Despite the numerous community service opportunities available around the school and the increasing demand for involvement in resumes, students may not know how to become involved. Community service not only boosts one’s resume, but the involvement in it reflects one’s compassion, and demon- strating compassion and care is becom- ing a necessity in society today. The importance of becoming involved in and aware of the events in one’s community cannot be stressed upon enough. Promoting the importance of protecting the environment, the SAVE club brings awareness to diminishing environments both globally and locally. SAVE is an acronym for Students Against The Vanishing Environment. Students are able to learn about the different ways in which they can protect the environment, such as using alternative energies. Moreover, this club teaches students the importance of respecting and preserving one’s environment, while providing them with the opportunity to become involved in their community. This is done through collecting recyclables around the school and partaking in a road cleanup in the spring. SAVE club advisers also intend to have the members network with local environmental representatives in order to schedule events which would benefit the community. In order to become a member, simply stop by C108 and fill out an application. Williamstown High School December 2017 Issue December Club Activity by Sopheap Huot 2 College Planning 3 Teacher Feature 4 Brave Voices 5 Clubs 5 Poetry Corner 6 Entertainment 7 Jobs 8 Horoscopes I N S I D E On Friday, December 8th, 2017’s Mr. WHS was held in the Williamstown High School Auditorium. The event kicked off with a group dance of the nominees and transitioned into a showcase of their individual talents. Some acts included singing, dancing and rapping. In this competition, Nick Kirsch took home the crown as 2017’s Mr. WHS. In addition to this, making it the club’s first live performance, the Steppers with Style danced stunningly. The winner for the Charity event was Chris Hoban, who will be donating around $500 to Autism Awareness Organization. Congratulations, Gentlemen! CONGRATULATIONS, MR. WHS! by Sopheap Huot Top Right: The Mr. WHS candidates take the stage. Bottom Right: Nick Kirsch, Mr. WHS 2017, dances with his sister, Gabrielle, during the performance portion of the night.
Transcript
Despite the numerous community service opportunities available around the school and the increasing demand for involvement in resumes, students may not know how to become involved. Community service not only boosts one’s resume, but the involvement in it reflects one’s compassion, and demon-strating compassion and care is becom-ing a necessity in society today. The importance of becoming involved in and aware of the events in one’s community cannot be stressed upon enough.
Promoting the importance of protecting the environment, the SAVE club brings awareness to diminishing environments both globally and locally. SAVE is an acronym for Students Against The Vanishing Environment. Students are able to learn about the different ways in which they can protect the environment, such as using alternative energies.
Moreover, this club teaches students the importance of respecting and preserving one’s environment, while providing them
with the opportunity to become involved in their community. This is done through collecting recyclables around the school and partaking in a road cleanup in the spring. SAVE club advisers also intend to have the members network with local environmental representatives in order to schedule events which would benefit the community. In order to become a member, simply stop by C108 and fill out an application.
Williamstown High SchoolDecember 2017 Issue
December Club Activityby Sopheap Huot
2 College Planning3 Teacher Feature4 Brave Voices
5 Clubs5 Poetry Corner6 Entertainment
7 Jobs8 Horoscopes
INSIDE
On Friday, December 8th, 2017’s Mr. WHS was held in the Williamstown High School Auditorium. The event kicked off with a group dance of the nominees and transitioned into a showcase of their individual talents. Some acts included singing, dancing and rapping. In this competition, Nick Kirsch took home the crown as 2017’s Mr. WHS. In addition to this, making it the club’s first live
performance, the Steppers with Style danced stunningly. The winner for the Charity event was Chris Hoban, who will be donating around $500 to Autism Awareness Organization. Congratulations, Gentlemen!
CONGRATULATIONS, MR. WHS!by Sopheap Huot
Top Right: The Mr. WHS candidates take the stage. Bottom Right: Nick Kirsch, Mr. WHS 2017, dances with his sister, Gabrielle, during the performance portion of the night.
CLASSROOM news
In December, the holidays are probably every student's priority. Days are taken off from school, and winter snow is making all look pretty and beautiful. This is also a great time to be applying for colleges and solidifying your chances of getting into your preferred school.
