
stimulus that spins the wheels of our
American society, and a little youth
advertisement
never
hurt
anyone.
F o r
example, if
Comcast and
other cable
companies
d i d n ’ t
advertise,
DirecTV, the
satellite television giant, would
hold a monopoly on the television
programming—it would eat up the
weaker, less hardnosed competition.
But if DirecTV also didn’t advertise,
few citizens would watch TV,
which is an integral medium for the
advertisement of products.
Advertisement provokes interest
and interest leads to consumerism.
It’s pretty simple stuff.
But like all pleasures, engaging
in excess spells out disaster.
Moderation is the key and school
boards just need to figure out
which lock matches. For example,
Principal Jose Libano has been
toying with the idea of a student
lounge at Sharon High School. The
kinks have yet to be sorted out but a
proposal such as this could demand
some green from the School
Committee and taxpayer’s pockets.
So the school, exercising its
standing as a nonprofit public
domain seeking charitable funding
and flaunting America’s most
targeted demographic -- teenagers,
has a chance at benefitting from
generous companies who have
nothing better to do than spend their
capital in hopes of more monetary
gain.
As Michael Scott of The Office
would declare, it’s a win-win-win.
And our society offers no
reprieve. Every form of media
imaginable—websites, television,
video games, magazines, radio—
derives profits from advertisements
and is, therefore, entirely draped in
their sublimity.
Sports, in particular, have been
roofed in sponsorships, from the
hallowed Green Monster to every
square inch of a NASCAR driver’s
uniform.
The point is, even a modern-day
Emily Dickinson couldn’t escape
from mass media and their stump
speeches promoting capitalism. So
soak it all in, Sharon High School—
it’s materialism at its finest, and it’s
the essence of our society.
Feature
November 2008
Issue 2 Volume IV
Halloween 2008
The Talon, Page 6
Feature
November, 2009
Issue 2, Volume IV
No such thing as too juicy
The Talon, Page 7
College website takes gossip to a new and hurtful level
Lauren Adams
Correspondant
Gossip has taken a giant, virtual
leap off of the bathroom wall.
JuicyCampus.com
is
a
website that was created for
college students to post gossip,
rumors, personal statements and
opinions anonymously. Students
from more than 500 colleges and
universities across America are
active participants. The site states
that its purpose is to enable “online
anonymous free speech on college
campuses.”
JuicyCampus boasts racist and
sexist remarks, including extreme
profanity. Students have tried to sue
the website for allowing extremely
hurtful remarks to be posted. But
the website is protected under
the Communications Decency
Act of 1996. This act protects the
innocence of website publishers
from the postings on their pages.
JuicyCampus takes advantage
of their protection by claiming that
they have no way of finding the
identities of any anonymous posters,
and actually prefer not to know. In the frequently asked questions
section of the site, the web publishers
claim that they generally don’t
remove posts because “that’s called
censorship, and we’re just not that
into it.” Other questions ask, “What
is defamation?” and are answered
with, “We’re not lawyers. Honestly,
we’re not even that smart. So we’ll
leave it to the experts.” Another
question says, “I’m offended!” and
is answered with “Sorry.”
Former SHS student Rachel
Colman, a current junior at Syracuse
“There are serious racial slurs
on there,” he said. “It’s complete
garbage.”
Many colleges and universities,
including Roger Williams University
in Rhode Island, have begun to send
out memos to spread awareness
about websites like JuicyCampus.
“The emergence of such sites,
and the impact they are now having
on the Roger Williams community,
should not only remind us of
our core values in particular the
promotion of civil discourse that we
have all taken such pains to nurture
on our campus, but should cause
us to reflect upon the impact of our
choices and the effect they can have
-Gabriel Merlin
on others,”warned a memo sent out
by Dr. Laura N. DeAbruna and Dr.
Gabriel Merlin, a recent graduate John J. King, the Provost and Senior
from Washington University in St. Vice President and Vice President
Louis, is also aware of the website. of Student Affairs.
University, has been directly affected
by the website. “There have been
rumors about me and my friends on
it that are completely made up and
inappropriate,” she said. “It’s like a
stupid tabloid magazine for college
kids.”
