EDITION 3.indd - East Lyme Public

TheViking Saga
Volume 44, Edition 3
October 12, 2010
In This Edition:
‘Smile. You Look Beautiful Today’
ELHS student sends out
anonymous inspiration
2-3
by
submitted by valhalla
Spirit Week
Preview
4
submitted by e.gada
Ceramics Takes on
Local Project
8
http://farm4.static.flickr.com
Shirts Required
For Sport Practice
11
http://www.ladygaga.com
Lady Gaga Comes
to Mohegan Sun
On the back:
If you could change
any Pep Rally event,
which would you
choose and what
would you
replace it with?
www.thevikingsaga.org
Kaytlin Murphy
A sophomore, known only
by the name ‘Someone Who
Cares (SWC),’has been reverse
pick-pocketing inspirational
notes into girls’ backpacks
since the beginning of the
school year. These notes, each
found wrapped in a different
Silly-Band, say, “Smile. You
look beautiful today,” followed
by an inspirational quote and
signed with “Love, Someone
who cares.”
“I think it makes it more
magical. I’m not doing it to
gain admiration from people.
I’m doing it to make people’s
day, and I don’t need any
credit to keep doing it,” said
SWC on why they wish to
remain anonymous.
Delivering between 10 to
20 notes a day, SWC has a set
goal in mind.
“I’m doing it because I’m
tired of seeing people always so
sad and not really appreciating
life for how amazing it is,” SWC
said. “I give out a majority of
k.murphy/saga
One of the many anonymous notes that have been
found in backpacks around ELHS this year.
my notes out in class, which
is why most of them are to
sophomores. I wish I could
give them out to more people,
but I’m just one person.”
SWC found inspiration for
the notes project over summer
vacation. “It was a camp;
everyone there was so kind and
accepting towards everyone.
When I got home, I really
missed it when I realized how
different the real world could
be. So, I decided to change it,”
SWC said.
“I thought it was really sweet
and wanted to know who was
doing it. I really admire this
person and they should know
how nice of a thing this is,”
said sophomore Piper Hays,
who found a note in her bag
in early September. “I just
think it’s really great that now
instead of people focusing on
gossip and putting others down,
someone is sending out these
notes and making others feel
good about themselves.”
“I was very excited to open
it, and the message made my
day even better than it already
was,” said sophomore Alex
DeFord. “I’ve heard stories of
people doing similar things in
schools across the country, and
I’m thrilled that someone is
doing it at ELHS, too.”
at hospitals. By the look of
these students, the hospital
environment has already left a
long lasting impression.
At Lawrence and Memorial
Hospital, seniors Divakar
Ahuja, Julia Counter, Rachel
Skelton, Katy Williams and
sophomores Lindsay and Paige
Schneider worked as junior
volunteers. In order to receive
credit for their volunteer work,
they had to complete 28 hours
of service for the hospital.
As their first experience in a
working environment, it was
initially intimidating for the
students to function with the
adult staff members.
“It was hard work,” said
Williams. “I didn’t want the
doctors to think ‘Oh she is just
in high school.’ ” (Continued as
Hospital Intership on Page 6)
High School Scrubs
ELHS students experience
real-life work at Lawrence
and
Memorial
and
Backus Hospital
by
Page Burns
While many students hung
out at the beach or went to
Frosty Treat this summer, 10 of
East Lyme High School’s own
spent the summer interning
East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, CT 06333
2
october 12, 2010
Seniors
by
Emily Mooradian
As winners of the past two consecutive
Spirit Weeks, the class of 2011 has already
proven we have what it takes to succeed.
Now we finally have the edge we’ve been
missing the past three years: the advantage
of being seniors.
As seniors, we are bigger, stronger,
smarter and all around better than our
underclassmen counter parts. But, unlike
the past two years of losing seniors,
seniority is not all we have going for us.
Domination in the Pep Rally and
throughout the week will be one of our
strongest aspects. Our Tug-of-War team is
virtually unbeatable after pulling the class
of 2010 to our second victory last year. The
Alma Mater surprised everyone with their
unique version of the school’s song, so
prepare for something equally, if not more,
mind-blowing. Years of trial and error have
allowed us to craft a flawless and brilliant
Brain Game team capable of destroying
other classes in trivial knowledge. After all,
who has more trivial knowledge than high
school seniors?
Our senate and spirit committee are also
critical factors to our success. This team of
planners has been working together since
freshman year and has perfected the art of
triumph. We don’t underestimate the rest of
the school, but we know that at the end of the
day we will come out the strongest class.
With three Spirit Week’s and two
victories under our belts, it’s time for our
final epic storming of the North Gym court.
We have the experience, we have the drive,
we have the spirit and we even have the
fan club. Didn’t you hear? The sophomores
want to be us. And who can blame them?
We’re the most successful, spirited class in
ELHS history. Unfortunately for them, if at
first you don’t succeed, then you’re not us;
the Class of 2011, let’s get it.
Sophomores
by
Kaley Roberts
2013’s a mean, green, spirit-week machine.
Seriously. This year’s sophomore class is
299 kids you don’t want to mess with.
