News
Travel
Mayor Jeff Pravato announces campaign for New York Senate
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4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758 mhsthechief@gmail.com
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The
Sports
Wrapping up Warped Tour in a memorable way
Students travel across the world to two Chinese cities
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Massapequa High School
Reviews
Upcoming games and events for the fall season
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Chief
Vol. 67– No. 1
October 5, 2018 www.thechiefonline.com
Massapequa High School’s Chief Source of News
Spicing up the new school year with state-of-the-art changes BY MICHAEL RIGGI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
school’s high blue ribbon standards. Another major addition to the school this year comes in the form of new security initiatives, including the addition of two armed security guards on the perimeter of the campus and a new colored lanyard system for students. Implemented as part of the school’s ongoing security initiative, both the two armed guards and yellow, blue, and gray lanyards help keep unwanted visitors out of the building and tighten safety concerns. Further change in the MHS landscape includes the opening of the brand new state-ofthe-art library, where students will have the ability to utilize new workspaces to complete coursework alone or meet with one of the school’s many clubs after ninth period. Within the forthcoming weeks students should also look forward to introduction meetings for new and old clubs, major sporting events such as homecoming and counties, and the return of annual traditions such as SADD
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Stay positive and persevere. You have to develop grit. You’re going to have those low points and high points, but keep smiling and working the hardest you can. - Mrs. Iconis
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SABRINA ALBERTI // THE CHIEF
Field hockey girls show off different lanyard colors worn by sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
I’m very honored to be here and excited to work here because there’s such a great environment to work with. It’s something I’ve been excited about for a long time. - Mr. Conboy
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MR. CONBOY
As the cirrus clouds of the once warm summer sky dissipate to the orange-yellow overcast of the brimming fall horizon, a new light of change reflects off the looming water tower and onto MHS. With the 2018-2019 school year finally falling into place, students and faculty can expect many changes in the building and beyond, some of which have already occured. “There are many expansions this year that will continue the long tradition of excellence in the Massapequa School District,” district superintendent Mrs. Lucille Iconis said. Whether it be changes in faculty, clubs, security, traditional lanyard colors, or even the physical building itself, the new school year undoubtedly marks a new step forward in the high school’s history. The most important force for all of the ever-expanding projects in the high school are all the new faces behind them. Undoubtedly, the future shines bright with this new light for
MHS as new sophomores and faculty members are welcomed into the building. Most notable of these new faces for the 2018-2019 school year is Interim Principal Mr. Brian Conboy. Mr. Conboy, a well-qualified veteran administrator from the neighboring Seaford school district with 33 years of educational experience under his belt, is excited to have stepped out of retirement and into the principal’s seat. “I’m very honored to be here and excited to work here because there’s such a great environment to work with,” Mr. Conboy said. “It’s something I’ve been excited about for a long time.” Mr. Conboy has stepped in for the year following the departure of former principal Mr. Patrick DiClemente, who is now serving as principal for Locust Valley High School. Having lived in Massapequa for 27 years and watched both of his children graduate from MHS, Mr Conboy is thrilled to take the reins of principal for the year and continue the
New Interim principal Mr. Brian Conboy steps in for new year. club’s Safe Halloween. and the opportunities students “The calendar is definitely will have available to them full this year,” Mr. Conboy in the group’s upcoming secsaid. “I encourage students to ond trip to MIT over Februlisten to the announcements ary break. Students in the arts and take advantage of every- programs, including band, thing the high school has to chorus, and orchestra, can also offer.” can look forward to the annual With a wide variety of clubs four-day Disney World trip at and activities, it is important the end of March. for all students, both new to Students should also note the building or returning, to newly introduced academtake part in unique activities ic offerings such as the “Go and make the best of what the Green” class and the “AP Caphigh school has to offer. stone” program, and strive to Additional new club offer- challenge themselves in their ings such as the safety commit- academic experiences ahead. tee at the high school, which The district is also excited talks about everything related to introduce new STEM and to student safety in wake of computer science classes in this year’s Parkland shooting, partnership with the Hofstra are sure to get students excited Engineering Department. and involved with their peers “Stay positive and persein the school. vere,” Mrs. Iconis said. “You “My advice for students is have to develop grit. You’re to get involved,” Mr. Con- going to have those low points boy said. “If you’re only and high points, but keep smilcoming here from 7:30 until ing and working the hardest 2:26 you’re doing something you can.” wrong. Take a chance and Whether a sophomore, judo something you normally nior, senior, or even a teacher wouldn’t be interested in do- at the school, it is important ing.” to make all time in this buildMrs. Iconis, along with ing count. Make your mark on many others, is excited to see Massapequa this upcoming the growth of the science re- year, and it will make its mark search program in particular, on you.
