New Book Releases : Preview

New Book Releases
By Chelsea Korn

     Do you like to read, but have a difficult time finding a unique and well-written story to emerge yourself in? Are you looking for the new Hunger Games, Harry Potter, or Percy Jackson series? Are you a self-proclaimed ‘bibliophile’ (book lover!) and looking for a new original novel to get your hands on? Then look no further: Take a look at these new books for teens. No matter what you like to read, there’s a book for you out there.

• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
  Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Mystery
  Summary: Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
  But Gansey is different. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
  For as long as she can remember, Blue has been told by her psychic family that she will kill her true love. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.”

(http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-raven-boys/the-raven-boys/)

Also by the author: The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, The Books of Faerie, and The Scorpio Races

• The Statistical Probability of Falling In Love by Jennifer E. Smith
  Genre(s): Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Romance
  Summary: “Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
  Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18B. Hadley’s in 18A.
  Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.”

(http://www.jenniferesmith.com/the-statistical-probability-of-love-at-first-sight/)
Also by the author: Storm Makers, You Are Here, and The Comeback Season

• Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
  Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  Summary: “It's 1950 and the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie Moraine wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street. Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test. With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.”

(http://www.amazon.com/Out-The-Easy-Ruta-Sepetys/dp/039925692X)

Also by the author: Between Shades of Gray

• How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten MillerGenre(s): Young Adult, Crime, Fiction
  Summary: “A Meth Dealer. A Prostitute. A Serial Killer.
  Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called
  prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young
  criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to
  graduate. The rest disappear. Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame.
  They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will
  they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?”

(http://www.amazon.com/Lead-Life-Crime-Kirsten-Miller/dp/1595145184)

Also by the author: The Eternal Ones, Kiki Strike

• 

  Prodigy: A Legend Novel by Marie Lu
  Genre(s): Young Adult, Dystopian Fiction, Thriller
  Summary: “June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector. It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong? In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.”

(http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414446-prodigy)

Also by the author: The Legend series

Book Worth a Look: Carrie

Stephen King- Carrie

By Chris Lemasney

I have just finished reading the classic book Carrie by Stephen King. It was a very interesting story, and I very much enjoyed reading it. The book is about a 17-year-old girl named Carrie White who does not have a very good life. First of all, she has been picked on by her classmates for as long as she can remember. Secondly, she has an overly religious mother who beats her, locks her in the closet, and calls her the devil’s spawn. And since she was an only child, she really had no one to talk to. However, Carrie possesses a talent that not many people have. She is telekinetic, which means she can move things with her mind.

Stephen King's Carrie

For many years, she has played with this talent, unaware of how powerful it could be. After a prank was pulled on her in the locker room by a girl named Chris Hargensen and many others, a girl named Sue Snell felt sympathy for Carrie and decided that she wanted to do something nice for her. Sue told her boyfriend, Tommy Ross, how she felt and told him to go ask Carrie to the prom. Carrie reluctantly agreed, thinking that there was going to be a prank pulled on her, which there was; however, it was not Tommy pulling the prank. It was Chris Hargensen. During the prom, Tommy and Carrie were voted King and Queen. They were completely unaware of the danger in that. As they sat upon the thrones, Chris Hargensen and her boyfriend dumped two buckets of pig’s blood all over Carrie. Everyone who saw what had happened, laughed; however, it was not the brightest thing to do. For poor Carrie, this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. She reacted in a way she had never done before. She used her telekinetic powers and used them for destruction. At the end of it all, not only did she destroy her school, but also her entire town.

I recommend  this book to just about anyone, especially if you’re a fan of these types of novels. I found it very hard to put down and I finished reading it in less than a week. It made me very eager to look into other books that Stephen King has written.

Book Worth a Look: The Girl with the Silver Eyes

Book Review: The Girl with the Silver Eyes

By Nimit Kaur

               

 Can you imagine having no friends to hang around with and everybody treating you different?  Can you imagine having no one that you can share your feelings with and someone you look forward to meet every day in your life?  That’s very hard to imagine, since we take advantage of having good friends every day, but think about the kids who don’t have any friends.  They must feel very lonely and left out.  That’s why you should always enjoy your friends and thank them for being there for you whenever you need them.  Unfortunately, some people can’t thank anyone because they don’t have anyone in their lives that they can trust and know that this person will always help you and be on your side.  That must be very hard. 

