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By Keith Singh
Locker Theft Numbers Rise To All Time High
Day after day, year after year, something of value to them inside.” the three lunches. This is because there for an open locker. Walking down a
students are pestered by teachers and Keep in mind that 60-70 are fewer people in classrooms, and hallway, a person can spot at least 15
school officials to lock their lockers percent of locker thefts happen during more time to wander halls looking lockers that are unlocked, and being
and keep watch over their personal used. Mind you that the laundry list of
belongings. Yet locker thefts have things being stolen has grown from just
persisted, and this year a staggering electronics. North Face jackets, jewelry,
number; over 25 have been reported. and textbooks now join the list, showing
The third quarter has just started, and people that anything can be stolen, if
the number of locker thefts has already care is not taken.
surpassed the entirety of last year’s The easiest way to prevent
numbers. As more and more cell phones locker theft is also the most obvious.
and iPods are being left in unlocked Lock your locker, and turn the numbers
lockers, more thefts are being reported. before leaving your locker. If you
Few students know how often locks are simply leave your locker on the last
broken into at the school. number of your combination, the lock
Retired police officer Mr. can be opened again just by pulling
O’Conner blames these thefts on student down on it.
ignorance, and carelessness for the rise To help raise awareness of
of thefts this year, saying that the best these thefts, Officer Swift is working
prevention of a theft is to “lock your with Mr. Rimas’ civics classes. They’re
lockers, and not put valuable things, or working on posters to be hung up around
things you wouldn’t like to lose in your the school, alerting people to the risk of
locker.” He also states how discretion is theft. Hopefully people will begin to
key to not having your things stolen. “A realize what’s happening in the school,
thief won’t take the risk of breaking into and begin locking their lockers.
a locker unless they know that there is
Photo By: Anthony Smart
WHS Students Take on
Bonaire Next Issue...
SENIOR ISSUE
By: Kelsey Prendergast
On March 14, 2009, eight Michelle Poirier, sophomore Katie
students from Watertown High School Carlson, and junior Mia DePaolis.
will depart for the annual trip to Bonaire. Michelle Poirier, who is getting
Mr. DiBeneditti, who has run this trip ready for her first Bonaire trip, says,
for 19 years now, takes students across “I’m really excited to go to Bonaire and
seas to a marine environment. Most I hope its going to be the amazing trip
students take classes to obtain their
scuba certification before going on the
that everyone is making it out to be.”
Sophomore Tyler Bartley,
*Prom
trip. By getting this diving certificate,
it allows the students to scuba dive
who has already been, says, “Bonaire
is a great trip, and is one of the funnest *Senior events
*Favorite memories
while in Bonaire. Without it, they can weeks you can ever imagine. All of the
only snorkel. In Bonaire, the students times I have gone, I’ve always wished
are able to study marine biology, coral I never had to leave. It is an overall
reef ecology and the effects of global amazing experience.” This trip allows
warming on the coral reef. the students to escape the pressure and
Mr. D says, “it’s a wonderful responsibilities of school for a few
experience for students and teachers.” days and relax while gaining a sense of
This year there are several new WHS adventure, as they explore the depth of
students joining the veterans, who have the ocean environment and all it has to
already attended this trip. The group of offer.
eight includes three newbies: sophomore
The high school robotics team, be like driving a robot on the moon.
the KwarQs, has been hard at work for The KwarQs’ robot has been
the past two months building a robot for designed, built, programmed, and
this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition. shipped off to the competition. Try-outs
With only six weeks to build a functional were held to find a human player who
robot, the KwarQs scrambled to make can throw balls into the robots’ trailer
something that would give them the the best. The KwarQs will be competing
best chances of winning. This year, the on the weekend of March 6th at Boston
competition’s game requires building University’s Agganis Arena against other
a robot pulling a trailer with a basket. teams from the region. Being a second
Human players and other robots will try year team, they’re up against some
Photo by: Libby Emery to shoot playing balls into the baskets tough competition, but if this year goes
to score points. If that isn’t enough of a as well as last year, when the team won
challenge, this all must be accomplished the Rookie All-Stars award and was able
Some ideas
from last year’s
Junior Cruise...
