October 2010

HOMECOMING 2010!

SPORTS HOMECOMING GAME REVIEW p16 EDITORIAL TOO MUCH SECURITY p5 ENTERTAINMENT FALL TV LINE UP p12

Check out out special section “Lunch in 40 minutes” on page 8 and 9

OCTOBER 2010

Massapequa High School

Vol. LIX - ISSUE 1

mhsthechief@yahoo.com

The cafeteria isn’t the only new thing at MHS

BY TOM STRONG-GRINSELL MANAGING EDITOR

Aside from having a completely new administration from the ground up, many changes have been implemented around our building and throughout the district. Many of these changes involve the security of the students as well as faculty and administration.

The most obvious changes lie in the general office with our new principal Dr. Williams, who has moved from the Ames Campus, and the new executive assistants Mr. Quigley, Ms. Scamardella and Ms. Knott.

“The new administration is very approachable and is a great, successful team of diligent workers,” said Mr. Piotrowski in an interview this summer.

An important change to the building itself is the fact that solar panels were installed on the roof; these panels have been placed on top of the building in order to provide maximum energy efficiency. Anyone can monitor the monetary savings that these solar panels provide – a monitor in the central hallway displays this information.

You also may have noticed two new security guards patrolling the building throughout the school day. The two

are employed by the district not the security company, Integris, according to administration.

Though only two guards are stationed at MHS, the district has employed almost 40 individuals who are

Photo provided by MSD

Pictured above are the new solar panels that were installed prior to the begining of the school year on the roof in the back of the school. all law enforcement trained professionals. These guards not only protect the student body and staff but are also here to assess the school’s current security

Dr. Grossane leaves MHS

BY JENNA FRATELLO

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As we all begin a new year at Massapequa High School, our very own Dr. Grossane is beginning quite a new year himself.

Dr. Grossane began his position here in April of 2006. Former Bayview Elementary School, and Locust Valley Middle School principal, Dr. Grossane had to adjust to looking out for older students, which was something he described as “more exciting.”

Throughout his years at MHS, Dr. Grossane prided himself in setting a “good academic tone and creating a stronger building.” When asked about his biggest accomplished at MHS, he joked “getting used to not having homeroom.”

In fact, his biggest accomplishment was instilling an equal state of athletics and academics.

“For the past three years, we’ve won the award for being a scholarathlete school. I’ve always been very proud of that,” he said.

With the new school year underway, he wasted no time beginning his new position. Dr. Grossane, who says he was “surprised and flattered” when offered his new title, is now the Assistant to the Superintendant for Student Support Services. However, leaving his post as principal was just as difficult as beginning it.

“I’m going to miss the daily interaction with the kids, watching the class mature, and all the fun stuff--the sports games, the concerts, and most

issues and possible improvements.

These new security guards are well-qualified in the identification of suspicious movements and are more alert with an overall increased level of awareness, according to Dr. Williams.

of all, graduation. I loved being the principal of the high school. It was a difficult decision. It wasn’t easy,” reflected Grossane.

In his new position, Dr. Grossane oversees special education services, the psychologist, the social workers, and guidance offices for the entire district, grades K-12. The position, something he describes as a “new element,” is certainly putting him in a different path, and he feels confident in his future

success. “It’s a challenge, and I like a challenge,” he said.

As Dr. Williams takes over, Dr. Grossane’s feelings are nothing short of positive for our new principal. “I feel very comfortable with Dr. Williams as principal. We’ve worked together for years. She knows my vision for the high school; I know she will do a great job,” he said.

As the new school year unravels, Dr. Grossane continues to take on his new challenge and we all wish him the best of luck.

For returning juniors and seniors, the presence of the drug dogs is no foreign concept, but sophomores may soon learn what it’s like to go to a school in

which drug dogs are both a regular and protective measure, and Dr. Williams said not to be suprised if the dogs return to MHS this year.

Additional security cameras are also noticeable – they have been placed around the building in order to ensure maximum safety for both students and staff and to prevent illegal activity.

The district has also purchased several security cars to monitor the schools. A common misconception about these cars is that they are environmentally friendly “green” vehicles, but they simply exist to protect students.

The cyber cafeteria has also surfaced in conversation recently.Though the set completion date for the project was originally the first day of school, the latest completion date is set for November. The plans had included outside vendors as of the end of classes last year, but this too has changed: the cafeteria will instead include an updated lunch menu and a Panini machine.

On a lighter note, there are approximately 20 new teachers and a total of 1991 students at MHS all of whom will hopefully contribute to the start of another great year at MHS.

Welcome, Dr. Williams

BY NOELLE WITT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The dream of becoming an educator started with a chalkboard in her basement. “I was in elementary school when I knew,” said Dr. Barbara Williams, incoming principal of MHS. “I was one of those kids with an entire classroom set up.”

Dr. Williams first shared her love for the educational setting with Massapequa in 2005 when she took the

PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF

position of principal for the MHS Ames campus. This year, as MHS students and faculty give a fond farewell to Dr. Grossane, Dr. Williams will bring new ideas and interactions to the school.

“I want to understand what all of you need to be the most successful people you can be,” Dr. Williams said.

She also said with a laugh that she hopes to learn to find her way around – a goal to which most sophomores and students new to the building can relate.

And, just like all students, Dr.

Williams was a bit nervous for the first day of school. “I’ve been in education for over 30 years,” she said. “If there is ever a night before school that I am not nervous with butterflies, it’s time to retire.”

Though Dr. Williams certainly has the qualifications and the spirit to help guide MHS students in their high school career, there will be some difficulties in the transition from the Ames campus to the Main campus. With a student body three times the size of Ames, the Main campus holds the opportunity for achievement if manageability does not prove to be a problem.

“I think my biggest challenge is I like to be involved and get to know the students and the teachers,” Dr. Williams said. “It is a bigger place, so I really want to understand what you folks go through so I can make your journey successful.”

As MHS embarks on its journey through the 2010-2011 school year, Dr. Williams holds a simple logic: in a place as successful as MHS, you never arrive at an end point. “This year will be an exploration of what works and how we can make what we already have even better,” she said with a look of determination.

Dr. Williams also referred to a prized possession to express her outlook on this year – a mug with a quote from Gandhi that reads, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Dr. Williams added, “If something you see needs to be done, you need to be that and then it will happen.”

NEWS

OCTOBER 2010

A productive stay at MHS

BY TOM STRONG-GRINSELL MANAGING EDITOR

With Mr. Piotrowski’s last official day in MHS on August 27, it didn’t come as a shock when his usually inviting office had been changed to welcome in the new administration and the walls that were once filled with awards and photographs were stark white against an empty desk.

Mr. Piotrowski was at MHS for a total of 39 years. Among his roles at MHS, he served as the Dean of Students

tion as you keep advancing.

Juniors: This is the year, the most important year – the year you need to make sure you are able to go from being college-ready to college-prepared. Mr. Piotrowski also said that it is not the year to slack off; it’s important to continually stay on-point and involved in studious actions both in the classroom and outside through extra-curricular activities.

Seniors: It’s simple; it’s your year to make memories. It isn’t over until you get your diploma and walk

THE CHIEF 2

Dr. McKillop leaves a legacy

BY KARAN CHHATPAR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Dr. McKillop, one of Massapequa’s icons, has left Massapequa High School and its students with a legacy.

Dr. McKillop started his educational career in 1967 at McKenna Junior High School, where he taught eighth grade earth science at just 21 years old. He held a few different positions within Massapequa until 1991, when Berner High School and Massapequa High School combined. He was then

knowing that the administration and outstanding faculty have prepared each and every one of the graduates for the next phase in their life journey.”

His love of teaching greatly influenced Massapequa High School for many years and he was affectionately known by students and staff as “Dr. Tom.” “Dr. McKillop was well respected by the faculty. His door was always open if you needed assistance or just needed someone to talk to. Dr. McKillop always

Photos provided by MSD

for two years before becoming Vice Principal for the last 10.

Mr. Piotrowski said that he’ll miss “the unique opportunity to facilitate the success of both students and the administration.” Though one memory does not define his career, he commented that he feels gifted to be a part of something greater than himself.

Mr. Piotrowski, more commonly known as “Pio,” agreed that his retirement may come as a shock to the majority of the student body and regrets not having the ability to give a formal farewell. He would, however, like to take a chance to leave one last message with each grade level.

Sophomores: This is your first year in the “big house” and it’s important to get involved, as it will make the rest of your high school career an easier transi-

at graduation, but it’s also your year to manage yourselves and have a good time because you only go through high school once.

We will always remember Mr. Piotrowski for who he was and who he is: the numerous seniors’ yearbooks in which he wrote “follow your bliss,” or his many intelligent and somewhat eloquent tangents that he delves off on during any encounter with him.

Pio’s most famous saying, “Have a productive day, Massapequa,” followed almost every morning announcement.

This saying started as a way to motivate MHS and to provide direction for the course of the day.

