FEATURED ARTICLES:

Issue 4 Vol. 16

The Patriot
Mendham High School, Mendham, N.J.
7 - NEWS 8 - SUMMER TRAVELS 10 - CULT 2 - EDITORIAL 4 - STUDENT VOICES 5 - FEATURE 13 - FASHION 14 - SCHOOL SPORTS 16 - FUN PAGE

November 2012

Currently using Shmoop or Sparknotes? Reid Petty presents the risks of plagiarism and internet study guides. (Page 2)

Storm Stories:
Students reflect on the Sandy experience
by Alejandra Garcia Senior Allie Piacenti and her family were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy: a massive tree fell on her house. Little did Piacenti know that after the storm she would be left with a devastating hole as her room. The tree that fell on her house destroyed her room and damaged the structure of her entire house. Luckily, Allie and her family were sleeping in the basement the night of the storm. Piacenti reveals that when the police arrived to inspect the damage, they thought [she] was dead, and she described the whole storm experience as terrifying for her and her family. Allie lost numerous objects in her room, including clothes, jewelry, perfumes and shoes. It was so sad says Piacenti. I was so unlucky. Two weeks after the storm, they Piacentis regained power and are now living in a safe, closed area in their house while they wait for construction to begin. by Rachel Pire With hundreds of thousands of people filling up generators for their powerless houses, its no surprise that gas became a big problem after Sandy. Already irritable and going stir crazy, people were even more impatient than usual, and police had to control the gas lines as a result of fights breaking out. My own experience, however, was quite the opposite. After an hour of waiting, we were finally just five cars away from the gas station when our car battery died. Naturally, we began to panic when we realized we couldnt move, and there was a line of hundreds of cars behind us. When I got out of the car in order to help push, I half expected to be attacked by an angry mob. Instead, several people got out of their own cars and helped me push. No one seemed angry or frustrated, and eventually there was a whole group of strangers helping me push our car the small distance to the station.

Stressed about college? Youre not the only one. Hear what Mendham students have to say about the application process. (Page 3)

Obama vs. Romney: Ian Tanaya gives an unbiased view on the presidential election. (Page 5)

by Liberty Mason-Sharma On Monday, October 29, super storm Sandy hit our area, leaving in its wake complete devastation for the residents of Chester Townships State Park Road. Weeks after the storm ripped roofs from houses and tore trees from the ground, extensive damage to not only trees but also power lines is still visible. The notorious winding road remains an example of the magnitude of the super storm. Drivers must negotiate fallen trees, power lines, and more trees precariously balanced on low-hanging power lines. Images arising from this area show the force and strength of the storm, and remove any doubt of a powerful event residents of the area had before the storm barreled through Chester. While many residents gathered supplies to prepare for the impending weather, some stayed at home, certain that the storms power was exaggerated by the latest news and weather reports.

Find out where your fellow Mendham students spent their summers! (Page 8-9)

by Gabriella Smith The Township Fire Department aided many in the chaotic times of the hurricane, working day and night in shifts in an attempt to create order and relief within the community. The departments services aided many who were in need of essentials that couldnt be provided in their own homes due to the destruction of Sandy. At any point in the day, people were allowed to come into the firehouse for warmth, power, water, food, and a bathroom. Community members were also able to take a seat and relax or play a nice game of pool for recreation. Volunteers worked long hours in the kitchen to cook meals for the firemen and townspeople.

Check out Mendham athletic news and see how Girls Cross Country dominated their competition! (Page 14-15)

Welcome to Mendham Class of 2016!

by Kirsten Eversen Junior Amanda Blanco expected some changes when she moved from Costa Rica this year, but she did not anticipate the extreme weather conditions. In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, many are left to reminisce on their personal storm experience. The most poignant moment for Blanco was learning to adjust to the temperature. We were not prepared for the cold, Blanco explains. We did not own winter clothes yet. Blancos family travelled to local shelters to seek warmth during the day and then returned home to sleep. The snow brought by the Noreaster made it all the more difficult to cope. It was really cold, Blanco notes, but it was exciting too because my siblings and I had never seen snow before.

by Jee DiCola During Hurricane Sandy in late October, most of New Jersey and some of New York were hit by the horrific storm, knocking out power and claiming homes all over the Tristate Area. Asbury Park in Monmouth County was by far one of the worstoff towns of New Jersey. The famous boardwalk was taken apart, one of its rides cars landing a few miles away, and its well-known rollercoaster was completely sunk underwater. High winds ravaged the boardwalk. The damage estimate is at least $80 million, just to fix the boards, let alone the rides. Sandy devastated the town, putting many houses underwater. It will take Asbury some time to recover all that they lost in the recent hurricane.

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

EDITORIAL

Consider This...
Social service rewards
To Shmoop or not to Shmoop?
by Reid Petty It seems more and more students are abandoning individual thought for easy information provided on internet study guides. But is it worth it? Picture this: Its midnight; youre tired. Suddenly you remember that an essay is due tomorrow on Great Expectations. Not only that, this is the essay that will determine your grade for the marking period. You ask yourself, Should I risk writing an essay based on my own knowledge and spend hours looking for appropriate quotes? Or should I peruse some website which will basically write my essay for me? The answer is for you to decide. But before you do, here are some things to consider. To the rare few who are not aware of websites like Sparknotes and Cliffnotes, heres an update. These sites are online resources that include summaries, themes, and a basic degree of analysis on the literature at hand. Contrary to what many believe, this provides a very limited scope of the story. However, a relatively new resource has surfaced that goes a bit further than the traditional study guides: Shmoop. Shmoop offers a more detailed summary that is integrated with analysis, motifs, and numerous quotes compartmentalized by theme. Basically, its a gold mine for procrastinators. Its been believed that Shmoop is a discreet tool for those needing assistance, undetected by teachers. But Im here to tell you, this simply is not the case. Its come to my attention by multiple English teachers that Shmoop isnt on the down low. As hard as that is to swallow, it may not be such a bad thing. It is a misconception that Shmoop is an appropriate resource for writing essays and a substitution for legitimate reading. For some, reading is always a source of discontent. Many students are assigned upwards of 50 pages of reading a night. On top of the biology, calculus, and history homework you have, you are expected to actually read? Come on! But yes, you are expected to read, line by line, the book that is assigned. As hard as it is to believe, reading actually increases an individuals ability to comprehend information and will appropriately prepare you for any assessments on that story. Who wouldve thought? Shmoop is neither an appropriate substitution nor complement to reading, says English teacher Dorothy Palme. According to the staff of Mendham High School, the caretakers of knowledge for our generation, even if you do read the pages assigned (good for you!), Shmoop should not be used. Even for clarification, it is a dangerous resource. The information provided by these study guides may be inaccurate, and over time they develop a crutch for students who are too dependent on them. Recently in a freshman English class, a student submitted Shmoop on a works cited list, misunderstanding that these study guides are not valid resources. Shmoop and Sparknotes and every other website that helps you skate through your classes cannot and should not be used when writing essays. The quotes and analysis found on Shmoop do limit your search to fit information into your assigned essay, but browsing the site and taking the ideas found on it is plagiarism. Thats right, plagiarism! Many believe that plagiarism is limited to copying word for word from an outside source; however, plagiarism also includes taking ideas that are not your own. Word of caution if you use Shmoop, you will be caught! Now that teachers are aware of Shmoop, they are reading it and know exactly what can be found on it. Say you decide to use Shmoop to help write your essay, and it sounds very familiar to what your English teacher has read online. He or she will check Shmoop and find that you have plagiarized information. And guess what that gives you? A big, fat zero and a ruined reputation. Is it such a bad thing that Shmoop has been discovered? Is it so bad that we now no longer have the option of cheating and not doing the work assigned? I dont think so. It is no longer an option for a student to plagiarize information off of online study guides. Well, I guess its still an option, but not an option anybody would want to choose. We students of Mendham High School have the opportunity to prove ourselves as smart, able-minded individuals; however, the question remains yours to be answered: to Shmoop or not to Shmoop? by Zeenie Sharif Social service is an act in which all schools and communities take part. Students have come to recognize the importance of giving back and making a difference, and schools constantly advertise and encourage students to help out in the community. Unfortunately, social service has become more of a chore than a source of excitement for many, whether they are fulfilling their CAS requirements for IB or needing service projects for church or Boy and Girl Scouts. Many students have trouble finding projects they are interested in and, as a result, do not want to donate their time and effort to a cause about which they are not passionate. Because social service is such an important activity for students, there needs to be ways for students to enjoy the service they are providing and for the service to not only help the community, but also to help themselves, as well. Id like to be able to see the impact of my work more directly, said senior James Cahill. If Im building a house for a family, I want to meet the family I am building the house for, so I would have a connection with them. This is an important aspect for students to consider when they are seeking social service opportunities. Understanding the monumental impact that service can have on the lives of others and seeing its effects firsthand often spark students interest in a project, making them feel more connected to it. Senior Mary Bond agreed with Cahills sentiment. Seeing the direct effects of my service is something that is really important to me. I really like knowing what I did made a difference. In addition, students should not feel limited to one type of community service. Although you may feel pushed to participate in a certain kind of project, it is important to choose a service activity that is exciting to you. If feeding the homeless at a soup kitchen seems tedious or impersonal, then seek out another project that you are passionate about. I think social service should be done because a person actually cares about the work theyre doing, senior Sophie Maki said. If someone is simply volunteering for CAS hours, then much of the meaning is lost because the volunteer isnt really getting a learning experience out of it. She added that she loves volunteering and serving a cause that she really cares about. Community service does not have to be boring, nor should it seem forced and unnatural. With so many people and animals suffering, the environment and community needs help. Think about what you find important and use your interests and talents to give back in a way that is both beneficial to the community and to you.

Delve into the databases

by Dan Hakakian As opposed to the unreliable and predictable works of websites such as Sparknotes and Shmoop, teachers and librarians recommend using online databases found in the Library Media Center section of the schools website. Many students start their search using Google and weed out websites that end in .com or .net due to their lack of credibility. With the use of school library databases, students can skip that step entirely, since all sources on the databases are preevaluated and reliable. There are 16 databases available to students covering nearly every topic. Many databases, such as ABC CLIO and Proquest, contain primary sources or firsthand accounts of certain events. Not only are there databases for all the core subjects, but electives subjects such as music and art are also covered in databases such as Oxford Art Online and Oxford Music Online. The librarys newest database Credo Reference provides full-text online versions of nearly 1,200 published reference works from more than 70 publishers in every major subject, including general and subject dictionaries and encyclopedias. The librarian staff cannot stress the usefulness and importance of the databases enough, and database statistics indicate that students are beginning to understand. For example, the September 2012 EBSCO usage report indicates 2,918 searches executed in comparison to 1,293 searches in September 2011. Databases open the door to so much easy access, in every imaginable topic, mentions regional educational media specialist Mary Beth Davis. Davis remarks that one of her favorite databases is Credo Reference due to its exclusive special features such as its concept map, where a person types in a term, and a whole web of related terms and information appears. Teachers who want their students to learn more about the database researching process can schedule their classes with Davis. In addition, individual students interested in learning more about particular databases for their research can also make an appointment with Davis during lunchtime through the new online form on the library media website called Lunchtime Research Help. All the databases can be used outside of school with the help of a username and password list found in the front of the library. The library offers other extensive resources as well. The reference books are always welcome to students in the library, for those who prefer a tangible book for their research. Students can also browse through periodicals while relaxing on the couches in the front of the library. Many town libraries also provide a variety of free databases. The Morristown libraries harbor genealogy databases to search for peoples ancestors, and they also contain an interactive program titled Mango which teaches more than eight languages (including Chinese, Portuguese, and Greek) on the internet for free.

