VOLUME XLIII ISSUE I FALL 2010WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL WALDWICK, NEW JERSEY 07463

The mission of Waldwick High School is to educate and guide students to achieve their fullest potential,become lifelong learners, and be responsible, productive citizens in a global society.

Kyleigh’s Law, whichrequires permitted andprobationary drivers to displayred decals on their licenseplates, has teens and parentsworried about the potentialdangers of being targeted.

This law came intoeffect as a result of a fatal caraccident involving KyleighD’Alessio, a 16-year-old whowas killed while another teenwas driving. D’Alessio’sparents felt laws protecting teendrivers should be stricter andbetter enforced. The law is

intended to make it easier forboth police officers and otherpeople on the road to spot newdrivers.

Kyleigh’s Law, whichcame into effect on May 1st ofthis year, is meant to restrictprevious freedoms to ensuresafety for new drivers. Thecurfew for new drivers waschanged from 12:01 A.M. to11:01 P.M., and a limit wasplaced on the amount ofpassengers a new driver canhave in his/her car.

The red decals,however, are creating thebiggest stir. Parents areconcerned with the possibilityof their teens being followed by

sexual predators or peoplewith ill-intent.

According to an articleby Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman,in the Trentonian, SenatorTom Goodwin said, “The reddecal exposes our mostvulnerable drivers to targetingby predators and criminals.”Evidently, not all governmentofficials agree that this law isworking the way it should.

Teens and parentsalso fear that displaying thedecals will cause police toseek them out for fines orharassment. Mr. Vuoncino, aconcerned parent with a teendriver, says, “I don’t think thislaw is the proper solution to the

problems that the governmentis trying to resolve. I do notbelieve that this law is deterringteens from making anymistakes as much as it issingling them out for when theydo make a mistake.”

On the other hand,there are many governmentofficials that are on board forthis law and see no downsides.They believe that enforcing thered decals will spur a decreasein the number of teen-relateddriving accidents. They alsohope the decals will preventteens from breaking other lawssince they are already beingsingled out.

As a result of all of

these concerns, the stateSenate approved a bill thatrequires the Attorney Generalto spend six months evaluatingthe law. Many governmentofficials are hoping that this lawwill be repealed for the sake ofteens’ safety.

Parent and teacher,Mrs. Baskin, says, “I think theywill get rid of the law becauseit unfairly targets teenagers andputs them at a greater risk fordanger.”

Many people havedifferent predictions for howthis review will turn out.Everyone can only hope thatwhatever the outcome, it willbenefit drivers of all ages.

By Kaleigh VuoncinoFEATURES EDITOR

Does the law improve safety or target young drivers?

The red decals, however, are creating the biggest stir. Images courtesy of www.google.com.

NJ questions Kyleigh’s Law

Digital version to ‘Echo’ printBy Eric AckermanSTAFF WRITER

With the school-wide push to go green andbecome paperless, what will happen to the studentnewspaper? While the printed edition of The Echois likely going to be phased out sometime next year,have no fear—The Echo is going digital!

For the past two years, The Echo has beenarchived as PDF files on the school website, butthis year’s technology initiative is to work towardsa more interactive and user-friendly approach.

To produce the same number of copiesas last year, printing costs for the paper editionwould cost over $2,500 this year. At a meetingwith their principal, Mr. Carroll, The Echo staffagreed that the number of copies printed this yearshould be cut in half. The possibility of publishing

student news in the future as a blog was alsodiscussed. A student newspaper in blog formatwould allow more frequent updates as well aseasy access for students. It would also facilitateMr. Carroll’s efforts to get more schoolinformation online.

Blogging The Echo will have its hiccupsas advisor, Ms. De Gironimo, and her staff learnto navigate new programs. “It’s scary andexciting,” says Ms. De Gironimo. “But changeis a good thing.”

While the staff agreed that the senioredition featuring the beloved Senior Will shouldstill be printed, student feedback will be takeninto consideration. Please share your thoughtsby emailing echo.whs@gmail.com.

Images courtesy ofMs. De Gironimo andwww.google.com.

Page 2 OPINIONS FALL 2010

The EchoThe Echo is the student newspaper of Waldwick High School.The mission of The Echo is to address issues that concern thestudent body and to promote the activities in the high school.

