THE YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 2 SENIOR DIRECTORY PAGE 3-7 FUNNY STORIES AT MHS PAGE 8
THE SENIOR ISSUE Massapequa High School
JUNE, 2010
mhsthechief@yahoo.com
Kristin Altadonna: Mr.McCaw Samantha Andino: Friends Andrea Arnold: My Friends Justin Artus: The Breakfast Club, The Dream Team, and The “in-school friends” Victoria Atchison: Mr.Schmitt’s humor and his sixth period AP Literature Class, and the G.O. meetings with Miss Bonavoglia Samantha Atchison: Stimulating conversations in English class about literature with Mr.Schmitt and his comments on our essays Casey Bartels: Friends Anthony Becker: My friends, Signora DeRienzo, Ms.Hawkins, and Mr.Schmitt Jeremy Bein: All the lovely people who made each day fabulous Bridget Biagini: Coach K, Cart Lady cookies, and friends Katelynn Boland: Being a high school student Krista Bonagura: Mr. Massapequa, Coach K, homecoming, pep rally’s, and the lady at the front desk who manages to hold hundreds of kids from entering the school after lunch Briana Bowman: Coach K, Mr. Massapequa, and square dancing Erin Boyle: All the options the school offers, as well as the characters amongst the student body Matt Bracco: Seeing my teachers and friends every day Jillian Brackman: The teachers and the people I have met in younger grades Amanda Brala: Getting to see my friends and teachers in class Jenna Briedis: My friends, my awesome teachers and the music department James Brodowski: My friends Jessica Brown: Spending fourth period with all my friends in one car Katie Bryson: Some of the teachers and the cart lady cookies Matt Buchheit: My friends and the teachers I have become close with Kelly E. Burke: All my friends and the track team Kelly M Burke: People’s reactions when they first learn that there is a rifle range in the basement of the school Maria Cafiero: Dennis Gross Victoria Cammisa: Friends and teachers Mike Cambell: Seeing my friends that are going away next year Kristin Cardino: My friends and teachers Amanda Carlson: I’ll miss seeing my friends everyday Brianna Carnevale: All the friends I made over the years, and all the fun we had Mike Cascino: Seeing all the people I normally don’t get to see all the time Anthony Cassero: K.A. Triple M and KBell Michelle Celi: Mr. Howard Marisa Cignarella: Eating Cart Lady cookies with my friends and my classes Mary Collins: Seeing my friends everyday and having cool teachers Chris Collins: Applied Physics Matías Constenla: Reading the announcements, partying in the broadcasting room, and people getting my name wrong Brett Conti: Mr. Delman T.J. Corona: Dodging traffic during lunch, starting waves at Disney, and Stemple Cristina Cortes: Carolling with the treble singers John Costello: The atmosphere, all my teachers, my classmates, and the open campus Connor Cumisky: I will miss my teachers, friends, and the important life lessons Caitlyn Cummings: Seeing my friends and teachers everyday Stephen Curry: I’ll miss the teachers and the great ex-
Vol. LVIII - ISSUE 5
periences with them and the other people in MHS Talia Damico: Some teachers and seeing my friends everyday Alex Damiris: Eleventh grade English with Mr. Merges Stephen DeDonato: AP English was the greatest time of my life Gina Degasperi: The MHS stage
Enochs: All my friends, teachers and just being in high school Michel Esposito: I’ll miss bonding with Kyle Mahoney in the studio Devon Esposito: Being with my friends everyday, cart lady cookies, and chorus Teddy Fatscher: My girlfriend Charlie Ferriola: Friends
mer and Ms. Conle Tatum Heath: The X-C and Track girls Melissa Heneveld: Mr. Massapequa Marco Hernandez: Friends Kristen Howard: The Best Guidance Counselor: Mr. Fernandez Samantha Irwin: The campus and four years of the same routine Felcia Itri: My friends Jason Kammerer: The great teachers, and all the events such as Mr. Massapequa, the Shindig in the Barn, the Musicals, and Dodge for Darfur Nicole Kertzak: Seeing my friends in all my classes and in the halls Connor Kerwin: Friends Connor Kriegel: The people Anthony Kritis: School spirit, great teachers, football games, and friends Erin Lallier: I’m going to miss seeing all of my friends and I will miss the amazing teachers here Megan Landy: Mr. Merges Lauren LaRosa: Gym Caroline Lawless: Coach K and the football games Jeffery Layton: Seeing my friends everyday Carolyn Leonardo: The teachers, the atmosphere and being with my friends Victoria LeViness: The very likable teachers that I’ve encountered for the past three years, especially Mrs. Hawkins Alexandra Liese: The teachers Jessica Linn: I’ll miss my friends and teachers Valerie Lipari: Jessica Opatich Mike Lucrezia: Ms. Garry Kyle Mahoney: Bursting into song in the