The Girl with the Silver Eyes

                The book The Girl With The Silver Eyes by Willow Davis Robbert personifies these feelings exactly.  The main character is a girl named Katy who has special powers and is different from other kids her age. She has no friends to hang around with and share her loneliness with.  She is very special because she can make things happen just by thinking, and she knows she is different.  Katy never harms anyone or takes advantage because of her powers.  Kids are afraid of being friends with her because she is different.  Even her neighbors and most family members think that she is strange and act unkindly towards her.  Katy is a lonely girl with no friends and seeks to find friends that have the same power as her.  Will she be successful?  Will her friends be nice to her?  Will they also be forced to use their power?  I recommend that you read this book for your pleasure and enjoy imagining yourself in the place of Katy.  I recommend this book to you and my family friends to read and enjoy the power of imagination.  Find this book on your local library and read the book to discover the strange mystery of Katy! 

Winter Poetry Edition

"Music"
By Paige Glenn

Soothing to ears

Calming of the mind

Transforms your heart

Cleanses the soul

Stimulates creativity

Creates a new sound

"Relationships"

By Monica Segeren

What happens when you find that special someone?
You finally fall in love and feel appreciated.
They don't care what you look like,
Respecting all of the morals you have,
Making sure you're both happy no matter what.

What happens when you and that special someone break up?
Heartache will swell in your heart
Suffocating every breath you take;
Looking back on distant memories
Realizing all the feelings you had were all a lie.

What happens when you still want them back?
Even though they've hurt you beyond you can handle,
Hoping that just maybe this time will be different
Getting lost in the world of nostalgia
Pretending like nothing has changed
That it's still all the same...

What happens when you're the one that's wanted back?
Do they think the same way you do?
Is it worth getting trapped all over again
Battling the monster of depression-
Will things ever be the same again..?



"The Ones in Our Lives"
By Monica Segeren
Family
Is always there
Even when life isn't fair

Friends
Are there for you until the end
They fix the hearts that need to mend

Lovers
You don't have to be undercover
Some might have the same comfort as your mother

You
The one person you know the best
The one that can get you through the rest.


"Taken for Granted"
By Monica Segeren
We tend to take things for granted, we always swear we'll never lose those things.
When they all disappear- the things and people we once loved; you're stuck there:
Wondering what really happened you skim by the fact that you never appreciated them.
Why would you do that? Why would you rather wish loneliness over loyalty and tranquility?
Would you rather have all the money in the world, or the most expensive gem of all time: your soulmate.

Somewhere you know that taking things for granted will never be satisfying-
Someone out there loves you to the moon and back, but you're just too blind to see.
Sometimes you just have to open your heart and mind, and just give into reality- to love in return
Such things like this aren't going to be here forever, you need to appreciate them and

 never take them for granted. See what I mean?

You have everything you could ever need right in front of you,

 but you choose to be blind and ignore the truth.

Open your eyes and you'll see
Open your heart and you'll love
Open your mind and you'll realize
Open your hands and someone will take it with theirs
Open yourself up- you'll see what has always been there for you.

 

“Life”

By Mike Porch

Men throughout the centuries have battled with the age old question, "Will I be remembered?”

Men are remembered for great deeds, whether it be of valor or of passion.

Fear is the obstacle you have to overcome to be remembered.

Fear cripples men and women from truly living.

The greats of the world have overcome that fear and we love them for it. 

Fear only has the power you give to it.

Courage is not being fearless, but to see the fear and to overcome it.

These men overcame it, can you?

 

Comics



Comic by: Chris Lemasney



Comic by: Chris Lemasney



Music Review: The Sound Providers

Music Review: The Sound Providers
By Matt Rosser

This review is about a hip hop beat producing group called The Sound Providers. They are a jazz and DJ band that backup for many hip hop artists.  Jay and Soulo are the two-man production team responsible for crafting the beats.  Formed in 1998 out of San Diego, California, the group produced seberal singles before coming out with their first album, An Evening with the Sounds Providers in 2004.  The recent album I listened to is called True Indeed, released in 2006, and featuring hip hop artist Surreal.

