June - TheTigersRoar

 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
CONTENTS
3
4 6
9
10
13
14
16
17
18
Open Campus at RHS?
Junior Prom
Senior of the Month
Choir at Carnegie Hall
Senior Prom
Mock Trial
Student Council Elections
Project Homerun
Bob Mortimer, Guest Speaker for Prom
Senior College List
June 2005 19
THE VOICE STAFF
The Voice is the student publication of
Ridgefield High School
700 North Salem Road
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Editors-in-Chief
Sophie Cai, Katie Flaherty, and
Christine Robertson
Section Editors
Scott Erich, Nyanza Rothman, and Allie Rubin
Design and Layout
Nicholas van der Ploeg, Angela LoSchiavo
Staff Writers
Annie Bowlby, Promeeta Ghosh, Rebecca
Howard, Nicki Petefish, and Miles Skorpen
Advertising
Kerri Del Bene, Kevin Warnecke, Molly Griffin,
Carly Sullivan, Paulina Lincke
Advisor
Mr. Mattausch
William H Knapp - Lincoln Technical Institute
Elizabeth E Knoche - Pace University, Pleasantville-Briarcliff
Gillian A Kogan - The Culinary Institute of America
Christopher J Korres - Western Connecticut State University
Michael Mark Krakowiak - Employed
Michael R Kralik - University of Dayton
Jacob Morgan Kramer - Employed
Ian M Kukulka - Rollins College
Jill D Laise - Miami University
Katherine M Lanahan - Franklin and Marshall College
Daniel D Lane - Anna Maria College
John T Lee - Fairfield University
Joseph H Lee - University of Connecticut
Melanie L Leitner - Indiana University at Bloomington
Stephanie Lewkiewicz - New York University
Brynna L Lipson - Cornell University
Frederick O Lohse - Military United State Marine Corp.
Joseph J Lombardo - Syracuse University
Stephen James Longfield Jr - Franklin W. Olin, College of Engineering
Mei Kei Loo - The George Washington University
Jacqueline M Lostys - Washington University in St. Louis
Alexandra R Lovallo - Bucknell University
Christa L Lowenstein - Dean College
Hunter M Ludwig - University of Maine
Andrew K Mackenzie - Union College
Michael Sutherland Macklem - Stony Brook University
Gregory E Marchionni - 4 year college
Leslie C Marker - University of Connecticut
Graham P Martin - Manhattanville College
Katherine Martinez - University of Connecticut
Christopher M Martirano - University of Dayton
Kathryn E Mastandrea - Loyola College in Maryland
Samuel James Masters - University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Carly N Maurer - 2 year college
Nicholas John Mazzo - Employed
Sean C McCollum - Military United States Army
Kerry P McConnell - University of Connecticut
Patrick J McConnon - University of Connecticut
Lisa A McHale - Case Western Reserve University
Casey McKenna - Sage College of Albany
Caitlin E Messina - Colby-Sawyer College
Blake A Meulmester - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
John M Miksad - Norwalk Community College
Patrick James Moffat - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Courtney A Montanari - Roger Williams University
Shaena A Montanari - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Richard Morley - University of Vermont
Joseph W Morrison - 2 year college
Kelly Ann Morrissey - Miami University
Rachel R Morrissey - Indiana University at Bloomington
Stelanie Mpazicos - Gettysburg College
Sarah M Mulvaney - Gettysburg College
John D Murchison - Vassar College
Christina M Murphy - University of Miami
Elizabeth A Murphy - Quinnipiac University
Derek R Nault - University of Vermont
Emily D Navarro - University of Richmond
Amanda Nizewitz - Norwalk Community College
Kyle S Nuland - Wesleyan University
Kendall R O’Brien - University of South Carolina
Juan G Ocampos - Chestnut Hill College
Vincent John Pannozzo - University of Miami
Mallory A Park - Providence College
Sarah Marie Paschall - Western Connecticut State University
Allison J Pitre - - Non-U.S. College - Dawson College
Joshua A Plotzker - Elizabethtown College
Peter J Prial - Middlebury College
Rebecca L Principe - Hartwick College
Elise E Radford - Lehigh University
Jacqueline M Rainer - University of Rhode Island
Luke W Raithel - Bentley College
Rajeev K Ranade - Northwestern University
Timothy S Reddington - Villanova University
Jacqueline K Reid - Villanova University
Jordan B Restifo - Eastern Connecticut State University
Stephen M Rettger - Northwestern University
Kristen M Richards - Loyola College in Maryland
Sarah A Risbridger - Indiana University at Bloomington
James P Ritter - Bucknell University
Angel C Rivas - Norwalk Community College
Nicholas C Rizzo - Pace University, Pleasantville-Briarcliff
Kate Elizabeth Robinson - Southern Methodist University
Sean C Robinson - Harvard University
Meghan E Rohrmann - West Virginia University
Caroline E Roma - Tufts University
Kimberly A Romanello - University of Connecticut
Joseph Louis Romeo - University of Connecticut
Lise K Rosenberger - Middlebury College
Nina E Ross - Emerson College
William H Rowe - Manhattanville College
Claire F Rowella - Mercyhurst College
Elizabeth A Rowella - Hamilton College
Phillip Ryu - Dartmouth College
Cameron Peter Sakurai - University of Connecticut
Kristen D Salierno - Saint Michael’s College
Jessica K Salwen - Hamilton College
Alison C Sampson - Loyola College in Maryland
Tyler C Sampson - University of Connecticut
Meredith C Sanna - Miami University
Anne M Scala - Keene State College
Jay C Scala - Franklin Pierce College
Daniel M Schaffer - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Christopher T Schielke - University of Connecticut
Catherine A Schier - Rhode Island School of Design
Eric S Schneider - Quinnipiac University
Adam R Schrage - Clark University
Jessica L Schulman - 4 year college
Patricia K Schwarz - Case Western Reserve University
Maya Sen - Columbia University
Colleen W Sexton - The University of Scranton
Robert Michael Shafer - Miami University
Sarah R Shafiee - Central Connecticut State University
Daniel P Shannon - University of Chicago
Julia L Sheahan - Year off
Mark Alexander Shlyankevich - Indiana University at Bloomington
Tahnee K Sidhu - Tufts University
Matthew P Siegel - University of Hartford
Nicholas C Simeone - Johnson & Wales University
Daniel J Simonelli - University of New Hampshire
Miles Erik Skorpen - Swarthmore College
Amanda J Sloan - Western Connecticut State University
Emily M Smith - Hamilton College
Katherine Michel Soltani-Tabrizi - Western Connecticut State University
Patrick J Sommer - The Citadel, the - Military College of South Carolina
Yonai Sosa - Employed
Matthew E Spengler - University of Dayton
Glenn L Stewart - Dickinson College
Michael John Stipicevic - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Patrick T Stoeffel - Purdue University
John E Stofka - University of Connecticut
Frederick F Strout - Eastern Connecticut State University
Kate Elysabeth van Pelt Sullivan - Western Connecticut State University
Kaytelin Gill Suslavich - Dartmouth College
Erica Lynne Swainson - Purdue University
Katie Marie Swett - Tufts University
Daniel F Tortora - Colby College
Alyssa C Treat - University of Maryland, College Park
Marin P Trebing - Sacred Heart University
Gregory L Tulipani - Fairfield University
Kaylee Turley - Utah Valley State College
Kelly A Untied - Southern Connecticut State University
Nicholas Foss van der Ploeg - University of Connecticut
Erin Mackie Venturato - University of Delaware
Krista A Vollhardt - Dean College
Laurel B von Rosenvinge - Georgia Institute of Technology
Jake D Wagner - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Joseph Charles Waite - Norwalk Community College
Rory J Walker - The Catholic University of America
Carolyn M Walsh - St. John’s College
Benjamin M Waring - Employed
Edward M Wasenius - University of Connecticut
Mark Thomas Watkins - Clemson University
Jeffrey M Weaton - University of Connecticut
Bethany A Weber - Norwalk Community College
Brian C Weber - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Jordan R Weil - The George Washington University
Samantha D Welsch - Northeastern University
Kaitlyn E Whipple - Gettysburg College
John J White - University of Colorado at Boulder
Gordon D Whitney - Roanoke College
Samantha M Wilmot - University of Colorado at Boulder
Megan R Wilson - The University of Scranton
Patrick S Wilson - Tufts University
