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the valley voice
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2018 VOL.41 ISSUE 1
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR WALLKILL
YOLANDA MANSILLA
A new school year has started and with it comes expectations and lots and lots of work. If you’re a
freshman or a sophomore, the next four or three years will be full of work, books, and fun! For those
juniors, this will be your most grueling year; it’s important you work hard and maintain your grades. The
following is some advice I’ve compiled throughout my years at Wallkill.
DO THE WORK: The best advice I can give you is to do ALL your work. When it comes down
to it, if you’re at an 89 your teacher will not give you that 90 if you didn’t work hard. Moreover, if you
have been doing your work, if you actually had an emergency your teacher is more likely to believe you.
Missing work can be the deciding factor between a B and an A. Raise your hand, take notes, and most
importantly, complete the homework.
GET INVOLVED: Colleges don’t just consider your grades, they consider your involvement.
Wallkill offers a multitude of extracurricular activities ranging from
sports to even our very own Valley Voice. Join a sports team. We have
multiple depending on the season. Joining a sport allows you to interact
Inside with others, build up your resume, and most importantly, do something
you love or will learn to love. Wallkill also offers non-athletic clubs such
as BASIC (a Christian group), Anime Club, Game Club, Ecology Club,
Note from Editor 3 Mock Trial, FBLA, Drama Club, and Pass It Along.(For a full list visit
Wallkill Challenge 3 the Wallkill website.) For those who excel academically and are involved
Happenings in the in the Wallkill community, you may get the opportunity to be invited into
Valley 4-6 the National Honor Societies or even peer
Editorial 7 leaders. Student Council has opened its
Sports 8-10 doors for all who wish to join.
Reviews 11-12 SOCIALIZE: High school should not
Kim’s College Corner be just be about classwork and
13-14 extracurriculars. Participate in school
Fun Corner 15 events. Go support the games, the Field
Hockey, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, and
Horoscopes 16
Football teams deserve your support. The
roar of the crowd and the commaraderie of the game create a fun
environment that you should experience before you graduate. Dances and SuperNight are great ways to
socialize with your fellow students and just enjoy a stress free night.
1
Advisor: Mrs. MaryAnn Simmons
Editor: Yolanda Mansilla
Graphic Design: Mac Warner
Printing: Mr. Pete Schornstaedt
Contributing Reporters:
Stephen Chuquiruna
Francesca Ciasullo
Zach Dora
Caroline Kim
Garett Koch
Jasmine Lee
Yolanda Mansilla
Sarah McNamara
Mady Piper
Nicole Verga
Mac Warner
Weronika Wasniowska
Photography: Google images, jarrelleducation.com, Paul Michael
Kane, Sabina Kunze, Cristina LaPadula, Jasmine Lee, Yolanda
Mansilla, The New Jersey Herald, Nicole Verga, WV Yearbook
!2
A Note from the Editor
Welcome back, Rangers! Summer flew by and so did our nights of s’mores and our days of
swimming. It’s time to dig into our books and stop procrastinating. For some, like myself, it’s our last
year so let’s make it count and make this year as memorable as possible! For others, it’s the first year
of high school or of sophomore and junior year, so my advice is simple, “work hard.” This is the time
to work as hard as possible because it will be worth it.
- Yolanda Mansilla
We Challenge You
THE VALLEY VOICE STAFF
The Wallkill Valley Fine Arts Department invites you to join its ranks as one of the most
successful aspects of Wallkill’s curriculum. From the award-winning visual arts
and crafts department to the grand champion choirs, there’s a place for you.
The arts go hand in hand with each other at Wallkill, as choir students can
be heard filling the library with sweet music during the annual art show and photo
club students can be seen snapping headshots of the actors in the spring musical.
The Fine Arts Department boasts a warm and welcoming environment for
students of all interests. There is truly a place for everyone.
Don’t have time for an after school activity? Want to raise your GPA the
fun way? Did you know that Wallkill offers multiple AP/Honors level classes
within the Fine Arts? Boost your schedule with Studio Art Honors, AP Art
Photo courtesy of
History, or Advanced Choir Honors -
Sabina Kunze.
classes dedicated to honing the skills of
students dedicated to their individual craft.
Chris Malone, a member of the musical, marching band,
Advanced choir, A Capella Fellas, and Valley Voices, who
simultaneously serves as the choir Vice President, has outstanding
views on the influence of the arts in our school and community.
“Our fine arts programs have reached out to many people in the
community. They help students attain scholarships and give them
Photo courtesy of WV Yearbook a reason to enjoy school. The arts make our school a happier
place.”
We challenge you to raise your voices, wield your brushes, and
bang your drums and join us in our superb fine arts department here at Wallkill Valley!