And so, Mr. Piotrowski, we will continue to have productive days at MHS and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

appointed science chairperson at MHS and in February of 1995, Dr. McKillop was selected to be Vice Principal. He held this position for over 15 years until his retirement in June.

“The 43 years in Massapequa have provided me with a tremendous amount of personal and professional satisfaction, as well as numerous memories which I will always cherish and remember fondly in retirement,” said Dr. McKillop.

These memories include the opening of every school year in September, where every student (except a few, he pointed out) is in his correct first period class with a full schedule of classes requested the previous spring. Dr. McKillop also enjoys the last Sunday in June when he “can watch 600 seniors walk across the stage with the MHS diploma,

DIG PINK

had a great sense of humor,” said MHS mathematics teacher Mrs. Evans.

“Dr. McKillop was quiet but helpful. He always smiled,” said senior Josef Pevsner.

After his retirement, Dr. McKillop hopes to relax for a few months and spend time with his family and his five grandchildren without any other commitments to block his path.

“My career at Massapequa has been nothing less than a fantastic journey with the proverbial glass always half full and a large bowl completely filled with cherries!”

Although Dr. McKillop’s job is being replaced, the man will never be forgotten at Massapequa High School.

Thursday, October 14 Massapequa vs Baldwin JV @ 4:15 Varsity @ 6:15

CAN YOU DIG IT?

100% of donations will go to the Side-Out Fund.

OCTOBER 2010

NEWS

THE CHIEF 3

MHS welcomes new staff English Department: Annette Calcagni Alice Alarcon Nicole Chiavenza Susan Solomon

Quick look: Meet the new executives

Music Department: Andrew Dwork Language Department: Susan Borruso Joseph Eye Math Department: Roseway Ciccotto Andrea Reese Mrs. Yvonne Knott is one of the new Executive Assistants to the Principal. Mrs. Knott’s responsibilities are to supervise the senior class and its student functions, including the prom, graduation, and the approval of senior class field trips.

For 10 years she worked as a music teacher in the Brentwood School District. She was also the assistant principal at Kings Park High School for four years and worked at Berner Middle School last year.

Mrs. Knott hopes to get to know the staff and students and do all that she can to help ensure a successful year.

All of us at MHS wish Mrs. Knott the best of luck on her first year here!

Mr. Michael Quigley is very excited for this school year and cannot wait to get involved. Mr. Quigley’s main responsibility this year will be to oversee the sophomore class.

Prior to working in Massapequa, Mr. Quigley taught at Commack High School and was an administrator at Kings Park. He has also worked as an assistant principal, athletic director, and assistant superintendent for business.

With his new position, Mr. Quigley hopes to create an environment where students love to come to school. Mr. Quigley tells students that “life is filled with many challenges…look forward to facing these challenges and experience new things in life.”

PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF

Mrs. Adrienne Scamardella has joined the team of Executive Assistants to the Principal. Mrs. Scarmadella’s main job be to aid the junior class.

After 11 years in the district, she is well accustomed to its functions. She began as a Business Education teacher and was promoted to Coordinating Chairperson for Business Education and Family Consumer Science. In July, she was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Principal.

Mrs. Scamardella believes that variety is the spice of life. “You need to have some variety in your education so you remain interested in it. You need to be challenged; try whatever you can when you are young,” she said.

Social Studies Department: Lauren Webb Ricky Papandrea David Summers Special Education Department: William Hahn Grace Hussey Mike Kolenberger Don Seddio Isabelle Stanulis Alex Stryjewski

Guidance Department: Eileen Lind Jeanine Waxman

Staff members retire after great contributions

Photos provided by Sachem

Ms. Ann Sendar retired from MHS last June after 25 years in the Guidance Department of McKenna Junior High School, Berner High School, and of course here at Massapequa High School.

“Ms. Sendar is dedicated and reliable,” said the Guidance Department staff. “She went above and beyond the expectations.”

Her coworkers agreed collectively that Ms. Sendar always had a great story to tell.

Ms. Sendar will add to these stories with her exciting plans for her newly retired life: she wishes to travel to Europe and to spend time with her four grandchildren, two of whom live in Minnesota with her son.

“We will miss her greatly,” her coworkers said.

Dr. James Levering has retired from his position as the MHS psychologist and head of the psychology department. Chairman since 2003 and psychologist since 1980, Dr. Levering has greatly enjoyed his experience here at the high school.

Although he retired, Dr. Levering is at MHS until November 1 as a temporary replacement for Dr. Neary, who is on maternity leave. However, after that he will be traveling, taking photos, and continuing his private practice.

Mr. Howard reflected about Dr. Levering, “When I’m having a bad day, he’s who I go to see. He will be greatly missed.” Mr. Howard won’t be alone in missing Dr. Levering, as he was an integral part of MHS. Dr. Levering said that he’ll miss “the action” most, but the action simply won’t be the same without him there.

Mrs. Bennett, who worked in Massapequa for 23 years as a special education teacher, has recently retired.

“Being able to teach many different subjects, at all levels, made my teaching experience varied and very enjoyable,” Mrs. Bennett said.

Out of all of her favorite memories, students who kept her up to date on the newest songs and the latest technology ranked up there, but graduation was ultimately the winner.

“Some of my happiest memories were to attend graduations and witness students receive their hard-earned diplomas,” said Bennett.

“Over the years it has been very rewarding to watch as my students grow as independent learners and gain selfconfidence. I will miss you all.”

And of course MHS will miss Mrs. Bennett as well.

Ms. Nina Faustmann, who has been described as “absolutely wonderful,” retired from MHS at the end of last year, after working for over 25 years in the Massapequa High School Guidance Department.

Described by her coworkers as “always dedicated to her students,” Ms. Faustmann reached out to all, and used her compassionate, knowledgeable ways to make each and every student’s school year, from walking through those doors in sophmore year to walking up the steps at graduation, his and her most successful.

“She was a perfect guidance counselor,” reflected one of her coworkers, “we could go on and on.”

MHS wishes Ms. Faustmann a happy and successful retirement.

OCTOBER 2010

OP/ED

THE CHIEF 4

Point

Misconceptions about proposed mosque limit freedom of religion

BY NICK BARBIERI CHIEF COPY EDITOR

The first amendment is what this situation comes down to. Simple freedom of religion: it cannot be denied, or it is a breach of one’s civil liberties. That is the main reason why the so-called Ground Zero Mosque should be allowed to be built.

In actuality, this is not even a mosque at Ground Zero, which is a popular misconception. Many people make it seem as if there is a site being built atop Ground Zero supporting the terrorists who were responsible for the plane crash into the World Trade Center.

However, this is simply not the case for many reasons.

The proposed site, named Park51, is not solely a mosque, but a Muslim community center as well. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the construction of a mosque, for the right to build it is protected in the Bill of Rights.

What many people are angry about is its proximity to Ground Zero, but this is not a problem at all.

Park51 is located two blocks away from Ground Zero, which is a fair distance from the site. One cannot even see Park51 from Ground Zero. People are oversensitive about the issue, and it simply makes no sense. This is not a site that supports the terrorists; if it were

then it would be inappropriate to build regardless of its location. It is not in any way shape or form on Ground Zero, or next to it, making it a nonentity.

Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and former U.S. Army General, recently sat down for an interview with the hosts of The View, in which he expressed his opinions on the creation of the mosque. He blames the media for the intensified controversy that this scenario has brought about. He believes that the mosque should be built, for America is an open, freedom-loving country.

Additionally, he mentions how there is a Muslim prayer center inside the Pentagon that was also attacked on 9/11; if there is a prayer center inside of that building, why shouldn’t there be one two blocks away from Ground Zero?

“The right to build it is protected in the Bill of Rights.”

An anonymous student at MHS whose relative died in the terrorist attacks on 9/11 said, “I honestly feel like, since this is the land of opportunity and of freedom of religion, these people have the right to build this mosque in New York City. They are not the same people who attacked us; they’re inno-

cent civilians who just want to follow their religion. To not allow them that is unconstitutional, and it would go against the freedoms that our country offers.”

While some may say that the terrorists enacted the attacks on the World Trade Center due to a belief in jihad, and thus use that as a defense to not allow the mosque to be built, it is still unfair to all Muslims living in that area.

Has anyone stopped to think that every Muslim is not a terrorist? That many Muslims simply want to move on from the events of 9/11 and be disconnected from it?

Unfortunately, it appears that these people will never be disconnected from that day, and it is truly a shame.

Muslims deserve sympathy for the way they have been treated since that treacherous day, not punishment; the discrimination they have faced is terrible, from “random” security checks in airports that seem to target them, to the denial of service in stores as seen in an episode of Primetime: What Would You Do?. Discrimination is abundant everywhere, and lately it has become especially noticeable against Muslims.

The denial of this mosque is just another form of discrimination.

