Up, Up & Awaywww.glencove.k12.ny.us Glen Cove High School’s Newspaper

The Cove-er Times

By:Ylenia Elvy-Panton & Lorraine Ballero

Ylenia Elvy-Panton Lorraine Ballero

In this issue:Best of the Best

Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Honorarian p. 2

Graduates’ Plans p. 3

Senior Photo Collage p.4-5

Farewell Mrs. Goodine p. 6

Teacher Feature Ms. Deborah Pearsall p.7

Ode to Select Chorale p.8

Summer issue 2012

Well, the moment is finally here. The grades are in, the pictures taken, the memories recalled; seniors, the class of 2012, we are finally graduating. We all thought that this day would never come, but here it is. It’s finally time for us to cross that stage and move that tassel aside. With a heavy heart and bright eyes, we embark on the journey that begins the rest of our lives.

I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that I am not prepared to move on just yet. One foot is already out the door and I find that I am missing everything about high school…almost. I think I (Ylenia) could definitely part with the 7:30am start and the full day schedule, and I (Lorraine) can definitely part with all the petty drama so characteristic of an age marked by melodrama. Those memories, however, don’t mask the true high school experience. School concerts, sports, clubs, games, and most importantly the friends made are what I’m going to miss when I cross the stage on June 21st. I can only hope that my fellow peers will feel the same. This year marks the last of many, but also the firsts of the rest of our lives.

If I (Ylenia) could offer any advice to my peers, it would be this: remember where you come from. Remember all of the hard work that you’ve put into this moment. Don’t waste it; make the most of it. We all don’t know what the future has in store for us, but we should make the greatest effort to make it the best it can possibly be. And I (Lorraine) want to take this time to thank the senior class and the Glen Cove School District for shaping me into the person I am today. It was through your guidance and love (tough love, at times) that has taught me valuable lessons I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. Although we don’t know what tomorrow will hold, I know we’ll be all right. We have a lot of memories together, seniors. From the first day of kindergarten, to the trips we took in middle school (Frost

Valley, Washington DC), to prom, we’ve been through so much together. I can remember all the events that we’ve lived through in high school, like Challenge Day, the pep rallies, the homecomings, the basketball games, the end of the year carnivals, and all those sleepless nights doing projects that should have been done a long time ago. But we’ve grown up and matured through all of these events which we’ve shared (well maybe not that last one) and they’ll all be committed to memory forever. Although we definitely had our differences, disputes, and just plain didn’t like each other at times, we cannot deny that all that we’ve been through has helped us grow as individuals as well as the young men and women that will be embarking on the rest of our lives very soon. I’m proud of us. Farewell, be safe; stay happy until we meet again!

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Gorov Sodhi by Lorraine Ballero

This year senior Gorov Sodhi was named the class of 2012’s honorarian, following four years of hard work, dedication, and self-discipline. Gorov attributes his success to the motivation and guidance his parents and his sister have given him throughout his life without being so overbearing as many other parents tend to be. His parents’ expectations are what ultimately helped him to succeed. This coupled with his self-discipline are what will surely guide him to succeed in whatever path that he chooses to pursue. Anyone who knows Gorov will tell you that when he sets his mind to do something, it gets done in the best manner possible. He definitely had the mindset to do his best during his high school years and his honorarian distinction gives proof to his goal setting talents. Gorov has taken a multitude of AP and honors classes as well as participated in a number extracurricular activities, including Mock Trial, National Honor Society, DECA, Varsity Wrestling, and Varsity Tennis, to name a few. His favorite extracurricular activity, he states, is Varsity Wrestling because it has given him the opportunity to meet students from other schools that he otherwise would never have encountered. In addition, it has allowed him to grow as an individual, serve as a role model, and hone his leadership abilities as this year’s captain of the team. As the interview continued, I discovered that Gorov’s favorite class was Mr. Ryan’s AP Environmental, because he feels it opened his mind to the world around him as well as gave him solid preparation for college and the world beyond high school.(continued on page 7)