By:
Chloe Anderson
Junior Cruise Dresses says about her junior cruise dress last
As spring rolls in, so does the is Junior Cruise. The stress of finding a became very popular. Many dresses had
nice weather, fast- approaching summer, date is nothing compared to the stress bright, colored designs and stood out in year. Cache is always a popular spot
and school coming to an end. One of finding a dress. Girls tend to get so a crowd. “So many people wore bright for formal dresses and will probably
thing on all of the junior girls’ minds worked up and worried about finding colors”, Russo comments on last year’s be another store to shop at this year.
a dress. Boys have it easy; they just dresses. The ever-popular beading, Other popular stores to keep your eyes
throw on a shirt and tie that matches the glitter, and sparkles made their way on and check the dresses are the popular
girls’ dress. Finding the perfect dress is onto many of the dresses department stores Nordstrom, Macys,
essential for junior girls who have been This year, many of the same styles Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales, and
waiting their whole high school career are reappearing. The open backs, the Nemian Marcus.
to attend the Junior Harbor Cruise. designs, and sparkly dresses are always “I have a pretty good idea about
Unlike prom dresses, Junior Cruise coming back but, this year, there are a my dress,” Junior Alexis Keuchkarian
dresses are usually short, formal dresses. few new styles hitting stores. All the says. Maybe she’s one of the lucky one
Though all short last year’s dresses high fashion magazines featuring new who has a vision of her dress. For some
consisted of many different styles. “I ‘09 spring collections of dresses have people, finding a dress can be as easy as
like a lot of the girl’s dresses from last featured many of the same styles. Many finding it in the first store you walk in.
year,” says junior Kelsey Prendergast. new 2009 dresses are one-shoulder For others, it can take several trips to the
For the tops, halter tops, strapless, dresses or off –the- shoulder dresses. mall to finally find the perfect dress.
spaghetti straps and a plunging neckline The one-shoulder dresses come in all “One thing I know for sure
were very common. “A lot of people different colors and designs. Also big is I think we are all going to have a lot
wore all different kinds of halters last for ‘09 dresses is animal print. Many of fun,” Alexis Keuchkarian continues.
year” says senior Liz Russo about the new dresses feature cheetah and zebra That might be something all the junior
last junior cruise. Also, open back and print. girls are sure of no matter what dress
Photo by: www.promgirl.com criss-crossing straps were common on “I got my dress at Cache, a lot of they finally choose.
the backs of the dresses. In ’08, designs people went there too,” Maddy Herzog
Rotary Club Reaches Out Classy Cafe for
to Seniors Watertown Faculty
By: Jenna Gilreath By: Liz Russo
The college search is coming far as he knows through his research, Many wonder what the main course of chicken noodle soup and
to an end for seniors and the flags are this program has been in effect since wonderful smell filling the second floor whole wheat bread rolls. The café also
being hung out in front of the guidance the late 60s or early 70s. At that point hallways and creeping up the stairs to has a meatless alternative for vegetarian
department. Although some know in time, students were selected through the third floor is during forth period. It is guests. The last course is dessert,
where they will be continuing their recommendations to speak during a Ms. Johnson’s chefs cooking up a storm consisting of a low fat cheese cake
education in the fall through early Rotary meeting and only a small amount preparing for their Raider Café. which Ms. Johnson describes as “very
decision, others are still making choices was selected to do so. Now, however, The Raider Café was first good”.
and narrowing down. One of the factors students just have to sign up and submit introduced last year when Mr. Noftsker It is not mandatory for the
that students and parents look out for is their topic of discussion, and they are asked Ms. Johnson about holding a students in the food services and
the amount of money that they receive then able to speak and be eligible for luncheon for Watertown Public School’s hospitality course to take part in the
and what scholarships they can receive. the scholarship. faculty. So far, there have been five café but the students “get into their own
Fortunately, at Watertown High we Fundraising to support these Raider Cafés held at Watertown High element when they start to cook,” Ms.
have many opportunities for financial scholarships is run by the Rotary Club School. The most recent one was held Johnson says. The students begin first
aid. The Rotary Club in Watertown is and includes events throughout the on January 15, a few weeks after winter period to prep and start cooking the
a great outreach; they hold an annual year such as raffles, selling Christmas vacation. The café is run by the students main course.
Student Speaker Program every year wreaths, having a booth at Faire on while Ms. Johnson supervises to make “The hardest part is getting
and I was lucky enough to take part in it The Square, and also the membership sure everything runs accordingly. ready to serve everyone,” Ms. Johnson
and also interview one of the members fee that is due from the members each The students prepare the room states. The luncheon is not until first
of this organization to find out more year. next to Ms. Johnson’s (room 246), to lunch, and the students must serve
about their scholarship program. The selection process of the make it look like an actual restaurant. eighteen people, and serve three courses
In October, seniors were recipients of scholarships is done by They set up the tables with plates and within the thirty minute period. After
invited to congregate in the library for the scholarship committee, who, after silverware and glasses filled with the lunch, the guests are welcome to
information about the Student Speaker hearing all of the student speakers, lemon water. On the tables, there are stay and relax while the students clean
Program. While there, we met Miriam selects recipients based on variables menus which the students have created up the kitchen. Afterwards, the students
Jaffe and Mary Greene, Rotary Club such as how well students spoke, themselves, showing the teachers their are introduced one by one to the crowd
Members or “Rotarians” as they are their enthusiasm about their topic, lunch options. Two students dressed of guests and are given a round of
called. At the meeting we learned that presentation, and how well they captured in proper waiter attire stand at the door applause.
