Spirit Week Preview

2-3 submitted by valhalla

High School Scrubs

In This Edition:

Ceramics Takes on Local Project

Shirts Required For Sport Practice

Lady Gaga Comes to Mohegan Sun

On the back:If you could change any Pep Rally event,

which would you choose and what

would youreplace it with?

www.thevikingsaga.org East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, CT 06333

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11

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Volume 44, Edition 3October 12, 2010 S V he iking agaT

submitted by e.gada

http://farm4.static.flickr.com

http://www.ladygaga.com

While many students hung out at the beach or went to Frosty Treat this summer, 10 of East Lyme High School’s own spent the summer interning

at hospitals. By the look of these students, the hospital environment has already left a long lasting impression. At Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, seniors Divakar Ahuja, Julia Counter, Rachel Skelton, Katy Williams and sophomores Lindsay and Paige Schneider worked as junior volunteers. In order to receive credit for their volunteer work,

they had to complete 28 hours of service for the hospital. As their first experience in a working environment, it was initially intimidating for the students to function with the adult staff members. “It was hard work,” said Williams. “I didn’t want the doctors to think ‘Oh she is just in high school.’ ” (Continued as Hospital Intership on Page 6)

ELHS students experience real-life work at Lawrence and Memorial and Backus Hospitalby Page burns

‘Smile. You Look Beautiful Today’ELHS student sends out anonymous inspiration

by Kaytlin MurPhy

A sophomore, known only by the name ‘Someone Who Cares (SWC),’ has been reverse pick-pocketing inspirational notes into girls’ backpacks since the beginning of the school year. These notes, each found wrapped in a different Silly-Band, say, “Smile. You look beautiful today,” followed by an inspirational quote and signed with “Love, Someone who cares.” “I think it makes it more magical. I’m not doing it to gain admiration from people. I’m doing it to make people’s day, and I don’t need any credit to keep doing it,” said SWC on why they wish to remain anonymous. Delivering between 10 to 20 notes a day, SWC has a set goal in mind. “I’m doing it because I’m tired of seeing people always so sad and not really appreciating life for how amazing it is,” SWC said. “I give out a majority of

my notes out in class, which is why most of them are to sophomores. I wish I could give them out to more people, but I’m just one person.” SWC found inspiration for the notes project over summer vacation. “It was a camp; everyone there was so kind and accepting towards everyone. When I got home, I really missed it when I realized how different the real world could be. So, I decided to change it,” SWC said. “I thought it was really sweet and wanted to know who was doing it. I really admire this person and they should know

how nice of a thing this is,” said sophomore Piper Hays, who found a note in her bag in early September. “I just think it’s really great that now instead of people focusing on gossip and putting others down, someone is sending out these notes and making others feel good about themselves.” “I was very excited to open it, and the message made my day even better than it already was,” said sophomore Alex DeFord. “I’ve heard stories of people doing similar things in schools across the country, and I’m thrilled that someone is doing it at ELHS, too.”

One of the many anonymous notes that have been found in backpacks around ELHS this year.

k.murphy/saga

spirit week 2

the viking saga

october 12, 2010

2013’s a mean, green, spirit-week machine. Seriously. This year’s sophomore class is 299 kids you don’t want to mess with. We shrugged the freshman disadvantage faster than our scooter team raced to victory at last year’s pep rally. After two weeks of shirt-sales, something like 40 percent of the tenth-graders will overtake the 2010 pep rally in the slogan “’13 is the new ‘11. Respect the sophs-more.” The slogan wasn’t an accident. We completely admire the Class of 2011. This year, though, we know how the week unravels. This year we’re ready to politely

interrupt the seniors’ streak. It won’t be easy–not at all. But we’ve worked to win, and that kind of work pays in first place. Our strongest point, though, is not our green tee’s or our desire to win. The Class of 2013 is a united front of fierce competitors; domination of the events will set us apart. First off, there won’t be another Mouse Trap misconception. Our 1970’s decorating plans are pretty confidential, but it’s safe to say that we now understand the intensity of commons decoration. We know what’s possible, and what rakes in the 400 points that come with winning that event. Our Brain Game whizzes, hand-picked by Mr. Harfenist, are obviously top-notch. Same goes for our orange-pass team, who weren’t afraid to take first place last year, and plan on doing so again. As our alma mater artists delicately harmonize in the choir room, our tug-of-war troops confidently train in the gym. 2013 is busy preparing, not just to compete, but to win. Together.

