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east lyme high school east lyme, ct

march 2, 2009 volume 42 edition 12

insid

e 4 7 9 1010junior supports relay for life

ms. ramaccia: outside the offi ce

east lyme, waterford rivalry

wedding singer preview

Run to the SunGirls’ basketball hopes to return to the title game

BY RAJ THANABAL

Just one year later, the Vikings look ready to run right over everybody once again. In last year’s state tournament, the East Lyme girls’ basketball team rolled all the way to the state fi nals before falling to Kolbe-Cathedral. They’re already looking to repeat that performance and advance to the state fi nals, which will be held for the fi rst time at the Mohegan Sun Arena. “Our main goals for the season from the beginning were to win the ECC Large title and make a run in the state tournament,” said head coach Al Lewis. The Vikes have already achieved one of those lofty goals, clinching a tie for the Eastern Connecticut Conference Large division title with Norwich Free Academy,

a team that has dominated the league as of late. In order to clinch this, the Vikings essentially had to defeat NFA in their meeting at home on February 10. They rose up to the task and won 55-46 on Senior Night, fi nally conquering a team that had beaten them for years.

“From an emotional standpoint, that was a huge win,” said Lewis. “To have beaten NFA gives us a lot of momentum. Now we know that we can beat them.” While the ECC Large

title is shared with NFA, that didn’t bother Lewis in the slightest. “Under the circumstances, I think we did a tremendous job. Either way, we still won the ECC title, whether outright or a tie,” he said.(Continued as ELGB on page 8) Lib

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Taking a look at how ELHS’s schedule and faculty will look after the new budget

BY EMILY MOORADIAN

The retail industry is not the only one suffering from the nation’s rough economy. East Lyme too is taking some tough blows. The Board of Education will be implementing several changes at East Lyme High School come next year in order to save money and fi t the newly constrictive budget. “Reductions will be made in a number of areas, and there are a number of things that are being done to save money,” said assistant superintendent Paul Freeman. “Reorganization in the central offi ce, a reduction of one central offi ce administrator as well as 80 percent of an administrator responsible for maintenance and facilities. There will be seven fewer teacher positions next year, a reduction of four secretarial or library aide positions, a reduction of six paraprofessional positions and a reduction of one custodial position,” explained Mr. Freeman. But as for who will be missing from next year’s faculty lineup, nothing is set in stone. “While we are looking at the reduction of the seven teaching positions, we have not at this time specifi ed where those reductions will be made,” said Mr. Freeman. As principal John Sullivan put it, “Class enrollment drives the need for teachers.” The classes that are to be pulled from the system next year have also not been identifi ed yet, however, (Continued as Cuts on pg 5)

The Vikings return to the state tournament with eight seniors, Abby Van Luvanee, Jackie Blodgett, Carly Thibault, Ellie Kleinhans, Keri Ramsey, Jill Rix, Jess Blodgett and Emily Walker (not pictured). The team ended the regular season with a record of 17-3 and hope to use their experience and talent to go far in states.

‘Our main goals for the season from the beginning were to win the ECC Large title and make a run in the state tournament.’-head coach Al Lewis

photo submitted by h.sullivan

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opinion2 march 2, 2009

the viking saga

ellie

kle

inha

ns

plugged in

SAYW h a t Y o uN e e d t o S a y

In the year 2001, Apple Inc. sold their fi rst model of the iPod, a simple mp3 player with one purpose—to play portable music. Eight years and 18 models later, the company has expanded their line to include products that can hold games, colored videos and photos, and even wireless internet and telephone capabilities. Technology is increasing rapidly and in turn, people around the world are growing more and more dependent upon iPods, cell phones, computers and video consoles. Almost all of us are guilty of turning to technology to avoid one situation or another, but there are some situations

where we have to distinguish between the convenient and the rude. So I present you with tech etiquette: Put away the cell phone when you are out to dinner, on a date, with a group of friends or simply in the middle of a conversation. It is just fl at out disrespectful to respond to a text or pick up the phone while your guest is mid-sentence—it shows that you would rather be somewhere else. Send a text message to ask a quick question, but if you have to send more than two three-page texts, it is time to call. I for one have practically sprained my thumbs in an attempt to send detailed messages, but I realized that you can get more accurate information across by speaking to one another (what a concept!) because you don’t have a word limit. Turn off your iPod and remove both headphones when you are in class, walking in the hallways, or speaking

to someone. Even if your iPod is off but your headphones are in, it looks like you don’t care about what they are saying. So give people respect and at least look like you’re attentive.

Don’t over abbreviate in text or instant messages, especially while talking to some-one of a different generation—like your parents, teachers, coaches or even grandparents. Odds r thy wnt undrstnd u. Don’t text or browse your iPod while walking through a crowded area. You hold up the people

behind you and are at risk for running into a pole, locker or water fountain—doing so might have negative consequences to your reproductive health. Here you have it East Lyme, take these tips and use them for your own good. Prevent yourself from getting hurt, losing a relationship or miscommunicating a message by simply prying yourself away from electronics for just a few minutes.