The Sound Providers; credit James Whittinghall

          The band’s jazz like beats create an intoxicating harmony with Surreal’s smooth rhymes. This album definitely blew my mind. I could not stop listening to it. Tracks that are featured on this album feature, Push On, which really captures the Sound Provider’s essence of what they do with smooth piano playing and mellow beats. “Place to Be” is also a track featured on this album. It creates a very mellow salsa like feel and is a combination of various brass instruments and drums. These guys have so much talent, they are bringing back hip hop to it’s true roots.

Featured Artwork

Below is a selection of some exemplary pieces of artwork from students in Ms. Maskaly's classes.  Our talented Sterling students explore the different mediums of art
to produce some truly remarkable achievements.

Complied by Silver Scroll staff, with thanks to Ms. Maskaly



Kate Casario;"Kit Kat;" 11

 





Brooke Murano; "Unity;" 12

Maggie Strauser; "Breaking Free;" 9



Noel Cross; "Eye;" 10

Kelly Applegate; "Penguin;" 11



Alli Yip; "Still Life in Oil;" 12



Sterling Student Shines at Animal Shelter

My Animal Shelter Experience
By Brielle Yakaski

My name is Brielle Yakaski, and I am a 15 year old student at Sterling High School.  I believe a common misconception that exists within this world today is one that recognizes teenagers as self-absorbed, unmotivated individuals.  However, I would like to assure everyone that is not true.  When I am not in class or studying, the majority of my free time is devoted to volunteering at the Animal Adoption Center (AAC) located in Lindenwold, New Jersey.  At the shelter I help with both cats and dogs.  I also help clean and do paperwork.  To say the least, it has been a very rewarding experience for me.  Every moment I spend caring for these abandoned animals that have nobody to care for them makes me feel as though I am truly making a different in both my community and the life of that animal.  Just as it can be rewarding, it can also be heartbreaking.  Given that the AAC is a no-kill shelter, we do not have enough space and accommodations for each animal that is brought in.  Therefore, we often have to turn down stray animals and people who can no longer care for their pets.  It breaks my heart.

                By spending so much time in the AAC, I fall in love with each animal that I encounter.  I try to give them the relationship they deserve.  When animals that I have worked with so closely get adopted, it is a bittersweet time for me.  I am sad, however at the same time I am also excited because I know they are not just going to a home, but the right home since our adoption process is carefully chosen.  One of these adoption monitors is my cousin, Lauren Palmer.  I owe my terrific experience to her hard work and willingness to help me become a part of the AAC organization.  This experience has also helped me recognize my passion and goal in life.  Eventually, my goal is to open a no kill animal shelter where all workers are volunteers just like me and no animal is refused.  I hope that many of these volunteers come from the teen community because they have what it takes to make a difference.  These animals need us, and that is why I will continue dedicating my time to the AAC.

For more information about the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold, NJ please see: http://www.animaladoption.com/

Winter Sports Wrap Up : 2013

Winter Sports Wrap Up 2013
By Tom Sheehan and Lam Nguyen

Swimming:

            Our Sterling Swim Team had another great year winning their division with a 7-7 record which makes it the third year in a row that they won the division. The team also made school history making the state team play-offs and winning a meet there too! The team was coached by Stephen Tucker with the assistance of Coach DiBartolomeo and two volunteer coaches, Coach Diane Tucker and Coach Rob Strauss. The team was led by captains Brittany Sims, Ashley Sims, Nicole Kelly, Tommy Sheehan, and Andrew Mottola who displayed all the characteristics of leaders in and out of the pool. Going into the season the team wanted to win the division and make the playoffs, and they succeeded with flying colors. The whole team was commended for all their hard work they put in order to accomplish their goals, but two swimmers were commended for their achievements this year. Ashley Sims was commended for breaking the 50 free, 100 free, and the 100 butterfly this year and Andrew Mottola was commended for breaking every individual record on the board. The team’s future goals are to stay competitive and strive to become better in every event. The team’s season is over but Andrew Mottola has qualified for the State Individual Championships in March, so we wish him the best of luck in this meet!