the Student Speaker Program involves the audience. with a guest list and seat the guests after Some of the staff who have
selecting a topic of high interest to you, As a student that has gone to checking them off to see if they have attended the event include: Mr. Noftsker,
attending a lunch at the Oakley Country speak to the Rotary club, I myself can paid. The Raider Café only costs seven Mrs. Hannon, Mr. Carter from WMS,
Club (where meetings are held), and say that I felt very comfortable. The dollars for the staff members to eat a Ms. Kramer, Dr. Baker, Mr. Cooke, Mr.
speaking to the Rotarians about your Rotarians welcomed me with smiles and wonderful meal cooked by their own Lahiff, Mrs. DiNardo, Mr. McCarthy
topic. friendly greetings as soon as I walked in students. from the Hosmer School and more.
Paul DerBoghosian, a the door. Student speakers are welcome Once the guests are seated, Mr. Noftsker usually invites all of the
Watertown High School graduate and to join the Rotarians until just before they are approached by one of the three principals from the elementary schools
now a member of the Scholarship Awards Night, when the awards are servers who check on the guests to see and the middle school to the event.
Committee for the Rotary Club, given to the students. Between the if everything is to their liking. It’s a way for them to see how their
gave me some background about the paperwork for applications to schools “It teaches them to check on former students “have grown over the
program, saying that when he attended and government financial aid, this is a the customers, and also to make sure we years,” says Ms. Johnson. The event is
Watertown High, the Student Speaker great way to try and earn some money didn’t forget anyone’s meal,” says Ms. also attended by one of Mr. Dressler’s
Program was “started to help encourage to put toward school while also working Johnson. There is a person called the photography students who takes picture
students to have the opportunity to gain on your speaking skills and representing “Front of the House” who is appointed throughout the event. Mr. Dressler is
experience in ‘public speaking’”. As Watertown High School. by Ms. Johnson to work in the dining very good with getting the pictures up
room and see that all guests are attended quickly onto the WHS school website.
to. Then, there is the “Back of the The chefs cook enough food
Entering as an undergraduate at work, training students in our very Psychology has always been were not studying all at once for a test,
at Boston University, Brian Brewer own fitness center. “In my opinion, not a popular choice for seniors. Whether but instead learning what we can do to
envisioned a life of building prosthetic enough of our students take advantage they decide on a Level One, Honors, give us the greatest chance of passing
limbs in a laboratory, a seemingly perfect of the fitness center,” Brewer notes. or an AP class, they are certainly faced the test, and receiving college credit.
career for him, incorporating his love “The great thing about working out with a challenge. Most seniors pick So far in our AP class, we
of athletics and engineering. However with weights is that if you show up the class because it fulfills the history have covered the Introduction, and the
there was one staggering disadvantage consistently, and train properly, you requirement, but it’s unlike a regular Thinking Critically with Psychological
he had not foreseen: lab work involved will get results!” He helps athletes history class. Instead of learning about Science sections, which introduced us to
minimum human interaction. He improve in particular areas as well as dates, and important people, you get some of psychology’s main components
discovered that he would make a better helping anyone who wants to get in to learn about memory, and behavior. such as experimenting, controls,
teacher just in time to switch his major, shape. Based on their specific sports To some kids, this proves to be more observations, and research. We’ve also
and Watertown High School has been or goals, Mr. Brewer dedicates time to interesting because they can relate the covered Neuroscience, Genetics, and
thankful ever since. create specialized workout schedules topics back to their own lives. Behavior, Learning, Memory, Stress
WHS was the first school and nutrition plans for each student. We are very lucky to have and Health, Social Psychology, and
district to hire Mr. Brewer; he started Up until last year, Mr. such a great psychology teacher, Ms. Statistical Reasoning. Right now, were
working here in 1994 and never Brewer also lead popular club, Sports Kazarosian. A while ago, our school working on Motivation and Emotion.
left. He teaches Biology, Anatomy Management, and headed school events had another teacher, Mr. McGovern, The year is only half way over so we all
and Physiology, and this year added such as the pep rallies and Mr. WHS. and between them, they taught all the have a lot more to learn before we can
rigorous AP Biology to his course load. He thinks school spirit is very important psychology classes. Mr. McGovern even begin studying for the AP exam!