Technology is increasing rapidly and in turn people around the world are growing more and more dependent upon iPods, cell phones, computers, and video consoles. Almost all of us are guilty of turning to technology to avoid one thing or another, but there are some situations where we have to distinguish between the convenient and the rude.

Editors-in-ChiefEllie Kleinhans

andEmily Newton

ManagingAlex Addabbo

NewsRamona Ostrowski

FeaturesKit Brown

SportsBrendan WelchEntertainmentAndrea Chrunyk

Back PageMatt Heath

Staff WritersStefan Aleo

Hannah BarnerNatalie KazieradCharlotte Kenyon

Kate KieltyMaeve McHugh

Emily MooradianKarie SimmonsKiersten SinkoRaj Thanabal

AdvisorJeff Beale

viking saga staff

Tell us what you think!Email us at

elhsvikingsaga@gmail.com

Saga Shoutout!-To Carly Thibault, for being nominated for McDonald’s All-American Basketball Team

-To Ryan Clarke, for being named Outstanding Wrestler at the ECC tournament.

http://www.thepeoplesvoice.org/

opinion 3

the viking saga

march 2, 2009

Throughout his trip, Mortenson took photos of the children whose life he infl uenced. Below are some of those children and the most memorable moments he experienced with them throughout his time in Korphe. To make a

difference of your own, go to www.volunteermatch.org or fi nd out a way you can help your community.

http://socialcapital.fi les.wordpress.com/

http://www.gregmortenson.com/ http://www.tillsonburgtalk.com/

As the average, assiduous, hectic high school student, it is not often that I have the time to sit down to read a book for pleasure. And it is not often that I come across a book that not only inspires, but indubitably proves that one person can make a difference. Three Cups of Tea is that book. Co-authored by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, it recounts how a challenging climb of K2 (the world’s second high mountain in the Karakoram area of Pakistan) turned into building more than 78 schools in the Taliban territory. Mortenson began his journey with the intention of honoring his sister Christa after

her death from a massive seizure. To his displeasure, he did not succeed in climbing the mountain, but as a result, unknowingly, arrived with his team in Korphe, a tiny, unknown village in Pakistan. After being welcomed by the chief, Haji Ali, Mortenson felt an emotional tie to the area. He saw children playing in dirt. He saw impoverished families who have lived in the same hut their whole lives. He saw the dismal conditions of the village. And with that, Mortenson made a promise that he would help out those in the area, particularly young girls like his sister Christa, who otherwise would never receive an education. His promise had obstacles. He was kidnapped for eight days. He escaped from a fi refi ght. He endured CIA investigations. He received hate mail and death threats from Americans. But in the end, he helped children in post 9/11 society when nobody else did. He kept his promise and in the

end provided education to 28,000 children, including 18,000 young girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. After reading this book, I feel as if I have a duty to help out others. But I don’t have thousands of dollars to travel to developing countries and help build schools. And I don’t have 27 months to devote to the Peace Corps. So I looked online and found this site: www.

volunteermatch.org. In Connecticut alone, there are 656 different opportunities one can participate in. These simple jobs—from playing games with the residents of The Jewish Home for the Elderly to playing an instrument at the

Masonicare Home, Health & Hospice – offer students a chance to help others less fortunate. What I realized is that no matter how small the change, every person you help makes a difference. Follow my lead; make a difference of your own in the Connecticut community.

emily

new

ton

These simple jobs—from playing games with the residents of The Jewish Home for the Elderly to playing an instrument at the Masonicare Home, Health & Hospice – offer students a chance to help others less fortunate.

the power of one

http://weblogs.newsday.com/

photo submitted by a. walens

news4 march 2, 2009

the viking saga

President Obama made many promises to turn the nation around during his campaign. So how is he doing on making all of these national changes? Here is a recap of his presidency thus far: On February 17, President Obama signed an $819 billion dollar stimulus plan. This plan, also referred to as “Obama’s Recovery Plan,” is putting money back into the hands of the American people to “re-stimulate” the economy and hopefully both save jobs and the national economic rankings in the process.

The controversy associated with this plan is that the overall outcome cannot be determined and the areas where the money will be spent are unclear. The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act was signed

by President Obama on February 4th,

according to the White House blog. He renewed and expanded the plan so instead of seven million, eleven million children

have health insurance. Obama was reported

as saying, “As I see it, providing coverage

for 11 million children is a down payment on my commitment to cover every

single American.” The closing of the Guantanamo Detention Facilities in Guantanamo Bay is also a recent change. The prisoners’ cases will be reviewed and individuals will be sent to their home countries or to another detention facility as the case review indicates, according to the White House Blog. Other important national changes are being planned for the future. The war in Iraq is top priority and the president and vice president intend to, “responsibly end the war in Iraq so that we can renew our military strength, dedicate more resources to the fi ght against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and invest in our economy at home,” read the White House Blog. The withdrawal from Iraq will be a “responsible and phased withdrawal.” The outcome of these next four years is unpredictable, but President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have many positive changes and ideas in store for the United States.