NEWS The results are in for the sixth grade move to Berner
OCTOBER 5, 2018
BY LAURA FRANCAVILLA MANAGING EDITOR
CAITLIN LE GOFF COPY EDITOR
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MRS.LESCOE
It was a little over one year ago that the community witnessed parents walking towards the high school, some wearing red shirts and some in blue shirts. The sign in front of the building displayed the message to all passing by promoting the Board of Education meeting to discuss the sixth grade move to Berner. Parents were heated and colors were flying. Since then, the first wave of sixth graders have successfully completed their first year at Berner Middle School, and the reaction from the community has been positive overall. “It exceeded my expectations… the students did exceptionally well academically and socially, literally we had very few issues,” Superintendent Mrs. Lucille F. Iconis said. One concern parents had was that the seventh and eighth graders would bully the sixth graders. This, however, was not the case. “I personally did not see any bullying. I had a pretty low-key group of students,” sixth grade ELA and Social Studies teacher Mrs. Jeannine Lescoe said. “There were reports of bullying throughout the school year. I just didn’t witness any of it.”
Sixth grade students at Berner engage in proactive and educational activities at Berner MS. Another concern many par- er substances would be a disAll of the students were reents had was that their child’s traction and a problem to the ported to have an easy time grades and academic perfor- younger students, who hadn’t navigating the halls to get to mance would suffer from being in a new school. “We absolutely saw a stronger student,” Mrs. Iconis said. Students were able to challenge themselves with harder course work and most were able to keep up their grades or improve on them. previously been exposed to class. The 2018-2019 school “It would be difficult for me them. “What’s been a little bit year is set to have sixty less to say if the grades were better of a problem is the vaping, you students, so there will be more or worse. There were over 500 know I’ll be very honest, we’ve room in the hallways. students in grade six last year had a few situations of the vapA major concern of some and I only taught 48 students. ing, where you don’t really have former students and some parWhat I can tell you is that my much of that in the elementary ents was the gym class changstudents worked very hard and level, of course they’re bring- ing situation and the amount met academic success in my ing it from home, but we’re on of lockers for the students. Due classroom,” Mrs. Lescoe said. top of it, we’re monitoring it,” to the “flip-flop back and forth Some felt that drugs and oth- Mrs. Iconis said. of the sixth grade,” according
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It exceeded my expectations...the students did exceptionally well academically and socially... - Mrs. Iconis
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to Mrs. Iconis, the extra gym lockers were canceled and were sold by the locker company. Lockers were not given to sixth graders until the third week of September, which did not require them to change for class during that time. On a more positive note, the seventh and eighth graders were like “mother hens” to the young students. Mrs. Iconis wants to introduce a “formal ambassador program” where an eighth grader offers to help a sixth grader around Berner for the next school year. Even clubs became more popular, including more submissions to the Berner Beacon and four sections of the cooking club had to be set up to meet student demands. While the move was very controversial, the Massapequa School District administrative office felt that the move was beneficial for everyone in the building. “It exceeded our expectations, I know we worked really hard building it, we worked for sixteen months to create it, we had a little set back with last summer, but I cannot thank the teachers enough,” Mrs. Iconis said. “They cannot believe that a sixth grader is able to work at the level the sixth graders worked at [this school year]... that was my hope.”
Local mayor Jeff Pravato runs for New York senate BY ALEX CARMENATY BUSINESS MANAGER
Involving jobs, he said that it “starts by improving our job climate, and to do that we must work to cut taxes and control spending. We must also invest in our infrastructure--- roads, highways and the LIRR must be maintained.” The mayor is also concerned about the political influence of New York City. “ If the majority in the State Senate flips—the NYC politicians will view Long Island as an ATM for New York City, and that will lead to higher taxes and more spending and the loss of state aid that we depend on for our schools and local municipalities. All of this will make it much harder for young voters to stay on Long Island,” he said. When it comes to the environment, Jeff Pravato has helped implement a new environmentally-friendly method of recycling which turns ¨trash into cash.¨ Election day takes place on November 6. Readers who are eligible to vote have a choice between Jeff Pravato or John Brooks in the Eighth Senate District. It is important to take part in elections local and beyond.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MADISON SPANODEMOS
Jeffrey Pravato, the mayor of Massapequa Park, is running for the New York State Senate. Mayor Pravato will face incumbent Senator John Brooks. The mayor is running on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform party lines. He has worked in the private sector for over twenty five years and he is a graduate of C.W. (LIU) Post. The Mayor said he was inspired to run “because we need to provide the best opportunity for success for our children— our future. Albany is at a tipping point—we are one seat away in the State Senate from seeing full one-party control. The last time that happened was in 2009 and 2010. During that time the NYC politicians created 14 billion dollars of new taxes and fees, including creating the MTA payroll tax that was a tax on all employers.” With his experience, the mayor feels confident he can handle the job. “As Mayor for the last five straight years I have kept property taxes flat—while in-
vesting in local infrastructure projects that have improved our roadways and protected our shoreline,” Pravato stated. “I have worked with small businesses to help them grow. I have taken my experience, over 25 years in the private sector and used it to get things done for our village.” If elected, Mr Pravato plans to “ work to lower the tax burden for families, seniors and businesses.” “I will work to reduce unfunded mandates and job-killing regulations” Pravato said. “I will absolutely secure more funding for our schools so they get their fair share from the State.” Concerning the drug epidemic on Long Island, he said that “I will work to protect children and families from the scourge of heroin and opioids by securing more funding locally for programs, treatment and enforcement.” Regarding young people on Long Island and their future, he feels that “we need to do everything we can do to provide the opportunity for our young voters to stay here on Long Island and work and raise a family here.”