!3
HAPPENINGS IN THE VALLEY
ASK A STUPID QUESTION DAY
THE VALLEY VOICE STAFF
September 28th is National “Ask a Stupid Question” Day! Everyone’s heard the phrase, “there’s
no such thing as a stupid question,” but we all have questions we are too scared to ask. This holiday is the
perfect day to finally get those answers! Send any and all stupid questions, no matter how dumb or silly,
you may have to mwarner20@wallkillvrhs.org and they shall be answered in the next edition of the
school paper. I can’t wait to see and answer your questions!
NEHS: THE POWER OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNITY
BY: MADY PIPER
The National English Honor Society has met over the summer to plan out this exciting year with
tons of events and activities to participate in, whether you are in the society or not. Starting in November,
the NEHS will be holding a letter writing campaign to Veterans. Once written, they will be distributed to a
place like the American Legion Post in Franklin and sent out directly to them. It is the NEHS’ hope that
they can spread good cheer and thank the veterans for their service to our country.
As an ongoing activity, they will be reading the the children in the Child Development classes.
Last year the society did this during Dr. Seuss week, and the children loved it, so they decided they would
read more frequently this year. The members hope to perform this activity at least
once a month and bring smiles to the children’s faces once again.
Next, they wish to get a tutoring program off the ground, by meeting with
students who appear to have difficulty in their English classes. Members of the
English Honor Society will be matched with these students and assist them in
studying for quizzes or tests, help memorize vocabulary, or assist with the
information regarding books they are reading in their classes.
In tandem with this project, members of Mrs. Simmons’ AP English
Language and Composition class (who are also members of the honor society)
will begin a “Peer Pals” program with students in Mrs. Traglia’s class. Stay tuned
for information regarding this project in our next issue.
Finally, the NEHS wants to collaborate with the Art Honor Society. The
idea is to write our own books/stories in two different ways: one can be the art student provides a piece of
artwork for the English student to accompany with text. The second option: the English student can write
a story which the art student can illustrate. This is a fun creative project that Mr. LoGiudice could print
for the students and advisors to have as a keepsake.
Now this may seem like a full schedule already, but that is not all the NEHS has in store for this
year. There is much more but to be shared another time. Read the next issue to learn about upcoming
activities!
!4
WALLKILL WELCOMES NEW STAFF!
BY: YOLANDA MANSILLA
A new school year has started and along with new freshman faces, we now have new educators!
The science department welcomes Whitney Decker as a Biology and
Environmental Science teacher. Ms. Decker previously taught at West Orange High
School and Andover Middle School. Not only does she have a degree in Biology,
she also has a teacher’s certification for teaching special education classes. Ms.
Decker will be coaching cross country this year and despite her lack of experience,
she is optimistic and eager to work with the team. She is excited to be a part of our
community since she was an assistant teacher here previously during her time at
college. An avid learner and teacher, Ms. Decker’s advice is simple, “Do your best
because what you do now will matter in the future.”
Also joining the Wallkill Science Department is Jim Jarrell. Mr. Jarrell is
replacing Mr. Hildebrand after his retirement. As a teacher of AP physics, AP
computer science, Pre-calc and physics, Mr. Jarrell enjoys his students who have
already warmed up to him Photo courtesy of
and his teaching style. Senior Jasmine Lee
We r o n i k a Wa s n i o w s k a
comments, “He inspires us to
work hard and think outside the box. We learn to
associate concepts from class to the world around
us. I walk into that classroom eager to learn and
ready to understand.” In addition to teaching at
Wallkill, Mr. Jarrell has his own business - Jarrell
Education, where he teaches students SAT, ACT,
and AP Prep.
Photo courtesy of Jarrell Education.
A d d i t i o n a l l y,
Krista Lau-Munoz
joins the Science
Department and teaches Chemistry and Environmental Science. This is
Mrs.Munoz’s fourteenth year of teaching. She has worked at Hopatcong
School District, a tenured job Paterson School District, a tenured teaching
job at Pequannock Township School District, before coming to Wallkill
Valley.
Mrs. Munoz has her Masters in Educational Technology and her
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.If she had to give any piece of
advice to her students she suggests, “Try, try,try…keep on trying.”She
decided to come to Wallkill Valley because it was close to home. Her Photo courtesy of Jasmine
Lee
hobbies include reading (suspense, horror, or mystery) novels, but she
doesn’t have a lot of time because of teaching.
Mrs.Munoz is a Yankee fan and was at the winning game for the 1996 World Series. Mrs.Munoz
says that she enjoys the students at Wallkill because of how respectful they are and how willing they are
to learn.