Nicholas P Winsor - University of Dayton
Cynthia M Wisnieff - Tufts University
Priscilla L Wong - University of Connecticut
Amy C Yeates Undetermined
Eric J Zeitler - Central Connecticut State University
Aaron S Zimmerman - Keene State College
Brandon N. Zollino - 4 year college
18 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
Senior College List
Paul E Almira - University of Connecticut
David J Anderson - Pennsylvania College of Technology
Andres C Ariza - University of New Haven
Pabla Elizabeth Arrellaga - Career education
Caitlin C Arturi - University of New Hampshire
Allison C Audett - Western New England College
Molly K Babcock - Bucknell University
Kevin L Bahr - University of New Haven
Adwiti Balakrishna - Cornell University
Christina J Ballatore - Norwalk Community College
Katie Elizabeth Ballinger - 2 year college
Katherine A Baron - Indiana University at Bloomington
Zachary B Baughman - Florida State University
Danielle E Bedard - Employed
Elyse E Bedard - Employed
Ryan S Beebe - Miami University
Elizabeth A Behymer - Villanova University
Ashley V Bello - Loyola University New Orleans
Andrew S Berman - Johnson & Wales University
Tom G Berrington - Western Connecticut State University
Mark R Beutel - Villanova University
Daniel P Bindschedler - Drew University
David C Bligh - University of Richmond
David A Bocchetta - Gibbs College
Ellen C Bojanek - Purchase College
Kelly Ann Bolan - Keene State College
Elizabeth A Bolinsky - Northeastern University
Christina M Bortz - University of Connecticut
Jessica M Bow - University of New Hampshire
Jamie R Braaten - Loyola University Chicago
Dana E Bregman - Harvard University
Catherine R Brown - Fairfield University
Lydia B Brunner - Columbia University
Benjamin S Bruns - Providence College
Lauren Buckley - Quinnipiac University
Brian A Cappello - University of Vermont
Katherine E Carey - Gettysburg College
Christopher J Carpenter - Drew University
Nicholas P Carpenter - Military United States Army
Jason W Carranza - University of Colorado at Boulder
Dana M Carroll - Indiana University at Bloomington
Michael J Cautero - Yale University
James A Caviness - Manhattanville College
Megan K Cazalet - Radford University
Gregory D Ceponis - Muhlenberg College
Kristin N Cesca - Purdue University
Anna-Lily Chase - Cornell University
Jamie D Chrystal - Hofstra University
Amanda G Ciccatelli - Roger Williams University
Joshua A Cipolla - Skidmore College
Douglas C Clark - Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Skyler C Clark - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Stephen F Clark - Daniel Webster College
Brendan S Cleary - Carnegie Mellon University
Sara Coats - Fordham University
Neil M Cohen - Skidmore College
David K Correa - Colgate University
Emily R Cowen - Salve Regina University
Stephen P Craig - University of Connecticut
Milagros A Cueva - Roger Williams University
Joseph M Cugine - Employed
Richard Phillip-Anthony Cummins - Non-U.S. College
Claire Alanna Cunningham - Oxford College of Emory University
Ailsa J Dalgliesh - Year off
Andrew J Darrah - East Carolina University
Lindsay B Dashefsky - University of Connecticut
Caroline K Davis - Washington and Lee University
Thomas P DeFalco - Dartmouth College
Elisabetta DeLongis - Non-U.S. College - Universita Bocconi
Michael D Demarest - Drexel University
Noelle E deNoue - Christopher Newport University
Dean J DeNovio - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Richard Marc DePalma - Dean College
Samantha C Devine - Santa Clara University
Allison J Dietzek - University of Maryland, College Park
Michael DiNapoli - Coastal Carolina University
Courtney D Doak - Bucknell University
Haig A Dodakian - Quinnipiac University
Kathleen Donnelly - Norwalk Community College
Bret Christian Duffy - Bryant University
Brian C Duffy - Dickinson College
Alexander R Durling - University of New Haven
Kathryn Thorne Duvall - College of Charleston
Callie L Edelman - University of Hawaii at Manoa
Daniel J Egan - Fordham University
Kelly E Eichman - Vanderbilt University
Robert Parker Elliott - University of Pennsylvania
Lindsay L Ellis - - Non-U.S. College - Concordia University
Sarah E Ellis - Amherst College
Jennifer R Fasolino - Dickinson College
John P Ferguson - Northeastern University
Nicolas G Fernandez - Wake Forest University
Samantha C Fink - University of Connecticut
Jessica Lauren Fisher - Miami University
Ryan A Flippin - 2 year college
Timothy J Forcelli - Central Connecticut State University
Molly Foulds - University of Connecticut
James E Frankum - Western Connecticut State University
Ian W Franzen - Bryant University
Douglas A Friedrich - Fairfield University
Lindsay C Fuchs - Dickinson College
Melissa A Gallagher - Merrimack College
Bryan Gatten - Employed
Martin John Gennusa - Lehigh University
Nicole Genovesi - Saint Joseph’s University
Priyanka Ghosh - Dartmouth College
Elizabeth A Gibbons - Tufts University
Chelsey Nicole Gibson - Brigham Young University
Robyn Elizabeth Giles - Southern Methodist University
Kristin S Gill - Cornell University
Sarah Giustino - Pennsylvania State University, University Park
Christine A Glennon - West Virginia University
Shoshanna E Goldenberg - State University of New York at Albany
Brian J Goodfriend - Lehigh University
Kristina L Goodstadt - The University of Texas, Austin
Jacob R Gorelick - Lehigh University
Michael A Gormley - Stonehill College
Katie D Gramlich - Gettysburg College
Jesse Colby Grauer - Sarah Lawrence College
Jessica E Greenbaum - - Non-U.S. College - University of Toronto
Mathew C Greenfeld - Santa Monica College
David P Griffin - Georgetown University
Alyssa L Guastella - International Academy of Design & Technology
Joseph M Gunshor - Stevens Institute of Technology
JulianAndres Gutierrez - Military
Kaitlyn B Halladay - Coastal Carolina University
Kathryn A Hallam - Southern Connecticut State University
Christine A Hanlon - Providence College
Rachel E Harris - Saint Michael’s College
Sean E Harriton - University of Delaware
Caitriona S Hastings - Simmons College
Nicole R Heiser - Nyack College
Ashley E Heisler - Fordham University
Elizabeth A Henderson - University of Rhode Island
Rachael I Herbst - State University of New York at Albany
Steven M Herron - Union College
Brad G Heyman - Fordham University
Elisabeth M Higgins - Union College
Christine K Hnath - Fordham University
Courtney Megan Hoecker - Villanova University
Kaitlyn Melissa Hoecker - Bucknell University
Thomas J Hoeler - Bentley College
Sarah E Horner - Syracuse University
Alexander C Houck - Western Connecticut State University
Natalie E Huey - Roger Williams University
Blake B Hulnick - Hamilton College
Kamila G Hussain - University of Connecticut
Colleen F Hussey - Johns Hopkins University
Mariah T Hutchings - Boston College
Jessica B Hyland - Elon University
Katherine R Ifert-Miller - State University of New York at New Paltz
Shannon L Jannelle - Manhattanville College
Amanda M Johnson - Central Connecticut State University
Lisa M Johnson - Arizona State University
Matthew M Johnston - Iona College
Jaclyn M Joyce - Berklee College of Music
Jessica M Kass - University of Wisconsin, Madison
Meredith P Kearney - State University of New York at New Paltz
Jennifer M Kenny - The Ohio State University
Benjamin A Kessler-Reynolds - Stanford University
Adam L Kilcran - Employed
Caitlin E Kingsley - Dickinson College
June 2005 3
Open Campus A Possibility At RHS
by Annie Bowlby
Having the choice of leaving school for a
brief 45 minutes, or sitting in the student
center for those same 45 minutes, I would
chose the former. Having an open campus
means that students have the ability to
leave school during times at which they
have no classes assigned, or their lunch. In
the past few years, Ridgefield High School
has strived to become more like a college
campus, offering a variety of elective
classes, as well as a multitude of Advanced
Placement classes. With many adjustments
made so that students have had more of a
voice within the school community, with
the addition of a “Student Union”, and with
the continuation of student government,
students get the chance to mold the school
and environment that they want to learn.