The Patriot Staff

Editors in Chief Reid Petty, Dan Hakakian Student Voices Editor Gabriella Smith World News Editor Liberty Mason-Sharma Political Advisor Ian Tanaya School News Ryan Lander Features Editor Kirsten Eversen Culture Editor Zeenie Sharif Sports Editors Will Gibbs, T.K. Hayes Photo Editor Reid Petty Layout Editors Reid Petty Staff Liz Abramov, Jee DiCola, Katelyn Gaffney, Jenna Inganamort, Rebecca Iozzi, Matt Kuhn, Dyland McDevitt, Rachel Pire, Bruna Rugano, Olivia Spathakis, Alejandra Garcia, Cory Pressl, Ed Thomas Advisor - Dorothy Palme

STUDENT VOICES

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THE PATRIOT Novemeber 2012

D onat ing yo ur w ay int o co llege

by Bruna Rogano More colleges are taking an applicants financial status into account every year; however, in reality, it does not matter because students can always apply for need-based financial aid. Does having more money than another applicant give someone a better chance at getting into his school of choice? Not always, but in some cases, someone will get into a college over someone else because of their wealth. Although buying into an Ivy League or elite school is impossible, if a student is qualified to get into the school anyway and just needs a hook to convince the admissions office to accept him, he may want to consider donating to the college. While some may say that it is a bribe and considered unethical, we live in a competitive world where students need to use everything they have to their advantage. Will a few thousand dollars make a difference? Probably not. Donations would have been received annually, and for Ivy League colleges, dont bother with anything less than a five, or even seven digit figure. On a negative note, donations may not guarantee acceptance. Is it worth the risk? Students who are trying to buy their way into a school that is a huge academic reach may want to reconsider their decision. An acceptance based upon qualifications is certainly a consideration over financial bribes. The most important thing to consider is whether or not the student will succeed at this college. At the end of the day, the college that the student attends does not matter; whether or not someone achieves success is the bottom line. Obviously, donations benefit the colleges, covering scholarships, faculty salaries, and other expenses. Last year, Duke accepted around 125 under-qualified students due to family wealth connections. Students that have not worked as hard as all of the other applicants throughout high school should not be accepted just because they are more fortunate. Everyone should have an equal chance at admission; however, some people are always going to have an advantage over others. No one should rely on his parents wealth to get into college. Students need to do well in school and outside of school just as everyone else. Money should not play a huge role when applying to college.

Legacy Status: Yay or Nay?

Legacy Loophole
by Rachel Pire As college acceptances loom in the future, debates on the process grow more anxiety-ridden regarding policies such as legacy students. Legacy students have a parent, sibling, or other close relative who is an alumnus of the students college of choice. Sources suggest having legacy status can improve chances of getting in. In fact, an article in the Wall Street Journal states that it can increase chances by 45%. Naturally, this has provoked strong opinions on both side of the spectrum. Anti-legacy supporters argue that admitting legacy students is not only unfair discrimination, but it also gives further advantage to white kids of the upper-middle class. Whether a parent attended the school should have no importance in the validity of a transcript, and it is an illegitimate factor to consider during the admissions process. However, playing the devils advocate, I will propose all logical explanations by the pro-legacies. Some people say that considering legacy almost definitely assures that a large part of the student body will be white, male students; however, this is statistically inaccurate. Past years have admittedly given preference to a more homogeneous population, but as colleges become more diverse, so do the alumni. More and more students from varying backgrounds are being admitted into the legacy pool, which is growing more multi-cultural every day. Moreover, admitting the children of alumni benefit the school in more than just dollar signs. Its true that an alma mater may be more inclined to be benevolent toward the child of those who regularly donate to the school, but having legacies on a college campus creates a larger sense of community as well. Many come to the campus with enthusiasm that has been built up for years, hearing about the university from parents, and are more eager to become involved in the college community and have a strong sense of loyalty and pride to the school that cannot be matched. Admitting legacy students says a great deal about the schools sense of tradition and its respect to its history and community. They help bridge an institutions past and present (WSJ). Writing legacy on an application is no different from writing Latino, dancer, athlete, etc. It is simply one small factor that adds to the profile of applicants, and, of course, admitted students each year.

Heated debate accompanies rising applicant numbers

by Liberty Mason-Sharma More students are applying to college than ever before, sparking a nation-wide debate on whether too many students are receiving a higher level education. In a nation that prides itself on equal opportunities, it seems somewhat hypocritical to determine who can and cannot attend college. Even if a student does not have the necessary grades to attend a top-tier institution, Stanford University fellow Vivek Wadhwa argues that useful education can come from a community college. All students should have the chance to apply to receive a higher education whether it is at an Ivy League or a community college. Barring students from striving to achieve their goals is simply unfair and, according to Wadhwa, resembles the caste system that used to exist in India. Latest figures in the Wall Street Journal show that on average, men with some college but no degree make 22% more than men with a high school education. Figures like these contribute the rising numbers in college applications. Statistics showing benefits of a college education motivate students, even those who generally would not apply to college, to think about attending college more seriously. In these tough economic times, there is already an insufficient number of jobs for college graduates. If these students cannot find jobs, it will be almost impossible for people with only a high school education to find jobs that are also meaningful and pay well. Society has certain responsibilities, and if students are to make decisions for the nation in the future, their education should be fostered so that they are able to make the necessary decisions when the time comes. By raising the price tag and minimum SAT scores, colleges essentially attempt to boost their reputation as a top-tier institution and ignore the fact that many prospective students will be forced to consider other options. With this in mind, somewhere along the line, students will not be able to attend college at all, which, in todays society, is viewed as unacceptable. Through this, more and more students are being excluded from the American dream, as Wadhwa puts it. Students who do not perform well in high school should not be barred from gaining a higher education. If this were the case, Wadhwa points out, a potential Steve Jobs would by styling hair. Students develop academically and mature at different rates says Sandy Baum, a senior fellow at George Washington Universitys Graduate School of Education and Human Development. Keeping [the college] path open is vital. It is unfair and closed-minded to assume that every persons future can be decided upon his graduation from high school. In a nation focused on equality, it is unacceptable for people to say that too many students are applying to college. The desire to gain a higherlevel education is now both encouraged and frowned upon. College applications are stressful enough without the worry that if grades drop one letter or a parent loses a job, the entire prospect of attending college could be in jeopardy. The debate is fruitless because scholarships and community colleges are not disappearing in the near future, and as Wadhwa says, Just like we dont-yet-debate who goes to high school, we shouldnt be debating if too many kids go to college. The absurdity of the fact that people want to limit the number of students attending college renders the pro-application limit arguments baseless.

Legacy Status? The extra boost for the college application process
by Alejandra Garcia-Alayon Legacy policies in top universities and colleges are polarizing the public and sparking doubts about their fairness. Preferences for legacy students in Ivy League colleges date back to the post-World War I period intended to restrict the enrollment of immigrants to the institutions. Although legacies are now more diverse than those in the 1950s, they are still disproportionately white according to The Wall Street Journal. In a recent, they found 12.5% of the applicant pool at selective colleges and universities consists of under- represented minorities, yet they only make part of the 6.7% legacy applicant pool. Preferences for legacies are employed in approximately one third of all the elite private and public universities and colleges. Princeton University scholar Thomas Espenshade, who collaborated with the Wall Street Journal staff, found that a legacy status could give a student a 160 point boost on the SAT (400-1600) for applicants to top colleges. Although some may consider that legacy preferences plays a minor in the enrollment decision, it is nevertheless a form of discrimination that to a certain extent violates Americas principles of democracy which aim to create a merit-based society rather than an entitlement-based society. Defenders of legacy suggest they are necessary to motivate alumni donations; however, weak evidence supports this argument. In 2010, the Century Foundation published research mentioned in the Wall Street Journal examining alumni donations in the top 100 universities from 1998-2007, and found no cause-effect relationship between legacy preference policies and the total number of alumni monetary donations exists. Thus, truly no solid and impartial argument defends legacy policies. On the contrary, numerous arguments against legacy preferences are not only sound but are also aligned with the American ideologies presented in the Constitution. Ironically legacy policies have such an impact on admission to educational institutions in a country in which each individual is endowed an equal right to the pursuit of happiness. If the country hopes to develop a natural aristocracy based on virtue and not an artificial aristocracy based on hereditary advantage, as Thomas Jefferson himself envisioned, legacy policies cannot be part of this goal (the Wall Street Journal). According to the Wall Street Journal, 75% of Americans oppose legacy preferences, supporting that the majority of the country is not in accord with the discrimination they create among applicants. Therefore, it only seems appropriate that the universities and colleges that employ legacy preferences consider what the peoples views on legacy policies. Hereditary status should not be the tiebreaker that easily grants one student acceptance or denies another student simply because he has no lucky family connections. With the percentage of legacy applicants admitted to the top universities such as Brown, Dartmouth, Harvard, UPenn, and Princeton being more than double (for most of these universities) than the percentage of all applicants admitted (the Wall Street Journal), doubts about the fairness of these policies are inevitably going to arise. Especially in todays rigorous competition, legacy preferences can truly impede the chances of a high achieving student who deserves to get accepted into a top university or college.

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

SCHOOL NEWS

McGold r ic k le ad s the g u i d a n c e d e p artme nt

by Alejandra Garcia John McGoldrick takes on new position as Lead Counselor in the guidance department while maintaining his counseling caseload and continuing to advise students grades 10th-12th with their academics and the college process. The new position further enables McGoldrick to play a functional role in the development of the departments practices and procedures. He pieces has been particularly challenging for McGoldrick. Working with his colleagues and with the teaching staff to optimize the resources for students has certainly been an exciting facet of his new role. McGoldrick looks forward to finding ways for counselors to continue to provide support for students in an efficient manner in order to maximize student contact. The new position has also helped him to understand the role that

SNC p aro d ie s s e n ior cla s s

by Gabriella Smith Senior Night Club 2012 earned rave reviews from both participants and the audience. As in year past, seniors waited until the last minute but still successfully organized a comical parody of Mendham Life. The show opened with Sam Anderson and Peter McNerneys video which captured McNerneys ability to pick up chicks around the streets of Morristown. The corny pick-up lines and reactions from the unsuspecting women left the audience eagerly anticipating the rest of the show. When the video was over, emcees McNerney and Alfredo Onorati stepped up to the podium and began their witty repartee. Two additional videos mimicked senior scenarios familiar to many. The Hill video featured TK Hayes, Mikey LaSorsa, and Greg Furtado treading up the infamous hill connecting the lower and upper parking lots. It took a long time to put together, says Hayes, but it was worth it in the end from all the laughs we got. In Mendham G-Lax, Scott Smullen, Matt Kuhn, Matt Flanagan, and John Obiedzinski highlighted the intense work outs and cult-like rituals of G-laxers. Moderating the perennial Couples Therapy skit, Cole Perkins noticed a difference among his patients. Bromance took center stage as Liam Heffernan and Nick Goryebs affectionate gestures caught the audience off guard, while Matt Flanagans impersonation of Obiedzinski stole the show. A Day At School recreated a typical lunch gathering of the gym teachers. The skit featured Jake Ford stripping to the characteristic wrestling singlet as Steve Baig; Heffernan as Santa Teitlebaum; Taylor Bradshaw rocking the 80s poof as Jen Stevens; Flanagan sporting football coach Brett Wrestler; Will Gibbs as always reprimanding Jim Baglin; and TK Hayes as the marathon-runner Jenna Bauberger. Hayes gelled hair, tight shirt and shorts brought a hilarious response from the audience. The slide show, What Mendhams Good At, wrapped up the evening. Each slide showcased different seniors, accompanied by a tell-tale caption highlighting their notoriety. The audience loved the creative captions that subtly made fun of each senior displayed, but not in a way that would upset anyone.

describes his position as a balance between student contact and administrative tasks. Compared to his previous position, he has a smaller number of students on his caseload, but a greater number of administrative tasks to coordinate for the department. This year, the department has two new administrative assistants, a new guidance counselor, and a new advisor in the college and career office. In addition, the transition to e-docs for the college application process has been a major change for the department. Starting off the year with all of these new

office procedures play in the interaction between counselors and students. Coordinating the college application process, the scheduling process, the evening programs, the college rep visits, and the training of new staff are just a few of the core functions for which McGoldrick is now responsible. Using his own talents to increase the communication between students and counselors as part of the objective of the departments new structure is an aspect of his position that McGoldrick finds specially rewarding.