(Continued on page 6. See New Teachers.) !5
(New Teachers - continued from page 5)
The Language Department this year welcomes Christina LaPadula, the new Italian teacher. La
Padula completed medical school in Italy and attended Montclair
State University. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Italian and
Spanish Education, a Master’s Degree in Education Technology, a
Master’s Degree in Special Education, a Master’s Degree in
Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant and is currently
enrolled in a PhD program in Special Education Leadership.
When LaPadula was younger, she had a pet lion cub named
Simba and she wanted to be a doctor!
Mr. LaPadula offers great advice to not only her own
students but to the entire student body of Wallkill: “Be yourself
and be a leader. Don’t
follow the bad apples;
stand for yourself; set
Photo courtesy of Cristina LaPadula examples and goals.” She
emphasizes the
importance of being
entirely your own person and not going along with the crowd who
goes down the wrong path.
Mr. Sean Neal, like Ms. Decker, is no stranger to Wallkill.
Previously, he was a paraprofessional working with the students
in our special education department. Now, he takes over the
reigns in business, computers, personal finance, robotics,
programming, and computer technology after earning his
Bachelor’s Degree in business at William Paterson University. He
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Lee
has a strong desire to help his students explore the various
opportunities in the business/computer science departments. His
advice, although you’ve probably heard this before, is worth taking; “Pay attention in class, listen to
teachers, and take all the advice given to you.” Currently the coach of the varsity boys soccer team, we
wish him luck at Wallkill and in his future endeavors.
A final welcome to all the new teachers and good luck at Wallkill from The Valley Voice!
Note: Stephen Chuquiruna, Jasmine Lee, and Nicole Verga contributed to the writing of this
article.
!6
EDITORIAL
REMINISCING ON THE DEATH OF A HERO
BY: GARETT KOCH
A blanket of sorrow was dropped upon the disappointing start and shaking up the campaign
United States on August 25, 2018 as former staff, Senator McCain had a tremendous turn
United States Senator and 2008 Republican around and indeed won the nomination. Although
Presidential Nominee John McCain left us after a a campaign full of class and patriotism, he would
battle with brain cancer at age 81. However, the go on to be defeated by Democratic Nominee
life that McCain had was a life well lived. Barack Obama and his running mate Delaware
Born on August 29, 1936, McCain made it Senator Joe Biden. Not even the selection of
his goal to show his patriotism for a nation that Conservative firebrand and the most popular
dominated in so many ways. After graduating governor in America at the time, Sarah Palin
from the United States Naval Academy in 1958, tapped as his running mate was enough to bring
McCain was deployed to Vietnam where he the American hero to the White House. Although
served as a ground-attack pilot. When his plane not victorious, students of history and political
was shot down in Hanoi, McCain and his crew science like Connor Mendes, WV Alumnus, argue
were taken as prisoners of war. that John McCain is “the
At this point in his life, most qualified nominee to
McCain began to show his big ever lose a presidential
heart for his country and his election since Henry Clay.“
fellow soldiers. In the prison, John McCain is
McCain refused to be released remembered today by the
if there was a soldier who had actions he took while in
been there longer than him. He office and the
would later be awarded the bipartisanship that he
Purple Heart and the Legion of brought to the table. As a
Merit. part of the “gang of eight,”
The Maverick from McCain formed a bipartisan
Arizona was later elected to his first government solution for the path to citizenship for
position as a U.S. Representative in 1982 and undocumented immigrants within the United
from this date on he would hold a political States, something that is rarely ever seen across
position for the rest of his life. Following his party lines today. Also, in dramatic fashion in his
time in office as a Representative, McCain would return to the Senate since being diagnosed with
then be elected as a U.S. State Senator where he brain cancer, John McCain was the deciding vote
would serve as a Republican from 1987-2018 as to fail the proposed repeal and replacement of
he succeeded the father of modern day Obamacare with a Republican healthcare bill.
conservatism and 1968 Republican Presidential Today we are in a political climate where
Nominee, Barry Goldwater. we are so divided in the political arena that we
In 2000 McCain launched a failed bid for care more about our opponents failing than
president but lost the Republican nomination to America thriving and it would serve us well to
Texas Governor and future Presidents of the look to the wisdom, compassion, and unwavering
United States George W. Bush. In 2008, he would patriotism that the “Arizona Maverick” John
again launch a bid for the presidential nomination McCain displayed every day of his life in the
under the Republican Party and after a noble pursuit of putting country first.
