THE
senior issue
THE YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 2 SENIOR DIRECTORY PAGE 2-7 OUR TOP ATHLETES PAGE 8
Massapequa High School
JUNE 10, 2011
mhsthechief@gmail.com
Vol. LIX - ISSUE 6
A Message to the Class of 2011 t letter. It’s no is th g in it r r rd w e newspape ally awkwa e th r s lt t’ fe a y th ll ( a 1 m 13 rigin onal experiss sat in roo now that I o ti k le a e c ld u th u e d o e n h s o r n s u y I up o t ou gu e, but would sum school – bu f t rd, of cours o I feel like y a a s th w y k s a s d w t la a s c l r e our s, fi ake me fe Snider (our ded hallway e ing to say to w ig th o e r a c P m , difficult to m s o d s n ie f k ie o y fr y coo g to think to leave her and asked m d – cart lad e r in e m g m n ld room) tryin to lo to e t le s m tt e ju t a li ual stuff ca e fashion, sh rent. So I sa ig fe a if P d e g u ence. The us tr in th in ut eeded some rite about, b , “Figure it w id a ld s u d o n h I felt like I n s a I d t a he editor) wha e flicked my h s n e h head photo w g ghin ink to ourI started lau th : g d n in a th k alone. e c a m b o e sit ght of s nts when w resentation e p m Then I thou le o b m ta e r th fo er… ncom in-Chief.” ncement!” ays rememb u n after an u o lw w n a o n l d ’l A e l it out, Editors w ia c ff to g “Spe s the stu finally gettin s when we the big red e ’s t it a m Maybe that’ r ti th e e g th th e in h z ’s li y, it rea fe is good. W e a snow da o one in or v n a h w o to n k g selves that li u in o o yg class that y uch more s we’re reall lly matter. n m a a e r e r fo t m a k e s it th in front of a a s s b n g e ca enin the school w not sure we mpowere ificant happ ’m I s n t’ e I ig s s . u e a in it c graphic on h n e c fi b u s is in vely, the relief of ings that cant negati the universe th ifi n n o le t tt ig c li s a e p in laugh with e th s im our with ean to u d the p each day all, and yet u m e s k o But I don’t m a s , m trying to fin o t t s s a e r ju th a e s e r g a w in t o wh le th ze tha oup of kids bine the litt r m g o than to reali a c : e e w m n o e tc at. e ou And wh al stuff at th an awesom ic h h ing, really. it p o w s p o u il h d p the you t, we en ls that give so I’ll leave nce. , il r h ie matter mos d r g e u e p o r x fi e th d , r s u pecte y of u guy re of o place, unex impossibilit l heesy on yo e e c g infinite natu th a o d b to n e t a e , th g e we t to efor hes in of the thing I don’t wan e the night b late to lunc t n e r r o a d p to e a v r ll a ie a h s ’s a d ould ut it if it’s e has prepare ific friend, b work you sh d c e n e a m p I’m not sure o s is h a t th d a e n r th fi ) s to explo ht to do cheesiness… over 650 kid ol has let us e f o r o h o c an extra nig ll m S fu h le m ig tt li iu H ch ed a qua auditor (so I includ school, sear at Massape th th to r w g scanning an fo o in t n o e k s g d to is l ne pe ils an it’s coo here everyo e way. I ho raise the sa w th e lk y w call life. And b ta s , s a y ll y n e r a e w e are ht as er discov orry if ther s g, so we mig us for furth in ’m I it ( a s w o p is r ty orld and look fo , Well, the w e r tu ic p ig s in the b for our face , o! bye for now is correct). d d g o u o o in y G th t y a r e th v e everything Noelle Witt Good luck in hief Editor-in-C
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THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
Osama Bin L Dead 5 aden: /1/11 Egypt p rotests for justice Massive quake h earthits Japa n
Glee Community
The Office Jersey Shore
Scotty McCree ry: new American Idol
SF Giants win World Series Packers win the Super Bowl Spain wins the World Cup Lebron James goes to the Heat
es the m o c l e w MHS n inistratio m d a w e n f pening o o l ia c ffi O r cafeteria the cybe qua 11: e p a s s a Mr. M r. slau & M e r B x e l A z Schwart
Year: Song of the llum’s Lady Antebe ow” “Need You N f the New Artist o nza Year: Espera Spalding
Special thanks to Tom SG <3
senior directory Brooke Abatemarco Iona College Undecided
Bryan Baroniunas Nassau Community College Criminal Justice