Muslims living near the proposed area for Park51 deserve the convenience of having a local community center to

attend, to pray at, and take part in other activities. It is not a terrorist organization, it is a religion. One cannot blame and punish an entire religion for the actions of a few individuals. An individual is responsible for his or her actions, and no one else should take the fall for them.

Are there laws prohibiting the construction of Catholic churches within two blocks of a school because priests have been arrested on the grounds of child molestation? Those priests are blamed for their actions, not the entire church.

This same precedent should be followed in this situation.

President Barack Obama has weighed in on the subject and has come out in support of the creation of the mosque. “As a citizen, and as a president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” he said.

Park51 is a site that should undoubtedly be constructed. To not allow that would be unconstitutional, immoral, and simply wrong. President Obama summed it up when he said, “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

Ground Zero mosque debacle: Is it too close?

Counterpoint

New mosque an insensitive stab at the victims of September 11 attacks

BY JENNA FRATELLO

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 left the World Trade Center in ruins.

Nine years later, plans for building a mosque nearly two blocks away from the site where hijacked jetliners murdered over 3,000 people is putting New Yorkers in a state of confusion and controversy.

“If you’re a healer, you do not go forward with this project,” said former mayor Rudy Giuliani in an interview with NBC’s The Today Show. “If you’re a warrior, you do.”

“Healer versus warrior” seems to be the separating line between New Yorkers, and every broadcasted news station continues to engrave this line deeper and deeper with a surplus of chaotic publicity.

The supposed $100 million Islamic cultural center and mosque would stand roughly 15 stories high just two blocks north of where the Twin Towers stood, according to The New York Times, which is something that Giuliani and many others see as suspicious.

In recent reports on Fox News, it was claimed that a key contributor to the plan, Egyptian-born businessman Hisham Elzanaty, donated more than $6,000 to a designated terrorist group.

Elzanaty, who made what is described as a significant investment to the Ground Zero mosque, made the contribution in 1999 to the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, a secret terrorist group. Elzanaty’s lawyer claims that his client believed the group was

an orphanage at the time.

Such speculations provoke these suspicions by “anti-mosque” New Yorkers. If a key contributor to such a serious situation cannot tell the difference between an orphanage and a terrorist group, then who knows what’s really in store for New York?

“If you’re a healer, you do not go through with this project” The project, which has often been referred to as insensitive by those remembering the victims and all of the families and friends who lost someone on that tragic day, is exactly that – insensitive.

Sally Regenhard, whose firefighter son was killed at the World Trade Center, said that the support of the mosque shows “a gross lack of sensitivity to the 9/11 families and to the people who were lost,” according to CBS News.

Many believe that those who are against the building of the mosque are not religiously tolerant. Contrary to popular belief, they’re completely wrong.

Had people of the Catholic faith been the individuals behind the terrorist attacks, New Yorkers would not want to see a church there; had people of the Jewish faith been behind the terrorist attacks, New Yorkers would not want to see a temple there, and so forth. To believe that those who are “anti-mosque” are discriminating against one single faith is the most ignorant and immature

stance one can take.

Not every Muslim is a terrorist, but such a shameless display of the culture behind the attacks is a callous insult to every life that was lost. This mosque will stand as a merciless slap in the face – not as a symbol of American tolerance.

New Yorkers need to consider not only the Muslims, who at times receive unfair prejudice because of the attacks, but every person who was and still is deeply affected by that fateful morning when a sadistic mass murder was struck against our nation and our shared values.

The only fair option to all of New York is simply a compromise.

“Nice compromise. Find another place. Have a beautiful mosque there,” said Giuliani, according to the New York Times.

Manhattan is certainly not a small island, and to believe that there are absolutely no other locations where this center could be built is laughable. The word “ironic” may come to mind when pondering such a location, and quite frankly, the location is nothing but inappropriate. Building a mosque so close to Ground Zero is like building a statue of Hitler in the middle of Auschwitz or hanging a Japanese flag outside of Pearl Harbor; it just shouldn’t be done.

Rather than the idea of the mosque bringing unity to an area where so many see hatred, the mosque would only thicken the grudge that many New Yorkers have held these past nine years.

It is beyond ignorant to assume that once one place of worship is plopped in the middle of unredeemable ruins, the

whole world will just forgive and forget, and hold hands and sing for world peace.

That’s never going to happen.

If we want an invitation for war, we’ve asked for it.

Legally, any religious group has the right to erect a mosque; but morally, many believe that it’s wrong. After nine years, New York should concern itself with constructing a memorial as a tribute to the people who were lost in the attacks that made the world stop spinning for a day.

A place of worship dedicated to those of the religion that committed such a heinous crime is distasteful. The plan that has been enthusiastically welcomed by some politicians and civic leaders, eager to show their tolerance at other peoples’ expense, is an inconsiderate exhibition that dishonors our country.

Some students at MHS feel the plan is not the best idea for New York.

“Regardless of what faith it is, anything that will take attention away from remembering and respecting those affected by 9/11 is unfair. It may be focusing on religious unity, but it’s disrespectful,” junior Stephanie Rollens said.

There is nothing wrong with placing a mosque or any other type of Islamic cultural center in New York, but sticking an obtrusive reminder amidst a place that has already broken so many hearts would be the equivalent of slapping a band-aid on the area and moving on.

If the government feels that it must build a mosque in New York, go ahead; but please, be considerate and do us all a favor: put it somewhere else.

OCTOBER 2010

OP/ED

THE CHIEF 5

Can the new MHS security measure up to its needs?

Out with the old, in with the new.

This may as well be Massapequa High School’s slogan. The brawny men walking around and about the building with a colorful blue and gold MHS insignia on their shirts are one of the many new additions to the rather new MHS this school year.

It seems as though the 2010-2011 school year brought about bundles of

all of our needs collectively.

Security guard George Ritter, who served 20 years as a NYC cop, said that security was updated at MHS, not added.

“The school district doesn’t want some ‘kids’ who just passed a sit-in test to enforce security,” he said. According to Mr. Ritter, there is no such thing as a safe school environment, and though

“The school needs to take action. But the real question is: action against what?” change and transition to the halls of MHS: a new principal, a new administration, a new cafeteria, and now, a new and improved security team has been added to the already lengthy list of the new.

Overall, around 40 new employees for the security team have been employed, and a final number has not yet been reached. The cost for personnel alone, according to Deputy Superintendant Alan Adcock, has been estimated at roughly $516,000, proving it to be a bit costly. However, the addition, which helps to create a healthier, safer, and more productive school setting, is worth every penny. If money is spent, it must be invested on something that will better MHS in numerous distinctions, and that is exactly what the Massapequa School District has done by bringing in new security.

The security team, which has been specifically and specially trained

by MHS according to Dr. Williams, is simply a tighter regime that she feels is more personal. Along with an enhanced personal approach to the protection of the building, the staff, and the students, Dr. Williams feels the new security team has improved awareness of not just the numerous exit signs of the building, but

The Chief Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Noelle Witt ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenna Fratello MANAGING EDITORS Tyler Novet Tom Strong-Grinsell BUSINESS MANAGER Lynn Horowitz CHIEF COPY EDITOR Nick Barbieri CHIEF PHOTO EDITOR Paige Snider GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lauren Reisig NEWS EDITOR Christopher Riotta SPORTS EDITORS Jason Celaru Rob Duffy COPY EDITORS Bridgid Bergin Eileen Liebler EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Karan Chhatpar ADVISER Elyn Coyle

nothing major has happened yet, the security is still vital.

“We’re here to help the school district, not to enforce the rules,” Ritter said. “It’ll take a while for it to be fully in place for 365 days a year.”

Alongside the security guards, multiple surveillance cameras have been installed around the inside and outside of the building. These installments are said to lead to a clearer visualization of everything that occurs within and around the building throughout the day.

As the connected partnership between the security team and the school community flourishes, the most important factor to consider when deciding if the new security is a good investment is simply this: the school is safe.

This change is leading students to wonder if they were not safe before.

“Anything can happen anywhere,” Dr. Williams said was the reason for this improvement. The new security team is strengthened and thoroughly understands the high school; this includes the way MHS operates every day, and the school’s personal needs.

Despite rumors, the change is not related to the local drug bust of last year, nor does it pertain to why the “drug dogs” roamed the halls. When it all

comes down to it, the reason for the new security team is the simplest reason one can formulate: the school needs to take action. But the real question is: action against what?

However, there has been one thing on students’ minds as the school year approaches its second month. For years, the garbage in front of the old XXL Gym and the corner Bagel Shop has turned into a mottled mess consisting of cigarette butts, empty bottles, and old candy wrappers – a colossal dump created by our students that reflects our school.

The fact that MHS students hang out in large groups in front of these buildings and then leave all their trash

on the ground leaves anyone that sees this display with a poor image of the MHS student body. This image should not include a picture of lunch leftovers and stepped-on cigarettes. It is not fair for the entire student body to be represented in the acts of only a select group of them.