Too many people going to college?

by William Gibbs With a weak economy, rising tuition costs, and fewer employment prospects, is going to college the best choice? In 2012, the job market has become flooded, the economy is stagnant, and the price of college tuition is rising. So in this difficult situation, the question becomes should fewer young people attend college? The answer may surprise you. The value of a college education is obviously great; a widening gap between tuition and return on investment makes the decision to go not so obvious. With school prices reaching upwards of $50,000-$60,000 a year, the cost starts to seem too high, especially when one considers the income that can be made by a person who learns a trade and works for himself. In addition, those not attending college would avoid student loan debt altogether (Wall Street Journal James ONeill). Fewer young men and women going to college would open up the market for higher-paying office jobs, thus lowering unemployment and underemployment. The influx of well-educated individuals has inflated credential requirements for many jobs. Education is a necessity but the level of education may not be as important. Currently, roughly 1 out of 3 college graduates holds a job that requires less than a bachelors degree (WSJ Richard Vedder). The current system is creating a generation of highly-educated, yet underemployed people in this nation. More college graduates are being turned out than jobs available in the managerial high-paying job market (Vedder). Fixing the current higher education system presents serious problems. Every person wants the best possible life for himself, as well he should, and a college education seems to present these opportunities. How does one separate those who deserve a college education and those who do not? As children we have always been taught to set goals for ourselves, reach for the mountaintop and achieve everything we possibly can. However, for the first time in American history, college may not be what everyone should strive for. It is a decision that each young person must make for himself. What is right for one may not be right for all.

Whats up with the traffic?

By Bruna Rogano Living in Chester has its advantages and disadvantages. Although residents of Chester are close to the library, Starbucks, a movie theater, a variety of stores, and many restaurants, getting to those places is not always an easy process. During the fall, people love going to Alstedes Farm to pick pumpkins or apples and enjoy the crisp air of the beautiful autumn days. However, a day at the farm is not the idea of fun to everyone. Every Saturday, traffic on Route 24 is worse than the 7:30 am traffic on Route 80 getting to Manhattan or leaving a Giants football game and trying to merge onto Route 3. Residents who try to get home or go to other places have to either sit in traffic for what seems like an eternity or find back roads such as Furnace road to circumnavigate the caravan of tourists. Safety is also an issue with the congestion on Route 24. Every weekend there is an accident somewhere on that road, says senior Liberty Mason-Sharma. Another resident of Chester, sophomore Jee Dicola complains, I cant leave my house most weekends due to the fact that I am trapped between traffic on all three exits to town. Although there are ways to still enjoy the weekend in Chester, it is definitely more complicated and takes longer than on a week day. The traffic in Chester is certainly not convenient and can cause problems ranging from tardiness to frustration. However, many people living in large cities have it a lot worse. The sheer volume of cars traveling the local roads in Chester absolutely creates havoc for the locals, but economically speaking the business it brings provides a boom to the town.

Bauberger runs the distance

by Dan Hakakian Physical Education teacher Jenna Baugerger recently completed her first full 26.2-mile marathon in four hours and 28 minutes along the coast of Atlantic City. Bauberger began training in the beginning of August for this feat. She previously ran half-marathons and other races such as the Color Me Rad run in Philadelphia and the Warrior Dash mud run in Morristown. Bauberger noted that it was one of the most difficult accomplishments in her life and that she would like to do another full marathon in a city, possibly even the New York City Marathon, but not anytime soon.

FEATURE

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by Ian Tanaya On November 6, 2012, Americans made a critical decision that will impact the short term and the long term future of the United States. U.S. voters reaffirmed their 2008 pledge to President Barack Obama by re-electing him instead of choosing his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney. Both men promised plans that would lead to the growth of the nation. Both candidates were concerned with the challenges facing America: the economy, foreign policy, and many other interests. However, the messages of both campaigns had been mostly dwarfed by the barrage of negative ads and rhetoric that both campaigns have hurled at each other. What exactly did America get in re-electing the President? What did it pass up? The answers lie in the plans that both candidates presented which may have been neglected by the media. Mitt Romney centered his economic plan on several aspects. In his jobs plan available on his campaign website, Romney said that he would focus on taxes, regulations, trade, energy, and labor in his goal of restoring the economy. He thought that lowering taxes for all citizens, such as personal and corporate income taxes and the capital gains tax (taxes on investment returns), and eliminating the estate tax (taxes on inherited assets) would allow more people to keep more cash, thus able to spend more money and bolster the economy. In addition Romney planned to eliminate regulations that unduly burden the economy and job creation. He found that some regulations, such as Dodd-Frank and Obamacare, forced businesses to fire workers and that repealing them would have allowed the economy to strengthen. On trade, Romney called for new agreements to increase trade with foreign nations in order to aid the economy. With regards to energy, Romney wanted to expand domestic drilling in places like the Gulf Coast and Alaska in order to reduce dependence on foreign oil and decrease gas prices, allowing people to keep more of their money. He also desired to approve the Keystone Pipeline, a pipeline that was projected to significantly increase the availability of oil from Canada, reduce oil and gas prices, and provide a lot of jobs. On labor, Romney desired to appoint to the National Labor Relations Board individuals with a respect for the law and an even-handed approach to labor relations because he wanted union members to receive full information about the pros and cons of unionization and then express their own preference in the privacy of the voting booth and to put an end to the undemocratic practice of allowing unions to deduct money directly from worker paychecks and spend it on political causes with which the workers may disagree. He believed that unions possess too much power over its members, business, and the government and that checking the power of the unions would improve the economy. Romneys foreign policy agenda was more assertive and direct than the Presidents strategy. Iran would have been the top foreign policy target. He requested stronger sanctions than those the President has created during his administration. Romney desired to secure American gains in

No rhetoric, just the facts

Afghanistan by keeping the troops there for a while longer instead of outlining a retreat in order to ensure that the Taliban does not simply return to power once American forces depart. He also wanted to make sure Pakistan is benefiting the United States instead of aiding extremists, citing the fact that Osama bin Ladens compound was located near a Pakistani military camp and that the man who helped the U.S. find bin Laden was arrested by the Pakistani government for treason. Additionally, Romney called for holding China accountable for its practices in unMedicare, Romney planned to restore the $716 billion to the program that were reallocated towards funding Obamacare, believing that these cuts will speed up Medicares demise. He also plans to restructure the program for citizens 55 and younger in order to make it less expensive for the government to continue the program. He desired to repeal and replace Obamacare, arguing that the law unfairly burdens businesses with more taxes and regulations while creating a larger federal bureaucracy. President Obama outlined a half.

THE PATRIOT November 2012

scrupulous trade, namely its currency manipulation in order to make sure the U.S. gains favorable trade deals in developing nations. Romney views on various other issues were also different from

new plan designed to combat the weak economy. While his first term was mostly focused on halting the recession and enacting health care reform, for his second term, the President plans to emphasize taxes, manufacturing, and

Obamas. On immigration Romney called for a border fence to further strengthen the borders in order to further discourage illegal immigration. He also desired to pass a new form of the Dream Act, charging the Presidents recent executive order allowing certain illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S. as politically motivated since his executive order came four and a half months before the election instead of earlier in the presidency. In regards to education, Romney unveiled A Chance for Every Child, a plan designed to allow families with low income or children with special needs the ability to choose among a variety of schools in order to access the best teachers, regardless of individual circumstances. Romney saw offering a choice of schools as the best method of getting children the best teachers possible. In order to preserve the future of Social Security, Romney proposed increasing the retirement age by a year or two for people under age 55 and decreasing the inflation of benefits for higher income citizens. He believed these actions would allow Social Security to continue without increasing taxes or fundamentally changing it. On

energy. For the President, it is imperative to lower taxes for the middle class in order to make sure that more people have enough extra money to spend and boost the economy. The President plans to lower middle class taxes and balance these cuts by increasing taxes on the top 3% of earners, believing that people who are that successful can afford to give a little more. According to his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, the President wants to focus on creating one million new manufacturing jobs by the end of his second term through lowering tax rates for companies that manufacture in the U.S. If American manufacturing grows quickly, the economy will surge because increases in American-made goods lessen the need for imports and increase the number of assets that can be sold to foreign countries, increasing profits for businesses and jobs available for Americans. On energy the President wants to continue his all of the above strategy to minimize oil imports by 2020, cutting the timeline for his Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future by five years and increasing the expectation from cutting a third of all oil imports to cutting

The Presidents foreign policy plan for a second term appears to be a nonaggressive, pragmatic approach to the worlds demands, similar to his first term policies. First on the Presidents agenda is action to ensure Iran does not gain nuclear capabilities. The President wants to continue the use of sanctions and is wary of using the military, but he has reiterated that the United States will stand by Israel should it decide to take military action against Iran. Also high on his priorities is ending the war in Afghanistan, the 11 year long struggle that many Americans think is simply wasting too much blood and treasure. In addition the ongoing crisis in Syria is on the Presidents radar; as the fighting continues, the U.N. may decide to take action to end it with more drastic measures, similar to actions taken in Libya. The President also desires to restore U.S. power in Asia as an economic competitor against China in order to gain further influence and power in the region. Obama wants to extend focus to Africa in order to make sure that the U.S. will be an influence in the region. Besides the economy and foreign policy, there are a myriad of issues facing the country that the President plans to address. On immigration the President seeks to continue his executive order which allows certain illegal immigrants to remain in America based on certain parameters until Congress passes a long-term solution to naturalization of certain illegal immigrants such as the proposed Dream Act. He wants the brightest, young people in the world adding strength and vigor to the U.S. instead of being afraid of a hostile government. With regards to education, the President desires to cut the growth of college tuition through offering benefits to universities that restrict tuition hikes, saving families money that can be spent and, thus, stimulating the economy. In addition the President has created Race to the Top, an incentive-based plan designed to reward high performing teachers and to replace President Bushs No Child Left Behind, which the President considers is too inflexible to help childrens education. Obama, on Social Security, wants to continue to allocate some of its funds to extend the payroll tax cut in order to maintain the growth of the economy. On Medicare, the President will aim at eliminating wasteful spending that the government can eliminate while keeping the program intact. The Presidents victory will also signal that Obamacare will not be repealed within the foreseeable future. Both Mitt Romney and President Obama ran on platforms dedicated to restoring the economy, regaining U.S. influence in the world, and attending to a variety of other critical issues. Romneys plan of a probusiness approach and an assertive foreign policy was denied from realization. Instead, Americans affirmed the Presidents call for further measures to aid the lower and middle classes and to remain pragmatic in face of global developments. After an election season of bitter, divisive attacks by both sides, its time for America to rally behind the President and finally break from the clutches of the sluggish economy.

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

FEATURE

Welcome new staff to Mendham High School!

Zito notes power in writing
by Dylan McDevitt Assuming English teacher Kara Cobers position last winter, Jen Zito returns to teaching freshmen and sophomores. Zito studied at the University of Delaware for her first semester and then transferred to the College of New Jersey. Outside of school, she enjoys playing the piano. Minoring in photography, Zito hopes to participate in some form of a photography club here at the high school. Zito realized her future as an English teacher when she became a better writer and saw how powerful writing is. I want to inspire my students, Zito explains as another reason as to why she became an English teacher. If given a choice to add to the English curriculum, Zito said she would add Beloved by Toni Morrison because of its powerful message of putting together a familys history.

Kappel makes math accessible

by Olivia Spathakis First year math teacher Devon Kappel arrived at Mendham wanting math to be fun, appealing, and achievable to all his students. Kappels high school math teacher inspired him by making math interesting and incorporating corny or goofy attitudes and jokes that kept the students awake and engaged while by Bruna Rogano New to Mendham, HeatherTaylor shares her enthusiasm about the college application process as students explore the Career and College Resource Center. Taylor attended Douglass College at Rutgers University and majored in French. She fell in love with the language, and she originally planned to teach French to elementary school stuthey were learning. Kappel earned his BS degree from Muhlenburg College. Currenlty he teaches Algebra II, Advanced Geometry, and Algebra I. He thinks geometry is the most challenging because it appeals to more visual learners. Among the goals he hopes to accomplish Kappel says is making math accessible to everyone. dents. So far, she loves everything about Mendham. Her only complaint is getting here in the morning because of the traffic. In addition to working at the school, she is also a photographer. She takes childrens portraits and family photos. Photography is her true passion. In addition, she also likes playing with her puppy spending time with her children during her free time.

Taylor excited to help seniors

Administrative assistants assist

by Alejandra Garcia-Alayon Susan Kobin and Sharon Bello join the guidance department as new administrative assistants, ready to greet students and assist them with their needs. For Kobin, this is her first time working in a school environment. She previously worked for an architectural firm that helped build schools, so she is somewhwat familiar with schools in general. Her interaction with students and the diversification of her job are what ultimately motivated her to choose this position. Kobin is enjoying the college process and is eager to witness students thrill as they receive acceptances. Bello looks forward to making a difference in the lives of students and is determined to fill the needs of students. As she works through the year, she hopes to learn more about guidance needs and strives to further understand how to improve the educational experience for students.