Coming to Ridgefield High School
from a school that offered open campus,
I was almost taken aback when I learned
that Ridgefield didn’t. The majority of the
senior and junior class drives to school.
Why shouldn’t these students be able to
leave campus to go and get lunch, or go
back home during a free period when they
have forgotten something? Although the
high school may be secluded from everything else, there is still a possibility of safely,
driving the speed limit get out of the school
for a few moments before undertaking
more classes.
A freshman recently said to me, “[If]
people are going to take advantage of being
able to leave, then they will have to deal the
consequences.” It is well known throughout
Ridgefield High School that if a student is
tardy to a class three times unexcused, they
will lose five points off their grade, as well
as if a student has an unexcused absence.
Heavy consequences like these are not
taken lightly. Having these rules may help
persuade students from taking advantage
of having the privilege to leave school.
Preparing for college is a daunting task
that high school students are pushed to
undertake. In college, there is going to be
no one who can tell students that they have
to stay within the school campus. Being able
to leave school campus can possibly help
prepare a person to go to college. Giving
them the experience of leaving campus and
coming back to class in somewhat of a controlled environment. In a school that prides
themselves on being academically challeng-
ing, it comes as no surprise that students are
stressed. Not having to be in school, underneath the harsh florescent lighting when it
is not necessary could possibly help relieve
stress. A change in setting can sometimes
do a person a world a good. Getting out of
school, even for 20 minutes, can help clear
someone’s head, and take just a little bit of
that stress away so that they can come back
and finish the rest of the day.
A junior, at a school with an open
campus, described the process of leaving
fully to me saying, “In the beginning of the
year our parents had to sign a permission
slip saying that we were allowed to leave
during certain periods of the day during
which we had no classes or lunch. The
principal and the superintendent reserved
the right, though, to close campus at any
time they wished…. When we were ready
to leave, we went to the office, signed out,
received a pass, gave it to the security on
the way out and we free from school as long
as we didn’t have class. We had to return
5 minutes before our next class started,
would sign back in at the office, and would
go back to class.” That, to me, sounds like
something that we all can handle. Signing
in, signing out, taking the responsibility of
our lives for a brief period of time.
Recently discussed at the last Student
Union meeting, and then brought up again
in the Student Government Elections,
having an open campus has been generally
supported by the student body. A member
of the sophomore class claims, “ We’re not
little kids, we don’t need to be babysat.”
Although this may be true, they give us
frees, trusting us with the responsibility of
staying within the school without direct
supervision, but there is always someone
watching. The only way that open campus
could be possibly implemented is if the
faculty and administration agrees with this
idea as well. Ridgefield High School is in
the middle of no where. There is the issue
of safe driving, poor road conditions due
to bad weather, and general responsibility
of the students. The students of Ridgefield
High School work hard all year round, and
if the administration were to trust us with
the privilege of leaving school and coming
back, we may work harder, and continue to
show that this responsibility can be undertaken by all of us.
Leaving school campus is a privilege,
not a right in any way, and should not be
viewed by students as such. I believe that
Ridgefield High School, for the most part,
has proven to have a generally responsible
student body. By no means should an open
campus policy continue if students prove
to act irresponsibly through abusing this
privilege, but without trying how will we
ever know if the students could handle the
responsibility, and possibly gain responsibility, through being allowed off school
grounds. Kids
In
The
Hall
Photos and interview by Promeeta Ghosh
What are you doing this summer?
Morgan Friedrich
& Allison Soicher (9)
“We’re going to basketball camp!”
Sarah Brunjes (10)
“I’m going to Nantucket.”
Marina Reppucci (9)
“I’m going to my house in Rhode Island.”
4 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
June 2005 17
Junior Prom 2005 A Hit!
walked in. The corridors leading to the
by Scott Erich
gymnasium, and the gymnasium itself were
The forecast was rain – and it was accurate. completely transformed from the typical
Although there was a downpour on prom place where students lazily trod in their
night, it certainly did not dampen the gym clothes to a ballroom fit for celebrities. spirits of the Class of 2006. Though the To compliment the extensive decorations,
rain did make silk dresses spotty, put a halt there was a disc jockey whose choice of
to outdoor pictures, and forced the ladies to music was above par, and a photo process
wear trash bags over their heads to protect which was worth the wait. their three-hour-hairdo, everyone put on “The decorations were impressive”
their finest formalwear and lived the life of remarked Jenny Bottali (’06). “… but I am
a movie star, at the 2005 “Dance the Night still waiting on the photos!”
Away” Junior Prom.
The dancing stayed relatively under
While most everyone congregated for control, but people did gather round the
seemingly endless pictures, some stayed extraordinary display of dancing that
home for dinner while others went out. Roger Bel (’06), and Matt Harris (’06) put
Restaurants such as 59 Bank and East Ridge on, when they were teamed up against John
Café were full of the freshly spruced-up Travolta look-alikes Jeremy Dwyer (’06)
juniors.
and Chris Conte (’06). Although there was
People who went out to the more upscale no declared winner, it was a rather enterrestaurants agree that it was fun, but they taining dance-off to watch. say that they neglected to realize exactly After dancing for an hour and a half,
how much they were spending. The guys, the suspense of who would be named the
many of which probably paid for dinner, as prom king and queen was mounting. The
well as their tuxedo and both tickets to the nominees for king were Matt Opotzner,
prom itself were probably hit the hardest. Joey Swartout, TJ Brennan,
Sammy Von Kuhn (’06) recalls his night of Mike Schmidt and Brian
frivolous spending:
Vier; while the nominees for
“I spent about $240. It was definitely queen were Elizabeth ‘Bitsy’
worth it though – my date looked great”
Rich, Holly Marban, Caroline
If there was any wonder where the at- Baker, Kerry Bollerman and
tendee’s $35 (for each ticket) went, they Maggie Brennan. In the end,
quickly forgot the expense when they it was the dashing TJ Brennan
and the lovely Holly Marban who took the
crowns.
