Thursday, October 30, 2014

New Sterling Knight


MS. TADDEI
--Maggie Strauser
 
 
The newest teacher in the art division is the soon-to-be-married Dana Taddei. Though young, she has had experience at various schools during and after her studies at Rowan University, where she received a dual-bachelor's degree in art education and teaching subject matter. In the fall of 2012, she taught at Blackwood Elementary School and Deptford High School as a student teacher. Then, in 2013, she started the year teaching at Moorestown Upper Elementary School and finished it at Kingsway High School, and is now excited to be working here at Sterling during her second full year of being an art teacher.
From a very young age, Ms. Taddei has had a strong interest in art. She plans to bring new ideas and fresh artwork to the art department as well. Ms. Taddei also plans to really showcase what the students do this year in the classroom, and display as much artwork created as she can.
A very warm welcome to you, Ms. Taddei, congratulations on your wedding next summer, and we hope your time teaching here is exceptional.

New Sterling Knight


 MRS. IRACE

--Emily Winters
 
 
            If you were to venture to our media center any time in the near future, the woman to help you would be our new library aficionado, Mrs. Irace. I have recently sat down and conducted an interview with our newest addition to the Sterling family. I found Mrs. Irace to be very enthusiastic, kind, and intelligent.
A native New Yorker, Mrs. Irace went as an undergrad at Lafayette College with a major in art/art history and a minor in chemistry. Originally, Mrs. Irace wanted to pursue a career in chemical engineering, but then changed her career path for one that combined both her love of art and chemistry: art conversation, which is the job of preserving art for future generations. Later in life, Mrs. Irace went to Long Island University where she achieved a master’s degree in library sciences. When asked what she loves about being a librarian, she states that it is having the ability to pass on knowledge, a love of reading to others, and teaching skills such as researching.
Inspired by her mother, Mrs. Irace said, “I wouldn’t be doing this without her.” Her mother was also a librarian. Mrs. Irace hopes to inspire kids to take away a love to read, a method of researching, and a topic that they love enough to choose as their future major.
Mrs. Irace fills her free time with many hobbies. Books are a large part of her life: she tries to read as many different genres as she can. These genres range from nonfiction to fiction to graphic novels. Another hobby that she enjoys is cooking. Mrs. Irace said during our interview, “All my science is funneled into cooking.” For a while, Mrs. Irace was a home-tester for a PBS test kitchen; she still tries to fit this into her schedule. Knitting and other crafts also take up her time. In college as an undergrad, Mrs. Irace partook in fencing; specifically épée– which is more of a mind game than the actual physical duel.
When asked how she likes Sterling so far, Mrs. Irace says that she has enjoyed it immensely; meeting the staff and students here at our school have been a highlight. Recently, our media center has hosted a “Banned Book” week, which promotes awareness of censorship in other schools.
I would like to thank Mrs. Irace for taking the time out of her day to take part in this interview; don’t forget to stop down to the media center sometime soon and say hello! Peace, love, and books.

Poetry

“Paper Figurines” by Emily Winters


Sometimes hearts hurt,
And sometimes, you feel as if you might die from so much pain…
But this hurt,
This ache that radiates from deep inside our souls,
It’s a part of us:
Humans.
Without it, we are merely one-dimensional paper figurines…
Destined to burn without our humanity.


Sterling High School’s New Lanyard Policy


By Robin Kavanagh


       Sterling High School’s decision to require students to wear lanyards has resulted in many different feelings from students, teachers, and parents, some of which I got the opportunity to ask about.
        The majority of students interviewed said that the lanyards were good for safety reasons, but were not too thrilled about having to wear them all day. One student that I interviewed said that they did not like the idea of lanyards and thought the school could do other things to ensure safety, such as the use of a metal detector. Another student said that they didn’t mind having to wear the lanyard. Personally, I found that the lanyards provided to us were cheap and easily breakable, and not in the way they should be. I did, however, buy my own lanyards prior and don’t mind wearing them as much.
        After interviewing teachers, I realized that many of them had different views of their own. Some teachers thought that the lanyards were an absolute good and an excellent idea, while others thought that the idea was terrible. One teacher that I interviewed thought that lanyards would be better suited for a larger school with more students than that of Sterling. The lanyards would help to keep track of which students go where. Another teacher said that they thought the lanyards should only be used to enter the building, but not necessary to be worn all day.
        Having interviewed my own mother and my friend’s parents, I saw many of the parents are actually for having lanyards. While there is a great deal of parents that would love to disagree, from whom I interviewed, they seemed content with the new rule. My mother, who works in another high school, said that she thought her school needed them and that it was a great idea. The idea of using lanyards is to protect students and to keep track of them as well.
        So whether you’re for or against lanyards, the rule is set in place. We won’t know how well they actually work until the future comes. Until then, I’d tell my fellow students to make the best of it all.