As winners of the past two consecutive Spirit Weeks, the class of 2011 has already proven we have what it takes to succeed. Now we finally have the edge we’ve been missing the past three years: the advantage of being seniors. As seniors, we are bigger, stronger, smarter and all around better than our underclassmen counter parts. But, unlike the past two years of losing seniors, seniority is not all we have going for us. Domination in the Pep Rally and throughout the week will be one of our strongest aspects. Our Tug-of-War team is virtually unbeatable after pulling the class of 2010 to our second victory last year. The Alma Mater surprised everyone with their unique version of the school’s song, so prepare for something equally, if not more, mind-blowing. Years of trial and error have allowed us to craft a flawless and brilliant Brain Game team capable of destroying other classes in trivial knowledge. After all, who has more trivial knowledge than high school seniors?

Our senate and spirit committee are also critical factors to our success. This team of planners has been working together since freshman year and has perfected the art of triumph. We don’t underestimate the rest of the school, but we know that at the end of the day we will come out the strongest class. With three Spirit Week’s and two victories under our belts, it’s time for our final epic storming of the North Gym court. We have the experience, we have the drive, we have the spirit and we even have the fan club. Didn’t you hear? The sophomores want to be us. And who can blame them? We’re the most successful, spirited class in ELHS history. Unfortunately for them, if at first you don’t succeed, then you’re not us; the Class of 2011, let’s get it.

SEnIOrS

SOphOmOrES

by eMily Mooradian

by Kaley roberts

spirit week

the viking saga

3october 12, 2010

JunIOrS As juniors, we’ve now been competing for two years and know the ropes. We’re finally upperclassmen and are ready to show everyone we’re number one. In the past years, we were faced with challenges but we’ve learned from our past mistakes. This year, we’re stepping up our game and rising to the challenge. Led by our president Kelly Sheehan, our senate dedicated the summer to work on Spirit Week preparation. We put together possible teams for the pep rally events and planned our class t-shirts. As a class, our uniqueness is what sets us apart

from the rest. Our class may not be the biggest or loudest, but as individuals we all bring something different to the table. Each person in our grade pulls through for the team; this year will be no exception. This year it’s all about a unified class; joining everyone together for a common goal. The goal we will achieve is to prove to the school just how spirited and talented the Class of 2012 is. Throughout Spirit Week, we will all do whatever we can to capture the number one spot on the score board. Look out for the sea of red tie-dye, the class of 2012 is prepared to dominate.

FrEShmEn Gone are the days of laughing and poking fun at the “silly little freshmen.” We are prepared for the hectic week that lies ahead. As the proverb goes, a failure to plan is a plan for failure. So move over sophomores, ‘14 is definitely the new ‘11. Some may scoff, but we are ready for the organized chaos of Spirit Week. Freshmen T-shirts are being ordered to help out our class with color day, as yellow clothes have infamously been hard to find. This year will be different. Our yellow will not stand for failure, but for a meticulous plan, a dynamic senate and a fervent, spirited class. We are not just going to stare blankly as the rest of the school prepare madly for this hectic week. We will go down in history. Our senate is an eclectic mix of the different kivas at the middle school as well as with Salem, so we can easily pinpoint our strongest players and strategically place them in the different Spirit Week activities. Our classmates have also stealthily dug for

as much information as possible from the upperclassmen, so we know the rules of the game. In previous years, the juniors and seniors may have been able to weed the ninth grade out by expecting them to be ignorant, but not this time around. We know what we need to do, what we need to accomplish and how we’re going to do it. Our senate is energized and eager to lead our grade to success. As it says on our shirts, we’re keeping it fresh, as the class of 2014. Watch your backs, upperclassmen; we’re coming at you from behind.

by shannon hou

all photos submitted by the valhalla

by aniKa Pallan

news4

the viking saga

Creative Creamers: Local restaurant teams up with ELHS ceramics students

East Lyme High School Ceramics students will have the opportunity to see their creations put to good use at local restaurant, La Belle Aurore. Dawn Bruckner, owner of La Belle Aurore, contacted Ceramics teacher Eloise

Gada following the “Empty Bowls” Care and Share fundraiser last year with an order for 24 student-made coffee creamers. Bruckner became involved with ELHS when she generously donated bread and desserts for “Empty Bowls.” For the new creamer order, Bruckner gave students complete artistic license when it came to designing the creamers, her only specifications being that the creamers hold four to six ounces of cream. “Any color, any design, as long as it's functional,” she said. According to Ms. Gada, the greatest challenge for students was making the creamers pour properly. For senior Erin Platz, the fifth time was the charm when it came to the spout on her creamer. “It was hard, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be,” Platz said. When junior Vinny Cancelmo heard of the project, he was immediately interested: “I’m not gonna lie, I was actually excited.” Cancelmo said now that he is well-rehearsed in the art of making creamers, he would “make another if I had to make something for my mother.”