Allison Abrams by Yaqarah Letellier

Allison Abrams has the distinction of being named the valedictorian of the class of 2012. This is no mean feat. To achieve this accolade, Ms Abrams had to prove to be a cut above the rest. When asked about GCHS, she described her school experiences as busy, unforgettable and fun. She is at the top of her class, a DECA officer, and a member of the select chorale. This is just a modest representation of her high school activities. Allison is a very active individual who cherishes the time she has spent in high school and has fond memories of her high school career, like being a class officer. Her not so fond memory is that of getting yelled at for talking too much. She credits her success to working hard every year of high school saying “I have worked as hard in freshman year as I do now,” in addition to having a great relationship with her teachers. For college, Ms. Abrams plans on going to Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts where she plans to major in mathematics then later on go to grad school. As to where that might take her she says she’ll leave that to whatever opportunity arises. Towards the end of the interview, she talked about missing her friends and all the roots she has put down in these school- friends, teachers- however she looks forward to new ones in college and her new life in the world beyond high school.

Alexandra Gerin by Yaqarah Letellier

“Live it up!” says salutatorian Alexandra Gerin. While sitting across from Ms. Gerin, I watch her lively expressions as she reminisces about her high school career. She was a member of the lacrosse and tennis teams as well as a member of Glen Cove High’s select chorale- one of her most memorable experiences. Despite her participation in these extracurricular activities, Alexandra managed to take numerous AP classes in which she excelled. At this juncture of her life, she finds herself longing for the past but, nevertheless, is hopeful for the future. Ms. Gerin will be majoring in Biology at Binghamton University because she believes this major will provide the most flexibility with respect to a future career. She looks forward to the new sense of freedom and the chance to meet new friends but she does admit she is fearful about studying because of the many horror stories she has heard. On her way out rushing to finish one of her last projects of her high school career, Alexandra’s advice to up coming freshman and other high school students is to above all else remember to be consistent and work hard. It isn’t enough to do great just freshman or sophomore year but every year; especially to the incoming seniors she says “Don’t slack off. Every year counts.” Also, for the freshmen and other students she says get involved early. Towards the end of the interview, she expressed that she wishes the high school would better inform you on everything you could do or need to do in order to get into the college of your choice. As a final farewell she adds “Love to my friends and seniors.”

Valedictorian Salutatorian Honorarian

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Abas, Reiaz Manhattan College