!7
SPORTS
STAY HUMBLE AND STAY TAKING SHOTS AND
HUNGRY MAKING GOALS
BY: ZACH DORA BY: MADY PIPER
For the first time in school history since School is back in action and so is the girl’s
1991, the Wallkill Valley Rangers football team soccer team. The team has been practicing the
started the year off strong with five wins over the entire summer, playing 8v8 scrimmages to stay in
North Warren Patriots (33-6), the Kittatinny competitive form, and are ready to take on the
Cougars (6-2), the Kinnelon Colts (33-3), and the season. Friday, August 31, the team won their
P a r s i p p a n y scrimmage against Booton, 5-1. It’s a very
Redhawks (33-0) promising start to the season.
S u s s e x Te c h The team lost ten seniors last year, but
Mustangs (27-10). they are roaring to go and make states once again
The Rangers spent even with the big loss. It is not stopping them
the summer from making big plans. This year they have one
working diligently senior, Madysen Piper. She is trying her best to
lifting and going bring the much needed experience to the team,
Photo courtesy of NJ Herald over plays. The team along with the five juniors, including Kayla
spent a week at Baker, the Captain, who has done a great job
Harmony Ridge leading the team with a positive, hard-working
campground bonding and working hard in the attitude.
summer heat to get things done. “The grind” as it The team got together one practice and
is called, has begun to pay off for the Rangers as went over their goals for the year. They bought a
it is the first time they have been 5-0 in the history white board and wrote ten or so team goals to
of the school. accomplish on it and are
The team is led by captains Justin Rivera, hanging it in their team
Jake Lonsky, Kyle Berry, and Cole Weekley. room. Every time they
Junior, Kevin Armstrong comments on the season, accomplish a goal, they
“ We really want to take it one week at a time, get to wipe it off the board
focusing on a new team each week.” Senior Shane and write a new one. They
Simon added “the phrase for this year is ‘stay are always aiming higher.
humble and stay hungry.’” The Rangers mindset: One goal is to get a
always want more but don’t brag about it. shutout. They are
The Rangers continue their season, taking expecting big things, and Above, Natalia
on the Sussex Tech Mustangs for Homecoming on so are the people around Mianowski. Photo
September twenty-eighth. them. courtesy of NJ Herald
The Rangers are looking forward to a R o m a n
season of hard work to reach the playoffs behind Calendreau visited the
their captains and their quarterback, Alex girls during practice one day and motivated them
Mastrioanni. to push and support each other through
A big congratulations to the guys on five everything: ups, downs, injuries, etc. Always be
consecutive wins! Keep up the good work you there! It really inspired the girls and created a
can do it!! great atmosphere for an amazing practice.
!8
WALLKILL XC WELCOMES NEW COACH AND RUNNERS
BY: NICOLE VERGA
The Cross Country team, known for being one of the strongest athletic groups at Wallkill, hopes to
engage in another successful season under the guidance of its new head, Coach Kaitlyn Chegwidden.
Adjusting to a new coach can be hard, especially after forging such strong bonds with the former
coach, in this case our beloved Coach Lucas, who led the Cross Country team to multiple victories and
was recently inducted to the Wallkill Valley Athletics Hall of Fame. Eric Ebisch, a Freshman who feels at
home in his place on the tight-knit varsity team, says, “The motivation Coach Chegwidden’s gives to the
runners is what makes her a great leader for the team.”
Ebisch, who has already begun to make a name for himself in the Cross Country scene at Wallkill,
says that cross country is his sport because “I can run distance and I have speed. Running clears my mind.
I find it enjoyable.” Ebisch’s statements make Cross Country sound like a walk (or run) in the park, but
it's not always a breeze. “The hardest part about Cross Country is keeping a steady pace and passing
others on the trail. Sometimes you go too fast at certain points and run out of breath,” Ebisch says.
The Valley Voice wishes luck to the Cross Country team as they prepare to race into a new season
under the guidance of Coach Chegwidden. Also, be sure to congratulate sole team senior Dylan Gerisch
on a stellar career at Wallkill Valley as he dashes into his final season. Go Running Rangers!
MEET THE SPIRITED WV CHEER SQUAD
BY: JASMINE LEE
Meet the Wallkill Valley Cheerleading squad, a group of determined and spirited girls who work
hard to bring home the gold for our school’s football team. Ms. Tussey, Wallkill Valley’s cheer coach,
stated that, “This year's squad is led by Demi Hernandez, Legacy Hicks, and Shannon Apolito. It is the
largest squad ever with 28 girls, 17 of which are seniors. The girls are having a great time cheering the
boys on to a 3-0 start!” Bella Salvatore, one of Wallkill’s varsity cheerleaders, says that one of the reasons
why she enjoys being a part of cheer is making unforgettable memories and creating bonds with her
teammates, who are like family. Some people may think that cheer is all fun and games but it takes a lot
of skill and teamwork. Bella said that, “being on the varsity team is different from the junior varsity team
because you have more responsibilities and are expected to achieve more.” We can all expect great things
from our Cheer Squad, who will continue to cheer on our football team to victory and grow stronger as a
team and as individuals.