Broadcasting studio Andrew Maloney: Ding repairs in Jones’ class Janine Mariani: Mr. Delman Alfred Marino: Cart lady cookies Michael Marotto: The great teachers I learned from and all the friendships I made Christina McCormack: Miss Canle’s gym class Mike McGann: Everything I can get away with Angela McGinley: Most of my teachers and seeing my friends constantly Kelly McKenna: Bistro Lunch (Buffalo Chiken Pizza) and being able to see all my friends that I normally see in the hallway Fiona Meehan: Seeing my friends everyday Briana Mehm: I’ll miss my friends and the memories Kimberly Meyer: Mr. Massapequa Beth Minowitz: I will miss the sense of security Chelsea Moccio: Square Dancing Sean Moran: Being around all my friends Kimberly Mudid: Seeing my friends everyday Thomas Murray: Seeing everyone Katie Newman: Playing on the volleyball team and making good friends Maura Nicholes: Walking into English with Kevy boy everyday and seeing Mr. Kuitward Jessica Opatich: Valerie Lipari Gamriella Papale: I’ll miss all my foreign language teachers. They are the ones who inspired and encouraged me to go further in my foreign language studies Leah Pertot: My friends, Mandarin class, and my great teachers Jenny Perucca: Senora Carrino Samantha Pollicino: Seeing Delman in random spots around MHS Jacqueline Poppo: Teachers, cart lady, and friends Bryan Pusateri: I will miss the people most of all, I like seeing people I know throughout my school and town Brian Riley: Playing football and lacrosse Yilvins Rivera: Just the teachers Caitlin Roach: Signora DeRienzo Timmy Root:
WHAT WE WILL MISS A Message to the Class of 2010 Over the years, it has become a tradition for the senior staff of The Chief to include a “farewell” letter along with the Senior Issue. Seemingly, it has also become a tradition to procrastinate this letter until the last minute. Now, while we could claim that this was because we were busy soaking up every last MHS memory we could in order to enjoy it all before it’s gone… we actually were just suffering from senioritis (not unlike the rest of you!) But in our defense, writing a farewell letter to the Class of 2010 still seems so weird and foreign. We’re seniors, yeah, and we’re happy to finally graduate…but is it really already time to say goodbye to the place we’ve become so familiar with? While some of you may have been anticipating this moment since you first stepped into MHS, and others seem to be finding themselves more on the brink of tears with each coming day, the facts remain still—high school is over, we will never be able to return to it, and the time has gone by very fast. And for those of us who are continuing on to college...now, we’re about to start all over again—on to meeting new people, taking new classes, seeing a new environment—having a “new” everything. “The real world” is on its way, and it doesn’t really care whether we’re ready or not. It’s time for a new part of our lives now, and while that’s exciting, I’m sure everyone can agree that it’s also a little scary. But thirty years from now, what will stand out about the years we spent here? Whether you’d like to admit it or not, MHS has taught us all many things, not just academically. Our time here has taught us many life lessons, too. Lessons like how it’s physically impossible for people to walk up or down the stairs while holding a significant other’s hand…and if not physically impossible, you certainly can’t do it without everyone in the general vicinity getting thoroughly irritated. Other lessons like how it’s probably not the best idea to stand anywhere near a puddle in the road, (the corner crosswalk from Southgate, anyone?) because you will get soaked, and it will be unpleasant. Or how we now know exactly how many times someone’s “tag” (get it?) can be graffitied throughout various parts of a single high school. Jokes aside, we’ll remember these things. The little things, like how comforting the cart lady’s slightly undercooked cookies could be on a stressful afternoon, or how the mornings always felt a little weird if Mr. Piotrowski forgot to tell us to be productive via the homeroom announcements. We’ll remember how a simple “hello” could always turn into some important wisdom and a valuable life lesson (we love you, Coach K.) At the end of the day, MHS is a large reason of why we are who we’ve become. Each and every person has something that they’ve taken or learned from their high school experience…and that’s what makes it really special. With that, fellow MHS graduates, we leave you one important word of advice: Do what you love, and forget the rest. Your happiness is the only thing that’s really important. Have a “productive” rest of your life, Massapequa.