Lia Bergdoll Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Juan Calderon Culinary Institute of America Culinary Arts
Nicholas Chicoine United States Coast Guard Academy Undecided
John Adams University of Tampa Communications/ Journalism
Kristina Barry SUNY Stony Brook Political Science/ English
James Bonilla Nassau Community College Electrical Engineering
Ashley Cimino Farmingdale State College Business Management
Erin Afshar University of Scranton Occupational Therapy
Brian Bartichek Rider University Business Nicholas Bartolomei Villanova University Mechanical Engineering
Erin Calvert Five Towns College Audio production
Nicole Cirami St. John’s University Pharmacy
David Albaranes SUNY Brockport Exercise Physiology
Jacyln Bossen FIT Fashion Merchandising Management
Tim Callahan SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry Environmental Science
Brittany Bastien St. John’s University Undecided
Lorraine Caravello CUNY Queens College Elementary Special Education
Daniel Clarke Binghamton University Business
Phil Amato C.W. Post Law Enforcement
Tara Brady SUNY Cortland Childhood Education
Tim Bauer Siena College Finance
Michael Cardile Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Glen Cohen Farleigh Dickinson University Computer Science
Jenna Amendolare SUNY Cortland Adolescent Education in Math
Sean Brailey Fordham University Business
Christina Bautista SUNY Stony Brook Undecided
Lauren Carnevale SUNY Buffalo Biochemistry
Lindsay Coleman Johnson and Wales University Business
Gabriella Arcabascio Molloy College Speech/Language Pathology Audiology
Amanda Brody Rider University Advertising and Marketing Erin Brussell Quinnipiac University Physical Therapy
Bryan Carpentieri Hofstra University Music Education
Christina Colon SUNY Binghamton Undecided
Rebecca Brust Farmingdale State College Undecided
Ashley Carrizo University of the Arts Dance
Kathleen Buckley SUNY Morrisville Dietitian
Carly Cassin SUNY Binghamton Biology
Kyle Buttigieg Rochester Institute of Technology Computer Science
Alexa Castaldo FIT Interior Design
Adam Ashmawi Adelphi University Biology Amanda Austin SUNY Oswego Adolescence Education in Mathematics Chris Balzano Fordham University Business Michael Bamonte Farmingdale State College Computer Engineering
Jenna Bedard Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Francis Bennett Nassau Community College Undecided Alexandra Bentz Farmingdale State College Health Studies Maria Benvenuto Villanova University Undecided
Angie Calarco Nassau Community College Undecided
Jason Celaru Boston University Broadcast Journalism
Angelo Colonna United States Marine Corps John Conlon Virgina Tech Finance Michele Conte Nassau Community College Undecided Erin Conway Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
senior directory
THE CHIEF 3
Tim Cook Nassau Community College Undecided
Dominick DeMonte Nassau Community College American Sign Language
Kristin Esbin Monmouth University Psychology
William Gerber Villanova University Business
Taylor Hein Manhattan College Special Education
Kaitlin Cooney SUNY Albany Pre-Med
Alyssa Derasmo SUNY Oswego Chemistry/ Forensics
Nick Evangelista University of Miami Engineering
Nicole Gianotti Mount Saint Mary College Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy
Lee Henderson University of Miami Undecided
Kelly Corcoran Hofstra University Communications/ History
Samantha DeSandis Drexel University Nursing
Frank Falcone Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Keri Giaquinto SUNY Oneonta Elementary Education
Chris Henning SUNY Oswego Business
Lisa Cordara SUNY Geneseo Biology and French
Jade DeVito Penn State University Harrisburg Education
Nick Farino Self-Employment
Dan Glasser Clarkson University Aeronautical Engineering
Victoria Hoffmann Make-Up Designory Dramatic Makeup and Cosmetology