GIRLS TENNIS OFF TO A TREMENDOUS START
BY: WERONIKA WASNIOWSKA AND SARAH MCNAMARA
The Wallkill Valley Girls Tennis team started their season with a bang. As all the Varsity players
are experienced, the team is stronger than ever on and off the courts. They give their best in every match,
and motivate one another with endless support. With Sarah McNamara at first singles, captain Weronika
Wasniowska at second singles, Madison Bowden at third singles, captains Katie Andrews and Emily
Murphy at first doubles, and Victoria and Vanessa Hasbrouck at second doubles, the team is bound to
succeed. Junior and first singles player Sarah McNamara said, “Joining tennis three years ago was the
best decision I have ever made. The team has become a family on and off the courts, and I don’t know
where I’d be without this sport and the wonderful people involved. I fall more and more in love with the
game every time I play; ask anyone, they’ll tell you I’m obsessed. And they’re absolutely right.” Holding
the number one position in the conference, the Wallkill team is already proving they’re a force to be
reckoned with. Congratulations on a good start to the season and good luck with the games to come!
!9
KEEPING OUR HEADS UP AND OUR STICKS DOWN
BY: FRANCESCA CIASULLO
A common piece of advice that can be Key newcomers include freshmen Natalie
heard coming from the coaches on the sidelines Armstrong, Julie Murphy, Gianna Sienkiewicz,
of a Wallkill Valley Field Hockey game is, and Saige Slater. In addition to these talented,
“Sticks down!” This simple statement means a lot young athletes, countless upperclassmen have
when it comes to this fast-paced and complicated been focusing hard on their positions and are
game. Hustling around the field and reading constantly learning how to improve their skills.
opponents’ passes before they are made would be As the second half of the field hockey season is
completely useless if sticks are flailing in the air beginning, the future looks promising.
and nowhere near the ball. Another necessary After being down 4-0 at their away game
component to successful play, however, is against Lenape Valley on September 22nd, the
completely a mentality. Keeping heads up during Rangers could have easily crumbled under
games and practices throughout this season will pressure and put their heads down. However,
ultimately be the key to the Rangers’ success. A during halftime Coach Steiger asked the girls to
positive outlook on the rest of the season will do one thing: score a single goal. The team
help secure the victorious season that every rallied together and scored two goals in the
player has been working towards since preseason second half within minutes. Despite still ending
began in the summer. the game in a loss, this feat displayed the
Currently, the Rangers’ record is 2-7. Rangers’ ability to never accept defeat and
After losing incredibly important players to always push harder. With this same attitude
graduation, the girls on the team knew this season throughout the rest of the season, the Wallkill
would require some adjusting. So far, many Field Hockey team’s chances at success seem
young players who have never played varsity highly likely.
before are stepping up and proving themselves. Good luck, Ladies, during the second half
of the season.
MARCHING RANGERS: BACK TO THE AWESOME 80s
BY: NICOLE VERGA
The new and improved Marching Rangers are roll-stepping into the 2018 season to bring you some
throwback jams from the eighties. The Rangers’ show consists of “Jump” by Van Halen as their energy-
packed opener, a tender, ballad interlude of “Open Arms” by Journey, and an upbeat finale of “Livin’ on a
Prayer” by Jon Bon Jovi.
The Rangers, now seventeen marchers strong and led by Drum
Major Sabina Kunze, have endured copious amounts of sunburn and
rain along the journey to perfect their drills, but they haven’t let that dull
their spirit. They can be heard shouting cheers with the cheerleaders and
blaring encouraging tunes from the stands at football games, filling the
crowds with enthusiasm. When the Marching Rangers hit the field, the
crowd cheers with glee to see them stepping in time, their plumes
fluffing as they go. Marching Band Junior and 2018 Drum Captain,
Jenna Bronstein, comments on how the adrenaline of the crowd impacts
a performance: “The energy of the crowd definitely affects our
performance. If they are talking and not paying attention to the show
that’s kind of disheartening and I personally don’t perform as well, but Photo courtesy of Michael Kane
if they genuinely enjoy the show and are supportive it’s fun to perform
and I think everyone does a lot better.”
The Marching Rangers are set to attend a Rutgers University football game in October, where they
will be given an opportunity to perform as well as watch other marching bands from around the state perform.
Under the guidance of Mr. Colarusso, the band hopes to continue to grow both in number and
knowledge, and to continue dazzling audiences with their drills and music!