Goodbye for now, The Senior Staff of The Chief
and spending time with all of my “family” backstage, sidestage and onstage Jenna Derasmo: Meeting up with friends at their lockers and going off campus to lunch Nicole DiBlasio: The square dances Andrew DiNonno: Swimming team and Symphony Orchestra Michel Dioguardi: The wonderful teachers and friends that are with me every day Connor Dowd: The cart lady Kerri Dutton: My friends, the spirit weeks, and track Brittany Ekert: I will miss being the co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook, my teachers and my friends Kaitlin Ekert: Seeing my high school friends and the MHS faculty Skye
Kerri Friel: Mock Trial and Dr. H Kenny Fundus: My past teachers such as Ms. Fagen, Mr. Merges, and Mrs. Flood Michael Fursa: Seeing all my favorite people in one place Joseph Gamborde: Being able to see my friends Samantha Gann: All the great friends I have made over the years Gayle Geschwind: Dr. H’s AP Chem 08’-09’ Brian Giurlando: Having no responsibilities Kellie Gong: The great places to eat around the school Monica Grau: My whopping two friends Nicholas Graziano: Crazy science labs, Anime club, EGC and cheap food Dennis Gross: Maria Cafiero Austin Haungs: Ms. Zim-
ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL
THE CHIEF 2
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2009-2010
School News:
Where oh where has the Cart Lady gone? Second period announcements like never before Another snow day...really? Drug dealing neighbors (local doctor arrested in drug scandal) Drug dogs infiltrate the school The Treepocalypse occurs (March 13 and 14, Mother Nature musters up the worst windstorm on Long Island since 1992) Buchheit and Kabelka take the Mr. Massapequa crowns The King and I takes over MHS, “etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...” Dr. Grossane moves to Central Administration--MHS’s loss!
Movies We’re Lovin’: The Hurt Locker Where the Wild Things Are Twilight: New Moon The Blind Side Princess and the Frog Avatar Alice in Wonderland
World / National News:
Christmas day underwear bomber (literally) Earthquake in Haiti affects an estimated three million people Healthcare, Healthcare, and more Healthcare Eyjafjallajokull, a volcano in Iceland erupts and disrupts air travel across western and northern Europe Terrorist plot on NYC Subway systems intercepted Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana Times Square bomb scare
Shows We’re Watchin’:
True Blood Glee Jersey Shore 24’s last season... maybe Jack Bauer will finally sleep American Idol: Season 9 Lost... it ends but we’re still confused
source: www.eyesonsoaps.com
Sports:
source: www.tblogssmh.com
Entertainment / Music:
R.I.P Michael Jackson, Farrah Faucett, J.D. Salinger, Brittany Murphy, Gary Coleman, and the others we all knew and loved Kanye doesn’t actually let Swift “Finish” at all Jim and Pam get married, finally (High five, Office fans) Avatar becomes the highest grossing movie of all time! Formspring drama all day, every day Justin Beiber... he’s how old exactly? Ellen DeGeneres becomes the new American Idol judge Glee takes over the world! (Or at least 65% of MHS) That orange rubber band kind of looks like the shape of a penguin... Oh wait. (Silly Bandz run rampant)
Yankees win World Series Tiger Woods falls from grace Alabama beats Texas in BCS championship game “Who Dat” nation wins Super Bowl Winter Olympics, but no snow Roethlisberger scandal Cinderella, Butler, makes it to finals of NCAA tournament
source: www.thestar.com
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Congratulations to the Class of 2010
From the G.O. Student Government
WHAT WE’LL MISS MOST (continued)
The Ice Hockey Team Zach Rose: Kearney and Fifield Joshua Rosen: I’ll miss the opportunity to see my friends along with the memories I made Kevin Rosenhagen: Some of my teachers and seeing my friends everyday Christopher Rossi: I’ll miss some of the teachers I had, they really changed the way I looked at school Nina Sabatini: Going to Costa Rica with Kabelka Lenny Sadowsky: The anti-drug assemblies Danielle Santaniello: Friends, teachers, cart lady cookies, and the Washington trip Jocelyn Sausner: Seeing my friends everyday Tom Savidge: “Who’s woods these are I think I know…” Kimberly Scarola: Seeing all my friends every day Carol Scheuerer: The friendly hello’s in the hallway, and the German class that has been together since the seventh grade Carly Semple: Friends, certain teachers and Mr. Piotrowski Kristen Silk: My friends who go to school with me Brian Smith: I will miss my teachers, friends, and the great atmosphere Whitney Smith: The craziness of the Art Department Caity Smollin: Favorite teachers and friends I call my family Amanda Staats: A capella Choir and chamber singers Sarah Striffolino: My guidance counselors Ms. Moran and Ms. Neary Krista Stromsted: Friends and seeing them everyday Jenna Suris: Seeing all my friends everyday Justin Svegliato: Coach Ryan and the track team Vera Belle Tanner: Cart lady