During this time of the year, juniors should definitely be making sure that the colleges on their list are the ones they are set on going to, as well as ensuring they have a solid backup plan. Mid December, juniors should be receiving their PSAT scores, so these students should look over their scores and review anything that needs improvement for the big game, the SAT. Juniors should also be scouting for all sorts of scholarship opportunities. Do the research, look on the college websites and see what scholarships you qualify for and what you may still have time to catch up on!
Seniors, take a hard look at your list of colleges. Ask questions like “Do I really see myself attending this school?” or, “Do I have a financial safety option or an admission safety option?” In case you're not being accepted into your first choice, actually liking your second or third option is very important. Moreover, be aware of senioritis! Don’t let the perceived freedom of being a senior get in the way of getting into a good college. Some decisions you make now can affect whether the school accepts you or not, even in your last semester of high school! Make sure you are turning in all of your papers and assignments. Also, make sure to study for tests and quizzes, because in the long run, they all matter.
Now here’s a scenario we don’t like to think about but, trust me, it’s much better to prepare for: worst case scenarios. Make
sure if something takes a wrong turn that you are prepared to respond in a calm and appropriate manner. You may already know to be careful while writing essays or turning in all of your applications. Just make sure to pay attention to details, because this will make or break your opportunities. So, after editing some of your essays, making sure your grades are acceptable to what is required.
Finally, and most importantly for seniors, take a break after everything is done, allow yourself a short break for a couple of weeks. After all this hard work, you have earned it! Take a long and nice break. Chill with your friends, or spend time with your family. Have a little bit of fun and enjoy your senior year as well! It’s important not to be too stressed when doing all of this, so a break during the holidays is a great way to cool off, and refresh the mind.
COLLEGEPLANNING
by Jadyn Beyer
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TEACHER FEATURE
by Adelena KravitzTeachers are chosen by the writer assigned to this article each month.
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher, more specifically a band teacher
at the high school level?
I first knew I wanted to teach music when I was a sophomore in high school. My high school band experience
had such a great impact on me that I knew I wanted to give other students the same experience I had.
How long have you been a teacher at WHS and what is your favorite part about teaching here?
This is my sixth year at WHS and my favorite part about teaching here is seeing the progression of my students
as musicians and people from freshman to senior year.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school? I’m a big Philly sports fan, so rooting for the Eagles and
Phillies! I also enjoy traveling as much as I can and spending time with family and friends.
What fictional place would you most like to go? Pawnee, Indiana
Who's your go to band or artist when you can't decide what to listen to? John Coltrane
What is your favorite book, tv show, or movie? Whiplash
MR. FANTAZZI
brave voicesby: Newspaper Staff
As winter break gets closer
the time of giving draws
near, people everywhere are
excited about the gifts they
are giving and about to
receive. We wanted to know
what was your favorite gift
of all time?
“A new ice hockey stick, because I love hockey and it helps me play a lot better.”- Jimmy EddowesFreshman
“My car.”- Brian ZhininSenior
“My North Face Jacket.”- Alanaah WilsonSenior
“My favorite gift of all time is my friendship with Morgan McNulty.”- Ally DuaSophomore
“Carlie Vogt, because we are the “bestest” of friends now.”- Madison RainesFreshman
“A really great friend of mine took me camping with them for a week.”- Coney ZhangJunior
“My dog.”- Michael McIntireJunior
“My dad surprising me with a new phone.”- Dhruv ShahSenior
“My phone because I really wanted one and got it since I'm always on it.”- Sam BarberFreshman
“A bike.”- Kayleigh JackstisSophomore
“The gift of life.”- Corey GilbertSenior
“My Xbox one.”- Madison WilsonSenior
“My iPad, because I can stay connected and stay in touch with my family.”Freshman
“My phone since my old one was all shattered and broken.”Freshman
“My dog because she is the cutest dog I have ever seen and she likes to cuddle me. I also can tell her any secret without doubt of it being shared.”Freshman
John Hill, Delaney O’Brien and Mariella Farrel
4
Poe
try
CLUBS what's goin on?