Teaching courses relating to the body and loved working with the group of eventually decided to just teach 9th A project that all the classes
comes naturally to Mr. Brewer “since it students, but he left for a noble reason. grade history, while Ms. Kazarosian are working on now is the personal
is very easy to make connections with His late nights didn’t leave sufficient continued to take on a tough work load conditioning project. All the students
students.” He says, “Many students time to spend with his three kids at of Psychology, World History, United had to pick a behavior that they were
have had injuries or play sports and use home. States History, and Exploring Human going to change about themselves. If
their muscles,” he explains. People seem So, after all these years, Nature classes. the student followed through, they were
to have only good things to say about Mr. Brewer did end up with his ideal In college, she studied history to give themselves a reward, and if
Mr. Brewer’s teaching. “He always profession of a combination of science and psychology. “At that time, in high they didn’t, present themselves with a
made learning fun,” said senior Libby and athletics. He clearly chose the right schools, psychology was not commonly punishment. The point of the project is
Emery. “We played Jeopardy before atmosphere as well; there’s nothing taught. Even today, when I tell people to see whether the rewards and penalties
tests and his projects were original, boring or isolating about Watertown outside of a school environment that influence whether the behavior is
such as the ‘Big Book of Anatomy.’” High School. His general opinion on I teach psychology, they usually say changed or not.
Students also appreciate his sense of public schooling is, “Parents give us that they are surprised that the subject A favorite topic of the students
humor. “He’s really easy to get along their kids and trust us to educate and is taught in high school,” said Ms. is the Child Development unit. It’s
with and likes joking around. Also, you take care of them. That is a tremendous Kazarosian. Her students are able to interesting to see how children become
should probably stay on his good side responsibility, and I hope that I am tell how passionate about the subject who they are. During that unit, the
because he benches like 500 pounds,” doing a good enough job. I certainly am she really is during every class. She students actually make their own cup
said senior Brian Field. trying my best.” We do not doubt that knows so much about psychology, and babies. A cup baby is a fragile egg placed
Mr. Brewer’s contributions to in the least. His efforts and their results can always answer their challenging in a small cup, and then the students are
the high school don’t end there, though. are tremendously apparent. questions. able to dress it up. They are expected
After school, you can find him hard There are three levels of to carry it around like it is a baby, and
psychology offered in our school that it is hoped they will learn some kind of
all cover the same topics, and mostly responsibility for caring for a child.
do the same work. The AP Psychology When I asked Senior Kenny
option was only added to our choices Holt, (who is in the AP class), what his
of classes to take eight years ago. It has favorite part about it was he said “The
proven to be such a popular AP class class teaches you about the human
that some years the administration has brain and human behaviors, unlike your
had to split it into two different periods. typical history class.”
It provides students with the opportunity Another popular topic is Sleep
to get college credit for taking the class. and Dreaming. Sleep and Dreaming is
Most colleges only give you the credit something everyone does, so it’s easy
if you get a four or five on the test. to relate to. It’s also very interesting to
Being in the AP class myself, I know think about your dreams and where they
that the whole year is based on studying come from. “Over the vacation week,
and preparing for the test. With every psychology students will be making an
chapter we study, we have a test that effort to record their dreams. During
includes a challenging essay. After the vacation, with more relaxed schedules
corrected essay is passed back to us, and without waking up to an alarm,
Ms. Kazarosian explains everything we a person is more likely to remember
should have included to do well. She dreams. Students will be looking for
also tells us what the examiners would patterns in their dreams, but we do
be looking for on the AP test. This way, not propose to be able to interpret
meanings,” said Ms. Kazarosian.
To nominate a
“Feature Teacher” or “Feature
Class,” see Ms. O’Grady in room
345!
Senior Shelby Austin-Manning is engrossed in the AP Psy-
chology text book.
Photo by: Elizabeth Russo
Infamous SATs Are Why Do Teachers
Here Again Teach?
By: Shelby Austin-Manning By:Jenna Gilreath, Julia Brennan, Keith Singh
That time of year is here. It’s matter as much as we thought they did. Respect, passion and a continuous up their standards.
time for juniors to wake up early on a Senior Boris Osipov said, “They don’t need for teachers. All of theses reasons Though teaching can be a
Saturday morning to take the infamous mean much; I was a decent amount justify the thinking behind future, past, rewarding job, standards for the teachers
SATs. They arrive at the test site with below the average SAT expected by the and present teachers and why they have are getting higher. Public school systems
their ID, pencils, and a calculator in school I applied to and I got in. I took chosen their profession. Teachers have are asking teachers to take up harder
hand, ready to do the best they can. They the SAT reasoning test two times, and never been given the respect that they tasks such as helping students meet
get divided up into different rooms, sit only went up ten points the second time. deserve, but Mr. Mastro, or “Mastro” as unprecedented standards, being held
in their assigned seats, and realize they Honestly, it wasn’t worth waking up at 6 his students call him and President of accountable for students’ standardized
can’t do anything else to prepare now. a.m. and taking a five-hour long test for the Teacherís Association explained that test scores, competing with charter
It’s hard to know how to ten points. Just take the test once, get a teachers do not go in it for the money. school and voucher supported education
prepare for the SATs. They are different good amount of sleep, eat breakfast, do They go into because they want to teach systems, using new technologies for
from everyday school tests, because your best, and submit your scores.” and they have unique passion for their teaching, and instructing students in
they are not about one thing that you The best advice for preparing subject matter. the matters of character as well as
have learned about in class. Instead, for the test is to start studying a couple Peg Cassidy, a now retired academic.