Candidate Jeff Pravato poses in preparation for his campaign.
I will work to protect children and families from the scourge of heroin and opioids by securing more funding locally for programs, treatment and enforcement. - Jeff Pravato
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THE CHIEF TRAVEL An experience out of this hemisphere: MHS goes to China
OCTOBER 5, 2018
BY MICHAEL RIGGI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
would have liked. Due to such high population, mopeds were often seen zooming down the streets next to cars since there is limited space and limited license plate availability for Chinese people. Downtime at the university and at night allowed students to partake in unique Chinese experiences such as painting classes, a tea-drinking class, karaoke, and even a massage session (which was well worth the price). The opportunity to meet with Chinese students at a local high school was also a delight, and helped us realize that we all have many similarities with one another. But after days of ominously looming in the background, it was finally time to tackle one of the main attractions: the Great Wall. Stretching miles long above endless hills of bright green trees, the Great Wall was beyond words. Both visually and physically breathtaking, the hundred degree beating sun couldn’t even put a stop to the true beauty that the thousand year old jagged wall radiates off of its light brown bricks. After braving the Great Wall, we then braved the process of repacking and hopped onto one of the country’s famous three-hundred miles per hour bullet train to the next city: Xi’an. Much smaller than the country’s near coastline capital, the inner country city continued to awe us with the wonders the country had to offer for the three days that we were there.
Whether it be riding bikes on the Ming Dynasty wall in the heart of the city or visiting the “eighth wonder of the world,” the Terracotta Warrior Soldiers, Xi’an continued to delight. Definitely sticking out from the norms of the country, Xi’an was where our true American tourist nature came out and where we took the most pictures with random groups of Chinese people (as Americans are a rare oddity in China). Nearing the final days of the trip, Massapequa students and parents geared up in Hawaiian attire and posed for pictures in front of the impressive gold-slated Buddhist temples
land. It’s just a ferry ride away from Bayshore, and one of the more popular beach towns to visit is Ocean Beach. This small town has it all—unique stores that can only be found here, a small, but popular, pizza place called Town Pizza, and a plethora of restaurants for people with all kinds of tastes.
While Ocean Beach has much to offer, one of the most popular spots is the beach. This beautiful beach is always crowded during the summer and, most days, green flags are displayed on the beach, which means that the water is safe for swimming. The beach is also accessible from any town on the coast-
line. A tourist or resident can easily walk from one beach to the next, and if they’re feeling bold, walk all the way to the famous Fire Island Lighthouse. Another hot spot in Ocean Beach is Maguire’s, a bayfront restaurant, which boasts an abundance of seafood and a variety of other options including beef, poultry, pasta, and a vegetarian dish. Fire Island’s stores also attract many visitors. One of the most unique is Hanalei and Kula’s, a Hawaiian store that caters to many. This store sells soaps, bathing suits, and other beach attire. The owners also bring their dogs to the store, which is an added bonus. Bambootique is another popular store. T-shirts, bags, and much more can be found here. Right next door is Town Pizza which is great for a quick bite to eat. Summer heat always welcomes ice cold drinks and desserts, and after a long day
in the Wild Goose Pagoda. The end of the trip is what really hit hard the most: all of the beautiful landmarks, all the group bus rides between traveling sites, and all of the memories would fade away in just a few hours. But all good trips must come to an end eventually. Surely, this was one trip that would never be forgotten. Thirteen hours later and hundreds of pounds of luggage lighter, we landed back in America. Jetlagged, cranky, and missing pretty much every piece of luggage feasible, we sat in the airport and shuttle bus home in dead silence. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Buddhist monks and summer funks in Chinese city Xi’an.