Despite its name, SADD club, otherwise known as Students Against Destructive Decisions, is not a club for upset people to mope around. Here, we encourage and advocate for the safety and happi-ness of all young adults. In SADD, we try to bring attention to hard topics regarding teenage suicide and self-harm, and it is always our goal to help eliminate
these problems. By running messages on the morning announcements and doing things of that nature, we want to bring awareness to the harsh realities many people in our school face. We want to educate people on the signs, causes, and stereotypes regarding destructive behavior. It is our job to motivate people get through anything, and we are united
against any form of self-harm. Once a month, we meet in guidance with Mrs. Gaudio and talk about some of the major issues in school and come up with some ideas for bringing awareness to it. Currently, we are looking for new people to come and join us in the fight against self-harm and depression.
Is SADD Club For You?by Alexandria Bazikos
Poe
try Corner“What do you Want to Be When You Grow Up”
I cannot save myself.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A rockstar!My clothes will be fab-tactic and my hair Will be pretty colorsPeople will love meI'll be tall and mighty on stage and I'll be...cool.
What do I do with myself ?
Do you want to be something different when you grow?
When I grow up I want to be a paleontologist.Paleontologists do lots of things.They dig up cool dinosaur bones and weCan learn more about extinct reptiles.
It's only me myself and I.
What do you want to do when you get older?
I want to write.I want to write stories and create new peopleWhole new worlds at someone's fingertips
A life or a death waiting; expecting.
I need help.
What's in your future?
Nothing.The same question with different words.I don't want to be anything.I don't want to do anything.I don't want anything.Things are not how they were before.
Someone helps me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A girl. There has been too much for me to want anything more.I must start at the beginning to reach the end.I am just a girl.
I thought I'd save myself for a change.
- by Arianna Brown
Selected works from the WHS Poetry Club
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by Adelena Kravitz
LADY BIRDLady Bird is a touching story about the tumultuous relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. It’s loosely based on the writer/director’s own coming of age tale and it follows a powerful lead, Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan), as she tries to find out who she is. Greta Gerwig depicts that main character as a strong-willed, eccentric protagonist who despite all of her
flaws is a likable character. We follow this main character for her senior year of high school when her father loses his job and her caring mother is struggling to keep the family afloat. Despite Lady Bird’s constant struggle for independence from her mom, they are both very similar characters and their stubbornness is the cause of many problems between them. If you like indie films with endings that make you think about life in different way than the typical Hollywood movie, this is the movie for you.
ENTERTAINMENTmovies
6
by Alexandria Bazikos
HEATHERS MUSICALThe Heathers is a fantastic musical with a great story which follows the quite relatable Veronica, who is just trying to survive her senior year of high school. Through its ridiculous and difficult situations, the Heathers establishes Veronica as a strong, female protagonist with a desire to do the right thing. With its well developed characters, one cannot help but sympathize with some of them such as Martha Dunnstock and Heather Mc-Namara. Despite the dark subjects such as bullying and suicide, it still somehow maintains its humorous tone and will certainly get a laugh or two out of anyone who watches the full play. Even if you have never seen the movie from which this play is based off of, or you cannot watch the live version, I still believe it is worth listening to, as the music itself is probably the strongest aspect of this. The songs on this album have great energy along beautiful singing from its talented cast; I often find myself singing their tunes and quoting the characters. If you are a fan of Broadway musical with some dark comedy, you should give Heathers a try.
music
by Zac Castiglionecomic strip
Cause you gotta go to workby Anna McMahon
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Available Jobs, Internships, and Community ServiceLooking for work? We're here to help you get started! Check out the opportunities below.
JOBSCause you gotta go to work
by Anna McMahon
Donate to Local Holiday Drives such as…
the Toys for Tots drive
Visit Nursing Homessuch as…
Meadow View Nursing Home
Volunteer at Local Organizations such as…
Gloucester & Camden County Animal SheltersPublic libraries
JOBS Use the websites listed to find more!
INTERNSHIPSSearch on www.internships.com for more!
VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY SERVICESearch on www.volunteermatch.org for more.
CaregiverThe Mentor NetworkMonroe Township, NJ
Scanning Clerk
ShopRiteMonroe Township, NJ
(856) 728-5600Must be 16 or older.