Hedden heads to Mendham

by: Katelyn Gaffney A new school year brings English teacher Gwen Hedden to share and enlighten students through her love of literature. At the beginning of her college years, Hedden had no intention of becoming an English teacher; instead, she was studying to become a Physical Therapist. Hedden, who played softball competitively, wanted to work with athletes. After an injury took her off the field, however, the idea of working with feet all day led her to reconsider her career choices. Hedden always loved English and was inspired by her English teachers. After thinking about whether or not by Cory Pressl Google Certified Teacher Erica joins the district as the new Technology Integration Supervisor. Hartman taught Language Arts before coming to the district. As the Technology Integration Supervisor, Hartmans responsibilities range anywhere from fixing laptops and computers to deciding what technology is integrated into the district. Aside from being the new district supervisor, Hartman also holds the title of a Google Certified Teacher, a position that her students encouraged her to achieve. to change her major, Hedden came up with a good philosophy. Id rather work to live not live to work, and at the end of the day, I want to enjoy what I am doing. This change was not only a change of major but change of location, as Hedden moved from Quinnipiac University to The College of New Jersey. I changed schools because it was about where I felt comfortable, says Hedden. Hedden grew up playing softball and won all-state gold. She coaches a travel team and assists Centrals softball team. I dont see the rivalry; everything seems very similar, she notes on the rivalry between Mendham and Central. As a GCT, Hartman interacts with other certified teachers around the globe to share ideas about teaching, and travels to the Google Headquarters. When I visited Google, even Googlers experienced projector failures. It's how you plan and deal with the issue that we can all learn from. Hartman mentions that students can visit her for technological advice or just for some feedback. Hartman explains that technology should be used to enhance student engagement and that although technology doesnt always work the way it should

Del Preore juggles two schools

by Rebecca Iozzi In his first year of traveling between Central and Mendham, business teacher Chris Del Preore fits into the Mendham scene just right. A graduate of St. Peters University, in Jersey City, Del Preore earned his BS in International Business and Trade. He then attended Virginia Common Wealth University in Richmond VA., where he received his MA and served as the schools assistant strength coach. Del Preore has always had a passion for athletics. He has been teaching at Central and has been the strength coach there for the past 15 years. He is also a coach for their football team. So far, Del Preore notes, Its more relaxed here. The kids are more attentive and less chatty. Laughingly he added, and kids dress differently too, a lot less jeans for the guys. Del Preore laughs when he talks about Mendham Time, and how he can not wrap his head around it. Passionate about his career, Del Preore believes student involvement is key: fewer lectures and more doing. Del Preore states that his job isnt really a job, but a lifestyle which he loves and is enthused about.

Hartman to integrate technology

Chernoff travels between schools

by Rebecca Iozzi New Physics teacher Melanie Chernoff teaches classes at Central in the morning and classes at Mendham in the afternoon. Chernoff earned her B.A. in Physics from Rutgers and her Ed.M. in Science Education from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers. Chernoff worked full time while attending classes, was an active sorority member, and played club basketball. She was motivated to become a teacher by her Spanish and physics teachers at Roxbury High School. I was never an artistic person, Chernoff says, but she discovered her passion in the art of physics. She teaches her class in untraditional ways. Lighting things on fire or gliding around the room on rollerblades, she keeps kids enticed and involved in class. While Chernoff naturally loves the topic of physics, another contributor to her becoming a teacher comes from her wanting to be a mentor. She likes the idea that being a teacher allows her to have connections with students and be a life direction map. I like being there for people as a sounding board.

Kendrat weighs knowledge over profit

by Dylan McDevitt Transferring from Livingston High School, Susan Kendrat joins the business department. Kendrat earned her undergraduate degree of marketing from Boston Colleges Carol School of Management and holds her M.B.A. from New York Universitys Stern School of Business. Kendrat originally worked in the business world as a marketing manager, but after having children, she began teaching. It is more important sharing knowledge of the business world than generating profits, she notes. Enthusiastic about business, Kendrat wants her students to feel prepared for college business courses and have the knowledge they need to succeed in the business world after taking her classes. In her free time, Kendrat enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, and walking her dog. Last summer, she and her family traveled to Hawaii where they enjoyed snorkeling.

Kline shows interest in golf team

by Liz Abramov Math teacher Kevin Kline already reveals his love for the school and his interest in becoming part of certain clubs and activities. Kline attended a couple of colleges and universities while he was trying to figure out what he was doing in life. One of the universities he attended was Rutgers. He suggests to any seniors nervous for their freshman year in Rutgers or any college to do well freshby Jenna Inganamort As the world language department expands to include Chinese, Lei Cooley joins the district, dividing her time between Mendham and Central as the newest member to the Foreign Language program. Cooley attended the Stern School of Business at New York University and continued her education at man year because it will be easier to maintain a good GPA for the years to follow. Kline enjoyed his stay at Rutgers. Its a huge school and a lot bigger than people think it is. Other than teaching, Kline also enjoys playing golf, guitar and cooking. He is interested in becoming part of many clubs and activities such as the golf team and FBLA. His advice to students everywhere would be to do your homework.

Lei Cooley
the Beijing Foreign Studies University. Teaching for her actually began at home. I have been teaching my own children Chinese since they were born and that inspired me to teach students to create more Chinese speakers. The first teacher to ever teach Chinese in this district, she finds students are eager to learn. As a result, Cooley finds herself extensively planning.

Braccino shares his love for writing

by Jee DiCola English teacher Joseph Braccino combines fun methods within a serious curriculum. Braccino graduated from Rutgers University. While he always wanted to be a teacher, history was his first choice. Braccino is looking forward to tackling writing with his students. Its not just essay writing that excites him, but creative writing as well. He likes all types of writing, including screenwriting and graphic novels. Braccino just wishes that he could cover those with his students. He believes that superheroes are characters that survive so long for a reason, and admires the connections to mythology in many of the stories. Students have responded favorabely with Braccino. I think its important to connect with your students he notes.

NEWS

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THE PATRIOT November 2010

Teen driving restrictions subject to change

by Katelyn Gaffney Teenage drivers and their parents can expect a few changes when it comes to learning to drive as permits may be extended to one year instead of six months, according to the state legislature. In an 8-0 vote by the Assembly Transportation Committee, teen driving restrictions would be added to the previous laws such as Kyleighs Law that went into effect for young drivers in May 2010. `The current restrictions under Kyleighs Law mandate any driver under the age of 21 with a probationary license buy a red decal and display it on the top left corner of the license plate. Along with decals, teen drivers are only allowed to drive with one passenger and must be in by 11:01 pm. After the parent of teenager, Kyleigh, who died tragically in a car accident, petitioned the state for more restrictions on young drivers, the state passed the new law. Mandatory decals and an 11:01pm curfew were instituted. When the law was passed in early 2010, Donna Weeks, Kyleighs mother, had demanded a one year probationary period. Now, the one year permit is being considered under state assembly. Leader of New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition, Pam Fischer says, Lengthening the permit phrase gives teens the opportunity to practice-which is critical. Another addition to the restrictions on teen drivers is an orientation that parents must attend. The orientation would be a basic driving lesson. Parents would have to drive 100 hours with their teen driver over the year permit and log the hours on an honor code. These new laws are pending at state legislature assembly, meaning the next generation will be affected by new stricter laws when their turn comes to get their permits.

Sky d i ver plun ges 24 miles

by Bruna Rogano On October 14, 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner showed the entire world that the sky has no limits. In the past, Baumgartner parachuted from major landmarks such as the Petronas Towers in Malasia and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, but this time, he was looking for a greater challenge. He decided to jump 125,100 feet, or 24 miles above the Earth in order to plunge faster than the speed of sound. The jump lasted four minutes and twenty seconds and reached a maximum velocity of 833 .9 mph before he landed in New Mexico. A jump as intense as this one has never been accomplished before, so it was uncertain whether or not he would be able to land safely. Five years of preparation convinced Baumgartner he was finally ready to take the plunge. The 43-yearold Baumgartner shocked the world when he flew higher than anyone ever in a helium hot air balloon and broke the record for the highest jump, states Brian Utley, an official observer monitoring the mission. It is shocking that Baumgartner was able to accomplish such a high jump while wearing nothing but a space suit, helmet and parachute. It may seem like this is not enough protection, but he survived. He even managed to break the speed of sound which has never been done before. Baumgartner set off at 9:30 am from Roswell, New Mexico amid windy, clear conditions, while strapped into a capsule that hung from a giant helium balloon. Two hours later, he had risen high into the stratosphere. After running through a 40-step checklist, opened a hatch, disconnected the capsule, and climbed onto a step the size of a skateboard. The Mission Control assured him, guardian angels will take care of (him) just seconds before he jumped. Baumgartner had no second thoughts and quickly jumped. While so many things could have gone wrong, the parachutist did not worry too much about that and took the risk which ended up being worth it in the end. He could have been trapped in a horizontal spin or the integrity of his pressure suit could have not been strong enough to protect him since the temperature during the fall was around 70 degrees below zero. Baumgartners jump breaks the record set in 1960 by Col. Joe Kittinger, who fell from 102,800 feet as part of a U.S. Air Force Mission. Kittinger even helped Baumgartner break his record. Kittinger was a consultant who was part of the Mission Control and communicated with Baumgartner during his fall. Kittinger congratulated Baumgartner and said that he did it perfectly. He was honored to be a part of such a historic moment.

Taliban targets young Pakistani

by Liberty Mason-Sharma On October 9, armed gunmen shot 14-year-old blogger Malala Yousafzai in the head in an attack linked to the Talibans operating in Pakistan. Yousafzai entered the public eye in 2009 when she began contributing to the BBC Urdu through a blog focusing on the Talibans effect on daily life in her hometown in Pakistan. She wrote under the pen name Gul Makai and expressed her shock at the closing of girls schools. Since then she has become a key advocate for the education of all women. On February 8, 2009, Yousafzai expressed her sentiments regarding the banning of girls education in her hometown of Swat, Pakistan. I felt hurt on opening my wardrobe and seeing my uniform, school bag and geometry box, she wrote. Boys' schools are opening tomorrow, but the Taliban have banned girls' education. Yousafzais desire for equal opportunities for all compelled her to take a risk and write her opinions. Under Taliban control, girls in the town of Swat were not allowed to go to school from 2007 until 2009 when the Taliban were forced to relinquish control of the area. The Taliban began sending Yousafzai death threats due to her expression of antiTaliban viewpoints and continued to send them even after their departure from Swat. Yousafzias parents did not invest in security for her as they believed the threats were hollow. However, on October 9, two armed gunmen stopped the vehicle which transported Yousafzai from school to her house every day. The men asked which student was Yousafzai and shot her in the head and wounded two other people. Since the attack, doctors at a local hospital, a military hospital, and most recently, a hospital in the United Kingdom specializing in head trauma have treated the young blogger. The outpouring of support for Yousafzai is in concordance with the sentiments of the UK government. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, William Hague has condemned the attack. "The public revulsion and condemnation of this cowardly attack shows that the people of Pakistan will not be beaten by terrorists. Despite the fact that security is tight at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England, well-wishers continue to express their concern for Yousafzai and the right for all people to receive an education. The Taliban vow to attack the young blogger again, but for now, she is recovering in a high-security environment with the support of many governments and civilians behind her.

Chavez re-election stirs concerns

by Rachel Pire With Hugo Chavezs maintaining his position as the President of Venezuela, the future of the countrys foreign policy remains a concern for world politicians. On October 7th Chavez was re-elected for the fourth time into office with 54% of the votes. This win will give Chavez another six years in office, during which he vows to move forward with his plans to make Venezuela a socialist country. Beloved by his people and respected by other South American leaders, Chavezs win has elicited a positive response from South America. Nevertheless, where the United States is concerned, some believe his re-election gives cause to worry. "Hugo Chavez is not only a threat to the Venezuelan people's freedom and democratic aspirations, he has also supported Iran's regime in its attempts to expand its intelligence network throughout the hemisphere, facilitated money laundering activities that finance state sponsors of terrorism and provided a safe haven for FARC narcoterrorists, among many other actions," states Florida Republican, Senator Marco Rubio. As the United States fourthlargest exporter of oil, Venezuela has always been an important trading partner for the USA. Since Chavez has always been a very vocal critic of the United States, another six years in office might be troubling the US. Chavezs open support of the Syrian government and of Iran also causes concern for US officials, as his re-election into office could mean more close-knit ties with Iran, creating a dangerous situation for the United States.