“There are
serious racial
slurs, it’s complete
gargbage”
Sharon Interfaith spreads to Online education turns the
computer into the classroom
Atlanta
Malhar Teli
Correspondant
While most students celebrated
their Columbus Day weekend
relaxing, a group of local Interfaith
students packed up and boarded
a plane to represent the Sharon
Interfaith chapter at the Interfaith
Convention in Atlanta. Held by
Emory College, the convention
called upon key leaders of the
world’s Interfaith community to
represent the movement and the
people behind it.
The convention was comprised
of three sections and included
dinners, each with a special keynote
speaker. Each presented a very
different aspect of the Interfaith
movement, such as childcare, or the
environment.
The topic of the convention was
the role of the youth in the Interfaith
movement, which is why Sharon’s
Interfaith chapter was specifically
invited.
For the first two sessions of the
convention, the group split up and
went to different presentations. The
Interfaith movement is growing
quickly, and peace can only be
achieved in a world in which we
can all understand our neighbors.
The presentation took on the
form of a regular meeting. All of the
participants and the presenters sat
in a circle, where everybody had an
equal say on a balanced plane. The
presenters each had a certain job to
do- they had three ice-breaker type
activities planned for the two hour
presentation.
The first presenter, Aanchal
Narang, introduced the attendees
to the entire Sharon Interfaith
story, where they started out about
four years ago by Janet Penn, and
the group was an offsprout of the
ADL.
The Sharon Interfaith chapter
is youth-based. Half of the board
is composed of student facilitators,
and the current president, Tabitha
May-Tolub
was
specifically
selected by these very seniors. She
often
complains t h a t
she’s “the oldest kid in the group.”
The group’s inclusion of people
younger than 25 is what makes the
local chapter unique. The group
has gained national fame amongst
the many Interfaith chapters of
America.
The presentation actually took
longer than expected, and in the
end the presenters only managed to
finish two of the ice breakers. But
this didn’t really take away from
the experience- the Interfaith Youth
Action group was well received by
the group that had joined them.
The Sharon students that went
to the conference, Mike Hanold,
Daisy Aliotto, Aanchal Narang,
and Malhar Teli, all got to meet
numerous speakers, and presenters.
They learned quite a bit about other
Interfaith organizations, and hope
to work with some of these groups
in the future.
Interfaith meets twice a month
at different houses of worship.
Hallie Kruger
Feature Editor
With the success of online
universities such as DeVry and
University of Phoenix, more
students are seeking education in
the comfort of their own home.
According to Online-Education.
net, students pursuing education
online increased by 22.9%. OnlineEducation also states that 56% of
colleges will incorporate Internet
education
into
their
curriculum in
the long run.
M o s t
students that
study online
are working
adults
or
p a r e n t s
who
don’t
have time to take time out of
their day to get an education.
Some major universities that
have created online courses are
University of Maryland, Boston
University and Champlain College.
Michael Hanold, a senior at
SHS, believes online courses will
have positive impacts on students.
“I think it’s definitely a good
thing to be able [to learn] on your own
time. I think kids have a lot of trouble
going to class everyday and having
to pay attention when they can do it
on their own online,” said Hanold.
Many are drawn to online
education because of its convenience
and mobility. Students can learn at
home and take their education on the
go. Without a strict schedule, there is
no pressure to make a class on time.
Math teacher Mr. Ronco thinks
online courses can both benefit
and setback a student’s education
if no teacher is actually present.
“I think online classes are
good because there are lots of
resources online and you can get
them immediately. In a way you
can’t eliminate the human element
either, that if you don’t understand
something, the computer can’t
explain it another way than it already
has. If you don’t have a teacher or
professor
you
may not get
the explanation
that you need,”
said
Ronco.
Students
also defend the
concept that the
same level of
understanding in
a classroom is
not present on the Internet.
Senior Brittany Jermyn thinks online
education has its pros and cons.
“I think it’s both [good and
bad] because it’s easy to access.
But your not getting the same
experiences that you would one on
one with a teacher,” said Jermyn.
College also teaches social
skills where students interact
with many types of people.
Student Chelsea Kozikis thinks
more knowledge, both in and out of
the classroom, is obtained through
the traditional college lifestyle.
“I think online classes are a bad
thing because taking them doesn’t
give [students] the same opportunities
or experiences as actually going to
college and interacting with other
people. You might lean more in a
college environment,” said Kozikis.