Junior Mitch Brusseau, an employee at La Belle Aurore, said the art featured in the restaurant adds uniqueness. According to Brusseau, 10 pieces of art from different local artists are displayed at the restaurant each month. “I walk in the restaurant when the month changes and I'm like, ‘Where did that painting go?!’” said Brusseau. According to Bruckner, La Belle Aurore has a large number of regular customers, many of whom enjoy chatting with staff. The student-made creamers offer another opportunity for a conversation starter. “I’m sure they [the customers] will be asking,” Bruckner said. “They would think that's pretty interesting.” Both Bruckner and ELHS will benefit from the creamers as she will receive unique student art and ELHS will receive the cost of materials plus a donation. Bruckner said she hopes the idea of displaying student art catches on in the community. “We are the weird kids in town... Most places want a uniform look,”she said.

Colin Hecklinger works on his creamer in ceramics.

From the Classroom to the ClinicELHS science teacher volunteers in Africa

In Southern Tanzania and Northern Ethiopia, there is only one doctor for every 100,000 people and malnutrition affects most of the population. This past summer, East Lyme High School science teacher Edward Capazzi traveled there to help the situation. “Governments ignore the problems since they believe it is a form of population control,” said Mr. Capazzi. Famine is everywhere, due to severe drought in the countries. There is such a lack of water that women walk five miles each day to one of the few active wells, just to survive. Relief efforts only help 15 percent of the population. Despite this, Mr. Capazzi has repeatedly volunteered his time to help out. He has been going to clinics in different countries throughout Africa for over seven years. This past summer, he left immediately after ELHS graduation. He translated

pharmalogical briefs on medicine bottles into simpler terms so that patients can understand exactly what they are taking. Only a few years has he not been able to follow through with his plans for the trip. He described these instances as having been simply too dangerous for him to go due to “military involvement” in the countries, such as Sudan. “I was tired of how people were ‘concerned’ or ‘troubled’ about what they saw, but no one was actively doing something about helping others in dire need,” said Capazzi. “During the regular school year, I am also involved in AIDS Hospice work for young adults. My travel abroad seems to be the logical extension of this.” While Mr. Capazzi does not directly tie his volunteer work into what his students study in the classroom, he does use what he has learned. Sometimes Mr. Capazzi incorporates the diseases that he sees in Africa into his lessons; this

includes many drug resistant strands of tuberculosis, as well as high amounts of HIV in towns and villages. “He has a lot of good stories from his life experiences that he likes to share with us,” said sophomore Niko Mazzella, a student in one of his Biology classes, “He makes Biology a lot more interesting.”

Some African tribal art collected by Mr. Capazzi on his travels and displayed in the commons.

submitted by e.gada

z.smallidge/saga

october 12, 2010

by Kat CooK

by Zoë sMallidge

news

the viking saga

5october 12, 2010

Chinese, Anyone?ELHS hosts popular Chinese school

Every Sunday, the East Lyme High School parking lot is jammed with cars as children of all ages, accompanied by their parents, head to the Chinese classes offered by the Southeastern Connecticut Chinese School. Hundreds of children from around Connecticut, ranging from toddlers to high school students, are signed up for these courses. The classes began meeting on Sunday mornings for three hours on September 12 and run through May, offered free of charge for all East Lyme students. “One of our district goals is to bring a more global perspective to our program opportunities for students,” said Superintendent Dr. James Lombardo. “The SCCS was looking for a new home, so we worked hard to encourage them to make East Lyme that new home.” “SCCS and East Lyme schools have established a partnership. We are here to introduce Chinese language and culture to the East Lyme community,” said SCCS President Dehua Chen. The classes are much like a normal global language course. The SCCS offers three courses: General Chinese Language for students who speak Chinese at home, Chinese as a Second Language for students who do not speak Chinese at home and Multi-Skill Training Classes for enhancing mathematics and SAT preparation. General Chinese spans from kindergarten to seventh grade, and teaches the formal Chinese used in business. Chinese as a

Second Language has two levels, middle school and high school. “I would definitely recommend it for other high school students,” said sophomore Jason Kong, SCCS student. “There are many classes that are provided that prepare you for the world.” The SCCS was established in 1995 in New Haven and has grown from a small, after-school program enrolling a few students to a school of its own with

over 200. “It is such

a wonderful opportunity,” said history teacher Alice Pembrook who recently traveled to China for a teacher

exchange. “East Lyme is

becoming more diverse, and so the communication aspect is necessary,” she said. “The world’s a small place!” Registration is still open for any student who wishes to join the SCCS program. For more information, access Dr. Lombardo’s newsletter on the ELHS website, or contact SCCS principal Dehua Chen at:

jdchen@ct.metrocast.net.

Students of various ages listen attentively during a class offered by the Southeastern Connecticut Chinese School.

‘One of our district goals is to bring a more global perspective to our program opportunities for students.’

