February 2016 - Monroe Twp Public Schools

Williamstown High School
January/February 2016 Issue
African American Month Awareness
by Priscilla Ahwin & Tatianna Toussaint
America. What is the first thing that pops
into your mind when you think about our
country, the United States of America?
Do you think about the Declaration of
Independence, or perhaps a country set
upon a hill, a country of prosperity and
multiple freedoms? America is a country
where history was created; a country of
utterly new creative culture for not only
the Europeans who first settled into the
country, but also the African slaves who
were sent to live in the country unwillingly. These certain African slaves, who were
dragged from the continent of Africa
and forced to cultivate the newly founded
American land, were evidently devastated
to leave their original country. Not only
did they try to fight for their freedom for
over a hundred years, they also tried to
retain their culture in the midst of
constant European oppression.
Although some language, religion, and
traditional practices were forgotten
generation after generation, African
slaves probably had no idea that they
would be setting a foundation for a new
culture—the African American culture.
Little did they know that they would be
the ones used as examples for their
children, their children’s children, and so
forth. As a matter of fact, African
American history began with the first
African slave ship that landed in America.
After that, the Africans that came
Inside:
1-2
3
4
unknowingly to the foreign land of their
oppressors turned their ways into one of
the most vibrant, unique, and influential
cultures that exist in America today.
African American History Origin
If you were to go all the way back to
the 17th century, you would find out that
no one would have celebrated an African
American; in fact, it was almost a crime!
Fugitive slave laws in Virginia and
Connecticut laws prohibiting African
Americans from serving in
the militia give a face to what the
general opinion was concerning
most African Americans.
Jump forward to the early 18th century,
and although prior years revealed the
feelings many Americans held regarding
Black History Month
Raising Awareness
Interview With
Ms. Moore
5
National Honor Society
6-7
Brave Voices
8
Reese Holohan
9
Dating Advice
10-11 Poetry Corner
11
Motivational Quotes
12-14 Valentine's Messages
14
Comics
15
Teacher Feature
16-17Entertainment
18Horoscopes
Students of the Month
the African slaves, we find the first signs
of anti-slavery campaigns. For example,
the first major condemnation of slavery
in North America is considered to be
the publication of Samuel Sewall's The
Selling of Joseph. After that, many jumped
on board against slavery. In the late
18th century, we face the American
Revolution, where more than 100,000
enslaved people fled from their masters.
At the same time, African Americans
like Peter Salem (Battle of Concord)
and Salem Poor (Battle of Bunker Hill)
fought on the patriot side alongside
white colonists.
1
We then move to
the 19th century
where we meet Nat
Turner, who led a
slave rebellion in
Southampton,
Virginia, which
resulted in the
Nat Turner
death of more
than 57 whites. Although this was a
seemingly violent act, it did strike a
chord in many.
In the Free States, the Massachusetts
Legislature outlawed racially segregated
schools. During the American Civil War,
we notice that more than 200,000 blacks
served in Union armed forces. The
Emancipation Proclamation, issued by
President Lincoln, made it known "that
all persons held as slaves within said
designated States, and part of States,
are, and henceforward shall be free."
African American
History is about
more than just
slavery. Early in the
20th century,
Booker T.
Washington
founded the
Booker T. Washington
National Negro
Business League in
Boston to promote business enterprise.
While this was happening, approximately 30,000 black teachers were trained
and hired to teach. These teachers are
prominent, as they were the prime
element in giving education and assistance in the achievement of literacy to
more than half of the black population.
During the Harlem Renaissance, many
African Americans were revived with
the awakening of their social stance,
features, and culture. An African
American woman, Dorothy Irene
2
Height, ran a
campaign in order
to bring about justice
for black women.
Meanwhile she was
also working to
encourage and
strengthen black
Dorothy Irene Height
families when given
the position of president of the National Council of Negro Women. Martin
Luther King became a leader in the
African-American Civil Rights Movement to encourage the idea of equal
privileges and rights to African Americans.
With the multiple achievements and
recognitions collected by African
Americans, as well as the interesting
history of it all, Carter G.
Woodson created
a “Negro History
Week”, which
eventually
became a monthlong celebration
in 1976.
Our current president, President Barack
Obama, made history back in 2008 by
becoming the first African American
President. Many influential leaders like
Maya Angelou, Martin Luther King
Junior, Fredrick Douglass, Malcolm X,
Rosa Parks, and many more have shaped
and formed the society we live in today.