Rocco Costa Farmingdale State College Undecided Bianca Costa Nassau Community College Undecided Alyssa Costello Molloy College Math Secondary Education Briana Costello Hobart & William Smith Colleges Psychology Elizabeth Crow University of Delaware Undecided Matthew Curry Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences PharmD Jackie Cutrone Nassau Community College Undecided Adam Daly SUNY Buffalo Exercise Science Matthew Damiani University of Maryland Engineering Taylor D’Amico Hofstra University Math Education Brittany D’Andrea St. Joseph’s University Elementary Education
Diana DiCocco Hofstra University Business Dominick DiGiovanna Duquesne University Economics Anthony DiGregorio Farmingdale State College Computer Science/ Programming/ Networking Travis Dillmann Suffolk Community College Automotive Fabrication Allisa DiPolito FIT Advertising and Marketing Communications Vanessa DiSilvio Mount Saint Mary College Business-Accounting Joseph Dito SUNY Binghamton Computer Science Tom DiTrani Syracuse University Engineering Emily Ditzel Nassau Community College Undecided Mike Donohue Flagler College Business Colleen Dougherty Towson University Criminal Justice
Andrew Fatscher Dowling College Marine/ Environmental Science
Justin Goldberg Hofstra University Accounting
Kaitlyn Horne SUNY Albany International Relations
Brian Feeley Farmingdale State College Liberal Arts
Lauren Goldman SUNY Geneseo Undecided
Nicholas Fetzer Manhattan College Engineering
Stephanie Jarmolow SUNY Binghamton Biology/ Pre-med
Bobbi Finkelstein Virginia Commonwealth University Art Foundations/Psychoogy
Michael Charles Anthony Gonzalez Nassau Community College Radiology Kaitlin Gordon SUNY New Paltz Communications and Media
Endri Jaupaj Edinboro University Health/ Sports Science
Chelsea Finn Florida State University Exercise Science
Vincent Gough Farmingdale State College Undecided
Allison Jerz Molloy College Elementary Special Education
Christina Fiorinelli Manhattan College Elementary Ed/ Special Ed
Noelle Grande SUNY New Paltz Elementary/ Special Education
Christopher Jolly Nassau Community College Engineering
Taylor Friedman SUNY Cortland Physics Laura Gager Farmingdale State College Psychology Ryan Gaitings Farleigh Dickinson University Business Marissa Gambardella SUNY Binghamton Biology/ Pre-med Tyler Gannon C.W. Post Forensic Technology Tara Garland University of Tennessee Knoxville Animal Science
Edward C. Green SUNY Maritime Marine Engineering Ashley Gubista Stockton College Physical Therapy Derrick Guzman Bloomsburg University Business/ Engineering Michael Hablenko Marist College Undecided Alex Hagen SUNY Albany Undecided Megan Halstead SUNY Plattsburgh Communication Disorders
Kenneth Daniels Farmingdale State College Architectual Engineering Technology
Miranda Drees Mount Saint Mary College Childhood Education
Kara Dastis SUNY Binghamton Undecided
Rob Duffy Marist College Sports Communication
Shannon Garrity Manhattan College Exercise Science/ Pre-Physical Therapy
Anthony Delicce SUNY Binghamton Biochemistry/ Pre-Health
Brooke Dutka Fairfield University Nursing
Kevin Gatti SUNY Plattsburgh Undecided
Mike Delicce SUNY Binghamton Pre-Med
Christina Egan University of South Carolina Social Work
Samantha Gaudio SUNY Fredonia Early Childhood Education
Louie Delligatti Nassau Community College Criminal Justice
Lauren Eicher Mount Saint Mary University Criminal Justice
Erin Geier American University Communications
Meaghan Haskell Iona College Communications and Journalism
Monica DeLuca Loyola University Business
Robert Enright Johns Hopkins University Economics
AnnMarie Gerard Farmingdale State College Nursing
Jen Haynie NY Institute of Technology Media Communications
Rachel DeMers Towson University Business Marketing
Missy Erdman SUNY Brockport Nursing
Douglas Gerber University of New Haven Criminal Justice
Ashley Hedgis University of Rhode Island Pharmacy
Matt Hamdan University of Delaware Biology Brianna Harley Clayton State University Liberal Arts Tom Hartman University of Albany Finance
Joseph Ibraham Hofstra University Undecided