When prom ended, the party certainly
wasn’t over. Many people dispersed and
went to friend’s houses in groups ranging
from five to 45 people. One group of
friends did something decidedly different
on the other hand: they rented a tour-style
bus and dubbed it the ‘party bus’
“The party bus was tons of fun” said
Kevin O’Connell (’06). “We had a great
time – it made a great prom memory”.
Overall, Junior Prom 2005 proved to
be an immense success. Everyone who The
Voice talked to enjoyed themselves before,
during, and after, making it a “great prom
memory” for all who attended. “[It] was a lot more fun than everyone
said it was going to be, and next year should
be even more fun” said Alison Ferreira
(’06).
Everyone behaved themselves (for the
most part), and luckily, everyone safely
made it through the night.
Bob Mortimer, Junior Prom Guest Speaker
by Allie Rubin
On the Friday before junior prom, RHS
upperclassmen received a visit from a very
memorable guest speaker. Many of the
students shuffled into the auditorium third
period expecting a preachy lecture from a
stranger about sex and drugs. However,
they were surprised to see a man sitting in a
wheelchair with only one arm and no legs.
Although curiosity grew, cynicism still ran
high. It wasn’t until Bob Mortimer introduced himself that the students let their
guard down.
Mr. Mortimer appealed to the audience
by blending tongue-in-cheek-comedy with
slapstick humor. Through involvement
with the audience and setting a light tone,
the upperclassmen may have actually been
listening later on when he brought up more
serious issues.
Raising his “Handy-Cap” high above his
head, Mr. Mortimer announced that, “The
only handicap we have is the one we put on
ourselves.” Even then, his message was not
geared toward post-prom adventures. He
addressed topics that teens face on a daily
basis, including attitude, physical appearance and then finally drugs and alcohol.
Mr. Mortimer was able to capture the
attention of the upperclassman (a rare feat)
and perhaps even motivated some students
to change their prom plans. He said of his
program, “I just hope that I can inspire kids
Bob Mortimer
adorning his “handy-cap”
not to make the same mistakes that I did.”
Mr. Mortimer recounted his life, beginning
with troubles at home that led to substance
abuse. He emphasized that you can get
into an accident and walk away from it
unharmed, but it’s the walk away that will
harm you. Although he and his brother
were unharmed in a major car accident
they were involved in resulting from a night
of drug abuse, their car downed power lines
when it crashed, causing Mr. Mortimer to
be immediately electrocuted upon walking
away from his car. When he fell, both of his
knees and one of his arms were severely
burned. Months in the hospital were spent
in a slow loss of three of his limbs and a
slower recovery defined by more substance
abuse.
Nevertheless, Mr. Mortimer ended on
an optimistic note, describing his three
children as well as his wife of many years,
who took him to get help after the accident.
Speculating upon his recovery and current
happiness, Mr. Mortimer reiterated in retrospect that the only handicap is the one
you put on yourself. A long line of touched
students formed next to the stage to thank
the speaker and shake his hand.
Kids
In
The
Hall
Photos and interview by Promeeta Ghosh
What are you doing this summer?
Juniors Kerry Bullerman, Lauren Biehl, and
Danielle Winston stop dancing to pose for a picture
Dave Woolery and his
sophomore date, Katie Jenkins
Courtney Arel (11)
“I live up in Maine over the summer and I’m coming
back to Ridgefield for an internship.”
Allison Dziuba (9)
“I’m going to England and Ireland with the concert
choir.”
16 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
June 2005 5
Project Homerun
Working To Forge Relationships Through Sports
by Sophie Cai
“Let there be a bat for every slugger!” cries
the motto of Project Homerun.
“I came up with the name ‘Project
Homerun’ because it’s a club that seeks to
use the collection of new and lightly used
sports equipment as a vehicle for forging
relationships between two very different
communities,” notes Hillary Haber, CoFounder and Co-President (along with
Stacey Lopez) of Project Homerun, a club
advised by social studies teacher Mrs.
Rachel Black Unger.
The idea for the club itself was inspired
in part by another RHS organization headed
by Marin Hawk and Madeline Liebling,
Operation Cinderella. Mrs. Black Unger
comments that, “I was inspired [to start
Project Homerun] by an article I read on a
project [Operation Cinderella] to get gently
used prom dresses to kids who may not be
able to afford them.” But as Stacey points
out, “We wanted to add a different aspect
to the concept of donating by appealing
to another group of interested students,
athletes.” And so the club members decided
to focus on the common ground provided
by sports.
Together, Stacey and Hillary have worked
together to plan and lead several activities.
“We’ve been successful because Hillary and
I have different strengths, which we’ve been
able to combine. She’s an athlete, so she
knows the necessary details about FCIACs
in order to establish certain contacts. Most
importantly she has a deep understanding
of the confidence that being involved in
sports brings. I’m an organizer, and I make
sure that the public relations and our plans
are aspect being accomplished,” Stacey
remarks.
The club recently spent February and
March collecting everything from athletic
shoes and sportswear to bats to rackets to ice
skates at the Recreation Center, managing
to fill over seven boxes with the donations.
“Next year, we hope to expand it to stores,”
Hillary explains. “We also really want to get
more RHS students more involved,” adds
Stacey.
This year, the other community that
Project Homerun has been working
with is Bridgeport, Connecticut. “We’re
currently targeting the Bridgeport Boys
and Girls Club; that’s where we dropped
off all the equipment we got from the
Recreation Center,” Hillary comments.
“We chose Bridgeport because we wanted
a community in the area that also participated in FCIAC.”
Although the first phase has been
focused on collecting sports equipment,
“the real point of the club is to encourage
interaction between Ridgefield and Bridgeport students,” Hillary relates. “Our vision
is to forge a lasting relationship between
Ridgefield and neighboring communities
that would not exist under normal circumstances, and in doing so create a greater
respect and appreciation for diversity.”
As Mrs. Black Unger puts it, “The purpose
of the club was to get sports equipment to
kids who need and can’t afford it. It was a
small and modest start; next year, hopefully
we will expand.”
Stacey brings additional insight to the club’s
mission as well. “We hope to bridge the gap
between athletes in Ridgefield and other
communities involved in FCIAC. Last year,
a few RHS students created animosity with
other students at Danbury by insulting them
during a game, and we really want to break
down the stereotypes about RHS athletes
that some people from other communities
may have as result of similar incidents.”
Project Homerun members are planning on
sponsoring an event in the future, such as a
basketball game, to allow for a more direct
link between these two communities. They
further hope to sponsor more collection
drives, both at RHS and although throughout the rest of the Ridgefield community.
The club generally meets on Mondays
after school in room A220; it is advised
that any interested students listen to the
announcements for details about Project
Homerun meetings. Contact Hillary, Stacey
or Mrs. Black Unger for more details,
and perhaps you too will be able to help
deserving students score a home run with
their new equipment.
Bitsy Rich, Holly Marban, Maggie Brennan, Carolyn
Baker, Kerry Bollerman, Brian Vier, Joey Swartout, TJ
Brennan, Mike Schmidt, and Matt Opotzner,
nominees for Prom King and Queen
TJ Brennan and Holly Marban,
Prom King and Queen
Kids
In
The
Hall
Photos and interview by Promeeta Ghosh
What are you doing this summer?
Kids
In
The
Hall
Photos and interview by Promeeta Ghosh
What are you doing this summer?
Kate Holiday (12)
“I’m going to soccer camp, to Virginia, and maybe out West.”