!10REVIEWS
SIERRA BURGESS IS A LOSER: I’D TAKE THE SUNFLOWER
BY:YOLANDA MANSILLA
Inclusive, raw, funny, and tear-jerking, Sierra Burgess is a Loser is one of the newest Netflix hits!
This high school movie is unlike an other. Not only does it feature a more diverse cast, it also includes
diverse character backgrounds.
Shannon Purser, previously known for her role as Barb on Stranger Things, plays Sierra Burgess,
a high school student with body issues and a shy but confident personality. Actor Noah Centineo, “To All
the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” once again plays the teenage jock who falls for the nerdy girl.
While this film was meant to be a romantic film, it had its hit or miss moments. The concept of the
film was concrete, an “ugly” girl catfishes a hot football jock with a nerd heart, a jerk, and he falls in love
with her personality but thinks she’s the hot cheerleader.
The movie blurs a line: why is it romantic? This guy is getting catfished and why should he love
her despite her lies? While it’s amazing, the movie chose a girl who was not necessarily skinny. It would
have been much better if he had fallen in love with her knowing what she looked like. Hollywood is
making great strides in body equality but it needs to stop portraying curvy women as insecure hotheads
who hurt others at the first sign of betrayal.
I watched this movie already cautious of the catfishing concept and I left it fully aware of how it
went wrong. As a “curvy” girl myself, I found the film degrading. It characterized girls such as Sierra as
nerds, insecure, and afraid. The reality is the majority of the jack-of-all-trade, secure, and confident
woman I have met have not been “skinny.” The film wished to show the concept of falling in love with
inner beauty, but the reality is it never showed Sierra truly falling in love with herself. If Hollywood
wants to be more inclusive to body types, it’s time they start treating them like the other body types. For
once I want to see a film where the leading actress happens to be curvy, cinnamon rolls and all, not one
where a curvy woman happens to find love.
Sierra considers herself a sunflower not a rose, but the message that should have been given to the
viewers is that either flower is beautiful - it just matters who appreciates the flower the most.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN: THE BEST BROADWAY SHOW EVER!
BY: STEPHEN CHUQUIRUNA
Dear Evan Hansen is a Broadway musical that follows a young adult, Evan Hansen, who
struggles with social anxiety. He writes letters to himself that were assigned by his therapist to help him
check himself daily. Evan isn’t very social and has few to no friends but has had feelings for Zoe Murphy
for a long time.
The characters surrounding Evan Hansen are mainly Connor Murphy, Zoe Murphy, Jared
Kleinman, and Alana Beck. Connor Murphy being the suicidal teenager, Zoe Murphy the sister, and Jared
and Alana are friends of Evan Hansen.
Connor Murphy is a young adult who suffers with depression, anxiety, and anger management
issues. He unfortunately commits suicide early in the musical. Later on Evan Hansen becomes a vital part
in Connor Murphy’s suicide as the story progresses.
This story’s theme is about lying. After Evan Hansen lied about a series of letters from Connor, he
had to suffer the consequences by telling Connor’s parents the truth and dealing with their reaction. It’s a
good way to see how much trouble you can get into by lying. It also helps you see things from an
anxietic’s perspective.
Overall this show was extremely entertaining and I recommend it to all young adults. !11CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: NEW MOVIE SAME CONCEPT
BY: MAC WARNER
Christopher Robin is the story of the anything that hasn’t been seen before in many other
beloved children’s character Christopher Robin, but movies. It is the same plot of the overworked adult
with a twist: He has grown up and left the 100 Acre being reunited with his family and inner child. Thus
Woods. Married with a child, he has a trouble-filled it is about Pooh finding Robin and begging
job as a financial advisor at a luggage company. As bare-bones that the majority of the movie is spent
he turns away from spending time with his family to watching Robin and Pooh running about the screen
focus on his job, his childhood friend, Pooh, comes and talking. This does not make for a very exciting
back to help him get back in touch with his inner or engaging movie, especially when the characters
child. Christopher Robin focuses mainly on the aren’t saying anything particularly thoughtful or
titular character and Pooh. Robin is a character we comedic.
have seen before: an overworked and overly serious All animals and stuffed animal characters in
parent who needs to remember what it is like to be a Christopher Robin are CG-Animated, which Disney
child. Similar characters in movies such as Elf and has been utilizing very often in its live-action
Smurfs, make Robin a stale character. Though this is adaptations such as Pete’s Dragon (2016), The
Jungle Book (2016), and Alice in Wonderland
(2010). Disney has nearly perfected this craft, with
its animation being incredibly fluid and lifelike. The
watcher can see every bit of fur on every animal,
and despite having simplistic faces, their facial
expressions and emotions shine through
wonderfully. My only complaint is that they
occasionally seem “too” realistic, which makes
them feel uncanny and like they should not be.