Hit the Ground Running

President Barack Obama’s fi rst months in the oval offi ce

by Charlotte Kenyon

Most students bring a backpack, a lunch, homework, and maybe a bottle of water with them to school. For one student though, carrying a collection can with her has become habitual. As part of the American Cancer Society, junior Andrea Walens, along with her teammates from East Lyme High School, fundraise by collecting change, selling cookies and other activities in order to reach their donation goal of $2,000 for Relay for Life. Relay for Life is an event where teams of 10 or so walk around a track for 24 hours in order to raise money for cancer research and other programs for patients. Donations are collected before the relay but are also made while the relay is ongoing. Businesses who want to make a contribution can buy advertising space on the track as well, with all the proceeds going toward the charity. “With every penny I raise I’m going to be helping someone with cancer. I know it helped my mom when she had cancer,” said Walens. “If I ever did get cancer, at least I have been able to help out in my younger years.”

For Walens, the issue runs deep in her family as her mother recently passed away from breast cancer and her sister currently works for the American Cancer Society. Walens, who serves on the planning committee for the Relay for Life at Waterford High School on June 5 and 6, also volunteered with the American Cancer

http://whoisbarackobama.name/who-is-barack-obama.jpg

Penny Per Pace Society in Ann Arbor, Michigan two years ago before moving back

to East Lyme. “The money goes toward a lot of really good things for cancer,” said Walens, who further explained that the funding helps to support cancer research, Look Good...Feel Better—a program that provides cancer patients with make-overs—and a hotline for patients who are struggling. “There’s not a lot of participation in southeastern Connecticut, though; we need more,” stated Walens. With more participation from the community, it would be possible to raise more than the $55,000 collected in past years. Walens, who already dedicates

a massive amount of time to this cause, is also trying to start a High Schoolers Against Cancer club at ELHS to raise funds and spread awareness about cancer research. For more information on how to get involved with the American Cancer Society or with Relay For Life visit www.cancer.org or www.relayforlife.org.

Students walk 24 hours to save livesby Hannah Barner

Walens and her team smile at the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk, put on by the American Cancer Society

?news 5march 2, 2009

the viking saga

No one wants to pay for something that can be easily obtained for free. Thanks to the internet, downloading music and movies can be done with the click of a button. The problem with downloading free music is that it will cost you one way or another. For that reason, I do not use Limewire. Because it relies on fi le sharing technology [P2P or “Peer to Peer”], and it comes with its own share of viruses, which may “junk up” computers. While I admit that I do not pay for the 99 cent songs on iTunes, I do have my own method for “downloading” music for free without using Limewire. What’s great about this method is that it only uses free software already on most computers. After fi nding the song that I want on YouTube or other music website, I open Windows Movie Maker. I click on the “Narrate Timeline” button (the microphone) and under “Audio Input Source” I select

Everyone remembers the Napster scandal in the ’90s and many worry that Limewire could be next, but for millions, the benefi ts of free music far outweigh the risks. I would consider myself one of those millions. I use Limewire to download a signifi cant portion of my music. When I was downloading the program I tried to decide if fi le sharing is stealing or not. I came to the conclusion that it is not stealing; that it is, in fact, exactly the same as burning a

“Stereo Mix.” This allows me to record any audio that is playing on the computer. I hit “Start Narration” and then play the video (or music fi le) on the computer. When the song stops playing, I stop the narration and save the audio fi le. I then import the fi le onto iTunes and sync it to my iPod. Technically, I am not downloading music. I am simply recording it off the computer, which is a better method than using software full of viruses.

CD for a friend. The same fi le sharing that happens on Limewire happens through CD burning; the only difference is that there is not a tangible e l e m e n t — w h i c h could be considered to be more eco-responsible because I am conserving vital resources. When I fi rst installed Limewire I also had a PC, so that meant the occasional virus. Now that I have a Mac, I do not, and basically

cannot, get viruses. And for those people still using a PC, the Geek Squad at Best Buy is really good at fi xing the virus problems quickly. Even though I do get a lot of my music from Limewire, I still do buy certain albums through iTunes. I recently purchased the new Bruce Springsteen album, instead of Limewire-ing it. I tend to have the philosophy that if I want an album that has just come out, I buy it instead of downloading because I do not want to mess up the Billboard Charts.