Art & Entertainment
Dining
November, 2008
Issue 2, Volume IV
Television
Tina Kazan
A&E Editor
Davio’s
Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA
508.339.4810
Casual/Dress
Out of 6
This upscale Northern Italian
Steakhouse, which houses 350
seats, offers spectacular dinning
and lounging. It appeals to
everyone from sports fanatics
to business elites. Although
pricey, the entrées are top notch.
Davio’s signature entrées such as
Tagliatelle Bolognese and Veal
Chop range from $14 to $52.
Appetizers such as Philly Cheese
Steak rolls and Sautéed Shrimp
range from $7 to $13.
A reservation at Davio’s is
essential. Not only will you have
trouble finding a table. The menu
at the bar features hors d’oeuvre
and pizza ranging from miniature
Kobe sliders and macaroni and
cheese to fresh mozzarella, basil
and tomato pizza.
The wait staff at Davio’s is
exceptional, given the chaotic
atmosphere during a hectic night.
The hostess was nice, but was
clearly stressed. The wait staff was
prompt for the most part, bringing
your food as quickly as possible
and always on top of our meal,
ready to fetch you anything you
need.
Overall, Davio’s was a
fantastic dinning experience.
Although pricey, the entrées were
phenomenal and worth every
penny. Davio’s is the perfect place
to take that significant other for
that special occasion. You can
leave Davio’s without a huge dent
in your wallet. From picking less
expensive appetizers and entrees,
even those are exceptional.
SNL Takes on the Hill
Sam Wasserman
Correspondent
Every Sunday morning,
young adults across the country are
buzzing about the previous night’s
Saturday Night Live episode. One
of the most talked about sketches
in the late night comedy show
are the political satires. Saturday
Night Live’s political parodies
are hilarious yet also influential,
especially to voters.
For over thirty years,
Saturday Night Live has been a
place of comic relief and political
commentary. On Saturday,
September 13th2008, the promising
34th Saturday Night Live season
premiere opened with Tina Fey
starring as Governor Sarah Palin,
and Amy Poehler as Senator Hilary
Clinton.
TV critics and SNL fans
unanimously agreed that the skit
was hilarious, and that both Fey
and Poehler did an excellent job
poking fun at both the politicians.
Sophomore Lauren Warshaw
says, “I think that both actresses
nailed it. Every time I see Sarah
Palin in the news now, I crack up.”
Not only is political satire
very humorous, but also very
influential. Shows like “The
Daily Show” and “Saturday Night
Live” make people laugh, and
have great influence over public
opinion. During this very important
and highly publicized election,
SNL’s coverage on the campaign
will be as important as ever.
Saturday Night Live’s exaggerated
impersonations of the candidates
change peopleís views. Saturday
Night Live has even launched a
new show airing on Thursday
nights that is entirely devoted to
election coverage.
Sophomore Cate Horan
says, “I definitely think the media
does have an impact because
people are greatly influenced by
the media, especially celebrities,
so a lot of times people will follow
what the celebrities have to say
rather then what they actually
feel.”
Saturday Night Live and
other political satire shows have
been becoming more and more
influential to Americans.
One article states more then 20
percent of 18-29 year olds say
they get their campaign news
from comedy shows like “The
Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and
“Saturday Night Live”.
More people are focusing on the
thoughts of Stewart and Colbert
to shape their own opinions on
politics. These TV shows have
greater influence on the voting
public then the candidates might
realize.
Saturday Night Live has been
influencing the public during
election time long before the Sarah
Palin skit.
Last season, a sketch making
fun of the media’s fawning over
Obama caused the press to rethink
its coverage. In 2000, Darrell
Hammond’s impression of Al Gore
in the debates made the phrase
“lock box” a universal expression.
Hammond’s performance as Al
Gore was so telling that it was
used as a reference in the real
candidates’ preparation for the
2000 Presidential debates.
Although these TV shows
are providing more and more
Americans with their election
news, it may not be the most
resourceful place for the race
coverage. The Daily Show,
Saturday Night Live and The
Colbert Report are, for and
foremost, comedy programs.
The Talon, Page 8
Music
Hallie Kruger
Feature Editor
Hasidic MC Matisyahu rocked
Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel along
with the Flobots on October 28.
The energized and uplifting show
left the crowd exhausted, but
completely satisfied.
The show opened with the
Flobots, whose hits “Rise” and
“Handlebars” were awaited by
fans. The band pumped up the
crowd with lyrics that persuade
young people to instill change in
the world, using methods other
than violence.
