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Grover Cleveland
Herald
Peer Pressure
Page 2
Grease!
Page 3
Volume 24, No. 5
June, 2002
The Test of AP Exams
By Lillian Rodriguez
From May 6th through May
17th, the Advanced Placement
exams took place at Grover
Cleveland. Students of all A.P.
classes crossed their fingers, as
they anticipated the difficult, college-level exams.
A.P. exams add a great deal of
pressure to both the teachers and
the students. Preparation for these
exams forced students to work
diligently in order to get the passing standard of a three or better.
In order to prepare adequately
for the exam, students in A.P.
classes work intensely from September to May.
Discussing the preparation
process, A.P. English Literature
instructor Mr. Cappuccio commented, “Preparing students for
the A.P. exam requires a willingness to take every word seriously.”
He continued, “A writer never
puts down anything that does not
have meaning, and it’s important
to me to get students to see that
about the act of reading.”
Aside from the level of difficulty and what teachers think, as
exam time neared, students tried
to remain focused.
Senior Izabela Zabrocka stated,
“From a student’s perspective, I
feel a little intimidated because
these tests are no joke. Once
they’re all over, I’ll feel relieved
to have gotten through them.”
While stress is high, students
benefit from AP classes. “The
A.P. English course helped improve my writing skills,” said
Maria Lazeryv. Another student
added, “The A.P. program has
prepared me for college.”
With luck, when the scores are
announced in July, everyone will
have earned those college credits!
Student Achievers Honored
By Nicholas Zarzava
On Wednesday, May 15, an Honor Roll Ceremony was held in the
auditorium to recognize academic achievement by students with a
grade average of 85 or higher.
Although 430 students made the fall 2001 Honor Roll, approximately 120 students attended with their proud parents. The principal,
Mr. Dominick Scarola, welcomed everyone and spoke to the assembly
saying, “Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals.”
He encouraged everyone to “be the best” they can, and followed up
with a quote which meant, life is learning and learning is life. Principal
Scarola complimented the students and emphasized, “You can’t get
anywhere in life without hard work and education.”
After the principal spoke, the Honor Roll candidates heard a rock
musical presentation. Then the students were each handed certificates
of learning as they came on stage and shook the principal’s hand.
When the ceremony finished, students and their families enjoyed
refreshments in the auditorium lobby.
One freshman, Mikhail, commented, “I am extremely proud of myself to receive such a memorable honor and certificate. I hope to make
it again.”
Madalin, a sophomore, said, “This is one happy day for me and my
family, too.”
Senior Achievers Honored at Awards
Principal Scarola congratulates Cely Batista upon receiving
the senior class gavel award during Senior Awards Night. The
ceremony to honor outstanding seniors was held on Wednesday,
May 24. After Mr. Scarola addressed the students, Clover performed songs, and awards were presented to over 100 seniors.
History Comes Alive
By Amanda Quinde and Angelina Diaz
A celebration of Black History Month and Women’s
History Month took place in room 327 on March 26.
Performed
by members
of the Cheerleader Club
and the YBA
Club, the 40
minute celebration combined poetry
with song. It
Cheerleaders at rehearsal
played before
an enthusiastic audience that frequently cheered.
One participant, Dayana De Peña, a sophomore, said,
“The performance of ‘Phenomenal Women’ really got
everybody’s attention.”
Ms. Louis and Mr. Zigler served as Advisors for this
event. Mr. Zigler, who directed the performance, said,
“Anytime you can celebrate Black History Month is
always a joy.”
Teachers brought classes to this event, and many students gave up lunch to see the celebration, which was
repeated during periods 4,5,6 and 7. The event generated
a great response from the students who saw it.
“They loved it,” said Jessica López, a sophomore,
“Some people wanted to stay and see it a second time.”
The presentation took much effort by many students,
who worked six weeks to create it. Mr. Zigler said, “The
students put a lot of time into the show.”
From The Principal...
A
s the school year comes to a close, let us reflect on this
past year. We all remember September 11th and we
will always have that memory. We will never forget the
experience, but it is important for us to move forward and
live our lives to their fullest. New York City, a wonderful
place full of excitement and activity, is just the place to
do that.
I want to congratulate all of our graduates, honor roll
recipients, clubs, and teams for making my first year
at Grover Cleveland High School so memorable. Our school
community has welcomed me and has made me feel
at home.
As we prepare for next year, be ready to do the “Right
Thing.” Grover Cleveland is and will continue to be a safe
and secure environment for all of its constituents. Let me
leave you with this thought by Robert Louis Stevenson, “To
be what we are, and to become what we are capable of
becoming, is the only end of life.”