Abrams, Alison Devin Bentley University

Adams, Christine Patricia The University of Iowa

Aguilar, Gianfranco NY Institute of Technology - Old Westbury

Albanese, Paula Ann Johnson & Wales University

Alexander, Nicole Eliza SUNY College at Old Westbury

Ali, Erika Yasmeen Nassau Community College

Alonzo Jr., Michael Angelo Binghamton University

Ambrosio, Emanuela Florinda Hofstra University

Anaya Garcia, Griselda Maribel Employment

Arredondo, Fresia Pazos Nassau Community College

Ayala, Alyssa Patricia SUNY College at Old Westbury

Ayala, Brenden Baruch College of the CUNY

Ayed, Samantha A Nassau Community College

Ayiku, Sharon Adu SUNY College at Brockport

Baade, Alison Marie New York University

Ballero, Lorraine Gloria St. John’s University - Queens Campus

Barillas, Luis Amilcar Employment

Basile, Jenna Cristine Nassau Community College

Basile, Nicholas Edward Nassau Community College

Battle, Jasmine Michelle Molloy College

Bellidoro, Danielle Nicole Nassau Community College

Bellomo, Matthew Anthony Adelphi University

Benigno, Kevin Employment

Bonilla, Oscar Efrain Nassau Community College

Brodnansky, Veronica Nassau Community College

Brunelle, Bianca Lei Undecided

Brussel, Nicholas Alexander SUNY College at Oneonta

Calamusa, Joseph James Employment

Cammisa, Thomas Edward University of Hartford

Cappiello, Cristina Maria University of Delaware

Carignano, Gonzalo Employment

Carignano, Mauro Queens College of the CUNY

Carmody, Martin Lawrence Kent State University

Cartagena Arevalo, Yasmin Yohana Employment

Castillo, Kelvin Iban Employment

Cavallone, Ariana Molloy College

Chabowski, Leszek Michael Lincoln Technical Institute

Charlaff, Emily Mae NY Institute of Technology - Old Westbury

Chavez, Rebeca Anastasia Nassau Community College

Coleman, Jacubb Bernard Nassau Community College

Cox, Benjamin Employment

Cunniff, Sean Kevin Employment

Curcio, Joseph George Nassau Community College

D’Ambrosio, Antonella Melina Undecided 4 year college

D’Onofrio, Leilani Marie Nassau Community College

Dakas, Anthoula Kiriaki Nassau Community College

Delgado Silvera, Glenda Madelyne Nassau Community College

Dennis, Blaise Neil West Virginia University

Dillon, Brian Matthew Suffolk County Community College, Eastern Campus

Duffy, Peter Joseph University of Bridgeport

Durand Velasquez, Edwin Adeli Nassau Community College

Durso, Alexandra Marie SUNY College at Brockport

Durso, Emily Dorothy SUNY College at Brockport

Durso, Victoria Carolyn SUNY College at Brockport

Echeverria Henriquez, Cristian Dani Nassau Community College

Elvy-Panton, Ylenia Beuceta University of Connecticut

Espinoza-Acosta, Marlon Joel Nassau Community College

Esquilin, Justin Dean Employment

Falcon, Joseph Bryan Nassau Community College

Farnan, Remi Grace SUNY College at Oneonta

Farnan, Sarah Mount Saint Mary College

Felder, Queen Shanny Nassau Community College

Fernandez Canales, Nury Concepcion Nassau Community College

Ferrante II, Phillip John Nassau Community College

Ferrante, Paul John La Salle University

Fiorino, Jonathan Frances Nassau Community College

Fribbley, Denisa Leanne University of Indianapolis

Furlow, Janicea Latesha Nassau Community College

Furlow, Shyanne Ziedel Virginia Union University

Galo, Lorena Nassau Community College

Garces, Yazmain Iris Military

Garcia, Christian Enrique Nassau Community College

Garcia, Christopher Jesus Nassau Community College

Garcia, Michael Luis Nassau Community College

Gary, Melissa Elizabeth Employment

Gaudio, Matteo Agostino SUNY College at Old Westbury

Gentile, Jaime Leigh Nassau Community College

Gerin, Alexandra Morgan Binghamton University

Gilbert, Harrison Alan Stetson University

Goodmark, Eric Scott Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Graziosi, Marc Andrew Flagler College

Ham, Ebony Nassau Community College

Hauser, James Nassau Community College

HERNANDEZ, RINA Fordham University

Howard, Christina Nassau Community College

Huallparimachi, Liz Nassau Community College

Hueca, Tiana Marie Nassau Community College

Jagustyn, Izabela Teresa John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the CUNY

Joshi, Anish Bentley University

Justin, Sheddyne Abigail Nassau Community College

Kalinowski, Michal Janusz University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Keane, William Francis Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Kessler, Christopher Jay Nassau Community College

Kouyoudjian, Shant Hovhanes Nassau Community College

Lazo, Andrea Michelle Binghamton University

Lee, Alexander St. John’s University - Queens Campus

LeTellier, Yadiyah Monroe College

Liang, Catherine New York Institute of Technology

Liang, Ricky University of Rhode Island

Lima, Daniel Eduardo CUNY City College

Loolam III, August Reginald SUNY Alfred State College

Lupo, Arianna Nassau Community College

Luterek, Alexander Bryan Nassau Community College

Lynch, Daniel William School of Visual Arts

Lynch IV, Edmund Employment

MacDonald, Morgan Ann Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

MacDonald, Robert Thomas College of the Holy Cross

Manzione, Nicholas James SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Marrone, Benjamin Richard Trade School

Martel Avila, Xiomara Jazmin Nassau Community College

Martinez, Angie Nassau Community College

Martinez, Kevin Andrew SUNY Farmingdale

Martinez, Patricia Janet Nassau Community College

Maziejka, Laura Nicole Nassau Community College

McAdams, Nicholas Patrick University of South Florida

McCrindle, Victoria Vicky Nassau Community College

Melgar Sanchez, Ivonne Nassau Community College

Micko, Jakub Stony Brook University

Milledge, Lyasia Konomia Scharon Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Minopoli, Sabrina Kimberly University of Rhode Island