Want to write for The Patriot? Send us an article at www.mhspatriot@gmail.com

Donate goods to Mendham Service Club!

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

MENDHAM TRAVELS

MENDHAM TRA V E LS A R OU ND T HE W ORLD

Buckler trav

Maki manages mammals in Africa

by Liberty Mason-Sharma This past summer, senior Chris Buckler travelled to Taiwan to work in an architecture firm for two weeks. Buckler knew architecture was the program he would pursue in college as he left school last June, and his experi ences this summer solidified his desire to make architecture more than a simple liking. As he left home this summer to gain experience in an architecture firm owned by his great-uncles business partner, Buckler knew it would be a challenge. He was required to speak Chinese for the duration of his stay in Taipei, Taiwan and adapt quickly to the different environment Staying in Taiwan proved to be quite an easy experi ence for Buckler as he notes contrary to many stereotypes people are actually really friendly, and he dove straight into the demanding work. He felt welcomed and his knowledge o the language aided him in adapting to the new environment The change in culture and location proved to be an advan tage for Buckler. He also found the architecture in Taipei in spirational as the abundance of wealth and lack of zoning issues allow modern high-rises to exist next to traditional Tai wanese buildings. The juxtaposition of new and old architec ture provided the ideal environment for an aspiring student o architecture. Buckler thrived in Taiwan and learned about his passion. It reinforced my desire to study architecture.

by Reid Petty This past summer Sophie Maki ventured to South Africa as a volunteer; however, her volunteerism was like no other: Maki tracked and looked after elephants in a wildlife safari. Upon arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, Maki had a few days to acquaint herself with a new environment before her volunteerism began. Speaking fondly of her time in the city, Maki states, Even though its a big city, there are beautiful mountains all around. There is even a mountain right in the city. Following her exploration of South Africas capital, Maki began her work at the Game Lodge. Guests in Cape Town often visit the Lodge, making it a popular spot for tourists

Sta nt on gi v e s ba c k
by William Gibbs This summer, senior John Stanton traveled to Costa Rica to help the less fortunate. While most of us were busy relaxing on the beach or doing our summer reading, Stanton embarked on a life-changing journey. He went to Costa Rica for 10 days, where he worked hard, building a school and teaching the local children to speak English. Stanton was able to make this journey through a community organization called Rustic Pathways. In addition, Stanton traveled with his church to build houses for the impoverished in Kentucky. These experiences humbled me, explains Stanton, They really made me less materialistic. This type of humanitarian work benefits all of those involved. The people there really showed me how blessed I am to live in a town like Mendham, he explains, You learn to appreciate the little things, like

from around the world. As a volunteer, Maki stayed with the year-round staff. Maki held multiple jobs on various safaris, often with large responsibility. She was charged with tracking the location of the animals and taking care of them. This entailed such assignments as preparing food and cleaning stables (yuck!). In addition, Maki frequently took the animals on walks and assisted guests with their own rides on the backs of the elephants. On the topic of elephants, It was really cool to see elephants in action. Theyre awesome because theyre so smart and have distinct personalities and relationships with each other. Maki didnt find it hard adapting to life in Africa at all, although she expected the climate to be a bit warmer. Because of this chilly temperature and the frequent pouring rain, Maki contractred the flu. Nevertheless, she powered through and still had a really great time. Aside from her love for the elephants, Maki also became quite fond of the new cultures she encountered on her trip. She met many people who didnt speak English fluently or couldnt even locate the United States on a world map. Though these differences did cre- Gabriella Smith ate a language barrier, Maki said that, Its cool Many students took the opportunity this summer to par to see how even people who seem really dif- ticipate in the Appalachia mission trip that St. Joes church of ferent from me can also have similarities, and fers. we can be friends. The students were sent to Paintsville, Kentucky, a town that had been destroyed by a violent tornado. Students spent knowing the water you drink wont make you time with those less fortunate who lost their homes during the sick. Stanton acted as an ambassador for storm, rebuilding damaged both the United States and the high school homes, participating in recrethis summer. He encourages all students to ational activities, and forming close ties with those around get more involved in community projects. them. Each day there was a daily routine. We woke up every day at 7, went to breakfast where you would usually have to make your own food, then broke up into work groups, working from 9 to 4, then did fun activities with everyone, says senior Emily Alworth. The students built foundations for houses, worked with cement, rebuilt bathrooms, built decks, and painted. It would seem that these jobs are extremely tedious and difficult, bu junior Geena Santomo says, It wouldnt really seem like work because you had all your friends surrounding you. Doing the work with people you like being around makes the work more

Students work together

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

els to Taiwan
Buckler cherishes his time spent in Taiwan. This experience gave me a unique view into a profession and lifestyle that Im not normally exposed to. He adds that he hopes it will prove to be an advantage when he enters an architecture program next September. Speaking Chinese will also aid in his desire to enter into a highly selective program. Bucklers experiences this summer gave him a new outlook into the world of architecture, and he believes that summer programs are beneficial to all highly motivated high school students.

d e n s e n t. s o of t. g of s

Peters represents New Jersey at youth leadership program

by Kirsten Eversen Junior Emily Peters attended the Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership World Leadership Congress at Loyola University ( Chicago) this past summer to develop her commitment to service and explore her guidance qualities. Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership is a leadership development organization specifically founded to provide the younger generation with leadership and service opportunities. The Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership World Leadership Congress is referred to as HOBY WLC" by program veterans. As a precedent for the Chicago program, participants must attend the youth leadership conference in their designated state with the opportunity to then travel for the weeklong conference. Spanning a length of three to four days, this premiere program develops the fundamental characteristics of becoming a leader. I had a great time, Peters recalls, but I felt like Id get an even better outlook if I went to Chicago. The program brought together over 420 sophomores from 13 different countries. For eight days, participants bonded over volunteer work completed throughout the city. There is a strong focus on service, Peters states, as well as an emphasis on the challenges in our current world. For Peters, becoming involved with NiceShirts.org proved to be a very rewarding experience. NiceShirts.org transforms old shirts into new materials, he explains, such as bracelets and bags, to resell and donate the profit to our organization of choice. By applying passions and leadership skills through community service work, HOBY demonstrates that even at a young age, a difference can be made. A lot of times you think, Oh Im 16. I cant really do much notes Peters, but I learned that we can all help the world in our own place and make a big difference. Peters intends to stay involved with HOBY by applying as a volunteer at this years NJ HOBY in June.

r and bond in Appalachia

enjoyable. The trip was didnt consist solely of hard work. After a long day of work, the students went bowling, tried cliff-jumping, went swimming, and frequented the local Dairy Queen. We even went to a Hoedown one night, junior Becky Ghosler adds. Forty students spent the week together in Kentucky and shared an experience of a lifetime with each other to which no other can compare. Many students were not friends with each other before the trip. Sharing the experience of helping others in need brought them together. Alworth adds, It was really nice bonding with people that you wouldnt typically interact and be with. I think its a trip during which you have the chance to discover yourself, notes Ghosler. Coming from Mendham, it was very eye-opening to see much less fortunate parts of the country. Obviously, the trip was a very memorable experience for all. It was awesome and one of the best experiences of my life, says senior Christina Swift. One of her fondest memories of the trip was learning the life story of the woman we built a porch for. I liked talking to her and learning about the struggles she had gone through. It made me grateful for what I have.

Eversen conquers counterintelligence

by Dan Hakakian Junior Kirsten Eversen participated in program on national security and counterintelligence at Georgetown University joining students from around the world this summer. The program discusses how the United States prevents foreign access to confidential information and how intelligence information is collected by analyzing real life topics. Some core topics the program covers are homeland security, the United States and the Middle East, cyber security, drug trafficking, arms proliferation and border protection, according to Eversen. The participants travel to a variety of places such as the Central Intelligence Agency, the Marine Corps Museum, the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, the National Security Administration, and the International Spy Museum. They also hear from prominent guest speakers, participate in panel discussions and conduct simulation projects. Eversen noted that she was also able to have a glimpse at college life. You get to really experience the entirety of college life as a high school student. You live with your friends, eat in the dining hall, go to class, get homework, and have free time at

rf-

h d t k e e

the end of the day to just relax or enjoy the city. Although Eversen enjoyed every part of the program, she notes, The best part for me was bonding with all of the people. Nearly all 100 high school students in the program were friendly and amiable. She now has friends living in Canada, Hawaii, California, Illinois, and even Mongolia! Eversen signed on for the program not knowing a single person, but by the second night, she was playing cards with her new friends in her dorm.

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

CULT

Reality TV takes over

by Liz Abramov As Reality TV shows such as Honey Boo Boo, Jersey Shore, or Dance Moms take over viewers have to wonder why actual plot and script are losing their appeal. The days of past favorites such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and That 70s Show are long over. Todays young TV viewers insist on watching shows that make them feel like they know secrets and information of someones real life. The obvious curiosity of teenagers encourages them to watch reality TV. Furthermore, many viewers are addicted to watching these shows to make them feel better about their self-esteem and current situation. They think it could always be worse, like these crazy moms lives on Dance Moms. Although reality TV can instill self-esteem in some girls, some shows such as The Real Housewives and Extreme Makeover, can make many girls feel dependent on their looks in life. Based on the recent article from Mommyish, more than a third of the girls that watch reality TV feel their main value in life is based on how they look. Based on another study on cracked.com, women who were exposed to Extreme Makeover were more likely to want surgery than watching a show such as Glee. Reality TV cant be seen as positive when it creates such a destruction in recent generations especially when cat fights and throwing tantrums are shown as ways to achieve fame.

Consignment shops rising in popularity

by Olivia Spathakis New horror film House at the End of the Street starring Jennifer Lawrence, fulfills the typical thriller movie description: entertaining, but expected suspense, and an almost entirely predictable plot. Released on September 21, 2012, House at the End of the Street made $27,589,167 in the box offices within the first three weeks, and is behind a majority of the movies also being released this month. House is the classic something-is-hiding-in-the-basement type of movie. New girl from Chicago Elissa (Lawrence) moves to a small rural town, where she befriends troubled neighbor Ryan (Max Thieriot), whose sister killed his parents four years ago and supposedly disappeared after the incident. Predictably, his sister is still alive, living in the basement and trying to find ways to get out of the house. More of a thriller than a horror, House at the End of the Street perfects the suspense and surprises for fans. Towards the end, however, a few unexpected twists and surprises keep viewers on

House at the End of the Street lacks originality

the edge of their seats. Lawrencesperformance keeps the movie interesting. Her role in House iis very similar to her role as Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games. Her character possesses the same physical ability and street- smart knowledge to look out for herself as she tries to escape from the house. House at the End of the Street lacks originality compared to other horror films of the past. The suspense pales in comparison to films like the classic Psycho. It may be disappointing for the horror fans expecting a twisted plot, or a gory set, but for those who like the low- key thriller movies, it is a perfect Friday night movie.