cookies, seeing friends in the hallways, being a part of activities, baking for the trackies, and Coach K! Also the late nights because of homework (just kidding) Samantha Taussig: My great friends, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Dempsey, Disney 2010, my husbands - Lenny and T.J., and the MHS treble singers Ashley Tortorella: I will miss seeing my friends everyday in class and the hallways Travis Turner: I will miss my friends Robert Urrutia: Being around people I’m close with Richard Vallario: The other students Amanda Viggiani: Friends that are going away to school James Vigilante: Mr. Schmitt Guy Viner: Trips to Perk with Melanie Satta, Taylor Brennan and Caitlin Roach, and my life coach Ms. Moran James Walsh: Seeing my friends everyday Alyssa Wapnick: Art class with my favorite teacher, Mrs. Schneider Taylor Wolfson: The never-ending clutter from people sharing my locker. Danielle Zappa: I’m going to miss our shows, the English Department, Pio, Mrs. Lopez and Ms. “Moran-field”, the best guidance counselor ever! Jessica Zaret: I will miss seeing my friends everyday that I have grown up with Leanne Zinn: Mr. Dowd’s face as he turned red screaming at me to shut my locker every morning Kyle Zuena: How much you can get away with
SENIOR DIRECTORY
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
The
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FUTURE
Julie Abbruzzese Nassau Community College Communications
Lindsey Bond C.W. Post University Art History
Brittnay Caiafa C.W. Post University Communications
Liana Comito Marist College Undecided
Kyle Devine SUNY Buffalo Aerospace Engineering
Danielle Aguis St.Joseph’s College Childhood/Special Education
Joseph Boneri Nassau Community College Undecided
Brittany Calcagno York College of Pennsylvania Elementary Education
Matías Constenla Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Deanna DeVivo University of New Haven Music Industry
Kristin Altadonna Longwood University Social Work
Chelsea Bonetti Misericordia University Physical Therapy
Rob Cali SUNY Cortland Education
Brett Conti Skateboarder
Will Diaz Nassau Community College Undecided
Chelsea Amato SUNY Old Westbury Special Education
Amanda Bordino Iona College Math Education
Victoria Cammisa Nassau Community College Broadcasting/ Film Production
Samantha Andino Nassau Community College Nursing
Briana Bowman SUNY Purchase Psychology
Mike Campbell SUNY Farmingdale Criminal Justice
Jessica Apicella Eastman School of Music Oboe Performance
Erin Boyle Savannah College of Art and Design Animation
Suzanne Candela The College of St. Rose Undecided
Andrea Arnold University of Delaware Undecided Justin Artus Adelphi University Accounting Victoria Atchison St. Joseph’s University English / Biology Double Major Samantha Atchison Saint Joseph’s University Pre-Med Casey Bartels Elmira College Nursing Anthony Becker Fordham University Italian and International Study Jerilyn Beilman Fashion Institute of Technology Visual Presentation and Design Jeremy Bein SUNY New Paltz History in Secondary Education Jesse Belmont Nassau Community College Undecided Bridget Biagini Nassau Community College Undecided Lauren Birney Fairfield University Undecided Lauren Bischoff C.W. Post University Clinical Laboratory Science Steven Bogue Marist College Accounting
Matt Bracco Adelphi University Business and Finance Jillian Brackman Nassau Community College Teaching Amanda Brala Nassau Community College Pastry Cooking Melissa Brenkert University of Pittsburg Psychology Jeff Brennan SUNY Plattsburgh Computer Science Jenna Briedis New York University English Education James Brodowski SUNY Albany Political Science Jessica Brown St.Joseph’s Elementary Education Matt Brucato Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Katie Bryson Adelphi University Undecided Matt Buchheit Undecided Architecture Alex Burke SUNY Oneonta Undecided Andrew Burke Hunter College Undecided
Katelynn Boland Columbia University Enviormental Science or Anthropology
Kelly E. Burke SUNY Brockport Enviormental Science
Krista Bonagura Sacred Heart University Nursing
Kelly M. Burke University of Delaware Music, Math
John Cangelosi SUNY Cortland Post-Secondary Education Alexandra Caporale Florida Gulf Coast University Undecided Kristin Cardino Molloy College English Education Amanda Carlson Monmouth University Education Brianna Carnevale SUNY Oswego Spanish Education Mike Cascino James Madison University Business Administration Jennifer Cascio Nassau Community College Undecided Anthony Cassero Temple University Journalism Michelle Celi Nassau Community College ASL Dominick Cervo Manhattan College Civil Engineering Nick Cianciaruso Marist College Finance Marisa Cignarella SUNY Stony Brook English Education Alison Clemente Alfred University Fine Arts Mary Collins Nassau Community College Speech Chris Collins SUNY Oneonta Undecided