“We’re going to be hanging out with friends before
we leave.”
“I have a week-long internship in NYC with Show People
Magazine, a cruise for a week around the Caribbean, and
several field hockey camps.”
Annie Scala & Noelle DeNou (12)
Corinne Smith (10)
“I’m just hanging out over the summer.”
Jessica Hastings (10)
“I’m heading for the beaches this summer.”
Nick Nelson (9)
“I’m going to be working and then going to France.”
Meghan Dowling (9)
6 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
June 2005 15
Senior Of The Month
Maggie Loo - March
by Sophie Cai
“When I meet new people, I tell them, ‘I
was born in Malaysia, I was raised in New
York City, I live in Philadelphia, and I go to
school in Connecticut,’” says Maggie Loo,
the Outstanding Senior of the Month for
March.
With a course schedule ranging from
Marketing II and AP Economics to AP
Psychology and Politics and Literature,
Maggie is a stellar student. Not only has she
achieved High Honor Roll at RHS, but she
has also been named to National Honor
Roll and has been recognized by Who’s Who
Among American High School Students,
“a timely yet lasting tradition to honor
students who have excelled in academics,
extra-curricular activities and community
Maggie Loo
service,” according to the program’s website
(http://www.whoswho-highschool.com/).
A few years ago Maggie was also honored
with the Tiger Award, which recognizes
“students who exhibit Service, Positive
Attitude, Cooperation, Dependability, Initiative, Leadership and/or Unique Contribution to RHS or the Community.”
Considering her impressive extracur-
ricular record, it is no wonder that she was
so honored. “The most significant extracurricular activities I have been involved
in would be the Interact Club and Student
Council, both of which I have been a part of
for four years,” Maggie says.
She also has been a member of The
Voice student magazine staff and Future
Business Leaders of America; in fact, she
recently placed first at the regional FBLA
competition in the Computer Applications
division.
As Co-President of Interact Club,
Maggie’s values epitomize the purpose of
the organization. As she explains, “I enjoy
doing community service and helping
others. I just have a really good feeling
during and after the act.”
“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished
so far,” Maggie says. One of the greatest
challenges she has experienced while at
RHS was trying to make herself known to
the student public while campaigning for
positions in Student Council, which, as
she puts it, “has affected and sharpened my
outlook of the student body at RHS.”
“Becoming class president my freshman
and sophomore year were among the most
important times for me at RHS. People
knew my name, but they didn’t really know
me. So I’ve worked hard to let them know
who I am, and I’ve overcome a lot of stereotypes in the process,” she adds.
When asked what she feels has made
her so successful thus far, Maggie answers,
“working really, really hard, and just
dreaming and working to achieve those
dreams.” In keeping with this mentality,
Maggie cites the primary role that her
friends and family have played in her life
as being encouraging her to be a hard
worker and to “strive for higher goals and
go beyond my limits. My parents are my
role models, because they show me how
hard work pays off and have just always set
a good example,” she relates.
Yet another person who has encouraged Maggie to work hard was Mr. Larry
Friedman, her AP U.S. History teacher last
year.
“Mr. Friedman is my favorite teacher
because he was tough, loud and hard,
but at the same time, looked out for me
and believed in me when I never did in
myself. He stood by me and we worked
hard together and all the work paid off at
the end of the year,” Maggie says. “AP U.S.
History was a pure challenge and inspiring
class. The material was complex and interesting, and the teacher provided a lot of
guidance.”
Two of Maggie’s teachers, in particular,
have kind words for her, one of whom is
Mr. Friedman. “Maggie has demonstrated
not only a terrific work ethic but also a
determination to succeed. She has excellent
academic skills but most importantly her
outstanding character has enabled her
to achieve success both in and out of the
classroom,” he says.
According to Maggie’s AP Economics
teacher Mrs. Theresa Fischer, “Maggie is
a student who works hard and has an incredible positive attitude…. The first time
I met Maggie, she was at the Junior Prom
checking out everything we were doing
so that she could advise her class. Maggie
displays confidence and when she smiles
you know that she is in control and can
win you over. We will definitely be hearing
about her in the next few years.”
Together, Maggie’s work ethic and
admirable character led her to be accepted
by the A Better Chance (ABC) program,
a non-profit organization that, according
to its website (http://www.abetterchance.
org/), identifies “highly motivated students
of color who are at or above grade level
with demonstrated leadership potential
and refers them to some of the nation’s top
private and public schools.” Three years ago,
the organization honored Maggie with the
Diana Ross Academic Achievement Award.
The Ridgefield chapter of ABC accepts
students from other communities who are
Asian America, African American, Native
American and/or Latino, and allows them
to attend schools in the Ridgefield Public
System, as long as they complete at least
25 hours of community service per year,
maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and participate actively in extracurricular activities.
“It’s like college,” Maggie notes. “You
learn to do your chores, and you set goals
for yourself.”
Through matching young scholars with
some of the country’s best college preparatory schools, the ABC program seeks to
provide a better education for minority
students.
Loren Savini
Public Relations
Loren became involved in student council her sophomore year in high school
and became the vice president of the class of 2007. Next year, her job will
entail establishing a link between RHS and, especially, the town or Ridgefield
and between other schools or places. A note from Loren:
“For the 2005-2006 school year I plan to work hard to help accomplish the
goals that student government has set. Additionally, I feel it’s necessary that
members of the student government reach out to make the school a better
place and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Lauren Tewksbury
Treasurer
Lauren (call her Tewks if two Laurens is too confusing) began participation in
student council her freshman year as a senator. As treasurer, she is taking on
a big responsibility- collecting and keeping track of the student government’s
funds and establishing budgets for all the activities student government runs. Such activities include freshman orientation, freshman dance, spirit week,
Homecoming, and Moondance.
A note from Tewks:
“In the past years, I’ve watched the student government at RHS promote
school spirit and try to get kids involved, this year I intend to make a difference and get more input from the student body to make RHS even better”
•
Taryn Heyman
Secretary
Taryn has been involved with student council since her middle school
years. She was a class representative and last year she held the position of
Treasurer of the class of 2007. As secretary of general student council her
responsibilities vary from taking the minutes during weekly meetings and
emailing them to the advisor to writing paragraphs giving the ideas of what’s
going on with student government for the PTSA newsletter.
A note from Taryn:
”Next year I want to play an active roll in our campaign for off campus
lunches, homecoming plans, and Moondance. We’ll make it a great year with
the help from the student body as well.”
14 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
June 2005 7
Student Council Elections
TJ Brennan
Student Body President
TJ has been a part of student council since his earliest position as co-vice
president in 7th grade, to his co-presidency in 8th grade, and his duration
as president of the class of 2006 for all three years of high school.
A note from your president:
“I hope to establish an open campus policy at RHS, continue to work on
school unity, and to ensure that homecoming and moon dance are extraordinary. I think our school is moving along the path towards a unified
school. I’ve witnessed the change towards a more spirited student body
and hope to complete the evolution during my term as President at RHS. God Bless America.”
Jonathan Giel
VP of Rights and Responsibilities
Jon’s participation in student c ouncil dates all the way back to his elementary school years, so RHS has an experienced man for the job. He has been
involved all three years and was the treasurer of the class of 2006 his sophomore year. As TJ’s “right hand man” Jon has the task of making sure the
logistics of every event gets done. His personal goals for the ‘05-‘06 school
year include lowering parking fees and getting an open campus.