However, society today still needs work
and leaders are still rising to the challenge.
_______________________________
"that all persons held as slaves
within said designated States,
and part of States, are, and
henceforward shall be free."
_______________________________
Sources:
African American History Timeline. "http://www.blackpast.org/
timelines/african-american-history-timeline-1600-1700".
African American History. "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
African-American_history".
Carter G. Woodson
The Achievements of the African Americans in
Society
African Americans have contributed a
lot to society, from the first successful
heart operation to most influential
speeches of our time. Many African
Americans have changed the mindset of
modern Americans and still are changing America and the world. For example, Martin Luther
King Jr. and his
nonviolent protests
were done in order
to achieve his
dream; that everyone can be treated
equally and not by
Martin Luther King
their skin color.
Barack Obama
Maya Angelou
Fredrick Douglass
Rosa Parks
Malcom X
How to Raise Awareness of the
African American Culture in School
by Priscilla Ahwin & Tatianna Toussaint
Have you ever wondered what the difference was between African American culture
and Black culture? The term African American refers to an ethnicity, while Black
refers to a race. You can be of the Black race without having to be African American,
thus giving a distinction between what it means to be African American versus being
Black. Although both groups are outstanding, society has unfortunately given, or
rather substituted, the term Black to African Americans alone, when it can refer to
people from Latin America, Asia, or the Pacific Islands.
How did African American culture
become what it is today? Hundreds of
years ago, when the first slaves stepped
foot on American soil, the African
culture was intact; but, as years passed
and generations faded away, the African
culture did as well. With the loss of the
indigenous artifacts of African culture, a
distinct African American culture was
organically formed. During the Harlem
Renaissance, music, dance, art, and
literature from African Americans
highlighted a distinction in culture and
opened the eyes of many Americans to
understand the customs of African
Americans.
Step 1:
First of all, learn about the African
American culture and why it is important to the general American society.
Step 2:
Join our AACS Club that addresses the
importance of the African American
society. See Mr. Redden with questions!
Step 3:
Step 4:
Suggest and create a day in school
where the student body can come in to
enjoy the food, music, and literature
from African Americans.
Step 5:
Organize an assembly or play where
you teach the student body about the
culture.
Find prominent teacher or student
figures who can give you some insight
of the African American culture.
In contrast to this Great Awakening, it
seems as if the African American
culture is weakly recognizable to the
public, especially in schools. So, what
can we do? Below are a few steps you
can take to revive the African American
culture in our school!
The African American Cultural Society at WHS.
3
Interview: The Beautiful and Prominent
Ms. Theresa Moore
by Priscilla Ahwin & Tatianna Toussaint
Why should we care about Black
History month?
I believe we as individuals should care
about getting to know each other. We
should aim to be well-rounded, tolerant,
and more understanding to races and
cultures. You should want to grow in
that way.
We as a school we are in the field of
education. We are in an atmosphere
where we can be the educator or the
educated and sometimes the students
and the adults can wear both hats at
the same time.
Explain why you personally care
about the African American Month/
culture?
I care because that is who I am. I care
because I think there needs to be more
people there to expose students to this
month. Also, I care because they are a
lot of achievements that are not always
recognized or celebrated.
What is one thing you want people to
remember about African American
Month?
I want them to remember that before it
became a month, it was only a week
called Negro History Week. Gerald
Ford, our 38th president, decided to
celebrate African American achievement
and turned that week into a month.
What African American Leader can
you relate to and why?
As a leader, Martin Luther King Jr. He
was a man, which means he had his
flaws and achievements, but the one
thing that did not change was his
4
Ms. Theresa Moore proudly displays her Williamstown High School yearbook displaying the
page highlighting The Black Culture Club when she was in school.
passion for freedom as an African
American citizen. He wanted equal
rights for all African Americans. I
am the same way; we are in the same
situations and I am passionate about
the fight for equality.
How is life as an African American?
I love being an African American, I love
the culture. I love who I am; however,
life as an African American has its
challenges. I am not going to sugar coat
it. There are challenges and I think that
is why we have to be an advocate for
other African Americans to speak up
and speak out.
Why do you believe African Americans were and are sometimes still
treated so badly?
They are treated so badly because--that
is an interesting question; you need to
stop and think about that question. My
answer is look at the history, the slave
trade is a good example. People were
purchasing and profiting off of African
Americans. People were benefiting from
it all in a nutshell.