An experience across the bay: Fire Island travel guide
BY LAURA FRANCAVILLA MANAGING EDITOR
Many students take trips to other states and sometimes other countries during summer vacation. While it’s always nice to go somewhere new and to explore, there are many places just a drive, or boat ride, away. One such place is Fire Is-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY LAURA FRANCAVILLA
The Chief newspaper staff visits Fire Island on a bright August day for a fun day of festivities.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHAEL RIGGI
Rather than celebrate the beginning of summer at the beach or with a nice refreshing water ice at Ralph’s, I was hiking up and down one of the seven wonders of the world. This summer I along withthirty-four other Massapequa students and parents were fortunate enough to travel to the other side of the planet on a once in a lifetime trip to two Chinese cities: Beijing and Xi’an. Following five years of Mandarin Chinese classes in Massapequa, we were eager to tackle China and all it had to offer. Mrs. Tracy Pi, the Mandarin Chinese teacher at Massapequa High School, accompanied by Mrs. Gail Hayes and Ms. Ledgerton, led the large ensemble and helped prepare us extensively for the trip. After years of preparation and a particularly cumbersome thirteen hour flight, the broad stripes and bright stars dimmed over the misty light red warming skies of Beijing, the capital city of China. From the first moment that my classmates and I stepped foot into the foreign country, we knew that we would be in for a treat. Partnering with Beijing University and students on the campus, we were shown slivers of what the massive hundred mile wide city had to offer for the first five days of the trip. Cultural landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven, the
Forbidden City, and the Summer Place not only impressed us by their sheer size, but also by their beauty. Within these first few days we also had the opportunity to visit important historical landmarks as well, including Tiananmen Square and the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Between visiting these locations we were given the opportunity to tour local markets at our own pace and buy unique goods from the country. Unlike America, a lot of what you buy in China can be bargained down for with the vendors (as they often raise prices significantly when they see tourists). After some practice, we all were able to bargain down prices with the vendors and buy gifts for home for dirt cheap prices. Not only were prices for general gifts much cheaper than America, but prices for food were much cheaper as well. Distinctly different than our local Chinese restaurants down the street in Massapequa, meals such as the famous Beijing roasted duck helped solidify real non-Americanized Chinese food as some of the best tasting food around. Even though Beijing might not have had the famous mouthwatering slices of New York pizza, it certainly had more than enough crazy traffic to make it feel just like home. Cars, mopeds, and buses (oh my!) converged in five lane intersections a lot more than we
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at the beach, a trip to Scoops hits the spot. Scoops is the local ice cream place that offers a wide variety of flavors, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. The line is usually out the door, so it’s best to plan to get there plenty of time before the ferry departs. Many tourists stay the whole day or spend a few nights in town because no one wants to miss the amazing sunsets viewable from the dock. These sunsets paint the sky with gorgeous purples, pinks, yellows, and oranges that leave everyone viewing in awe. Fire Island also has many other towns to visit including Cherry Grove, Seaview, Kismet, and more. Each town has its own unique qualities and attractions, and shouldn’t be overlooked when planning a trip to Fire Island. The ferry ride over is expensive but worth the price. There is plenty to do and see, and memories made here will last a lifetime.
SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE
OCTOBER 5, 2018
THE CHIEF
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Massapequa Surviv Sophomores:
for - Use all the staircases and look shortcuts nd! - Your locker is your best frie ere are - Besides the main hallway, th gate other hallways to help you navi the school lute - The snack lady sells the abso best cookies - Do your classroom gym assign lue! ments, every assignment has va n fig- Try different clubs so you ca like ure out which ones you really Important Dates to Remember Event
Date
-PSAT/NMSQT October 13 -Pep Rally
October 19
-Spirit Week
October 15-19
-Homecoming
October 20
-Safe Halloween
October 28
-Peter Pan November 2-3 (Fall Drama) -First Midquarter Ends
November 9
Senior
stay m d n a ff o ck a sl ’t n o D t! year — make it coun h your it w d e iz n a rg o y a t S eve any deadlines; it will reli gs find and submit thin e colleg - Make sure that th credits to accept your class offere s se u o h n e p o o t o G great terested in; this is a hool sc e h t e k li u o y if d stan spirit! - Show your school ook rb a e Y e h t in lf e rs u o see y ar and e y st la r u o y y jo n E away be o l il w It ! m ro P o t o - G ple in o e p e m so h it w d n e sp journe embark on your new
Spirit Week Monday: Pajama Day
Tuesday: Character Day
Wednesday: Hawaiian S + Senior Sh
Thursday: Throwback T
Friday: Chiefs Day
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OCTOBER 5, 2018
SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE
THE CHIEF
High School val Guide
Juniors: ou are y if rs e ch rs: a e t r u o y help from k e e S st la r u o y ’s it , motivated overwhelmed u are a o y n e h w e se o t e v Colleges lo d n a n io t a rm fo mber in e e m g e e iv coll ct a n a o ls a t udent bu st d o o g o t g in ry t n e h stress w of the community n by io t a d n e m m co re f o rs our lette y t e G ly p p a re a u o ges that y of June d n e m e h t y u b u o y re senior fo e b before y a ss e e g e ll co r u Finish yo in e ’r u o y s e g e ll co y ed b arts st r a e y re d n u ly ru t xam eare T way to C A r o / d n a T A S - Take the enough lf e rs u o y e iv g u o y ake sure m d n a o t ly y a w r e h t o n exam. n a g in k It’s just a a t re fo e b e preparation tim k! erfect. p s e k a m e ic ct ra P e im ou will y l e fe u o d do not wish the t y t a h t s e - Take AP class well in u o o y d s t h ig n st la e h t one of all u o y re fo e b e d ra g r u yo ey