A note from Jon:
“I ask our school, teachers and fellow students, to get involved! I ask my
fellow students to give a portion of their time to help us out. All the events,
such as dances, are done by the Student Government; with your help, we can
make these events better than ever.”
Bitsy Rich
VP of Student Activities
Bitsy has served as a class senator all three years of her high school career. As VP of student activities, she will lead the student body as spirited
whole organizing events such as homecoming spirit week and weekend
(including the bonfire) as well as Moondance. With Bitsy in charge, RHS
is assured a fun and energetic school year.
A note from Bitsy:
“ Every year, I’ve watch kids become more involved with dances,
and spirit weeks - next year I hope to help get more kids involved and make the school a more lively and united place.”
“And that’s what I’ve had,” Maggie says.
“RHS is a great school, and I’m grateful to
have had the experience of being a part of
it. Not only have I become more knowledgeable, but I’ve also met a lot of different
people and learned about discipline. I’ve
matured a lot.”
“If I had to choose five words to
describe myself, they would be: determined, motivated, organized, unique, and
well rounded,” Maggie comments.
With these qualities in mind, Maggie
plans to attend George Washington University in the fall, with hopes of gaining a solid
foundation that will allow her to go on to
own a business that encompasses what she
loves best: marketing, communication, and
public relations.
“I’m surprised and excited [to be Senior
of the Month for March,]” says Maggie.
Indeed, all of her hard work has been well
worth it.
is focused and dedicated…[and completes
his responsibilities] with accuracy and
thoroughness in a timely manner. He works
with attention to detail while under pressure
when things do not go as planned…and is a
‘take charge’ person who will keep himself
and others working on task.”
In addition to his academic excellence,
Jim is involved in a wide variety of activities
outside of school. “Some of my favorite activities are playing tennis, mountain biking
and spending time with friends. I love
spending time outdoors, and I also spend
a lot of my free time playing music with a
small jazz group that my friends and I put
Jim Ritter - April
by Sophie Cai
As an intern at Stanley Works and a
future Bucknell University student, April’s
Outstanding Senior of the Month Jim Ritter
is eager to pursue the field of engineering.
With a strong interest in mathematics
and science, as well as Spanish and music,
Jim is an avid drum player and Jazz Band
member and names Spanish VH, Physics
H and AP Calculus AB as being among his
favorite courses.
His admirable record earned him a
place in the RHS chapter of the National
Honor Society. “I was very honored to be
a part of this select group of students, and
have been able to serve this group most by
tutoring students,” he says.
In keeping with his love of music, Jim
cites band instructor Mr. Phil Banette as a
particularly influential teacher. “He was not
only my teacher in school but also gave me
private lessons on the drums. He taught
me pretty much everything I know about
music,” notes Jim.
Yet another teacher who deeply
impressed Jim is Mr. Andrew Maccabe,
his junior English teacher. Jim relates,
“Although English is not one of my favorite
subjects, his class allowed me to enjoy it.”
Jim’s instructors consider him a positive
influence in the classroom as well; as physics
teacher Mr. Peter Ustie says, “Jim Ritter
exhibits a high quality in character and
responsibility beyond his peer group. He
Jim Ritter
together, the Blackbirds,” he comments.
Besides being on the RHS varsity tennis
team, Jim is also a leader of the Sacred Heart
Church’s youth group. “We do various
service activities such as helping elderly
people in our community, food drives and
going on Midnight Runs, which are trips
into New York City to feed and clothe the
homeless,” he explains.
Furthermore, Jim has participated in
the Appalachia Service Project throughout
high school, and has served as an orientation leader for the past two years. “The
Appalachia Service Project is a week long
trip to Appalachia in which a large group of
children and adults help repair the homes
of those who cannot do it themselves,” Jim
says.
According to the official website at
http://www.asphome.org/, “The Appalachia Service Project is a home repair and
home building ministry through which
volunteers and our staff repair and build
homes for low-income families in rural
Central Appalachia. Our goal is to make
homes warmer, safer and drier, while
offering transformational experiences for
volunteers and homeowners alike.”
Indeed, Jim cites his participation in this
project as a “life-changing” experience. “It
brought me closer to my [Christian] faith
and taught me a lot about how fortunate
most of us in Ridgefield are.”
“I am proud of my accomplishments in
school and my service to the community.
I feel that both of these accomplishments
have been character-shaping experiences,
and they play a large role in my life,” he
adds.
Given his interest in helping the community,
it is not surprising that Jim values family
and friendship. “I feel very fortunate to
have a family as wonderful and supportive
as I do. My sisters are my best friends. Both
of my parents have taught me so much,
and I always have and always will look up
to them. My grandfather is a man of honor
and faith, and I hope to be as morally strong
as he is,” he remarks. “Also, I really appreciate having a good time with friends. I’ve
lived in Ridgefield for almost six years now
and have built some very strong friendships
that I know will last far into the future.”
When asked to describe himself in five
words, Jim settled on “cheerful, knowledgeable, friendly, charismatic and enthusiastic.
“I have a very positive outlook on life
and have learned that when I put my mind
to something and do my best work, I can
be very successful. Motivation is the key
to success for me. My parents, peers and
teachers have allow motivated me to do well
in school and help others outside of school
and this has helped me to be successful.”
In response to being recognized for this
success, Jim notes that, “I feel incredibly
honored to be Outstanding Senior of the
Month [and I am] very pleased to know
that my former teachers and other faculty
members felt that I was worthy of receiving
the award.”
Overall, RHS has left Jim with fond
memories, although he looks forward to
what lies ahead. As he puts it, “My years at
RHS provided me with an excellent foundation of my education. I enjoyed them
thoroughly but am very excited for the
future.”
8 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
Steve Rettger - May
by Nyanza Rothman
“I have always had the desire to learn as
much as possible,” says Steve Rettger, RHS
Outstanding Senior of the Month for
May. “This thirst has helped me to gain
knowledge and be open to many viewpoints, and in this way, I believe I have
succeeded thus far.”
Steve has proven himself in many disciplines throughout his high-school career,
but he has found theatre to be the place
where he feels most comfortable. “I’ve participated in musicals for the
duration of my time at RHS, and more
recently I’ve taken an interest in drama,” he
says. “This year’s production of West Side
Story was my favorite. Having the lead role
[of Tony] was an incredible honor and an
experience I will never forget.”
When asked what he likes most about
theatre (i.e. singing, dancing, or acting),
Steve responded, “All three are individually wonderful, but what truly makes them
special is using them together to shape
Steve Rettger
a character, in the way he sounds, moves,
thinks, feels, and responds.”
Steve has further pursued his passion for
theatre through the International Thespian
Society, a club for actors. In addition, he is
co-director with Jackie Joyce of Acappella 8,
the RHS eight-member a cappella singing
group. “Choosing the music that we rehearsed
all year to finally perform at the Spring
Concert was exciting and a great responsibility,” he adds.
Steve also excels in academics. In
addition to being a member of the National
Honor Society and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, he is the recipient of the
Connecticut Governor’s Scholar Award and the Professional Liability Underwriting
Society’s Leo Gilmartin Memorial Scholarship. His senior year course load includes
AP U.S. Government and Politics, Theatre
Arts, Astronomy, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, Concert Choir, and Shakespeare and
Humanities. He cites AP Junior English with Ms.
Kathleen Wassall, AP American History
with Mr. Laurence Friedman and AP Statistics during his senior year with Mr. David
Yolen as being among his favorite and most
inspiring classes.
“Ms. Wassall was not only an inspiration to me; she also drastically improved my
writing,” he notes. “All of my teachers have
been an unbelievable source of knowledge
and wisdom.”