(Cuts continued from front page) Dr. Sullivan said, “My guess right now is the classes with the lowest enrollment will not run.” But right now it is “too soon to tell.” In other words, the classes students sign up for are the classes that are going to be kept. The less popular classes that cater to a smaller portion of the student body are more likely to be cut. “How many elective courses kids sign up for in suffi cient amounts

limewire: sweet or soursoundoffby Stefan Aleo

by Maeve McHugh

is what makes the electives run,” said Dr. Sullivan. On the classes being removed from the curriculum next year, Mr. Freeman said, “That would be after careful consideration with Dr. Sullivan and we would have to look very closely at the high school schedule…but we’re working as hard as we can to be able to offer everything we offered this year next year.” As for when the decisions will be made, Dr. Sullivan said, “What classes are

being cut will not be known until after registration for classes and schedules are put together.” These decisions are regretfully made. As Dr. Sullivan said, “It’s unfortunate, we like the staff we have now, we want to keep them, but in tough economic times, tough decisions will have to be made. But I promise to make them in a way that will affect kids as little as possible…I’m doing all that I can to keep the course of studies intact.”

photo submitted by s. aleophoto submitted by m. mchugh

Stefan has his own way of getting music...Maeve doesn’t mind taking a risk...

features6 march 2, 2009

the viking saga

A Hypnotizing TraditionThe best moments of past hypnotist shows at East Lyme High School

BY KARIE SIMMONS

You are getting sleepy, very sleepy. Your eyes will begin to close as you slowly drift into a deep sleep… hypnotized yet? If not, consider yourself lucky. Many ELHS grads who have been hypnotized at the annual

hypnotist show have done some pretty hilarious yet sometimes embarrassing stuff. The worst part? They do not remember a thing…but everyone else does! One of the most memorable hypnotist show moments happened at the 2007 show. Then-senior Shawn Young was hypnotized into singing when he heard a trigger word. The song that echoed through the auditorium over the speakers was Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman.” To the audience’s surprise, Young knew practically

all of the lyrics, which added to the humor. He sang, ran and skipped his way around the entire auditorium, posing for pictures and cell phone videos along the way. Another ELHS grad, who

still has us laughing to this day, is Matt Cataldo. A senior at the time, he performed in the 2007 hypnotist show as well. What happened after the trigger word was said for this class clown was all in the hips. The song “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira blasted through the speakers, and Cataldo danced and shook his booty, attempting a rendition of “the Shakira,” as some prefer to call it. Last year, the hypnotist show of 2008 was graced with the presence of George Kang, a senior at the time. As one of the brainiest of the bunch, Kang seemed like he might prove too smart to be hypnotized. However, the audience soon found out that this would not be the case. The crowd roared with laughter, for Kang fell into such a deep sleep that he could not even keep his eyes open. He leaned on and fell over his classmates, and even rested

his head on the hypnotist, Dan LaRosa. As soon as Kang was leaning on someone, the hypnotist snapped his fi ngers and Kang awoke to an awkward and confusing situation, which the audience found amusing of course. So what can one expect for the hypnotist show of 2009? Side-splitting laughter. The only question is: who will this year’s targets be? Maybe funnymen seniors Ryan Cave and Kevin Frank will take the stage, or senior class president Brittany Watts will join the fun. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Many mysterious and mystical happenings await, so do not miss the funniest night of the school year: April 4th at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person and the money will benefi t the 2009 ELHS Senior Class Party: A Drug-Free & Alcohol-Free Graduation Event.

Hypnotist Dan LaRosa is back againfacebook.com

Every Monday night, senior Sara Schwartz and junior Tasmia Khan venture out of their houses to go to the BOE meetings. “We attend meetings and at the beginning of each meeting we report to the Board. I usually talk about student accomplishments and concerns that students may have,” explained Schwartz. Above all, they two make sure that the students’ voices are being heard. “We generally report on things going at school–sports wins and losses, dances, fundraisers…

any concerns the senate has… special activities that classes are doing too, like Model U.N.,” said Khan. Sometimes after Schwartz and Khan are done reporting they fi eld questions from board members concerning the high school. “We are there so that [the members of the BOE] feel more connected to the school itself, they like to know our perspective,” Schwartz said. Occasionally, the student reps are asked to stay for the debate on controversial issues that directly affect the students. “One time we were asked to

stay for the debate on whether to hold girls’ basketball ECC championships at the casino,” Schwartz said. Each representative is chosen out of the full student senate. It is offered as a position at the meeting and students volunteer. The volunteers then write an essay concerning why they wanted the postition. The representatives each serve two-year terms, their junior and senior years. During the fi rst year, they learn how to do their job from the representative who is in their second year. Regarding

her fi rst year as a representative junior Tasmia Khan said, “I don’t really have a favorite part… the members can be pretty funny and entertaining at times…they’re all really nice, too.” Though few students know about this position, the representatives serve as vital liaisons between the student body and the BOE. Without their hard work and attendance of meetings, the Board would be less aware of the latest issues that are on the minds of students and less able to give students what they need.