7. Give us your honest opinion
concerning racism. The floor is
open, say anything.
Racism, honestly… until people have
an honest, honest, honest conversation
about it, we are going to be kicking the
ball until next year and the year after
that and so on. When people start
talking about it and benefiting
from the discussions, then change
will happen.
NHS Welcomes New Members
Congratulations!
NHS serves to honor students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. For more information on becoming a member of this prestigious group,
see Ms. Wristbridge.
—————zy­­—————
Nicholas Adams
MikalaCannone
RachelHluchy
Daniel Onuoha
Priscilla Ahwin
Jacob Chamberlin
JessicaIannucci
JenelleOsterdahl
Olawumi Akinmade
Grace Chen
Maya Jones
Nicole Pantalone
Richard Amandeo
Devon D'Andrea
Max Keegan
Palav Patel
Chelsea Amoako-Duodu
Ryan Davis
StevenKerbaugh
Julia Robinson
Samantha Ancello
Natalie Doggett
Kierstyn Koutsogiannis
Carly Ruppert
GiannaAncello
Ariana Dorrego
Alea Krouse
Ava-Kathleen Rybicki
Emily Anderson
RachelEarly
Jinee Lusby
Michelle Teodoro
Nicole Andreacchio
Sean Eilenberger
Bria Mack
Tatianna Toussaint
RachelBacon
Nicholas Flagg
Kamryn McKinney
Daniel Vause
Samantha Barry
GilbertFleischer
Jelani Moore
Faith Whyte
Andrew Bell
Madison Foley
Samantha Mulloy
Daphne Wiredu
Stephanie Boateng
KaitlynFord
Alexia Nunez
Taylor Wittstock
AllisonBrinn
Madison Grubbs
Naeilah Odom
HunterWroniuk
Alexandra Cahanap
AnelisHernandez
Stephanie Okereke
WHS Members 2016
—————zy­­—————
5
brave voices
by: Sydney Utsey, Kah
"The 90s because the
music was better and
all of my favorite musicians were still alive
then."
Wilson & Shawn Wilson
It's a new year with new
possibilities. Who knows
Senior
what will happen in 2016?
Times change so quickly
and fads come and go.
Newspaper Club wanted to
“60s because it was
a classier time and
drive in movies are
really cool.”
know which year or time
period you think you'd like
to live in if you could
Senior
"70s because of
disco balls, skating
and afros.”
Junior
choose. Your answers
are interesting!
“80s because I
like their style
and everyone
was carefree.”
"80s because the
music and fashion
were great."
"The 60s because
people were more
accepting.”
Senior
Senior
Sophomore
“50’s because it
was a fun time
to live.”
Senior
"1900s specifically
80s because the lot of
stuff was happening
and the people looked
amazing and I want to
look amazing."
Sophomore
"Preindustrial
revolution, be more
hands on and be a true
man’s man.”
Freshman
6
“20s because I really
like the fashion.”
Sophomore
“80s or 90s because I like
the music and the vibes they
give off.”
"Feudal Japan time
era because the
culture is very
fascinating to me."
Sophomore
Junior
"The 80s. It had the best music
coming out and great advances
in science.”
- Jesse Cave
"I’d go back to the 60s
so I could stop JFK’s
assassination.”
Senior
“I’d go to the future to eat future
food and listen to future music."
Senior
“50’s because I like
the dancing.”
“The 80s or the 90s
because of the music.”
Sophomore
“20s because
everything was so
simple and cool.”
“Now because
people are not
afraid to be who
they are. They get
to step out in the
word and be who
they want to be.”
Junior
"The 90’s. I would
bring all of 2000’s
raps back and
be famous."
Senior
Senior
Sophomore
Sophomore
" The 70s or 80s
because everyone was
living lively.”
“Before Google
came out so I can
steal the idea and
get rich.”
Senior
“90s because it had
all the lit stuff. TV
shows, music, and
all that.”
“I’d want to go to a long
time ago in a galaxy far,
far away."
Junior
“The 1930s-1940s
because women’s
rights came out
along with that everything was cheaper.”
Sophomore
Sophomore
Junior
7
Reese Holohan
"GO BRAVES!"
by Kah Wilson
I
had the chance to sit down with Reese Holohan,
this school year’s male winter cheerleader. He
became a cheerleader because he thought the
powderpuff football game was so much fun, and he
tried out with the encouragement of his friends.