2010-2011 Editorial Staff

Ms. C. De Gironimo … Advisor

Danielle Glovin … Editor in ChiefDiana Petrassi … News EditorHeather Laski … Opinions EditorKaleigh Vuoncino … Features EditorLauren Tom … Sports Editor

Special thanks to Ms. De Gironimo’s journalism classfor its contribution to this publication:

Sofie La Rosa Alicia Marano Bren Backus Jess Niblo

Happy holidaysfrom The Echo& Buddy the elf!

Image courtesy of www.google.com.

Waldwick voicesJournalism students hit the hallways to ask students and staff at WHS:What’s on your holiday wish list this year?

Kyle SandveGrade 10

“A new Ipod.”

Savannah JacklinGrade 12

“An iTunes gift card.”

Taylor Avakian & Elena AnastasiGrade 11

“To stay best friends forever.”

Michelle SciolaroGrade 9

“A Blackberry.”

Brian McGarrGrade 12

“Fifa 11, I guess.”

Mr. Clancy“To have a week of

peacefulness and no work.”

Ms. Getlik“An engagement ring and

an Ipad.”

Mr. Wilson“A Big Wolf Chopper.”

Mrs. Baskin“A TV for my kitchen.”

Mrs. Wolf“To share Christmas withmy kids and grandchildrenand to have fun. Oh, and Iwant my son to get a job.”

FALL 2010 OPINIONS Page 3

Editorial

More school?

Laptops: A different type of learning

CornerDear Editor,

Laptops have become the new notebook. Many schools are now requiring laptops. Rememberthose days when you had to actually write all of your notes? Now that has become a major burden forstudents. Using laptops in school benefits a student in many ways.

Waldwick High School should allow students to use their laptops in school if they own one. First ofall, it is a great way to get students motivated to learn. Studies show that kids are more active in theclassroom when they use laptops. It is a fun way of learning because students are not limited by informationin a textbook. For example, Google is a great way to research specific topics when a project is assigned.Waldwick students should also be able to access their laptops during lunch. It is a great way to study fortests and opens the door to other learning opportunities.

Laptops also allow students to carry fewer books since online textbooks are often available. Fewerthings to carry means more relaxed teenagers, as well as one less trip to the chiropractor. Laptops mighteven help a student stay organized. Sam Forte, a junior at Waldwick High School, was asked if she liked theidea of using her laptop in school. “I think it would be awesome. It would make life so much easier.Teachers wouldn’t have to worry about that one student who didn’t bring their book to class becauseeverything would be in one place,” she said.

Laptops, of course, come with responsibilities. Parents and teachers should not be concerned aboutlaptops being a distraction because there would be consequences with such privileges. If students werecaught on a website like Facebook, points could be deducted from their grades. If it happened three times,perhaps they would not be allowed to use their laptop in school for the rest of the marking period. Therefore,students would not be social networking or playing on game sites during class because they would want tokeep the privilege of using their laptops. On the other hand, students should be free to go on whatever sitesthey want during lunch and free periods.

Laptops have changed our society and the way we think and act. They are very useful in oureveryday lives. Whether used to communicate with friends on Facebook or write a report, laptops are oneof many resources that students have available to them today, and ultimately, Waldwick High School wouldbe more efficient if it used laptops on a daily basis.Sincerely,Madison Irwin

Image courtesy of www.google.com.

By Heather LaskiOPINIONS EDITOR

President Barack Obamawants to extend the time students spendin school.

President Obama wishes forthe students of the United States ofAmerica to receive a better educationthan is currently provided. It is thoughtthat students do not receive a sufficientamount of time to learn, and the solutionshould be to lengthen school days orcut summer vacations. Why aresummer vacations a target? Manybelieve that over the summer, much ofthe knowledge learned throughout theprevious school year is lost or forgotten.

Though the amount of timeproposed to be extended is not set yet,it is definitely being put intoconsideration.

Schools in the United States donot have the resources for saidextension. In order for this to happen,states would need to spend anaccumulated seventy one million dollarsfor just one extra day of school. Notonly is this cost extreme, but manystudents and teachers would not behappy about losing their traditional

summers. Teachers would also expectto be paid more, which makes the costeven steeper.

Those who back this idearecognize its obvious benefits.Students would spend more time in theclassroom, resulting in a bettereducation, and therefore, have moreknowledge for what will come in thefuture.

However, it seems that if thisdecision were to be based solely onthe opinions of students and teachers,this dream of President Obama’swould remain just that: a dream.

President Obama is all for it

WHS student pollStudents polled in homeroom were

asked whether or not they agree with thepresident’s proposal.

Interested in voicing your opinion?

Email letters to echo.whs@gmail.com.