-Superintendent James Lombardo

News in Brief

b.ostrowski/saga

by aliCe navarro and Christine durKee

The New Vote Each year the student body at East Lyme High School looks forward to Spirit Week and the resulting elections for Homecoming Court. Tallies for Homecoming Court took countless hours to sort through and record last year. This year, people will be nominated before Spirit Week for their spirit during the year as opposed to their spirit during the week. Depending on the number of available spots on the Court, up to 30 students will be nominated per class and then each class will vote on computers during Mentor/Mentee. This will allow results to be more immediate and accurate than previous years.

NEASC is Coming After 10 years of preparation, individuals from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges will be arriving for their decennial accreditation of East Lyme High School. On November 7, officials will be shadowing and interviewing students and teachers and conducting five minute walkthroughs of classrooms in order to gain a better picture of the school. They will be examining teaching methods and curriculums to judge if they uphold NEASC’s seven teaching and learning standards. They include missions and expectations, curriculum, instruction, and resources. “NEASC is definitely an experience that everyone can learn from, especially the kids. It’s really for their benefit,” said media specialist Dr. Marie Shaw.A Party in Pink Get ready to Zumba, because on Friday, October 15 a Zumbathon will be hosted at East Lyme High School to benefit breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. Physical Education teachers Jennifer Carny-Brush and Kim Thompson along with guidance counselor Lisa Ramaccia will take turns instructing those in attendance. The price for a ticket is $20 in advance but $25 at the door the day of. For more information contact Ms. Carney-Brush at: jen.brush@eastlymeschools.org.

by ben ostrowsKi

features

the viking saga

6 october 12, 2010

W h a t ’s C o o k i n ’ ?Senior Cam Lecce is prepared and has plenty of flavor- just like a good Italian mealby Kayley roberts

If senior Cam Lecce had to text his spoken sentences, every message would end in a smiley face. The best part about Lecce is that he always looks to share his happiness, and is never caught in a somber mood. So what better way to spread happiness than to bake it? “I would say that I try to go out of my way to makes other people’s days,” said Lecce, a former Mr. East Lyme contestant. “Usually, I make days when I make chocolate.” “It’s like he puts awesomeness in the form of a chocolate cookie,” marveled junior Adam Pilarski, Lecce’s fellow drama club member. If a single recipe overwhelms one heart, imagine what 200 could do to the heart of the nation. Lecce is creating a cookbook for his WISE project, a one or two semester course where students devote themselves to a major project. Lecce, a single-semester WISE student, chose English teacher Pamela Nowak to mentor his undertaking. For now, Ms. Nowak finds model cookbooks for Lecce; in the end, she will help Lecce

to get his book published. Publication, however, is at the back of Lecce’s mind. “I’m still just planning it,” said Lecce. “The layout of the chapters… format and such.” The cookbook will contain around 100 of Lecce’s own recipes; the second half will be his mom’s. According to Lecce, the decision to collaborate with his mom, who Lecce claims is his inspiration to cook, was a natural one. “My mom was always a good cook. When I was 8, I knew that I wanted to cook just like her when I grew up,” said Lecce. “We began cooking together… it was bonding time.” Today, Lecce cooks alone. Tonight, after drama and a shift at McDonalds, he will return home, make dinner for his parents and brother, and like any senior, work on applications. “I’m planning on applying to Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts in Rhode Island,” said Lecce. Although Lecce decided only recently that he will pursue a career in cooking, he remains straightforward about why he loves it. “It’s fun, and I’m good at it,” said Lecce.

The population of East Lyme High School seems to agree with the second part of Lecce’s statement. While Italian food is actually his favorite to make, Lecce responds to any accolades with a shrug. “Anything worth doing is worth doing well,” he easily recited. The cookbook, he promises, will exemplify that proverb.

(Hospital Internship continued from Front Page) L&M requires their volunteers to complete jobs such as transporting patients for discharge, and making pre-surgery charts for patients. In addition to L&M, Backus hospital in Norwich also hosted several ELHS volunteers this summer. The group included college freshmen Tasmia Khan, senior Kelly O’Toole, sophomores Eva Christensen and Meghan McParland. Each member had to perform four-hour shifts and tasks similar to those given to the volunteers at L&M. The Backus volunteers, however, were offered the experience of job shadowing. “I shadowed a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) for 8 hours. I was in surgery all day and saw a total knee replacement, a metal plate put into

an arm and part of a robotic surgery,” said O’Toole. Many of the volunteers said they want to pursue a profession in the medical field, and these programs would add well to their résumé and experience. “The goal for our volunteers is to expose them to a professional healthcare environment,” said head of the volunteer program at L&M, Jamie Nadeau. “It also gives them a chance to give back to their community.”

Counter (left) and Williams (right) in their L&M uniforms.

Chef Cam sports some of his fresh kitchen wear.

submitted by k.williams

Interested in Volunteering?