At first, the routines came naturally to Reese, but the
chants were very tough. In cheerleading, there is a lot
of memorizing when it comes to movement and what
to say and the timing when you put it all together. Reese
wasn’t welcomed with open arms into the squad at first.
He told me “At first the girls were a little skeptical and
wondered if I was just horsing around. But as the
weeks went on they realized that I was actually
dedicated to the cause.”
At first, Reese thought it was going to be easy, but
he was surely mistaken as the weeks of practice progressed. He told me that some think that cheerleading
is not a sport, but in a way it is, because they work
hard to perfect the chants and make sure that
everyone can do the chants. Reese explained,
“This is how we become a great
team because it takes more than
just one star person to make the
team great. It’s the team that has
to make the team great.” Reese
went on to say “I can, without
a doubt, say these girls are my squad.”
I asked Reese to describe his impressions on the
coaches. He said that he loves both coaches so much
that he gave them nicknames; Mrs. Mullen is "Mull
Mull", and Mrs. Whyte is "Coach W". He also went
on to say that he greatly appreciates that they allow
him to goof off at times, but they always reel him
back in. Reese likes how they keep things honest
and don’t allow you to waste time so skills can
be perfected.
Reese had a great time at his first game as the
basketball team put together a victory. Reese is
excited for the rest of the season. He replied that
he didn’t realize how long the season was, but he
knows it’s going to be hard work and he is ready
for the challenges ahead. Come out and see our
winter cheerleading squad at the Braves basketball
games this season!
8
♥♥♥
Dating Isn’t So Hard!
Just Follow These Tips:
by Harleigh Strubringer & Kah Wilson
With February coming our way comes
another Valentine’s Day. It can be painful
planning the perfect date without some
helpful ideas. Here at the Newspaper
Club, we have put together some
suggestions to make your Valentine’s
Day a special one.
We will start with advice for the ladies
who are looking to make a great impression on the significant other of your
dreams. When it comes to the first date,
don’t plan for marriage. Live in the now,
and give your date space. Obsessing over
someone comes off as annoying (unless
it’s some famous actor/celebrity then you
can talk about them all you want). If
you’re out on a date and the other person
pays, thank them. Don’t make paying for
the date seem like a man’s duty, it’s only
common courtesy. Lastly, if he compliments you, agree. Don’t just brush it off
like it’s some dust on your outfit. Be glad
he noticed something about you he and
went out his way to tell you that you
looked nice.
For men, there are also plenty of tips that
can help make for a great time. Chivalry
might be dead, but you can be the one to
bring it back to life. Hold the door for
her. Open the car door and close it for
her. If it’s raining and you see a puddle,
put your coat on the puddle and let her
walk on the coat. Offer to pay if you can,
and be attentive to other areas that will
comfort your date.
Technology is an easy way to communicate, but you shouldn’t get obsessed with
the person of interest and text them 24/7
because that can get annoying fast. Also,
true men find other ways to express
themselves besides swearing. It can
♥♥♥
knock you down a peg in terms of
classiness if swearing is overused, so
keep it to a minimum if not none at all.
Lastly, we had two different opinions for
the same tip about fast food on the first
date, particularly McDonalds. While
Harleigh believes its taboo and should
not be done because it’s tacky and cheap,
Kahyll disagrees, because we’re in high
school and money can be tight for us if
we are not working.
For anyone reading, we want to say when
it comes to dating, be yourself. If you are
fake during your date, the person is might
like the fake you instead of the real you.
That starts a relationship off with a lie,
and as it builds it will only get worse.
Use these tips and have a great
Valentine’s Day!
9
Poetry
Corner
10
"Christmastime Tedium"
Selected works from the WHS Poetry Club
"A Thoughtful Journey"
The tablecloth is askew.
I walked the world
Stop that.
One dreary day,
The hands bump the coffee cup and stain
And saw the mountains, high and cold,
the white tablecloth and dab it with white
Where snow-leopards used to play.
napkins.
Stop that.
I saw the sky that dreary, gray day,
It is too warm
Far above the land,
That chair, yesterday, that chair
Where dragons and phoenixes would wheel and twirl,
was the last chair I sat in,
Never to do so again.
was the last chair I-Stop that.
I saw the sea,
The tablecloth is askew.
That angry day,
Scotch tape on the tablecloth.
Where waves crashed upon the sand.
Scotch tape on the coffee cup.
Tape a coffee droplet to the wall,
I saw the Earth,
pop it with a-Once so pure and clean,
Stop that.