We shrugged the freshman disadvantage
faster than our scooter team raced to victory
at last year’s pep rally. After two weeks of
shirt-sales, something like 40 percent of
the tenth-graders will overtake the 2010
pep rally in the slogan “’13 is the new ‘11.
Respect the sophs-more.”
The slogan wasn’t an accident. We
completely admire the Class of 2011.
This year, though, we know how the week
unravels. This year we’re ready to politely
the viking saga
spirit week
interrupt the seniors’ streak. It won’t be
easy–not at all. But we’ve worked to win,
and that kind of work pays in first place.
Our strongest point, though, is not our
green tee’s or our desire to win. The Class of
2013 is a united front of fierce competitors;
domination of the events will set us apart.
First off, there won’t be another Mouse
Trap misconception. Our 1970’s decorating
plans are pretty confidential, but it’s safe to
say that we now understand the intensity
of commons decoration. We know what’s
possible, and what rakes in the 400 points
that come with winning that event.
Our Brain Game whizzes, hand-picked
by Mr. Harfenist, are obviously top-notch.
Same goes for our orange-pass team, who
weren’t afraid to take first place last year,
and plan on doing so again.
As our alma mater artists delicately
harmonize in the choir room, our tug-ofwar troops confidently train in the gym.
2013 is busy preparing, not just to compete,
but to win. Together.
spirit week
october 12, 2010
3
Juniors
by Anika
Pallan
As juniors, we’ve now been competing
for two years and know the ropes. We’re
finally upperclassmen and are ready to show
everyone we’re number one. In the past
years, we were faced with challenges but
we’ve learned from our past mistakes. This
year, we’re stepping up our game and rising
to the challenge. Led by our president Kelly
Sheehan, our senate dedicated the summer
to work on Spirit Week preparation. We put
together possible teams for the pep rally
events and planned our class t-shirts. As a
class, our uniqueness is what sets us apart
from the rest. Our class may not be the
biggest or loudest, but as individuals we all
bring something different to the table. Each
person in our grade pulls through for the
team; this year will be no exception. This
year it’s all about a unified class; joining
everyone together for a common goal.
The goal we will achieve is to prove to the
school just how spirited and talented the
Class of 2012 is. Throughout Spirit Week,
we will all do whatever we can to capture
the number one spot on the score board.
Look out for the sea of red tie-dye, the class
of 2012 is prepared to dominate.
Freshmen
by
Shannon Hou
Gone are the days of laughing and poking
fun at the “silly little freshmen.” We are
prepared for the hectic week that lies ahead.
As the proverb goes, a failure to plan is a
plan for failure. So move over sophomores,
‘14 is definitely the new ‘11.
Some may scoff, but we are ready for the
organized chaos of Spirit Week. Freshmen
T-shirts are being ordered to help out our
class with color day, as yellow clothes have
infamously been hard to find. This year will
be different. Our yellow will not stand for
failure, but for a meticulous plan, a dynamic
senate and a fervent, spirited class.
We are not just going to stare blankly
as the rest of the school prepare madly
for this hectic week. We will go down in
history. Our senate is an eclectic mix of the
different kivas at the middle school as well
as with Salem, so we can easily pinpoint
our strongest players and strategically place
them in the different Spirit Week activities.
Our classmates have also stealthily dug for
as much information as possible from the
upperclassmen, so we know the rules of
the game.
In previous years, the juniors and seniors
may have been able to weed the ninth grade
out by expecting them to be ignorant, but
not this time around. We know what we
need to do, what we need to accomplish
and how we’re going to do it. Our senate
is energized and eager to lead our grade
to success. As it says on our shirts, we’re
keeping it fresh, as the class of 2014. Watch
your backs, upperclassmen; we’re coming
at you from behind.
all photos submitted by the valhalla
the viking saga
4
news
october 12, 2010
Creative Creamers:
Local restaurant teams up with
ELHS ceramics students
Gada following the “Empty Bowls” Care
and Share fundraiser last year with an
order for 24 student-made coffee creamers.
Bruckner became involved with ELHS
when she generously donated bread and
desserts for “Empty Bowls.”
For the new creamer order, Bruckner gave
students complete artistic license when it
came to designing the creamers, her only
specifications being that the creamers hold
four to six ounces of cream. “Any color, any
design, as long as it's functional,” she said.
According to Ms. Gada, the greatest
challenge for students was making the
creamers pour properly.
For senior Erin Platz, the fifth time was
the charm when it came to the spout on her
creamer. “It was hard, it wasn’t as easy as I
thought it would be,” Platz said.
When junior Vinny Cancelmo heard of
the project, he was immediately interested:
“I’m not gonna lie, I was actually excited.”
Cancelmo said now that he is wellrehearsed in the art of making creamers,
he would “make another if I had to make
something for my mother.”
Junior Mitch Brusseau, an employee
at La Belle Aurore, said the art featured in
the restaurant adds uniqueness. According
to Brusseau, 10 pieces of art from different
local artists are displayed at the restaurant
each month.
“I walk in the restaurant when the month
changes and I'm like, ‘Where did that
painting go?!’” said Brusseau.
According to Bruckner, La Belle Aurore
has a large number of regular customers,
many of whom enjoy chatting with staff.
The student-made creamers offer another
opportunity for a conversation starter.
“I’m sure they [the customers] will be
asking,” Bruckner said. “They would think
that's pretty interesting.”