JoinJoinJoinJoinJoin

The Echo!The Echo!The Echo!The Echo!The Echo!

# 1 - Home AloneKevin, an eight year old boy, is left at home during Christmas while the rest of hisfamily leaves to go to France. While his family is away, two burglars arrive andrealize that Kevin is watching over the house. Then things begin to get complicated.This movie is great for anyone at any age. It has a lot of Christmas spirit, and youare sure to have a good laugh.# 2 – A Christmas StoryWhat kind of Christmas would it be without hearing: “I want an official Red Rydercarbine-action 200 shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and thisthing which tells time”? Little Ralphie Parker wants the ultimate Christmas gift.This movie airs on TBS every Christmas. If you have not seen it yet, you shouldput it on your Netflix queue as soon as possible.# 3 – ElfWill Ferrell stars in a goofy, sugar-loaded Christmas comedy. A 6’3 elf that worksin Santa’s workshop leaves to finally go and find his birth father. This crazy comedytakes place in New York City where Buddy the elf tries to find a way to fit in.Now you can enjoy this heart-warming and hysterical story on Broadway, too.

Top Christmas movie classicsBy Alicia MaranoSTAFF WRITER

Page 4 FEATURES FALL 2010

By Taylore Avakian and Elena AnastasiSTAFF WRITERS

Waldwick students raise money, awareness for breast cancer research

One day in late September,many students and teachers noticed aman standing in the upper parking lot.The man was actually an angry neighborwho expressed his concerns over thecars coming and going each morningand afternoon. The Idalane Streetresident brought no harm to the studentsand faculty, but he did express hisfeelings towards the parking and drop-off situation on his street.

Idalane Street, a no throughroad, is located at the foot of the pathleading to the upper parking lot of WHSand WMS. Residents on the small streethave become angered over parentsdropping off and picking up studentsthere.

“They have no considerationfor others,” says one resident.

Another resident says, “Theyblock our driveways, and if we ask

them to move, they curse us off. We alltry to leave for work in the morning andcan’t even get out of our owndriveways. Some days, it’s like theydon’t even think we exist. If I comehome from work early, there are carsparked in my driveway.”

The town of Waldwick hastaken the situation under considerationand will be installing a traffic datacollector along the length of the street.The collector’s purpose will be to counthow many vehicles turn onto the streeton a week day compared to a weekendwhen school is not in session. Resultsof the collector’s data have yet to bedetermined, and implications remainunknown.

Most students respond to thesituation by saying, “They knew theschool was here when they moved indown there.”

By Eric AckermanSTAFF WRITER

Parking problems How vegetarian is WHS?

Do you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer? Perhapsyou, yourself, have been personally affected by this disease. Recently, it seemslike more and more people are being affected by this terrible disease, but thereare many ways people can get involved in helping to raise awareness and find acure.

One way to get involved is through activities like fundraisers. Waldwick’sown Mrs. Pagano and the Interact club did a fabulous job over the past fewyears not only raising money for breast cancer research, but also worked to getstudents involved in raising awareness.

A survivor herself, Mrs. Pagano said, “Well, I had breast cancer; I havean interest in it.” Mrs. Pagano’s interest in research for this disease prompted theInteract club to sell pink ducks and ribbons at school during the month of October.

Other students, and even some alumni, participated in the AmericanCancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk with Ms. DeGironimo on October 24th at Bergen Community College. This was the fourthyear Ms. De Gironimo organized a Waldwick High School team for the walk.The weather was beautiful and students did not seem to mind waking up early ona Sunday morning to do something good for the community.

The walk was a good experience because it showed how many peoplehave come together to fight breast cancer.

October may be breast cancer awareness month, but it is important forpeople to continue to educate themselves about the disease and for women,especially, to conduct monthly self-exams. For more information about breastcancer and the American Cancer Society, visit http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer.

From pink rubber ducks to walk-a-thons, Waldwick students work to make a difference.

Image courtesy of www.google.com.

Current WHS students and alumni joined teacher,Ms. De Gironimo, at the American Cancer Society’s

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Pictured above:(from left to right)

Photo courtesy ofMs. De Gironimo

Ms. De GironimoElena AnastasiTaylore AvakianAli GiordanoGina FavoDylan Macfie

“If I comehomefrom workearly,there arecarsparked inmydriveway.”Image courtesy of www.google.com.

Vegetarians at Waldwick High School have a minimal selection when itcomes to food in the cafeteria.