Reppin’ i t for the Board of Educat ionStudents Schwartz and Khan act as representatives for the East Lyme Board of Education

BY MAEVE MCHUGH

features 7march 2, 2009

the viking saga

The Secret Life of the School CounselorOffstage with guidance counselor Lisa Ramaccia

BY KIERSTEN SINKO

Miley Cyrus’s song “Best of Both Worlds” is about being a normal kid, and secretly being a pop star at the same time. For ELHS guidance counselor Lisa Ramaccia, she literally has the “Best of Both Worlds,” as she is a school counselor by day and a dance instructor by night. “It’s important for people to express themselves in a healthy way, and when I feel life is being a little chaotic, dance has always been that something to leave life behind, and to dance just for me,” said Ms. Ramaccia. Ms. Ramaccia’s dance education began at age four when she took a ballet class at Dance Ten Studio in Wethersfi eld, CT. But the soft, elegant qualities of ballet did not fi t Ms. Ramaccia’s personality, which she describes as “loud and energetic.” She then decided to take tap

and hip-hop classes, since they were more her style. She continued dancing at Fairfi eld University where she was a member of

the hip-hop dance team. Currently, Ms. Ramaccia is a part-time teacher at her childhood studio, Dance Ten. She teaches eight classes a week, c h o r e o g r a p h s dances and helps out with their competition team on the weekends. This year, Ms. Ramaccia chose to choreograph the dance sequences for the drama club’s musical The Wedding Singer. Compared to past

musicals, Ms. Ramaccia is stepping it up a notch by increasing the amount and intensity of the dancing. With her dance

expertise, the musical will surely be a hit this year. “I feel the dancing is perfect for all of our abilities. She does such a good job at blending our abilities with the 80’s style of dance, which is the theme,” said sophomore Lily Fryburg. “I love teaching for the musical. It’s lots of fun because I’m working with people I haven’t met yet, and it’s a great way to teach to a different population that I’m not used to, and I’m already making great connections,” said Ms. Ramaccia. Even though some of the performers who are in the musical may not have dancing experience, Ms. Ramaccia thinks this is refreshing compared to what she is used to. It allows her to use different techniques and it reminds her why she started dancing. “She’s making a great impact on the musical. She brings energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the choreography,” said drama club director Grant Place. Ms. Ramaccia is an infl uence to those in school as a counselor, but she is also a great infl uence to those who believe in following their passions. “You can mix dreams and reality inside your life,” she said.

With the limited supply of chairs, tension is always high in the cafeteria during lunch. In Room B108 however, the chaos has reached its peak as students squabble over the answers to trivia questions. “People answer with a lot of vigor and it’s really entertaining,” said Trivia Club member senior Caitlyn Gebhard. Every Friday during lunch, nearly 20 students meet in math teacher Linda Johansen’s room and are split into teams. Questions like “What band was originally known as Strontium 90?” are read from the games Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit.

“Sometimes it’s just ridiculous because there are questions that no one would ever know,” said junior Josh Brown, founder of the Trivia Club. Club members love to shout out their answers faster than lightning, but when everyone is stumped, the c h a m p i o n of trivia Ms. Johansen is guaranteed to know the answer. “I fi nd listening to them argue really funny,” said Ms. Johansen. “Especially when I know the answer, it makes me look smart!” The Trivia Club was founded after the 2007 Brain Game for the Class of 2010 to “train” for the following year’s competition. While

this may seem like an unfair advantage for the junior class, the Brain Game has been modifi ed to avoid repeating questions from the games that the club already uses.

Add i t iona l ly, students from all classes are invited to join the club. Even though this club may seem diffi cult since there are no prizes,

Brown assured, “You will fi gure out that you know a lot of things that you didn’t think you knew.” “Anyone is welcome to come to the meetings to either watch or participate,” said Gebhard. “It’s totally nerdy, but is surprisingly fun and is a great way to get out of your shell!”

What’s a Six-Letter Word for a Fun Time?

BY KATE KIELTY

A look at the Trivia Club

Members of the Trivia Club race to answer a question fi rstk.kielty/saga

She looks just like a counselor, but who knew she was also a dedicated dancer?

k.brown/saga

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sports8 march 2, 2009

the viking saga

The NBA All-Star Game sets the standard for all other major sports spectacles in the professional world. Ask any sports fan which of the respective All-Star games they watch, and you’ll be hard-pressed to fi nd any regular viewers of the MLB All-Star Game or the NFL’s Pro Bowl. But the NBA, that’s a different story. What makes the basketball extravaganza so much better than its other pro sports counterparts? The players show a different, less competitive and more fun-loving side. The skill contests, especially the dunk contest, are much more entertaining than, say, the Home Run Derby. The NBA All-Star Game is ridden with commercials for NBA Cares, and players and pop culture stars encouraging viewers to get up and help their communities, donate to charities, and make a difference.Even Barack Obama understands the power of the NBA All-Star Game, and had a pre-recorded message shown at the latest installment. Why doesn’t the Super Bowl, which is viewed by almost 100 million Americans, take the same kind of initiative? Couldn’t some of those million-dollar ad spaces or over-hyped and often lackluster half-time shows, be sacrifi ced to actually get people off the couch and make a difference? Time and again we hear how meaningless the Pro Bowl is. Maybe the NFL needs to take a few pages out of the NBA’s book and create an event that is about more than just football. That’s the juice. This is the opinion of B. Welch.

WELCH’S (legal) JUICE

Flag FootballPlayed during the spring and fall classes, fl ag football is without a doubt the roughest game in the PE curriculum. The fi eld where it is played outside is often muddy and the fl ags are a complete nuisance to all players. What fl ag football does have going for it however is the hilarity that ensues when a teacher, such as Rudy Bagos, joins in just to show off his skills.

