THE
senior issue
Massapequa High School mhsthechief@gmail.com
The
Chief
Vol. 63 – No. 5
June 12, 2015 www.thechiefonline.com
Massapequa High School’s Chief Source of News
Valedictorian Vincent Coghill studies his way to the top BY JEFFREY HOROWITZ BUSINESS MANAGER
To many who have been in classes with Vincent Coghill, it comes as no surprise that he’s the graduating class’ valedictorian. Vincent says he’s inspired to work harder in school by viewing it as a competition. “It’s that final push that
you need to win the championship,” he said. During his years in high school, Vincent has participated in a number of extracurricular activities, including being a copy editor and the sports editor for The Chief for the past two years. He was also a participant in the DECA club from grades
10 through 12, where he also became the 2014–15 chapter president. Moreover, Vincent played boys’ tennis from ninth through twelfth grade. This year, he was a team captain on the boys’ varsity tennis team, leading them to the Conference II championships. Vincent will be attending
NYU next year, studying at the Stern School of Business. He will be studying finance with his career path undecided as of now. Vincent thanks his parents for his success, and “basically, anyone in my life has had an impact on where I am today.” Vincent’s advice for younger students? To alleviate
stress, forget about stressful tests once they are complete. “Once you take a test, forget about the test, forget what the questions were, forget what the answers were,” Vincent said, “[because] you can’t change what has already been done.”
Bridget Keegan a friendly and compassionate salutatorian BY JILLIAN HAND COPY EDITOR
Bridget Keegan’s quiet exterior is ultimately no match for her vivacious, humble, and genuine interior. A caring friend, helpful volunteer, dedicated and diligent student, Bridget has been the recipient of several awards including perfect attendance, a bronze medal for exceptional performance on the National Spanish Exam, a citation from the Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano, for outstanding community service, as well
as an award for being an AP Scholar with Distinction from the College Board after taking a total of 14 Advanced Placement tests. Of course, these outstanding accomplishments alone do not define Keegan. Bridget prides herself as president of the Key Club, a Science Olympian, and a respected member of Mathletes and the National Honor Society. In her spare time, she plays piano, reads, tutors, volunteers, and interns at the Massapequa Pet Vet. For those who know
Bridget, her friendly attitude stretches for miles within Massapequa. “My favorite parts of high school were all the incredible people I got to know and the great friendships and bonds I formed,” Bridget said. Much of her inspiration comes from her parents for teaching her to work hard and achieve her goals. If she could change anything about her time at Massapequa High School, she wouldn’t. “If I could go back, I
would just relive it, not change anything,” Bridget said. Bridget’s greatest accomplishment is being named salutatorian with a GPA of 99.404 and, after years of rigorous study, attending Harvard University in the fall this year. She intends to focus on molecular and cellular biology as a pre-med student. In the future, Bridget plans on attending medical school and becoming a doctor — possibly a pediatrician. Bridget also offered some advice for those who will be
continuing high school. “Enjoy your time in school,” Bridget said. “While it is important to focus on your studies, don’t forget to set aside time to get involved with extracurriculars, do things you love, and spend time with friends and family.” She looks forward to being surrounded by other students who share her love for learning, as well as meeting new people and conducting research.
Top 10 things MHS won’t miss about the Class of 2015 JEFFREY R. STAAB // CBS/TNS
Letterman ends his final broadcast of Late Night on May 20.
In honor of David Letterman’s retirement from late night television, here’s a list of the top 10 things MHS won’t miss about the Class of 2015. 10. Senioritis starting be-
fore school did this year. 9. “Your attitude.” — Mr. Michael Draper 8. Having two senior cut
days flu outbreaks. 7. “No comment.” — Mr. Michael Quigley 6. Doing more work to calculate the ideal selfie angle than our pre-calculus homework. 5. What senior at MHS has ever watched Letterman anyway? 4. What senior has even read this paper? (Kidding, you
guys clearly love us, right?) 3. Not wearing lanyards after a month. We’re telling you guys, this is seriously hurting school security. No really. 2. Clearing the homecoming stands before the game was even half over. 1. Less than a third of the class doing our senior survey. (Ouch.)