Fashion Forefront


MONOCHROME MONOMANIA

--NICOLE MASNICAK


  If you’ve been shopping recently (for clothes, that is) then you’re bound to have noticed the latest fad in the fashion world: monochrome. Blacks, whites, and greys are making a strong comeback this autumn, attempting to pull some of the attention from the eye-popping hues of summer. I have sorted through endless clothing racks, sifting through shirts like there’s no tomorrow, only to find that the majority 90% of what falls into my hands is monochrome (the minority 10% being last season’s trends--now on clearance).
    As my mother so brusquely puts it… “WHY?” Some (inadvertently hinting to my mother) are appalled by the seemingly dreary garments found in every store and its respective storefront. Plastic mannequins are covered in seemingly simple pieces: for instance, crisply-tailored black pants, a timeless striped shirt with black blazer to cover, and a dazzlingly glossy pointy-toed Oxford shoe are combined for a chic work look (add a bold, chunky sparkly diamond necklace and you’re good to go from work to play!). Inside the store, there is a shocking variety from which to chose: from stripes to checkerboard prints to basic single-toned sweaters, it’s an all-you-can-buy buffet of greyscale!
    What can I say besides “It’s fashion”? Because it is. Look through any fashion-related magazine printed in the last three months and you will be bombarded by the lack of color on the pages. It’s as though we’ve abandoned the contemporary world of beautiful color and miniscule detail to travel back into the past, into a seemingly simpler place where black and white images reigned supreme, simply because there was no other option! Advertisements range from Coach to Andrew Marc to Simon to Chanel, each portraying their effortless class and typical spot-on style and sensibility.  
    Once again, the question ultimately boils down to the W-word: “Why?” To put it frankly, it’s business. In our wonderful capitalistic world, businesses are free to do their own...to an extent. Designers are constantly spewing out new ideas, pushing out the old, in order to make a living (by doing what they love, of course!). If the same trend spanned over more than one season, then the market would decline--everyone and their mother would own what’s in style, and what’s the point of having more than one of the same item? There would be no need to buy anything because the same old, same old is actually still seen as new.
    Some like to say their fashion sense is their own (inadvertent hint to myself), and that they simply have a sixth sense for these things. Others, however, will willingly (or grudgingly) admit that they are influenced by things they see on the internet, on various social media sites--which is perfectly acceptable! And it’s inevitable: the latest and greatest trends of many young celebrities include wearing black, white, or some lackadaisical combination of the two. I’ve seen plenty of girls post pictures of their daily monotonous outfits. Once I noted a young British girl who decided to pair a soft grey plaid pant with a razor-sharp striped sweater--thick, black noir base with thin and delicate ceramic white horizontal stripes--only to pull it off marvelously. I’ve seen girls and boys alike coat themselves in black, from their hats and necklaces all the way down to their socks and shoes--and I certainly see how it makes such an impression on others; they pull it off to a T! (It also helps that black is, indeed, a very slimming color.)
    Then there are the fashion magazines, as I’ve mentioned earlier: if Vogue says black is in, and Louis Vuitton and Chanel are backing up the claim, then the masses are presented with an extremely limited pool of options. Ultimately, most wind up jumping on the band wagon and following the trend, the more fortunate going so far as to spend $690 on a black Kim Haller wool-blend pullover.
    But honestly, is it too much? Monochrome is definitely taking over for the fall/winter season, but are we over-indulging ourselves with the bleakness? In my personal stylistic opinion, a bold pop of color is critical to make this fad work. And frankly, that little pop of color can include just about anything: burgundy nails, a stunning red lip, a fun, brightly-colored hat, an attention-grabbing piece of jewelry, or even patterned socks to show a quirky and playful side (and if the sock is done right, you sure look like you have your life together, even in a professional environment)!
    In the end, the issue is a toss-up; the designers have expressed their stance, and the rest of the world has shown their approval. As the age-old adage goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” And so we shall.