Schedule
y
Shirt hirt Day
Thursday (Decades Day)
*information is accurate as of print
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OCTOBER 5, 2018
Editorial
EDITORIAL
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Addressing the new safety policies at MHS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Riggi MANAGING EDITOR Laura Francavilla ONLINE MANAGER Billy Boye COPY EDITOR Caitlin Le Goff SPORTS EDITOR Sabrina Alberti BUSINESS MANAGER Alex Carmenaty ADVISOR Melissa Hornik Massapequa High School 4925 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758
Editorial Policy
The Chief, the student newspaper of Massapequa High School, is an open forum to discuss the student body’s issues and concerns. Members of The Chief will make every effort to publish following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. Consistent with the first amendment of the United States Constitution, the staff also will refrain from printing material that may incite students, be a violation of MHS’ Student Code of Conduct or disrupt school operations. The editorial board of The Chief welcomes and encourages submitted letters, stories, cartoons and any other feedback to the editor. Please send all submissions to mhsthechief@gmail.com. Letters sent by email may need to be verified by student signature before publishing. • Although anonymous letters to the editor are not printed, names will be held upon request. The Chief has the right to deny publication of any editorial, column, review or comment. • Grammatical and/or spelling corrections will be made; however, the content will not be altered. • Corrections will be printed when mistakes are found or brought to the attention of the staff. • Original stories will carry bylines, although stories rewritten by someone other than the original author will not receive a byline. Contributing writers will be listed at the end of an article. All bylined writers will be held accountable for their work. • All columns, reviews or commentary are strictly the opinion of the writer and may not represent opinions held by the school board, administration, sponsors, parents, student body or advertisers. However, all editorials reflect the viewpoint of The Chief editorial board. Distribution: 1,800 copies 1,807 students, 194 teachers All papers are free
As the 2018-19 school year kicks into full gear, the hallways are once again filled with the clanking of lanyard chains and school issued IDs. However, the sea of yellow seen in years prior has now been washed away to a new wave of blue and gray in the midst of heightened security practices at MHS. With the number of school shootings and tragic events continuing to occur in the United States, such as the Parkland, Florida shooting in February of this year, copious new systems regarding school safety have been implemented in the Massapequa school district in an effort to keep students and faculty protected at all times. In addition to the policies introduced last school year regarding students needing to wear their lanyards and locking classroom doors at all times, the Board has decided to shake up the new school year even further with the introduction of different lanyard colors at the high school and two armed security guards outside campus. The new lanyard system at MHS now aligns each grade level with specific colors in
order to make students more easily identifiable and to keep unwanted visitors out of the high school. While the sophomores continue to carry on the legacy of traditional yellow lanyards, all juniors now wear light blue lanyards while the seniors flaunt gray lanyards. Each grade also has a specific background color behind their school-issued pictures on their ID to further aid in distinguishing them. Many students feel that the lanyards won’t stop an unwanted intruder from coming in the building. However, school faculty has been very diligent in making sure that anyone entering the building has their own lanyard on them for identification. While some have praised some of these new initiatives, such as the lanyard system, others have responded with a considerable amount of backlash to other security issues, such as the two armed guards now patrolling the perimeters of campus. Acting as the next chapter in the ongoing increased safety initiative at MHS, the armed guards serve the sole purpose of bordering the periphery and keeping a watch on the school
Carmenaty’s Corner
from a distance. In response to heavy community backlash, the Board made it very clear that the guards would never enter the building unless there is an active shooter scenario. Many have argued that weapons should not be near the school while others argue the contrary. The effects of the shootings in Parkland, Florida and Birmingham, Alabama have changed the conversation from topics of interest to topics of direct involvement. While weapons do pose a major threat when put into the wrong hands, arming these very select few guards was a smart choice by the district in order to progress the safety of students. Most guards here at MHS are also former police officers and other trained professionals to handle weapons. All things considered, the guards are put in place to reduce response time, which is important since every second counts in a life threatening scenario. The alternative lanyard system also acts as another well-welcomed piece in the school safety puzzle. The risk that open campus lunch carries alone is enough to warrant these much-needed changes
to the once lackluster lanyard system. In particular, the three distinct lanyard colors ensure that not only strangers, but alumni and other individuals cannot sneak into the school and wander around without being questioned. With this new system, a twenty-something year old graduate, for instance, would have a much more difficult time passing as a sophomore with a yellow lanyard around his or her neck. Despite the distinct and eye catching new lanyard colors and the presence of weapons near campus, there are still potentially dangerous situations that can arise. Whether a student or a stranger, people with hostile intentions can unfortunately always find a way to get into the building regardless of whether a colored lanyard or armed weapon is stopping them. Risk is unfortunately a natural part of life, but the new safety initiatives in place undoubtedly have helped MHS to head in the right direction. Massapequa should never become another statistic. Now more than over, it’s important to keep the conversation going.