SwimmingWhile almost everyone loves playing around in the water, swimming will always remain the most hated gym unit by girls. Not only do you have to change and shower in a limited timeframe, but clothes, books and hair will stay soaked and reek of chlorine for the rest of the day as it is impossible to avoid the lake that covers the surface of the locker rooms. Swimming is also the hardest sport to avoid participating in, and depending on the swimming abilities of certain students, it can become embarrassing.

Floor HockeyWith the short plastic sticks, it is all too easy to loathe the game of fl oor hockey. Boys have a tendency to become incredibly competitive in the game, and it is nearly impossible to make it through a match without someone being slapped by a stick. “It’s so boring and nobody enjoys playing it at all,” said sophomore Matt Neborsky.

SoccerOne of the most common sports played in PE, soccer is dreaded by all… Or at least by everyone who does not play the sport outside of class. As some students get ridiculously intense into the game, others step back and try to sneakily run in the opposite direction of the ball. For those who do try, however, the game still remains frustrating as they try to score in goals less than half the size of a regular soccer goal.

THE WORST...OF THE WORST

The worst sports to play in PE classBY KATE KIELTY

pc.ibm.com

NBA Slam-Dunk ChampNate Robinson dethrones Dwight Howard

BY RAJ THANABAL On February 14, 2009, people all across the country had their eyes fi xated upon Phoenix as they attempted to predict what defending slam dunk champion Dwight Howard had in store for them. After last year’s “Superman Throwdown”, the expectations were that Howard would run away with the competition. Instead, he ran straight into 5’9” of kryptonite in Nate Robinson, and ending up losing the competition after garnering 48% of the fan’s vote. Best Dunk- After receiving an amazing dunk contest in 2008, I for one expected at least a good one this year. I was sorely disappointed. The best dunk, and the only good dunk, was Howard’s fl ip off the side of the backboard before slamming it in with one hand. Worst Dunk- By far, the worst dunk was Nate Robinson’s second of the fi rst round. In this dunk, Robinson pushed off of Wilson Chandler’s back before dunking it in. He decided to use a jumping boost in the Dunk Contest? Next year, why not just break out some trampolines to get even more air? Best Moment- As a matter of fact, this was most likely the only good moment at all: LeBron James announced that he will most likely be entering his name into the 2010 Dunk Contest. Being one of the best dunkers in the NBA, most fans loved to hear the good news.

(ELGB continued from front pg) Having beaten NFA, the team knows that they can beat just about anybody in the state. “What makes us so successful are role players stepping up and our balanced play,” said Lewis. “We may depend on Carly [Thibault] and Jess [Blodgett] but we’ve gotten huge contributions from the rest of the team. If we can get three to four people with around 10 points, we won’t lose.” As the state tournament nears, Lewis knows the stakes. “It comes down to players making plays when they have to. You play like it’s the last game because well, it is.”

Every Thanksgiving Day, fl ocks of Viking and Lancer fans gather in a sea of maroon, white and blue to support their football teams…and a deep, habitual rivalry against each other. The East-Lyme Waterford rivalry is one that parents, grandparents and children have all experienced and can all support. It began in 1967, when students from East Lyme and Waterford, who until that point both attended New London High School, began going to school in their own towns. When the students were divided, they lost the daily contact with each other and slowly, but surely, a rivalry grew and blossomed.

sports 9

the viking saga

9 march 2, 2009

EAST LYME vs. WATERFORDAn inside look at the history of the

East Lyme-Waterford rivalryBY NATALIE KAZIERAD

Since the towns are “only separated by the river, it leads to a natural rivalry,” explained ELHS alumnus and social studies teacher Marcie Cunningham. When Mrs. Cunningham attended ELHS, every sporting event against Waterford was monumental. “If it was an East Lyme-Waterford contest, you wanted to be there,” she said. On most occasions, “You couldn’t even get a seat!” English teacher and alumnus Priscilla Lloyd recalls one unforgettable victory in particular: the Thanksgiving Day Football Game in 1999. With one second remaining in the fourth quarter and the score tied; East Lyme’s Kyle Delaney completed a Hail Mary pass and scored the winning touchdown, ending with a score of 26-20. Long after their victory, East Lyme students “brought signs to the Waterford High

School that said ‘26-20,’” said Ms. Lloyd. Though the competition was fi erce, “the Vikings and Lancers had a healthy, spirited rivalry,” said Mrs. Cunningham. Today, the separation from the rivalry is slowly being sewed back together. “We’ve mingled, we’ve crossed the lines,” explained Mrs. Cunningham. Cell phones, Facebook, and an increasing number of students with cars have restored the lines of communication. But have they weakened the rivalry? Some believe the rivalry now seems to be limited to certain sports. “It doesn’t exist in swimming,” said junior swimmer Brendan Wilcox, but according to junior football player Everett Brown the Viking-Lancer rivalry is “one of the most intense rivalries” in football. “The color blue just angers me,” he said.

TERROR... on the second fl oorWhat’s that stampeding horde of runners on the second fl oor every day?