Wrestling:

            The Sterling Wrestling had a pretty good year ending the regular season with 6-19 but now they are getting ready for the individual portion of the season. The team is coached by Coach Will O’Donnell with the assistance of Coach Brendan Griffin. The team was led by Senior captains Edgar Castellanos, Eduardo Castellanos, Jordin Saur, and Scot Emers who all led by example  being the hardest workers on the mat. Edgar and Eduardo Castellanos were commended this season for their leadership, hard work, help and dedication to the team. They were an integral part of the team and helped the team accomplish what they did this season. Going into the season, the team’s goal was to wrestle to the best of their ability and improve every match.  A typical practice starts with a roll call and stretches followed with 30 minutes of drills. Then they start with top and bottom positions, and specific moves. To end practice they do live wrestling for 30 minutes and then they end practice with hard conditioning. Going forward, the team wants to keep improving by wrestling and training as much as possible over the off season to try and get bigger and stronger for the upcoming year.

Boys Basketball:

             Our Boys’ Basketball Team has had a very good year so far with a current record of 17-8 but their season is not over yet, so they are going to continue to improve this record. The team is coached by Coach Atene along with Coach McCullough, Coach Stuart, Coach Barringer, and Coach Howey who have all been with the team for a while. The team is led by team captains Marcus Taylor, Khalil Howard, Jerry Crismond, and Connor Walsh who have all worked hard and shown good leadership so far, but now they are stepping up and getting ready to lead the team the rest of the way. All the success in their season has been an overall team effort; however, Khalil Howard has been commended for being a “beast” this season day in and day out. Going into the season, the team had high goals like winning the conference, having a 20 win season and winning Group 2. The team didn’t win the conference but their season is not over so their other two goals are still there and very achievable. In the future the team wants to continue to play with a sense of urgency, desire, and passion to improve on both sides of the court offensively, and defensively. Teamwork is key to the success of any team so they want to try and improve this as well. As I said before though, their season is not over and they have their first home playoff game coming up soon against Deptford, so we wish them the best of luck and hope they achieve their goals!

Girls’ Basketball:

            The Lady Knights had another spectacular season, with a record of 21-4, and it’s still not over yet. The team is coached by Kate McDonald, along with the assistance of Matt Macpherson and Chris Jones. The team is led senior captains Tori Shinkowitz, Tyra Satchell, Anyssa Sanchez, and Courtney O’Neill, who all led by example, putting all their efforts into everything they do on and off the court. Every player contributed to the team’s success, but two people had especially remarkable seasons. Both Tyra Satchell and Anyssa Sanchez recorded their 1,000th point this year. Going into the season, the Lady Knights had high hopes to win the conference, have a 20 win season, and go far in the playoffs. So far, they have accomplished these feats, and with an added bonus, had two players shatter the 1000 point barrier. The girls are on a hot streak, winning 15 out of their last 16 games. Playoffs start on Monday, and we wish them the best of luck!

Check out the article from the Philadelphia Inquirer on our Lady Knight, Tyra Satchell - http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-24/sports/37271891_1_tyra-satchell-aau-basketball-grade-school

Winter Track:

            The Winter Track team had a very successful season. The team is coached by Jeff McIlvane and James Blumenstein. Although there are no captains, the team is led by Jimmy Daniels, Randy Gonzales, Devin Thompson, Ateera Wyatt, Ebony Felder, and Chanel Jenkins. The team had one goal this year: to have the most athletes reach their potential and individual goals. They have surpassed this goal. The whole team was commended on their outstanding performances, but several people stood out. Jimmy Daniels made history by running an incredible 9:14 2-mile, setting one of the meet records. Victor “O” did great in high jump this year and Devin Thompson qualified for the Meet of Champions for hurdles.

            A typical practice schedule includes a warm up of running 2 laps around the track and a running drill series. The team then breaks up into groups of throwers, sprinters, jumpers, and distance runners to start their workouts for the day. In the offseason, the team hopes to improve on their fitness and technical skills in events. We wish those who qualified for states the best of luck!

Cheerleading:

            The cheerleading team, coached by Mimma Cammarata and Kelli Badey, had a good season. The season ends the same time as the basketball teams’. A lot of first time cheerleaders came out and they made significant progress. There are five twisting stunt groups and the team is performing difficult cheers. The girls’ improvements in a few short months have been very impressive. A typical practice schedule includes running two laps while saying the cheers, stretching, crunches & pushups, lines/plans for the day’s games, and working on cheers/dances. The team hopes to get better with more practice and experience. We can’t wait to see them next year!