Both Bruckner and ELHS will benefit
from the creamers as she will receive
unique student art and ELHS will receive
the cost of materials plus a donation.
Bruckner said she hopes the idea
of displaying student art catches on in
the community.
“We are the weird
kids in town... Most places want a
uniform look,”she said.
by
Kat Cook
East Lyme High School Ceramics
students will have the opportunity to see
their creations put to good use at local
restaurant, La Belle Aurore.
Dawn Bruckner, owner of La Belle
Aurore, contacted Ceramics teacher Eloise
submitted by e.gada
Colin Hecklinger works on his
creamer in ceramics.
From the Classroom to the Clinic
ELHS science teacher volunteers pharmalogical briefs on medicine bottles includes many drug resistant strands of
into simpler terms so that patients can tuberculosis, as well as high amounts of
in Africa
understand exactly what they are taking.
HIV in towns and villages.
by Zoë Smallidge
Only a few years has he not been able to
“He has a lot of good stories from his life
In Southern Tanzania and Northern
Ethiopia, there is only one doctor for every
100,000 people and malnutrition affects
most of the population. This past summer,
East Lyme High School science teacher
Edward Capazzi traveled there to help
the situation.
“Governments ignore the problems
since they believe it is a form of population
control,” said Mr. Capazzi. Famine is
everywhere, due to severe drought in the
countries. There is such a lack of water
that women walk five miles each day to
one of the few active wells, just to survive.
Relief efforts only help 15 percent of
the population.
Despite this, Mr. Capazzi has repeatedly
volunteered his time to help out. He has
been going to clinics in different countries
throughout Africa for over seven years.
This past summer, he left immediately
after ELHS graduation. He translated
the viking saga
follow through with his plans for the trip. experiences that he likes to share with us,”
He described these instances as having been said sophomore Niko Mazzella, a student
simply too dangerous for him to go due to in one of his Biology classes, “He makes
“military involvement” in the countries, Biology a lot more interesting.”
such as Sudan.
“I was tired of how people were
‘concerned’ or ‘troubled’ about
what they saw, but no one was
actively doing something about
helping others in dire need,” said
Capazzi. “During the regular school
year, I am also involved in AIDS
Hospice work for young adults. My
travel abroad seems to be the logical
extension of this.”
While Mr. Capazzi does not
directly tie his volunteer work
into what his students study in the
z.smallidge/saga
classroom, he does use what he has
learned. Sometimes Mr. Capazzi Some African tribal art collected by Mr.
incorporates the diseases that he Capazzi on his travels and displayed in
sees in Africa into his lessons; this the commons.
news
Chinese, Anyone?
ELHS hosts popular
Chinese school
by Ben Ostrowski
Every Sunday, the
East Lyme High School
parking lot is jammed
with cars as children of
all ages, accompanied
by
their
parents,
head to the Chinese
classes offered by the
Southeastern Connecticut
Chinese School.
Hundreds of children
from around Connecticut,
ranging from toddlers
to high school students,
are signed up for these
b.ostrowski/saga
courses. The classes
began meeting on Sunday Students of various ages listen attentively
mornings for three hours during a class offered by the Southeastern
on September 12 and run
Connecticut Chinese School.
through May, offered free
of charge for all East Lyme students.
Second Language has two levels, middle
“One of our district goals is to school and high school.
bring a more global perspective to our
“I would definitely recommend it for
program opportunities for students,” said other high school students,” said sophomore
Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo. “The Jason Kong, SCCS student. “There are
SCCS was looking for a new home, so we many classes that are provided that prepare
worked hard to encourage them to make you for the world.”
East Lyme that new home.”
The SCCS was established in 1995
“SCCS and East Lyme schools have in New Haven and has grown from a
established a partnership. We are here to small, after-school program enrolling a
introduce Chinese language and culture few students to a school of its own with
to the East Lyme
over 200.
community,” said
“It is such
‘One of our district goals is to
SCCS
President
a
wonderful
bring a more global perspective opportunity,”
Dehua Chen.
said
The classes are to our program opportunities history teacher Alice
much like a normal for students.’
Pembrook
who
global
language
recently traveled to
-Superintendent
course. The SCCS
China for a teacher
James Lombardo
offers
three
exchange.
courses: General
“East Lyme is
Chinese Language for students who speak becoming more diverse, and so the
Chinese at home, Chinese as a Second communication aspect is necessary,” she
Language for students who do not speak said. “The world’s a small place!”
Chinese at home and Multi-Skill Training
Registration is still open for any student
Classes for enhancing mathematics and who wishes to join the SCCS program. For
SAT preparation.
more information, access Dr. Lombardo’s
General Chinese spans from kindergarten newsletter on the ELHS website, or contact
to seventh grade, and teaches the formal SCCS principal Dehua Chen at:
Chinese used in business. Chinese as a
jdchen@ct.metrocast.net.
october 12, 2010
5
News in Brief
by Alice
Navarro and
Christine Durkee
The New Vote
Each year the student body at East
Lyme High School looks forward to
Spirit Week and the resulting elections
for Homecoming Court. Tallies for
Homecoming Court took countless hours
to sort through and record last year. This
year, people will be nominated before
Spirit Week for their spirit during the
year as opposed to their spirit during
the week. Depending on the number
of available spots on the Court, up to 30
students will be nominated per class and
then each class will vote on computers
during Mentor/Mentee. This will allow
results to be more immediate and accurate
than previous years.