BY CHARLOTTE KENYON “All clear on the second fl oor. The girls’ track team will be practicing.” This announcement from the voice of coach and Chemistry teacher Carl Reichard, is heard daily after hours at ELHS. But fi rst of all, why is the track team running inside and secondly, on the second fl oor? Due to fi ercely frigid temperatures and lack of an indoor track the team is left with no other option. “Since we do not have an indoor track, it is the best alternative,” said Reichard. “It is also better than running outside in the cold and allows us to train better.” Junior Brianne Mirecki, who recently won the Class L 1000-Meter state title, said,“The only diffi cult part is that there are a few tight turns, coordinating the interval groups can be hard and it occasionally creates hip pain.” “It is defi nitely better than outside, but it is also hard passing people and it gets very crowded,” said juniors Kate Beebe and Colleen Ahern.

Although the second fl oor and catwalks were not built to be run on, “it is easier than running outside because the fl oor is warmer,” said Reichard. He also said that the suspended concrete on the catwalks are

“very soft surfaces to run on and generally not damaging to the joints.” There have been very few accidents in the area that some would consider fairly hazardous. “Last year two kids were racing, which we are not allowed to do to, and had a door opened on them,” said Mirecki.

ELHS has also done the research to ensure a hazard free and secure environment for the team. “The school had a meeting with our insurance company and we are certain that it is overall a safe environment for

the team to practice on,” said Principal Dr. Sullivan. The response from faculty on the second fl oor has also been positive. “There have only been a few complaints but I try to explain the situation and most are very understanding,” said Reichard. Janitor, Chuck Pillar said neither nor he nor his colleagues are affected by the running, or bothered by the practice. Overall, the terrifi c girls’ track team is not creating any issues by practicing on the second story

of ELHS. “Our form of practicing is not rare either. Over 80 percent of Connecticut schools with track teams run indoors,” said Reichard. “I wish that we had a fi eld house for the team, “said Sullivan. “But for now it is just one of those facts of life at ELHS.”

e.kleinhans/saga

Watch out! If you’re not careful, you might get trampled by the girls’ track team!

entertainment10 march 2, 2009

the viking saga

You are Cordially Inivited to...

The Wedding SingerWhat to expect in

ELHS drama club’s

latest productionBY STEFAN ALEO

Enjoy musicals, comedies, or

the 1980s? If so, come see the

drama club’s production of The

Wedding Singer.

The play promises to stick as

close to the movie as possible,

with few minor character

changes. All of the hilarious

lines and choreography are

still included. The talented cast

from Whose Wives are They

Anyway? return for an encore.

Senior Brendan Welch stars as

the main character Robbie, who

is searching for true love after

being dumped by his fi ancée,

Linda (Alyssa Andres) at their

wedding. Robbie eventually

falls in love with Julia (Sarah

Showalter/Lily Fryburg) while

planning her wedding with

Glenn (Mike Scheyder).

James Compton, who plays

Robbie’s best friend, Sammy,

said that everyone has high

expectations for a successful

production: “There are so many

sets and costumes. But it is

going to look great because the

80s were an awesome time for

clothing.” “I think people will fi nd

that the pace of the material

is quick,” said drama teacher

Grant Place, noting that they

will use a rotating set so there

will be smoother transitions

between scenes.

Even during intermission,

audience members will have the

chance to play the classic 1980s

video game, Pac-Man on the

large auditorium screen. Other

1980s theme surprises that are

yet to be disclosed are in store

for the audience as well.

R.S.V.P. on March 12 at 6 p.m., March 13 at 7 p.m., and

March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

BY KARIE SIMMONS

My usual movie theater routine consists of either a) snacking on buttered popcorn, b) constantly checking the time, c) quietly complaining about the lack of cell phone reception, or d) all of the above. This time, however, gummy worms and texting would not be the case, for Slumdog Millionaire proved to be unlike the other boring, cliché movies that came out in early 2009. I was immediately hooked to the screen when what I thought would be a love-sick, fairytale drama opened with a torture scene. In the fi lm, uncertainties rise when an unlikely contestant from the slums of Mumbai, India, makes it to the fi nal question on India’s version of the hit television show Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Upon reaching the fi nal question, 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is arrested on suspicions of

cheating and must defend his honor by reliving his heroic and tragic upbringing. Jamal’s story is told through episodic fl ashbacks that take the audience from his impoverished life in Mumbai, to train-hopping adventures with his brother Salim, to narrow escapes from enemies. Question by question, it becomes clear that Jamal’s life experience was the only lifeline he needed. The aspect that makes this fi lm so fresh and exciting is the fact that not one of the actors or actresses is your typical Hollywood A-lister: over-casted and

overdone. Instead Madhur Mittal, Freida Pinto and Dev Patel bring new faces to the big screen, making their characters that much more believable and strong. However, at the heart of Slumdog Millionaire is the most unique character—India. Unlike the colorful and musical version that is depicted in many Bollywood movies, the India depicted in this fi lm is quite different. It is impoverished, dangerous and unable to support its increasing population. Like all the other characters throughout the fi lm, however, Mumbai evolves and grows.