Action should be taken against the disregard of this area as the new security team settles in. With this new addition, hopefully they will be able to clean up the current trash and prevent any future trash from groups of students; this will be an excellent step forward in having a positive image for our student body.

“Jeepers, Mister, you’re REALLY strong”

Massapequa school district ratted out

The giant balloon-rat you’ve seen perched right outside of Massapequa High School is, contrary to popular belief, not regarding any type of rat infestation.

In the spring of 2010, the Massapequa School District hired New York Insulation, a nonunion worker company, to conduct an asbestos abatement within MHS, the Ames Campus, and East Lake Elementary school.

After gathering numerous companies together to decide on which company to hire, New York Insulation offered the lowest bid for the project – roughly $440,000 –ultimately resulting in its employment, according to Deputy Superintendant Mr. Alan Adcock.

Following its employment, New York Insulation began its job to the likes of MHS. However, it was not to the likes of all.

Just weeks after the project began, an obtrusive blow-up rat was stationed on the sidewalk with the entrance to MHS just steps behind it.

The blow-up appeared in June to the confusion of many. Many and to the surprise of MHS, it stayed. Through the heat of the summer, the rat was regularly

stationed in its usual location, causing drivers to turn heads and students to ask, “Is that our new mascot?”

With the new ‘mascot’ in place, rumors spread rampantly. Many believed that the rat was placed there because of the cafeteria workers; others believed it regarded the teachers’ federation.

Neither reason was valid, however. In fact, the rat was placed there in a fit of jealousy.

After New York Insulation was hired, union workers felt that the final decision to hire the company was unfair.

To spite MHS, the rat-culprits erected the blow-up rodent and plopped it blatantly into the public’s view, leaving many to question the rat’s purpose.

Mr. Adcock, who described the work of the union employees and the work of New York Insulation as comparable, believes the job would have been of equal standards had the union workers offered a lower bid.

“We lay out all of our offers, and we ultimately choose the one who offers us the lowest price. In this case, it wasn’t the union workers – it was New York Insulation,” said Adcock.

The rat is not the only protest that

the union workers have struck. A flyer that accuses MHS of hiring workers charged with “conspiracy theories and drug distribution,” has been seen around the MHS Main Campus recently.

The accusations were, in fact, true.

However, New York Insulation immediately fired the employees in question, and they were not involved with the asbestos abatement of the school district, according to Mr. Adcock.

Technically, the balloon is not on school grounds, leaving MHS to sit and wait it out. But if the rat makes its way onto MHS property, action will be taken.

“It’s best to not engage in confrontation, and since it’s not technically on our grounds, we can’t enforce its removal,” said Mr. Adcock. “As long as they’re not on our ground, they can stay out there all year if they really want to.”

The next time the school district engages in a project, those who were not hired shouldn’t be sore losers.

Got an opinion?

Send it to The Chief. mhsthechief@yahoo.com

THE CHIEF 6

OCTOBER 2010 ADVERTISEMENT

OCTOBER 2010

SPIRIT WEEK 2010

THE CHIEF 7

MONDAY FASHION DISASTER

DAY

TUESDAY hawaiian day WEDNESDAY CA RTO CH ON AR AC DA TER Y

THURSDAY

A M A J PA DAY

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PEP RALLY Page design by Tom Strong-Grinsell

PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF

THE CHIEF 8

OCTOBER 2010

The Good: Interesting twists on classic pizzas at a reasonably cheap price The Bad: Limited seating areas and a congested atmosphere The Ugly: $

The Good: Delicious authentic Paninis in a quaint and warm atmosphere The Bad: Traditional restaurant-style seating without any fixed-lunch menu The Ugly: $$$$$

The Good: An accommodating atmosphere with a wide variety including the famous foot-long subs The Bad: Finding a seat can be difficult, and some of the sandwich’s can cost up to $7 The Ugly: $$$

The Good: Great, restaurant-style service, a fun atmosphere with meals in convenient containers The Bad: The semi-long walk down the block The Ugly: $$

The Good: A close-to-the-high-school location (the closest place!) with variety of lunch options The Bad: The crowds, enough said.

The Ugly: $ – $$$

The Good: You get served quickly and the student menu has a wide variety.

The Bad: After 1:00 pm they stop serving student specials.

The Ugly: $$$

Each $ = approximately $2.50

10 tips for the incoming sophomore class

BY NOELLE WITT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1. Don’t stress.

Don’t wake up every morning with that sinking feeling. You have three years here – why waste three years reveling in dread? By the time September is over you’ll feel as if you’ve weathered all the hurricanes that never actually hit Long Island, but it’s not that bad. In fact, you might start to like it a little.

2. It really does go fast.

Three years may seem like an eternity, but by the time you’re in your last day of senior year you’ll wonder how it flew by so quickly. Enjoy time with your friends and make the best of the time you have at MHS. 3. Just do the work for classroom gym.

It may seem unimportant at the time, but you’ll appreciate the effort you put into the weekly assignments and final project when you don’t have to retake it junior year.

4. Learn the staircases.

Some staircases are overpopulated because students don’t realize they can get to a room faster if they use a different one. Try the “hidden staircase” located near the gym entrance – it leads directly to the science classrooms.

5. Don’t Clog the Hallway.

We have almost 2000 students at MHS, so the halls are guaranteed to become crowded. If you get to your class at a decent speed, however, things will run smoothly and you’ll be less likely to show up to class out of breath and trying to score

a late pass.

6. Join a club and stick to it.

Don’t be the kid who gets to his upperclassmen years and realizes he has nothing to list under extracurricular activities for his college transcript. Clubs make MHS a school a place to get involved.

7. Sleep.

If any tip receives emphasis, it’s this one. It’s easy to get home at six, eat, go on Facebook and then realize at 11 that you have two hours of homework and need to wake up at six the next morning. Sleep is probably the only thing that will keep you going during the strenuous weeks of school -- especially when your research paper is due.

8. Bond with a teacher.

Teachers have a lot to offer to

the student body – if you can form a bond with a teacher, you’ll feel more comfortable throughout the day and avoid the stress of junior year when you need teachers’ letter of recommendations.

9. Try new places for lunch.

Don’t be intimidated by the three minute walk to Don Juan or the line at the Bagel Café. Use the Lunch Directory above to select a new restaurant and enjoy.

10. Join The Chief.

The Chief ... this is self explanatory and is also a great way to get involved – if you want to stop by to submit an article or learn how to edit, you should!

OCTOBER 2010

THE CHIEF 9

The Good: Delicious tax-free pizza in a spacious area right across from the school. $20 can last you two full weeks of school if you order a plain slice of pizza The Bad: Certain toppings can cause the usually cheap prices to nearly double The Ugly: $$

The Good: Tasty assortments and toppings, ranging from all-natural yogurt to delicious parfaits, smoothies, beverages, and more The Bad: The taste is great, and so is the service—but space can be limited and it can be pricey The Ugly: $$

The Good: Great bagels and spacious seating, including tables outside The Bad: Long lines and moderate service The Ugly: $$

The Good: Sushi, sandwiches, bagels, and other snacks without long lines The Bad: No available seating The Ugly: $-$$$

The Good: The only coffeehouse by MHS that’s open all day; has a variety of menu options The Bad: Depending on what you order and the size the price could rise up to $10 The Ugly: $$$

The Good: The only Juice it Up location on the east coast of the U.S., and they make great smoothies The Bad: Prices are slightly expensive for what you’re buying, and they don’t sell true meals The Ugly: $$$

Senioritis: The disease you can’t get rid of

BY ROB DUFFY SPORTS EDITOR

According to urbandictionary.com, senioritis is “a crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as graduation.”

Many seniors do in fact just decide that they are done dressing nicely for their final year in high school, but that is not the point of this article.

Was I going to give up in my

epic search to find a cure for senioritis other than graduation? I was pretty close when I heard about the nice sweatpants I could be wearing, but I continued to research and looked for any answers out there.

Let’s look at what I uncovered.

First of all, many students believe that college admission offices don’t look at senior year grades while others think that they just look at the grades from the first half of twelfth grade. Both groups are wrong. College admissions counselors do look at grades from the entire senior year and students who decide to slack off during their last year of high school, may actually find that their college acceptance has been revoked.

Furthermore, students are required to list the courses being taken during the senior year on college applications. This means that the schools are going to see if an applicant has five “out” periods on his or her schedule. Competitive schools like to see that studnets are taking some difficult courses senior year and this can make the difference in the determination of whether or not an applicant is accepted.

Lastly, paying for college is not like buying a can of soda at the corner store; it can be an enormous investment these days. Many colleges give out merit scholarships to students with outstanding GPAs, so keeping grades up during senior year

can save some dough in the long term when it comes time to pay off those student loans.

It really is as simple as that.

My advice: attempt to avoid senioritis now or skip out on college altogether. The decision is yours.

THE CHIEF 10

OCTOBER 2010

M HS

HOMECOMING!