World Culture Club Gears up for Walk-a-thon

World Culture Club

By Emily Shinault

               
 Sterling’s World Culture Club is dedicated to promoting tolerance, preventing hatred and bigotry, and spreading awareness of instances of discrimination and genocide throughout the world. 

For the past few years, we have been fundraising for the Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center (GHMEC) in Cherry Hill so that they can continue to pass on the stories of Holocaust survivors and spread their important message of tolerance. In 2011, we raised $750 for the GHMEC through our “Erase the Hate” bracelet sale and in 2012 we raised $1,000 when students and community members viewed the film Sarah’s Key and heard the testimony of French Holocaust Survivor Charles Middleberg. Every person in the room was touched by his story, and several students were moved to tears.

For the past two years, Sterling students have taken part in Lessons in Tolerance readings in cooperation with the GHMEC. Students and retired educators read and discuss books with messages of tolerance with students at local elementary schools. We will also be hosting an Adopt a Survivor program in which students will learn the stories of local Holocaust survivors and commit to passing them on to future generations.

The Club is once again supporting the GHMEC by participating in their 2013 community fundraiser, March of Remembrance on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 9:00-11:45 a.m. The Walk-a-thon begins at the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill and ends with the testimony of a Holocaust survivor. We encourage all Sterling High School students, staff and community members to participate and help confront bullying and intolerance. Registration is $18 for students, $36 for adults, and $54 for families. Help us to continue our support for the GHMEC.  Go to www.jcrcsnj.org to register or make a donation under TEAM STERLING HIGH SCHOOL. You can also register or donate with Ms. Llewellyn in room 103.  Michael Bass, the owner of AAA Hobbies and Crafts in Magnolia will generously match Sterling’s contributions up to $1,000!

In addition to our humanitarian efforts, the World Culture Club also has some fun. Throughout the year, we have parties with cultural food and music, and we have restaurant visits. We’ve been to French, Greek, and Japanese restaurants, among others, and students were able to get a taste of other cultures.

New members are always welcome! If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please see Ms. Llewellyn in room 103.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
-Anne Frank

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Fellowship of Christian Athletes
By Paige Glenn

          FCA stands for Fellowship Christian Athletes. It is a group of Sterling students who meet on Mondays in Room 313 between 2:40 and 2:50 to discuss Christian beliefs and opinions. Anyone is welcome to pop in the classroom. The door is always open and the group loves seeing new faces! FCA is flexible with students’ conflicting schedules if they have meets, other meetings, games and practices. Come when you can! Moreover, you do not have to be an athlete to join.

          FCA participates in several different avtivities throughout the year.  Last year, the FCA held its first dodgeball tournament to reach out to others to have a good time. There were over ten teams that competed, and each one had the great opportunity to enjoy themselves. Each team had the chance of winning best dressed for team apparel, winning the best team name, and becoming the champions. Jason Avant, a wide receiver of the Philadelphia Eagles, was the guest speaker. It was such a blast that some of    the competitors from last year are competing again this year.

 

          You do not have to be athletic to play dodgeball. It is all about having fun and enjoying yourself. Anyone is welcome to come. You can form your team in the gym before the tournament starts. Even if you do not have a team, you can sit on the bleachers and watch a game in the new or old gym.  Come out and join us for a night of fun!

Sterling ROTC Cadets Visit Boeing Factory

Sterling ROTC Cadets Visit Boeing Factory

By Jon Nagle 

           



A gentleman by the name of Steve Spear had visited the program a couple of weeks earlier to show a little bit about Boeing. He thought that the cadets were well-behaved and respectful that he was prompted to offer the program a once in a lifetime opportunity. So on February 21, 2013 the Sterling High School NJROTC program, and a few select others, took a trip to Boeing for a tour of the factory. A good time was had by all who attended. Many young cadets were inspired to pursue a career in the engineering business and may want to work for Boeing in the future. It was a very educational experience for all who attended and very inspiring. The ROTC got many chances to witness first-hand what it was like to see a Chinook and an Osprey with their own eyes. It was a day to remember by those who attended. Many cadets would like to go back to see the facility again including myself.