the test is broken into three categories: months before it. If you can try to set teacher of 30 years, and Ms. Zeikel, As a profession, the pay
Critical Reading, Math, and Writing aside some time each week to dedicate a current teacher at Watertown High is not great. Jess DePamphilis, an
which includes an essay. The Critical to it, you will find yourself prepared School both teach and taught in the math education student in her sophomore
Reading section tests your ability to when it comes time for test day. Also, and technology fields. Ms. Cassidy year at Framingham State College, has a
comprehend and draw information from an SAT class can benefit many students retired from teaching seven to eight positive outlook. She said that there are
a story you have just read. It has three in the process. The night before the years ago and Ms. Zeikel left her job a lot of teachers from the Baby-Boom
different sections including two twenty- test, make sure you get into bed at a as vice president at various marketing era that are about to retire so she will
five minute, and one twenty-minute reasonable hour, and eat breakfast the and finance companies so that she “always have a job” and as long as the
section. Critical Reading questions are next morning. could share her knowledge and business economy doesn’t change dramatically
passage-based, where you read and During the actual test it’s most experience with kids. in the next few years there “shouldn’t
answer questions about a story, and important to keep track of time so you Mr. Buck and Mastro both be a problem”. Her outlook is positive
sentence completion questions which can get as much done as possible. Also, teach history and both are well-known but correct as well because 40% of
test your vocabulary and grammar. The answering the easy questions first is a at Watertown High School. Mr. Buck the nation’s classroom teachers are
Math section consists of two twenty-five good strategy, because if you know for his kind demeanor, and Mastro now 60 or older and an unprecedented
minute sections, and one twenty-minute them, they are guaranteed points. If you for coaching the Girls’s Track Team. number of them will likely retire in the
one. The questions vary from multiple become stuck on a question, you should Though history has shown recessions next five years, especially in the areas
choice to open response. Lastly, there circle it and come back to it. Don’t and tough economic times have of math, science and special education.
is the writing section. It consists of two answer the questions you really don’t decimated people’s lives, Mr. Buck is The public schools of America will
twenty-five minute sections, and one know, because for every wrong answer, not worried, and encourages people need to hire two million teachers during
ten minute one. The questions revolve a ¼ of a point gets taken away from to go into teaching overlooking the the next ten years to accommodate the
around improving sentences and your score. Skipping a question doesn’t country’s current financial situation. retiring teachers and increase in student
paragraphs, and identifying errors. penalize you in any way. Senior Kenny “Teaching is a profession that numbers.
Thinking about the test causes Holt’s advice is to: “Make sure to give will always be in demand. Education Other teachers, such as Ms.
many people to become stressed, yourself enough time for each section is always an important investment,” he Cassidy, have had to work several jobs in
because we all know colleges look at and take some practice tests to get said. He also added that many teachers addition to teaching to be able to afford
the scores, and use them as a factor to familiar with the time limits.” Lastly, are protected from losing their jobs, things such as a house. Mastro said they
determine whether or not you get in. it’s good to always check your answer because of their experience in schools “don’t go in it for the money” and that
However, now that college acceptances sheet to make sure you are answering referred to as being “tenured,” which teachers would “rather have respect”
are being announced, some students are the right questions. most teachers have achieved easily. from people who think that teaching is
coming to the conclusion that they don’t Students new to the career may face not a real job. Teaching affects go father
tough times, but most will make it than just salaries. Mental stamina is
through. an unwritten requirement for someone
Teaching is a very rewarding who intends on being a good teacher.
job. The “ah-ha moments” (as Ms. Teachers work far longer than the
Zeikel calls them) when students finally average student’s day. Most teachers will
fully understand an important concept, come in more than half an hour before
and giving kids a different view on the school starts. Ending their day around 5,
subject matter are both treasured parts teachers stay after school roughly three
of teaching. But with every pro comes hours. The work isn’t done yet though.
a con. Seeing the kids give upî, telling Many teachers bring their work home,
them they have to repeat the course and often grading late into the night, only to
dealing with conflicting administrators get up early and go to work again.
are among them. Mastro admits that for As for advice to people who
the school day teachers play a parental want to become teachers: study hard,
unit role and in some cases they know be understanding, trusting and show
the kids better than their parents do. tough love. Students should be looked
Both he and Ms. Zeikel agree that it after but reminded that teachers are not
hurts to watch kids give up because there to be their best friends. As for
they feel like they should and could reasons to become one, above all the
have done more. Yet teachers like Mr. cons, it is a rewarding job that allows
Buck insist that a teacher must not give you to give back to the community
every day.
SAT workbooks, full of tips and practice ex-
ams, are a great way to prepare.