Homecoming King and Queen (pictured right) - John Doria and Bobbi Finklestein; Homecoming Court (pictured above from left to right) -Seniors Monica DeLuca and Kevin Reynolds standing in for Brian McKeon, Juniors Patrick McDermott and Alissa Soriano, Sophomores Joe Doria and Cynthia Bohenek, Freshman Ashley McKenna and Robert Honeyman

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Pictured above: the crowds cheer, the Chiefettes and Cheerleaders perform at Halftime, Mr. Piotrowski leads the Homecoming Parade, the MHS band performs “Viva La Vida” Page design by Tom Strong-Grinsell PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF

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OCTOBER 2010

THE CHIEF 11 ADVERTISEMENT

PAL Traditional Shotokan Karate Nassau County Police Activity League: Massapequa Unit

Teen Classes, Ages 12-18 • $50 for 3 Months

Classes Begin Wednesday, October 6th

7 – 8:30 PM - Every Wednesday East Lake Elementary School Gym, Massapequa Register in class: Oct 6th or Oct 13th, 2010 Visit our website for information, directions, pictures and videos

www.AmericanKarateCouncil.org The AKC is a non-profit organization

ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 2010

Warped Tour 2010 hits Long Island

BY NICK BARBIERI CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Ninety degree weather, hundreds upon hundreds of hot and sweaty people, seven stages, tons of great bands performing, and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum parking lot – when all of these things combine, it can only mean one thing: the Vans Warped Tour has returned to Long Island.

Vans Warped Tour 2010 hit LI on Saturday July 17 and was tremendously successful. With the gates opening at 10:30 AM and sets starting as early as 11:00, this all-day concert event is an experience that is not easily forgotten.

This year, the music played ranged from pop-punk to post-hardcore to screamo and everything in between.

Both unsigned and mainstream bands spanned the stages to make Warped Tour a summer staple.

The day began with bands like Anarbor and Attack Attack! on the stage.

With a bigger stage and a bigger crowd, Anarbor rocked the morning, ensuring that everyone was wide awake and had the best possible start to his day.

One of the most surprisingly great bands performing on the tour was Sparks the Rescue. A band that began with a post-hardcore sound, Sparks the Recue has evolved into one of the most promising pop-punk/alternative rock bands out there. Their set-list at Warped Tour contained songs from

their original EP as well as their latest album and the lead singer, Alex Roy, put on a fantastic show. Throughout the entire performance, he jumped around the stage, swung the microphone by its cord, and almost jumped into the crowd.

He even broke out an acoustic guitar for the performance of “Hello, Mexico.”

The five band members stood by their merchandise tent meeting fans, taking pictures, and signing items.

A disappointing band was We the Kings. Now that We the Kings are on the radio and doing duets with Demi Lovato, it was surprising that they played Warped Tour this summer, and they really shouldn’t have bothered performing. The lead singer Travis Clark must have been feeling the heat or something, because his usually-impressive voice did not sound up to par. The best parts of their set were their cover of “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World and when Cassadee Pope of Hey Monday filled Demi Lovato’s part in “We’ll Be a Dream.”

Another disappointment was the size of the Ernie Ball Stage; it’s the same size every year, and it was an issue last year as well. Last year, Madina Lake performed on the inconvenient stage that is placed in a narrow alcove between trees and another stage. This year, Mayday Parade suffered on the stage, because their audience was much too large for the space allotted. The band

was impressive, however, with a set-list full of new and old songs.

On a brighter note, The All-American Rejects played this year and put on a surprisingly great show. Tyson Ritter, the lead singer, went into monologue mode prior to each song and started rambling on and on about nonsense; but hey, his voice was phenomenal. The highlight of their set was their classic favorite “Swing, Swing.”

Sum 41 returned to the spotlight and Mike Posner found a new audi-

THE CHIEF 12

ence for his hit song “Cooler than Me” at Warped Tour. Bands like Four Year Strong, Bring Me the Horizon, and The Summer Set continued to be crowd favorites.

In the long run, Warped Tour 2010 was a great day with something for everyone to enjoy, even if you just go to shop for shirts, CDs, and other band merchandise. Hopefully next year will bring another great group of bands and a great tour.

NICK BARBIERI//THE CHIEF

Alex Roy, lead singer of Sparks the Rescue, jumping into the crowd during their set.

Fall TV schedule brings an abundance of great new shows

BY BRIDGID BERGIN COPY EDITOR

This fall, all the major network TV stations have a plethora of new shows for viewers to get addicted to.

Some are original shows, while others are merely spinoffs. Here is a quick sampling of what you are sure to see on TV this fall.

NBC The Event 9pm (Mondays) The Event seems to be a mysterious thriller that will keep the viewer guessing throughout the season. As people watch the trailer for the show they will notice that The Event has to do with none other than a life changing “event.” Pretty simple.

It does get a little eerie when the trailer says, “The assassination plot…is not the event,” insinuating there will be an attempt to assassinate the president.

You are now left to wonder what this big “event” is.

But wait! There must be some romance in this show, right? Well, there is a romance between Sean Walker (Jason Ritter) and Leila Buchanan (Sarah Roemer, Disturbia.) They are of course in a relationship (we’re talking Facebook official) and they go on a cruise together where it seems he will propose to her!

Buchanan suddenly disappears mysteriously, however, and you’re left to wonder if this is the event. The answer is no, as seen in the trailer when “The disappearance…is not the event,” stealthily pops up. Apparently there is a CIA cover-up, and guess what? That’s not the event either.

But in all seriousness, it seems

that this show has a lot to offer— intertwining plot lines, action, drama, and violence.

As the show continues and Sean Walker tries to find his girlfriend Leila, he “unwittingly begins to expose the biggest cover-up in U.S. history,” according to nbc.com. Once you hear “a cover-up in U.S. history” you either think: “what a cliché” or “this seems interesting.”

You can decide whether or not you want to spend your Mondays watching this. However, there are many more plotlines that I haven’t mentioned that you might want to check out when the pilot premiers. The only concern I have is that this show is only interesting and cool in theory. It might get slow, confusing, or plain uninteresting but hopefully it will abstain from fitting these descriptions. So, if you want to know what the big event is (that will apparently alter mankind), watch this new series.

Law & Order: Los Angeles 10pm (Wednesdays) After 20 seasons, the original Law & Order was unfortunately canceled.

Now, however, you can enjoy the same criminal plotlines on Law & Order: Los Angeles! Usually spin-offs aren’t as good as the originals, but it is Law & Order so it must be promising.

days)

ABC No Ordinary Family 8pm (Tues-

No Ordinary Family is a family superhero “dramedy” that has many familiar faces. You will recognize Michael Chiklis from The Shield, Romany Malco from The 40-Year Old Virgin,

and many more. It seems that this show is reminiscent of the movie The Incredibles.

Some may even liken it to the recently-cancelled show Heroes. However, No Ordinary Family seems as if it will be a unique show. It seems to hold something different than the usual science fiction shows and is a step away from reality shows and teenage-drama television.

The Powell family decides to take a family vacation planned by the father Jim (Michael Chiklis), according to abc. com. It seems very light-hearted — a family trying to reconnect and such.

However, their plane crashes into the Amazon River. Once that happens, you know the show is about to unfold as the family realizes it now possesses superpowers.

It might sound cheesy with the whole superpower concept, but it is supposed to be a comedy that adds something interesting to television. Throughout the season, the family members will try to balance their family life and their newfound powers and try to find out their purpose in life. It is basically your average family, bumped up a few levels with extraordinary superpowers and an impressive cast.

FOX Raising Hope 9pm (Tuesdays) Jimmy Chance is a normal 23 year old guy with basically no purpose or goals in life. For a living he skims pools, parties every night and still lives at home with his parents—very successful. But his life suddenly changes after a one-night stand with a girl named

Lucy who is also a wanted felon. A few months after his encounter with her, he goes to the local prison and finds Lucy there… pregnant with their baby.

After Lucy gives birth to the child, Jimmy is left with the responsibility of raising her. Jimmy’s family is not happy with the new addition to the family, but he is fully determined to take care of her.

His mother Virginia thinks they should name the baby Hope. This new family comedy follows the Chance family in the world of parenting with Hope. Will they be able to do it? Stay tuned to watching Raising Hope.

Running Wilde 9:30 pm (Tuesdays) Starring Will Arnett and Keri Russel, Running Wilde is a romantic comedy about a man named Steve Wilde who is the spoiled son of an oil tycoon and has gotten everything he wants in life but has never used this to benefit others.

He has everything except for one thing: Emily. She is an environment activist, does good deeds, has a 12 year old daughter named Puddle (who just wants to be a normal kid) and used to be Steve’s high school sweetheart. She suddenly reenters Steve’s life and he sees this as an opportunity to redeem himself, to become a better person, and to finally catch “the one who got away.”

At the same time, Emily believes that helping Steve might be the best way to fight his dad’s oil company and Puddle is left to facilitate this reunion between them.