It was apparent that the band
could feel every bit of sound pulse
through their veins, and were
sincere about the messages they
were sending. Seeing fans get
excited about changing parts of
the world they are unhappy with
seemed to bring more energy to
their performance.
The Flobots also made a strong
impact on viewers with their song
“Iraq,” not present on their current
album. Protesting the war, the band
created an acronym, “It’s Really
A Quagmire,” representing what
the disaster over seas has become.
Everyone complied with the band’s
message and danced until the set
was over.
After the Flobot’s set, a black
backdrop depicting land in Israel
was hung behind the band as
Matisyahu danced his way onto
the stage wearing a yamica and
tallas under his clothes. He uttered
prayers into the microphone during
songs and during instrumental
pieces.
Matisyahu was very personal
during his performance, touching
hands in the audience and standing
on the edge of the stage to get
a close look at all the fans. The
crowd was intent on making
contact with him.
The most memorable moment
of the concert was Matisyahu’s
beat boxing. His voice moved fast
and held steady, complex beats.
The audience was in awe, and it
was the highlight of the set.
Art & Entertainment
MUSIC
Samantha Rosenblum
Correspondent
Out of 6
Snow outside, a toasty fire
inside, and a steaming cup of hot
chocolate. The only thing missing is
the soulful sounds of John Legend.
John Legend has released yet
another feeling-filled CD this
October. Evolver, his latest addition
to the musical world, still includes
his trademark sophisticated sounds
with emotion-filled piano and
melodic voice, but he adds a twist
with R&B beats and collaborations
with other artists.
Legend begins the album
with the smooth introduction
of “Good Morning (Intro).”
Meditating sounds of nature and
piano, incorporated with touches of
saxophone, provide the backdrop to
his raspy “morning” voice.
“Green
Light,”
which
features Andre 3000, may be
Legend’s biggest single on this
album. This track is more electronic
than his other hits, which explains
its popularity among the masses.
The CD continues with
Cody Mello-Klein
Correspondent
After a long, eight year hiatus,
the hard rock group AC/DC has
exploded back into the public eye
with their new album Black Ice.
Rocking the world with the
1980 release of their classic album
Back in Black, many expected this
album to fall into place behind it,
much like their last two albums,
Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip.
Fortunately for them, and for us,
their new album rocks!
In many ways Black Ice
could be described as a continuation
of Back in Black, for it sounds as
though it came right off the heels of
the legendary album.
Brendan
O’Brien,
the
producer of Black Ice, takes a step
November, 2008
more mainstream – yet still creative
– tunes, which feature legends like
Kanye West and Estelle.
Halfway through the album,
“This Time” slowly helps the
transition into a more emotional and
soulful mix – more of what John
Legend is known for. The piano is
back, and his voice is heard clearly
without the processed sounds of the
previous songs.
The key to this new album
is variety. After experimenting
with attractive beats and touching
melodies, Legend introduces a
reggae beat in “Floating Away.”
Again, unfortunately, the electronic
cover overpowers his smooth
voice.
Legend’s powerful yet
soothing voice and amazing piano
skills are not always give justice
in this album. However, with his
touching music, he manages to keep
his style by producing R&B hits
while still preserving his classiness
and sophistication.
Some of Legend’s fans who
are attracted to his smooth and
relaxed tunes may be disappointed
by his new styles. However, his
new variety could potentially invite
people who are not usually R&B
fans.
Legend’s sounds are new
and clever, combining unexpected
aspects into his trademark music.
He does not fall into the trap that
becomes the fate of many musical
artists – producing the same stale
tunes in every album. He accepts
the challenge of mixing new
sounds with his own, and he does
so brilliantly. Experimentation and
new ideas prove to be a beneficial
to Legend’s new album.
back and allows the band to run
wild. O’Brien manages to capture
the classic AC/DC sound; the chestpounding beats of drummer, Phil
Rudd, the steady chugging of Cliff
Williams’ bass, the expert riffing
of brothers Angus and Malcolm
Young, and the hair-raising screech
of Brian Johnson’s voice.
Kicking off with the hit
“Rock ‘N Roll Train,” AC/DC
shows their fans and other modern
day rock musicians that they still
are masters of their element. This
message is only reiterated as Angus
Young kicks himself into overdrive,
delivering heart-stopping solos,
such as “Wheels,” and head-banging
riffs, like “Spoilin’ For a Fight.”