Mirkovic, Lazar Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Moglia, Briana Frances Lisciani SUNY at Albany

Mora, Chelsea Genecis Nassau Community College

Morales Jr., Jose Lito Nassau Community College

Moza, Beatriz del Carmen Nassau Community College

Moza, Juan Gwilfredo Nassau Community College

Nagel, Risa Lauren Hamilton College - NY

Natale, Emily Marie Hofstra University

Ng, Kelly Nassau Community College

Nicolich Jr., Scott Paul Nassau Community College

O’Connell, Meghan Marie SUNY Oneonta

Olson, Nicholas Howard SUNY Cortland

Orellana, Christian Adolfo Boston University

Ortiz, Nimani Isidra Nassau Community College

Pagano, Amy Rose Nassau Community College

Pagliara Santos, Giancarlo Antonio John Jay College of Criminal

Justice of the CUNY

Pajuelo, Erick Kleiber State University of New York at Albany

Panancherry, Jayant P Hofstra University

Papa, Damian Paul George Mason University

Pappachristou, Nicholas Adam University of Hartford

Peet, Megan Dolores University of Hartford

Pemberton, Megan Rose The University of Akron

Perez, Kianie V Nassau Community College

Petulla, Rosa Antonietta Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Poncet, Kimberly SUNY College at Cortland

Quinn, Ian Dagress Nassau Community College

Ramadan, Dennis N. Nassau Community College

Rant, Nicholas David Employment

Reyes, Ingris Aleyda Nassau Community College

Reyes, Maria Mercedes Nassau Community College

Reyes, Yajhayra Nassau Community College

Ring, Christian Hayes Providence College

Rios, Kaylin Elise Nassau Community College

Ritchie, Michael John Nassau Community College

Romero, Tania Michele Nassau Community College

Rosario Jr., Cruz Antonio Queensborough Community

College of the CUNY

Rysdyk, Douglas Leonard SUNY Purchase

Sacchetta, Alexa Lynn French Culinary Institute

Sakamoto, Nicole Annette St. Francis College

Salka, Christopher John Nassau Community College

Santana, Mauro J. Nassau Community College

Santiago, Michael Rafael Nassau Community College

Saperstein, Christopher Nassau Community College

Schmitt, Kayla-Ann Denise Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus

Serra-Garcia, Jaime Alejandro Nassau Community College

Shearer, Derek Matthew SUNY at Albany

Shou, Joyce Fordham University

Siegel, Evan Seth Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Sierzega, Dominik University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Smiley, Summer Karen Undecided 4 year college

Sodhi, Gorov Boston College

Sosa Landaverde, Omar Oswaldo Manhattan College

Stanco, Michele Buffalo State College of SUNY

Standinger, Erin Marie SUNY Morrisville State College

Stephans, Stephan SUNY Morrisville State College

Tenke, Dylan John University of Rhode Island

Theodorou, Christopher Loukas Iona College

Tincopa Onetto, Leslie Briarcliffe College

Tosta Santos, Irina Waleska Nassau Community College

Trainor, Delia Catherine SUNY at Albany

Trakakis, Andrew James Employment

Turcios Sagliocca, John Nassau Community College

Urzola Tellez, Monica Lizeth CUNY Queens College

Vargas, Arlin Queensborough Community

College of the CUNY

G r a d P l a n s

continued on page 8

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So Long Seniors, Goodbye, Good Luck!

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So Long Seniors, Goodbye, Good Luck!

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A Fond Farewell By Lorraine Ballero & Ylenia Elvy-Panton

Mrs. Goodine

In her characteristic quiet and dignified style, Mrs. Goodine, Glen Cove High’s Asistant Principal, announced without much fanfare that she is retiring at the end of this school year. If you are like us, crazy busy, totally preoccupied at this time of year, you were probably taken by surprise. However, as managers of The Cove-er Times, we could not let this momentous occasion go unheralded. Our beloved assistant principal, Mrs. Sheryl Goodine will be retiring after so many years of love, dedication, and caring spirit which she gave to this school district. Your Cove-er Times editors thought it appropriate to pay homage and get the real story behind the ever-smiling, ‘put away your electronic devices’ power figure of Glen Cove High School. “Welcome ladies,” the assistant principal greeted us with the warm smile we had come to know so well in the four years the both of us have spent at this school. One would think, on the verge of retirement, that her office would be covered with vacation photos and moving boxes, not to far away from the images of a bunch of 2012 graduates moving on to college. But she appeared as busy as always, a testament to the determination and work ethic Mrs. Goodine possesses. She has always held Glen Cove High and its students in the highest regard. We further learned much more as our interview progressed but, most importantly, we got to know just how much Mrs. Goodine