NEASC is Coming
After 10 years of preparation,
individuals from the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges
will be arriving for their decennial
accreditation of East Lyme High
School. On November 7, officials will
be shadowing and interviewing students
and teachers and conducting five minute
walkthroughs of classrooms in order to
gain a better picture of the school. They
will be examining teaching methods
and curriculums to judge if they uphold
NEASC’s seven teaching and learning
standards. They include missions and
expectations, curriculum, instruction,
and resources. “NEASC is definitely
an experience that everyone can learn
from, especially the kids. It’s really for
their benefit,” said media specialist Dr.
Marie Shaw.
A Party in Pink
Get ready to Zumba, because on
Friday, October 15 a Zumbathon will
be hosted at East Lyme High School to
benefit breast cancer research through
the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Organization. The event will begin at
7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. Physical
Education teachers Jennifer Carny-Brush
and Kim Thompson along with guidance
counselor Lisa Ramaccia will take turns
instructing those in attendance. The
price for a ticket is $20 in advance but
$25 at the door the day of. For more
information contact Ms. Carney-Brush
at: jen.brush@eastlymeschools.org.
the viking saga
6 october 12, 2010
features
W h a t ’s C o o k i n ’ ?
Senior Cam Lecce is prepared and
has plenty of flavor- just like a good
Italian meal
by Kayley Roberts
If senior Cam Lecce had to text his spoken
sentences, every message would end in a
smiley face. The best part about Lecce is
that he always looks to share his happiness,
and is never caught in a somber mood. So
what better way to spread happiness than
to bake it?
“I would say that I try to go out of my way
to makes other people’s days,” said Lecce, a
former Mr. East Lyme contestant. “Usually,
I make days when I make chocolate.”
“It’s like he puts awesomeness in the
form of a chocolate cookie,” marveled
junior Adam Pilarski, Lecce’s fellow drama
club member.
If a single recipe overwhelms one heart,
imagine what 200 could do to the heart of
the nation.
Lecce is creating a cookbook for his
WISE project, a one or two semester course
where students devote themselves to a major
project. Lecce, a single-semester WISE
student, chose English teacher Pamela
Nowak to mentor his undertaking. For
now, Ms. Nowak finds model cookbooks
for Lecce; in the end, she will help Lecce
submitted by k.williams
Counter (left) and Williams (right)
in their L&M uniforms.
the viking saga
to get his book published.
Publication, however, is at the back of
Lecce’s mind.
“I’m still just planning it,” said Lecce.
“The layout of the chapters… format
and such.”
The cookbook will contain around 100
of Lecce’s own recipes; the second half
will be his mom’s. According to Lecce, the
decision to collaborate with his mom, who
Lecce claims is his inspiration to cook, was
a natural one.
“My mom was always a good cook.
When I was 8, I knew that I wanted to cook
just like her when I grew up,” said Lecce.
“We began cooking together… it was
bonding time.”
Today, Lecce cooks alone. Tonight, after
drama and a shift at McDonalds, he will
return home, make dinner for his parents
and brother, and like any senior, work
on applications.
“I’m planning on applying to Johnson
& Wales College of Culinary Arts in Rhode
Island,” said Lecce.
Although Lecce decided only recently
that he will pursue a career in cooking,
he remains straightforward about why he
loves it.
“It’s fun, and I’m good at it,”
said Lecce.
The population of East Lyme High
School seems to agree with the second part
of Lecce’s statement.
While Italian food is actually his favorite
to make, Lecce responds to any accolades
with a shrug.
“Anything worth doing is worth doing
well,” he easily recited. The cookbook, he
promises, will exemplify that proverb.
(Hospital Internship continued from
Front Page)
L&M requires their volunteers to
complete jobs such as transporting patients
for discharge, and making pre-surgery
charts for patients.
In addition to L&M, Backus hospital
in Norwich also hosted several ELHS
volunteers this summer. The group included
college freshmen Tasmia Khan, senior Kelly
O’Toole, sophomores Eva Christensen and
Meghan McParland. Each member had to
perform four-hour shifts and tasks similar
to those given to the volunteers at L&M.
The Backus volunteers, however, were
offered the experience of job shadowing.
“I shadowed a CRNA (Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist) for 8 hours.
I was in surgery all day and saw a total
knee replacement, a metal plate put into
an arm and part of a robotic surgery,”
said O’Toole.
Many of the volunteers said they want
to pursue a profession in the medical field,
and these programs would add well to their
résumé and experience.
“The goal for our volunteers is to
expose them to a professional healthcare
environment,” said head of the volunteer
program at L&M, Jamie Nadeau. “It
also gives them a chance to give back to
their community.”
k. roberts/saga
Chef Cam sports some of his fresh
kitchen wear.
Interested in Volunteering?