Starting with shacks and fi lth and ending with skyscrapers and condos, this fi lm mirrors the progression of Jamal’s life with the progression of his country. Take out the hit and miss Bollywood dance sequence at the end, and what we are left with is a unique and beautifully made movie fi lled with humor and heartbreak.

From Rags to Riches: Oscar- nominated drama Slumdog Millionaire makes millions at the box offi ce

www.collider.com

entertainment 11march 2, 2009

the viking saga

Television portrays high schools as nothing short of fantasyCOMMENTARY BY KIERSTEN SINKO

Television shows such as Gossip Girl, where socialites live and go to school, and Secret Life of the American Teenager, where a young teen gets pregnant without her parents’ knowledge, may be addicting, but they are nowhere close to what real

high school is like. The “teenagers” on these shows are

supposed to be shown living a normal life. But is it normal for a high school student

to pull up to school in a limo everyday and having a caretaker take their coat? And is it normal for students who are “16” to be buying businesses and throwing extravagant parties worth thousands of dollars? On the bright side, shows like Secret Life of the American Teenager have actors who look the part (one of the only shows where 25-year-old actors aren’t playing teenagers). But rarely do two 15-year-olds decide to make the trip down the aisle. It’s doubtful there are many students in East Lyme High School who would be more concerned

with wedded bliss than getting good grades. These shows are not even remotely realistic. From playing the French Horn in a marching band (which is physically impossible)

to jetting off to San Francisco on a school night (which is highly improbable), TV shows aimed at kids today disregard what life is actually like for the pursuit of glitz and glamour. One main difference between East Lyme High School and television high schools is the sense of closeness. Even though not everyone is best friends, students seem to get along and obtain a level of comfort. “TV shows may be realistic compared to some schools, but not ours. Were not as cliquey compared to high schools you see on TV,” said sophomore Michele Lalonde. Cliques seem to be a common theme when adults try to recreate the life of a teenager. On Gossip Girl, there is a “mean girl” clique, who tells other girls to get them coffees or to clean their shoes, and they are not above fear and intimidation. Some girls may do anything to become popular, but this behavior is over the top. ELHS, however, is not run like a hierarchy. Instead of seeing girls walking around ordering others to do their bidding, you see girls jumping from table to table visiting and chatting with all their friends. ELHS has that sense of comfort and confi dence with all the students and no student is left unwanted.

Reality Check

My Favorite Things

Like Maria von Trapp, or Oprah, I have favorite things. Here is the item of the week:

BY ANDREA CHRUNYK

The podcast. Perhaps you have wondered what that daunting button on your iTunes actually corresponds to. Or maybe you’ve known all along what is was, but thought it wasn’t for you. Well think again. The podcast is actually a very useful tool. They don’t solely consist of NPR rebroadcastings, or other shows people might deem “boring.” Many are quite interesting.

There are movie reviews, fashion tips and Photoshop how-tos. Basically, if you want to know about it, there is probably a podcast for it. Even though most people don’t load up educational notes on their iPods, podcasts can help you study for a class. For example, last year I loaded up on American History podcasts. I would listen to the political implications of the Stamp Act Crisis while

cleaning my room, and it was actually very helpful and less boring than rereading the textbook or looking over notes. But even if studying isn’t your thing, there is defi nitely some podcast that is right for you. Plus, all of the podcasts are free, and really, who can resist something that is free?

www.timstvshowcase.com

Blake Lively, 21, plays teen Serena Vanderwoodsen in Gossip Girl

www.screwtheman.com

Shailene Woodley, 17, stars as pregnant teen Amy

Juergens in Secret Life of the American Teenager

www.sharetv.org

back page12march 2, 2009

Words of Wisdom with Matt Heath

the viking saga

Which of the X-men would you choose to be?

m. heath/saga

m. heath/saga m. heath/saga

m. heath/saga

m. heath/saga

m. heath/saga

“Wolverine,because of his

berserker attack.”

- English teacher Scott

Mahon

“Magneto, because he can bend metal.”

- senior Mr. East Lyme

“Juggernaut, because he’s

strong like me.” - senior John

Stevenson

“Storm, because my eyes change

color.” - senior

Carly Trask

“Cyclops, because I used to dress up like him.”- senior

James Gordy

“Night Crawler, because

I like teleportation.”

- History teacher Mary Jennings

Friendship is rare. A man once asked me how do you know who your best friend is. I honestly couldn’t tell him. He then said when

you have a fl at tire in the middle of nowhere, the fi rst person you think to call is most likely your best friend.

A friend is more than someone you just hang out with, a friend is

someone who is willing to go out of

their own way to help you out. A friend is someone who is willing to help clean up your mess. (No matter how gross or smelly it may be.) A friend is someone who is willing to back you up on stupid things that you say. (You’re right, House of Payne is a good show.) Most of all though, friends stick together. (Even in a low speed chase like OJ and his bud Al Cowling.)