Five or ten years ago Watertown have a wide variety of options. Most High students. College is a big step admit to have missed at least one class
High School was a completely different students head straight to college. Some up from any high school. College can because of alcohol or drug abuse. On
atmosphere. The halls and classroom get a job right out of high school. Other mean living in a new place with a new average college students drink more than
may be the same, but there is a whole students decide to take a year off. roommate, hard classes, a whole lot of non-collegiate peers.
set of new students roaming around Studies show that by taking a year off stress and of course infamous college Barbato also played hockey at Endicott
them. There were different star it allows the high school graduate to parties. Barbato admits to attending college where he attended his freshman
athletes leading the sport teams and save money, gain career experience and college parties but encourages that he and sophomore years of college before
class presidents leading their grades. travel. Some students head to the armed knows, “when to get work done and transferring to Bentley. Since he was a
What was Watertown High School like forces. Three Watertown High School when to go to the parties because there part of a sports team, he was exposed
for them? What is life like after high graduates from the class of 2007, will always be parties.” 300,000 of to drinking and alcohol abuse more
school? What advice do they give about Charlie Beagan (Marines/Norwich todayís college students will eventually frequently than other students and saw
high school and about college? what students were willing to do in
Statewide 74,380 students enter order to fit in with the team. Students at
high school as ninth graders. 79.9% smaller colleges tend to drink more than
graduated high school within four students at larger colleges. They also
years. Of the remaining students 6.4% drink more frequently. Adjusting from
are still in school, 8% got their GED, high school life to college life can be a
11.7% dropped out of high school and very difficult change. Seniors may be
2% were expelled. The average high nervous and anxious for their freshman
school student faces an assortment year in college.
of stresses. Graduate of 2005 Stacey As for Caruso who recently
Caruso says, “The most stressful thing graduated from Mt.Ida, she gives the
about high school is senior thesis, final seniors the advice to, “make sure you
exams, mid terms, projects, filling out use time management skills, know how
college applications and essays.” High to work well with others and know how
school can be very stressful, between to adapt to your roommateís schedule
balancing social life, sports and most and donít procrastinate. Also, try to get
importantly schoolwork. “When I was to know your professors like staying
in high school it seemed hard, but now after class and e-mailing.”
looking back it was a lot easier than I All current high school
Every year, the beloved college flags tell the school and community
initially thought,” Graduate of 2005 students and high school graduates
what the senior’s future plans are.
Jerry Barbato says about his experience Photo by: Elizabeth Russo can agree high school year can be very
at Watertown High. The National stressful. High school graduates also
Governors Association held a survey agree freshman year of college is a big
asking high school graduates if high University), Tom Huff(Army) and Jason die of alcohol-related causes. 159,000 change. Whatever path you choose once
school was easy or hard. 38% said high Cormier(Air Force) all followed that of today’s first year college students you graduate your high school years
school was easy and only 6% said it was path. The military is a way of achieving will drop out of school within the next will influence you greatly.
very hard. their goals in life. Yet, college is most year for alcohol or drug related causes.
After high school, students common path chosen by Watertown Almost one third of college students
Arts & Entertainment
A Captivating “The Uninvited” is a
Twilight Alternative? Welcome Scare
By: Julia Brennan By: Mane Harutyunyan
Fans of Twilight, the new somewhere. The little information “A Tale of Two Sisters,” a horror and Alex set out to find proof. In a series
vampire series by Stephanie Meyer, may that they are able to find leads them movie set in South Korea and released of thrilling experiences, Anna and Alex
not recall the publication of Interview to Europe because they realize that in 2003 hit instant popularity among unravel the mystery behind Rachel
with the Vampire by Anne Rice. In this they could not be the only ones in the fans. It is now placed alongside “The Summers. But the truth is a little more
novel, Lestat, Louis, Armand, Claudia world. New knowledge from these Ring,” “The Grudge” and “Dark Water” than what either of them can handle.