L&M: (785) 505-3141
Backus: (860) 823-6320
features
october 12, 2010
7
Spirit With Style
Our predictions for the victors of next week’s pep rally events
Orange Pass Scooter Race
Advantage:
Advantage:
Freshmen
Sophomores
When it comes to the Orange
Pass, we think it’s got to be
the freshmen this year. As we
all know, the Orange Pass is
definitely the most awkward
event of the pep rally and the
freshman class is the most
awkward group of kids in the
school so it works out perfectly.
We honestly cannot say we
have much logic to support
this, but maybe the Spirit Week
gods will come down from
the heavens and bless them or
something magical will happen
along those lines. Again, expect
something legendary when the
freshman line up and stick that
orange under their chins, and
who knows maybe they won’t
come in last place this year.
Speeding down the basketball
court, the class of 2013 took
charge during the Scooter Race
at last year’s Pep Rally. The
winning team was greeted with
monstrous cheers coming from
the section wearing that hideous
yellow. Our expectations are
that the sophomores will be
bringing back a first place
finish again at this year’s pep
rally. Seeing as there was not
much competition last year,
the sophomores should be able
to win it once again. Being
the last event of the pep rally,
the scooter race can be a final
deciding factor for which class
wins Spirit Week, and perhaps
this year we will see yet another
sophomore surprise win.
submitted by the valhalla
The Class of 2011 has won Spirit Week for the past
two years, will they be victorious again?
by
Mike DeFaria and Stefanie Duda
Tug O’ War
Advantage:
Juniors
Alma Mater
Advantage:
Seniors
When it comes to the Tug O’
War we’ve got two words for
you: Chad Berry. Honestly, who
cares that this year’s current
seniors won the event over last
year’s senior class, the junior
class will win the Tug O’ War
in the pep rally. Have you seen
Berry? He’s approximately
seven feet tall, 300 pounds, has
the strength of a dragon and the
mane of a lion. Besides Berry,
the junior team also consists of
the Cancelmo brothers, John
Santos, Timmy Farina, and
several other monsters. So our
only advice to Eric McGlone
and all those seniors who
think this year is going to be a
cakewalk is: Be afraid… Chad
Berry is coming for you.
Last year, the juniors’ rendition
of the Alma Mater elicited a
round of thunderous applause
from every class. Opening to
the tune of Beyonce’s “Single
Ladies,” the performance was
undoubtedly a huge crowd
pleaser. This year as seniors, we
believe they will execute yet
another flawless performance.
Despite all other classes
trying to dethrone the seniors,
we predict an even catchier
number will wow the judges
into crowning them victors yet
again. This year will be the year
of the seniors, and we should
certainly all expect something
like never before to occur when
they step up to sing their version
of the Alma Mater.
With Spirit Week around
the corner, Principal Susi
and I are eager to see
the results
by Mike DeFaria
each day it seems as if the spirit
committees have been preparing
for the Pep Rally since last year.
Personally, I feel like every
freshman, sophomore, and
junior should just realize that
the senior class is a legacy and
it would be less embarassing for
them to sit out this Spirit Week
as the senior class completes
the very coveted three-peat.
Though, I’m extremely
confident the seniors got this
one in the bag Mr. Susi has other
thoughts, “The senior class is
pretty strong from what I hear,
but I’m not sure if I’m ready
to claim them winners already.
I heard some juniors talking
trash and I think there might be
a little upset this year.”
Only time will tell...
Last Words
Principal Mr. Susi has no clue
what is going to be in store for
this Spirit Week. At all the prior
schools he worked at they had
spirit days and pep rallies, but
never an entire week devoted to
showing pride for the school.
“Everyone is already getting
jazzed up. There a lot of hype
for Spirit Week. I’m starting to
get excited too,” said Mr. Susi.
Without a doubt, Mr. Susi
isn’t the only person getting
pumped up for the week. For
weeks, students have began
assembling their outfits for
the viking saga
8 october 12, 2010
From
Swenson’s
Sidelines
by
Bryan Swenson
Let’s be honest, Division l college
athletes are not always the most educated
individuals. While their fellow students
are in the classroom, they’re often on
the field, court or rink.
In the past year, eight lawsuits
have been filed against the National
Collegiate Athletic Association by
different former college athletes for
using their images in commercials,
DVD’s and videogames. The NCAA
makes money this way, and these
players want a bite of that cake.
However, these players signed away
their image long, long ago, before they
could even step on the field. NCAA
athletes are required to sign away their
commercial rights in order to compete
in collegiate sports. They didn’t think
ahead and their signature does not fade
in time.
Former collegiate basketball star
Ed O’Bannon argued that millions of
dollars are made and the athletes only
get a piece of that in their education.
Well college kids like O’Bannon
with full-ride scholarships get a free
education, and that is more priceless
than anything. They should have taken
advantage of the classroom to learn that
contracts are binding.
Also, athletes like O’Bannon should
be honored to represent the NCAA and
appear in worldwide video games and
national commericals. It’s absurd that
these players are trying to get more
out of their college experience in their
post-graduation years. The educational
and athletic opportunities these players
received in college are invaluable.
These athletes should not be taking
away from the organization that gave
them so much.
The day these players signed away
their image rights, they didn’t think
of the consequences. They could have
refused to sign that form and not played,
but they didn’t. Case closed.
the viking saga
sports
Please, Keep Your Shirt On
Student athletes must
keep their shirts on
by
Dan Gaffey
It is hot. It is humid. The sun
is beating down relentlessly
and practice has just begun.
