SUMMER 2012 - BECAUSE WE’RE ALL READY p4-5
EDITORIAL EDUCATION MUST GET TOUGHER p2 ENTERTAINMENT THE AVENGERS p7 SPORTS CHIEFS PLAY FOR A CAUSE p8
JUNE 7, 2012 Vol. LX - ISSUE 4
Massapequa High School
www.thechiefonline.com
4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758
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Methamphetamines: high in high school BY JESSICA GRAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Drug dogs are trained specifically to sniff out narcotics and other drugs in schools to show an increase as Mexican cartels Mr. Howard also made it clear focus on New York suburbs, especially that the “number of students at MHS on Long Island. that really abuse drugs is much smaller However, meth has not been a sig- than people think.” In fact, it’s less than nificant problem at MHS. Mr. Howard one percent of the student body, which told The Chief that drug-finding dogs is about less than half of the national come “unannounced a number of times average. “We haven’t seen any of it in over the year, and go through the halls this school.” of the building, smelling lockers and Speculations have arisen and locker rooms.” junior Olivia Axelberg believes “[it’s] Howard also explained that if a probably because kids have money to dog sits in front of a locker both sides spend and they don’t know what else of the locker are checked. If a dog sits in to do with it and it seems like getting front of a locker like the ones in the sci- high is the popular thing to do. Now ence wing, all of the surrounding lockers that it’s becoming cheaper, it has more are checked; parents and students are of an appeal to kids and it seems to be also notified. “However, we’ve yet to becoming more accessible.” find anything.” Crystal meth is a powerful central Although there have not been any nervous system stimulant that stimuconfiscations of paraphernalia by this lates brain cells and increases feelings method, Mr. Howard makes it clear that of pleasure, overall mood and body the use of the drug dogs in the school is movements. Users of meth are also at quite beneficial to Massapequa’s goal of high risk for addiction due to the drug’s raising awareness. Conversations that propensity to inhibit the body’s ability to come as a result of these searches allow produce dopamine, which disables users the administration to discuss the dangers from gaining pleasurable feelings natuof drugs with students and their parents. rally or from anything besides meth. Even if a student is not a user, or is not Not only will meth provide the using at school, there may be residue user with an exclusive euphoria that
Nurse Ms. Potucek retires BY ALLISON LATINI STAFF WRITER
High School. This year marks nurse Ms. Potucek’s twelfth and last year at Massapequa High School. She has been working in the Massapequa School District for twenty years, eight of which were spent at Birch Lane Elementary School. Ms. Potucek has enjoyed her time “watching the kids mature” as they go through High School. “It’s nice to see the kids grow up,” said Potucek, “especially when I have known these kids [from] elementary school to twelfth grade.” The school nurse is looking forward to getting up after 5:15 in the morning. Life at Massapequa High School can be stressful and time-consuming, so Ms. Potucek plans to spend her retirement traveling and reading. She also looks forward to babysitting her grandchild, and the second one who is on the way! Ms. Potucek will be greatly missed, and we wish her well in all of her future endeavors.
he or she would not be able to obtain otherwise, the high lasts six to twelve hours on average, versus a marijuanastimulated high between one and three hours, according to www.healthadel. com. Teachers are very concerned about students getting involved in the use of drugs such as crystal meth. “Unfortunately, this is the time in a student’s life that many choose to start experimenting with illicit drugs and alcohol,” said AP biology teacher Mrs. Frontino. “It is scary to think that they are engaging in behavior that is so addictive and deadly. As teachers, we hope to inform students of the dangers so they learn to avoid it and figure out coping mechanisms to deal with the stress and boredom they often face.” However, Massapequa is not alone, “I think that drug use in Massapequa is a problem that all communities face nowadays,” Mr. Howard said. “The availability of prescription medications is really causing drug problems all-around to worsen. Kids are going to parties and stealing from people’s medicine cabinets, and doctors are over-prescribing or don’t know who they are really prescribing to, like Dr. Saji Francis.” Francis was arrested not more than a block from the high school in 2009 for selling opiate prescriptions, according to www.newsday.com. Every school has to worry about the potential dangers of drugs, alcohol and other destructive decisions infecting its student body. Although methamphetamines have not been a problem in MHS, the administration and faculty will continue to do their best to raise awareness and help students make more constructive decisions.
Teacher Mrs. Pine retires BY JOE FIOLA STAFF WRITER
Mrs. Pine, after years of teaching
KARAN CHHATPAR//THE CHIEF
KARAN CHHATPAR//THE CHIEF
Ms. Potucek, ready to aid students Many people will be walking the halls of Massapequa High School for the last time this June. Graduation is just around the corner, and several hundred seniors will be leaving to begin the next chapter of their lives. But as the 2012 school year comes to a close, the seniors won’t be the only ones moving on. One of our school nurses will be retiring this year after twelve years spent caring for the students of Massapequa
on their clothing from their friends who do use. Either way, the dogs allow for Massapequa to raise awareness of the potential dangers of drug abuse in the community.
BRUCE CHAMBERS//MCT CAMPUS
“Livin’ young, wild and free,” Wiz Khalifa brags in his recent hit single, which glorified drug and alcohol use. Although glorified by pop culture, drugs have serious health effects which far outweigh the shallow benefits highlighted by popular songs. Massapequa High School has hosted countless drug prevention assemblies over the years, mainly focusing on alcohol, marijuana, and heroin as the gateway drugs and most commonly abused drugs of suburbia. However, there is a new competitor, commonly known as crystal meth. For the past few decades crystal meth has been most commonly found in rural and urban areas, but recently Mexican drug cartels have been targeting middle and high school students, especially those living in New York suburbs. According to the Centers of Disease Control, in a survey of meth use by high school students, high school freshmen and seniors are the students most likely to use the drug. According to the survey, 5.1 percent of freshman and 5.2 percent of seniors used meth in 2009 in New York. The statistic of meth use by high school students in New York has been on the rise since 2005 when it reached an average of 3.3 percent of all high school students. Some students are surprised about these statistics. “I expected it to be lower...you never really hear about it that much or at least in MHS,” junior Jared Lamm said. “And in the future I’m sure this number will decrease as schools and police begin to crack down on the kids using any type of drugs.”