Food options in the lunch room are very limited for students. The cafeteriaselection consists primarily of hamburgers, fries, chips, sandwiches, cookies,chicken, etc. The only healthy foods available are salad and water. The saladsare not all that healthy, though, because dressing has sugar and salt in it. Thisdoes not give many opportunities to those students who are vegetarian, vegan,or just plain healthy, to eat the foods they want.

The news article, School Lunches Go Vegetarian, by Zach Miners,states that a new nationwide survey by the School Nutrition Association saysalmost two out of three US schools now offer vegetarian fare for lunch on aregular basis. Vegetarian students, however, feel that all schools should havevegetarian options. Two out of three schools is not enough.

The time students spend at school is approximately eight hours. That isone-third of the day and half of someone’s waking hours. Students spend half oftheir day at school, which means that the food selection at school makes up halftheir diet.

When children get home, what they eat is up to their parents. Mostparents try hard to make sure their children eat healthily so they do not facehealth problems in the future. These same parents do not want their childreneating junk food, deep-fried food, or other unhealthy food for lunch. Parents donot always have the time to make their kids a lunch because mornings are hectic.As a result of that, children have no choice but to buy the school’s providedlunch.

Nicole Albanese, a freshman at New York University, is a vegan.“Throughout my days in school, I never had a decent lunch. I either had to eatthe fruit they had, or the salad,” she said. Imagine how hungry you would be ona diet like that.

Perhaps Waldwick public schools will consider expanding the variety ofvegetarian and healthy food options in the future.

By Sofie La RosaSTAFF WRITER

Type

s of

Vege

tari

ans Vegetarian

Eats no meat VeganEats no meat;

no food from dairy products

PescetarianEats fish; no meat

Red-Meat VegetarianEats chicken; no meat

FlexitarianSometimes eats meat

FALL 2010 ENTERTAINMENT Page 5

Waldwick dishes about favorite flicks

Next big thing: The Hunger GamesBy Bren BackhausSTAFF WRITER

The Hunger Games, the first book of the young adult series by Suzanne Collins, is an amazing book for teens and adults.

The Hunger Games, bySuzanne Collins, is an extraordinarybook that all teens should read. Withits romance, action, and suspense, youcannot put this book down.

The Hunger Games serieswas just concluded, with the third andfinal book released in August. A moviebased on the series is set to come outin November 2011. The HungerGames is a romantic, but action-packed book, and the movie should bejust as exciting. Its gruesome andheart-wrenching plot will translate to afilm that is sure to appeal to boys, whilethe book continues to be popular amonggirls.

The story is not only popularamong teens, however. The HungerGames is known and praised by otherpopular writers such as StephanieMeyer and Stephen King. “[TheHunger Games] is a violent, jarringspeed-rap of a novel that generatesnearly constant suspense…I couldn’tstop reading,” said Stephen King inEntertainment Weekly.

Author of the Twilight series,Stephenie Meyer, is quoted on the bookjacket of Catching Fire, the secondbook to the Hunger Games series, as

saying: “I was so obsessed with thisbook I had to take it with me out todinner and hide it under the edge of thetable so I wouldn’t have to stopreading. The story kept me up forseveral nights in a row, because evenafter I finished, I just lay in bed wideawake thinking about it…The HungerGames is amazing.”

The Hunger Games takesplace in Future America; a place with13 districts and a capitol. The Capitolrules all, and uses the citizens of the 13districts as slaves. The Districts arespread out over different parts ofmodern-day North America, and each

district is in charges of a certain job.For example, District 12 is in charge ofmining for coal, and District 11 isresponsible for growing and taking careof crops. One day, the districts rebelagainst the capital. Sadly, they fail andare punished. District 13 is reduced torubble and no one in the district survives.The remaining twelve are punished:each year one boy and one girl,between the ages of 12 and 18, arecalled to the Capitol. Then, the 24 kidsare thrown into an arena where everymoment is televised for theentertainment of the Capitol. In thisarena, there is one true rule: stay alive.

Only the winner survives; the losersmeet an unkind end.

The arena is more or less theColiseum of ancient times. Thecompetitors are forced to fight, and if itis not satisfactory to the Capitol, theyare thrown some obstacle to make itentertaining. The Capitol also canchoose who wins; a thumbs down fromthe Capitol means your death, a thumbsup is a free ticket to live.