OCTOBER 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

A summer of blockbuster hits and misses

BY NICK BARBIERI CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Summer came and went, bringing new movies for everyone to fall in love with and other movies for everyone to absolutely loathe.

The summer movie season began in May, and started out with a bang as Iron Man 2 hit theaters, making $128.1 million in its opening weekend. While the action packed hit was not a better movie than its predecessor, it followed the general rule of sequels and grossed more money than the original. Throughout the month, other hits were released, such as Shrek Forever After and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. However, movies like MacGruber and Sex and the City 2 underperformed, the latter possibly bringing an end to the popular franchise; both were critical bombs as well.

Come June, the Forgetting Sarah Marshall spinoff, Get Him to the Greek, shined and was popular with both audiences and critics; having loved the original film, I was excited to see Russell Brand come back to the big screen as Aldous Snow, but admittedly I was nervous that the movie wouldn’t live up to its predecessor. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong, as I laughed nonstop during this movie, and it was one of the comedic highlights of the summer; in fact, it was one of the best reviewed movies of the summer until a certain movie about a group of toys came out.

Toy Story 3 grossed more than any other movie this summer, achieved a 99% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and dazzled audiences with phenomenal 3D effects alongside a heartwarming story; this film completed many childhoods, and many people didn’t walk out of that movie with a dry eye. This film is the golden standard for animation; all films should strive to be like it. An animated movie is not strictly a kids’ film; rather, if it is made like Toy Story 3, it could tell a story of growing up, loss, and great change. Not many movies have as strong a message as this film, and that’s what makes it so great.

It’s stay at number one in the box office top ten ended when The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was released, and millions of vampire-crazed teenage fangirls rushed to theaters to see the latest installment in the popular, but critically trashed franchise. Once again, the film broke records, topping The Twilight Saga: New Moon as the highest grossing film in the franchise. Apparently, no matter how bad these movies are, the fans of the books will still go out and see them.

In other news, M. Night Shymalan’s latest film to hit theaters, The Last Airbender, continued a long line of

yet another phenomenal animated movie released this summer, and it is best experienced when seen in 3D. Filled with humor and almost unrecognizable voice-over performances, this film had tons of hysterical one-liners -“It’s so fluffy!”- and a cute story, too.

And now, the movie that no one will stop talking about: Inception. Honestly, this movie is overrated. The ending was plain ridiculous, and it was a ploy used by the director, Christopher Nolan, to get people to talk about the movie and make more money. A movie like Inception should be thought provoking, but it should also have an ending. This movie

Source: disneydreaming.com

Source: wikimedia.org

critical failures for the once-acclaimed director. A whopping 7% of critics gave it favorable reviews, according to Rotten Tomatoes, but for some reason people still went out to see it, for as of August 30, it grossed $130.6 million. Still, this doesn’t compare to Shymalan’s heyday, when The Sixth Sense grossed $672.8 million in its release.

Additionally, an animated hit, Despicable Me was a surprisingly good movie, and fared well with both critics and audiences. This original film was

did not end, and it was very unsatisfying; basically, it ended Sopranos-style.

The amount of praise people give the ending is nonsense, because no matter how many times you see the movie, you will never find an answer to the end, because there is no answer. The fact that this movie has no answer is precisely why I dislike the ending, though overall it is still a good movie.

There was also some early Oscar bait, as The Kids Are All Right was released, and astounded critics with a

Rihanna and Ke$ha hit Jones Beach Theater

BY CHRISTOPHER RIOTTA NEWS EDITOR

If you didn’t see the Rihanna and Ke$ha tour that took over venues all over the United States this summer, you truly haven’t seen all there is to see in a concert. It was August 15, a night of drum smashing, auto tuning, and nonstop dancing.

The Nikon Theater at Jones Beach quickly became packed as Travie McCoy, lead singer of Gym Class Heroes and now solo rap artist, pumped up the crowd for Ke$ha and Rihanna’s Last Girl on Earth Tour. Despite countless screams, he never did perform the hit song “Magic” that reached the Billboard’s Top Forty this summer. Unbeknownst to all, he had no part in the making or singing of this tune. Anyone ever tell him he sounds a lot like B.o.B? He must get that a lot.

After the crowds finally settled into their seats, the stage grew dark

and the fans hollered. Out came Ke$ha, who appeared to have mistaken a tub of glitter and Native American accessories for a bathtub. The 22 year old self-proclaimed animal came out in 70s styled clothing with a Josie and the Pussycats-esque band to match (talk about a hot mess…)

The singer crawled over to a security guard whose back was (unfortunately for him) turned from the stage, and began to dance maniacally around his body. Upon noticing the incident, the guard’s face turned tomato-red and he began trying to shrug it off. Ke$ha laughed, generating a high-pitched and most definitely nonhuman laugh.

The singer then worked her own auto tuning and got the crowd to go wild for her more popular songs such as “Take it Off” and “Tik Tok.” After taking the drummer’s cymbal and carrying it around the stage, endlessly smashing it without rhythm, the im-

pulsive and incomprehensible woman left the stage, saluting her fans. While there was literally no talent involved in her act whatsoever, that is what makes Ke$ha, Ke$ha.

Source: beach1017.com Finally, it was time to see Rihanna.

The crowd quieted and the lights dimmed as the entire mood of the venue shifted from psychopathic dancing and an auto

THE CHIEF 13

lighthearted story of a lesbian couple with kids that were in search of their biological father. Here’s hoping this movie will get some love come time for Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, especially for lead actress Annette Benning’s role as a wife who is forced to deal with a wife whom cheats on her with the biological father of their children. Her performance is a wonderful blend of funny, sad, and everything in between. Furthermore, its original screenplay is sure to be nominated for various awards, as the concept was extremely clever and it played out as a humorous yet dramatic love story and family drama.

Additionally, a Twilight parody, Vampires Suck, was released; though critically bashed, many people went out to go see this spoof regardless. Honestly, this spoof seems only different than Twilight in that it is intentionally funny, instead of accidentally humorous.

Finally, the summer season was rounded out with a re-release of Avatar, containing nine minutes of extra footage. But seriously, James Cameron? You re-released a movie eight months after its original release? This is the reason why James Cameron evidently doesn’t care about releasing a film for its story, or to entertain people, but rather to just make loads of money. He chooses to market and re-release a movie that has already had its success instead of working on a new movie. Thankfully, the rerelease bombed and didn’t even make it into the box office top ten the weekend it came out. Clearly the obsession people have with this movie has died down, and I couldn’t be happier about that.

While many other movies also came out over the summer, this is a quick recap of the major hits and the major misses. Next summer, films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and The Smurfs hit theaters. Until then, we’ll have plenty of other movies to see, but none will be a summer blockbuster.

tuned mess to a more pop-rock vibe.

The videos played, showing Rihanna and poor acting skills as she played some woman from the future who was a savior of mankind and music. Accessories included everything a teenage girl could ask for: bracelets, necklaces, and a hot pink tank to sing and play on.

The crowd went crazy as the tank was propped on stage as the “good girl gone bad” climbed up on it to perform some of her most famous songs.

The night concluded with an encore of multiple hit songs, a farewell speech from Rihanna to her fans at Jones Beach, and awfully crowded parking exits.

That’s just about everything needed to be considered an epic concert and a great night of music and fun. No, but really, someone should teach Ke$ha how to sing.

OCTOBER 2010

FEATURES/SPORTS

Side out to breast cancer

BY LYNN HOROWITZ BUSINESS MANAGER

Students are once again settling in at MHS, and once again the school readies itself for another October and another Dig Pink volleyball game.

Dig Pink is not only an annual girls’ volleyball game, but a fight against breast cancer. Fans wear pink; players wear pink. All proceeds benefit the Side-Out Foundation, an organization that promotes the study of breast cancer and provides aid for those who have breast cancer.

This year’s third annual Dig Pink will not just be one day of two games played by the JV and Varsity girls’ volleyball teams, but an entire week. The entire week of October 11 will be dedicated to “Think Pink” week, with the expected Dig Pink games on Thursday October 14.

Many teams got involved last year, including cross country for a bake sale and the Chiefettes and Massapequa cheerleaders for entertainment between the JV and Varsity games. However, to raise more money and awareness for breast cancer, the athletic department has chosen to get the middle school teams involved as well. Last year the teams raised an astounding $10,000 and they hope to raise even more this year.

“Last year we raised over $10,000, but this year with the community’s continued help and support we hope to top that and make it another fun, successful event,” said Jenna Bedard, a senior on the Varsity volleyball team.

Many students like the concept of the Dig Pink games as well, although not all students are aware of the games themselves.

“I think Dig Pink is a great op-

portunity to raise money because many people have family members or friends that suffer from breast cancer,” senior Alyssa Derasmo said. “But it’s sad that not many kids know about it. The school coming together to raise money just by playing a game of volleyball is such a great thing. Even the cheerleaders get involved by performing a half time!”