As Lamm suggested, statistics do show that the national average of high school students participating in the use of methamphetamines is decreasing, but the rate of use in New York continues
After 25 years in the district, Mrs. Carol Pine will be retiring from her teaching position in Massapequa. A veteran educator, Mrs. Pine has taught students throughout all grade levels at Birch Lane, Berner, Ames, and the Main Campus. She reflected, “I’ve worked with amazing people, including the students.” Throughout her lengthy career,
Mrs. Pine has dedicated her efforts to educational enrichment in a resource room setting. She is an expert reading instructor and has co-taught mathematics as well. Looking back on her career, Mrs. Pine takes pride in her “small part in helping hundreds of students to graduate high school.” Mrs. Pine is looking forward to her retirement. “My head is swimming with ideas,” she expressed. Only time will tell which goals she will choose to pursue in the future. Imparting words of wisdom from which we may all benefit, Mrs. Pine shared that, “It takes so little to make someone feel good—a smile, a ‘hello’, or a bit of attention. Give all you have. The rewards are great.” With advice such as this it is no surprise that Mrs. Pine, her optimism and her helpful hand will be missed. The Chief, on behalf of Massapequa High School, wishes Mrs. Pine a happy retirement.
JUNE 7, 2012 MARCH 23, 2012
OP/ED
THE CHIEF 2
Editorial
As times get tougher, education must too
There is something ominous floating around in the educational atmosphere. Spending cuts and ubiquitously declining admissions rates at universities across the nation have struck a foreboding mood, and students now sit as ducks on water, unsure and perhaps unequipped to deal with the adverse circumstances surrounding them. One element remains clear: as times get tougher, students must get tougher too. But we have not gotten tougher. A society that used to pride itself on individualism has come to promote the preservation of collective complacency at the expense of recognizing achievement. In no arena is this trend more evident than education. Take Massapequa High School for example. In the last few years, two policies were revoked with similar, progressive goals in mind: rankings and the track system. Class rank has existed since the incipient stages of high school education as a measure of a graduate’s achievement. However, four years ago Massapequa School District eliminated the publication of these rankings to all, including the students themselves. Principal Dr. Williams approves of the abolition of rankings that the high school administration passed when she was the principal at the Ames campus. “Ranking did not put our students in a better position for college admissions. In fact, in some instances it may have hurt them,” Dr. Williams said. The main problem created by the abolition of rankings is that many students who could have found pride in their rank have been denied the knowledge—the knowledge of their own status among their peers. And to those who argue that ranking can hurt students, the system can be done so that no one must know a student’s rank unless he releases it. To get rid of rankings is simply one
more step on the path to equalizing the student body and minimizing individual achievement. Another educational reform was the abolition of the track system which sorted students into four levels of classes of varying rigor. Tracking provided for maximum specialization of class levels which enabled each student to learn at his own pace. But it also created controversy, as students were defined by the level of class they took—categorized by intelligence. Several years ago, the track system was replaced with the current system, in which higher level classes are open to all students who wish to take them, regardless of their preparedness for the more intensive work load they will take on. The remainder reside in heterogeneous settings labeled “Regents.” Many teachers applaud this decision. “Schools must act in the best interests of all students, not just the gifted,” Mrs. Tonn, twelfth grade English teacher said. “It is the job of educators to provide a free and appropriate education to all. It is not the job of educators to create scholastic winners and losers. While tracking may have been a more efficient way to sort students and cover material, it was ultimately intellectual segregation. We don’t segregate or discriminate in this country. Every student should have the right to access all the amenities that a district can afford to provide. After all, it is their parents who are paying for it.” Though Mrs. Tonn makes a valuable point about the benefits of opportunity-for-all education, the open enrollment system has had adverse effects on students of all ability levels. The reason tracking is more effective is not just because it allows for the greatest development of AP students—it also allows for greater development in the
Opinion
abilities of all students. Under the current system, too many kids are pushed into AP classes who may not be ready for them. They are the greatest victims of the open enrollment system. Ready for a challenge greater than regents classes offer, but unprepared for the rigor of AP, these students are forced to struggle in AP or coast in regents. The track system or the introduction of an honors level in between regents and AP, would present these students with a challenge appropriate for their skill sets. This is why the current system is not conducive to intellectual development for students of all ability levels. For that reason and others, many teachers disapprove of the policy change from tracking to open enrollment. “I taught classes during the time when there was tracking,” long-time AP social studies teacher Mrs. Hawkins said. “Class sizes were much smaller and kids did not feel obligated to take AP classes unless they were really interested in the subject matter. When kids were grouped with kids with similar interests the class discussions were much more productive and focused.” Though well-intentioned, policies such as the abolition of the ranking system and the track system in Massapequa High School are the bane of modern education. The world is a tough place, and it’s only getting tougher. Though current policies established with the intent of protecting students’ feelings may spare them of a tough reality check in high school, it will set them up for brutal disappointment in college and beyond, as they are forced to learn the hard way exactly what it feels like to be told they are not as good as they thought they were.
SPORTS EDITOR
special diets and, in many cases, put their athletic responsibilities over their academic responsibilities. They let the upcoming game consume all of their thoughts and conversations. Their roles on the team absorb their personalities. But while these students may compro-
One of Massapequa High School’s trophy cases, exhibiting its athletic spirit Practices are daily, games or matches usually take up Saturdays, and in some cases, students spend their off-seasons training just as frequently as they play during the season. Most students take their teams as seriously as they take their own lives. They have rallies and go on
JESSICA GRAFF//THE CHIEF
Professional sports affect all aspects of our culture. People form social gatherings around sporting events, they wear clothing to represent their favorite teams, and some may win and lose money by betting on big games. Sports are involved in everyone’s life at some point, even those who aren’t dedicated fans. But I believe that sports have their most crucial role in the lives of children and adolescents. I’m sure many kids would say they wanted to be professional athletes at some point in their childhood. Growing up, young sports fans idolized these athletic superheroes that hit 400-foot home runs and made half-court buzzer-beater shots and threw 60 yard touchdown passes. We all wanted to be on that field/court/rink—famous, revered, and getting paid millions of dollars to run around and have fun. Now fast forward from childhood to high school. By now, most students have realized they won’t be professionals, but sports is still a big part of their
lives. They know a lot more about how the game works (whatever game that may be), they’ve gained more athletic ability, and most importantly, they’ve begun playing high school sports. In high school, “student-athletes” devote their lives to their school team.