Some say The Hunger Gamesis the next Twilight. However, with theidea of the Capitol, it will appeal to morepeople. People who have read thebook will say Team Gale is like TeamJacob. In some ways they look alike,not to mention they both have an intensefire to them. Others say Edward is likePeeta because he is calm and will doanything to keep Kantiss breathing. Forthose only interested in the fight scenesof the highly-anticipated movie, theteams are Katniss and Peeta: you cheerfor the person you want to come outalive and be your champion.

The Hunger Games makes agreat independent reading book forschool. It can be classified as romance,science fiction, or even an epic. Youmight even just read it for fun becauseit will keep your attention on everypage.

Image courtesy of www.google.com.

Publishers Weekly Best book of the Year

New York Times Noble book of the year

“Brilliantly plotted and

perfectly paced…engrossing.”

–John Green, New York Times

Book ReviewSchool Library Journal Best Book of the year

By Diana PetrassiNEWS EDITOR

People’s movie interests tendto be stereotyped according to theirgender. Stereotypes say girls are drawnto movie genres such as drama andromantic comedy, and that boysgravitate towards action, horror,science fiction, action, adventure, andcomedy. But does it always have to bethat boys like manly movies and girlslike chick flicks?

Waldwick junior, JoeMoloughney, confirmed that he lovesto watch these so-called “manly”movies. He noted his favorite as FightClub. When asked why it is hisfavorite, he said, “It motivates me in thesense that it teaches me things abouthow life really is.”

However, what he said nextwas surprising: “I like girlie movies

because often I find myself being theguy portrayed in the movie.” He thenwent on to mention other chick flickshe enjoys: A Walk to Remember, TenThings I Hate About You, and P.S. ILove You.

Joe had no problem showinghis feminine side, but how many guysout there are hiding behind theirreputation? Most people would besurprised how many other guys out therefeel the same way. And if guys secretlyenjoy chick flicks, are there girls outthere who dig adventure and gore?

Kaleigh Vuoncino, also ajunior at Waldwick, said, “I likeromantic comedies but I also like action;it’s really not a secret though.” It turnsout that teens’ tastes are actually morediverse than they might seem.

Junior Matt Sciolaro said, “Ilike to see musicals […] they just makeme happy!” Sophomore AndrewLivanos said that his favorite moviegenre is comedy. When asked why, hestated the obvious: “They make melaugh.” What Livanos does not tell mostpeople, however, is that he also enjoys

romantic comedies. “Valentine’s Dayis such a classic,” he said. His favoritemovie of all time is Remember theTitans.

You might find more boys at amovie like Saw and more girls at amovie like Legally Blonde, but it reallydepends on one’s particular interests.

Images courtesy of www.google.com.

Page 6 ENTERTAINMENT FALL 2010

Bet you didn’t know...How many licks does it really take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

Since the 1970’s, a famous white owl eating a red lollypop, has chirped, “How many licks to the center of a tootsieroll? One…two...three!”

After many years of people wondering exactly how many licks it takes, an answer was found.Typically, the amount of licks depends on the size of the consumer’s mouth and the amount of saliva he or she

produces. Another factor is how much pressure is put on the candy, and if the candy is licked in one spot or evenlydispersed. Claims of the amount of licks have ranged from one hundred to five thousand.

According to Purdue University, the only way to know for sure was to make a machine that resembled the humantongue and test it out. Using this machine, it took three hundred and sixty-four licks to get to the center. Meanwhile,twenty students tested the theory, and they came to the conclusion that it only took two hundred fifty-two.

By Jess NibloSTAFF WRITER

By Kaleigh VuoncinoFEATURES EDITOR

When firehouses first opened,horses were kept inside as transportation forthe firefighters. The horses soon learnedhow to walk up straight flights of stairs. People soon realized spiral staircases wouldbe the only way to keep the horses off.

Ever wonder why the staircasesin a firehouse are spiral and not

straight?

Hummingbirds are the onlybirds that can fly backwards.

Did you know thathummingbirds are the only birds thatcan fly backwards? The hummingbirdrotates each wing in a circular motionallowing it to fly backwards. It is theonly bird in the world that can do this.

To hover, they move theirwings in a figure eight motion—the sameway that a swimmer uses its arms.

When a hummingbird is aboutto land, flying either forward orbackwards, they do not slow down;they land at the exact same speed theywere going when they were flying.

By Alicia MaranoSTAFF WRITER

Ever wondered about medicine, hospitals, and medical history?By Bren BackhausSTAFF WRITER

Here are some fun and a bit disturbing facts. On the average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily all

around the world. Why is this? Not all countries put a wrist band on a baby, so naturallythey might mess up.