Internship Program
Paves Way to Success
2:50 PM, when she escorts
By Jason Pantone
Senior student Khyati Joshi the children outside to their
is spending her last semester at parents.
Grover Cleveland H.S. parti“I have learned so much in
cipating in the Executive In- a short time” Khyati said. “I
ternship Program.
learned that the
This challenging
teacher actually
program allows a stuhas to care about
dent to earn credits
the students and
outside the school
be a good role
while learning about a
model. Seeing
chosen field of study.
what a teacher
Khyati, who wants to
goes
through
be a teacher, began her
every day has
Executive Intern
internship at P.S. 71 on
really helped,”
Khyati Joshi
February 4.
added Khyati.
Khyati’s day starts early, at
She added that the in8:40 AM, when she reports to ternship “has given me career
Ms. Chin and her fourth grade experience and made me a
class. She helps the children more confident person.”
with their math and reading
Khyati was able to particiskills, and also checks their pate in the Internship Program
homework.
thanks to the help of coordinaIn addition to assisting tor Ms. Jackie Kascooner and
them in activities such as arts college advisor Ms. Sternlieb.
and crafts, Khyati helps to They hold weekly meetings to
supervise various recreations. see how Khyati is doing.
Since this is a learning experiThe school benefits from
ence, she takes notes on this program that helps the
what is important to be a students of Grover Cleveland
good teacher. Her day ends at prepare for their future.
In My Opinion
Facing Down Peer Pressure
By Lillian Rodriguez
Being a teenager is not an easy task, simply because of
the dangers that
must be avoided if we’re
to become successful adults.
Drugs
and
alcohol
come
into play because of peer
pressure. When
people in your
age group use
drugs and alcohol at a party, it
can be tempting
to join the crowd. Sometimes, it’s almost impossible to say no.
Going to parties and hanging out with friends who sometimes
want to have so-called “fun” is always risky. Often they figure
that if I’m with them and part of their group, I should also take
part in whatever they decided to do, whether it’s drinking alcohol
or smoking pot.
While shoving liquor or marijuana in my face, I would constantly hear, “Come on, it’s nothing. Just do it. You’ll lighten up
and love the way you feel. It relaxes you.” Turning them down, I
turned my face and let them know that if they couldn’t handle
rejection, then I didn’t need to hang out with them anymore.
They understood where I was coming from and promised not to
offer it to me anymore.
Having good friends that understood me when I said “no” was
very important for me, because it has kept me away from the
dangers that could ruin what I worked for all my life: getting
good grades in school and preparing for a successful future.
Peer pressure is everywhere but as long as teens are able to
resist it, some worries may be overcome. Teenagers have to learn
how to stay away from peer pressure to cut school, do drugs or
consume alcohol.
With dedication and will power, however, anyone can do it,
just like me.
GROVER CLEVELAND HERALD
2127 Himrod Street, Ridgewood, NY 11385
(718) 381-9600
Principal: Mr. Dominick Scarola
AP, Communication Arts: Ms. Geri Manus
Page Editor:
Aleks Ciruna
Managing Editors:
Negisa Balluku & Lillian Rodriguez
Front Page Editors:
Carmen Hui & Maggie Ku
Photo Editor: Denise Zambrano
Advisor: Ms. Sedlack
The Grover Cleveland Herald is composed of stories about the students and activities
of Grover Cleveland High School. We ask students their opinions about current
issues and hope to use their responses to provide a forum of communication for the
school.
We welcome any comments or letters on the paper’s content. Please drop your
letters in the English Department, room 315.
Special thanks to our Assistant Principal, Ms. Adams, our Computer Coordinator,
Mrs. Sara Kintzer, our Computer Technician, Mr. Uche Onaga, Mrs. Tish Garribaldi,
and Security Officer Jesus Vazquez.
The Gift of Song
By Stephanie Nolan
The advanced Guitar class
and Clover, the advanced chorus class, got a taste of stardom
when they were invited to a
recording studio to make a CD
at Manhattan’s LoHo Studios.
Andrea Llerena, a member
of Clover, commented, “This
was so cool. We had so much
fun at the recording studio. It
will be a day we will remember forever.”
Mr. Green and his guitar
teacher were instrumental in
arranging the CD recording. A
contact of Mr. Green had heard
about two performing groups
and their outstanding reputations. He than invited them to
come down and record.