Nicholas June Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Kelsey Kaczmarek Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Ravshan Kadirov Marist College Finance Andrew Kahane Farmingdale State College Business Melanie Kalin Liberty University Elementary Education Dan Kalin NY Institute of Technology Architecture Chris Kearney Art Institute of Philadelphia Media Arts and Animation Toniann Keiling Monmouth University Environmental Science Tyler Kelly Hofstra University Undecided Jackie Kennedy Wagner College Pre-Veterinary Andrea Keuchler Suffolk Community College Culinary Arts Charlie Keuchler SUNY Buffalo, Exercise Science
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
senior directory
THE CHIEF 4
Alyssa Kirschbaum Queens College Special Education
Lauren Lalo SUNY Geneseo Psychology
Ian Lukaszewicz Swarthmore College Political Science/Pre Law
Alyssa Mascolo University of Maryland Biology
Susie McNulty Rutgers University Dance
Stefanie Kitsos Hofstra University Speech - Language Hearing Sciences
Rudy Lanzillotta SUNY Cortland Undecided
Kieran Maenza Manhattan College Chemical Engineering
Daniel Masi Nassau Community College Undecided
Brendan McQuillan West Virginia University Physical Education
Caitlin Lawlor Boston University Biology/Neuroscience
Victoria Maffeo SUNY Cortland Physical Education
Alivia Massimillo DePaul University Business
William Mcvicar Johnson & Wales University Culinary Arts
Matthew Massimillo SUNY Binghamton Biology/Pre-med
Taylor Milano Penn State Harrisburg Communications/Journalism
Matt Matera University of Tampa Sports Management
Chris Miller Florida Atlantic University Mathematics Educations
Robert Mauri Nassau Community College Undecided
Patrick Miller CUNY John Jay Political Science/ Psychology
Jessica Mawad SUNY Oneonta Undecided
Deanna Miro Adelphi University Nursing
Christine McAndrews C.W. Post Forensic Science
Joe Mogavero Nassau Community College Accounting/ Psychiatry
Robert McGrath SUNY Oneonta Undecided
Sarah Molnar CUNY Hunter College Psychology
Ian McGuie Nassau Community College Undecided
Katie Morgan Hartwick College Nursing
Leonard McKinley Albright College Pre-med and Chemistry
Kaitlyn Mottola University of Scranton Undecided
Joe Kmiotek SUNY Plattsburgh Adolescent History BM/ST Lisa Knoph SUNY Binghamton Business Kelsey Koetzner Mount St. Mary College Nursing Scott Kornfeld Nassau Community College Undecided Stephen Kostis St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Education Amanda Kramer Villanova University Chemistry Jeremey Krebs SUNY Geneseo Political Science/Pre Law Caitlyn Krug SUNY Oneonta Physical Therapy Jagger Kugler Emerson College Theatre Education Jake Kugler Northeastern University Criminology Lisa Labriola Farmingdale State College Liberal Arts Rachel Laines SUNY New Paltz Mathematics
Jacqueline Lee SUNY New Paltz Communications and Media Brandon Lew SUNY Binghamton Undecided Robin Li The City College of New York Biomedical Engineering Eileen Liebler SUNY New Paltz Journalism San Lin St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Business Management Jason Lin Manhattan College Civil Engineering Tara Livingston Adelphi University Nursing Amanda LoBianco Long Island Beauty School Cosmetology Bryan Locher University of Miami Marine Biology /Psychology Carson Lombardi Johnson and Wales University Baking and Pastry Arts Vincenzo Loseto Culinary Institute of America Culinary Arts
Kristin Magaldi Fordham University Lincoln Center Undecided Stephen Mahoney Queens College Film Nicole Maier University of Colorado-Boulder Pre-Law/ International Affairs/ German Timothy Maisch Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineering Ryan Malenczak Nassau Community College Undecided Sean Malone NY Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Rachel Mando C.W. Post Forensic Science Samantha Manfre Briarcliffe College Graphic Design and Fine Arts Greg Marinello SUNY New Paltz Art Education Lauren Martin Nassau Community College Psychology
Brandon McMahon Nassau Community College Liberal Arts
Lauren Murphy Mount Saint Mary College Nursing
Greg McManus Montclair State Universiy Film
Morgan Murphy Wilkes University Special Ed