and all the rest of the vampires are not international vampires, namely Armand, for best horror movies of all time and is Although “The Uninvited” was
at all like the Cullens. These vampires gives Louis a new view on his life and the highest grossing Korean horror film a clever, gripping and well cast movie, I
cannot go out in sunlight, as the legends he has to make the decision whether to to date. The movie was granted several wouldn’t be quick to place it alongside
say, and they do sleep in locked in leave Claudia or not. nominations as well as 12 wins some the best. The individuality of the plot is
coffins during the day. Interview with the Vampire of which include “Best film,” “Most what makes it enjoyable. The storyline
Louis’s life as a vampire starts is quite literally an interview with a popular film,” “Best picture” and “Best has a shocking, unpredictable twist that
in Louisiana, where he lived when he vampire. Louis is telling his story to a actress.” The question now is: who’s leaves the audience hooked until the
was human, in a time when slaves still boy who records the story of Louis’s life going to top that? very last scene. In no way will this film
worked on plantations. As he gets used on a tape recorder. In between chapters, Directors Charles and Thomas be quick to be forgotten. The director’s
to his new nocturnal life, he begins to Louis and the boy pause for questions, Guard stepped up to the challenge. “The angle of the movie is interesting enough
question some of the things that Lestat because a story quite like this one is Uninvited,” starring Emily Browning, to keep you talking about it long after
never talks about. In fact, Lestat is very bound to bring about some questions. Arielle Kebbel, Elizabeth Banks and the movie is over. The cast was also
unwilling to give any information to The Washington Post and David Strathairn, is the remake of well thought out, introducing new faces
Louis and Louis can only assume that The Cincinnati Enquirer both said “A Tale of Two Sisters.” The “Series to the horror movie industry. Browning
it is because he does not know anything that Interview with the Vampire was of Unfortunate Event’s” star, Emily and Kebbel bought played exceptionally
about their kind. A slave uprising drove “unforgettable” and The Hartford Browning plays Anna Rydell, a young, well in each of their roles, embracing the
them out of town and their real adventure Courant called it “a chilling and distraught girl, put in a mental hospital characters completely and realistically.
begins. Lestat needs Louis because thought-provoking tale”. The story after being unable to deal with the death Banks was also impressive as Rachel
he knows nothing about finances and line, full of love and violence, will leave of her mother. After she’s released, Summers. The movie in general was
business as Louis does and Louis needs an impression on the readers because Anna goes home to a surprise. The nurse more of a thriller than a horror movie. It
Lestat for the information that he might everything is so thoroughly described. who had taken care of Anna’s mother, played more on paranoia and depression
hold. As they travel all over the United This was a really good book with great Rachel Summers (Elizabeth Banks) had rather than violence and gore. The
States, particularly staying in the east, detail that gives the reader so much to moved in and was helping the father suspense is what keeps the viewer
Louis realizes that he can never have the think about. cope. Both Anna and her sister, Alex watching and the surprise ending is what
aggressive nature and ease that Lestat In 1994 the movie was (Arielle Kebbel) do not trust Rachel leaves them satisfied. “The Uninvited”
does when taking a human life. While released, starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and base their suspicions on a series was a success on its own but fell short
in New Orleans, Claudia is created and Kirsten Dunst. Sequels include The of dreams Anna has that lead to one of the standard it had set with “A Tale of
when she was a five-year-old human Queen of the Damned and The Vampire conclusion: Rachel had intentionally Two Sisters.”
child so that she would not have to die Lestat. set the boathouse, where Anna’s mother
a sick child as she was. As time goes had been staying, on fire. Unable to
by for the rest of the human population, convince the father to their side, Anna
tensions build between the three of *Note: The movie information was
them found on the Yahoo Movies website and
Many fights later, Claudia the quotes from the papers were found
and Louis are off to Europe to find out in the cover of the book and on the back
if there are more vampires out there cover.
Mr. WHS Al Anzaldi, getting ready for his casual wear portion of the
pagent as Elmo.
Photo by: Lifetouch Studios
Mr. WHS 2008, Sean Taverna, and Mr. WHS 2009 bond.
Photo by: Lifetouch Studios
Is Watertown Raising
return, experiencing hunger before or possible. The cafeteria is unarguably
after lunch is a real problem. A simple, closed before and after lunch, so what
reliable food vending machine would is a hungry student supposed to do in
the mornings, especially if they have to
Wimps?
solve everything.
In the past decade, media wait until third lunch to eat their first
has attributed rapidly increasing bites of the day? A vending machine
childhood obesity to food in educational could sell healthy breakfast alternatives,
institutions, whether it be hot food such as cereal bars, yogurts, and juices. By: Julia Brennan
served in cafeterias or chips and candy On the other end of the spectrum, if a When we hear that there recent white-out storm that caused some
bars purchased from vending machines. student has first lunch, it’s a long three is going to be a snowstorm, we bordering towns such as Belmont and
With this unflattering attention, it’s no periods until they can go home and eat automatically think that there will be Waltham to close early and be closed
wonder that schools like Watertown again. That’s assuming that they are school the next day. Yet this does not the next day. While other schools were
High School are not eager to install a going home. If they have sports or stop us from hoping that perhaps they being sent home we were still in class
vending machine. However, vending another extracurricular activity, there’s will cancel it. A recent Watertown and we were given no day off the next
machines themselves cannot be blamed another dilemma. Handi Variety isn’t Tab reader wrote a letter to the editor day. The roads were not plowed, traffic
for the growing obesity numbers in our exactly a hike, but again, a vending and said that Watertown kids are being was at a near stand-still and it seemed
country. If our school had a machine that machine would be more convenient for raised as wimps because we had a day like the buses were not running at all
distributed healthy snacks, like pretzels, everyone. off of school because “it was too cold.” that day.