cares about not only Glen Cove High School, but the entire school district. Mrs. Goodine was first inspired to become an educator during a college course she took. The program was mainly based on interactions and educating children with disabilities and special needs. Mrs. Goodine fondly recalls working with these special –needs children. She claims this experience is what ultimately led her to seek a career where she could work with children and so, the rest is history, as she became an educator. In addition to working

and helping children, our assistant principal always knew she wanted to give back to her high school alma mater, and hometown school district of Glen Cove. Her first job in the district was as a reading teacher at Gribbin Elementary School just down the road. It was here that she first demonstrated her skill and natural ability as a teacher. She discovered that teaching was was always fun and enjoyable for both her students and herself. She then moved on to working as an assistant director of Special Education here at Glen Cove High School in 1991, and was thoroughly immersed in the importance and significance of working and guiding this student population..

If there is one thing Mrs.Goodine can attest to, it is that teaching is as much a learning experience for the students as it is for a teacher. She states that as an educator, she has learned so much about humility, patience and respect. She knows to never judge a book by its cover and always have respect for students as she would like for them to respect her.

With such a long and fruitful career working at Glen Cove High School, it feels as though the school is losing an integral member of the family with her retirement. Mrs. Sheryl Goodine hopes to leave a legacy at this school; one of inspiration and hope for all the students that pass through the doors of Glen Cove High. She cares deeply for all the students at this school, and sometimes feels as though some

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of the students have lost hope in themselves and their dreams, which ultimately hinders their success. But hope, she states, is what will drive anyone towards success. She also adamantly praises the diversity of this school, and constantly refers to it as a positive attribute about this school. Ultimately, diversity is something that teaches respect and understanding of all mankind and students growing up in such an environment have an advantage that will lead them to become true global citizens.. We felt it appropriate to thank her on behalf of the countless number of generations that have been affected by her hard work and ambition throughout her career. She took it with a humble nod and small smile, ever modest. Although she’s retiring from the school district, we can assure you that her spirt will continue to reverberate from our hallow halls. It is the Mrs. Goodines and others like her who have set a high standard and have laid a strong foundation which hopefully will continue to fortify future generations of students. On behalf of Glen Cove High-- goodbye and best wishes Mrs. Goodine and please, please never forget us because you will never forget you..

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Teacher FeatureBy Matt Kolbert

As we were wrapping up, Gorov noted that he would say the end of senior year is bittersweet, but that’s too much of a cliché forhim. He explains that although he’s nervous for college, he’s glad and looking forward to stepping out of his comfort zone and into the real world. He’ll surely miss his friends and all the memories he’s made here, though.

To the underclassmen of Glen Cove High School, Gorov advises that it’s okay to make mistakes when you’re just beginning to

learn something. The most important thing, however, is to learn from them, and not be hindered to try something new. In the end, according to Gorov, one will have more regrets if one didn’t challenge oneself and at east something new.. You can see Gorov give his honorarian speech at graduation on June 21st. On behalf of The Cove-er Times staff, good luck Gorov in your new adventure at Boston College starting in the fall.

Gorov Sodhi (Continued from page 2)

Here at Glen Cove High School we take pride in our diversity, our open mindedness and our spirit. We are blessed to have teachers here who embrace all of these wonderful qualities whole-heartedly. When thinking of those teachers, someone who comes to my mind is Mrs. Pearsall. Mrs. Pearsall isn’t just the business and marketing teacher, she is also the DECA advisor and a friend to many students. She’s a mother and a wife, and to top it all off, a resident of our very own hometown, Glen Cove.