            We had the privilege to get a tour of most of the facility with the exception of a few areas. It was a very mind blowing place to see, and to get the chance to be as close as they were to the machines was very intriguing. Without a doubt, it has made me rethink my choice of a career when I am older. Many cadets got to see something that will be at one point in the future saving a person's life if not many lives. The tour guides were very informative and very respectful to us cadets. They were very clear when speaking and made eye contact with us multiple times during the tour. Overall it was definitely an experience to remember. Something that is rarely available to the average person. The ROTC was very fortunate to get such an opportunity.

Sterling NJROTC Winter Ball

Sterling NJROTC Winter Ball

By James Brosious

           

On February 9, 2013, the Sterling NJROTC program held their winter ball at Auletto Caterers. It was definitely a night to remember. There were many guests in attendance; the president of the school board, Mrs. Caramiello, the new Superintendent of Sterling High, Mr. Bathurst, The Principal of Sterling, Mr. Napoleon, Vice-Principal, Mr. Redman, and many other well respected faculty members of Sterling High School.

            Furthermore, the annual winter ball was a night to remember. At the ball, the cadets of the NJROTC program had the opportunity of getting to practice a formal reception line and naval traditions. There was excellent food, great service, and it was a great night to share memories, laughs, and the dance floor with Senior Chief when he decided to “boogie.”

We had a guest speaker; a former graduate of Sterling High and also a former Commanding Officer of the unit, Mr. Camburn. He told us, “Put your best effort into the unit. The more you put into it, the more you will personally get out of it. And you should always have a backup plan for the backup plan.” All in all it was a fantastic event.

Travel Club to Visit Ireland

Travel Club

By Chelsea Korn





Riverside buildings in Dublin





      Are you interested in traveling the world someday? Why wait for "someday" to come when you can travel right now with Sterling’s Travel Club? Travel Club is an organization that goes to a different country every year. They’ve been to Spain, England, France, Italy, and, this year, the Travel Club is going to Ireland! Anybody who wants can join this club and go on the trip, however, be aware the trip does cost money. The cost is $2,904 per student, and the cost is slightly higher for any adults who wish to go on the trip. In Ireland, the club will visit the city of Dublin, Trinity College, Blarney College, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry, to name a few. This is an eight-day trip, leaving on June 24th. The cost covers the roundtrip airfare, hotel expenses, breakfast and lunch each day, and more. If you or someone you know is interested in traveling to Ireland, contact Mr. Gardiner or Mr. Carpenter. Come to Ireland this summer with Sterling’s Travel Club for a trip you won’t forget!



Cliffs of Moher

Fiddler on the Roof : Spring Musical Preview

Fiddler on the Roof : Spring Musical Preview
By Sophia Vicari

   


  Sterling’s Spring musical this year is sure to be a hit!  We are doing Fiddler on the Roof, a show about a Jewish family in 1905 Russia and, as the father says, “Without tradition, our lives would be as a shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof”.  The lead, Tvye, is played by sophomore bass James Carman.  His wife, Golde, is played by senior alto Morgan Fisher.  His three older daughters, Tzietel, Hodel, and Chava, are played by sophomore Kylie Rogers, junior Kylie Young (both sopranos), and junior Sophia Vicari, respectively.  Their suitors are junior Ben Muska, who plays Motel, senior AJ Maiatico, who plays Perchik, and junior Jesse Panico, who plays Fyedka.  Juniors Chelsea Korn and Emily Krowicki’s characters comeback from the grave in a spooky dream sequence, and senior Zax Axelrod’s Rabbi is always read to give us a laugh.  Sophomore Kate Huesken’s fiddler is enough to make anyone want to visit the village of Anatevka.  We even have children from the sending grade schools participating this year!  Paige Andersen and Olivia Rogers play Tveye’s younger draughts Sphrintze and Bielke, respectively.  With such a talented cast, we’ll have you singing tradition in no time!

Editorial: Staring at the Audience

Editorial: Staring At the Audience

By Sophia Vicari

               

November sixth, 2012 was a big day for America.  We reelected President Barrack Obama; participating in a form of government many dream to be a part of.  About a week before the 57^th election, the Sterling High School Concert Choir put on their Political Assembly, which featured Broadway show-stoppers with a political theme.   There were many soloists, including Jesse Panico (11^th grade) and James Carman (10^th grade), who even did a duet together.  Female soloists included Ashlynn Mercer (11^th grade) and Morgan Fisher (12^th grade).  Everyone did a fantastic job, from the freshman to the seniors!   The songs may have been from Broadway’s past, but some were pretty catchy.  With numbers such as “What’s the Use?” and “When the Idle Poor Become the Idle Rich”, the choir exposed the audience to common political topics in a melodious way while showcasing some of Sterling’s best.  As Jesse Panico put it, “It was a rousing success!”