For a Winnie the Pooh movie with an
incredibly whimsical idea behind it, the overall tone
of the film is very dark, realistic, and filled with a
an unpopular opinion, I did not enjoy the character sense of hopelessness as Robin tries and fails to
of Pooh. I found him to be frustratingly naive with a solve his problems at work. However, this doesn’t
much too simplistic view on life. While Robin was clash with the whimsy of talking stuffed animals. In
panicking over real-world problems and trying to fact, it creates very jarring differences between the
explain them to the bear, Pooh would only respond two tones of the movie, making it feel like two
with confused and nonsensical lines. Pooh would completely different movies: One of a father
also directly destroy Christopher Robin’s home and struggling with relatable work issues, and the other
work and never get any sort of comeuppance for it. of silly and naive talking stuffed animals.
While the bear was clearly intended to be childish Christopher Robin isn’t really a movie that
and endearing, I instead found Pooh frustratingly needed to happen, and I’m not even sure who it’s
idiotic. The other beloved characters of the Hundred supposed to appeal to. Children wouldn’t be able to
Acre Woods are sparsely found throughout the film, relate to Robin’s struggles, as they are without
thankfully, as I find most to be one-note and work. Adults and teenagers may find themselves
occasionally obnoxious. However, if you are a fan annoyed with the childlike naivety of the characters,
of said characters and were excited to see them on or offended by the fact that the beloved characters
the big screen, prepare to be disappointed: The from their childhood are being haphazardly smashed
focus of this movie is very much on Robin and Pooh together with a grimmer plot. If a child wants to
and NOT on Eeyore, Tigger, and the rest of the watch a Winnie the Pooh movie, I would suggest
crew. watching one of the older, fully-animated features.
The plot of Christopher Robin is, in concept, Christopher Robin feels like another one of
something that COULD work if something fresh Disney’s attempts at cashing in on the audience’s
was added. However, I cannot say that they for his nostalgia for its old animated movies with plots
help finding his missing friends. Meanwhile, Robin we’ve already seen.
is struggling to complete a task assigned to him by In Eeyore’s own words, this movie is a
his boss, leaving his family to go on vacation alone “Disgrace. Shame. Humiliation.” Thus, I would not
as he toils at his work. The plot doesn’t have recommend Christopher Robin to anyone.
!12KIM’S COLLEGE CORNER
10 TIPS FOR VISITING A COLLEGE
BY: CAROLINE KIM
As college application season approaches, it is important to visit colleges to determine what type
of college is the best fit for you. To help you on your college process, here are ten important tips for
visiting a college!
• Write a list of questions to ask about the college, whether it be about financial aid,
admissions, or campus/student life.
• Stop by the admissions
center for any questions
and to let the college
know you visited. At
some schools, visiting
shows demonstrated
interest which can
sometimes factor into
admissions.
• Be prepared. Wear comfortable shoes, dress according to the weather, and arrive early.
• Try eating at the dining hall or student center.
• Talk to students on campus and stop by different academic departments.
• Email a professor beforehand to see if you can sit-in on a class.
• Plan ahead of time and if you are going on a tour, register early as spots may fill up
quickly, especially during the summer.
• Take the official campus tour, and feel free to explore afterwards on your own.
• Bring a notebook and a pen to take any notes about what you like about the school, any
interesting features, and what to remember/keep in mind for admissions.
• Stay open-minded throughout the tour!
Good luck, Juniors, on the start of your college search journey and always remember to visit all of
the colleges you wish to apply to so that you can find the best fit for you!
!13A TRIP TO PROVIDENCE: TOURING BROWN AND RISD
BY: CAROLINE KIM
This summer, I toured Green (a grassy outdoor area y e a r. R I S D e m p h a s i z e s
two colleges that reside in where many events/activities experimentation and risk-
Providence, Rhode Island: occur), and the Quiet Green (a taking in art, assigning projects
Brown University and the less busy grassy area for that constantly challenge
Rhode Island School of Design relaxing and studying). students to think outside the
(RISD). She talked about her box and try new and
These colleges are experience as a student at unconventional ideas.
located right next to each other Brown, emphasizing the The RISD Assignment,
and share a collaborative collaborative nature, passion, one of the admissions
partnership in which a student and friendliness of Brown requirements, is proof of that
at one university can take students. She also mentioned mentality. The Assignment
classes and participate in clubs/ the widely available research requires all prospective
events at the other. In fact, the opportunities, as she got to do students to create two works
Brown/RISD Dual Degree research with her professor as using one of the following
program, which I am interested soon as the first week of words: error, verify, and forge.