Mrs. Pearsall grew up not too far from our own hometown, in Glen Head. She came from a stereotypical American family, a nurturing mother and a quiet but loving father, and two sisters. When asked about her parents, her eyes lit up. Her father and mother, as all children do, her mother shaped her into who she is today. They had one main philosophy, to “be kind”. If Mrs. Pearsall is anything, it is just that. She also went to North Shore High School, GCHS’ rival. Although she liked going

there, she can’t imagine how different her high school experience would have been if she had gone to GCHS. At the time, North Shore High School was homogenous while GCHS is noted for its diverse demographics. With that diversity, she said, comes a tremendous amount of acceptance, respect, and love for one another. It is that love that has led Mrs. Pearsall to love the school. At first, Mrs. Pearsall did not think she would become a teacher. She graduated from high school and went to college for two years. As many people do, she fell in love and married Arthur Pearsall.. She moved into her now hometown of Glen Cove with her husband, and her journey into the Glen Cove world began. After a few years, she returned to school for her degree in business. For a time, she worked for New York Life Insurance, and then moved on to work in the Urban Development department of the City of Glen Cove. One day, the teacher of an intern working at Urban Development came and spoke to her about a part time position available at the high school. Not thinking much of it, she applied for the job and got it. The position was supposed to be for just a few months, but became an opening for the following school year. Mrs. Pearsall gladly accepted the offer and Glen Cove High School became her new home. After several years as one of the main teachers in the business and marketing department, the advisor for the DECA club left the school and left it in Mrs. Pearsall’s care. She had been involved with DECA before, but now she was the head advisor. For me, as an officer of DECA, I can’t imagine any other person doing the job. In the past year, Mrs. Pearsall

has spent countless hours working in the DECA office, helping kids with their competitions, arranging events and meetings, and doing just about every task imaginable. “DECA is an amazing program. It really teaches kids what the business world is like, while at the same time encouraging community service.” It is clear that Mrs. Pearsall doesn’t do the job out of obligation or for a pay bonus, but because she truly loves it. This year, due to her efforts, every Glen Cove student made it to the State competition, and at states, many students won medals and one student even took home first place in his competition. Although her career here has been magnificent, all good things must come to an end. Mrs. Pearsall has made an enormous mark upon this school. She turned DECA into the most popular club at Glen Cove High School, with over 100 members. She was honored as Advisor of the Year at DECA states. Her students and club members not only respect her, but many have become her friend. At the recent DECA banquet, Mr. Bieder stated that “It was so inspiring to see a teacher so dedicated to her work, and she really inspired me back when I was a young teacher just coming into the school.” Next year, I’ll be the Vice President of DECA, and I honestly can not imagine walking into room 123 on Mondays and the DECA shop every Friday and not seeing her there. Mrs. Pearsall, you have truly exemplified what it means to be a teacher, a mentor, and a friend, and I can assure you that Glen Cove High School will always have a place for you in our hearts.

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Vargas, Melissa Nassau Community College

Vela, Andrew SUNY College at Geneseo

Ventura, Jessica Jacqueline Nassau Community College

Washington, Andrea Marie Holley New York University

Wheeler, William Pace University, New York City

Whitely, Daniel Elliott University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Wilcox, Shania Andrea Berklee College of Music