Now poisoned and barren,
Too many bodies.
With nothing in-between.
Too many pairs of eyes.
Pop them with a-I saw the bones of a city that day,
Pin the tags on the packages on the mantle on the-The remnants of a people long passed,
Stop that.
And thought to myself,
The tablecloth is askew.
“If only they knew,
Pin it down with a-Then maybe this would not have been,
Paper weight that I got and didn't want and
And never have come to pass.”
didn't need and didn't even take out of the-Stop that.
- by Suzie Suarez
My clothing in boxes.
Stop that.
Strangers sift through it.
Stop that.
My tablecloth is askew
and I reach and exert and cannot-Stop that.
Board up the door.
Vacate the premises.
Declaration: abandoned.
Stop that.
Fine. Leave it be.
But for God’s sake adjust the tablecloth
or fold it and take it with you when you
bring your bodies close and kiss and
embrace each other and-Stop that.
The tablecloth is askew, like the unopened card on the chair,
like the broken glass strewn across the floor,
like a listless, crystalline celestial figure going nowhere but on.
- by Silas Jones
[Untitled]
It's silent,
Apart from your own echoing footsteps.
And reluctantly you take a seat.
It's dark,
And it should in theory be,
Uncomfortable,
But it isn't,
And you resent yourself silently.
And it is still quiet,
Now apart from your own indistinguishable mumbling,
Not quite a prayer, But an almost silent monologue.
The same one you repeat to yourself each year.
And you end with that same unsteady snort.
Laughing at your own naivety,
For believing that stained glass,
And the last smidge of hope you had would redeem you from
whatever hollowness you've been carrying for year, after year.
And you get up,
Turning on your heel,
And it's silent,
Again,
Apart from the echoing of your own disappointment,
And yes your own footsteps.
And then all noise is dead,
Because you are gone,
And will be,
Until the next year arrives.
- by Stephanie Pierre-Jacques
Motivational Quotes
by Jada Price
Failure will never over take me if
my determination to succeed
is strong enough.
~Og Mandino
In order to succeed, we must first
believe that
we can.
~Nikos Kazantzakis
What you do today can improve all
your tomorrows.
~Ralph Marston
Arriving at one goal is the starting
point to another.
~John Dewey
Don't watch the clock; do what it
does. Keep going.
~Sam Levenson
I'm still figuring out who I am but
I know, I'm not who I was.
~Brendon Urie
Kid, you'll move mountains!
~Dr. Seuss
You keep putting one foot in front
of the other and then one day you
look back and you've climbed a
mountain.
~Tom Hiddleston
And will you succeed? Yes you
will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent
guaranteed)
~Dr. Seuss
Why fit in when you were born to
stand out?
~Dr. Seuss
Successful people never worry
about what others
are doing.
~Anon
I love the things you hate about
yourself.
~Brendon Urie
11
Happy Valentine's
♥
Dear, MaCayla
I’m so lucky to
have you.
Love, Will
♥♥♥
I love you cool guy.
xoxoxoxoxo
Love, Emilio Guzmon
♥♥♥
Corey,
I love you Babe!
Love, Harley
Mrs. Haislip,
I appreciate all of your
input when we work in
our grade levels. I just
wanted to let you know
you’re appreciated!
Mrs. Marsden
To Jeff (Goodwin):
Are you Katniss Everdeen cause you’ve
been causing an uprising in my district (;
Love you forever !!
-Anonymous
To Maddy Wright:
Happy Valentine's Day
my loner! Love you.
- Love,
Your Secret Admirer
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To Marifer A:
”Well in Whoville they
say, that the Grinch’s
heart grew THREE SIZES THAT DAY”
-From Anonymous
To Alyssa:
Happy Valentine's Day
Wifey!
I love you more than
your Boyfriend! Forever
Lovers
-Love, Bangalore Bae
To Dominique
Dear princess, you’re
the bomb even though
you playing games.
-Anonymous
♥♥♥
Dear Lyn,
Something sweet.
Love, Zack
♥♥♥
I love Baked Lays.
Love, Brandon Fallas
♥♥♥
Happy Valentine’s Day
to my incredible students! Stay classy!
Love, Mr. Longo
♥♥♥
12
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To Madi Foley:
Hey Babe!
-Secret Admirer
To Lil (Veit)
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love you!
- Chelsea A.
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To Zach (Martinez):
The only reason why I
spent $1 on this piece
of paper is because I
know that you wanted
to be cheap as heck
and you probably spent
a dollar you could have
used on this one something silly so thanks.