in, takes this relationship to a freshman year just by showing No rules or guidelines or
further level, allowing students her interest and asking her restrictions exist, and a
to graduate with a bachelor’s professor. perfectly polished piece of art
degree from both schools, the The information session is not required either. The
student attending both schools again pointed out the artwork can be captured in a
over the course of five years. collaboration at Brown and the video, and the more creative
In order to see if both of freedom they give students to and unusual the better.
these schools and that pursue multiple academic As an artist who
particular program are the best interests and experiment and struggles with experimentation
fit for me, I toured both schools try new things. In addition, the and doing what makes me
in August. I toured Brown first, admissions officer highlighted uncomfortable, I believe RISD
and in true Brown fashion, we the affordability of Brown with will help me test my creativity
got to pick a tour guide out of generous financial aid. and continue to make
three options. Brown is known The following day, I interesting and meaningful
for freedom and choice with visited RISD, attending both artwork. Also, as someone with
their Open Curriculum, which their information session and several different academic
allows a student to take campus tour. During the tour, I i n t e r e s t s , B r o w n ’s O p e n
whichever class he/she wants was able to see the campus Curriculum and collaborative
without worrying about a core/ center/dining hall, dorm rooms, nature fits perfectly with what I
general education illustration studios, the graphic am looking for in a college.
requirements. design department, and the Therefore, the dual degree
My tour guide took us Nature Lab, which features a program seemed to be even
around campus, showing us collection of animals and better for me after I took tours
several different libraries such plants. of both colleges.
as the Sciences Library, I learned that RISD is Obviously, I highly
landmarks/distinguishing also very collaborative, as the recommend students to visit
statues/establishments like the workload is intense and very colleges, as they may find out
Van Wickle Gates, the Main rigorous, especially freshman that the college is the best or
worst fit for them!
!14FUN CORNER
THE WALLKILL WELCOME FUN FACTS
BY: YOLANDA MANSILLA BY: MAC WARNER
We start again, Animal: Moray eels have two sets of jaws: one
in the front, and another that extends forward
work hard everyday,
from their throats.
knowing we have everything to gain. Places: In France, at least 40% of the music on
private radio stations must be of French origin,
We must keep working
and of the 40%, the music may not be more than 6
during our stay months old.
Celebrity: While filming the Harry Potter
and keep on learning
movies, Daniel Radcliffe broke over 80 wand
everyday. props thanks to using them as drumsticks.
Nature: Oak trees are the most common to get
We’re the Rangers
struck by lightning.
every day will be full of changes Health: Laughing can increase blood flow by
nearly 20%.
but together we shall overcome
Teachers: Mrs. Simmons was the advisor of the
we will work together ‘cause marching band color guard when she first came to
Wallkill in 1985.
we’re not strangers.
!15HOROSCOPES
BY: MAC WARNER
Aries (March 21- April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
Make sure you branch out and make Make sure you focus on the positive energy
new friends and relationships this coming your way- don’t ignore it in favor of
year. Don’t stay closed to meeting negative energy. Focusing on positivity will
new people, as there are great people make you happier in the long run. The same is
out there waiting for you. true for others, so make sure you spread some
positivity as well.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23- November 21)
It’s time to focus and hone in on your Take some time for yourself this year. If
personal goals. If you lose sight of them you only live your life to please other
and focus on small, meaningless people, you won’t be happy. Make sure
pursuits, you’re going to lose your YOU’RE happy too.
chance of attaining the goal itself.
Gemini (May 21- June 20) Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)
Something great is happening to you;
Make sure you communicate openly make sure you don’t take it for granted,
with those you love, whether they lest it go unnoticed and fly by you.
be family or friends. Keeping your
thoughts bottled up won’t do any
good for you.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Cancer (June 21- July 22) Staying closed-minded can close you off
from exciting new ideas. Try to welcome
Make sure you’re proud of and new ideas with open arms this year, and you
recognize what you CAN do this year, may find yourself learning more about the
don’t just focus on the things you world and yourself.
can’t. It’s okay to have pride in your
own abilities.
Leo (July 23- August 22) Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Now is a great time to start a new You are currently facing a big problem, but
project. There’s nothing holding you take the time to look at it closely and
back except your own procrastination clearly. Don’t ignore the problem or
and overthinking your perceived procrastinate on solving it, or it might get
failures… which may not even come to worse.
pass.
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19- March 20)
Things are changing for you, but it’s Though you shouldn’t strictly focus on the
nothing to be afraid of. Accept past, it is important to recognize it and
change as it comes, as it may turn learn from past mistakes that you may be
out to be for the better. Just because encountering again.
something is new doesn’t mean it’s
bad.
!16You can also read