DEAR SENIORS
JUN 12, 2015
THE CHIEF
Dear fellow seniors,
After 18 years, we’ve finally made it: high school is just about over, and I’m sure that almost all of us are happy about it — I, at least, know that I am. We’re adults! We can live on our own in college; we can vote; we can get tattoos, buy cars, enlist in the military to protect our country, and even fall in love and get married (which I personally wouldn’t recommend doing at 18, but to each their own — it’s your right). It’s exhilerating and liberating, and perhaps a bit bizarre that we’re already able to do all these things. To some, it might be somewhat frightening, and that’s also okay. How are we expected to know what path we want to forge when we still get scolded for not wearing yellow pieces of fabric around our necks at all times? The fact that much of one’s life in high school is so strictly dictated by other figures of authority may very well be both a blessing and a curse. It takes a load off of your mind knowing what topics to study for which tests in what subjects and when to do so. Simply completing the work to some extent is enough to get by. Your parents are always there to pay the bills, cook food and keep you grounded. And so here we are now, about to step into what seems like the beginning of a whole new life of independence. We’re becoming the masters of our own lives. This may excite you. Maybe it scares you. On the other hand, perhaps you don’t really care and just want to keep moving forward and doing you. For the fearful, the good news is that there’s plenty of time to figure out what you want to do in life. It may be a cliché saying, but it is true: it’s illogical to think that the stars will magically align to give you some sort of absolute purpose on the moment of your graduation (unless you are a Virgo — instead, you will develop a more confident outlook for your career). Now is not the time for figuring out career choices and investing in the future. Though it helps to have an idea in mind of what you want to do, it is not the be-all and end-all of your life after high school. Now is the time to embrace your passions, become a better person, and make use of your newfound freedom to do what you want. Though our memories and experiences from MHS will never leave us, the future is far brighter than our past here, and contrary to the old adage, high school does not have to be the best years of your life. There’s still much to be discovered in life: to dwell on our years here only serves to limit yourself. I realize the absurdity in trusting one of your peers with any of this advice when I may very well be as clueless as you, but trust me on this, I’ve listened to Kanye West’s The College Dropout five times, so I’m basically a qualified expert on post-graduation stress. In all seriousness, all I can do is share what I’ve concluded from my own experiences and my background. I hold high hopes for the future, and I have trust that the dots will connect as I go along. Hopefully they will do the same for you. Live long and prosper, Nelson Dear seniors, Congratulations! In just a few short weeks, you are going to be a Massapequa High School alumnus. You have many exciting events coming up in the next few weeks— yearbook signing, prom, graduation. But if you’re like me, you’re probably already fantasizing about the next four years of your college life. Around this time last year, I felt restless; I knew that there was a world outside of the comfortable and secure community that I had grown up in for the past eighteen years, but I did not know what that world was like. If someone had told me at the beginning of my senior year that I would be living more than 800 miles away from home, I would have laughed at him. But here I am, writing this letter in my tiny dorm room, realizing that even my definition of home has changed since I left for Chicago. Basically, you’ll have the freedom to do nearly anything you want in college without judgement, and it’s up to you to decide how you are going to make the most out of each decision. For instance, you can spend all your time studying in the library, or you can party every night. You can go to the dining hall five times a day, or you could sleep so much that you forget to eat. It did not take long for me to realize that in college, nobody cares. Don’t let the candor of this statement scare you; in fact, I challenge you to use it as an opportunity of self-exploration. Sign up for a course that has nothing to do with your major. Meet with your professor outside of class to learn more about his or her field if it interests you. Strike up a conversation with that person whom you always see in your large lecture class but never really talk to. Take some risks. Make some mistakes. Contrary to what most people might believe, college is the time to experiment. You might meet people who have set paths, but in reality, everyone is figuring herself out in the same way that you are. You shouldn’t worry about creating the quintessential college experience. Each person experiences college in her own way, and you’ll come to find that the moments you ultimately cherish are the ones that you least expect. Just go in with an open mind. The more receptive you are to embracing the changes that college is sure to bring, the happier you’ll be. So, enjoy your last few weeks of high school. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come, but also remember where you are headed. Good luck. Sincerely, Meghana Rao
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SENIOR DIRECTORY
JUN 12, 2015
New York “The Empire State”
A delphi University • Jessica Campitiello — Chemistry • Kathleen Oberle — Art • Michael Provenzano — English
The A rt Institute • Brianna Pawelczak — Fashion and Makeup