Emily McNally Stony Brook University Undecided
Jill Nagorski Farmingdale State College Nursing
senior directory
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
THE CHIEF 5
Photo provided by Island Photography
Thomas Nagy University of Rhode Island Engineering
Luke Pellizzi Towson University Undecided
Kim Randolph Barry Tech BOCES Animal Care
Grace Rivera SUNY Geneseo International Affairs
Brian Nani SUNY Buffalo Undecided
David - James Pentecost Five Towns College Music Education
Nicole Rapetti Mount Saint Mary College Communications
Angela Rizzo Quinnipiac University Communications/Media Studies
Dylan Napolitano Adelphi University Finance
Janina Pereira Hofstra University Biology
Brandon Raymond Nassau Community College Criminal Justice
Danielle Roamer University of Scranton Occupational Therapy
Francesca Napolitano Northeastern University Pharmacy/ Honors Program
Anthony Petrik Five Towns College Jazz/ Commercial Music
Matthew Rearden NY Institute of Technology Mechanical Engineering
Michael Roefs SUNY Binghamton Computer Science
Josef Pevsner Cornell University Industrial & Labor Relations
Meghan Reedy SUNY Plattsburgh Speech Pathology
Sean Rogers SUNY Albany Finance
Glenn Pfeffer SUNY Farmingdale Architectural Engineering
Pat Regan SUNY Binghamton Undecided
Jake Rogers John Hopkins University Political Science
Kat Picinich Bel-Rea Institute Veterinary Technician
Taylor Reid Iona College Communications
Steven Romano Hofstra University Communications
Melinda Reidy University of Scranton Health Science
Tiffany Rondinelli SUNY Cortland Exercise Science
Stephen Reisig C.W. Post Graphic Design
Andrew Rosenfeld Michigan State University Undecided
Nicholas Rendina The Cooper Union Chemical Engineering
Emily Rubano Culinary Institute of America Baking and Pastry Arts
Amanda Renieri SUNY Stony Brook Pharmacology
Rich Ruiz Nassau Community College Accounting and Business
Amanda Reverberi Loyola University Pre-Med
Kerry Ryan Salisbury University Undecided
Mike Ringle Farmingdale State College Business
Natalie Sabia Providence College Biology/ Secondary Education
Chris Riotta University of Maryland Broadcast Journalism
Chris Sarro SUNY Cortland Physical Education
Lauren Nappi Nassau Community College Fashion Design Carah A. Naseem Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music Vocal Performance Jartin Nery United States Marine Corps Danielle Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell St. Thomas Aquinas College Criminal Justice Amie Oldmixon SUNY Oswego Early Education Shannon Oliveri Loyola University English Literature & Writing Mario Oliviero Nassau Community College Psychology Andrew Padyk Manhattan College International Relations Brooke Palmer C.W. Post Nutrition Molly Peck Nassau Community College Respiratory Care
Louise Pinto Farmingdale State College Undecided Jacyln Pipitone Iona College Elementary Education Nina Pisciotta Nassau Community College Radiology Jenna Pitta C.W. Post Undecided Dan Potash Nassau Community College Liberal Arts Taylor Pugliese SUNY New Paltz Political Science Brian Radigan IV Boston University Undecided
Alexa Savino Adelphi University Honors College English/Political Science; Law School Sean Scarisbrick Manhattan College History Thomas Schaefer SUNY Binghamton Engineering Jesse Schiffman Daytona State College Undecided Derek Schimmenti Philadelphia University Architecture Jenna Schlefman Siena College/ Albany Medical College Biology Kaitlyn Schlesinger CUNY Queens College Music Education Jenn Schneider Rider University Elementary Education Mike Scott SUNY Maritime Marine Engineering Christina Scuderi SUNY Buffalo Pharmacy Jessica Seigies Providence College Business Danielle Senande Dowling College Liberal Arts Emily Seroka FIT Visual Presentation
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Massapequa Federation of Teachers A Union of Teachers and Secretaries Local 1442 To Our Graduating Seniorsâ&#x20AC;Ś 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. â&#x20AC;ŚGordon
Congratulations!
THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
senior directory
THE CHIEF 7
James Shand Merrimack College History
Steven Sohmer SUNY Albany Undecided
Krista Tennariello Nassau Community College Undecided
Marissa Van Houten SUNY New Paltz Psychology
Zachary Weiss SUNY Stony Brook Electrical Engineering
Dylan Sheehan Springfield College Undecided
Athena Soregaroli Mercy College Special Education
Jessica Teresco Wagner College Physician Assistant program
Ryan VanBuren West Virginia University Undecided
Conor Wetzel University of Maryland Education
Matthew Shizume United States Army
Stephen Spano Hofstra University Computer Science
James Theoharides Endicott College Business
Noelle Witt University of Richmond English/ Philosophy/ Marketing
Joan Stanton Baylor University Political Science
Dan Varon University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign Aerospace Engineering
Andrew Tralango SUNY Plattsburgh Business
Richard Staubitz Hofstra University Film
Sarah Trompeter SUNY Albany Mathematics
Jessica Sickles Farmingdale State College Liberal Arts Kevin Silverman University of Maryland College Park Criminology/ Criminal Justice James Simko Farmingdale State College Aviation Professional Pilot George Sinacore Hofstra University Business Jessica Sinacore Hofstra University Pre-med James Skow Sanitation Department Jarred Slatky SUNY New Paltz Business Ciaran Smith NY Institute of Technology Video Communications Matthew Smocovich Salisbury University Undecided Paige Snider Virginia Commonwealth University Communication Arts
Jessica Stolfi Adelphi University Elementary Education and Psychology Jackie Stroveglia Mount Saint Mary College Public Relations Jamie Strumwasser Marist College Math/ Secondary Education Meaghan Sullivan SUNY Cobleskill Communications Katelyn Tamargo Syracuse University Environmental Engineering
Lauren Tuminello Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College Fashion merchandising/ International Marketing Jennifer Uretsky SUNY Oneonta Undecided Cole Vaccaro NY Institute of Technology Architecture Maximillian Vainshtub CUNY John Jay Forensic Psychology
Michael Tamborino St. John’s University Physician Assistant
Andrew Valenski University of Richmond Molecular Biochemistry/ Cellular Biology
Michael Tardino Farmingdale State College Criminal Law
Chris Valenti SUNY Oneonta Undecided
Kristen Tasch Quinnipiac University Physical Therapy
Michael Valentin Hofstra University Undecided
Shelby Vestrich Nassau Community College Digital Art Charlton Villavelez Nassau Community College Marketing Sarah Viollis FIT Advertising and Marketing Justin VonWieding South Harmon Institute of Technology Undecided Ian Walsh Nassau Community College Undecided Amanda Walters SUNY Albany Criminal Justice Robert Wapnick Castleton State College Undecided Jeremy Watkins Boston University Public Relations Keri Watson Mercy College Undecided Kevin Watson SUNY Env Scie and Forestry Envrionmental Science
Samantha Wolf SUNY Plattsburgh Elementary/Special Educatio Bryan Wood University of Miami Computer Engineering Andriana T. Xenophontos NY Institute of Technology Pre-Medicine Ayla Yildiz Monmouth University Undecided Brian Yurasits New York University Undecided Marina Zimmerman Hunter College English Christopher Zito Fordham University Business/Accounting Joseph Zontini United States Navy Rob Zupo SUNY Binghamton Undecided Alexandra Zvinys C.W. Post Undecided
I thought college was about three things... Some words of advice from a Chief alumna BY ANTHONY CASSERO MANAGING EDITOR ‘09-’10
I’d like to start off by congratulating the graduating class of 2011. You got through high school, new security guards and drugsearching dogs. College will be a great experience, but it will be very different from high school. Hopefully this letter will help ease your transition to campus life. Having a roommate will be one of the biggest changes many of you will have to adjust to. I had two different roommates during my freshman year. The first one shared a mutual respect but didn’t hang out with me, or even really talk to me. The second one became one of my friends. I can definitely say that life is easier when you are friendly with your roommate, so try to befriend him or her. A friend will be less cranky about letting you into your room when you are locked out. However, if you do not become chums with your roommate you need to have respect for each other’s boundaries. I would recommend Facebook friend-ing