The Chief Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joe Zappa EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR EDITOR Jessica Karan Graff Chhatpar SPORTS EDITORS Jon Grant Matt Hirsch ADVISOR Elyn Coyle
Outgoing Senior Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenna Fratello MANAGING EDITOR Tom Strong-Grinsell CHIEF COPY EDITOR Nick Barbieri LAYOUT EDITOR Ashley Adler BUSINESS MANAGER Spencer Nord
The Chief Editorial Policy
The Chief, the student newspaper of Massapequa High School, is an open forum to discuss the student body’s issues and concerns. Members of The Chief will make every effort to publish following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. Consistent with the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the staff also will refrain from printing material that may incite students, be a violation of MHS’ Student Code of Conduct or disrupt school operations. The editorial board of The Chief welcomes and encourages submitted letters, stories, cartoons and/or any other student feedback to the editor. Please send all submissions to mhsthechief@gmail. com. Letters sent by email may need to be verified by student signature before publishing. •Although letters to the editor are not printed, names will be published upon request. The Chief has the right to deny publication of any editorial, column, review or comment. •Grammatical and/or spelling corrections will be made; however, the content will not be altered. All columns, reviews or commentary are strictly the opinion of the writer and may not represent opinions held by the school board, administration, sponsors, parents, student body or advertisers. However, all editorials reflect the viewpoint of The Chief editorial board. Distribution: 1400 copies
Massapequa High School 4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758
The role of sports in high school BY MATT HIRSCH
June 7 2012 Vol LX Issue 4
mise their personal identity by being a part of the team, the sense of unity that they gain is something all high school students could use. But on the negative side of sports in teenagers’ lives, there is competition-unnecessarily intense competition. Why
is the competition so intense? In high school, kids have not developed their lives yet. They have nothing to base their accomplishments off of except grades and sports--but sports are the cool way. Therefore, kids base each other’s importance as people on how athletically talented they are. This explains why students are so passionate about their performance on their team. In high school, many kids haven’t proven what they can do yet. They haven’t entered the real world and much remains to be determined in terms of their development as people, so they establish their reputations around athletic ability. But is it a good thing that sports are so significant in high school? While athletics do give students a healthy way to challenge themselves, more focus should be put on things that will matter more in the long run. Students should be more competitive in career-oriented areas (no, that doesn’t include being a professional athlete) and sports should have a more relaxed, stress-free, and welcoming environment.
JUNE 7, 2012 MARCH 23, 2012
OP/ED
THE CHIEF 3
Is the SAT still valuable for college admissions? Point
The SAT is a necessary measure to compare students BY JOE ZAPPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
to see a statistic measuring a student’s test taking ability. In fact, I’m not sure if such a thing as a bad test taker exists at all. Regardless, we can be sure that there is a definite correlation between SAT score and intelligence. Claude Steele, former chairman of the department of psychology at Stanford University, affirmed the correlation between SAT and IQ. “The SAT and IQ test correlate very highly. Between the
an extremely close relationship. Other studies have shown similar results. Therefore, it is fair to say that the SAT is a useful measure of students’ intelligence. Through this tool, college admissions officers can compare applicants and determine who the brightest students truly are. Opponents of the SAT may be quick to ask why GPA cannot simply be used to evaluate students’ intelligence.
JESSICA GRAFF//THE CHIEF
You can’t handle the truth. That is the message that screams to me as kids around me incessantly decry the results of their latest SAT scores. On the morning about three weeks after the test when each kid goes online to check his scores, a familiar reaction will cover their faces—disbelief. Junior year is a good time to take a look at oneself, and for some the computer screen lit up with their SAT score is the mirror image of their abilities staring them in the face to say, “Wake up.” It must be understood that the SAT is not the be all and end all of college admissions. It is a major component in admissions, and for some it will be the primary reason they are rejected or admitted to a certain college, but for most it is merely another cog in the giant machine of pulleys and gears that make up the college application. Furthermore, the SAT does not define one’s worth in society. It cannot define your work ethic, character, or interests, and that is why many other factors are taken into consideration during college The Guidance Office has plenty of resources students can use to study for the SAT admissions. However, the SAT can do a relatively good job of defining intel- SAT and the IQ, they correlate almost as Though intuitively four years of courseligence, and that is what it is used for. much as the SAT correlates with a sec- work seems a better judge of talent than As was referenced earlier, the ond administration of the SAT, as much one, four-hour test, that is not the case. SAT is a huge sticking point for many as it correlates with itself. So they’re GPA is an extremely subjective measure students because it is just a test score—a very similar tests in content.” of ability. It varies based on the level number on a screen that cannot be unFurthermore, it must be understood of coursework taken and more so by done or made unclear. Many students, that SAT and IQ scores are both aimed the school district and region a student teachers, and parents denounce the test to evaluate g, one’s general intelligence lives in. because it does play such a major role factor. A study conducted by departMany administrators grapple with in college admissions, and they consider ment of psychology professor Douglas the difficulty of elevating the grades of this unfair. Their argument is that some K. Detterman of Case Western Reserve students in Advanced Placement (AP) students are “simply not as good at tak- University found a 0.82 correlation classes so that they are more equal to ing tests” as others. However, I’ve yet between g and SAT scores, indicating the grades those students would earn
in regents level classes. All school districts have different weighting policies (another strike against using GPA to compare students from across the nation) and these policies rarely satisfy struggling AP students. The SAT eliminates this argument. No matter where you live or what level of classes you take at your high school, every student in America who takes the SAT takes the same exam. This makes it easy for admissions officers to evaluate whether a student who struggled in very difficult classes is smarter than a student who breezed through more basic courses with a perfect average, and whether the valedictorian of a rural high school in North Dakota really is smarter than a lower ranked kid from a competitive high school on Long Island. The SAT comes under such heavy fire from some students and parents because it is a number that cannot be disputed or (in most cases) significantly bolstered. GPA is a product of work ethic and intelligence, but an SAT score has been proven to evaluate intelligence without the clouding factor of work ethic. It is the only way for college admissions officers to compare an increasingly global pool of applicants without subjectivity. Students hate the SAT because they don’t like it when a test score tells them they’re intellectually inferior to others and thus cannot attend the schools of their dreams. Unfortunately, that’s life. Some people have different skill sets and capabilities than others, and this is why only a select few can attend the nation’s top universities. That is a fact, and everyone must accept it.