Mike Conway John Jay Criminal Justice Ashley Cooke St. Joseph’s College Elementary and Special Ed. T.J. Corona San Diego State University Political Science Cristina Cortes Westminster College of the Arts Music Education John Costello Nassau Community College Criminal Justice Connor Cumisky C.W. Post University Undecided Caitlyn Cummings St.John’s University Pharmacy Stephen Curry Nassau Community College Associates Degree for Transfer Talia Damico Nassau Community College Undecided Alex Damiris University of Tampa Communications David Dash SUNY Cobleskill Animal Science Rachel Decostanzo University of Hartford Elementary Education Gina DeGasperis Towson University Music Education Angela Delauro Adelphi University Biology Vincent DelGiudice SUNY New Paltz Undecided Alissa DeMaio Pace University Undecided Jenna Derasmo SUNY Oswego Childhood Education Kyle Desmond SUNY Stony Brook Mechanical Engineering
Nicole DiBlasio Molloy College Math Secondary Education Meredith Dic SUNY Oneonta Math Education Andrew DiNonno SUNY Potsdam Music Education Michael Dioguardi Molloy College Foreign Language Education Roseann Doherty York College of Pennsylvania Elementary Education Conor Dowd Mount Saint Mary College Undecided Kerri Dutton SUNY Albany Mathematics Brittany Ekert Catholic University of America Nursing Kaitlin Ekert Catholic University of America Nursing Amanda Elhilow College of Charleston Undecided Skye Enochs Merideth Manor Horse Science and Management Tim Erkens U.S. Army Michael Esposito Buffalo State Television and Film Acts Devon Esposito Loyola University Maryland Psychology Michael Farley Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Teddy Fatscher University of the Arts Dance Charlie Ferriola University of Delaware Business Kristin Festa Nassau Community College Fashion buying/merchandising
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Fiona Fisher SUNY Stony Brook Undecided
Christine Ginley SUNY New Paltz Secondary Education - Biology
Marco Hernandez Nassau Community College Undecided
Nicole Kertyzak University of Delaware Elementary School Education
Stephanie Levine Lynn University Psychology
Olivia Flood George Mason University Political Science
Brian Giurlando University of Maryland Marketing
Alexander Hoffman Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Connor Kerwin East Carolina University Hospitality Management
Victoria LeViness Adelphi University Undecided
Jen Folchetti SUNY Oneonta Math Education
Lauren Godas Siena College Education
Alexander Hoffman U.S. Naval Academy
Marianne Kramer University of Vermont Molecular Genetics
Anthony Levy Penn State University Business
Kate Frandy University of Delaware Communications
Kellie Gong St. John’s University Legal Studies
Connor Kriegel Nassau Community College Radiology
Alexandra Liese Ithaca College Undecided
Kyle Freeman Misericordia University Physical Therapy
Monica Grau Fashion Institute of Technology Fashion Design
Anthony Kritis Florida State University Business
Joe Limerick Scranton University Undecided
Kerri Friel SUNY Geneseo Biology/ Pre-Med
Nicholas Graziano Hofstra University Secondary Education - Physics
Amanda Kugler Buffalo State College Communications
Daniel Limone SUNY Binghamton Business
Kenny Fundus Adelphi University Criminal Justice
Alex Greco Syracuse University Math
Nicole LaGrega SUNY Albany Undecided
Jessica Linn Hofstra University Foreign Language Education
Michael Fursa Fordham University Undecided
Dennis Gross SUNY Farmingdale AP Computer Science
Katie Lake Saint Joseph’s University Undecided
Valerie Lipari James Madison University Biology
Bryan Gager Hofstra University Pre-Med
Victoria Harrison University of Bridgeport Undecided
Erin Lallier Rochester Institute of Tech English to ASL Interpreting
Jessica Lucero Adelphi University Nursing
Joseph Gambordella Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Nicole Hassell The College of Saint Rose Art Education
Megan Landy Wagner College Political Science and History
Mike Lucrezia Delhi University Enviormental Issues
Samantha Gann Tufts University Mathematics
Austin Haungs Coastal Carolina University Marine Science
Lauren LaRosa LIM College Fashion Merchandising
Kelsey Ludwig University of the Arts Dance
Brittany Geruasi Nassau Community College Criminal Justice
Tatum Heath University of Scranton Nursing
Caroline Lawless Molloy College Social Work
Kyle Mahoney Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts
Gayle Geschwind Dartmouth College Biology
Doug Heigl SUNY Binghamton Engineering
Jeffrey Layton Florida Gulf Coast University Business
Andrew Maloney Marist College Undecided
Jessica Gillam Mass. College of Pharmacy Doctorate of Pharmacy
Melissa Heneveld SUNY Geneseo Biology
Carolyn Leonardo Undecided Art