High school students
who participate in fall sports
know this scenario all too
well. A common solution for
boys would be to ditch their
shirt and practice without
d. gaffey/saga
one, but with a new athletic
policy in place, all athletes
must keep their shirts on The cross country team must now warm up
and practice with their shirts on at all times.
during practices.
Though many athletes are not happy, skin cancer for six years now, also wants
boys’ cross-country quickly eccepted this students to establish “good life long health
new policy. Varsity cross-country member practices,” so that they do not face the
Sam Watson said, “At first the team was a same issues.
There is no universal punishment for
little upset, but it’s cooling down now so it
this policy, but coaches take responsibility
doesn’t really matter.”
So after years of tolerating shirtless to make sure their players are respecting
attire, why is this policy being introduced this new rule.
As the Director of Rowing at the U.S.
at this time? Health is the main concern.
“Research...clearly promotes shirts vs. no Coast Guard Academy, Mr. Hargis applies
shirts when it comes to battling the affects the same policy to those athletesThis policy
of dehydration,” said Athletic Director applies to all student athletes, cheerleaders
and band. Luckily, the boys’ and girls’ swim
Steve Hargis.
Mr. Hargis, who has been fighting team does not have to abide by this rule.
A Wiz of a Way to Start
Salem recreational basketball
league presents “Mighty Mike”
submitted by c. durkee
Mike Simmel puts on a tricky
display at one of his shows.
by
Christine Durkee
A true Wizard will entertain the Salem
recreational basketball league at the start
of the season. “Mighty Mike” Simmel, a
member of the Harlem Wizards, will kick
off the season with a dribbling performances
on Saturday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. in
the Salem Public School gymnasium.
Simmel has been doing half-time shows
and other performances for years now. All
are invited to the hour long performance
that will consist of basketball skills and
tricks. Simmel will also discuss how to go
about working hard to achieve dreams.
“We are excited to be able to offer a
unique show for the children. We think this
will be a fun and rewarding experience
for all of us,” said the league coordinator
Mary Durkee.
sports
october 12, 2010
9
Constructing Capable Captains
Athletic director makes effort
to improve East Lyme athletic
teams’ leadership
by
Bryan Swenson
Athletes in East Lyme High School
are usually selected as captains by a team
vote or coach’s nomination. So what does
it mean to be the team leader and what
responsibilities does it include?
Athletic director Steve Hargis has begun
to help captains understand their duties to
their teams by holding biweekly meetings
on Mondays during lunch. He calls the
captains of all fall sports to these meetings
to hold discussion and debate about
leadership and character roles.
The program has the captains becoming
more involved in the school by creating
and participating in presentations for
the Freshman Academy classes. In these
programs, they will teach the incoming
freshmen about proper sportsmanship and
other character traits such as citizenship
and responsibility.
“I feel as though we’re not involving the
captains in as much of the school, so it goes
much beyond sports,” said Hargis. Not only
does the freshman class benefit, but the
captains learn more about improving their
own character for their teams.
“It’s [the meeting] a good idea. It gets
the teams working together and builds
school unity. It’s nice working with other
captains,” said field hockey co-captain
senior Shanelle D’Alessio.
Hargis hopes to create an open, honest
environment to make as much progress as
possible. He stresses that coaches are there
to guide the teams while captains are there
to lead as role models for their teammates.
Also, Hargis mentioned that athletes who
want to become captains are interviewed
before committees in some schools and this
is becoming a growing trend throughout
the country. These committees consists
of coaches, other athletes and school
faculty members, so the candidates can
be evaluated thoroughly instead of simply
selected. However, this has yet to be the
case at ELHS.
Hargis plans to continue these meetings
throughout the year and the following
years with each new wave of captains.
He hopes to help the captains develop a
better understanding of trustworthiness,
respect, responsibility, fairness, caring
and citizenship.
“We go [to the meetings] because it’s our
responsibility,” said D’Alessio.
b. swenson/saga
Mr. Hargis and the fall captains are part of this constructive group.
MLB Playoff Predictions
As the Major League Baseball postseason begins, who will come out victorious?
by
Francis Shields
World Series: With the 2010 Major League Baseball postseason approaching, the teams that will round the bases to the
big game are the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. As defending World Series Champions, the Yanks will bring the
title home to the Big Apple again. The Yankees are led by five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter and 2007 Cy Young award
winner C.C. Sabathia. The team shined at the plate outscoring all other teams, and with a team average of .268 expect the Yankees
to excel during clutch time. The Philadelphia Phillies will not go down without a fight because they have plenty of experience by
winning the 2008 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Also, the Phillies have one of the best pitching staffs behind ace Roy
Halladay and postseason stud Cole Hamels. Not only is their pitching solid, but they have sluggers Ryan Howard and Chase Utley
who will surely light up the scoreboard. These players have been to the Fall Classic before and know exactly what to expect. In the
end, the pinstripes will win the World Series in six games.
World Series MVP: Yankee veteran shortstop Derek Jeter will snag the MVP recognition this year. In the 2009 World
Series he batted .407, and in the seven World Series he has played in, he bats a tremendous .321 with a .384 on base percentage. He
not only shines in the postseason, in 2010 Jeter smacked 30 doubles and hit .300 with runners in scoring position. He has been to
the playoffs before, so expect him to tear it up in the Fall Classic.