Navy Knights


NJROTC: NAVY-COLORED DREAMS
--Marissa Realdine


One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that you’re doing something great in high school. But what are we supposed to do when we leave high school? Will we still be doing great things then? I often ask myself this question, due to the fact that soon I’ll be looking at colleges. Reality has stepped on my toes and slapped me in the face. I can no longer have that belief that I’ll be a princess one day, or a super famous pop star. The more realistic dreams have to kick in now.
The NJROTC instructors invited a crew from the U.S.S. Barry to come in and speak with us.
First was the Commanding Officer. I personally loved his honesty about his life choices: he didn’t have a college education and didn’t know what to do with his life. He didn’t believe in himself to move higher up into the ranks, but his officers saw something in him that he failed to see, and he pushed himself to get where he is now.
Next was the Master Chief. He told us about his job, which was mainly to take care of the enlisted and to help them with anything that they need. I feel that it takes patience to do that because when most people have someone under them, they take advantage of it. But he understood his place and knew how important his job was.
Third was the Ensign. She had only been in the Navy for eight months. The interesting thing about her was that she only joined the Navy because her dad--who was a Master Chief--practically forced her to. But she grew to love being in the Navy and now she enjoys going to work everyday.
The next three were Petty Officers and a Seaman. They are relatively new to the crew, but they still have very important jobs.
Something that all of the crew had in common was their love for the Navy and traveling. They’ve seen places from Hawaii all the way to Japan! All of them enjoy the traveling and the beautiful sites that they get to work at.
Seeing such successful people, and hearing their stories of once being confused teenagers like I am, really inspired me. It reminded me that I could do anything I choose with my life. I could be a teacher, a writer, a doctor, a lawyer, or maybe go into the military! So thank you to the U.S.S. Barry crew, for reminding me that my life is in the palm of my hands, and I’m taking it on full storm.

New Sterling Knight


RETURNING STERLING KNIGHT: MR. MCCULLOUGH

 by Mason Plotts

 

                Mr. McCullough, Sterling High School’s new Supervisor of Secondary Education, was raised in Glen Oaks, New Jersey. While attending high school, Mr. McCullough participated in both football and basketball. After graduation, Mr. McCullough went on to major in business at West Chester University, where he also played football. Mr. McCullough never saw himself working in the public schools after majoring in business, and after college he started his career as a manager for Enterprise Car Company. Later, he was offered a position at Morgan Stanley, which he would turn down to seek a career in education.
Mr. McCullough was hired at Sterling High School as a business elective teacher. He has taught various classes such as Personal Finance, Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, etc. After working at Sterling for some time, Mr. McCullough was intrigued to strive for an administrative position. He looks to have the ability to make a significant impact on a wider range of students and on a broader scope. As Supervisor of Secondary Education, Mr. McCullough oversees the English, Business Education, and Technology Education departments.
Mr. McCullough’s philosophy on education stems from the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” He believes, as educators, they all have a role in raising each student and helping them plan for the future. Mr. McCullough believes that education should display support and guidance for each and every student. As a supervisor, he looks to help the high school become more involved in the community. He wants students to feel comfortable and welcome, and plans to have them interact with the community in positive ways with such endeavors as service projects.


Fun Facts:
Favorite Film: Braveheart
Favorite Band: The Killers
Favorite Sports Team: The Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite Place of Travel: Aruba


Good luck Mr. McCullough on your new administrative position!

Festive Fotography

Works of
Robin Kavanagh
 



 
Works of
Sierra Edwards
 

Veganism
By Zainab Jaffry
 
 


FAQs
Q: What is veganism?
A: It is a type of lifestyle that is 100% cruelty free. On the dietary spectrum, it excludes meat, dairy, fish, eggs, and any food made with animal product. Being a vegan also means avoiding any products or merchandise made from animals such as wool, leather, or furs. There are different levels of veganism, as there are with any sort of lifestyle.


Q: How do I become a vegan?
A: First, educate yourself. Watch documentaries, read books and articles, etc. Once you’ve decided on veganism, take it slow. If you are a heavy meat eater, maybe transition to vegetarianism before you get into veganism, as that will be easier for you. In any case, you should take a few things out of your diet about every week or so, until you have rid your eating habits of meat and dairy completely. This will take time because not everyone can just go full-on vegan overnight, which is definitely okay.