L&M: (785) 505-3141Backus: (860) 823-6320

k. roberts/saga

features

the viking saga

7october 12, 2010

Spirit With StyleTug O’ WAr

advantage:Juniors

SCOOTEr rACEadvantage:soPhoMores

OrANgE PASSadvantage:FreshMen

ALMA MATEr advantage:

seniors When it comes to the Orange Pass, we think it’s got to be the freshmen this year. As we all know, the Orange Pass is definitely the most awkward event of the pep rally and the freshman class is the most awkward group of kids in the school so it works out perfectly. We honestly cannot say we have much logic to support this, but maybe the Spirit Week gods will come down from the heavens and bless them or something magical will happen along those lines. Again, expect something legendary when the freshman line up and stick that orange under their chins, and who knows maybe they won’t come in last place this year.

Speeding down the basketball court, the class of 2013 took charge during the Scooter Race at last year’s Pep Rally. The winning team was greeted with monstrous cheers coming from the section wearing that hideous yellow. Our expectations are that the sophomores will be bringing back a first place finish again at this year’s pep rally. Seeing as there was not much competition last year, the sophomores should be able to win it once again. Being the last event of the pep rally, the scooter race can be a final deciding factor for which class wins Spirit Week, and perhaps this year we will see yet another sophomore surprise win.

When it comes to the Tug O’ War we’ve got two words for you: Chad Berry. Honestly, who cares that this year’s current seniors won the event over last year’s senior class, the junior class will win the Tug O’ War in the pep rally. Have you seen Berry? He’s approximately seven feet tall, 300 pounds, has the strength of a dragon and the mane of a lion. Besides Berry, the junior team also consists of the Cancelmo brothers, John Santos, Timmy Farina, and several other monsters. So our only advice to Eric McGlone and all those seniors who think this year is going to be a cakewalk is: Be afraid… Chad Berry is coming for you.

Last year, the juniors’ rendition of the Alma Mater elicited a round of thunderous applause from every class. Opening to the tune of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies,” the performance was undoubtedly a huge crowd pleaser. This year as seniors, we believe they will execute yet another flawless performance. Despite all other classes trying to dethrone the seniors, we predict an even catchier number will wow the judges into crowning them victors yet again. This year will be the year of the seniors, and we should certainly all expect something like never before to occur when they step up to sing their version of the Alma Mater.

Last Words

by MiKe deFaria Principal Mr. Susi has no clue what is going to be in store for this Spirit Week. At all the prior schools he worked at they had spirit days and pep rallies, but never an entire week devoted to showing pride for the school. “Everyone is already getting jazzed up. There a lot of hype for Spirit Week. I’m starting to get excited too,” said Mr. Susi. Without a doubt, Mr. Susi isn’t the only person getting pumped up for the week. For weeks, students have began assembling their outfits for

each day it seems as if the spirit committees have been preparing for the Pep Rally since last year. Personally, I feel like every freshman, sophomore, and junior should just realize that the senior class is a legacy and it would be less embarassing for them to sit out this Spirit Week as the senior class completes the very coveted three-peat. Though, I’m extremely confident the seniors got this one in the bag Mr. Susi has other thoughts, “The senior class is pretty strong from what I hear, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to claim them winners already. I heard some juniors talking trash and I think there might be a little upset this year.” Only time will tell...

With Spirit Week around the corner, Principal Susi and I are eager to see the results

The Class of 2011 has won Spirit Week for the past two years, will they be victorious again?

submitted by the valhalla

Our predictions for the victors of next week’s pep rally events by MiKe deFaria and steFanie duda

sports8

the viking saga

From Swenson’s Sidelines

by bryan swenson

october 12, 2010

Please, Keep Your Shirt OnStudent athletes must keep their shirts on by dan gaFFey

It is hot. It is humid. The sun is beating down relentlessly and practice has just begun. High school students who participate in fall sports know this scenario all too well. A common solution for boys would be to ditch their shirt and practice without one, but with a new athletic policy in place, all athletes must keep their shirts on during practices. Though many athletes are not happy, boys’ cross-country quickly eccepted this new policy. Varsity cross-country member Sam Watson said, “At first the team was a little upset, but it’s cooling down now so it doesn’t really matter.” So after years of tolerating shirtless attire, why is this policy being introduced at this time? Health is the main concern. “Research...clearly promotes shirts vs. no shirts when it comes to battling the affects of dehydration,” said Athletic Director Steve Hargis. Mr. Hargis, who has been fighting

skin cancer for six years now, also wants students to establish “good life long health practices,” so that they do not face the same issues. There is no universal punishment for this policy, but coaches take responsibility to make sure their players are respecting this new rule. As the Director of Rowing at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Mr. Hargis applies the same policy to those athletesThis policy applies to all student athletes, cheerleaders and band. Luckily, the boys’ and girls’ swim team does not have to abide by this rule.