Wilkins, Bryon Robert Rochester Institute of Technology

Williams, Dah-Keem Jah-Qwin Nassau Community College

Williams, Erin Rose Nassau Community College

Williams, Kellie Corean University of Massachusetts, Amherst

G r a d P l a n s

Ode to the Maroon Blazer

The maroon blazer is a well-known symbol at Glen Cove High School that represents talent, responsibility, and maturity. The Select Chorale has donned these blazers ever since Edward Norris came to GCHS as the music teacher ten years ago. When he came, he promised Dr. Hinton that in ten years the choir would be one of the best on Long Island. This year, he fulfilled that promise. While most classes here at GCHS begin on the first day of the current school, Select Chorale began rehearsing for the next school year before the current school year had even ended. Mr. Norris had received an invitation to bring the Select Chorale to Rochester to perform at the NYS American Chorale Directors Association (ACDA) conference.The catch was that the performance was to be held in October which left little time to spare. After rehearsals and the completion of the spring concert, Mr. Norris began rehearsing with next year’s group. When the school’s doors closed in late June, the President of the Chorale, Alison Baade, offered her church as a rehearsal space. In the month of August, when Mr. Norris was recovering from surgery, every section leader hosted several rehearsals at their homes. When school resumed, intensive rehearsals began immediately. Throughout September and October, the choir rehearsed the three pieces that would define it for the rest of the year, Circle of Life, Praise His Holy Name, and All My Trials. Finally, the time came to board the coach bus (and it took quite some time to find a decently priced 55 seat bus) and drive to Rochester. After a six- hour bus ride, the choir went to bed early in preparation for an early morning trip to Nazareth College. This is where two months of work would finally be put to the test. With maroon blazers over each members’ shoulders, the Select Chorale gave a performance that Mr. Norris described as “one of the best in the history of the chorale.” Luckily, the journey didn’t end there. Although the choir had already been working for five months, there was still eight months of school to go, and the chorale would accomplish much more. In the weeks following ACDA, Mrs. Crible, the elementary school music teacher, made a request. She wanted the chorale to sing with her band at a charity

holiday fundraiser for people with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS), a disease that results in blindness, blood problems, dysfunctional organs, and usually a much earlier death than the average person. Mrs. Crible became involved with this disease after becoming the private vocal teacher of a girl named Ashley, who unfortunately was born with the disease. Through vocal lessons Mrs. Crible worked to both strengthen her weak lungs as well as make her beautiful voice shine. The Select Chorale performed at the fundraiser two nights in a row, and was so overtaken by love for the girl who fought a disease and was still able to sing beautifully, that she was invited to the winter concert to sing. Immediately, after the concert, the chorale’s Facebook wall was covered in heartfelt posts from its members, about how amazing we were, about how much chorale means to all of us, and about how happy they are to be a part of the group. Mr. Norris received dozens of emails about what he believes is one of the greatest Select Chorale performances in his ten years here. Not long before the winter concert, Dr. Laria, an avid supporter of music here at Glen Cove came into the chorus room with sad news. Mrs. Germino, a nurse at the Landing school, was very sick with cancer and had very few weeks left. This woman, although her children had all graduated from GCHS years ago, continued to come to every single Chorale concert. Being someone who truly loved the chorale, she made a request to Dr. Laria, for the chorale to sing at her funeral. The sheer concept of doing that was completely new and frightening to both Mr. Norris and the chorale. Not only did several students know Mrs. Germino, but the chorale would have to practice the song in anticipation for her death. Although Mr. Norris gave every student the option to not go, as he himself knows how difficult the death of a loved person can be, every student came to the funeral to sing. Mrs. Germino had specifically requested the chorale sing Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, and so on the day of the funeral, standing atop the balcony overlooking the entire church floor, the chorale came in, blazers and all, to sing. It is in that moment, that I myself as well as most of the chorale realized the power of our music.

Although the death was painful, the beauty of that song helped everyone to heal, knowing that one of Mrs. Germino’s last wishes was fulfilled. After the winter concert, the chorale continued to perform. We sang at the Martin Luther King Day celebration at the middle school, and a month later performed a district tour, singing at the Gribbin, Deasy, Connolly, and Middle schools. The chorale also joined the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, Herricks High School and Malverne High School to perform the Carmina Burana at Carnegie Hall. Soon after, the choir went to Group NYSSMA Majors and was awarded a gold medal for our performance. The events closed with an amazing performance of the Star Spangled Banner at the Mets game on May 25th. Then, the day of the spring concert finally came. As the choir sat in their room in the minutes before the concert, Mr. Norris gave his annual “this is it” speech. The choir went out to sing. He remarked on everything the choir had done this year, and how “normal choirs…normal kids, don’t do those things”. Finally, he addressed the seniors with the words of their closing song. “Rise up, follow me, come away is the call... I will lead you home.” Then it came time to leave the comfort of the room and enter the packed auditorium. Performing a variety of songs, the choir touched hearts with a selection in honor of Mrs. Germino called “Good Night Dear Heart”, and later won a standing ovation with the spiritual “Witness.” The concert closed with the senior song, the Road Home, which ended in tears from all thirty two seniors as well as many others. This year had been like none because the choir had made a difference in the lives of many and soared to new heights of excellence.

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by Matt Kolbert