The donations to the Side-Out Foundation in turn give grants to medical research organizations dedicated to providing support for breast cancer patients and their families. Side-Out began nationwide four years ago according to its website, and during the month of October it asks colleges, universities, and high schools to dedicate volleyball matches to National Breast Cancer Awareness.

A “side out” in volleyball is defined as the moment when a team wins a point when the opposite team has the ball. Likewise, in the war against breast cancer, the Side-Out Foundation supports health care professionals in its pursuit of practical solutions for women and men with the disease, enabling those affected to take back control of their lives.

The Side-Out Foundation has a goal of $2,000,000 in donations for this year, compared to last year’s $700,000.

However, it may seem that the foundation is losing momentum, as last year there were 1,000 college teams participating and 2,000 middle and high school teams participating, while this year there are only 1,000 participating college teams and 1,500 participating high school and middle school teams.

For more information on Dig Pink, visit www.side-out.org.

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Fall fashion the latest trends

BY EILEEN LIEBLER COPY EDITOR

It’s time to break out those cozy sweaters and favorite pair of straight jeans and to lock up the flip flops and shorts.

Jeggings, or stretchy leggings that look like skinny jeans, are a must-have for teen girls this fall. This trend has become a big hit since last year and doesn’t look like it’s coming off the market any time soon.

“I barely wear jeans anymore because jeggings are so much more comfortable,” said MHS senior Meaghan Haskell.

suggests layering tight jeans with thigh high socks. These socks can be bought all over at stores such as Bloomingdales and Urban Outfitters.

As fall comes, you can’t forget about long wrap around scarves and multi-colored leggings to help keep warm.

Source: fashionchronicles.com

Source: images.asos.com According to Lucky magazine, red and black color combos are perfect for anyone to wear this season.

Thigh-high socks are another item girls can’t get enough of. They can be worn with tailored shorts or a mini skirt with cute high heeled boots. For a trendy combination look, Refinery.com

Combat boots are another necessity for people to wear this fall. Common colors are black and brown, which match almost everything for optimal use.

It’s time to pack on those layers as the cooler weather sets in. A nice denim jacket is always helpful to keep you warm.

Military basics are also coming back into style. These clothes will have everyone talking according to TeenVogue.com.

Whatever your style is, try to show it off this fall.

World Series picks: who will hit the grand slam?

BY TYLER NOVET MANAGING EDITOR

In the year of the pitcher, bats have not been as hot as they have been in the past several years. Several divisions have come down to the wire, as teams are anxious to find out how the postseason will begin.

In the American League, the Texas Rangers won the West for the first time since 1999 with one of the biggest stars in the American League, Josh Hamilton. Unfortunately for the Rangers, he has had little time to play due to an injury crashing into the outfield wall, but he will be feared as the AL batting champ and MVP candidate at the plate.

Other stars on the team include Neftali Feliz, who is setting a new MLB record with 40 saves in his rookie year, Cliff Lee, who is having a brilliant year as usual, and Vladimir Guerrero, who is having a year nobody expected after such disappointment with the Angels.

The Rangers’ opponents in the first round are the Tampa Bay Rays, who have won their second AL East title in three years. While it appears their dynasty is coming to an end, with the probable loss of Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano, Carlos Pena, and B.J. Upton, they still intend to finish the season off strong with a World Championship.

With David Price pitching like the Cy Young Candidate he is, and Carl Crawford playing like he’s worth $20 million, they can match up to just about any other team in the postseason.

In the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins have won their second straight title. While no player has particularly shined, the team’s unity and teamwork has brought them to the fourth best record in baseball with strong performances from Jim Thome, Joe Mauer, Francisco Liriano, Delmon Young, and Carl Pavano. Unfortunately, Ron Gardenhire and the Twins have announced that one of their key players, Justin Morneau, will not return to the roster for any postseason play this season. Regardless, the Twins want to crown the inaugural season at their new stadium with a World Series title.

The returning World Champion Yankees, while shaky coming into the playoffs, hope to solidify their lineup for the postseason as they face the Twins in the ALDS. Robinson Cano will try to swing the bat towards an AL MVP during the series. It can be assumed that C.C. Sabathia will pitch like a top Cy Young Contender pitching the first game and after that nobody knows.

They did not win the division, but they hope to make the best out of their wild

card berth.

In the National League, an even closer race existed until the very last day between the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Atlanta Braves for the NL West and Wild Card. Eventually, the Giants came out on top with the NL West title with stars like Buster Posey, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Brian Wilson. The Giants charge into the playoffs stomping on the Padres in Game 162, giving them momentum.

The Giants’ first round opponents will be the Atlanta Braves. While they faced some tough losses with Chipper Jones and Martin Prado out for the season, they still powered through to come out with the Wild Card. Billy Wagner and Melky Cabrera proved to be invaluable acquisitions for the Braves as well. While they lost the momentum they had over the Phillies earlier in the season, they are not even close to giving up a chance at winning it all.

The Cincinnati Reds, who won their first National League Central title since 1995, are one of the most exciting teams headed for the playoffs. For the most part, NL MVP frontrunner Joey Votto has brought this excitement. Coming in with a .324 batting average, 113 runs batted in, and 37 home runs, Votto has played like he not only wanted the

MVP award, but a World Series ring to go with it.

The Philadelphia Phillies, though, are the clear frontrunners to take it all the way. Having won the NL East once again, they look to win their second World Series in the past three years. With a starting rotation of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, they seem untouchable, joined with an offense including Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, and Jayson Werth, how can anyone hope to defeat them?

To make a final prediction, I’d say the Phillies and the Giants will move on to the NLCS, where the Phillies will move on up. In the American League, I think the Rangers will beat the Rays and the Twins over the Yankees. In the ALCS, the Rangers, filled with energy and youth, will conquer the Twins and move on to the World Series.

Then, in a final match up between the Phillies and Rangers, the game will be brought to a new level.

Both teams’ energy will lead them into game 7, but eventually the lack of a DH will hurt the Rangers too much leading to Phillies’ victory. But that’s just my prediction, and it could easily sway due to any injury, hot streak, cold streak, or total collapse. It’s baseball – the impossible can and does happen.

OCTOBER 2010

SPORTS

THE CHIEF 15

Girls volleyball ‘spikes‘ again A force to be reckoned with

BY JASON CELARU SPORTs EDITOR

The Massapequa Girls Volleyball team has opened their season on September 16. Throughout their past seasons the Girls Volleyball team has fought with intensity, and has competed with strong passion. They also participate in fundraising activities, such as Dig Pink, which is a game played to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. In their 2009 Dig Pink game they

raised over $10,000 for their cause.

Keri Giaquinto, a senior on the team said, “As a team we already have great chemistry, so that is taken care of. We are really pushing for counties.

We take everything one day at a time, together as a team. Team is the most important aspect of it all.” The Volleyball Team, since the start of October, has had seven wins and no loss, and currently hold the first place position according to Newsday

PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF

Run like the wind: Boys XC

BY JASON CELARU SPORTS EDITOR

Boy’s Cross Country is a sport that receives much attention every year.

Numerous people come to the initial meetings with a seemingly strong desire to join the team and run.

In the past, the team earned an array of accomplishments, trophies, and awards. As of the start of October the Boys Cross Country team won the one meet that they participated in so far according to Newsday, . Jimmy Callahan finished third with a time of 13 minutes and 34 seconds. Valenski won the 4k race in a school record time of 12:52.9. They lead Massapequa to a 5-0 win at the League 1 Triangular meet

BY JASON CELARU SPORTS EDITOR

defeating the Uniondale Knight five to nothing. Brian Bartichek scored two goals for the team, and the offense was attacking restlessly.

Brian Bartichek is leading the Massapequa team with five goals in total, and Dakota Barnathan has four goals.

Overall, the team has proven its ferocity in its game play.

Massapequa’s Boys’ Soccer Team started off their season, defeating Bellmore JFK on September 13 with a score of three to one; they set the tone for the new season.

Nick Fetzer, a senior on the team, believes that the team looks really good this year and that the team hopes to “go upstate” for the state championships. It’s definitely going to take a lot of practice and effort to get there, but it’s possible.”

The players are all excited for the new season and look forward to playing with their teammates and coaches.

As of the start of October, the Boy’s Soccer Team has four wins and only one loss, putting them in first place, ahead of Freeport, for their conProvided by Jessica Sinacore ference.

On the September 22 game against George Sinacore holds off defenders Uniondale, the Chiefs dominated by during an intense game.

Girls swim to victory

Massapequa has always been known to symbolize progress and success. The Girls Swimming and Diving team is no exception.

They opened the season on a high note after winning their first meet against Syosset with a score of 103 to 83, and on September 29, they triumphed against the Farmingdale Dalers, winning 99 to 87.

During the game against Farmingdale, in the 400 free relay, Sarah Exposito, Kyle Sanders, Molly Treble and Gabby Signorelli took first place.