Steve plans to further develop his
interest in writing at Northwestern University, where he will pursue a double major in
theatre and either business or English. “I’m not yet sure of the path I’d like to take,”
he explains.
Although Steve explored many interests,
from sports to the performing arts, during
his earlier years of high school, he eventually focused on theatre and music. However,
he still finds time in his busy schedule of
rehearsals and academics for community
service. Over the past few summers, Steve
has participated in the HOME trip with
the First Congregational Church during
which he traveled to Maine to build low
cost homes for the less fortunate. He also
has been an active Key Club member and a
captain for the American Cancer Society’s
Relay for Life for the past two years.
Steve lives by an important philosophy. “I believe in dedication and hard work,” he
emphasizes. “Even when presented with
a challenge, truly attempting to overcome
it can be all the difference in whether one
succeeds or not. Whether it is a piano piece
or conjugating French verbs, these two will
be your allies.”
However, Steve is quick to recognize
the contributions of those around him to
his success. “My parents have taught me
to work hard and put in effort; my friends
have taught me the necessity of taking some
time for fun,” he asserts. “There have been
a number of people I have worked with in
my shows, who, aside from being wonderful
guides in that department, have always been
there with advice and help.”
From athletics to academics, and acting
to volunteering, Steve has engaged in many
aspects of high school life and given them
his all. He offers words of encouragement
to underclassmen aspiring for the kind
of success he has achieved: “Enjoy what
you do; it will give you the motivation to
perform beyond your expectations.”
Kristin Gill - June
by Nicki Petefish
As one of two RHS Outstanding Seniors of
the Month for June, Kristin Gill takes an
active interest in academics as well as extracurricular and community activities.
An outstanding mathematics student,
Kristin was one of six RHS students selected
earlier this year to take the American Invitational Mathematics Exam after scoring
highly in the American Mathematics Competition 12. This semester, she is studying
AP Biology, AP English Literature and
Composition and AP Statistics, as well as
Government and Politics, Spanish V and
Ceramics 2.
She says that one of her favorite courses
Kristin Gill
at RHS has been AP English Literature and
Composition because, “It greatly improved
my writing and [I] learned a lot while being
in a fun class.” She also enjoyed both Honors
and AP Biology because they “developed my
interest in and understanding of biology.”
Outside the classroom, Kristin serves
Mock Trial Champions
regional teams would face off to enter the
semi-finals.
On April 29, 2005, the Ridgefield Mock
First in New Britain and then in
Trial team made its way up the steps of the
Waterbury, Ridgefield made its way through
State Supreme Court House in
the ranks, finally facing West
Hartford.
Haven High’s prosecution and
Led by captains Adwiti
Conard’s defense to secure its
Balakrishna, Daniel Shannon
place at the finals.
and Patrick Wilson, and men
Despite this auspicious
tored by coaches Ms. Katherine
beginning, the finals did not
Gabbay and Mr. Reilly, the
go as expected. As Cameron
Ridgefield team found itself
Tepfer, playing the part of prosbeating out 72 other schools to
ecution witness Dr. Gerry Stein, compete in the state finals for
defended himself in cross-examthe first time in twenty years.
ination, the lights in the ornate
After months of preparing
court house flickered and died.
the
educational-malpractice
The judges presiding
case which pitted illiterate
over the case left the court
student Alex Lloyd against the
room to discuss how to proceed,
school board of Metro City
and soon returned. Due to
Unified School District, the first
(first row) Kauri Ballard; Cameron Tepfer; Lydia state regulations, the trial had
test for the Ridgefield team was Brunner; (second row) Elizabeth Rich; Ms. Kathy to be curtailed in its earliest
at the regional competition at
moments, and the judges
the Danbury court house. There, Gabbay, advisor; Miles Skorpen; Alison Burke; Mr. declared West Haven High and
in an unprecedented turn of Lawrence Reilly, coach; (background) Daniel Shan- Ridgefield High co-champions
events, both of Ridgefield’s two non; Patrick Wilson; Garrett Schumann; Joe Mygatt; of the Connecticut Mock Trial
teams went undefeated, beating Abhi Nagaraj; Chelsea Gamber; Kathryn Kozlark; championships.
out Wilton, Xavier, Danbury, and
Adwiti Balakrishna; Amaka Nneji
by Miles Skorpen
Bethel.
This unforeseen occurrence allowed the
RHS team to circumvent the second stage
of the competition in which the two leading
June 2005 13
The Voice - Ridgefield High School
Choir At Carnegie Hall
by Katie Flaherty
On May 29, 250 singers from Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky and Pennsylvania
serenaded the audience at Carnegie Hall in
New York City with six works written and
conducted by Dr. David Brunner, Director
of Choral Activities at University of Central
Florida. Fifty RHS choir members were
invited to participate in this opportunity
of a lifetime, singing “Cantate Domino,”
“O Music,” “Painted Memories,” “Painted
Book,” “Simple Boat” and “A Divine Voice
Sings Through All Creation.”
On May 27 and 28, four-hour choir rehearsals under the guidance of Dr. Brunner
at the Hilton Hotel in New York City marked
every singer’s calendar as they honed their
skills in everything from consonant pronunciation to time signatures.
Music teacher Joyce Flanagan had
prepared students months in advance,
and the hard work paid off. “It was just
brilliant!” she commented.
“It really makes a difference when you
practice,” notes Caitlin Keeler, ’07. “I learned
how to prepare and how to sing with a large
group…. You don’t get to sing at Carnegie
Hall every day, and I had dreamed about
singing there ever since I was a little girl.”
Inevitably, choir members are still humming
“Up on the walls of the canyons / with great
Singers, including Niven
McCall-Mazza, Kathryn
Kozlark, and Allison Dzuiba
RHS Choir in front of Carnegie Hall
care / I paint my memories,” select lyrics bonds extended beyond attire.
from Dr. Brunner’s “Painted Memories,” “We were all afraid of what we would
but they have more to remember about this look like, with one choir wearing green
enlightening experience.
gowns, another wearing navy blue outfits,
As Katie Driessen, ’06, puts it, “It was a and so on,” recalls Katie Flaherty, ‘06, “but
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
the connection was more than looking
Steve Rettger, ’05, extracted lessons the same on stage. The music is what
from this experience: “The director, David brought us together and gave us a sense
Brunner, gave us advice on creating the best of community.” In the end, when all the
possible sound and tone of the music. His choirs came together to rehearse, it was Dr.
advice was useful beyond this experience, Brunner’s pieces that broke the ice.
and it just reminded me of how great it is to Lyrics continue to linger in singers’
be in these [types of] performances.”
minds, and perhaps one stands out to
“Practicing was aggravating,” says Beth sum up the experience of fifty RHS choir
Schumacher, ’06, “and the music was hard, students: “O music / O music / Thou hast
but once we got up on stage, it was definitely taught us to see with our ears and hear with
worth it.”
our hearts…” Preparing for and singing at
“We had worked so hard, so I could Carnegie Hall yielded fond memories and
predict the finished product,” says Alison resounding lessons.
Dziuba, ‘08, “but the
performance exceeded
my expectations.”
“I enjoyed singing
and
became
more
confident as a singer,”
relates Max Peters, ’08.
“I fell in love with music
this year in high school,
and this experience made
me even more interested
in music.”