Adolf Hitler’s mother seriously considered having an abortion, but was talkedout of it by her doctor. Bet her doctor gave himself a palm in the face over that.

A person will die from total lack of sleep sooner than from starvation. Deathwill occur in about 10 days without sleep, while starvation takes a few weeks. Withoutrest, your organs and body give because they reach their limit.

A dentist invented the electric chair. That’s the last dentist anyone would wantto see.

Ever wonder where meals got their names?

They call breakfast breakfast because you do not eat while you aresleeping, which is called fasting. Then, in the morning when you eat, you breakthe fast. Breaking your fast break fast breakfast.

Lunch is a meal that is taken in the early afternoon. The term came fromluncheon, which, in the 1580’s, was a word for a meal that was inserted betweenlarger meals.

The word dinner originates from the old French word disner, which means“main meal of the day.”

By Diana PetrassiNEWS EDITOR

Bet you did not know that chewing gum while peeling onionscan stop you from tearing.

When an onion is being peeled,the smell alerts your senses. It is sostrong that it reacts with your nerves,causing your eyes to tear. Chewinggum, preferably one with a really strongscent, with your mouth open distractsyour senses from the overpoweringscent of the onion. This trick shouldmake it virtually impossible for youreyes to tear.

Astrology

cornerHave you heard about the “new” zodiac sign? It is called Ophiuchus. Are you scared you have been following the wrong horoscope for years?

Well, do not fret too much. So far, no actions have yet been taken to change thetraditional twelve signs.

For those interested in what Ophiuchus is all about, pay attention.Characteristics of this sign include: being a seeker of knowledge and wealth,being a part of a big family, and being great at architecture or building. Thissign’s lucky number is 12, and many people are jealous of them. Ophiuchus issaid to cover birthdays from November 30 to December 17.

By Sofie La RosaSTAFF WRITER

FALL 2010 SPORTS Page 7

By Michelle ChenSTAFF WRITER

By Lauren TomSPORTS EDITOR

MIA: Waldwick warrior mascot

Up until the 2008-2009 schoolyear, Waldwick High School alwayshad a marching band/color guard fieldshow at halftime during football games.The recent lack of student participants,however, put a damper on this tradition.

Last year, the color guardcontinued to perform at halftime, butthe band only played in the stands as apep band. This year, the band has takenthe initiative to take up marching again.This year’s performances feature aLatin theme, and numbers includedwere Oye Como Va arranged by TomWallace, Evil Ways arranged by JayDawson, and Los Cuervos arrangedby Jay Dawson.

From the stands to the field:Marching band makes improvements

In addition to a new marchingseason, the band has a new director,Ms. Innis. She started two years ago,and when asked about the band shesaid, “I am so lucky to be able to workwith such a talented group of youngmusicians. Their dedication,motivation, and enthusiasm makes meso proud to be their director.”

Like many of the newmembers, Ms. Innis’s experience withmarching began this year. Their lack ofexperience was no deterrent, however;the Warrior Marching Band did atremendous job this season.

Nick Benitez and Chris Collurawere drum majors, and other officersincluded Yung Han Jeong for marching,Joseph Montana for woodwind, DavidCathey for brass, and Amber Young for

color guard. Amber was assisted byNicole Stahl as color guard co-captain.The color guard worked hard under thedirection of its new advisor, Ms.Murphy. Mrs. Montella, among others,also helped make this year’s marchingseason a success.

Senior, Yung Han Jeong, said,“We are working hard on recruiting andworking on the basics this year.Hopefully the band can be even moresuccessful next year.”

Middle school students havealso been recruited to help make theband bigger and to prepare them forthe future marching seasons. This hasworked out extremely well, and theyounger students enjoy being in theband.

Many of the senior memberswere also very excited about marchingagain after two years of dormancy.Brass captain, David Cathey, said, “I’mreally excited to see us marching again,and I’m equally excited for the talentand effort from our middle schoolmarching band members. This year wasgreat, and the future years will be evenbetter.”

The Waldwick community hasvoiced their pleasure at theimprovements this group has made.

This year’s field show was justa taste of what is to come. The bandwill continue to grow and improve inupcoming years, especially with the helpof its directors and growing studentinvolvement.

Having a mascot supplies unityand inspiration, representing

the whole community.