This track alone reminds
you of why one listens to AC/DC.
The power and glory of this album
brings long-time AC/DC fans back
to the 80’s while inviting more
young fans to join the “Rock ‘N
Roll Train”. AC/DC has not only
produced an album, they have
created something that bridges the
gap between generations, and brings
rock back to the good old days. Not
bad for “washed up” rockers eight
years removed.
Issue 2, Volume IV
Concert
The Talon, Page 9
Jamin’ 94.5 Monster
Jam
Chad Mann
Correspondent
The stage was all set for another
loud, mind-blowing concert at
Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden for
JAM’N 94.5’s annual Monster Jam
concert. Which had been hyped for
months throughout Massachusetts.
The concert was to include
performances by Yung Berg, Brandy,
and R & B fave Ne-Yo. However,
the headliners of the bill were rap
superstars Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z.
With Lil’ Wayne and Jay-Z present,
this year’s JAM’N 94.5 Monster
Jam promised to be an astounding
show. The only problem- Lil’ Wayne
was a no show.
All weekend long JAM’N 94.5
had been blasting Lil’ Wayne songs
over the radio. For the morning
drive there was “A Milli.” In the
afternoon DJ Pug Dawg played
a string of his songs including
“Lollipop,” “Got Money,” and “I’m
the Best Rapper Alive.” On the way
to the concert, The Game’s song
“My Life” was played featuring
none other than Lil’ Wayne. Wayne
was everywhereexcept on stage
Monday night.
Sleazy Weezy
(Lil’
Wayne’s
n i c k n a m e )
was unable or
unwilling to get
through the TD
Banknorth security
and as a result, he
left,
according
to his publicist.
So the audience
sat
through
the
lackluster
performance
of
Chi-town
newcomer Yung
Berg.
Berg’s
overreaching
and
dreadful
performance
consisted of a
removal of his
shirt and performing “hits” such as
“Sexy Lady” and “The Business.”
Not only did the fans have
to sit through this, but they also
had to listen to Brandy. Her short
set list did not help set the mood,
either. Her return to the stage after
a long hiatus was accompanied by a
sense of awkwardness and sent the
audience into an uneasy state. Her
performance included “Full Moon,”
“The Boy Is Mine” and her new hit,
“Right Here.”
Unexpectedly, her set was
dominated by a surprise appearance
from her brother Ray J, who
performed “Sexy Can I” and acted
as arrogant “hype” man.
R & B phenom Ne-Yo fared
much better, as he was backed by a
live band and several dancers. The
so-called “Gentleman” performed a
line of hits from his young career,
including “Because of You” and
“Right by My Side,” featuring a
surprise spot from Jadakiss. As
Ne-Yo’s performance came to a
close, the anticipation in the crowd
amplified and the screams for Weezy
rapidly began.
The stage was ready and
everyone in the audience anticipating
an electrifying entrance by Lil’
Wayne. After half an hour, without
any announcement, it became clear
that Lil’ Wayne, the self-proclaimed
“Greatest Rapper Alive,” was not
going to perform.
So the concert went on, and Jay-Z
was slatted next to perform. Jay-Z,
one of the top ten greatest rappers
of all time, was perceived as a
consolation prize and
had to continuously
battle the audience’s
chants of “We want
Weezy.”
Wayne’s diva antics
revealed his moody
unprofessionalism,
but Jay-Z proved
to be the ultimate
professional, taking
the stage early. He
came out with a
nine-piece band and
brought the audience
to their feet with
“Can I Live,” fresh
“American Gangster”
tracks “Say Hello”
and “Roc Boys,” and
his classics including
“Izzo,” “Can I Get
A...”
Jay-Z, an affable
and adaptable host,
returned to the stage after his set
to perform spontaneous songs and
chitchat with the crowd before
the end of the concert. He even
found time to plug a public service
announcement in which he promoted
his support for presidential candidate
Barack Obama.
As the night came to a close,
the initial loud chants for “We want
Weezy” were drowned out for those
of “Hova” (One of the many aliases
for Jay-Z). Jay-Z proved to be the
skilled, better man and for the night,
was “the greatest rapper alive.”