Counterpoint
The SAT is an unfair equal testcandidates of a student’s ability can be settled in the indication of intelligence and collegeBY KARAN CHHATPAR MANAGING EDITOR
level aptitude. There are also so many factors that could either raise or lower a person’s grade on this test. There’s the person who was having a lucky week and ended his Saturday with an excellent SAT score, or the other student who has had a high fever for the past few days but
Josh Chefec (left), of Great Neck North was allegedly paid to take the SAT for students ing the tricks to the exam. Well that’s obviously a good way to measure intelligence, right? Definitely, a test based on how well a person can take the test, not how much he actually knows, is a solid
HOWARD SCHNAPP//MCT CAMPUS
The SAT — everyone needs to take it to get into college, and without taking it, the chances of going to a decent university drop drastically. But how can a four hour-long exam judge whether someone will be successful in life? How can a test hold such a prominent place in not just America, but the entire world? The SAT, logically, should not have any power in determining whether a person gets into a certain college. An exam that only tests skills in math and English cannot be a good indication of a person’s intelligence, since there are always those who are either good at one or the other, or even good at something else that fits into neither category. For example, a biology-buff won’t necessarily be skilled at analyzing literature or solving complex math, but he could be a prodigy of biological theory, or even the next Darwin. Most college informational packets contain pages listing their majors, tuition fees, and sports offered, and there is almost always a section relating to the first-to-third quartile range of SAT scores. The test has permeated the entire college admissions system. Although it is not the deciding factor in college acceptance, admittance decisions between
admissions office based on who has the higher SAT score, and many students are peeved, to say the least, that their SAT scores may not be high enough to get into their top school. Anyone who has taken an SAT review course knows that getting a good grade on the exam is based on know-
knows he must take the test so he can get into his top school. Some might call the SAT just a gear in the large part of college admissions, but it cannot be denied that this
gear is pretty big for being a four-hour test which may determine whether or not a student is accepted to a school. Who’s to say that there are genuinely intelligent people who don’t know strategies to the SAT, and who’s to say that there are not unintelligent people who are good at knowing the tricks behind the exam? The test deserves no place in deciding whether a student will be a good choice during the admissions process. Agreed, it does show a slightly positive correlation with IQ, but it isn’t significant enough for one to say that the SAT is a standardized IQ test, or that it can accurately measure intelligence. Instead of one single test based on two high school classes, colleges should focus more on what is actually done in high school: four years of rigor in a myriad of classes, including specialized, honors, and AP classes. College is supposed to come right after high school, so what sense is there in basing college admissions largely on a test that doesn’t draw from all of high school? The SAT has no reasonable backing except for a student to personally judge his skills at math and English. This exam simply doesn’t deserve a spot on college applications because there are just too many things wrong with it.
THE CHIEF 4
MARCH 23, 2012 JUNE 7, 2012
2012 Summer Olympics BY MIKE LETZTER STAFF WRITER
Spectators are in for a real treat this summer as the 2012 Summer Olympics commence. This year’s Olympics, in London, will be the thirtieth Summer Olympic Games. This is the third time London will be hosting the modern Olympic games which makes it the only city in the world to have this honor. Before 2012, London had hosted the Olympic games in both 1908 and 1948. This year’s games will begin on July 27 and culminate on August 12. As the games feature 181 countries around the world, each nation will have at least one qualifying athlete. The 2012 Summer Olympic program features a total of 26 sports. For the first time ever women’s boxing will be included in the games with 40 athletes competing in five different weight classes. The difference between this year’s Olympics in London, and those in the past, is that this year new sites will be utilized to host events, and other sites
will be resized or relocated. London will use a facility that is a 500 acre Olympic Park. The park will be divided into three sections for the different sporting events: the Olympic Zone, Central Zone, and the River Zone. Unfortunately, the threat of terrorist attacks triggers anxiety on the eve of this anticipated and historical event. During the Olympics, the British Royal Navy’s largest ship will be docked in London at Greenwich and about 13,500 members of the military are being called on to reinforce the police and security forces. London’s airspace will be patrolled by jets and helicopters, while other crafts carrying snipers will be on standby, equipped with early-warning systems. The hope is that any terrorist attacks will be averted. London is taking every precaution to ensure that the athletes and spectators can simply enjoy the Olympic games, and with such riveting events down the line, spectators around the world will certainly do just that.
Sweet summer spots BY NOELLE FERRARA STAFF WRITER
Summer is a time of relaxation: a time spent with friends, a time to find a job, a time full of college planning and homework, and -- most importantly -- a time for vacation! When most people think about vacations, they dream about tropical islands, foreign countries, cruises, or Disney Resorts. But where do most people actually go to spend their time during the short summer months? According to U.S News Travel, the best places to go on vacation for people who don’t want to travel outside the U.S include San Francisco, Washington D.C., San Diego, New York City, Yellowstone, Maui, the Virgin Islands, and many other famous destinations. The main reason that U.S News chose these places is because they are the most popular places in the United States. Surprising? Not really.