Hero or Threat?
past help explain each of these leads. Brody has an interesting life, yet confusing. Certain aspects of his life explain only some of the parts of his life. His marine background explains his nationalism, but his flashbacks, including the flashback of Brodys murdering partner Corporal Tom Walker with his bare hands, suggest otherwise. While Brody publically attends church, he secretly practices Islam in his garage. He has a tough time adjusting to life back in the United States and struggles to keep his composure. At a meeting for those who served overseas, Mathison approaches Brody and befriends him, hoping to discover his true intentions. The two run off to her cabin in the woods and have a weekend fling. Mathison hopes Brody will open up to her and will talk about his past in the Middle East. Brodys past is further explained with the relationship he has with Al-Qaedas Abu Nasir. His intentions are questioned as the plot continues when he is reunited with Walker. Mathison is eager to prove that he is a threat to the security of the nation as he finds his way into politics as a congressman. Is Brody a member of AlQaeda? Or is he a patriot trying to demonstrate his patriotism through politics? Look for these answers during season two.

by Olivia Spathakis The number of consignment stores in New Jersey is growing at a rapid pace because people are finding it more convenient to splurge on a cute, vintage Marc Jacobs bowler handbag recently coming back into style, or a fun, trendy pair of Kate Spade pumps perfect for homecoming or prom along with an affordable price. The demand for discounted designer couture like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, etc., increases as consignment shops like 4 Ever Michelle Couture and Barneys Consignment Shop grow in popularity. Amid a struggling economy, shoppers not only save money buying affordable designer items, but also make money selling their old, gently worn, designer purchases to consignment shops. For designers who are no longer in retail stores, like Betsey Johnson, her vintage dresses, jewelry, shoes, and

The Walking Dead returns for season 3

handbags can most likely be found at consignment shops as well. Selling to a consignment shop is an easy way to make money. By getting rid of designer clothes, handbags, shoes, belts, and fine jewelry, not only will a closet be cleaned out, but also sellers can make about 50 percent of the profit as well. Consignment stores like 4 Ever Michelle Couture will give the item an opportunity to be sold in 90 days. If it is not sold, the item can be donated or put on eBay, depending on the sellers decision. Even though they do not sell online, consignment shops advertise and promote their couture via social media sources like Facebook. Bella Couture Consignment Boutique of Sparta's Facebook page, features not only clothes, handbags, shoes, and accessories, but also tech accessories like iPad and iPhone cases.

by Cory Pressl The Walking Dead returned to AMC for its third season on October 14th to much anticipation. Since its inception in 2010, The Walking Dead has been thrilling audiences with its incredibly horrific special effects and grim, yet exciting plot. The AMC hit follows police officer Rick Grimes who awoke from a coma to a world inhabited by Zombies. Grimes sets out in search of his wife Lori and his son Carl in Atlanta. Andrew Lincoln (Grimes) has also starred in a number of films, including the romantic comedy Love Actually. Starring alongside Lincoln is Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, and Chandler Riggs. The Walking Dead has been no stranger to awards, having won an Emmy for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie, or Special, and having won or been nominated for countless other awards. Senior Chris Baker was hooked

after the first episodes of the series. It felt like I was watching a movie, he explains. Everything just worked for me, and Im excited for the premiere of season 3. The Walking Dead has changed expectations of what television should be like. From the beginning the characters emitted sincerity and pain, which continue to be themes of the show. The plot provides hooks with iits unexpected twists and turns. Every actor in the show does an excellent job of portraying brave individuals in a seemingly helpless situation. The show tagline, Fight the dead; Fear the living, explains the excitement concerning betrayal and survival that each character faces. The Walking Dead has been a journey, excitement increases as season 3 begins. Viewers around the country have fallen for the AMC drama, which easily secures its place as one of, if not the, greatest television programs AMC has ever created.

by Dylan McDevitt Praised heavily by President Barack Obama, Homeland returned for a second season on Showtime September 30, 2012 and will broadcast every Sunday night at 10 P.M. Season one began with Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas Brodys rescue after being an Al-Qaeda prisoner of war for eight years. At the same time, CIA agent Carrie Mathison learns that a marine was captured and turned loyal to Al-Qaeda. Mathison does everything in her power, legal or not, to prove that Brody is a threat to the United States. What made season one a success was how the three driving themes of: protection, redemption, and vengeance create contradiction and suspense. In addition each episode leaves the audience in the dark until the last moment. As the plot continues, there are multiple interpretations of Brodys intentions, and it is up to the audience to decide which one they want to believe. Throughout the first season, constant flashbacks to Brodys

Coming Attractions:
Les Miserables Jack Reacher Hitchcock Red Dawn Django Unchained Life of Pi
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

Looper releases to worldwide acclaim

by Jee DiCola Bruce Willis, Joseph GordonLevitt, and Emily Blunt star in a new film that grabs the audience by the throats, takes them for a wild ride, and doesnt let go or slow down until the abrupt stop at the end, which definitely throws some for a loop. Looper takes place in the year 2044, where time travel doesnt exist. However, in the year 2074, time travel has been invented. It was outlawed, and only the biggest crime syndicates use it to send back people they want to get rid of. Gordon-Levitt takes on the role of Joe, a Looper. Loopers are assassins who kill those people that the crime lords send to the past and dispose of the body in the present. Things get a bit tricky for Joe, however, when loops start closing, which means that when a Looper kills someone and finds gold strapped to his back instead of silver, hes just killed his thirty-year-older self, and now, can leave the Loopers and go into retirement for the next 30 years. Then, hes sent back in time and killed by his younger self, continuing the loop. In one possible future, Joe kills his future self and lives out a life of crime, drugs, and money until he meets his wife, who drags him from his downward spiral and brings him back. Thirty years later, hes taken away from his home to close the loop. In an act of desperation, he travels to the past and confronts his younger self. After being forced to go on the run, the younger Joe stumbles upon a small farm, marked on a piece of a map that hed taken from the older Joe, and meets Sara (Blunt) and her son, Cid (Pierce Gagnon). The film itself is well done, with outstanding editing, cinematography, music, make-up, and set design. All three of the main actors pull their weight and really bring the plot to life. The star of the movie, however, is not truly any of them. Youngster Cid gives the best performance. The plot has a few small holes that are easily overlooked and truly make people think while they watch the movie its very original and something that has never been done before. In a way, its reminiscent of The Twilight Zone where characters meet their future or past selves and risk changing the future. The ending definitely brings something that most will never expect. In fact, at the end of most movies, theres clapping, booing, or people just getting up to leave. At the end of Looper, the final twist leaves the theater goers iin a state of shock.

Taste outweighs ambience

by Dylan McDevitt Tops China, located next to Cluck-U in Morristown, offers an inexpensive, quick eat for any Chinese food fanatic. Tops offers take-out services as well as dining in. The atmosphere is not overwhelming, and nothing about the restaurant is fancy. The dining area is simple and filled with a few tables. Although the atmosphere is lacking, the quality of food and service makes Tops China a great choice. The menu offers a variety of items including the standard choice. With more than fair prices, the lunch menu provides an inexpensive, yet filling meal. Classic Chinese food, such as General Tsos Chicken, Chicken or Beef with Broccoli, Spicy Chicken or Beef with Mixed Vegetables, Shrimp Lo Mein, is served with a choice of rice and a drink. Above all, the food is all made fresh to order. The prices at Tops China quite frankly cannot be beaten. Large portions satisfy even the most desperate of appetities, and the free drink seals the deal. At a mere $7 the Spicy Beef with Mixed Vegetables and Fried Rice provides a hearty meal. With a friendly, polite, and ready-to-serve staff dining in is an excellent option; once the order is placed, customers can just relax and enjoy. Although Tops China lacks in ambiance, the delicious food and bargain prices make Tops Chinese a must-go.

Settebello provides authentic Italian cuisine

by Will Sager Settebello, an Italian restaurant in Morristown, New Jersey, offers patrons excellent Italian cuisine in a comfortably subdued environment. With its quiet atmosphere and subtle, charming dcor, Settebello provides an ideal place for a family meal. The owner of the restaurant meets diners at the door and leads them to their seats, leaving a feeling of having been transported to a traditional restaurant in Sicily. The main attraction of Settebello remains the top-notch cuisine. Patrons choose from a variety of appetizers, or antipasti, which include a delicious calamari in a red sauce. Before enjoying such starters, however, waiters provide plentiful bread to accompany bottles of olive oil already present on the tables. Delicious salads can be found on the menu, such as the mista option, which includes dried cranberries and goat cheese. Various pastas frequent the menu as well, including a truly special spaghetti dish consisting of wholewheat noodles, olives, and ricotta cheese. Settebello provides good but not great waiter service. While diners may be sure their water glass will remain full, conversation may be needed to pass the time before the entrees arrive. With that being said, however, waiters maintain a nice flow of courses as the meal transitions from appetizers to salads and finally to entrees. Dessert includes a chocolate cheese cake with chocolate mousse made at the restaurant, as well as classics such as tiramisu. The crme brule provides another solid option for customers and does not fall short of expectations. Those in need of caffeine need look no farther than the cappuccino, a frothy concoction that warms the imbiber to the tips of his or her toes. Settebello lacks some degree of accessibility for teenage diners due to its high prices, but for a special occasion, venture to Morristown where the food will not disappoint.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire returns with old and new faces
by Jee DiCola The Hunger Games, based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, released on DVD in August after hitting theaters in late March to overwhelming positive response from both top film critics and die-hard fans of the books. The second film of the series, Catching Fire, will be released next winter. in theaters. Many of the stars will return, including Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), and Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne). Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, and Stanley Tucci also reprise their roles. Donald Southerland returns as well as President Snow, becoming the main antagonist of the rest of the series. Joining this all-star cast is Academy Award winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker), Jena Malone (Johanna Mason, District 7 Victor), Alan Ritchson (Gloss, District 1 Victor), and Meta Golding (Enobaria, District 2 Victor). The casting of heartthrob Finnick Odair (District 4 Victor) has been the source of fan dispute since the release of the novel and his first introduction into the world of The Hunger Games. Armie Hammer (The Social Network) and Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga) had both been rumored to be in talks for the part. In August 2012, it was announced that the part went to actor Sam Claflin. Claflin has been featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Philip Swift) and Snow White & the Huntsman (William). Two members of the crew will not be seeing Catching Fire through to the end. Director and co-screenwriter Gary Ross and original author of the novels Suzanne Collins have left the crew due to issues with time management. Replacing Ross will be Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer Lawrence), who has also directed the films I Am Legend and Water for Elephants. The highly anticipated film started production, as of September 2012, and will wrap up shooting in December 2012.

Welcome back frozen yogurt!

by Rebecca Iozzi Frozen yogurt returns with a chilling blast! In the 80s frozen yogurt became popular as a healthy alternative to ice cream, which many pregnant women sought as they worked out to Jane Fonda videos. Recently frozen yogurt shops have been popping up all over the map. The fad is coming back. Many people enjoy FroYo for its healthy reputation but they also enjoy it for other reasons. Unlike regular ice cream shops, FroYo shops are very interactive. The costumers make their own creation with different flavors and toppings. Many FroYo shops within the area include; Cups (Morristown), Yogurtland (Denville), Yophoric (Chester), Red Mango (Bridgewater), Taro (Morristown), Strawberry Fields(Morristown), and Tart and Tufo (Morristown). All have amenities that can be found in one another but some are better than others in the eyes of Mendham students. In a recent surveym, Yophoric, located in the Chester Springs Shopping Mall, was listed as the favorite place to buy frozen yogurt. Many students agreed the flavors and toppings served at Yophoric. Another huge factor to its popularity is simply the location. It is a short drive away or even a quick walk for most. Students also agreed on liking it because of the ambiance. Its a fun environment for friends to hang out, watch the TV screens, play with IPads and chat with the familiar employees. Yogurtland, located in Denville, offers delicious flavors and toppingss. With Qdoba close by, a quick dinner can be topped off with a healthly dessert. Many students also like the interior design and good energy at Yogurtland. In third place is Cups. It is located in a fun location, Morristown, where after a show or dinner you can grab a nice cup of FroYo. Students go to Cups for the good vibes, flavors, ambiance, music, and prices. Fourth place is Strawberry Fields in Morristown. Students enjoy the flavors and toppings as well as the ambiance. As well as supporting your hungry belly for a cold treat, you are also supporting a family business. At Red Mango in the Bridgewater Mall, students agree upon yummy flavors and toppings and also, good prices. The least favorite FroYo place for students is Taro and Tar and Tufo in Morristown. These two FroYo shops are quiet with comfortable seating and very healthy choices with many fruit toppings on display and healthy smoothies. Maybe if there were more toppings that contained sugar, the students would have ranked it higher.