As the band played its heart out, cheerleaders cheered to the music, andthe crowd stomped its feet against the bleachers. The resulting sound was a peprally symphony. At the fall pep rally, students cheered their best as laughs andyells escaped their throats. Celebrating fall sports, Waldwick High School honoredits football team, volleyball team, cheerleading squad, soccer teams, and tennisteam. Students gave speeches, played games, and held dance-offs, but onecould not help but notice that there was something missing: the school mascot.

Jake Donofrio, a senior who graduated from WHS last year, left behindhis duties as the Waldwick Warrior. Donofrio was the Warrior mascot since hisfreshmen year. After the purchase of a brand new warrior costume, Donofriowas first to become the Waldwick mascot and “…was honored to accept.”

Last year, students could count on him to show up to every pep rally andmany sporting events to get the crowd pumped, but so far, no one has steppedup to fill his shoes.

Being a mascot is a responsibility. According to Donofrio, his obligationsas a mascot included: “Showing up to games and pep rallies, having an awesometime playing the bass and cowbell with the band, halftime dancing for the crowd,and cheering with the cheerleaders.” Sounds like fun and a workout.

The Waldwick warrior mascot is not only a symbol for Waldwick HighSchool, but much more. It provides an identity for students, evoking pride andspirit in who they are. That is why having a mascot is very important. Althoughsome may see it as unnecessary, a mascot helps brings students together.

Donofrio explained that, “School spirit is a good part of what goes on insports, I mean what part of going to the next round and proving to everyone thatyou’re going to be big if you don’t care for anything?”

Having a mascot supplies unity and inspiration, representing the wholecommunity. This realization hit many students this fall when the pep rally wasperformed without a mascot.

Seeing flyers tacked up to bulletin boards all around the school hallwaysmakes it hopeful that a new mascot will be born.

Eric Ackerman, a junior, said, “Our next mascot should be a freshmanso that he/she will be the mascot for 4 years, ’till their senior year.”

This makes sense, but so far no takers appear up to the challenge.When asked what kind of advice he would give to future Warrior mascots,

Donofrio heartily replied, “… learn to dance, don’t jump over chairs, and, mostimportantly, unleash your inner warrior.” Waldwick needs a mascot who cankeep its fire alive—fast.

Page 8 SPORTS FALL 2010

By Diana Petrassi and Kaleigh VuoncinoNEWS EDITOR and FEATURES EDITOR

Waldwick volleyball makes TV debutOn September 22,

2010, local TV station, MSGVarsity, came to WaldwickHigh School to tape and air theWaldwick vs. Cresskillvolleyball game. Captain AliGiordano said, “I’m gladWaldwick volleyball is finallygetting some exposure. We’rehaving a really good seasonand are expected to be verysuccessful and I think wedeserve to be showcased.”

MSG Varsity is atelevision network that is strictlydedicated to all things highschool. They provide students

an opportunity to be broadcaston a multi-platform service andconnect with other students inthe state just like them. It is easyto understand why Waldwickbeing broadcast on thisnetwork is nothing short of abig deal.

Cresskill, at the time,was undefeated and cameready to play. Meanwhile,Waldwick was a very youngteam with almost a completelynew lineup with only tworeturning starters.

All three coaches werevery proud that MSG Varsity

chose to shoot footage for theirprogram. “It was very excitingto have them film us. I reallythink it motivated us as a teamto try even harder than usual.It was tough playing against anundefeated team but we foughthard and didn’t give up easily,”said head coach, Mrs.Gastman.

Freshmen coach, Mr.Opderbeck, said, “It is such anhonor and I am glad thatWaldwick volleyball will getsome exposure.” When not athis own freshmen games, Mr.Opderbeck is eager to assistwith both junior varsity andvarsity games.

Lone senior and one ofthe captains, Shauna Vanderee,thought that MSG Varsitycoming was a great opportunityfor the team. It is easy to saythat everyone who attendedwould agree with her. Thestands were full of fanssupporting Waldwick in theirintense battle against theCresskill Cougars. It was easyto see that the Lady Warriorstried their best.

The Warriors provedthat they could keep up with adominating-type team when thescore ended in only a fewpoints difference of 25-20 and25-19. The junior varsity

coach, Ms. Ruch, said thatMSG Varsity coming was,“Very exciting for the sport ofvolleyball and for Waldwick.”

Starting setter andjunior Lauren Tom said shewas very proud of the team andwent on to explain that theynever gave up. She also said,“Even though we lost, wewalked off the court with ourheads held high because weknew we played tough and putup a good fight.”

The team is using thisgame as a chance to improvetheir skills and motivation toplay even better from now on.