Columbia University • Nelson Gomez — Computer Science
Cornell University • Julie Kapuvari — Environmental Science & Entomology
Fashion Institute of Tech. • Aislinn Foley — Illustration • Olivia Vultaggio — Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Fordham University • Philip Bal — Engineering Physics
Hofstra University • Paige Baglione — Undecided • Lindsay Demsen — Political Science • Mary Fatscher — Forensic Science • Nicole Finocchio — Journalism • Bianca Saraniero — Biology
Iona College • Peter Dafnos — Business
Syracuse University • Gabrielle DiTrani — Biomedical Engineering
Ithaca College • Michaela Koetzner — Environmental Science • Devin McQuillan — Writing
John Jay School • Julia Catlin — Forensic Science
L e Moyne College • Nick Gariglio — Undeclared
LIU Post • Teresa Blando — Psychology • Shannon Burke — Art Therapy • Nicole Castagnozzi — Psychology • Megan Fawcett — Early Childhood Education • Vanessa Finazzo — Biology • Katie Kumpas — Adolescence Education
M acaulay Honors College • Matthew Lam — Accounting
Mercy College • Rose Mahan — Pathology
Molloy College • Samantha Cristallo — Nursing • Vee Mauri — Nursing • Vanessa Parisi — Nursing • Christina Stile — Education
Mt. St. M ary College • Cal Brennan — Nursing
Nassau Community College • Jennifer Cachia — Liberal Arts • Brianna Cavagnaro — Early Childhood Education • Alex Ferrari — Undeclared • Jonathan Fitzgerald — Math and Science • Justin Grimes — Business • Jaclyn Low — Communications • Diana Marcantonio — Child Education • Jonathon McCartney — Undecided • Charlie McGrath — Undecided • Anthony Panto — Education • Emily Pellettiere — Radiology • Mike Puglissi — Undecided • Evelyn Woodworth — Graphic Design
Queensborough College • Selin Solen — Nursing
Rochester Inst. of Tech. • Jake Zuena — Motion Picture Science
Sarah L awrence College • Jessica McNamara — Theatre
St. John’s University • Andrey Picinich — Special Education
St. Joseph’s College • Alyssa Pikowski — Education • Angela Santoro — Child Education
SUNY A lbany • Sean Gleason — Criminal Justice • Matt Martello — Undeclared • Michael Stashin — Undecided
SUNY Binghamton • Tyler Bresnihan — Undecided • Caroline Hennelly — Nursing • Alexandria Hensler — Biology • Christina Williams — Undecided
SUNY Brockport • Christina Conkling — Criminal Justice • Amanda Crowley — Athletic Training/ Physical Therapy • Nick Johnston — Sports Management • Jennifer LoBuglio — Undeclared
SUNY Buffalo • Michael DiBuduo — Pharmacy • Kelly Flaherty — Biomedical Sciences • Jillian Hand — Occupational Therapy/English
THE CHIEF
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• Brandon Matassa — Media • Will Vaccaro — Pharmacy
SUNY Cortland • Kristina Regan — Undecided • Marissa Spalletta — Elementary Education
SUNY ESF • Jake Finkelstein — Paper Science
SUNY Farmingdale • Michelle Bazzicalupo — Undecided • John Grande — Broadcasting • Kimberlie Law — Psychology • Sophia Mistretta — Psychology • Sheila Mulligan — Visual Communications • Chris Rail — Biosciences • Victoria Sanacore — Nursing • Kyle Senn — Mechanical Engineering
SUNY F redonia • April Lorenzi — Dance • John Modica — Music Education • Charles Williams — Business
SUNY Geneseo • Morgan Wing — Accounting
SUNY M aritime • Joseph Butterworth — Mechanical Engineering • Ryan Dashkoff — Electrical Engineering • Panagiotis Petkanas — Mechanical Engineering
SUNY New Paltz • Shannon Ginley — Education • Nicholas Smith — Business • Tom Stankard — Computer Science
SUNY Oneonta • Julia O’Leary — Early Childhood Education
SUNY Oswego • Isabel Rodriguez — Education • Jesse Stewart — Biology • Jeffrey Zhang — Computer Science
SUNY Purchase • Nicole Kaouris — Film/Cinema Studies • Josh Rose — Liberal Arts • Mary Stankard — Psychology
SUNY Stony Brook • Brian Bernhard — Mechanical Engineering • Lauren Boix — Mathematics • Cara Gallagher — Undecided • Nicholas Petrini — Bio-Engineering • Nicholas Puleio— Biochemistry • Courtney Taylor — English • Sara Zappa — Sociology
Utica College • Nikki Zizzo — Nursing
Wagner College • Kristen Bischoff — Nursing
SENIOR DIRECTORY
JUN 12, 2015
Alabama
“The John Green State”
University of A labama • Kosta Marcopulos — International Finance
“The Golden State”
California Inst. of Tech. • Greg Flores — Physics
Colorado
“The Centennial State”
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Connecticut
“The Constitution State”
Fairfield University • Toni Prato — Nursing
Quinnipiac University
California
THE CHIEF
• Philip Brady — Athletic Training • George Rozea — Physical Therapy • Jeremy Wiss — Pre-Law
Sacred Heart University • Monica Devine — Exercise Science/ Physical Therapy • Carly Halitzer — Social Work • Stephanie DiRaimondo — Psychology and Human Services • Nicole Soto — English/Creative Writing
Delaware “The First State”
University of Delaware • Jamie Ahlers — Undeclared • Kyle Cardno — Engineering • Amanda Grant — Elementary Education
Florida
“The Sunshine State”
U. of Colorado — Boulder • Tom DaCosta — Civil Engineering
University of Hartford • Angelica Ansbacher — Music Education (at Hartt School of Music) • Erin Hunt — Radiologic Technology
F lorida Gulf Coast University • Brian Pursley — Civil Engineering
JUN 12, 2015
SENIOR DIRECTORY
F ull Sail University • Nicholas Gedulig — Video Game Design
University of Miami • Lauren Tortorice — Business
University of South F lorida • Justine Matzen — Biomedical Sciences
The
THE CHIEF
Chief
Senior Issue Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nelson Gomez MANAGING EDITOR Brandan Lawrence BUSINESS MANAGER Jeffrey Horowitz
COPY EDITORS Vincent Coghill Jill Hand ADVISOR Elyn Coyle
Special thanks to Mrs. Coyle for putting up with us this past year and for her continuous support of the newspaper and freedom of the press.