#JudgingYou
(PS. Just kidding)
-Love, Lilyanna
♥♥♥
To Hunter (Wronik)
Have a great Valentine’s Day! Hopefully
you have a sweet person in mind to be your
Valentine.
-Anonymous
♥♥♥
Day!!!
To Leroy
I genuinely don't hate
you but I don't love
you either.
-Sierra
♥♥♥
To Taisha:
You really bae even
though you irk me but
I love you so much.
-Athena
To: Harmony
Peterson
Ayo gurl,
You rule my world.
Nice pants.
Wanna dance? ;)
-From the fam
♥♥♥
Love you Boo
To: Tyler Mitchell
From: Wifey
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To: Amanda
Dearest, I love you.
From: you know
whooooo
To: Sammy
Happy Valentine's Day!
I love you.
From: Secret Admirer
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To: Bri Calvano
I love you so much
Pumpkin!
From: Mike
Be my valentine?
To: Mike Hamilton <3
♥♥♥
To: Maddy Tuman
Thought I'd be nice
since you won't be getting anything from "your
boys." Love ya lots.
From: Francesa Vecchio
To all my daddy’s:
Love is patient, Love is
kind, soon you will all
be MINE.
-Talia aka TMONEY
♥♥♥
To: Mr. Fantazzi
Hi :) From ;-)
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
Hey cutie!
To: Marykate
♥♥♥
XOXO. Happy
Valentine's Day!
I love You!!
To: Sam Dintino
From: Your Lover
♥♥♥
To: Germiah Seymore
Will you be mine?
♥♥♥
To: Kayla
To my favorite rockstar.
Have a great day <3
Love, yours truly
From: Francesa
Vecchio
♥♥♥
To: My best friends
Thanks for being amazing girls that continue
to make my senior year
the best! I love you all
more than life.
XOXOXOXO!
From: Devin
♥♥♥
To: Cheniya
I love you so much.
I am sorry <3
Forgive me?
From: Amanda
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
<3
From: Kenya
To: Jade Adams
* Some messages
were deemed
inappropriate and
removed.
13
Happy Valentine's Day
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
From: Maddy Tuman
Hope your valentine is
just as great as your
virtual dates with your
virtual boys. Love you.
To: Francesa Vecchio
Love you baby!<3
I wanna date you!
To: Kelly Lewis
From: Will Joseph
To: Jess Bow
Jess B. Happy
Valentine's Day! XOXO
From: Sammie D
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
To: Raiza Johnson
<3 love you so much
pretty<3
From: your secret
admirer
♥♥♥
==
Comic
Strips
==
by Alex Kirschner
14
♥♥♥
EATURE
TEACHER F
ussaint
by Tatianna To
UZ
CR
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Ti
!
ears
ng
adi
to re
Teachers are chosen by
the writer assigned to
this article each month.
15
ENTERTAINMENT
books
by Megan Myles
THE LOVELY BONES
by Alice Sebold
"The Lovely Bones," had me
crying from start to finish. This
book is emotion packed. This
story was interestingly written
because it's from the point of
view from a girl who was
murdered. The book starts like
this: "My name was Salmon, like
the fish; first name, Susie. I was
fourteen when I was murdered
on December 6, 1973." Already
you want to read it; right?
You follow the life that this young girl once had as she tells
you about the memories she had, the things she learned,
and the people she loved. Susie also talks about her
"heaven." In her heaven, Susie does not let her family and
friends go. She follows them through the years, watching as
her younger sister Lindsey does everything that she would
have done if she was alive. Susie can't let her family go, and
they see her everywhere; in the valley where she was killed,
and in her father’s work room. It makes you value your family
when you read about the devastation they were left with.
I especially was sympathetic for her father. Throughout the
book, you can see how difficult it was for him to realize and
settle with the fact that his first born had been killed. It's
hard to imagine losing a child, but from reading this book
I’ve begun to realize that it's a kind of sorrow that can only
be felt by a parent. If you are in the mood for reading an
intriguing story, then this book is definitely for you.
16
games
by Rasaaq Shittu
PC GAMING
Playing video games is a hobby of many, and a lifestyle for
some. While many gamers choose consoles as their method
of gaming, I prefer using a computer, and I suggest that you
give it a try.