Charles Krauthammer: giving the world a nudge BY ALEX CARMENATY BUSINESS MANAGER
Charles Krauthammer, who passed away on June 21 at the age of 68, was one of the most courageous, articulate, and influential voices of our time. Winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, he was best known as a commentator on Fox News. He shared his insights on politics for nearly forty years and was welcomed into millions of homes, yet most most of his audience never knew he was handicapped. Krauthammer was born in Manhattan in 1950 to Jewish parents who fled Europe. His father taught him to value education and to never be ignorant. Charles attended McGill University in Montreal, Oxford, and Harvard Medical School. While at Harvard, Charles and a friend decided to go swimming one day. Diving head first into a pool, he suffered a serious injury in a freak accident damaging his spinal cord. As a medical student, he knew exactly what had happened. This injury left Charles paralyzed, but it did not discourage him from completing his education. He would end up graduating in 1975, becom-
ing a trained psychiatrist. Like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, he learned to fiercely deny his disability because he wanted to lead a productive life. A few years later he discovered his passion for political journalism, writing an op-ed that was published in both The New Republic magazine and the Washington Post in 1978. In 1980, Krauthammer was hired to be a speechwriter for Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter’s Vice President. After Carter lost to Ronald Reagan, Krauthammer was hired by The New Republic writing editorials and he would go on to be an important part of the political scene in Washington, DC. It was while covering the Reagan Administration, which he would come to support, that he converted to conservatism. He coined the phrase “The Reagan Doctrine” to explain Reagan’s Cold War policies which led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a medical doctor, Krauthammer believed in weighing the evidence and saw how government programs can often hurt the people they intend to help and weaken the bonds of civil society. In 2005 he became a Fox
News Contributor appearing as a regular panelist on Special Report, first with Brit Hume and then with current host Bret Baier. Liberal or a conservative, Krauthammer was always a fair and honest observer of events. Though he disagreed with the Democrats on many issues, Krauthammer also had strong objections to the policies of President Donald Trump. What Krauthammer cared about most was what was best for America at home and abroad. In all of his writings and commentary, Krauthammer never kept it personal and focused on policies. First and foremost, Krauthammer saw himself as “an honest critic” who believed in taking his arguments to their logical conclusion. Communicating in plain language, he would convince the reader or the viewer by persuading them in a logical sequence taking them from what they believed to what he believed. In this manner he made politics, which can often be complex, understandable and quite human. Charles also was very optimistic about America and its ability to produce great leaders when they are needed. He
never forgot that it is people that make great events possible. In Krauthammer’s view, when we needed a Lincoln or an FDR or a Reagan, that is thankfully who we got. Amazingly enough, Krauthammer was one of those people who by the power of his intellect also made a great contribution. During his life, Charles Krauthammer accomplished many things. He led a full life as a journalist, as a husband to his wife Robyn, and as a father to his son Daniel. But his most lasting contribution was as a man of ideas. What makes his achievements even more remarkable was that he accomplished all of this after his tragic accident. Most might have given up, but not Charles Krauthammer. He showed courage not only during his many years in a wheelchair, but his greatest battle was this past year when he was diagnosed with cancer. He kept fighting for life up until the very end and was inspiration to millions of people. When death came he left these words as his testament: “I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life and complete with the great love and great works that make it worth living.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The highlight of gaming’s biggest annual convention
OCTOBER 5, 2018
BY BILLY BOYE
ONLINE MANAGER
Video games are a media that has been steadily rising over the past four decades. Starting all the way back in the days of Magnavox Odyssey and Atari, we now have advanced consoles such as the Playstation 4 and the Nintendo Switch. With the rising popularity of video games, many people wish to express their love for video games in different ways. Conventions such as E3 are an
excellent way to do this. Standing for the Electronic Entertainment Expo, E3 is a convention where large gaming companies go to reveal their newest games and software to the public. The convention took place from June 9-14 at the Los Angeles convention center. There were many big contenders in attendance, including Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Bethesda. Some of the heavy hitters for Sony included The Last of
Us 2, Spider-Man 2018, and to the delight of many, a remake of Resident Evil 2. One of the most anticipated reveals from Sony however, was Kingdom Hearts 3, set to release in 2019. Microsoft came swinging with trailers for Fallout 76 (which is not the 76th game in the series), Crackdown 3, and a mobile game featuring a crossover between Gears of War and the popular collectables Funko! POPs. Arguably the biggest reveal however, was a teaser trailer for a new
Halo game, titled Halo Infinite. Nintendo focused much of their presentation on the highly anticipated Super Smash Bros. Switch, giving it an official title of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The presentation for the game featured the reveal of new characters, gamemodes, and stages. Bethesda’s presentation started with the CEO of the company himself, Todd Howard, coming out on stage. He went on to reveal a sequel
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to the critically acclaimed DOOM, titled DOOM Eternal, more gameplay for Fallout 76, and to top it all off, a teaser trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6. All-in-all, E3 is a platform for companies to reveal their products. However, it also serves as a way for gamers to express their love for gaming in the hundreds of activities and events at the convention.