Fun Page
November, 2008
The Talon, Page 10
Issue 2, Volume IV
Fun Page
Halloween Word
Scramble
Thanksgiving Word Search
hulog
danyc nroc
Squash
Pumpkin
Turkey
Gravy
Squanto
Pilgrims
John Smith
Plymouth
Apple Pie
Potatoes
Football
Parade
Family
Feast
hticw
zbmieo
abkcl atc
hsogt
aviremp
raysc
leoktnes
ororhr
meals
smntero
amscre
Sudoku
Maze
Answers to Previous Issue
Word Scrample
Radiohead
Kanye West
311
Cake
Nirvana
Pearl Jam
Free Trippe
Bob Marley
Matisyahu
Flobots
Phish
Floo-rida
State Radio
Primus
Sudoku
861|532|794
297|146|835
453|789|126
-------+-------+-----679|453|281
125|678|943
384|921|567
-------+-------+-----936|215|478
718|394|652
542|867|319
Sports
November, 2008
Slam of the
Week
Issue 2, Volume IV
2008-2009 NBA Preview
Jake Abrams
Sports Editor
East
Jeff Fenichel
Correspondent
Adam “Pacman” Jones is a
bum. The NFL has suspended
him for at least four games for
violating the league’s personal
conduct policy on October 15.
On October 7, Jones and a
bodyguard got into an alcoholinduced scuffle in a hotel. Had
O.J. Simpson been locked up in
the nineties, Pacman Jones would
be the biggest idiot in sports of the
decade. So you will have to excuse
me as I rank Pacman number two.
This suspension is coming
only seventeen months after
Jones was reinstated into the NFL
after repeated run-ins with the
law. How stupid can a person be?
Pacman was blessed with
yet another chance to play in the
NFL for one of the most storied
franchises in the league’s history.
You really blew it this time, Pacman.
Did I mention he is only twentyfive years old and in his third year
in the NFL? So young, so stupid.
The NFL has placed Adam
Jones into an alcohol treatment
center. Since he is unlikely to get
another shot at making a career
in the NFL, maybe Shaw’s or
Stop & Shop has an opening.
Jones signed a three-year deal
with the team including a club
option for a fourth season in the fall.
Hey, it’s all good. Pacman lasted
six games this season.Impressive.
Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry
Jones now looks like an idiot
for giving this clown a contract.
Oh, wait. Jerry Jones is an
idiot. He acquired wide receiver
Roy Williams from the Detroit
Lions for first, third, and sixth
round draft picks in 2009.
Roy Williams, who has been
under-producing in Detroit since
they drafted him, has only put up
1000 yards during his 5-year career.
Williams was certainly not
worth three picks, especially when
two of them were a first and third
rounder. I would not have even
given up two picks for his guy.
With Tony Romo out with a
broken pinkie and the Pacman
distraction, the Cowboys find
themselves in third place in the NFC
East. If this year is not their year
then next year might not be either,
considering they will be doing a lot
of watching in the 2009 NFL draft.
The Talon, Page 11
1: Boston Celtics
2: Detroit Pistons
3: Orlando Magic
4: Cleveland
Cavaliers
5: Toronto Raptors
NBA
6: Philadelphia Finals
76ers
Hornets over Cavs
7: Miami Heat
As we have seen in the past, a
three beats a big one. The com8: Washington
big
bination of Chris Paul, David West,
and Tyson Chandler, with the adWizards
dition of Posey will be the differ5 Players To
Watch
Louis Williams
Al Horford
Mo Williams
Danny Granger
Jose Calderon
Semi Finals
ence against Lebron. More importantly, this finals will be the chance
for everyone to realize just how
good CP3 is. Hornets in seven.
Regular Season
Awards
MVP
Lebron James
West
1: New Orleans Hornets
2: Los Angeles Lakers
3: Utah Jazz
4: Houston Rockets
5: San Antonio Spurs
6: Phoenix Suns
7: Portland
Trailblazers
8: Dallas Mavericks
5 Players To
Watch
Rudy Fernandez
Trevor Ariza
Andrew Bynum
Al Thornton
Nicolas Batum
Semi Finals
He’s physically the most dominating player in the league and
Cleveland Cavaliers over
can score at will. Lebron could
New Orleans Hornets over
Boston Celtics
go for 34 points and 8 rebounds
Houston Rockets
Last year the C’s knocked out a night on a team that should win
Yes, I am predicting that T-mac
the Cavs in seven. Lebron just 50 or more games. The King’s asdidn’t have a legitimate second sist per game should also go up finally gets by the first round, but
option. Mo Williams fills this void with the addition of sharpshoot- he will fall short of the finals. The
and is the best sidekick Lebron ing point guard Mo Williams. deciding factor of this series is
the point guard advantage for the
has had thus far in his career.