                I had the privilege of narrating the assembly with Jesse Panico, which was fun because I got some public speaking practice.  Many people participate in Sterling’s productions for the fun of it, but others, like me, see them as learning experiences prepping us for our future.  I also got to participate in the “Our Favorite Son” dance, which was challenging yet fun.  That dance was a lot of fun to do, once you got past your nerves.  Under the direction of choreographers Katie Muska (12^th Grade), Emily Krowicki (11^th grade), Ashlynn Mercer (11^th grade), and Kaitlyn Huesken (10^th grade), we practiced many, many accesses and zero blocks to get the precise movements perfect.  One missed thigh-slap, one flexed foot, and the whole dance was thrown off. I also had the privilege of participating in the dance for “Razzle Dazzle”, which happens to be a number from our Silvertones’ show, Chicago. The costumes may have been different from the Parent Preview, but the Razzling-Dazzling routine stayed the same.  That was so much fun to perform for the school!  I felt super tall sitting on AJ Maiatico’s (12^th grade) shoulders, looking at the audience in the auditorium down below.  There is just something about dance lifts that gets my adrenaline pumping.

                Once the Political Assembly was finished, we focused our attention on the annual Winter Concert, performed by Sterling’s Concert Choir and Concert band.  The band pulled off challenging classical numbers, while the choir sang a mix of traditional and more unique Christmas carols.  “Down Home Deck the Halls” was one number that combined the traditional carol with a cool new arrangement, and it certainly spread some holiday cheer.  We also had three numbers with staging, which included “The Dance of the Sugarplums”, choreographed and performed by Cheldany Stevens; “Mele Kalikimaka”, a group number including Katie Muska, Emily Krowikci, Genesis Garcia (11^th grade), and other very talented girls; and “Mr. Santa”, a group number choreographed  by Chelsea Korn (11^th grade) with costumes by Morgan Fisher.  The last number of the night, the "Hallelujah Chorus”, is one of my favorites because it is preformed every year by the band, choir, and Sterling alumni.  I love seeing old friends who have graduated and those who look to be very up there in age but still make it a point to come and participate in our concert.  It shows that alumni respect and cherish their time as a Sterling High School Performer.

                I close with addressing a problem I’ve noticed during my time here at Sterling.  One cannot know the amount of work that goes into a production, no matter how simple it may seem, unless you are in that production yourself.  For example, I and many others are putting in near ten-hour school days with zero block rehearsal for Silvertones and musical rehearsals until five o’clock p.m.  But what for?  So we can put on an assembly and get laughed at?  I saw after the Winter Concert Assembly that people tweeted negative things, and I sure hope those people understand what it takes to do what we do.  Regardless of the people performing, regardless of the production, performers deserve your respect.  I know it’s hard; I’ve been in the audience and I’ve wanted to doze off.  I am going to make a conscious effort to show other performers, speakers, or what-have-you the respect I’d like to be shown.  It is not easy doing leg kicks in jean shorts in front of the student body, and it isn’t easy to do a grand jete, but we do it.  It is not easy to sing your heart out about politics that won’t even accept your vote for another couple of years and it isn’t easy to play the flute to music written before your great-grandmother was even thought of.  But we do it.  Please, I ask you to show our performances and performers well-deserved respect.  We all work hard to put on an enjoyable show, and yes, we can see the dirty looks and hear the heckling.  The lack of decorum an audience has nowadays is appalling.

               I look forward to performing alongside the talented castoff the spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and I hope that when it comes time to perform the assemblies you all take to heart the amount of effort that has been put into the musical.  Fiddler on the Roof is sure to be a hit, and I encourage you all to stay awake to see it.

As I stare at the audience, I hope they're staring back.

 Fiddler on the Roof dates:

• Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m.

• Assemblies on Friday, March 22; 7:30 p.m. performance on March 22 (I‘m pretty sure that’s the time)
• Saturday, March 23: matinee at 2:00 p.m. and final performance at 7:30 p.m. (I’m pretty sure of the times)