The curtain has finally fallen on Vans Warped Tour
Warped Tour washes away as Mayday Parade riles up the crowd at the final event. light for me was seeing one of but most hung out in the “par- ty of mosh pits for most bands, my favorite bands, Crown the ents only” tents. which aren’t for the weak. BeEmpire. While most people were ing pushed around in a circle The atmosphere was amaz- able to keep their excitement of sweaty strangers may in ing. Everyone had a smile on under control, some fans truth sound like a fun time, their face and was just excited crowd surfed to get close to but it really isn’t — unless you to be there. their idols, which is not rec- like that sort of thing. During most of the mini ommended by security. While The whole day was insanely concerts, it felt like there was it’s nice to see everyone enjoy hot and luckily there was a free a personal connection between themselves, crowd surfing is water refill station available to the band and each fan in the rather painful and dangerous, everyone all day long. Some crowd. Even parents went to especially when you’re short bands were also signing merenjoy the day with their kids, like me. There were also plen- chandise and taking pictures
with lucky fans at set times at their merch tents. To end the day, 3OH!3 played some of their hit songs and immediately after, Simple Plan was the last performance of the night. For everyone who stayed the twelve hours, Simple Plan put on an amazing performance and the band members even crowd surfed through the crowd of fans. After the last song, everyone filed into the parking lot to get back to their cars. Some people, including my friends and myself, took the promotion posters for bands off the gates and fences as free keepsakes. Although Warped Tour is over, the memories remain. It was an exciting, fun filled event that will live in the hearts of everyone who worked there, performed there, and attended the event. Warped Tour allowed people who enjoyed the same kind of music to mingle and just have a good time together. So long and goodnight, Warped Tour.
lieves it to be Veronica, which also sparked anger from people who felt that Jamey’s consent had been taken away. Things only get worse when Veronica accidently kisses Jamey in the heat of the moment at a school football game. Sierra found out, hacked into Veronica’s Instagram, and cyberbullied her in front of the whole school in the middle of the game. However, the film did have some highlights. Sierra’s best friend Dan, played by RJ Cyler, called Sierra out each time she was being a bad friend— something all the viewers wished they could’ve done as well. Viewers also enjoyed Sierra’s confidence in the beginning of the movie when she tells herself that she is “a magnificent beast!” While he was a favorite character, throughout the mov-
ie, Jamey seemed to be innocent and a nice guy. However towards the end of the film, he says “you’re not exactly everyone’s type… but you’re my type,” which is a backhanded compliment that wasn’t expected to come from such a loveable character. Viewers were upset with such a comment because in the beginning, Sierra comes across as a confident plus sized girl, and were upset how Jamey sees her as plus sized and not just a normal human being. Although it got many negative reviews, Sierra Burgess is a Loser had generated heated debates among people of all ages and opinions. Some plot holes should have been tied up by the end, but the film accomplished its main purpose—to get people talking. Any press is good press.
BY LAURA FRANCAVILLA MANAGING EDITOR
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KAT RISOLA
For the past twenty four years, millions across the country have spent hours in the summer heat waiting for some of their favorite bands to perform. Vans Warped Tour presented by Journeys had its last cross country tour on July 28, 2018 on Long Island. Set up in the Jones Beach Theater parking lot, 18,000 people lined up in front of the gates to be the first inside the music festival. Seven stages were set up throughout the parking lot with a schedule available to see where each band would play and when. Grudge Holder and Drop. Kick.Pop kicked off the concerts at 11 am and from then on there was constant music on each stage. My friends and I mostly went to the Journeys Left and Right Foot Stages for today’s more popular alternative bands, and the Mutant White Lighting Stage for the more heavy metal bands. A high-
The many different losses in Sierra Burgess is a Loser
BY LAURA FRANCAVILLA MANAGING EDITOR
SABRINA ALBERTI SPORTS EDITOR
Netflix took the world by storm this year after releasing many hit original movies. One such movie is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and it was mainstreamed all over the country in a matter of days. Countless viewers fell in love with the cute storyline and the talented Noah Centineo in his charming role of Peter Kavinsky. After the smashing success of his hit film, Centineo displays a different kind of character in a new Netflix original film called Sierra Burgess is a Loser. The film sparked controversy across the country and many viewers shared their strong opinions online soon after it hit the screen. The main character in this movie, Sierra Burgess, who
is played by Shannon Purser, shows a perspective that the audience rarely experiences. The main character displayed dishonesty in the film while the antagonist displayed bullying. Veronica, played by Kristine Froseth, is the antagonist who is the popular girl and was able to manipulate many guys into anything she wanted them to do. This leads to the characters lying and portraying themselves as being other people online. Veronica helped Sierra achieve her goals and in return, Sierra tutored her after school for chemistry. Another problem many viewers had was the portrayal of a plus size main character who pretends to be someone she isn’t in order for a guy to date her. While many were happy to see a plus sized character
played by a plus sized actress, and have the character show an amazing amount of self confidence also, but it was over played by Sierra’s lying and revengeful attitude towards her peers. Another plot element viewers turned a cold shoulder to was when Sierra meets Jamey in person and pretends to be deaf. Jamey’s own brother is deaf himself so the two “bond” over it. However, viewers weren’t too keen on having someone fake a disability and get away with it. The film also sparked controversy from its depiction of Sierra and Veronica apparently “catfishing” Jamey. This means that Sierra is pretending to be Veronica and actually ends up watching them go on a real date together. Sierra kissed Jamey when his eyes are closed and he be-
SPORTS Girls varsity soccer team strives to reclaim state title
OCTOBER 5, 2018
BY SABRINA ALBERTI SPORTS EDITOR
Last year the girls were victorious over Northport in the Long Island Championship. This was their third time conquering this team for the significant title. Brenna Brown and Kate Fiola were the underdogs. They both scored at the end of the game to make an astonishing 2-1 victory. Even though last year would have been their fourth state championship, the girls are focused on making their way upstate to claim their title. “We need to strengthen our defensive line and create more scoring opportunities,” senior center back Elis Hingher explained. “In order to succeed in this, we need to maintain a strong positive mentality.” It is clear that the team has an optimistic mindset, which is key to achieving these great
Senior Kate Fiola swipes away a defender at the Long Island Championship Game.