Runner-up:
Chris
Paul
Hornets. Chris Paul will dominate
The C’s will miss James Posey in
Rafer Alston, leading New Orleans
playoffs. Cleveland will eliminate
Rookie
of
the
Year
in a tough 7-gamer to the finals for
the defending champs in seven.
the first time in franchise history.
Philadelphia 76ers over
Detroit Pistons
This young, talented team
finally got the jolt of experience and
inside scoring it needed with the
acquisition of Elton Brand. Brand
makes Iguodala a number two option,
which is what he needs to be. Last
year a young Sixers team challenged
the veteran Pistons and pushed
them to six games.This year it will
be the Sixers who advance in six.
Conference Finals
Cavs over Sixers
The Sixers are talented, but
probably still a year away from
competing for a title. Lebron is
determined to get back to the finals
and silence his critics. Mo Williams
is a true big-time player who will step
up come playoff time. Cavs in seven.
Michael Beasley
Unlike Greg Oden, Beasley
will have plenty of opportunities to score in the Heat’s offense.
Besides Dwayne Wade, there really aren’t any other scorers on
the roster. Beasley should average
18 ppg and 8 rpg for a team that
could make a run at the playoffs.
Runner-up: Derrick Rose
Impact Newcomer
Elton Brand
Sixers GM Ed Stefanski made the
biggest splash of the summer with
the signing of Brand. He is a doubledouble machine that instantly gives
the young Sixers experience and a
chance to make a deep playoff run.
Runner up: Ron Artest
Los Angeles Lakers over
Utah Jazz
The Lakers are just too talented
and too deep for the Jazz to handle.
The Andrew Bynum addition will
benefit the Lakers on the offensive
and defensive boards. The second
unit made up of Ariza, Farmar,
and Odom will wear down the thin
Utah lineup. Plus, Kobe will be just
too much for the Jazz, who lack a
defensive stopper. Lakers in six.
Conference Finals
Hornets over Lakers
Kobe is more determined than
ever, but that won’t be enough against
New Orleans. Chris Paul will dominate in every aspect of the game,
and as long as Peja shoots to his capabilities, the Hornets will advance.
Sports
The
Talon
Volume IV
Issue II
Kirsch has a need for speed
Samm Rosenblum
Correspondent
Hydrate. Run two laps. Stretch.
Run five miles. Hydrate again. Do
strides. Repeat.
Welcome to the life of Junior
Ali Kirsch, SHS resident crosscountry superstar. Kirsch has been
running cross-country since fall
2007. Originally, Kirsch ran to stay
in shape after she stopped playing
soccer freshman year.
This activity, started merely for
exercise purposes, quickly became
Kirsch’s passion and reason for
living
With much practice, training,
and time commitment, Kirsch has
succeeded in becoming the third
fastest girl in the Hockomock
League. She reached a personal
record on October 14 with a 19:34
time for a 5K run at the Hock
Championships.
Ali Kirsch follows a stringent
routine everyday in order to maintain
her speed. “I run six days a week
– Sunday is my one day off. When
we don’t have team practices on the
weekends, I run with the Westwood
team,” she said.
Every SHS practice starts with
two laps around the track. Next,
they stretch and run four to five
miles depending on the practice.
Practice usually ends with some
track workouts or strides.
Kirsch’s hard
work does not
just stop with
practicing. Game
days have a strict
procedure of their
own.
“My
mom
always
makes
huge pasta dinners
the night before a
meet,” said Kirsch.
“Then, the actual
day of the meet,
I have eggs for
breakfast and a
chocolate protein
shake at lunch. It’s
also important that
I stay hydrated the
whole day.”
Kirsch’s mom Ruth Kirsch is one
of Ali’s biggest fans. “I really hope
that Ali continues to improve. And
of course, I hope that she continues
to have fun,” she said proudly.