CashierRiteAid
Monroe Township, NJ(856) 629-0500
Must be 17 or older.
KIPP Community OutreachAmericorpsCamden, NJ
BaristaStarbucks
Deptford Township, NJ(856) 686-6002
Stock AssociateAmerican Eagle Outfitters
Deptford Township, NJ
Volunteer: Community Service, High School Internship, etc.
Better TomorrowsPhiladelphia, PA
Student InternCommunity Angel Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
Health Tech StudentTenet HealthcarePhiladelphia, PA
Didn’t get your own copy of Smoke Signals? Get it on the school website!
CAPRICORNDec. 22–Jan. 19This month, secrets from your past may emerge for you to fess up, laugh
about or reflect on. Memories you’ve forgotten will return and faces you’ve never thought you'd see again will re-appear. In the midst of this, you will find many opportunities to prove your leadership skills and maturity.
SAGITTARIUSNov. 23–Dec. 21You will find some turbulence in your social
life, so be careful for drama between friends. You may find the need to end a partnership or put a stop to a creative plan or project for your future that you have been working on. Huge emotions will swell this month and you may notice that themes concerning home or family will come forth.
SCORPIOOct. 23–Nov. 22You will find yourself seeking help from others. Although you are very
independent and capable of doing things alone, you will learn that it is okay to lean on someone now and then. Emotional and work related support is what you need this month, as well as opening yourself up to people in times of stress.
LIBRASept. 23–Oct. 22Love and romance are on your plate and if you
aren’t interested in someone who’s inter-ested in you, tell the person directly. On the other hand, be prepared for people to look to you for advice and leadership. It will be easy and will come naturally, so relax and enjoy the attention.
VIRGOAug. 23–Sept. 22Winter break is nearing, which means relaxation time for you! As
important as work is, don’t forget to spend some valuable time with your family and friends! Make yourself happy this break and enjoy some days to yourself for healing time. You're a very hard worker and deserve a vacation.
LEOJuly 23–Aug. 22An important event is coming up and needs a
leader like you! Take control of your so-cial and work life and set your priorities straight. This is the perfect moment to take initiative and earn the recognition and support you deserve. Christmas will open new doors for you to make yourself known to the larger crowd.
CANCERJune 21–July 22Your emotions seem to be clouding your ability to
make accurate judgments or make the right choices. Although this may stress you, remind yourself that it is okay to be emotional and keep a positive outlook for your future. In the midst of this, you will find a new friendship of some sort.
GEMINIMay 21–June 20Lately, you have been feeling suffocated from not being able to express
yourself or from not having anyone to listen to you. You will find someone who will listen to and understand you. Although this relationship may not have had a good start, you will find yourself relying on this person to be there for you.
TAURUSApr. 21–May 20You seem to be concerned about money, whether it would be about how much
you can spend for holiday gifts or how much you should spend for holiday gifts. However, there is a friend who is not fortunate enough to receive a Christmas present and will be very thankful for your generosity.
ARIESMar. 21–Apr. 20You will find yourself going out on an exciting adventure! Gather your
friends together for a holiday journey because this month, you will create lasting memories with your loved ones and stronger relationships with your friends and family. Meanwhile, opportunities for a fresh start and a potential love interest await, so keep an open mind!
PISCESFeb. 20–Mar. 20As Christmas inches closer and closer, you will find
that material gifts are not the only valuable presents of the winter. A friend will come to you for comfort, so lend them a shoulder. This experience will teach you a valuable lesson about friendship and compassion.
AQUARIUSJan. 20–Feb. 19You’re feeling creative and are planning amazing things for your future, all while having a great time
socializing and meeting new people. You may not take yourself seriously, but if you take what you do seriously, you will see great progress and success this year.
NEWSPAPER STAFFAlexandria Bazikos
Jadyn Beyer
Zac Castiglione
Sopheap Huot
Adelena Kravitz
Anna McMahon
Rasaaq Shittu
Abigail Twiford
Ms. Ferranto ~ Advisor/Designer • Mr. Longo ~ Advisor/Editor