Dark Horse: A team that might come out of the shadows and make a mark in the 2010 playoffs is the Cincinnati Reds.
The Reds are packed with young superstars like fireballer Aroldis Chapman who clocked an MLB record of 105 miles per hour. In
addition, they have MVP favorite Joey Votto who will get his first look in the postseason. The Reds are a team packed with talent,
but only eight players on the team has playoff experience so it will be tough for them to get past the Phillies.
the viking saga
10
entertainment
october 12, 2010
Which Nguyen Wins?
Two ELHS sophomores bring the laughs and the tunes to YouTube
Four years, 40 videos and nearly 3,000
subscribers is what sophomore Linh Nguyen
has contributed to the world’s largest video
sharing website, YouTube.
“Seeing more and more people
subscribing to me is exactly what keeps
me going with YouTube. It’s amazing to
know that about 3,000 people out there are
interested in what I do,” Linh said.
Linh has made music videos to hit songs
like “Love Like Woe” by The Ready Set
and “Could It Be You” by H*Wood. Her
videos have spunk and their effects show
creativity at its best. One technique Nguyen
has aquired is stop motion, a technique
where a photographed object is moved in
small increments between frames, creating
the illusion of movement when the frames
are played as a sequence.
One of Linh’s best videos is to the
song “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. There
is a sequence of photos where Linh and
sophomore Kaley Roberts are hovering
towards the camera, creating an insane
optical illusion. To see more amazing
videos, go to Linh’s channel, lingers104.
by
www.youtube.com
Linh (top) creates awesome
music videos, including one to
“Dynamite” by Taio Cruz.
www.youtube.com
Trinh (bottom) rants about
everything
from
facebook
to mascara.
Linh is not the only one with a love for
expressing herself on the web. Sophomore
Trinh Nguyen also has an account on
YouTube. Trinh’s videos are a little different
though. She decided to take a comedic
approach to creating videos.
All of Trinh’s videos use a style called
improvisation, where she uses no script. “I
think if I try to plan it out, I tend to try to be
funny, which just ends up not being funny,”
said Trinh.
The result: hysterical commentaries.
Trinh has been uploading videos onto
YouTube for a while. One video she
uploaded is called “If your mascara don’t
vibrate, you just vibrate your head like
this.” She talks about how there is fancy
mascara that vibrates, but if you don’t have
it there are other, funnier ways to get around
the obstacle. Trinh definitely got the laughs
out of me when she began shaking her head
wildly while applying mascara, mouth
open, making the well known “putting on
mascara face.”
To catch more of these hilarious improvs,
check out trinhwinn, Trinh’s account.
Fall Fashions at ELHS:
Boots
When the warm weather starts to fade it’s
time to say goodbye to flip flops and hello
to a warmer option. This year the students
of East Lyme High School are keeping their
feet warm in stylish boots.
Uggs have always been a fall staple at
ELHS but this year students have taken it
further. If you happen to glance down while
roaming the halls you might see anything
from a pair of cowboy boots to a cute set
of ankle boots.
Boots are also a fantastic way to protect
your feet from the elements. A pair of
trendy rain boots are a practical way to stay
dry and add a little flair to every outfit.
No matter what your style is, this fall
trend has a place in your closet. One can
choose to play it safe in a classic pair of
grey ankle length flats or take a daring risk
in a pair of black, stiletto heels. No matter
your choice you will look fabulous in this
top fall trend of 2010.
the viking saga
Plaid
Some trends stay only for a brief time
while others come back year after year.
Among these reoccurring trends is that old
fall standby: plaid.
This year is no different. Once again, if
you look around the commons in the first
months of the school year you are sure to
see plaid. It is one trend both boys and girls
can wear. From shoes to hats and everything
in between, this old standby is everywhere
this year. You can go with the classic plaid
cardigan or shirt or shake things up and
wear plaid shoes or pants. If the look is too
preppy, rock a plaid flannel shirt or accent
a pair of skinny jeans with a plaid belt. You
can even tote a plaid saddle bag to add a
dash of class to a simple outfit.
This versatile fashion is sure to make a
statement in the coming months. Whether it
be walking the halls or sipping hot chocolate
at a football game you will always look
trendy in the cool weather favorite.
Kelsie Lane
Check out the top fashion trends
ELHS is wearing this season
by Caeleigh Jennings
Sport Dress-Up Days
It is unusual to see a bunch of girls
running around a high school dressed as
super heroes or decked out in every color
imaginable. What is even more unusual is to
see everyone else going about their business
like nothing unusual is happening.
You would not see these crazy outfits
anywhere other than a Halloween party but
at ELHS no one even turns a head. That’s
because at ELHS dressing up for sports is
the number one trend this year.
The girls’ soccer team stands out as one
of the experts at dress-up days this year.
Whether they are cow girls or gangsters,
each member dresses to impress on
game day.
So this fall, show your team pride by
going “all out” for whatever crazy dress- up
day your team has chosen to let everyone
know they have a meet or game that day.