your roommate over the summer and getting to know him or her. When I was graduating high school I had no clue how to do laundry, and I’m sure many of you also don’t. But because the importance of learning how to do laundry before you go away has been emphasized and reemphasized in past letters to the graduating class in The Chief, I’ll instead tell you that it is important to not leave your clothes in the laundry room. Inevitably your clothes will either get stolen or mixed up with someone else’s, and I can personally tell you that you don’t want to have to explain to your roommate why there is a leopard print thong mixed in with your jeans. The decision of whether or not to return the underwear to the laundry room or throw it out was more difficult than any exam I had this year. Regardless of how many friends you’ve made at MHS, every one of you is probably at least a little scared of making friends at college. But don’t worry; everyone who goes to college has that fear. This causes nearly everyone to be friendly during
the first week of college. The most important thing I can say is get out and meet new people, especially during those first couple of days. Go around knocking on people’s doors to introduce yourself and start conversations you normally wouldn’t; I promise this behavior won’t be considered weird. I’m sure you’ve all heard about the dreaded “freshman fifteen.” Fear not, it is possible to go through freshman year without gaining these pounds – I’ve seen other people do it. The hardest part of keeping off the pounds is not only what you eat, but when you eat it. Midnight runs to a pizzeria are a staple of college life. Definitely enjoy the college cuisine, cheap pizza and ramen noodles, but if you’re the type of person who will worry about the weight, don’t be afraid to say no to those midnight pizza trips. I suppose the responsible thing to do would be to give you some academic tips. Before you register for a class, look up what the teacher is like. Unlike at MHS, not all the
professors at college speak English well. Spending half the class guessing what the teacher is saying is neither enjoyable nor conducive to learning. Just like in high school, a good teacher can really make a difference in how well you do in a class. When I first left Massapequa I thought that college was about three things: girls, parties, and more girls. I’m sure all your interests in college are far more academic than mine were initially, but, the point is, I was wrong… college is about so much more than frat parties. Don’t worry, I’m not about to lecture you about the importance of your GPA and internships – I’ll let your parents and teachers do that. College is a time when you learn not only about academics, but about yourself as well. I know that it’s extremely cliché, but it is true. College is when you begin the transformation from who you are now to who you will be. I hope every person who is reading this embraces and enjoys college. I guarantee your first year will fly by.
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THE SENIOR ISSUE 2011
Athena Soregaroli: Softball: All-Conference; Field Hockey | Andrew Valenski: Track and Field: All-American Winter Track | Amanda Reverberi: Soccer: NYS Player of the Year | Sam Berna: Volleyball: All-State Honors | Eric Amato: Baseball: 4-2 Record with 2 Shutouts; All-County | Rob Enright: Lacrosse: All-County | Dylan Sheehan: Lacrosse: All-County | Robbie Chiocco: Football Runningback; Lacrosse: All-County | Ryan VanBuren: Basketball: All-Conference Starting Forward | Steven Romano: Football: All-County; Lacrosse: All-County | Brian Bartichek: Soccer: All-State Honors | Amanda Schmidt: Cross Country: 5x State Qualifier | Camera Shy: Conor Wetzel: Wrestling: State Qualifier