Mr. Green and his guitar
class recorded six pieces, including many of their concert
performance pieces. Mr. LuisPierre, the chorus instructor,
and Clover recorded their “Les
Miserable” medley, which has
about eight solo parts; “Think
of Me” from the “Phantom of
the Opera,” and a French song,
“Tourdion.” It was a stressful
day that demanded the best
from the performers. All
agreed, however, it was also a
fun-filled experience.
After the pieces were recorded, the studio allowed the
students to review their performance. They were very
pleased with the results.
The studio informed them
that they would need to edit the
recording and it would then be
copied onto a CD. All proceeds
from the CD sales will be donated to charities assisting victims of the WTC tragedy.
The day became even more
special when Dr. Prasso, Clover’s former teacher, also took
part. She helped the chorus
vocally warm-up and stayed
for a while before the recording.
All in all, it was an amazing
day and Mr. Luis-Pierre promised that their singing will
“definitely benefit” from this
inspiring experience.
Grease!
By Sugheily Hernandez
Featuring well-known
melodies and great dances,
“Grease” came to Grover
Cleveland on May 2nd and
3rd in a terrific show filled
with talent and humor. Many
in the audience felt it was the
finest musical ever performed here.
The show consisted of two
different casts. On May 2,
Cely Batista played the
sweet, innocent Sandy Dumbrowski, while Edward
Dixon was the rebel, Danny
Zuko. Both talented actors
gave it their best, as did Jasmine Sacarello, who played
Rizzo, the big bully of the Pink Ladies.
One of the most humorous characters,
Roger, was played by Anthony Mortillaro.
Among the many students with angelic voices
was, of course, Eddy Perez, who sang the
heavenly “Teen Angel,” one of the show’s
highlights.
Accompanied by a band of six musicians,
“Grease” had an outstanding cast that was
both energetic and entertaining. Thursday’s
show was terrific, and the director, Mr.
Rubenstein, was the person who made it all
possible. He created a show straight out of a
teenager’s heart. “Grease” is the word!
Grease Friday
On Friday, May 3rd, “Grease” played its
second evening performance. The stars of the
June,2002
illustration by
Rene Chalco
night were Chris “Milo” DiGiovanni who
played Kenickie, Brian Reyes as Doody, and
Ryan Berry as Danny Zuko. When these guys
entered the scene, the audience went wild.
Heating up the show, Irisselly Arroyo
played Cha-Cha DiGregorio. She danced a
sexy Hand-Jive dance contest with Danny
Zuko. This number got alot of applause
A girl in this school, however, can brighten
your day with a few notes from her beautiful
voice. Zoraida Alcantara, as Sandy Dumbrowski, sang a memorable “All Choked Up.”
Of course, Rizzo is a key role, and LorenIrwin let the audience see a tender heart inside
her tough exterior.
So, “Grease” will be remembered by many
as a fun trip to the comical, crazy 1950’s.
—Chris Kolb
Spring Concert Brings Joy
By Connie Morales
The students of Grover Cleveland celebrated the beauty of spring with songs of joy
and music in their Spring Concert, on Thursday, May 23.
The school’s numerous and talented choruses and bands joined together to give an
outstanding performance.
One chorus performer, Amy Arunamata,
stated, “I’m so happy that I was part of this
event. It was so much fun.”
The Guitar Ensemble, with 27 performers,
got the show off to a magnificent start, after
the principal, Mr. Scarola, welcomed family
and friends.
Later, the Junior Band, conducted by Mr.
Bookey, blazed through “Superstition Overture,” “Canterbury Coronation,” and “Freedom’s Gate.”
Next came an outstanding performance
from the Mixed Chorus, who sang “Blowin’
in the Wind,” “The Trout,” and other songs.
The audience was then treated to the moving “Viva Vivaldi,” played by the String Orchestra. Another highlight occurred when the
Senior Band played a rousing performance of
“The Great Locomotive Chase,” as well as
“Great Moments in Cinema.”
Last came the popular Clover and All Girl
Choir. The Clover chorus sang “Freedom
Song,” based on the main theme of the fourth
movement of Symphony No. 1, as well as a
moving “Seasons of Love,” in which the audience waved their hands in appreciation.
To end the show on a wonderful note, the
All Girls Choir performed “Kalinka,” “Dona
Nobis,” and “From a Distance.”
All the groups taking part in the Spring
Concert seemed pleased by the appreciative
cheers and applause at the end of each section. After the finale, there was little doubt
that the students of Grover Cleveland had
enjoyed a very special evening of music,
song, and joy.
By: Tamara Diane Johnson
No Doubt is back with a new album called Rock Steady. The album heats up the scene with the first single "Hey Baby" she’s
joined by Bounty Killer.