Not only is Kirsch a track all-star
– literally, since she has been named
a Hockomock All-Star two years
in a row – but she enjoys the sport
too. “I really love running crosscountry,” said Kirsch. “Running has
really become
a fun activity
that I truly look
forward to.”
K i r s c h ’s
teammates
agree that she
is a driven and
dedicated speed
demon. “Ali is
so determined
and great. She
is so dedicated
that right after
she took the
PSATs, she ran
to the bathroom,
changed into
cross-country
gear, and took a
six-mile run in
forty degree weather. She is going to
go really far with her cross-country
career,” said senior teammate Sarah
Schwarzschild.
Kirsch’s coaches also have high
hopes for her future. “I knew Ali was
a gifted runner at the beginning,”
said coach Alan Conway. “When she
first started running her sophomore
year, she was already able to keep
up with the fastest girls on the team.
[On October 14,] Ali did excellently.
Running has truly
become a fun activity
that I look foward to
-Ali Kirsch
She dropped 30 seconds from last
year’s time.”
Coach Tim Cemino said, “At the
end of last season she did really well.
She PR’d, got a personal record,
of 26 seconds, which is pretty big.
My goal for her is to stay as one
of the top ten fastest runners in the
Division II State Meet. Hopefully
next year, we’ll be shooting for the
title.”
On October 14, Kirsch
finished third in the Hockomock
Championships on one of the
toughest courses known to crosscountry runners, Franklin Park.
Power shifts on the Hockomock gridiron
Disappointing season comes to close for SHS
Lee Sullivan
Photography Editor
The fall high school football
season is coming to an end, and
there have been more surprises and
upsets this year than any other.
At the moment only 1
Hockomock team, Mansfield, holds
a spot in the Top 20, who hopes to be
Super Bowl Champions after losing
to Bishop Feehan in the semi-final
last year. It goes as no surprise that
Mansfield holds the first place spot
in the Hock with a record of 7-1.
“Last years Division 2 Super
Bowl was a fluke. I can’t believe
that Mansfield lost to Feehan, but
it didn’t surprise me that Feehan
beat Walpole,” said senior Jamie
Harding.
The Foxboro Warriors’ hopes
for the playoffs this year have
come to a sad end with a 2-7 record.
Foxboro’s offensive and defensive
lines struggled, leading to
a
weak running game, which was
relinquished to late in the season by
Mike Delaney.
“Foxboro doesn’t look as
impressive as last year. They don’t
have as many
seniors this
year
and
they
lack
experience
on the line.
I think they
will definitely
have
a
hard
time
competing
a g a i n s t
Mansfield this
year,”
said
junior Jeremy
Reich.
The North Attleboro Red
Rockateers are currently 6-1 and
play Mansfield on Friday. They
hold the second spot in the Hock,
scoring 25.6 points per game
and beating both King Philip and
Foxboro in the second half after
being down at halftime.
The Stoughton Black Knights
started off their season with a slow
0-4 start but have bounced back and
improved to 3-5. Clinching wins
came against
Foxboro and
Somerville.
The Franklin
Panthers
have been a
sleeper in the
Hockomock
League with
an impressive
record
of
5-3.
They
had notable
wins against
Stoughton
and Taunton.
The Panthers heavily rely on their
passing game with Nick Colson
under center. Matt Carini has scored
10 touchdowns on the ground for
them with 3 games still remaining.
“Franklin always has a good
passing game, we’re really going to
have to tighten up our pass defense
when we play them,” said senior
Scott McPherran.
The OA Tigers, who finished
4-6 last year, are off to one of their
worst seasons ever at 0-7. Senior
quarterback Ryan Grant will try to
give the Tigers a win before the
season comes to an end.
“Beating Oliver Ames on
Thanksgiving would be great this
year, and I definitely think that
it’s possible,” said senior Austin
Gomes.
The Canton Bulldogs started
off the season strong at 3-0, but
since then have gone 1-3. At 4-3
this is easily Canton’s best year in 5
years. Captain Jordan Guyton, who
rushed for 1,300 yards last year as
a sophomore has been struggling
with injuries and has been a nonfactor in Canton’s success.
Finally, the King Philip Warriors,
who finished 2-9 last year have had
a stellar season and hold the number
3 spot in the Hock with a 6-2 record.
The defense has improved, aided by
the awitch of backup quarterback
Timmy Wallace to line-backer.