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

FASHION

by Zeenie Sharif With winter quickly approaching, many people are wondering whats hot for the 2012 season and looking to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune. Many of the winter styles are about pieces that have a classic fit with a modern, edgy twist. Jackets are always statement pieces and great to have in the fall and winter. This season, contrast jackets are an exciting take on the classic leather or military jacket (both of which are still completely ontrend). A military or denim jacket with leather sleeves combines both great trends and makes a plain shirt and jeans feel fresh and unexpected. Jackets with studs, epaulettes, or intricate detailing are also popular this season and will dress up any simple outfit. Winter is all about adding little details and accessories to outfits that are already in your closet. Collars, especially studded or bejeweled collars, look great on a plain white shirt or peeking out from a dark pullover sweater, and can be a substitute for a necklace or earrings. If youre not into adding studs to a shirt you already own, you can buy separate collars to add on to any sweater. Another great addition to your wardrobe for the winter is a thick, waistdefining belt to add to dresses or chunky sweaters. Adding a belt makes an oversized shirt or sweater fit better and keeps a cozy garment from overpowering a smaller frame. Belts come in all widths and colors -- try a thick belt with cutouts or a skinny neon or animalprinted belt to add interest to a darker outfit. Tights also add an element of interest to a neutral dress or skirt. Black tights are a great staple, but tights in bright colors and fun patterns can make an outfit stand out. The color palette for the winter is always more muted, dark, and in-

H ot f ashio n warms wint e r se as on

tense, but adding some color always makes an outfit more interesting. Wine and plum are popular colors for the upcoming season and are can be found in any clothing garment or accessory, from pants to shoes to bags. Wearing red boots or carrying a purple bag will make a neutral outfit pop and are an easy way to incorporate color if you prefer to wear blacks and grays in your outfit. Of course, there are the two must-haves for the winter: coats and boots. A fashionable outer garment is just as important as the great outfit youll be wearing underneath! Coats come in all lengths and styles, from classic black and navy peacoats to voluptuous fur jackets. Its great to have one classic piece of outerwear that will never go out of style, like the peacoat, but dont be afraid to go for a brightly colored, patterned, or fur coat for extra style. For me, shoes are the most important part of any outfit, and the winter is the best time to experiment with a variety of shoe styles. Of course, boots are a winter basic, and all the different styles make it easy to find a pair to go with every outfit. Tall, flat riding boots are a staple and look classic with dark jeans and a thick sweater, while chunky ankle boots add interest to dark tights and a floral dress. Heeled booties are extremely popular for the fall and winter and can sometimes be daunting to wear, especially on an everyday basis. Look for boots that have a thicker heel and more support for maximum comfort and practicality, but dont be afraid to break out the heels for school! Boots go with every possible kind of outfit: skinny jeans, wide-leg pants, leggings, and skirts, and look great in an interesting pattern or when paired with fun socks. Adding any of these accessories or clothing pieces to your wardrobe will instantly update your style, while keeping you feeling warm in the chilly months ahead.

by Liz Abramov 1. The Classic Blazer Combine a neutral blazer with your favorite floral dresses, shirts and scarfs. Perfect if you want to dress up a simple outfit! Forever 21, $27.80

10 fash ion essen t ials f or t h e f all

6. Sperrys These preppy, universal shoes add style to any outfit. Add them to casual look to spice things up or to any sweater- jean look for the ultimate fall look. Comes in many colors and styles. Sperry, $85- $120

2. Printed Jeans (floral, polka dot , pastel, stars, tribal) Combine a simple tee with some cute printed jeans. Its better than the boring, blue jean look! American Eagle, $29.99-$39.99

7. Patterned Backpacks Instead of a typical tote or purse, bring your books in a stylish and retro backpack. Patterned backpacks are a must this season. Patterns include denim, floral, leather and more. Aerepostale, $84

3. Circular Scarves Top off your favorite v- necks and pastel long- sleeve shirts with a fun, printed circular scarf! Perfect with leather boots and dark skinny jeans. Nordstrom, $38.00

8. Classic peacoat The peacoat is a definite outerwear staple that always creates a classic look for a chilly day. Accessorize with brightly colored scarfs and a cute pair of mittens! Steve Madden, $145.99

Todays trendsetters!
4. Oversized Sweaters Add a huge, oversized sweater to a cute pair of leggings. Top off the outfit with a plain scarf or some long necklaces. Free People, $98.00 9. Baseball Tees Rock the sporty look with this long sleeve baseball tee! Great to pair with a pair of boyfriend jeans and Vans. American Eagle, $ 24.95

5. Riding Boots These stylish pair of boots are great with skinny jeans or leggings and a sweater on top. Add these boots for an all-time classic look! Designer Shoe Warehouse, $129.95

10. Plain button down blouse The sleek, classic look is perfect for a warm, fall day! Pair with darkwashed jeans, riding boots and thick headbands for the ultimate preppy look. J.Crew, $98

MISCELLANEOUS

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

Spice up your winter wear

by Alejandra Garcia There is no need to sacrifice style for functionality this winter season. As the weather changes, look out for the wearable, comfortable and stylish trends that personalize the wardrobe. Dont worry about losing boldness this winter season because clothing styles can adapt to the temperature while maintaining personality and individuality. Watch out for these great trends: Casual tailored blazers are great pieces to wear under those puffy jackets this season. They add elegance to an outfit while accentuating the waistline and shoulders. The pencil skirt continues to be a popular trend this season. It is a striking yet sophisticated piece that draws attention to natural curves without adding bulk. It is also a versatile clothing item that can be worn for festive occasions or for more classy events. Looking for a more graceful look? Substitute flats for a flattering heel, or sport those leather boots. The cozy figure- flattering boyfriend cardigan that hits at the hips, provides great comfort while achieving a casual silhouette. It is a perfect piece for any occasion that can be dressed up with jewelry or worn with a simple tshirt. Big scarves are essentials for this winter season because they not only provide warmth but they also balance out an outfits proportions, colors, and patterns. A solid color scarf goes great with a printed top, and a printed scarf can add character to a solid color top. They also add texture to an outfit and fit to the bodys proportions. Polka dots are always fun, especially in the winter when it can get pretty monotonous. Polka dots look great on bold and cool colors like navy blue and black, adding personality to an outfit and warming up the image. Denim button down shirts in medium to dark washes are casual yet stylish tops that are fitted to flatter the feminine figure. Comfortable yet chic, the denim shirt is a must-have. Lace dresses with sleeves epitomize the finesse of the feminine body. They are delicate pieces that add texture and subtle pattern to the outfit, and are also perfect photogenic pieces! Wide belts commonly placed at the waist will instantly give the body an hourglass shape and emphasize the center of the body, slenderizing the body. Patterned tops and dresses continue to be a trend, but simple accessories are key. The leather saddlebag holds basic items yet its small enough to keep the attention on the outfit. They enhance the clothing while providing functionality. Dont forget the jewelry! the bold necklace is a fantastic jewelry piece that elongates the upper half of the body and embellishes this winters outfits.

Start of day... ...End of day

Academics + activities = a balancing act
by Olivia Spathakis Students have to make a hard decision when it comes to choosing the many extra- curricular activities colleges offer, but the biggest struggles students have to face are balancing these activities along with academics. Balancing sports, jobs, and other activities along with a social life makes it hard for students to maintain their academics. Among the many classes and labs students take and the innumerable amount of assigned homework the academic side of college to be consumes many of the waking hours for students as they try to adjust to the demands of college. Lengthy reading assignments, a faster pace of learning, and attending and completing labs add to the hours that can be overwhelming. Bowdoin College freshman Dimitria Spathakis, plays on the softball team, writes for the school newspaper, and participates with the Outing Club. Balancing her activities while maintaining her academic classes creates challenges as she tries to maintain her busy schedule. To keep an organized schedule and when youre enjoying what you are doing you make time for it, Spathakis advises. Mendham graduate and journalism major at Temple University, Corinne Lee, works at a wedding magazine and goes to class three days a week. She interns the two days she does not have school. Lee says, I like to take spin classes to relieve stress from school. Finding a study space is another way to keep academics balanced because finding a quiet space to study is a necessity in college. College challenges freshmen during the period of adjustment, but over time just knowing where to be and balancing studies makes college life much easier.

R ea d y, set , st i ck
by Rebecca Iozzi While nail polish has always been the way to beautify a girls nails, an exciting new product may just replace those little bottles of color; sticker nails have arrived! Cosmetic, adhesive, plastic strips have gained popularity over the last year. An alternative to the traditional manicure, sticker nails provide a unique way to enhance the fingertips. With a little filing and a little coaxing to adhere, the nails can modify the shape, length, and look of fingernails. Sticker nails require no drying time and offer unique patterns and designs, including a bold zebra stripe, a multi-colored kaleidoscope effect, and both floral and plaid prints. Of course, bold, bright colors are always an option. The new manicure brings an easy, affordable, no mess nail solution that looks great and can last up to 10 days. Sticker nails are easy to remove, and as no damaging glue is required, the nail is protected. While the sticker nail craze has certainly altered the age-old tradition of nail-coloring, many find the negative aspects. Some fall off in the shower, and peeling and bubbling has occurred; however, the remedy is all in the process of applying the nails. Using a toothpick to press down the new nail will increase the adhesion, and trimming the excess around the edges will help keep the nail in place. A layer of clear polish over the stickered nail ensures the security of adhesive strip and adds that extra sheen. In addition, scrapes or nicks are prevented, retaining a new, fresh look for the manicured art. Sticker nails offer an easy, affordable, no mess, fake nail solution that looks great and is totally in. A popular choice, Sally Hansens Salon Effects, Real Nail Polish Strips retail for $12 CVS, but a less expensive brand can be purchased for around $3 at discount outlets like 5 Below. Brighten those cold, dark days of winter with a bold new look! Cancel the next manicure appointment, and stick on those nails!

Ho me co m i n g Co urt 2 012

From left to right: Laura Papili, Kalman Roemer, Queen Katie Rouse, King Will Sager, Jess Bellows, James Cahill, Taylor Smith, Chris Maffei

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

SCHOOL SPORTS

Girls post impressive streak

by William Gibbs The girls soccer team has worked hard this season and hopes to flourish as the state tournament approaches. The team struggled early, starting with four losses and a tie. All five games were both closely contested and frustrating. The defeats brought the team together, propelling them to a four game win streak. Since that impressive stretch, the team has lost two more games and tied in another. A strong nucleus of senior leadership includes captains Paige Russell, Meg Byrne, Mariah Salerno. Emily Saliterman Paige Seavey, Skye Tonneson, Lara Guida, and Izzy Calo bring experience to the field along with Paige Terwilliger in Goal. In addition, the team boasts young talent with junior midfielder Becky Gohsler, junior defender Courtney Foshay, junior forward Alex Young, and sophomores Carley Maita and Christine Grazziano. We have had a pretty good season so far, but we still have plenty of goals to accomplish, says Russell We want to get our record to .500, and win a state section championship. Everyone gets along great on our team and has a lot of fun. But when the games come we all work together well and work hard to win. The team has upcoming games against Parsippany Hills, Livingston, West Morris Central, Roxbury, Newark Academy, Chatham, and Morristown. My favorite moment of the season was beating Chatham in overtime. That was a big win for us. Head Coach Mark Lahey explains, For the rest of the season, our goal is to win a state championship.

Boys bounce back late

by William Gibbs The boys soccer team struggled early, but came together late to turn their season around. The team lost their first four games of the season before upsetting Roxbury, the second seeded team in the state tournament. Unfortunately, the adversity continued after that victory. However, as the postseason approached, the boys came together to win three out of their last four games and qualify for the state tournament with a record of 411-2. In his inaugural season, Head Coach Russ Raffay has led the team against some of their toughest competition in years. After losing 16 seniors in the previous season, the team has depended on a cast of fresh faces. Captains Ryan Mountain, Austin Frasco, and Matt Gallo have led the team this season. Leading scorer Nick Jiminez has energized the teams offensive efforts. Seniors: Ryan Mountain, Austin Frasco, Ryan Lander, Jake Ford, Steven Savercool, Jared Pelech, Jon Berg, Dante Camacho, Tyler Chase, Nick Jiminez, and Jack Isla, some new to varsity play, provide offensive and defensive prowess. Standout juniors: Matt Gallo, Sam Button, and Gavin Coutts, gained the experience to lead the team next year. This group has really come together they are now playing like a team, explains Raffay. They are showing dedication and commitment to the team. The team had a huge upset, knocking off the number one seed Governor Livingston in the opening game of the tournament. Then, Mendham went on to beat Plainfield and Morristown. On Monday, Mendham will continue onto the Sectional finals against the winner of the Par Hills and Newark East Side game.

by TK Hayes The Minutemen look forward to the playoffs as they are finally coming together after a tough season. New Jersey is known for very good football especially in the NJAC where the Minutemen have competed for three years. The competition has been tough, but the squad always comes together and has a very tight bond. We are a really strong group of kids, Captain Matt Kuhn explains, especially with the tough seasons in the past. But, the good competition makes us stronger as a unit. Homecoming highlighted the season for everybody; the dance was fun, and the players got a great win against rival Chatham. The Minutemen had not won a homecoming game for four years so this was a great win against a good team. Delbarton was a great game because they are a top 10 team in the state, and to play them hard the whole game was a great accomplish-

Minutemen rise to the challenge

ment, Kuhn adds. The coaching staff is looking forward to the rest of their campaign, Captains Matt Kuhn, Luke Tamburello, Matt Flannagan and John Deltufo take pride in their accomplishments even if their record doesnt show it. Seniors Cole Perkins, Sam Ridenour, Dayvon Jones, Chris Stoltenberg, John Obidenzki, Jack Petrella, Anthony Delusso, Eric Fretlan, Phil Trapani, Matt Fox and Scott Smullen have provided experienced gameplay throughout the seasons. This is a tough league, and our kids just kept working hard, said Coach Doug Kirk. The players kept their spirits up, never stopped trying or working, and stuck together. The Minutemen season has sadly ended and they finished with a 2-7. Even though it was a tough loss against Montville in the final game, 24-23, the team gets to finish off on a good not with a consolation game against Plainfield.