Some people believe PC gaming is just for games like
Minecraft, but that is not true. Steam, the preferred PC
gaming platform, carries blockbuster games from established studios, while also featuring small indie games made
at small startups. PC gaming creates a community like no
other, where all are connected, and limits of consoles
are shattered.
While PC gaming may be slightly more expensive at first, it
is the most cost efficient platform for gaming. While my
Alienware X51 computer cost me about $700, I have had it
for 3 years, and will have it for many more. If anything is
outdated, all I have to do is buy new parts, which can be
inexpensive. Steam, the most popular way to download
games and play multiplayer games, is free. Free multiplayer
is not available on the PS4 or the Xbox One. The Steam
community has tens of millions of members that are not only
active in the forums, but in the modification world, creating
fun and detailed content for other users.
Another benefit of Steam is Steam Greenlight. Greenlight
allows Steam users to ‘greenlight” games in development.
The games that get the most greenlights will eventually be
up for sale on the Steam store. So if you like a connected
and committed gaming community, a stake in the games you
can choose to buy, and overall safety from having to replace
an outdated console every few years, you should try being a
PC gamer!
movies
by Kah Wilson
STAR WARS EPISODE VII:
THE FORCE AWAKENS
In the last issue, we gave you predictions and all the speculation
that came with the new Star Wars film. Now if you haven’t
watched the movie, I strongly encourage that you go and watch it
for yourself because it is an amazing movie. The movie starts off
in a village on a planet called Jakku where we meet Pao and his
little droid BB-8. Pao gives a map with the location of a certain
Jedi to BB-8 because the Storm Troopers have descended and
are attacking the village and he needs to get away fast.
Much later, a renegade Storm Trooper, Finn, crash-lands on
Jakku trying to escape the First Order. In his attempts to get off
the planet, he runs into a young girl named Rey who has come
into the possession of BB-8. Unfortunately, the First Order finds
them, and they are searching for the map. That leaves Finn and
Rey with 2 choices: either to escape and find the rebellion or be
captured and suffer the wrath of Kylo Ren.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: ROAD CHIP
music
by Maya Jones
TOP MUSIC:
"Pillowtalk" - Zayn
"Work" - Rihanna Ft. Drake
"Die A Happy Man" - Homes Rhett
"Me, Myself & I" - G-Eazy x Bebe Rexha
"Don't" - Bryson Tiller
UPCOMING ALBUMS:
"Waves" - Kayne West
"Moonlight" - Ariana Grande
"Boys Don't Cry" - Frank Ocean
NEW ARTIST TO WATCH:
Aurora- "Conqueror"
Just like many rising pop stars, 19 year old Aurora Aksnes
was discovered by posting her original songs on YouTube and
Soundcloud. And since then has been selling out shows in
London and has scored opportunities to open for artists. If you
are a fan of Lorde, Sia or Of Monsters and Men, she will surely
not disappoint.
This PG family movie is the 4th movie in the Alvin and the
Chipmunks series. Dave has a new girlfriend, Samantha, and
with her she brings her troublemaker son, Miles. So of course
when Dave has the idea of proposing to her, the Chipmunks
panic because they might be sent back to the forest if the
relationship gets too serious. Join Alvin, Simon, and Theodore
in their wacky adventure to stop Dave from getting married.
17
SES
CANCER
TAURUS
LEO
CANCER
LIBRA
LEO
CAPRICORN
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
horoscopes
by Megan Myles
TAURUS
AQUARIUS
CANCER19
ARIES
Jan. 20–Feb.
Travel for business
purposes may bring the
highest returns. Emotional disputes will only end
in sorrow.
They will notPISCES
be inAQUARIUS
the right
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
frame of mind to put up with tactless
comments. You'll find it difficult to
control your emotions.
I
TARIUS
PISCES
LEO
GEMINI
CANCER
May 21–June 20
TAURUS
S
ARIES
LIBRA CANCER
CAPRICORN LEO
TAURUS Feb. 20–Mar.
20
Mar. 21–Apr.LIBRA
20
Recognition can be yours
Your charisma will no
if you present your ideas
doubt attract a lot of
and stand behind your beliefs. Look
attention. You can have
into career choices and courses being
an enjoyable time if you socialize with
ARIES
TAURUS
SCORPIO
VIRGOout of
PISCES Don't blow situations
SCORPIO
VIRGO
offered.
friends.
Your ability to work ARIES
with detail
proportion. Rewards for past good
will bring recognition. Get involved in
deeds will be yours.
groups that are creative in nature.