Mike Simmel puts on a tricky display at one of his shows.

Salem recreational basketball league presents “Mighty Mike”

A Wiz of a Way to Startby Christine durKee

Let’s be honest, Division l college athletes are not always the most educated individuals. While their fellow students are in the classroom, they’re often on the field, court or rink. In the past year, eight lawsuits have been filed against the National Collegiate Athletic Association by different former college athletes for using their images in commercials, DVD’s and videogames. The NCAA makes money this way, and these players want a bite of that cake. However, these players signed away their image long, long ago, before they could even step on the field. NCAA athletes are required to sign away their commercial rights in order to compete in collegiate sports. They didn’t think ahead and their signature does not fade in time. Former collegiate basketball star Ed O’Bannon argued that millions of dollars are made and the athletes only get a piece of that in their education. Well college kids like O’Bannon with full-ride scholarships get a free education, and that is more priceless than anything. They should have taken advantage of the classroom to learn that contracts are binding. Also, athletes like O’Bannon should be honored to represent the NCAA and appear in worldwide video games and national commericals. It’s absurd that these players are trying to get more out of their college experience in their post-graduation years. The educational and athletic opportunities these players received in college are invaluable. These athletes should not be taking away from the organization that gave them so much. The day these players signed away their image rights, they didn’t think of the consequences. They could have refused to sign that form and not played, but they didn’t. Case closed.

A true Wizard will entertain the Salem recreational basketball league at the start of the season. “Mighty Mike” Simmel, a member of the Harlem Wizards, will kick off the season with a dribbling performances on Saturday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. in the Salem Public School gymnasium. Simmel has been doing half-time shows and other performances for years now. All are invited to the hour long performance that will consist of basketball skills and tricks. Simmel will also discuss how to go about working hard to achieve dreams. “We are excited to be able to offer a unique show for the children. We think this will be a fun and rewarding experience for all of us,” said the league coordinator Mary Durkee.

The cross country team must now warm up and practice with their shirts on at all times.

d. gaffey/saga

submitted by c. durkee

sports

the viking saga

9october 12, 2010

World Series: With the 2010 Major League Baseball postseason approaching, the teams that will round the bases to the big game are the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. As defending World Series Champions, the Yanks will bring the title home to the Big Apple again. The Yankees are led by five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter and 2007 Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia. The team shined at the plate outscoring all other teams, and with a team average of .268 expect the Yankees to excel during clutch time. The Philadelphia Phillies will not go down without a fight because they have plenty of experience by winning the 2008 World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Also, the Phillies have one of the best pitching staffs behind ace Roy Halladay and postseason stud Cole Hamels. Not only is their pitching solid, but they have sluggers Ryan Howard and Chase Utley who will surely light up the scoreboard. These players have been to the Fall Classic before and know exactly what to expect. In the end, the pinstripes will win the World Series in six games.

World Series MVP: Yankee veteran shortstop Derek Jeter will snag the MVP recognition this year. In the 2009 World Series he batted .407, and in the seven World Series he has played in, he bats a tremendous .321 with a .384 on base percentage. He not only shines in the postseason, in 2010 Jeter smacked 30 doubles and hit .300 with runners in scoring position. He has been to the playoffs before, so expect him to tear it up in the Fall Classic.

Dark Horse: A team that might come out of the shadows and make a mark in the 2010 playoffs is the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds are packed with young superstars like fireballer Aroldis Chapman who clocked an MLB record of 105 miles per hour. In addition, they have MVP favorite Joey Votto who will get his first look in the postseason. The Reds are a team packed with talent, but only eight players on the team has playoff experience so it will be tough for them to get past the Phillies.

MLB Playoff PredictionsAs the Major League Baseball postseason begins, who will come out victorious? by FranCis shields

Constructing Capable CaptainsAthletic director makes effort to improve East Lyme athletic teams’ leadershipby bryan swenson

Athletes in East Lyme High School are usually selected as captains by a team vote or coach’s nomination. So what does it mean to be the team leader and what responsibilities does it include? Athletic director Steve Hargis has begun to help captains understand their duties to their teams by holding biweekly meetings on Mondays during lunch. He calls the captains of all fall sports to these meetings to hold discussion and debate about leadership and character roles. The program has the captains becoming more involved in the school by creating and participating in presentations for the Freshman Academy classes. In these programs, they will teach the incoming freshmen about proper sportsmanship and other character traits such as citizenship and responsibility. “I feel as though we’re not involving the captains in as much of the school, so it goes much beyond sports,” said Hargis. Not only does the freshman class benefit, but the captains learn more about improving their

own character for their teams. “It’s [the meeting] a good idea. It gets the teams working together and builds school unity. It’s nice working with other captains,” said field hockey co-captain senior Shanelle D’Alessio. Hargis hopes to create an open, honest environment to make as much progress as possible. He stresses that coaches are there to guide the teams while captains are there to lead as role models for their teammates. Also, Hargis mentioned that athletes who want to become captains are interviewed before committees in some schools and this is becoming a growing trend throughout

the country. These committees consists of coaches, other athletes and school faculty members, so the candidates can be evaluated thoroughly instead of simply selected. However, this has yet to be the case at ELHS. Hargis plans to continue these meetings throughout the year and the following years with each new wave of captains. He hopes to help the captains develop a better understanding of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. “We go [to the meetings] because it’s our responsibility,” said D’Alessio.