H a rd w o r k, s u p p o r t fu e l fi e l d h o c ke y
by Dylan McDevitt Mendham Field Hockey experiences its greatest success in thirteen seasons this year. Led by captains Gabby Smith, Kelly OBrien, and Taylor Smith, the team started their season against Chatham at home. They currently sit at a 9-11 record, having lost to Madison in the County semi-finals. This was the farthest the team has gotten in years. The teams biggest rivals are West Morris Central and Morristown. Working hard, Coach Meyh said, and supporting your teammates on and off the field is what she believes the team will take away from this years season. Key games consisted of the team beating the undefeated Central which gave them the confidence to have success further in the season, and the County game against Boonton in which the 12th seed Mendham upset their 5th seed opponent. Every game the starters begin with their ritual of whispering, Together on 3. The team felt this provided more intensity to give them the mindset they needed to win games. Forming friendships, Gabby Smith said, and knowing we gave it our all every game is what she will remember from this season. How close the team is what Meyh credits as the key to success. How much the players supported each other is what made them a good team. The players all took their unique, individual skills and combined them to form a dynamic team. Knowing each others playing styles made it easier for success on the field. Going into the state tournament, the team had high hopes. They won their first state game against Middletown North High School 1-0; however, in their second state game, they suffered a loss against South Plainfield High School 4-0.

Congratulations to all fall athletes!

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

Chemistry unites team

by Jenna Inganamort The 2012-2013 varsity volleyball team, experienced many ups and downs but their competitive spirit never waned. With a record of 7-13, the team has gone into every game with the perseverance of winning. This years team is eclectic. Coach Kathleen Tuckey states Everyone has brought something different. The girls have realized finely honed skills and great chemistry that there is so much more to learn that just skills. The team has always built a great chemistry provide a competitive base. Senior captain, Katelyn Gaffney agrees. Our chemistry is good! It was very hard at first because we lost nine seniors from last year but this years team is very close. Mendham volleyball games are always fast paced and exciting. The girls strength on the court give people a reason to keep coming back to watch every game. Captain Sam Cippoletti talks about how Coach Tuckey offers special deals. The team has a little deal with Coach Tuckey when we beat teams under a certain margin of points, we get a pizza party. Last Monday we crushed Morris Hills 25 to 6 and earned out first ice cream party! Its a great way for our team to bond. Seniors Julie Gearty, Emily Alworth, and captain Charlotte Asdale bring experience to the gameplay. Underclassmen Britney Bundschuh, Michaela Sharp, Devin Russo, Natalie Knudsen, Stephanie Blair, Steph Coehlo, Jamie Shurtz, Kat Staley, and Shelby Chasin all work together along with the seniors to bring Mendham a game worth watching. Tuckey explains her philosophy for conquering struggles in a game. By constantly staying positive and continuing to remind the girls that they have the skills and going into every game believing we can win The team gains confidence and motivation that has brought the team together to form a bond.

G i rl s c r os s c o u ntry co n q u e r s c ou nti e s
by Dan Hakakian The girls cross country team recently won the county championship title for the first time since 1993. Coach Robert Kertesz and captains Reagan Kolakowski, Abby Seel, and Katie Rouse guided the team to success through rigorous training. A normal cross country practice consists of a one mile warm-up, a series of skips and a series of dynamic stretches. Depending on the day, the team will follow the stretches with either a long run, or a workout. The long runs usually vary from five to seven miles and may be done within school grounds such as around the sports fields, or on a trail such as Patriot's Path. Workouts range from a couple of fast-paced mile repeats on the track, to a series of 200, 400, 800 or 1000 meter tempo runs. The team started the season off with first place at the Roxbury Invitational meet. They then followed the win with an undefeated record of seven wins and zero losses in the dual meets at Greystone Park. The senior girls also achieved first place at the Bernie Magee Invitational at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth. Kertesz attributes the excellent season to a mix of very talented and experienced runners. Mackenzie Barry, one of the best runners in the state, ran fastest in the county meet (a five kilometer run) with a time of 17 minutes and 57 seconds. Kolakowski came in fourth with a time of 18 minutes and 29 seconds, followed by Seel with a time of 18 minutes and 44 seconds. Defne Sement, Kelly McNamara, Christine Mountain and Laura Papili also ran very well during the meet. The girls proved to do even better in the sectionals meet. The team scored first overall and Barry came in first, followed by Seel in second, Kolakowski in fourth, and Sement in eigth. Kolakowski mentions that the team likes to get pumped up before the meets and senior runner Monika McCarthy enjoys just being with the people on the team. Varsity won State Groups on November 17th at Holmdel Park with three of their runners in the top seven finishers. The girls continue their conquest at the Meet of Champions.

Mendham aces competition

by Matt Kuhn An unprecedented undefeated streak for girls tennis secured the Conference championship and took the doubles team to second place in the State. The girls have surged through Conference and Counties with a string of victories. The most successful season for this program with a final record of 22-1, their triumphs include the Group 3 North 2 State Sectional Finals, the Group 3 North 2 State Finals, and a solid run in the Tournament of Champions. We pushed ourselves as team to achieve this sectional championship, explains Captain Tara Buchney. This victory was worth all of long hours we put in the summer. Big victories against No.2 Livingston, 3-2, Westfield, 3-2 as well and Chatham 5-0 highlighted a remarkable season. Captains Buchney, Veronika Fojtu, and Michelle Miller led this championship caliber team. Seniors include Abby Grabow, Mary Riposta, Julia Adelman, Bonnie Brown, and Mimi Pedercini. Standout freshmen, Lauren Hernandez has been a key player for this squad in the singles competition Our success comes from believing in each other and knowing no one will ever back down in competition, explains Fojtu. This mindset has been successful while bringing the girls closer together. Outstanding determination and team chemistry have been the factors of success according to Head Coach Edward Chando. Loaded with superstar talent, the girls set the bar high for next season. Natalie Hassell, Stephanie Wright, and Jen Kloehn captain the JV tennis team; posting an impressive 113 record. With the talented underclassmen, they look to dominate over the next few years.

Team effort propels runners

by Ryan Lander Captains Charlie Turner, Tom Pavarini, Duncan Brown, and Tyler Carrara led the boys cross country team to a winning record. At the Bernie Magee Invitational, the team took first place with unprecedented times. Senior Cory Pressl explained that this was their best meet. Not only did Mendham place first, but beat the second place team by over 33 points. Paul Ehman, who finished 4th, earned 179 points. Pavarini and Justin Naselli added to the score, finishing 13th and 17th, respectively. Justin Naselli is one of the best runners in the County, notes Hamblen. Paul Ehman is one of the best sophomore runners in the country. With the talent we have, we could be just as successful as last year. Although Ehman, Pavarini, and Naselli have led the way, they have been receiving key help from other teammates. The whole team has really impressed this year, notes Turner. Someone who has really improved is sophomore Matt Marino, whose times are much faster than we expected. Marinos finishes include a 14:17.80 4000 meter run 12th place finish in the JV race at the Reebok Manhattan High School Invitational, where the team placed 7th. The success of runners like Marino will be very important for the teams moving forward. Looking farther into the season, the team has very high goals, as they should. Turner explains that, Our first goal is to win Counties, but we also think we are a good enough team to win States. If runners Ehmann, Pavarini, and Naselli can continue to provide competitive times every meet, with support from runners like Marino and Turner, boys cross country has an excellent chance to achieve both of their goals for the season.

FUN PAGE

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THE PATRIOT November 2012

HOROSCOPES
Aries
There is something that you have wanted to do for a while and have not brought yourself to do it yet. You may feel as if the time is not right, or that you will not have the courage to fulfill your wish. This is the month to channel your enthusiastic energy towards making that decision. You will not regret it! The color red will bring you good luck and happiness this month.

Taurus
You have been focusing a great amount on the past lately, Taurus. You are troubled by decisions you regret making, or miss someone that used to be in your life. The more you focus on the past, the more you strangle the life out of this moment. Work on living in the moment this month; you have been living in the past for too long! On the 17th you will find something that has been missing for a while.

Gemini
There is someone in your family that needs your help, Gemini. Keep your heart open to discover which family member desires your assistance. Whether its advice that you can give to a younger sibling, or simple affection towards a stressful parent, any simple gesture of help can make all the difference. This month, someone whose name starts with the letter P will give you something you need.

Cancer
Embrace change, Cancer, because this month a great amount of change will be coming your way. While you may be very distressed about this change, you will get by with the help from a very dear friend. On the 18th, the boy or girl that you have your eye out for will reach out to you for something. Embrace the opportunity to help him/her, and your relationship will grow stronger.

Leo
Someone has disappointed you recently, and you are not sure how to handle the situation. That peson, however, is facing much harder battles than you are at the moment. Keep that in mind as you may be of great help. Move forward with a positive outlook and be ready to offer a helping hand. On the 25th you will do something that you have never done before, and you will come out of the experience feeling pleased.

Virgo
You are currently disappointed with your love life, Virgo. You feel as if there is no one for you at the moment, but your mind is clouded. Keep an open mind towards meeting new people, and you will be surprised at how interesting you will find someone to be. This month, someone whose name with the letter T will confide a secret to you that you will be responsible for keeping. Keep the confidence; otherwise drama will quickly arise.

Libra
You have been talking to someone that you cant stop thinking about Libra, but that person is sending mixed signals. You may feel as if he/she is not completely interested in you, but you have yet to know that person well. Work on a relationship with the person better before making any judgments on what chemistry may exist. Just remember, always think before you act. The color yellow will bring you luck this month.

Scorpio
Happy birthday Scorpio! This month will bring you the tough challenge you have been dreading for quite some time. Relax, take a deep breath, and remember that Scorpios are known for their strength. You will feel relief and a great feeling of accomplishment once the task is complete. Keep on trucking. On the 21st you will be given a piece of information that may surprise you. Whatever this surprise may be, keep calm.

Sagittarius
There is one person that bothers you against whom you harbor resentment. Dont let this negativity dictate you. The Sagittarius is known for chasing after the good life. A step towards inner peace is forgiving and being the better person. This month, you will be offered an opportunity that you may be skeptical about taking. Take the opportunity. Good things will come out of it.

Capricorn Aquarius
Congrats Capricorn! You have been at peace with yourself lately and have accomplished something that makes you feel proud. Careful though, not all highs last forever. Capricorns are known for their resilient energy so even when things seem grey, dont give up! There is also someone who has his/her eye out for you, Capricorn. Be on the lookout for someones name with the letter M. You have been feeling pressured lately. Something new that you have never faced before is troubling you. Dont worry. The weekend of the 16-18th will be a great weekend for you. A new door will open that will lead you to great success. You may not see the door clearly though. Keep your eyes peeled for the opportunity that awaits you. Green is your lucky color this month.

Pisces
This month you grow very close to someone very quickly. It will come unexpectedly because you already have your tight group of friends. If you keep an open mind towards others, you will make a very valuable comrade. The week of the 12-16th you will be given more schoolwork than you have been given all year, but the number 29 will bring you good luck.

Eye see you! Can you identify which eye goes with which teacher?

yaffaR .rM

snevetS .sM

kcirdloGcM .rM

kculpraC .rD

nosbocaJ .sM

yehaL .rM

snimerK .rD

oniM .srM

lesleH .sM

ariereP .srM

selleW .sM

sitagoReD .sM