June 21–July 22
Minor accidents are likely
CANCER
LEO
LIBRA Travel and creative
CAPRICORN
if you take risks. Don't
hobbies will be your best
turn down offers that
outlet. You will enjoy events that lean
include
activitiesAQUARIUS
or children.
You PISCES
toward
theater,
or music
this month.
TAURUS
CANCER
LEOCANCER
GEMINIsportsARIES
SCORPIO
ARIES
TAURUS art,
are best to look into investments
that
Talk toGEMINI
someone with experience
about
SAGITARIUS
AQUARIUS
will grow in value over an extended period
budgets or consolidating debts. Concenof time. You may want to try your hand
trate on work.
at a little creative writing. Don't let your
boss get the better of you.
SCORPIO
LIBRA
Sept. 23–Oct. 22
Be discreet about your
personal life or whereabouts. Be mysterious. Sit back. Socializing will be more than just entertaining.
GEMINI Get LIBRA
PISCES
busy onAQUARIUS
projects that CAPRICORN
improve
your
ARIES
own image; SAGITARIUS
you'll have the discipline
GEMINI
to succeed.
SAGITARIUS
SCORPIO
LEO
ARIES
July 23–Aug. 22
TAURUS
You will be extremely
sensitive; take precautions
and don't take any risks. Your high
energyLEO
must be directed
productive
LIBRA
CAPRICORNintoLIBRA
VIRGO
goals,
or frustrations will
occur. Take
PISCES
SCORPIO
care that arrangements to spend quality
time together are made in advance. You
can get ahead if you are willing to take
SAGITARIUS
GEMINI
a partner.
SAGITARIUS
Oct. 23–Nov. 22
Nov. 23–Dec. 21
You are apt to meet
You can make a serious
someone special on your
attempt at quitting those
journey. You may find
bad habits that you've picked up over
that someone you really cared for in
the
years. Control your anger.
SAGITARIUS
GEMINIUnexSCORPIO
VIRGOlife.
the past
has come back into your
pected events may be upsetting. Don't
TAURUS
CANCER
LEO
LIBRAfor a
Opportunities
the reason
AQUARIUS for romance
PISCES may developSCORPIOlet your jealousy be
VIRGO
through dealing with groups that have
decaying relationship.
a purpose.
You will be ready AQUARIUS
to jump
GEMINI
PISCES
SCORPIO
on anyone who gets in the way of your
progress this month.
January
GEMINI
LEO
Help children complete
projects they're having
difficulty with. Don't get
involved
in secret affairs or underhandCAPRICORN
ed involvements.
Try to bend but by no
VIRGO
means should you give in completely.
Try not to push your philosophies
on others.
AQUARIUS
PISCES
GEMINI
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
CAPRICORN
Dec. 22–Jan. 19
SOPHOMORES
Dean Costanzo
Brenna McDevitt
SCORPIO
VIRGO
JUNIORS
Alok Thakkar
Paige Anderson
SENIORS
Gilbert Fleischer
VIRGO Jianna Pisa
NEWSPAPER STAFF
Priscilla Ahwin
Stephanie Boateng
Kelsey Dixon
Kevin Holloway
Jesse Jones
Maya Jones
Alexander Kirschner
Megan Myles
Stephanie Okereke
Jessica Olson
Jen Panella
Will Sciscio
Tatianna Toussaint
Rasaaq Shittu
Harleigh Strubinger
Ms. Ferranto ~ Advisor/Designer • Mr. Longo ~ Advisor/Editor
18
LIBR
You will have extra
energy; put it to good use.
Don't be afraid to pursue
unfamiliar grounds.
Take the whole SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
PISCES
family and make it an enjoyable outing.
CAPRICORN
You may need to make a few alterations
to your living arrangements.
Wade Inge
Alivia Trimarco
PISCES
Aug. 23–Sept. 22
CANCER
FRESHMAN
AQUARIUS
LIB
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
students
of the
month
VIRGO
SAGITARIUS
TAURUS
CAPRICORN Apr. 21–May 20
Your magnetic, outgoing
personality will capture
hearts. Caustic language
may cause you to want to get out of
CANCERTAURUS
LEO
the house. You may find itCANCER
necessary to
confront a situation that has gotten out
of hand. Put your time and energy into
travel, philosophy, and soul-searching.
Didn’t get your own copy of Smoke Signals? Get it on the school website!
Sydney Utsey
Louisa Waife
Kahlyll (Kah) Wilson
Shawn Wilson