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Mr. Hargis and the fall captains are part of this constructive group.

entertainment10 october 12, 2010

the viking saga

When the warm weather starts to fade it’s time to say goodbye to flip flops and hello to a warmer option. This year the students of East Lyme High School are keeping their feet warm in stylish boots. Uggs have always been a fall staple at ELHS but this year students have taken it further. If you happen to glance down while roaming the halls you might see anything from a pair of cowboy boots to a cute set of ankle boots. Boots are also a fantastic way to protect your feet from the elements. A pair of trendy rain boots are a practical way to stay dry and add a little flair to every outfit. No matter what your style is, this fall trend has a place in your closet. One can choose to play it safe in a classic pair of grey ankle length flats or take a daring risk in a pair of black, stiletto heels. No matter your choice you will look fabulous in this top fall trend of 2010.

Some trends stay only for a brief time while others come back year after year. Among these reoccurring trends is that old fall standby: plaid. This year is no different. Once again, if you look around the commons in the first months of the school year you are sure to see plaid. It is one trend both boys and girls can wear. From shoes to hats and everything in between, this old standby is everywhere this year. You can go with the classic plaid cardigan or shirt or shake things up and wear plaid shoes or pants. If the look is too preppy, rock a plaid flannel shirt or accent a pair of skinny jeans with a plaid belt. You can even tote a plaid saddle bag to add a dash of class to a simple outfit. This versatile fashion is sure to make a statement in the coming months. Whether it be walking the halls or sipping hot chocolate at a football game you will always look trendy in the cool weather favorite.

It is unusual to see a bunch of girls running around a high school dressed as super heroes or decked out in every color imaginable. What is even more unusual is to see everyone else going about their business like nothing unusual is happening. You would not see these crazy outfits anywhere other than a Halloween party but at ELHS no one even turns a head. That’s because at ELHS dressing up for sports is the number one trend this year. The girls’ soccer team stands out as one of the experts at dress-up days this year. Whether they are cow girls or gangsters, each member dresses to impress on game day. So this fall, show your team pride by going “all out” for whatever crazy dress- up day your team has chosen to let everyone know they have a meet or game that day. Chances are you will see someone else in an even crazier outfit than yours.

Fall Fashions at ELHS: Check out the top fashion trends ELHS is wearing this season

Sport Dress-up Daysby Caeleigh Jennings

Boots Plaid

Four years, 40 videos and nearly 3,000 subscribers is what sophomore Linh Nguyen has contributed to the world’s largest video sharing website, YouTube. “Seeing more and more people subscribing to me is exactly what keeps me going with YouTube. It’s amazing to know that about 3,000 people out there are interested in what I do,” Linh said. Linh has made music videos to hit songs like “Love Like Woe” by The Ready Set and “Could It Be You” by H*Wood. Her videos have spunk and their effects show creativity at its best. One technique Nguyen has aquired is stop motion, a technique where a photographed object is moved in small increments between frames, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played as a sequence. One of Linh’s best videos is to the song “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz. There is a sequence of photos where Linh and sophomore Kaley Roberts are hovering towards the camera, creating an insane optical illusion. To see more amazing videos, go to Linh’s channel, lingers104.

Linh is not the only one with a love for expressing herself on the web. Sophomore Trinh Nguyen also has an account on YouTube. Trinh’s videos are a little different though. She decided to take a comedic approach to creating videos. All of Trinh’s videos use a style called improvisation, where she uses no script. “I think if I try to plan it out, I tend to try to be funny, which just ends up not being funny,” said Trinh. The result: hysterical commentaries. Trinh has been uploading videos onto YouTube for a while. One video she uploaded is called “If your mascara don’t vibrate, you just vibrate your head like this.” She talks about how there is fancy mascara that vibrates, but if you don’t have it there are other, funnier ways to get around the obstacle. Trinh definitely got the laughs out of me when she began shaking her head wildly while applying mascara, mouth open, making the well known “putting on mascara face.” To catch more of these hilarious improvs, check out trinhwinn, Trinh’s account.

Which Nguyen Wins?Two ELHS sophomores bring the laughs and the tunes to YouTube by Kelsie lane

Linh (top) creates awesome music videos, including one to “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz.