Nicholas Mannino Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Kristen Howard SUNY-ESF Renewable Energies Research Brandon Hutchinson SUNY Albany Computer Science Samantha Iazzetta Dickinson College Biology Samantha Irwin Coastal Carolina University Accounting, C-P. A Felicia Itri Art Institute of Philadelphia Media Arts and Animation Joseph Jacaruso John Jay Forensic Science Taylor Johnson Nassau Community College Liberal Arts; Photography Jason Kammerer Syracuse University Music Education Matt Kaplan Nassau Community College Undecided Lauren Kappleman UMASS Amherst Marketing Kaitlin Kennedy University of Maryland Nursing
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THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
THE CHIEF 5
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Jess Marcantonio Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Briana Mehm Nassau Community College Undecided
Thomas Murray Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Janine Mariani SUNY Stony Brook Linguistics
Kimberly Meyer Marist College Math Education
Danielle Musca Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Alfred Marino C.W. Post University Music Education
Jennifer Michel Felician College Nursing
Kerri Nagorski SUNY Binghamton Math
Casey Marks St. John’s University Speech Pathology
Beth Minowitz Rochester Institute of Tech Sign Language Interpretation
Katie Newman University of Scranton Exercise Science
Michael Marotto C.W. Post University Business
John Misciagno SUNY Potsdam Music Education and Music Composition
Maura Nicholes SUNY Cortland Speech Pathology
Samantha Masone SUNY Binghamton University Mathematics Kelly McCarren Penn State University Chemical Engineering Christina McCormack SUNY Oswego ESL Mike McGann Nassau Community College Undecided Angela McGinley Nassau Community College Criminal Justice Kelly McKenna Delaware University Pre-Law Kelsey McLaughlin Fordham University Secondary Education Ryan McLoughlin Skidmore College Biology Fiona Meehan St. Joseph’s College Psychology
Chelsea Moccio SUNY Stony Brook Marine Biology Sean Moran Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Tommy Moran Marist College Undecided Chris Morga University of Scranton Chemistry Michael Morgan New York University Political Science; Studio Art James Morris University of South Carolina Undecided Kimberly Mudid Univ. Massachussetts Amherst Undecided Amanda Murphy SUNY Oneonta Biology
Brendan O’Halleran C.W. Post University Undecided
Samantha Pollicino Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Visual Communications Jacqueline Poppo St. Joseph’s College Spanish Johnny Portner Temple University Civil Engineering Andrew Prafder Cornell University Industrial and Labor Relations Bryan Pusateri SUNY Farmingdale Liberal Arts Stephanie Quinn Adelphi University Biology
Jessica Opatich University of Rochester Undecided
Connor Quinn U.S. Coast Guard
Angelique Palermo Queens College Undecided
Rebecca Raimondi Briarcliffe College Paralegal
Gabriella Papale Dowling College Foreign Language
Branden Renda Hofstra University Business
Kyle Paradiso The Citadel Business Management
Brian Riley Nassau Community College Criminal Justice
Matt Parahus Lebanon Valley College Actuarial Science
Chelsea Rios The College of New Jersey Biomedical Physics
Leah Pertot Ringling College Art and Design Illustration
Yilvins Rivera Nassau Community College Computer Science
Jenny Perucca Misericordia University Speech Pathology
Caitlin Roach SUNY New Paltz Childhood Education
Andrew Policastro New York University Music Performance
Timmy Root University of Buffalo Undecided
Zach Rose Hofstra University Psychology Joshua Rosen University of Delaware Animal Science Kevin Rosenhagen Nassau Community College Music Education Christopher Rossi United States Marine Corps Nina Sabatini The College of New Jersey Nursing Lenny Sadowsky Five Towns College Music Alyssa Sagona SUNY Purchase Undecided Melanie Saitta Ithaca College Communications Robert Salerno University of Albany Biochemistry, Dentistry Kristen Santangelo Bryant University Marketing Danielle Santaniello Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Jocelyn Sausner Tulane University Pre-Med Tom Savidge Iona College Political Science Kimberly Scarola Nassau Community College American Sign Language
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
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Massapequa Federation of Teachers A Union of Teachers and Secretaries Local 1442 To Our Graduating Seniors‌ Be sure you are right and then stand. At first you will be denounced, then you will be deified. At first you will be rejected, then you will be accepted. First men will swear at you, then if you wear well, they will swear by you. First the sneer and then the cheer. First the lash, then the laurel. First the curse, then the caress. First the trial, then the triumph. First the cross, then the crown. For every scar upon thy brow thou shalt have a star in thy diadem. Stand somewhere and let humanity know where you stand. Stand for something and let humanity know what you stand for. Be sure you are right and then STAND. ‌Gordon
Congratulations!