What about outside the U.S? Seventy percent of Americans do not actually have a passport. However, for those who do and would like to be adventurous, Forbes.com suggests Canada, South India and Asia, Australia, and -- the most popular of all -- Europe. As for cruises, Travelocity.com narrowed down its most popularly booked cruises to Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean for family style trips. The most common places for these voyages to stop off at are the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe and the Mediterranean. So where do you feel like going? These days vacationing is very easy with the right travel site to find inexpensive trips to almost anywhere. If you look deep enough, you may be able to find yourself somewhere brand new this summer.
Real job or summer rec? BY JESSICA GRAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR
“Mo’ money, mo’ problems” isn’t necessarily true for everyone. Not all students at MHS are handed a shiny plastic card and a new BMW; in fact, many students have spent their past few weekends shaking hands with employers on their mission for summer employment. Job hunting can be difficult and intimidating for many teenagers for an array of reasons. One reason is that the economy simply does not permit extra space in the workforce for teens. Job openings also may be challenging to come by for teens due to restrictions on hours, insurance and tasks teens are able to perform. However, there are a couple of ways to find available summer jobs. If you’re sixteen years old, try searching online at www.summerjobs.com. This website enables users to browse job openings for businesses in their general area. Otherwise, the old-fashioned methods work too. Local newspapers almost always include a classifieds section that lists job openings and a description of the job nature. Walking around to different venues and applying to stores with “Help Wanted” signs is also just as effective; a positive of this method is that it shows the employer that you want the job enough to take time out of the day to personally visit the business. For students who cannot find a job, Massapequa School District provides employment opportunities at its summer recreation program. “[Summer rec] is a good thing because parents who have
jobs over the summer and can’t get their kids to work”, Junior Angela Williams said, “[parents] can bring their kids there and it runs the same hours as school.” However, before becoming employed, applicants must have previously volunteered for at least two years. Another downside of working at summer rec is the salary. Yes, there is a possibility that parents will give you tips at the end of the summer, but that does not nearly make up for the difference between the salary of a real job and that earned in the blistering sun while watching screaming kids. Junior Jesse Schaefer said, “I would rather have a real job because summer rec was too much work with less than minimum wage.” The reason that many students often decide against applying for employment at summer rec is because of the hours. Summer rec is almost the entire day, Monday through Friday, beginning in early July and culminating in midAugust. Rain or shine, counselors are expected to be there each day, including the week of training before the program begins. On the other hand, students employed at local businesses are often able to sleep in past 7AM, choose their work-week schedule, and sometimes receive bonuses such as free meals or discounted prices. The work may be easier, and the hours may be longer, but a fair amount of students do continue to apply for employment at summer rec rather than at local businesses. Whichever the choice of employment, you’ll be sure to see some of your peers earning a salary somewhere around town this summer.
London Olympics 2012: the return of Michael Phelps events, according to Sports Illustrated. Lochte won both events at this year’s Although Phelps won both events in world championships. The Olympic After four long years, the world’s the Beijing Olympics, teammate Ryan races are sure to be exciting as the two attention will again be focused on a sport that is otherwise often ignored: swimming. A major reason? Michael Phelps, four years after breaking Mark Spitz’s record by winning eight gold medals, will return to the Olympic pool, this time in London. However, the spotlight will not shine as brightly on the twenty six yearold this year, as he will not compete in eight events and therefore will not be able to match his previous accomplishment, according to the Los Angeles Times, which added that Phelps likely would not swim the 400 meter individual medley. Phelps will also have difficult competition in the 200 meter individual medley and the 200 meter freestyle Michael Phelps swimming his way to victory in the 2008 Olympics BY MELANIE SHEEHAN STAFF WRITER
JEFF SINGER//MCT CAMPUS
swimmers vie for the gold medal. Swimmers around the nation, including right here in Massapequa, are looking forward to watching Phelps and the other Olympic swimmers this summer for both inspiration and insight into proper stroke technique. Varsity swimmer Corinne Lizzio had the privilege of attending the 2003 World Cup of Swimming, which was held at Eisenhower Park. There, she saw Phelps compete and even met some of the other swimmers, including Olympians Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff. “From watching them, particularly Katie Hoff, I realized that regular people can be Olympians too,” Lizzio said. “It is impossible to just decide not to train, and expect to do well. Hard work pays off.”
MARCH 23, 2012 JUNE 7, 2012
THE CHIEF 5
Movies that are sure to make waves this summer BY TOM CLEMENTE STAFF WRITER
What better way to beat the summer heat than to watch a great movie? This summer is going to be filled with some of the hottest movies of the year, with many sequels returning and other new films coming to the screen. This year’s blockbuster list contains movies from all genres—from superhero action movies to animated fantasies, so there’s definitely something for everyone. Men in Black III opened on May 25, and is sure to appeal to old fans of the series. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return to take the roles of Agent J and Agent K, as Agent J travels back in time to stop an alien assassin from killing Agent K. With a budget of over $200 million and extensive special effects enhanced by the efforts of director Barry Sonnerfield and producer Steven Spielberg, this movie is a lock to make waves at the box office. Brave, a Pixar film, comes out on June 22, starring Kelly Macdonald and Emma Thompson. In the kingdom of Scotland, a young girl named Princess Merida has a special talent for archery.