Trinh (bottom) rants about everything from facebook to mascara.

www.youtube.com

www.youtube.com

entertainment

the viking saga

11october 12, 2010

Confession Number Three: I always have a song in my head. Even after I turn off my iPod, Taio Cruz and Katy Perry are still rocking out in my brain. During Spirit Week there are certain songs that I’ll internally

play on repeat. These songs are a way for me to prepare to battle it out for the senior’s three-peat win. Maybe they can get you pumped up too. Pajama Day: “Get Up” by 50 Cent. During Spirit Week,

it is critical to wake up ready for action. The pounding base and a killer back beat help me get out of bed pumped and

ready to spend the day in an always flattering pair of footie PJs. Maroon and White Day: “Magic” by B.o.B. The poppy tune and

lighthearted lyrics make receiving the traditional senior M&W Day t-shirts ten times better. Besides, everyone knows the senior class “has got the magic” in them.

College Apparel Day: “I Love College” by Asher Roth. Aside from Spirit Week, college is the only thing on my mind. While I understand that it has no real explanation of the college experience, the song still makes me even more excited to don the apparel of the college I may attend next year. Holiday Day: “Holiday” by Greenday. As Spirit Week comes to an end, I need a little edge to keep me focused. The hard hitting guitar riffs get my adrenaline running and my mind determined to crush the competition. Color Day: “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled. As I cheer my way through Color Day and the following Pep Rally, this song will be on full volume. Hopefully us seniors can keep our hands – and the points – up and dominate the rally for a third year in a row.

Confessions of a Bookworm:

The entertainment world from a nerd’s

eye view

by ally sloss

After purchasing tickets to Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour, my immediate reaction was to get a refund and use the money on something else. Thank goodness I kept it; the show was incredible! The concert was at the XL Center in Hartford on Thursday September 16. The Monster Ball opened with Semi Precious Weapons, an interesting band, to say the least. SPW is a group of four guys who sang original rock songs while strutting around the stage, kicking into the air and putting each other in headlocks - all while wearing nearly nothing. Things got really bizzare when they changed costumes on stage, stripping down from gold leggings and high heels to nothing, then back into silver leggings. This was, strangely enough, a crowd favorite. After SPW walked off stage, tension filled the theater as all of Gaga’s fans, fondly referred to as “Little Monsters,” impatiently awaited her arrival. Then, the lights went out. The “Little Monsters” went nuts. Gaga opened with a very appropriate “Monster,” in honor of the show’s name. She sang and danced behind a curtain, revealing only her shadow to the audience. After the curtain rose, the full force of

Gaga’s brilliance was unleashed. In a whirl of pounding base, chaotic lights and incredible vocals, Lady Gaga sang all of her popular songs, including “Paparazzi,” “Poker Face” and an extremely crowd pleasing “Telephone.” Before “Telephone,” she invited an audience member up on stage with her, as only Gaga would. Although all these performances were incredible, the rest of the audience and I were waiting for one more song: “Bad Romance.” After Gaga left the stage and our hopes were seemingly crushed, the lights snapped off. The familiar “rah rah ah ah ah” filled the air as Lady Gaga ended the show with her best song yet. She truly does know how to impress. While the songs alone left me “speechless,” this was no ordinary concert; it was a fashion show. Gaga rocked 12 costumes. She came out wearing a red jacket with huge shoulders and jewels, accompanied by gem-studded glasses. As the night went on her costumes become more outlandish, her other outfits included a small black bikini, a long elegant white dress and a dress and glasses made entirely out of mirrors.

While I am not the paparazzi, the Monster Ball Tour had me wishing I could follow Gaga “until she loves me.” And, after a concert this incredible, this Little Monster might do just that.

“You’ve Left Me Speechless, So Speechless”Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour exceeds expectationsby billy FritZ

Lady gaga’s Monster Ball Tour travels through North America and Europe, stopping in Connecticut on the way.

www.popdirt.com

the viking saga

back page12 october 12, 2010

Want to see more funny responses? Check out our website, www.thevikingsaga.org!

If you could change any Pep Rally event, which would you choose and what would you

replace it with?

“I would replace the Clothing Relay with bull riding!”-sophomore Josephine Roosli

“I would replace the Three-Legged Race with a freestyle rap battle!” - junior Grace Lada

“I would replace the Pie-Eating Contest with chubby bunny!”- senior Kayla Aamoth

“I would replace the Orange Pass with a sass battle.”- senior Eric DeLea

“I would abolish the Orange Pass and establish Powder-Puff Football, because, well, because I could!” - senior Tom Brubaker

“I would replace all of the events with bicep curls!” - senior Austin Begin

“I would replace the Orange Pass with a greased-up watermelon pass.”- senior Patrick Moffat

“I would replace the Orange Pass with a giant game of truth or dare!” - junior John Ricci

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