SENIOR DIRECTORY
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
Carol Scheuerer SUNY Oneonta Secondary Education
Caity Smollin Quinnipiac University Communications
Alison Schmadtke Undecided Fine Arts
Amanda Staats Mount Saint Mary College Biology; Pre-Veterinary Studies
Carly Semple Nassau Community College Medical Technology
Steven Stashin University of Delaware Business
Ryan Shanley SUNY Cortland Undecided
Sarah Striffolino SUNY Plattsburgh Education
Daniel Sheehan SUNY Farmingdale Communications
Krista Stromstedt Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Kristen Silk SUNY Cortland Physical Education
Jenna Suris SUNY Farmingdale Liberal Arts, Sciences
Brian Smith SUNY New Paltz Secondary Education - Math
Justin Svegliato Marist College Computer Science
Erin Smith Adelphi University Speech Pathology
Marianela Taglialavore Adelphi University Accounting
Whitney Smith Ohio University Magazine Journalism
Vera Belle Tanner CUNY Queens French
Samantha Taussig SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music Music Education Jacqueline Tierney Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletic Training Ashley Tortorella Nassau Community College Special Education / Nursing Kristen Tringali Hofstra University Undecided Travis Turner Mitchell College Environmental Science Melissa Uretsky University of Deleware Undecided Robert Urrutia Nassau Community College Undecided Richard Vallario University of Albany Business Administration Mike Vati Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
THE CHIEF 7
John Verderber Adelphi University Music
Taylor Wolfson University of Southern Cali. History
Amanda Viggiani Nassau Community College Undecided
Danielle Zappa Juniata College Stage Management
James Vigilante Colgate University English
Jessica Zaret SUNY Albany Undecided
Guy Viner University of Pennsylvania Finance
Melanie Zdrojeski Plymouth State University English
Daniel Viner University of Miami Bio-Mechanical Engineering
Leanne Zinn SUNY Farmingdale Undecided
Kayla Walsh York College of Pennsylvania Spanish Education
Kyle Zuena Nassau Community College Art
James Walsh Nassau Community College Criminal Justice Alyssa Wapnick University of Findlay Pre-Veterinary Medicine Margaret Ward American University International Studies
Is it my turn already?
A word of advice from a Chief alumna BY MARISSA CETIN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 2008-2009
That was fast. I feel compelled to say it feels like just last month that last year’s senior editors and I were working on, or rather, slaving over our senior issue in good ol’ room 131. But that’s enough of my stroll down memory lane. After re-reading past editors’ college advice pieces in preparation for writing this, I noticed their
The Chief
Senior Editorial Staff
ANTHONY CASSERO Editor-in-Chief
SARA PICKLES Editor-in-Chief
advice was missing something. Yes, the “do’s and don’ts” of freshman year are incredibly helpful—join clubs, learn how to do laundry, study what you love. Yet what I learned
“The most valuable part of my freshman experience involves less of the college, and more of me.”