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JUN 12, 2015
SENIOR DIRECTORY
Maryland “The Old Line State”
L oyola University M aryland • Ryan Teima — Biology (Pre-Med)
Towson University • Nicholas Armento — Project Management • Taylor Del Valle— Psychology • Jane Loughran — Biology • Stephanie Catoggio — Psychology
Massachusetts “The Bay State”
Bentley University • Brooke Peco — Accounting
Boston College • Danielle Bianco — Business
Dean College • Cassandra DeCuir — English
Harvard University • Bridget Keegan — Biological Sciences
Northeastern University • Jessica Bardio — Engineering • Brandan Lawrence — Undecided
U. M ass. — A mherst • Jasmine Bonanno — Biology • Erin Curley — Biochemistry
Western New England U. • Kyle Fehn — Biomedical Engineering
Minnesota “The Hockey State”
U. of Minnesota, T win Cities • Kait Peterson — ASL/German
New Jersey “The Garden State”
Monmouth University • Alyssa Jannello — Music Industry
Montclair State University
Seton H all University • Nicole Phillips — Elementary/Special Education • Summer Podmore — Biology
Westminster Choir College • Elizabeth Livingston — Music Education
North Carolina “Old North State”
Queens U. of Charlotte • Tommy DeSilva — Business
UNC Greensboro • Christina Philippou — Biology/Pre-Med
Ohio
“Birthplace of Aviation”
Ohio State University • Bobby Fieman — Sport Industry • Jeffrey Horowitz — Mechanical Engineering
University of Dayton • Devon Foley — Business
Pennsylvania “The Independence State”
Bloomsburg University • Samantha Strype — Nursing
Bucknell University • Sam Sturken — English
Kutztown University • Nina Jacaruso — Early Childhood Education • Alyssa Lomando — Communications
• Emily O’Leary — Political Science
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Saint Joseph’s University • Alyssa Pikowsky — Education
Villanova University • Nicole Feeley — Undecided
Rhode Island “Little Rhody”
University of R hode Island • Robert Schott — Business
Vermont
“Green Mountain State”
Castleton State College • Krista Carcaterra — Chemistry
Virginia
“The Commonwealth”
James M adison University • Diana Burke — Health Sciences • Noel O’Sullivan — Business
L iberty University • Matthew Lazina — Commercial Aeronautics
Careers and Vocations • Alexa LoCicero — Make-Up Designory School • Marissa Lucchese — Cosmetology and Makeup • Rachel Margolin — Culinary School • Bryan Reynolds — Auto Technician
Military Service • Robert Collins — U.S. Navy • Zack Posporelis — Marine Corps
L ehigh University • Julia Araque — Accounting
Misericordia University • Matthew Beck — Physician Assistance • Emily Caulfield — Accounting • Sean McSwiggan — Nursing • Courtney Portaro — Physical Therapy
Congratulations to the Class of 2015
The Chief wishes the best of luck to all students in whatever paths they choose.
Muhlenberg College • Stephen Koester — Biology
Penn. State University • Lauretta Kraemer — History
• Jesse Nakashian — Athletic Training
Rutgers University
THE CHIEF
Robert Morris University • Kerri Sayrafe — Nursing
[here’s where your name could’ve gone]
JUN 12, 2015
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