trail mix, or popcorn, it could actually A vending machine would In the summer we hear that We were given a day off a few
help solve weight issues. Periodic provide numerous benefits to our there is level red heat and that the years ago because it was supposed to
snacks in between meals actually thriving high school. A growing humidity, when combined with the heat be very cold. That is really no different
accelerate metabolism, which triggers teenager needs nourishment all day long is unsafe for people to be out in. Why than being told not to go outside when it
the body to burn more fat and calories. I to function optimally in six, hour-long should it be different for the winter? is too hot out over the summer. People
realize that it isn’t exceedingly difficult classes. Easily accessible snacks would Simply telling us to put a sweatshirt on who think that Watertown kids are being
for students to bring their own snacks not create a school full of morbidly does not change the fact that it is sub- raised as wimps need to realize that we
to school, but a vending machine would obese kids, but rather 750 alert, cheerful zero outside and is just as dangerous as are given off much fewer days than
not harm anything. students, ready to learn. the heat can be. other schools are when it snows.
Many of us still remember the
Sports
Feature Athletes
Mike D’Amico Erika Kelly
By: Chloe Anderson By: Nick Lappen
Junior tri-captain of the This issue’s female athlete
wrestling team Mike D’amico has of the issue is none other than Erika
reached new heights in his wrestling Kelly, the hockey phenom. Erika is
career. During the 2009 season only a freshman but she is already one
D’Amico had a 26 duel meet winning of the best Ice hockey players to play
streak something almost unheard of for Watertown. She also excels at field
among the team. He was predicted to hockey where she is quickly becoming
take 5th at states this year, but D’Amico an integral member of the team. When
took 6th.He did well enough at states asked about Erika teammate Bianca
to be the only Watertown wrestler to Jones said, “Erika has a natural talent,
move on to All-States. He is the second and is not afraid to show it.”
wrestler in Watertown High history Erika has said that her proudest
to move on to All-States. He was moment as a WHS student-athlete was
elimanated the first day at All-States but when she scored a game-winning goal
put up a fight. D’Amico took 4th in the for the field hockey team. Erika is also
Wakefield Tournament, and 2nd in the D’Amico takes down an opponent. an assistant captain on the girls ice
Springfield Invitational two very big Photo by: Lifetouch hockey team. Not only does she excel
accomplishments. He is ranked top 5 in on the Watertown ice, but also plays for
his weight class at 130 pounds. myself to wrestling by, practicing in for Assabet which is a club team that
His dedication to maintain at the off season and trying my hardest,” is ranked number one in the country.
130 pounds, goes above and beyond a says D’Amico. D’Amico is known for In order to make this team she had to
normal high school wrestler, and often staying motivated and always being succeed through a number of tryouts
D’Amico is puts in the extra hours after committed while wrestling but also in against some of the most talented Kelly tears up the ice during one of her
practice to keep in shape. After practice school. He is also known for his positive hockey players at her age. She is only a ice hockey games
is over you can still find D’Amico doing fun attitude in the classroom. freshman but do to her athletic skills she Photo by: Lifetouch.
laps around the school hallways in the “My position in the line up is well known by most of the school.
late afternoon. is key to my success because after my On the ice, she routinely leads Although it might seem like hockey
“After my match I always bud David wins, he gets me pumped the hockey team in goals scored, but off comes naturally to Erika, her friends are
enjoy watching Mike wrestle. The way up so I go out on the mat and win so I the ice she is just like any normal girl. very aware of how much effort she puts
he dominates everyone in his weight can keep the motivation going for Cesar When I interviewed her for this article, in. Friend Sam Frasier said “she (Erika)
class is so interesting to see,” says [Hagopian] who wrestles after me,” she was sitting at her lunch table. strives to be the best, and that’s what
sophomore teammate Collin Geagan, says D’Amico about the lineup the team Every question I asked got 4 responses. she is.”
one of D’Amico’s teammates. wrestles in. Juniors David Woodland, Erika’s and 3 of her friends. Needless Erika says she plans to keep
D’Amico has been wrestling Cesar Hagopian and D’Amico have 90 to say her friends are very supportive of playing hockey in the future. All of
since 8th grade. Since his freshman wins combined. This “trio” of juniors her athletic endeavors. Friend Meghan Watertown High School is looking
year D’Amico has really improved his are the ones to beat. Kelly said she was “very proud of forward to seeing Erika out on the ice
wrestling skills. His first year wrestling D’Amico has high hopes for Erika.” While teammate Bianca Jones again sometime soon.
at WHS his record was 2-14. He has the turn out of his season and his next added, “Off the field she’s a total goon.”
completely turned this record around. season to come. He is always trying for
This season he has had 18 pins and the best and if he comes a little short,
counting. “I have really dedicated next year will be the year.