Q: What if I cheat?
A: That’s totally fine once in a while, especially while you’re transitioning. Soon those cravings will be replaced with healthier, vegan options. It’s not always the healthiest choice to cut out all meat and dairy from your diet all at once anyway. Try not to be discouraged even if you slip up every now and then.


Q: How will I replace the things I eat/drink daily?
A: Becoming vegan is easier than you may think. Although there are some obvious things you may have to abstain from eating, there are loads of substitutes and non-dairy vegan alternatives out there to choose from, as well as tons of simple recipes online.


Q: Will going vegan help me lose weight?
A: Weight loss is not the reason you should go vegan. The main reason people decide to make this lifestyle change is because of animal cruelty in the meat and dairy industry, which is also destroying the environment. Another genuine reason people choose to go vegan is for the health benefits, as animal products have been proven to put you at risk for various diseases, including cancer, and the biggest killer in America: heart disease.


Q: How do I stay committed once I become a vegan?
A: Read books about veganism, positivity, and surround yourself with things that motivate you to do the right thing. Follow instagram accounts that post vegan dishes, go to vegan restaurants, try new foods, and be open. Remember why you are vegan and how much of a positive difference you are making. No matter how alone you might feel, you never are.


Q: Is anybody else in your family vegan?
A: No, just me. Everyone in my family and pretty much all the people I know, on a personal level, are omnivores.


Q: What made you interested in veganism?
A: I always felt as though I disconnected the animal from the food, whatever that particular food may be. This really got to me when I took the time to really comprehend how horribly animals are treated and how widely spread and accepted cruelty is throughout the world. Also, knowing what I put into my body is important to me. As well as the health benefits, everything seemed to lead me back to the same thing: becoming the change I want to see in the world.


Books that I recommend:
Vegan for Life by Jack Norris
Easy Vegan Meals  by various authors
Thrive by Brendan Brazier
Documentaries that I recommend:
Forks Over Knives
Vegucated
Food, Inc.


Some links to get started + Recipes:


****If you have further questions, email me at zainab.j28@gmail.com






Movie Review

THE MAZE RUNNER: ANALYSIS
--Mary McGregor   


Moving walls, a maze to be conquered, and lost memories yet to be found are all aspects of the popular movie The Maze Runner. As of its release on September 19, The Maze Runner has received a total of $87.6 million in North America alone, becoming as quick of a success as predicted by marketing analysts.

    The Maze Runner is based off of James Dashner’s 2009 young adult novel of the same name. It tells the story of Thomas, played by actor Dylan O’Brien, who finds himself in an elevator rushing upward to an unknown destination, which is not the only thing that Thomas has forgotten; he has lost everything, including his name. When Thomas reaches the top of the elevator he finds himself in a civilization, known as the Glade, made by teens who have lived in the middle of a maze for three years; this maze keeps them from escaping back to the lives they led before their memories were taken from them and they were placed in the Glade. You may think that after three years someone would have found a way out, but you soon find out that mechanic, spider-like machines come out and roam the maze at night, sensing and injecting whoever they find with a serum that causes the death of many Gladers. When Thomas arrives his curiosity could either make or break the small civilization of teens in the maze.
    Before I saw The Maze Runner I knew about its production of because I watch the television series Teen Wolf, where Dylan O’Brien co-stars. He had begun to announce the making of the movie on the social media site Twitter about a year before its release; because of this I had an interest in seeing the movie, mostly due to O’Brien being the star, as he is one of my favorite actors. However, when I saw the movie on opening night I was very disappointed, more due to the plot line rather than the actors. I find that when you say you dislike a movie or television series most assume that it is because of the cast, which in most cases it is, but for me it was the plot in The Maze Runner. As the movie progressed I found myself confused at where it would lead and how everything would add up. Some who are rabid Maze Runner fans might make a rebuttal that not everything had added up because I have not read the book, but the movie was indeed a rendition of the book; I do not see how reading the book can somehow put the pieces of the plot back together. Overall, I would not recommend The Maze Runner to anyone wanting a new movie to see in theaters; maybe the next movie in the series, The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials, will clear up some of the details that are missing.