Sam Lotito accomplished a countytime score during the 500 meter. Gabby Signorelli and Priscella Smith achieved

the second and third place positions in the diving portion of the competition.

All of the girls compete at their fullest potential, and it shows in their statistics that the team has already accumulated.

According to Newsday, as of the start of October, the team is currently in first place with a lead of hree wins and no losses. Molly Treble qualified for states, and broke the Massapequa record for the 500 meter free style. Kyle Sanders also broke a Massapequa record by finishing the 100 meter backstroke in 1:02.

Plainview JFK trails behind Massapequa with a record of one win and one loss, ultimately putting Massapequa on top and on track for a great, successful season.

season by many of the opposing de- of their worries and that the team “needs fenses. to reduce the number of me guys, and “Last year, I was getting doubled, get more we guys.” so I think there will be more of the same The Chiefs’ wide-receiving core is this year,” Romano said. not the only strength for the team this Lukaszewicz, Chiocco, and Romano all double up on the other side of the field as defensive backs.

“Going both ways is definitely difficult and tiring at times, especially throughout an entire season. But that’s what you train for,” Romano said about taking on two roles.

“Our offense has definitely changed overall,” Michael Barry said.

“We will use each [wide-receiver] differently with a variety of screens and deep routes.”

Lukaszewicz and Chiocco look to create a greater downfield presence this season to augment the amount of options for quarterback Michael Barry.

“Rob and Ian are great athletes,” Romano said. “If we can get them the ball, they can do things other kids just can’t. I believe our receiving core can definitely put some points on the scoreboard this year.”

The team’s head Coach Patrick Nolan believes the team, “practices what they need to practice.” He continued “We need to get better, and come JASON CELARU//THE CHIEF to practice more focused.” He further Quarterback, Ryan Neu, looks for an open emphasized that team unity is the least receiver downfield.

season. Michael Barry believes that the offensive line as a whole will run the team and that everyone should keep an eye out for them.

Although the quarterbacks have changed over the off-season, the Chiefs aren’t expected to use a different strategy this season.

“I don’t think the game plan changes at all for the Chiefs,” Steve Romano said. “Our main objective is to win ball games. Whoever’s back at QB knows that and is going to do the best he can.”

With benefits almost always come setbacks. To the Chiefs’ misfortune, offensive and defensive lineman Kieran Maenza has sustained a sprained anterior cruciate ligament, or an ACL. He was able to return to the Chiefs’ line by their homecoming game against Freeport.

As for the Chiefs’ playoff chances this year, the team is optimistic.

“We all have worked very hard for this and expect to be playing deep into November,” Barry said. “We just [have] to stay focused. Only time will tell.”

“If we can play up to our team’s potential, we should be able to get in the post-season,” Romano said. “After that, the Nassau County Championship is up for grabs. There are so many good teams in Conference I. Anyone could win it.”

at the Bethpage State Park. There was an immense amount of preparation that went into this season. “I’ve topped out at about 70 miles a week just running,” said Valenski. “We’re expecting nothing less than a county championship and seven tickets to the state meet.”

The expectations for this team have been set at a high level, however, similar to the past, the Boy’s Cross Country Team has meet these expectations and even exceeded them, and so far, this season looks no different.

The team has been preparing for the upcoming season with amazing determination and the entire team is excited about the new season and the opportunities it may offer.

BY JASON CELARU SPORTS EDITOR

Chiefs football: Building up for a strong season

BY ROB DUFFY SPORTS EDITOR

This season, blue and gold will fill the stands as the Massapequa Chiefs Football team attempts to make a run towards the playoffs.

Last season, Massapequa’s season ended with a loss to the Syosset Braves at home in the first round of the Nassau Conference I playoffs.

This year, Massapequa has some new and some familiar faces. Last year, quarterback Griff Morley was injured during the season and Ryan Neu took his place for the remainder of the season.

This year, Michael Barry takes over the position as Massapequa’s number one quarterback as he controls the Chiefs defense.

“I’ve been playing this game for a while. I’m confident that I will perform at a level to lead this team,” Barry said.

Barry has a strong wide-receiving core in Ian Lukaszewicz, Rob Chiocco, and Steve Romano, who was named one of Newsdays Players to Watch last season and yet again this season.

“I’ve been on varsity now for three years and being named one of 10 players to watch as a junior and senior in our conference is a great honor,” Romano said.

Romano was double-teamed last

THE CHIEF 16

OCTOBER 2010

Freeport rains on MHS homecoming parade

BY ROB DUFFY SPORTS EDITOR

While the sun shined brightly this year for the homecoming festivites, Freeport rained upon the Chief’s parade.

The crowd was filled to the gills with fans of the Massapequa Chiefs.

Blue and gold were everywhere you looked. At Massapequa’s homecoming game, the Chiefs were defeated by the Freeport 14 to 41.

One of the highlights for the Chiefs during the game was a 70-yard touchdown run by Michael Barry, pushing all the way through the Red Devils’ defense to score.

“It was awesome,” Barry said.

“We decided to go with our wildcat package to see what we could get with that, and I broke that run. Our team needed it.”

Although this touchdown still left the team 27 points back, with the game basically out of reach, it still kept the team up and the fans were still cheering.

A 55-yard TD pass from Ryan Neu to Ian Lukaszewicz in the second quarter was the other Massapequa touchdown during the game.

“We ran a slide and up play that was well covered, so I bought a little more time by stepping up in the pocket and then scrambling to my left,” Neu said. “I saw Ian beat the safety, so I just put it up and he did the rest.”

“We were looking to hit a homerun and throw a deep ball to Robbie Chiocco, but they had him well covered,” Lukaszewicz said. “I saw Ryan get flushed out of the pocket and to my side of the field, so I cut my route deeper and got behind the defense. Ryan saw me and put out a perfect ball. I was able to catch it in stride and get into the end zone. It was great vision by Ryan and a great ball.”

Lukaszewicz also did a great job returning kickoffs during the game, including one that was just short of the 50-yard line.

“Kick returns went very well,” Lukaszewicz said. “The front nine guys gave great blocks. Our return average was really good and it consistently gave us good field position.”

Unfortunately for the Chiefs, turnovers plagued them throughout the game, including two passes from Ryan

Neu that were intercepted, one by Cedrik Smiley in the redzone during the first drive of the game and another by Jeff Williams on the Chiefs’ first drive of the second half.

“Both interceptions were just stu-

QB and transferred over to the passing game, throwing no interceptions and three touchdowns, two of which Steve Romano received.

It looks like the quarterback situation between Mike Barry and Ryan Neu

pid mistakes by me,” Neu said. “On both I tried to force a throw I shouldn’t have and it ended up costing us, but you learn from it for the future and move on.”

Freeport had a stunning offensive game, scoring six touchdowns throughout the game. Maurice Irby was the star of the game for the Red Devils, rushing for three touchdowns and 143 yards.

Freeport quarterback Isaiah Barnes accumulated two passing touchdowns during the game as well, one to Jere Brown and another to Dan Olivier.

For Massapequa, their strong offensive line was something to take notice of. The line only allowed one sack and relieved pressure on Ryan Neu during the game.

“The offensive line played well,” quarterback Ryan Neu said. “They gave me all the time I could’ve asked for and blocked well for the runs.”

The defensive players of the game for the Chiefs had to be Rich Staubitz, who accumulated 14 tackles during the game, and Rich Ruiz who had two sacks on the game and 11 tackles.

The loss, brings Massapequa is brought down to 2-2 on the season. Although the team lost its first game of the season in a blowout to Oceanside 34-7, the Chiefs won the next two. Their first win came against Hempstead with four rushing touchdowns by Michael Barry, all of which were 25+ yard runs. During the second, Ryan Neu took over as

has been resolved for the remainder of the season. Neu will be the starting quarterback with Barry being the wildcat quarterback.

“We’re both going to lead this team and carry it where it needs to go,” Neu said.

Although the Chiefs suffered a bad loss in their homecoming game, the fans had a lot to enjoy from the marching band playing “Viva la Vida” and “Don’t Stop Believing” to the Chiefettes and Cheerleaders during the introduction of

the homecoming court.

“We had great team spirit even though we didn’t get the results we had hoped for,” Massapequa fan Joe Ibraham said. “It’s just important now to focus on the next game and continue to show support for our Massapequa Chiefs.”

Massapequa’s next game will be Saturday, October 9, where they will travel to Plainview JFK High School as they look to go to 3-2 on the season.

“We gotta work hard at practice this week,” Lukaszewicz said. “It really all starts with that. If we work hard and push ourselves at practice and then play as an eleven-man unit next Saturday, we’ll bounce back.”

For more Homecoming pictures flip to page 10 and take a look!

Pictured clockwise from top: Steve Romano goes up for the pass, Coach K. salutes the team during the national anthem, The team raises their helmets during the national anthem, Ryan Neu rushing the ball, Rob Chiocco just misses knocking down Jere Brown of Freeport

PAIGE SNIDER//THE CHIEF