No Doubt features Gwen Stefani on vocal, Tony Kanal on bass guitar, Tom Dumont on guitar and keyboard plus drummer
Adrian Young. On this album Gwen and the guys wrote the majority of the songs and collaborated with Bounty Killer and Lady
Saw to help No Doubt with their reggae inspired song. They also had the opportunity to collaborate with Price on the song "Waiting
Room".
No Doubt was formed in the mid 80's and struggle for years to get their generally happy music heard in a time when radio stations were playing hard rock music. No Doubt is known for their eclectic sound. Some of their songs are reggae inspired while others are punk rock and rock song. No Doubt finally made it big in 1995 when they released Tragic Kingdom. The hit single off this
album were "Just a girl" and "Don't Speak" . These two songs were inspired by bad breakups that the group went through. The
next album, Return to Saturn, went platinum.
No Doubt is known for their wild and crazy shows and their flashy style of clothing. Also Adrian tends to start stripping in the
middle of their shows. This album is worth buying because it has a lot of dance music and the lyrics are cool. It's also a rewarding
listen for people who have been No Doubt fans for the past 15 years. Without a doubt No Doubt should be around for another 15
years.
June, 2002
On The Run With Track
By Laurentiu Stan
Grover Cleveland fielded a strong track team with good performances from Eugene Mociornita, Jonathan Trinidad, and
Samir Halilovic. The team was led by Coach Fimmano, who
said, “I saw notable improvement in last month’s competition.”
According to Coach Fimmano, “Halilovic excelled at long
distance running, while Mociornita and Trinidad consistently
recorded excellent
times in short and middle distance.”
New runners such
as Rosario Mannino
and Albi Skendari
“showed great promise” and the coach belives that next season
will be a strong one for
them.
Girls Hoopin’ It Up
By ZhiYong Dong
The Girls Basketball Team once again
brought great pride to the school ending a
successful season with a 19-7 record.
Led by Coach Ciano, a Gym teacher at
Grover Cleveland, the team featured
strong players, such as Shannon Gonzalez
and Lucyna Halys, along with center Stefanie Lacku and guard Jennifer Barenboim.
All of the team’s members, however,
were consistent contributors to the season’s success.
Coach Ciano said, “All the girls practice hard and play well in pressure situations.” He added, “This is a team that is
committed to doing its best.”
The coach also praised the notable
efforts of Aurora Troche, Jillian Alicea,
Laura Melo, Yahira Madera, Colleen Mulligan, Kelly Franco, Marie C. Michel, and
Andrea Stewart, saying they added “depth
to the team.”
Once the season started, the team practiced every day while playing several
games a week. In addition, the players
maintained grades to remain on the team.
Despite the winning record of this season, Coach Ciano is concerned about next
year’s team. “Because our team has many
graduating seniors,” he said, “we will face
a rebuilding season next year.”
Also, he emphasized that runners like Shouli Wang, Bryci
Alexandra, and Kevin Beteta “will improve the team greatly next
year.” Anyone can join the team and face the challenge of running against other competitors. Runners practice on Cleveland’s
field three times a week.
There is no actual record in the track tournament, because it is
a winner takes all situation. Medals are awarded to the winners
of the city championship. Runners must win the Queens top spot
in order to qualify for the city-wide tournament.
Coach Fimmano trains the team with a lot of passion, because
he wants them to be well prepared for competition.
Feel like running? Why not join the track team!
Rebuilding Season for Volleyball
By Dragos Danetiu
The Volleyball Team, led by
Coach Broderick, had a 4-5 in a challenging season where there were
many new players on the team.
Speaking of the past season, Coach
Broderick said, “This year’s team
was very competitive in all games.
They took the number one team to
three games in overtime.”
Coach Broderick continued, “The
returning players are very athletic and
young. The combination of talent and
experience will improve next year’s
record.”
Consisting of 10 players, the team
practiced six days a week and
planned to win their final game. The
players train hard as they focus on
setting the ball, bumping, and occasionally spiking.
Although their record was weaker
than last season, there was a lot of
optimism, as new players learned
how to meet competition.
Danny Doliwa, one of the senior
players on the team, said “We tried
hard, but did not have enough experience to beat the older and more experienced teams, such as Forest Hills
and Bryant High School, which have
some of the best records for the past
couple of years.” Doliwa earned the
team’s MVP Award.
Although the team was in a rebuilding season, they were able to
work together and learn new skills
and strategies that will help them in
the following seasons.
The Volleyball Team at practice.