“Sick nasty and full of excitement!” is how junior, ChrisPizappi, hoped the 2010 fall pep rally would be. Ask any one ofthe several hundreds of students attending the event and theywill confirm that the first WHS pep rally of the year really wasjust that. This rally was different than previous ones at Waldwick.Maybe it was the cool, crisp fall weather, or the echoing soundof Student Council president, Steve Fundaro’s, voice. Whateverit was, it made this afternoon packed with cheer and enthusiasm.The rally was full of activities and games that gave Waldwickstudents motivation and excitement for this upcoming sportsseason and school year.

The term “Gaga” was given a totally new meaning thisSeptember afternoon. When most people hear that word, catchysongs or weird outfit often come to mind. Waldwick studentscan now refer to “Gaga” as an epic game. All team captainswere summoned down onto the field and guided towards awooden-gated area, placed on the turf for the event. JuniorDanny Tyson proceeded to explain the rules in a flawless Britishaccent. The game consisted of awkward posing, chanting, andkicking a ball. The object was to not let the ball hit below yourknees. After an intense five minutes of play, only two remained.Senior football players Eric Greenwald and Dave Levendakeswent head-to-head in the finals. Dave came out on top in astunning victory. Danny Tyson and Sabina Sullivan also led thejunior class to a win in the slip-n-slide. Then it was a real face-off when Brian McGarr, representing the senior class, won bigin the whipped cream eating contest.

When asked what she was looking forward to in theupcoming fall sports season, new girls’ tennis coach Ms. Saccisaid, “I wish all of the teams a lot of luck this year. I’m especiallyexcited for the girls’ tennis team and being their new head coach.”

The girls’ soccer team presented their underclassmenby having each grade choreograph and perform their own originaldance routines. After some technical difficulties, freshmen throughjuniors performed well and got the crowd hoping that they playsoccer as well as they dance.

Newlywed and JV girls’ basketball coach, Mrs. Kish,said she hoped for, “A lot of school spirit.” It can be agreed thatschool spirit was truly in the air that day.For some, it was the first pep rally, and for others, the beginningof the end. No matter what grade you were in, everyone had agreat time. According to junior Danny Smith, “It was a greatway to start off the school year. I can’t wait to see how all of theteams will do.”

This pep rally was the first of three this year and willdefinitely be hard to beat.

Fall pep rallyBy Kaleigh VuoncinoFEATURES EDITOR

Sports spotlight: player profiles

WHS varsity sports fall recordsGirls’ volleyball 13-9Boys’ football 5-5Girls’ soccer 14-4-2Boys’ soccer 15-3Girls’ tennis 1-14

Congratulations, boys’ soccer:NJIC Patriot Division A League Champions.

Congratulations, girls’ soccer:NJIC Patriot Division A Co-League Champions.

By Katie CericolaSTAFF WRITER

Renee Schultz

Steve Roth

Renee Schultz is a senior captain of the Waldwick girls’ varsity soccer team. She hasbeen playing soccer since she was five, and has a strong love for the game and her center-midfield position.

When asked about her favorite part of the sport, Renee commented, “I’m very competitive,so I love the feeling after we win and knowing all the hard work paid off.”

Renee was very excited and confident her team would do well this season. When askedabout her outlook for her team’s success back in September, Renee said: “We are a strong teamthis year with twelve seniors. It’s our year to win. We need to come together and play as a teamand if we do, the state championship is ours.” This positive attitude proved successful as herteam became the NJIC Patriot Division A Co-League Champions.

When caught off the soccer field, Renee plays varsity basketball and enjoys spendingtime with friends and online. Math is her favorite subject, and she plans on attending college nextyear. She is also strongly considering playing soccer in college.

This fall, Steve Roth led the Waldwick boys’ varsity soccer team as a senior player. He playsright defense and believes the best part of the sport is working hard and playing side-by-side withfriends.

Back in September, Steve said, “This season will be one to remember.” It certainly was;the Waldwick boys’ varsity soccer team earned the title of NJIC Patriot Division A LeagueChampions.

Soccer has been part of Steve’s life since first grade and he truly enjoys playing. Asidefrom soccer, Steve also plays basketball and runs track. His goal for basketball this season is, “toget more wins than last year.” Of the three sports Steve plays at Waldwick, track is his favorite.Steve also hopes to run track in college.

Steve’s favorite class at WHS is chorus, and he looking forward to spending time with hisfamily and friends before he goes off to college.