Brewers. Last season, Atlanta finished with 72 wins, Colorado lost in last year’s wild-card game, and Milwaukee only missed the postseason by one game. Now, Atlanta and Milwaukee have won their respective divisions while Colorado is back in the NL wild-card game. Not to mention, the Oakland Athletics won 75 games in 2017, and now they have emerged as a contender, facing the New York Yankees in the 2018 AL wild-card game. This year’s postseason already looks enticing, as two tiebreaker games were played on October 1 to determine who wins the NL Central and
West, as well as the NL wildcard matchup. Milwaukee clinched the NL Central with a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in game 163, while the Dodgers blew out Colorado to clinch the NL West for the sixth consecutive season. This led to a wild-card matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field on October 2. Many baseball fans were thinking that a hitting duel would take place at The Friendly Confines that night. Instead, the game was highlighted by a pitcher’s duel that was reminiscent of 2016’s NL wild-card matchup between San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner and the Mets’
gan on September 12 versing Southside on their home turf. All the girls are very excited
Major League Baseball postseason is in full swing BY RYAN PAGANO STAFF WRITER
Baseball’s All Star Game is long over and the trade deadline has passed, this means that there is one more thing to look forward to this season: playoffs. The regular season is over, and now nine more teams remain in the hunt to win this year’s World Series. While the American League (AL) playoff bracket almost looks like an exact copy of last year’s, things have been very different in the National League (NL). New teams that did not qualify for the postseason last year have emerged, including the Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee
Noah Syndergaard. With two outs and two runners on base in the 13th inning, Colorado’s Tony Wolters singled to bring home the go-ahead run. Scott Oberg struck out the Cubs’ final three batters to put a suspenseful and exciting wildcard game to bed. The AL wild-card game should be a suspenseful game, as well. The explosive Yankees offense set to face the underdog Oakland Athletics in the Bronx. Luis Severino is set to start his second consecutive AL wild-card game, while the A’s look as if they will be bullpenning this game and starting reliever Liam Hendriks. For those unaware of what bull-
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to reach for the stars and make this season one to remember.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KATE FIOLA
After a loss against Baldwinsville in the state finals at Cortland High School, this year the girls varsity soccer team has been focused on working hard to succeed in their goals and earn their fifth state title. The girls are committed to improving their skills in order to get ready for the critical season. “We’ve been going up to Berner kicking the ball around and shooting on one another as well,” senior forward Kate Fiola said. “I am very excited to see what we can bring this year.” Kate and the rest of the seniors have held practices before preseason in order to get in shape for the upcoming games.
goals. The team’s season consists of thirteen games, which be-
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penning is, it is when a team starts a game using one of their relief pitchers instead of a normal starting pitcher, and using the remainder of their bullpen to finish the game. Soon, it will be down to eight teams in contention for the World Series title. The only thing that all baseball fans, myself included, can do now is to see who wins and who loses. It’s only a matter of time before a new champion is crowned. *all information is current as of October 3*
Upcoming Varsity Games To Watch Team
Event
Location
VS Team
Date and Time
Varsity Boys Soccer
Game
Berner
Syosset
October 9 (6:30 PM)
Varsity Boys Volleyball
Game
Massapequa High School
Plainview
October 13 (10 AM)
Varsity Field Hockey
Game
Berner
Baldwin
October 13 (10 AM)
Varsity Girls Soccer
Game
Berner
East Meadow
October 19 (7 PM)
Varsity Football
Homecoming
Massapequa High School
Baldwin
October 20 (2 PM)
Varsity Girls Volleyball
Game
Massapequa High School
Farmingdale
October 24 (5 PM)