Defying her parents’ orders, she disrupts the kingdom in order to pursue her dream. Unfortunately, she is cursed by a witch and must understand real bravery before time runs out. While this
movie does have a more mature tone than previous Pixar movies, it is still a film for all ages. In one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, The Dark Knight
Rises, Batman makes his return to the silver screen on July 20. Starring Christian Bale as Batman and Tom Hardy as the villain, Bane, Batman returns to Gotham City eight years after the previous movie, The Dark Knight, where he must foil the plans of Selina Kyle, played by Anne Hathaway. With Christopher Nolan directing the scene once more, many longtime superhero fans are looking forward to this movie. Expect this to be at the top of many lists as people’s favorite movie of the summer. The Amazing Spider-Man will hit the theaters on July 3, with Andrew Garfield playing the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, and Martin Sheen as Ben Parker. Many may remember
Garfield from The Social Network, but this time he plays Peter Parker as he embarks on a quest to understand his past and his parents’ disappearance. Along the way, he encounters the villain, Dr. Curt Connors, or Lizard, played by Rhys Ifans, and other characters from the series. This long-awaited movie is sure to be popular. On the more comedic side of things, The Campaign, starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, comes out on August 10. Both well-known comedians will be competing in an election to represent North Carolina in Congress. After Cam Brady (Ferrell) undergoes a scandal, his seat is threatened by Marty Higgins (Galifianakis) and the two must fight it out to win the election. Judging from their previous films, this movie will fill the theaters with laughter. These are some of the major blockbusters for the summer, but there are also other movies coming out, including Madagascar 3, Prometheus, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. No matter what your taste is, there’s a film for you. Stay cool and catch a good flick!
Sink or swim: beach safety BY ALLISON LATINI STAFF WRITER
The weather’s finally getting warmer-and that means it’s time to hit the beach! But it’s important to realize how many potential dangers there are at the beach and how to avoid them. Dehydration. It’s important to drink plenty of water before, during and after a beach trip. Symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst, a dry mouth/swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fainting and the inability to sweat. In order to avoid dehydration, you should drink two or more cups of water (one cup=16 ounces) several hours before an outdoor activity, according to my.clevelandclinic.org. Outdoors, you should drink about five to ten ounces of fluid (water is best) every 10 to 15 minutes. You should then drink two cups after you leave the beach, go inside or complete any physical activity. Sunburn. Sunburn can be painful and can lead to skin cancer. Many people believe that by getting bad sunburn, you can get a better tan when the redness
fades away. However, one good tan that will last a month or two is not worth the risk of getting cancer. To avoid getting a sun burn, use your common sense-wear a sunscreen with a high SPF. Stay in the shade when it is available. Wear a t-shirt or rash guard when not in the water, and be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses throughout your whole trip. Rip Currents. According to www.loving-longisland.com, over 100 people drown in rip currents every year. A rip current is a narrow stream of water that travels swiftly away from the shore. Swimmers often get caught in them without realizing. In order to escape a rip tide, swim parallel to the shore. Also, tread water and get the attention of a lifeguard or a beach-goer. Always swim in groups to avoid being caught unawares and alone. Medical Emergencies. In the event of a medical emergency, it is important to be aware of the location of a lifeguard. When you first get to the beach, make sure you sit within view of the lifeguard stand/
FRANK NIEMER//MCT CAMPUS
Don’t worry, Long Islanders usually don’t encounter sharks, even these whale sharks
station and know where the nearest lifeguard is. Lifeguards are trained to handle emergency situations-they are required by the county and, by their place of employment, to know CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to operate an AED (automated external defibrillation). Sharks. Fortunately, the closest you can get to a “man eating” shark on Long Island is by watching “Shark Week” on your TV. Needless to say, you shouldn’t worry about sharks this summer vacation (unless you’re traveling to Australia…and if so, good luck!). Jellyfish. Here on Long Island, the two most common types of jellyfish are Cyanea capillata, a type of jellyfish that is brown or red, and a clear jellyfish known as a “Moon Jelly,” or Aurelia aurita, according to www.nytimes.com. If you do not bother a jellyfish, it will not bother you. The Moon Jelly presents no threat to humans, but if you are stung by the Cyanea capillata, or another jellyfish, it is important to administer first aid as soon as possible. Symptoms of a sting will generally include an intense, stinging pain, itching, a rash, and/or raised welts, according to www.emedicinehealth. com. Go to a lifeguard immediately. If a lifeguard is not around to assist you, make sure to soak or rinse the area with seawater. You should then soak the affected area in vinegar (acetic acid) for 15-30 minutes, which will get rid of any toxins. Be sure not to use fresh water, rub the area, or apply ice. Doing any of these things won’t help to get rid of the jellyfish toxins. Hopefully, you will have a safe and fun summer at the beach! But be sure to watch out for the Cyanea capillata!
Surf’s up! Tips for surfers Information from www.wbsurfcamp.com - Follow local laws Especially when on vacation, make sure you’ve read and understand all the laws for the beach you’re surfing at. - Wear a leash Without a leash, it’s possible that your board may harm yourself or others— sometimes fatally. Also, it helps to keep your board close by. - Help out others If you see a fellow surfer in danger, do your best (safely,) to help him out or attract the attention of a lifegaurd who could be of better asisstance. - Be aware of the weather Make sure you know the weather forecast before you hit the waves. Also, keep an eye out for changing weather conditions. Poor or harsh weather can be hazardous to all surfers, of any skill level.
Layout and Graphic Design by Jessica Graff
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MARCH 23, 2012 JUNE 7, 2012 ADVERTISEMENT
MARCH 2012 JUNE 7, 23, 2012
ENTERTAINMENT
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The Avengers: bursting the box office BY KARAN CHHATPAR MANAGING EDITOR
STAFF WRITER
Imagine a world where looking at a friend’s face would bring up his Facebook profile, and it’s easy to broadcast to the world what you see from your own eyes. While this may sound like something straight out of science fiction, it could soon become a reality. On April 4, Google announced Project Glass – a new program being developed by Google’s [x] Labs, a place where other experimental technologies such as self-driving cars are being researched and tested. Project Glass utilizes a thin, lightweight glasses frame with an embedded camera and a small display in the upper right corner. Through this display, various everyday tasks can be completed by the onscreen menus. To do this, Project
#1 Marvel’sThe Avengers $207,438,708 #2 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 $169,189,427 #3 The Dark Knight $158,411,483
Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, in the record-breaking movie, The Avengers this movie as the self-centered billionaire who refuses to play with others, goes in for a suicidal run, planning to nuke the other side of space while the gateway is still open and using himself as a necessary sacrifice. His last-second fall back to Earth leaves each Avengers member intact, and the world safe. The end? Not for those who stayed to watch the after-credits scene, display-
Avengers who foiled his plans for the domination of Earth. The Avengers, according to boxofficemojo.com, is officially the highest grossing film of all time for its opening weekend. Don’t forget to see your favorite superheroes fight side-by-side in theaters, and get some Shawarma after.