When the choirs
merged
on
stage,
everyone was wearing
a black choir gown or
Shrutika Sankar, Allison Dzuiba,
tuxedo. However, the
and Amrita Sankar
June 2005 9
June 2005 15
as the editor of Lodestar (the RHS art
and literary magazine) and participates
in the Debate Team and Mural Club. In
her spare time, she also volunteers at
an animal hospital, participates in Girl
Scouts and partakes in HOPE trips with
the St. Stephen’s Church. According to the
official website at www.projhope.org, the
HOPE Project seeks to “achieve sustainable advances in health care around the
world by implementing health education
programs, conducting health policy
research and providing humanitarian assistance in areas of need; thereby contributing
to human dignity, promoting international
understanding and enhancing social and
economic development.” Kristin recently
received the Girl Scouts’ Silver Award and
Achievement awards in Ceramics and
Biology. In her spare time, she considers
reading and drawing among her favorite
activities, and she values gathering her
thoughts and “having time to reflect and
be alone.” Kristin is grateful to her family
and friends for their continuous support.
Her role models include her parents as well
as her grandmother, a two-time cancer
survivor “who always puts others’ needs
before her own.”
Kristin also points to several teachers
who have influenced her, such as Mrs.
Regina Finney, Dr. Nancy Dorsey-Mott and
Mr. David Yolen “for genuinely loving what
they teach.” She also includes AP English
teacher Ms. Kathleen Wassall “for always
forcing me to do my best.”
Overall, Kristin describes herself as,
“quiet, determined, ethical, empathetic and
trustworthy.” “[The development of] who I
am has been the sum of many experiences,”
she adds. Her greatest motivation has been
“personal pride and empathy for others.”
This fall, Kristin plans to major in
biology at Cornell University. She hopes to
work with birds and she aspires to become
an avian veterinarian. In keeping with her
fascination with animals, she is finishing
her senior year as an intern at the Bronx
Zoo.
In reference to RHS, Kristin relates that,
“It greatly shaped who I am and will have a
huge impact on determining who I will be.
[These] have been four wonderful years. I
feel privileged to have gone to a school like
RHS.”
Yet in spite of all of her achievements,
Kristin still describes herself as feeling
“surprised and honored” to be selected as
Outstanding Senior of the Month.
Mariah Hutchings - June
by Annie Bowlby
Mariah Hutchings, President of her class,
captain of the field hockey team, and a
scholar athlete, has “always been involved
with the community.” From freshman
year she has held a position within the
student government, working her way
from a senator her freshman year, then vice
president her sophomore year, and finally
president her junior and senior year. When
she was younger, she played soccer, and
once she started high school, she became
drawn into field hockey, saying, “I love the
camaraderie of it, the feeling of the team,
and many of my friends are on the team as
well.” Mariah has strived to reach her goals,
her greatest accomplishment, and the most
rewarding. Of the program she says, “I
got to go to the 5th grade classes, and the
students would ask me questions.” These
questions could range from what courses
she took in high school, what she wants
to be after she finished school, high school
life in general, or questions more pertinent
to topics studied within the D.A.R.E.
program. Being a D.A.R.E. role model, is
not her only experience with kids. Playing
soccer up until 8th grade, she still coaches
youth soccer. For the past six years, Mariah
has also volunteered at Bible School at St.
Steven’s Church, and taught a religious
education class at St. Mary’s Church. For
someone with this much experience with
kids, not to mention the plethora of hours
she has spent babysitting, it should come as
no surprise that Mariah wants to become
a pediatrician, and plans on studying premed at college.
She is interning at Courtney Honda of
Milford, Connecticut, where she is learning
the ins and outs of the business. “I’m
spending one week in each department, last
week it was parts, this week service.” Of the
internship, Mariah asserts, “It gets seniors
ready to go out into the world. Plus we all
have senioritis, and with seniors in school,
there might be quite a few interruptions.
It gives me a chance to get real life experiences before it becomes really necessary.” A
lifelong resident of Ridefield, Mariah claims
she is “very ready and excited to graduate.”
With graduation quickly approaching,
taking it all in stride is probably a good
thing.”
Mariah Hutchings
no matter how high they might be. Attributing this to her mom, whom she says, “has
always motivated me, stood behind me, and
been there for me.”
Heading off to college, most likely
Boston College, next year, she says, “I’m
ready, not apprehensive at all, I’m excited
to be on my own. Taking a demanding
schedule, including AP Economics, and AP
Government and Politics, Mariah claims
that, “They (RHS teachers) work you
hard, but I believe that they have prepared
me for things that will be expected of me
in college. Involved, not only within the
school, but within the context of the entire
community as well, she volunteered with
Safe Rides, and was a D.A.R.E. role model,
calling her experience through the program,
Corrections
In its article on Cafe Fare, The Voice
implied that “some teachers,” including English teacher Mrs. Valerie
Kichler, were “glad for the outcome
of Cafe Fare.” This was an unconfirmed assumption on the part the
The Voice reporter. Mrs. Kichler was
not asked to comment for this article.
10 The Voice - Ridgefield High School
June 2005 11
Here’s To The Night
the drink bar, which was giving out free
drinks such as Shirley Temples. Inside the
One of the biggest highlights of the seniors’ main ballroom, elegantly set tables suryear could not have come on a better night. rounded the centered dance floor. The
With better luck than the juniors on their choices for dinner included a pasta plate,
prom night, the sun was out and the mood steak or chicken along with a side salad and
was set for a great night ahead. The guys exquisite dessert. “The food was all right
looked fantastic all dressed up in their but I couldn’t start on my steak for about
tuxedos and the girls proved to be just as 20 minutes because the waitress couldn’t
ravishing in their bright dresses to match find any ketchup,” said Simo. Another girl
the spring season. While many couples described the chicken as “less than appetiztook extravagant limos to the prom, others ing.” However, the dessert, white chocolate
chose less clichéd modes of transporta- mousse cake, proved a perfect ending to the
tion such as their convertibles with the top meal.
down or their everyday cars made special And of course, the most important part
just because of the occasion. “I hadn’t of the night was the announcement of the
been that nervous since the series finale of winners of prom king and queen. The King
Friends,” reminisced Dan “Simo” Simonelli, was none other than Homecoming King
who brought junior Chelsea Prince as his Aaron Zimmerman and the Queen was the
date – and for good reason; there was a big charismatic Annie Scala. Aaron reflected
night ahead. on the night, “I had an awesome time at
The Greenwich Hyatt was a gorgeous prom. My limo had a back massager and
sight for all to see. Giant TV screens with then to top it off I won prom king; no big
tigers displayed an RHS jungle atmosphere. deal.” Matt Greenfeld made an unforgetThe entrance hallway was packed with table display on the dance floor making
students. Many were in line by the pho- everyone’s night at the Hyatt complete. His
tographers waiting to pose for the standard dance moves indicated that he was having a
prom picture while others crowded around fantastic time.
by Christine Robertson
But Senior Prom would not be complete
without the accompanying weekend trips
and other post-prom activities. Groups
of seniors made their way to places such
as the Jersey Shore and Vermont. Overall,
it was an obvious success. Eric Schneider
summed it up as, “Senior Prom was sweet. I had a date hotter then the cast of the OC. My mom really showed me a great time.” It
was a memorable experience for all.
(left to right) Steve Rettger,
Sarah Horner, Carolyn Walsh
and Matt Kirkpatrick
Catherine Schier
dances with her date
Dan Schafer and date
Jessica Bow and date
A bunch of seniors having fun at the prom
Prom King and Queen,
Aaron Zimmerman and
Annie Scala
Kelly Eichman and Caitlin Arturi