Chances are you will see someone else in
an even crazier outfit than yours.
entertainment
october 12, 2010
11
“You’ve Left Me Speechless, So Speechless”
Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour
exceeds expectations
by Billy Fritz
After purchasing tickets to Lady Gaga’s
Monster Ball Tour, my immediate reaction
was to get a refund and use the money on
something else. Thank goodness I kept it;
the show was incredible!
The concert was at the XL Center in
Hartford on Thursday September 16. The
Monster Ball opened with Semi Precious
Weapons, an interesting band, to say the
least. SPW is a group of four guys who
sang original rock songs while strutting
around the stage, kicking into the air and
putting each other in headlocks - all while
wearing nearly nothing. Things got really
bizzare when they changed costumes on
stage, stripping down from gold leggings
and high heels to nothing, then back into
silver leggings. This was, strangely enough,
a crowd favorite.
After SPW walked off stage, tension
filled the theater as all of Gaga’s fans,
fondly referred to as “Little Monsters,”
impatiently awaited her arrival. Then, the
lights went out.
The “Little Monsters” went nuts.
Gaga opened with a very appropriate
“Monster,” in honor of the show’s name.
She sang and danced behind a curtain,
revealing only her shadow to the audience.
After the curtain rose, the full force of
Gaga’s brilliance was unleashed.
In a whirl of pounding base,
chaotic lights and incredible
vocals, Lady Gaga sang all of
her popular songs, including
“Paparazzi,”
“Poker
Face”
and an extremely crowd
pleasing “Telephone.” Before
“Telephone,” she invited an
audience member up on stage
with her, as only Gaga would.
Although all these performances
were incredible, the rest of the
audience and I were waiting for
one more song: “Bad Romance.”
After Gaga left the stage and our
hopes were seemingly crushed,
the lights snapped off. The
familiar “rah rah ah ah ah” filled
the air as Lady Gaga ended the
show with her best song yet. She
truly does know how to impress.
While the songs alone left
me “speechless,” this was no
www.popdirt.com
ordinary concert; it was a fashion
show. Gaga rocked 12 costumes. Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour travels
She came out wearing a red through North America and Europe,
jacket with huge shoulders and
stopping in Connecticut on the way.
jewels, accompanied by gemstudded glasses. As the night went on her
While I am not the paparazzi, the Monster
costumes become more outlandish, her Ball Tour had me wishing I could follow
other outfits included a small black bikini, Gaga “until she loves me.” And, after a
a long elegant white dress and a dress and concert this incredible, this Little Monster
glasses made entirely out of mirrors.
might do just that.
Confessions of a
Bookworm:
Confession Number Three: I always have a song in
my head. Even after I turn off my iPod, Taio Cruz and
Katy Perry are still rocking out in my brain. During
Spirit Week there are certain songs that I’ll internally
play on repeat. These songs are a way for me to prepare
by Ally Sloss
to battle it out for the senior’s three-peat win. Maybe they
The entertainment
can get you pumped up too.
world from a nerd’s
Pajama Day: “Get Up” by 50 Cent. During Spirit Week,
it
is
critical to wake up ready for action. The pounding base
eye view
and a killer back beat help me get out of bed pumped and
ready to spend the day in an always flattering pair of footie PJs.
Maroon and White Day: “Magic” by B.o.B. The poppy tune and
lighthearted lyrics make receiving the traditional senior M&W Day t-shirts ten times
better. Besides, everyone knows the senior class “has got the magic” in them.
College Apparel Day: “I Love College” by Asher Roth. Aside from Spirit Week, college is the only thing
on my mind. While I understand that it has no real explanation of the college experience, the song still makes me even more excited to
don the apparel of the college I may attend next year.
Holiday Day: “Holiday” by Greenday. As Spirit Week comes to an end, I need a little edge to keep me focused. The hard hitting guitar
riffs get my adrenaline running and my mind determined to crush the competition.
Color Day: “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled. As I cheer my way through Color Day and the following Pep Rally, this song will be on
full volume. Hopefully us seniors can keep our hands – and the points – up and dominate the rally for a third year in a row.
the viking saga
12
back page
october 12, 2010
If you could change any Pep Rally event,
which would you choose and what would you
replace it with?
“I would replace the
Orange Pass with a
giant game of truth or
dare!”
- junior John Ricci
e. felitto/saga
“I would replace the
Clothing Relay with
bull riding!”
-sophomore
Josephine Roosli
e. felitto/saga
“I would replace the
Pie-Eating Contest
with chubby
bunny!”
- senior
Kayla Aamoth
“I would replace all
of the events with
bicep curls!”
- senior Austin Begin
e. felitto/saga
e. felitto/saga
“I would replace
the Orange Pass
with a greased-up
watermelon pass.”
- senior
Patrick Moffat
“I would replace the
Three-Legged Race
with a freestyle rap
battle!”
- junior Grace Lada
e. felitto/saga
e. felitto/saga
e. felitto/saga
“I would abolish
the Orange Pass and
establish Powder-Puff
Football, because,
well, because I
could!”
- senior Tom
Brubaker
“I would replace
the Orange Pass
with a sass battle.”
- senior Eric DeLea
e. felitto/saga
Want to see more funny responses? Check out our website, www.thevikingsaga.org!
the viking saga