Glass uses augmented reality – a technology that overlays real world surroundings with computer-generated information without fully obstructing your view. Google is not the first company to use augmented reality however, as many current smartphone apps provide information when the camera is pointed at a certain object, including translations and prices. Project Glass will behave in a similar manner, with notifications popping up at the corner of your eye and the ability to see today’s forecast by looking at the sky. Seeing a text message in front of you and replying with your voice blows Apple’s popular Siri out of the water. While this may seem like the future to some, many are skeptical of Google’s entrance to the eyeglass market, as previous products from other companies have not been very successful. This kind of
technology also comes at a premium, with seasoned eyewear maker Vuzix’s Wrap 1200 costing a hefty 500 dollars. Project Glass is expected to be similarly priced, ranging from 250 to 650 dollars, and could be available at the end of this year. Other qualms that have been raised include privacy concerns. To some, it is scary that a computer is able to recognize our faces and retrieve information about us. Others believe that Google will use information gathered by the glasses for its advertising services, potentially becoming a little bit too familiar with its consumers. Google makes the majority of its revenue from advertisements, and information about its consumers is extremely valuable for profits. Project Glass does have the potential to be successful. Unlike Vuzix, Google is a household name that has the ability to reach consumers and perhaps generate interest for this type of product. Tight integration with Google’s other services is a compelling feature, with pictures taken automatically uploaded to Google+ and other social services. In the demo video, a man is given walking directions to a local bookstore after a notification appears telling him that the subway he wishes to take is closed. These glasses could prove to be very handy, and might eliminate many of the devices we commonly carry with us.
Google Glass and the future BY TOM CLEMENTE
ing the outerworld messenger who corresponded with Loki as an unknown and unnamed figure. Many may wonder who this dark figure is, but fans of the Avengers know that it is Thanos, notorious Marvel villain who represents death. The appearance of Thanos at the end of the film suggests that there will be a sequel in which Thanos tries to accomplish what Loki failed to do, and crush the
KAREN BORCHERS//MCT CAMPUS
emPower! eyewear, current hi-tech glasses, is a possible basis for Google Glass
HANDOUT//MCT CAMPUS
“If we can’t protect the Earth, you can be damned well sure we’ll avenge it.”~Iron Man, The Avengers The Avengers, one of the most highly anticipated superhero films of the twenty-first century, has certainly received as much hype as it deserved. The movie has been hinted at over the past few years, with certain Marvel Comics movies adding in the entry of an unknown persona named Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, immediately following the credits. The crew was comprised of the man-machine hybrid, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), supersoldier Captain America, (Chris Evans), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Asgardian god, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), master assassin, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and quiver king, Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). This team of superheroes packs a heavy punch against the forces of Loki, exiled brother of Thor, who threatens to rule the Earth and enslave all of mankind. The plot of the movie is formed around the efforts of Loki in retrieving the stolen artifact known as the Tesseract, which could bring in a galactic army large enough to rule the entire world. After each of the heroes is gathered up, their cooperation with each other and with the organization they are employed by, SHIELD, is rocky at best. Arguments break out, causing each hero to act on his own and even against each other; coupled with a surprise attack launched by Loki, the Avengers appear
to be divided and conquered. But a good superhero movie can’t end this way. After an epiphany from each member that their motives and differences mean nothing compared to the necessary defense of the entire planet, they get back together and stand united against a massive wave of galactic troops, the size of which the Earth has never seen before. Iron Man, constantly bashed throughout both Iron Man and Iron Man 2 as well as
Top 10
grossing movies opening weekend information via boxofficemojo.com
#4 The Hunger Games $152,535,747
#5 Spider-Man 3 $151,116,516 #6 The Twilight Saga: New Moon $142,839,137 #7 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 $138,122,261 #8 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest $135,634,554
#9 Iron Man 2 $128,122,480 #10 Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 1 $125,017,372 As of now, Project Glass is only a prototype, but it has become very popular. Many are looking forward to its release and each day more pieces of the puzzle are put together. On April 26, Sebastian Thrun, one of the lead developers of the project, was interviewed by Charlie Rose and spoke about the product. Thrun said that the product does not interfere with everyday life, but rather enhances it, making it easier to perform simple tasks such as taking pictures. With the press of a button, a picture is snapped and uploaded to his Google+ circles. This and more can change our society, Thrun says, as he calls it “a liberating experience.” Project Glass and other new technologies like it are certainly the future, and we must examine carefully how it changes our individual lives.
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JUNE 7, 2012 MARCH 23, 2012
Chiefs play for a cause BY MATT HIRSCH SPORTS EDITOR
“One dollar can go a long way.” This was the motto that the varsity baseball team upheld when they hosted a charity event for leukemia and lymphoma during the week of Monday, April 30. The team worked with the Oceanside Sailors, their opponent on Thursday, May 3, to raise awareness and
leukemia and lymphoma.” The event concluded when Massapequa defeated its opponent Oceanside at home by a score of 8-1 for their third consecutive win against the Sailors. Pitcher Rob Fitzpatrick threw for six innings and gave up one run on four hits. “The greatest thing was seeing how many people donated,” pitcher
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Chiefs Baseball players work together to help raise money for leukemia James Ott, who was one of the biggest contributors to the event, said. “I guess they thought a dollar wasn’t really a big deal.” They must not have, as the team ended up raising 2,500 dollars. “It’s an honor to play baseball for someone who’s fighting for his or her life,” said shortstop Brian Flecker. “We really take so much for granted.”