about myself this past year cannot be attained by auditioning for the symphony orchestra, distinguishing between the “perm press” and “bright colors” settings on the washing machine, or registering for LIT 270, Transformations of Shakespeare. Instead, the most valuable part of my freshman experience involves less of college, and more of me. On freshman move-in day at American University, August 15, 2009, I was a self-conscious and nervous girl, in disbelief that it was time to set up my cramped dorm room, a scene depicted in film and television countless times. Despite being overwhelmed, I remained unafraid and open to the new adventures of my first year of college. Soon enough the insecurities melted away and college was no longer intimidating. By May 5, 2010 I sadly packed up room 610 of Leonard Hall and came home to Massapequa a confident young woman. Cheesy? Yes. True? Definitely. And with that self-aware self-analysis comes the Marissa Cetin Three Thoughts for Your Freshman Year Mindset: Be open.—Not having an open mind is the worst thing you
can do. Even if you’re scared out of your mind, do not shut-out what’s around you. By closing yourself off from the new happenings, you miss out on connections, growth, and most importantly, fun. Some of my best nights spurred from surprise and spontaneity. Seize opportunities whenever possible, and do not regret it. Chances are you will regret skipping out, rather than going for it. Be friendly.—It’s going to be awkward, but how could it not be? You likely don’t know anyone, so say “Hi” to everyone you meet. Remember, everyone is in the same position as you so there’s no need to feel intimidated. You never know if that guy you met at some party will be in your Comparative Politics class next semester. I met my best friend at school by bonding over our shared fondness for a particular
“Get a hanging shoe-rack. Guess what, it can hold way more than shoes.” brand of lemonade at a Welcome Week party. It’s a fresh start to meet people, so take advantage and build as many bridges as possible. By not introducing yourself to someone, you could be missing out on your future best friend. Explore.—I am so lucky to have Washington, D.C. as my playground during the school year. I marched in the marriage equality rally, snuck in on a rehearsal of Hamlet at the Folger’s Shakespeare Library, and attended the Earth Day Network’s Climate Rally on the National Mall
Photo provided by Marissa Cetin
where I heard speakers like Rev. Jesse Jackson and James Cameron and saw performances by Sting, John Legend, The Roots and Passion Pit. Even if you’re not going to a city, wander about the local town, and you could always day-trip to a nearby city. There’s no reason why you should feel bored when there are possibilities abound. And so ends my last piece for the Chief. I hope my advice was helpful; I may not be an expert, but I did have an amazing freshman year which should put some merit behind my words. If you did not find a single shred of my advice useful, I will give you a practical tip: Get a hanging shoe-rack. Guess what, it can hold way more than shoes. Storage is key in tight dorm rooms, especially if you are assigned to a forced-triple like I was. Good luck MHS Class of 2010 and future class of 2014, enjoy every minute of it.
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2010
THE CHIEF 8
Remember the time when I... “During a rehearsal for the Sound of Music, I was supposed to hit the note E on the chimes at the start of the show. The lights went out in the auditorium before I found the right note, so I shouted out “I can’t find the E!” Everyone started hysterically laughing and although I delayed the rehearsal a little, I think Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Dempsey appreciated the laughs to de-stress.” “I walked into the girls bathroom in 10th grade by accident… thankfully, no one saw.” “In my second week of 10th grade, I was late to a JV soccer practice at Burns. It was already 3:15 and I didn’t have time to go change in the locker room, so I hopped behind a bush next to the high school on my way out to change there instead. I wasn’t paying attention and as I’m changing into my shorts Mr. Howard opens a window right next to me and says ‘Hey buddy, just keep your boxers on, alright?’” “On Halloween, I thought it would be funny to dress as ‘Scuba-Steve’ at school, so I wore a wetsuit, flippers and a snorkel. The wetsuit was a thick one, designed for surfing in the winter. It was a cold day, so I figured I’d be fine, but I didn’t think that the school would have the heat on. With no clothes to change into, I spent the rest of the day sweating. I guess they call it a wetsuit for a reason.” “I ripped my jeans trying to hop the fence so that I wouldn’t be late to Mrs. DeFranco’s class.” “The time I got in a leotard and danced to Single Ladies.” “Every time the ground is slightly wet and girls wear flip flops. It is guaranteed that at least twenty people slip and fall that day…usually more than once by me.” “In Mrs. McAleer’s class, there was a giant ‘MHS Waterbug’ a.k.a., a cockaroach! As the class was doing quiet work, I jumped up and screamed bloody murder when I saw it. My teacher ran away from the corner it was in, and the whole class sat with their feet off the floor for the period…I hate bugs!” “The time Mrs. Coyle jokingly referred to me as a ‘fail’.” “Getting hit in the back of the head with a water balloon in the front lobby sophomore year, and hoping it was only water!” “The time I slid down the hallway in slippers on pajama day and fell right behind someone. Also, falling up the stairs (we’ve all done it, somehow.) “On a tenth grade biology trip, I was canoeing and a swan assaulted my canoe and flipped it over in the process.” “In tenth grade, I was late to class. My teacher asked me why, and I told him ‘because I got a love note.’ I had to show him the love note to not get a detention.”