BY JON GRANT
was injured during one of the last games of the regular season, while playing against the Ottawa Senators. Dubinsky is a heavily valued player and is also one of the alternate captains of the Rangers. Luckily, Dubinsky came back to the Rangers in game five against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals. A playoff-round matchup that captured the interests of viewers was the rivalry between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers. Last season, the Rangers and Capitals played each other in the first round; the Rangers suffered a grueling defeat. This season brought a notable upset when the Rangers knocked out the Capitals in game seven of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs – a well deserved comeback by the Rangers. Similar to this surprising elimination, the Vancouver Canucks – who were first seeded in the West – were eliminated in the first round by the L.A. Kings. The Rangers and Devils competed for the Eastern Conference slot in the Stanley Cup, and unfortunately, the Rangers suffered a heartbreaking defeat. The Los Angeles Kings and the Phoenix Coyotes competed for the Western Conference slot and the Kings came out victorious. The Rangers may have fell short of the Cup this year, but their substantial success makes fans hopeful next season will be their season to fully shine and finally grab the top prize again. The Stanley Cup will be played between the King and the Devils. All in all, it will surely be a great Stanley Cup, as both teams are heavily competitive and apt for championship hockey.
Rangers, #cuzitsthecup SPORTS EDITOR
Hockey has gained a massive amount of support from not only the American public but more specifically students at Massapequa High School. While the Rangers have built their reputation as a powerhouse team, many people have noticed hockey as an interesting sport and have jumped on the bandwagon. “Before the Rangers started achieving, I was not nearly as interested in hockey as I was in other sports,” Nolan Fitzpatrick of Massapequa High said. “However, now that they have shown their dominance and had such a successful season, I have noticed that not only I have become a bigger fanatic, but a large majority of the school has taken a deep interest in them.” Nolan and the rest of Massapequa alike have certainly taken quite the liking to the Rangers, and apparently the NHL as a whole because of the success that the local team had. “It’s great to see them thrive and to see hockey develop as a popular sport here in Massapequa.” Specifically, New York residents basked in pride, for their own National Hockey League Team had destroyed the competition in not only the regular season, but the first and second round of the playoffs too. The Rangers finished first in the Eastern Conference, making New Yorkers proud of their hockey team. This was made possible by the critically acclaimed goalie on the Rangers: Henrik Lundqvist, from Sweden. However, while the Rangers have a powerhouse of a team, they lacked one critical player for some time: Brandon Dubinsky. He
BY JOE FIOLA STAFF WRITER
If you’re a Chiefs Lacrosse fan, you may have noticed that the team’s uniform looks a bit different. Traditionally, Chiefs Lacrosse uniforms are composed of a predominantly blue and gold color scheme. However, a careful observer may have noticed the introduction of a new color: orange. What’s the reason for this change? The answer is more profound than one may have thought. The change took place in order to show Massapequa’s support for Keira Enright, a first grader at Lockhart who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. This is a type of cancer that results in the production of abnormal white blood cells and is therefore detrimental to the patient’s immune system. As the color pink is symbolic of breast cancer awareness, the color orange holds the same significance for leukemia. Because of this, the girls’ lacrosse team decided to deck out its uniforms with orange socks, ribbons, and jersey numbers. Upon each jersey the words “Keira STRONG” were inscribed. The new uniforms debuted on April 4 during a game against Port Washington. The girls walked away with an 18-8 victory. According to varsity lacrosse player, Nicole Scicutella, “It was one of the best games we’ve played. We played for Keira so it felt really special.”
The boys’ lacrosse team wore orange shoelaces during their game against Freeport on the same day that the girls debuted their new uniforms. The boys defeated Freeport. Afterwards, in an impressive outpouring of support, the Enright family was presented with gift baskets and a financial contribution. According to Coach Zimmerman, they raised about $3,300.
“It was one of the best games we’ve played. We played for Keira so it felt really special.” Scicutella described the amount raised as “unbelievable” and she is happy that “other teams are doing fundraisers for leukemia as well.” Keira’s parents, Jim and Heather Enright, were very grateful for all of the support that they received from the community. Their strength in dealing with such a difficult situation is highly commendable. A couple weeks later, it was discovered that Keira had gone into remission. In other words, she is no longer exhibiting any symptoms associated with leukemia. But Scicutella said both teams will continue to wear orange in her honor for the remainder of the season. “Every single game, we still play for her.”
USA Basketball goes for gold BY MATT HIRSCH SPORTS EDITOR
The Summer Olympics are a popular excuse people use to get out of the heat and in front of the TV. We will watch for another record set by Michael Phelps, a superhuman performance by Usain Bolt, and maybe even some table tennis. But one event that Americans can always count on to give them pride in their nation is basketball. Since the sport was admitted to the Summer Olympics in 1936, the U.S. Team has had incredible success in the event—winning a gold medal 13 out of
U.S. teams since 1979, but only coached the big team for the first time four years ago. “Coach K” and the U.S. team dominated, going 8-0 and outscoring their opponents 850-627. “For me, this is the ultimate honor in coaching,” Coach Krzyzewski said. “It is a chance to represent the United States at this elite level of basketball. I am honored to be chosen and look forward to the opportunity to develop this team that will represent our great country in its own sport, both on and off the court.” In addition to the U.S.A.’s coach,
JOE RIMKUS//MCT CAMPUS
money for these diseases. The Chiefs sold paper baseballs that donors could autograph and display on the wall of the gym lobby. The balls were sold for one dollar each and all of the proceeds went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “The idea came from Oceanside’s coach Pat Wallace,” Chiefs coach Tom Sheedy said, “we both wanted to do an event for a disease and we decided on
Chiefs Lacrosse: Keira strong
Dwyane Wade jumps for a basket in the 2008 Bejing Olympics 17 times. But in 2008, the U.S. found itself under the leadership of a new coach: Mike Krzyzewski, coach of the Duke Blue Devils. Krzyzewski has been an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic team and a head coach for lower level
the players are looking pretty good as well. Stars like LeBron James, Deron Williams, and Carmelo Anthony are all scheduled to return and lead the team to its second consecutive gold medal.