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Monmouth Park Highway 36West Long Branch, NJ 07764(732) 222 - 9300 (phone)(732) 222 - 8849 (fax)www.shoreregional.org

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“Falling” Back on Old Memories:

HHooww SShhoorr ee GGrraadduuaatt eess AArr ee RReeuunnii tt iinngg iinn GGrraanndd FFaasshhiioonn

ANote from the Superintentent

The first few months of the 2008-2009 school year have constantly reminded me of how unique and remarkable a place Shore Regional High School is. The passage of our September referendum, the opening of our remodeled sci-ence laboratories and the suc- cessful evolution of our IB and

AP curriculum are but three of the exciting developmentsthat have characterized the fall of 2008 at Shore.

The passage of the September 30th referendum al-lows me once again to witness how much the citizens ofthese towns care about our children and their educationaldevelopment. I extend my deepest thanks to our devotedcommunities of Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Brightand West Long Branch for ensuring a safe, healthy andmodern environment for our students.

Shore Regional continues to make strides in thequality of our facilities and academic course offerings. In thisissue you!ll be able to read about how far our science labora-tories, which have never seen renovations, have come injust a few months. Likewise, read up on the buzz surround-ing our new digital art program. These improvements andprograms allow me to predict that the future of Shore Re-gional will be a very bright one.

I also wish to take a moment to implore you to readthis issue!s feature on the upcoming 45th Grand Reunion. Alot has happened in these hallways in forty-five years, andattending the Grand Reunion promises an opportunity to re-connect with friends and memories from days gone by.

Thank you again for supporting our children andmay the approaching holiday season bring health and happi-ness to you and yours.

Sincerely Yours,

A TIME TO GIVE THANKSTT hhee SS hhoorreelliinnee

Shore Regional High SchoolMonmouth Park Highway 36West Long Branch, NJ 07764

(732) 222 - 9300 www.shoreregional.org

Staff Leonard G. Schnappauf, Superintendent/PrincipalDennis W. Kotch, Business AdministratorAndrew W. Ker, Director of Public Information

Author, Editor, Producer, The Shoreline

The Shore Regional High School DistrictBoard of Education

2008-2009Ronald O!Neill, President (West Long Branch)Anthony F. Moro, Jr., VP (Monmouth Beach)

David Baker (Monmouth Beach)Joan Brearley (Sea Bright)

Beth Garrigal (West Long Branch)Diane Merla (West Long Branch)

Russell T. Olivadotti (West Long Branch) Frank J. Pingitore (Oceanport)

Paul Rolleri (Oceanport)Tadeusz “Ted” Szczurek (Oceanport)

The Shore Regional High School DistrictEducational Foundation

Board MembersThomas Duffy

Joseph LagrotteriaMary Lynn Mango

Valerie ManzoEdward Miller

Patricia PflegerPauline PoynerJames RonanDonna Ruane

Leonard Schnappauf

---

Leonard G. SchnappaufSuperintendent and Principal

Fall 2008 --- Volume One --- Number Three

The Shoreline is published by the Shore Regional HighSchool Office of Public Information and is fully funded by

donations from the Shore Regional Educational Foundation.

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A “state of the building” report from Business Administrator Dennis Kotch.

The summer and fall of 2008 provided me with a unique opportunityto meet many of the community members of Shore Regional High School!ssending districts. Whether it was making a presentation regarding the Sep-tember 30th referendum, giving a tour on campus or having an in-depthphone conversation, the amount of care and concern expressed for pres-ent and future students was overwhelming. I marvel and appreciate howfortunate we are as a school to have such a supportive and dedicatedcommunity willing to overcome negative propaganda and put students first.

The passage of the September 30th referendum has enabledShore Regional to “get moving” on the procedural phases of refurbishingthe school building. By winter 2009, architectural plans of an approved en-gineering firm will be in the possession of the Department of Education.Once approved, we!re aiming to “break ground” on building improvements

2

in early spring of 2009. This project is time critical, and having been approved by the voters this past fall, com-pletion of this project will occur during both the instructional and summer months over the next two years.

Improvements to the building do not end with the 2008 referendum. Your tax dollar has already helpedmake this school more modern, safe and user friendly. Shore Regional!s frugal and wise spending has givenstudents spacious, safe, science laboratories, usable, noteworthy athletic surfaces and accessible, moderncomputing equipment. We!ve accomplished all of this and more in a transparent and accountable manner thatI promise will continue with the development of the 2009 budget.

As with the referendum of 2008, the 2009 budget seeks tosecure reasonable improvements of school facilities, necessary in-structional equipment and adequate sporting materials. To shoulderthe cost of each of these goals, the Office of Business Administra-tion will be applying for new state grants that all of New Jersey!spublic schools are eligible. With the clear and meaningful vision thisoffice has for the future of Shore Regional, there is no doubt thatthrough the combination of continued public support and state aidthis high school can continue on the path to becoming one of thefinest in the state.

Thank you again for your commitment to making this school the best it can be for our children.

(picture: bottom right, a digital design created by the architect of the new science classrooms)

As if it were an elegant mirror, the glossy-finish of the main-gymnasium!s new floor projectscrystal clear reflections of those upon it. Studentswho!ll be playing upon its surface in the comingmonths will have more than their own achieve-ments marveled at. In the center of the floor lurksa beautifully etched “Blue Devil” poised to strikefear into opposing teams playing on Shore!s homecourt.

The new floor in the main gymnasium isn!tjust a cosmetic change, however. After years ofgames, gym classes and class battles (“Battle ofthe Classes”), it became very apparent how worn,damaged and dangerous the floor had become.“We needed to not only aesthetically repair thefloor, but also ensure that day-to-day usage wouldbe possible”, declares Business AdministratorDennis Kotch.

“We!ve really got something to be proud ofhere”, comments Athletic Director Jack Levy. “It!ssimply stunning, something that every student canbe proud of and enjoy athletic activity upon”, headds.

With the start of the basketball season justaround the corner, there!s no doubt that crowdswill be wowed by both the teams and the surfacethey!ll be playing on.

Shore Regional took a huge leap awayfrom the 1960!s and into the twenty-first centurywith the opening of its new science laboratories.Designed with more open space, environmentallyfriendly high luminescent lighting and mediafriendly equipment, each of the labs provides astate-of-the art learning environment.

Cramped, awkwardly shaped lab areas arelong-gone, replaced by wall mounted rectangulartables that contain running water, electrical outletsand chemical stations. Chemical “hoods”, storagerooms and safety stations are all present in themost modern of designs, enabling students tomove about the rooms with ease. Instructionalareas likewise are segregated from lab areas toinsure teacher instruction can be conducted incomfort, away from the encroachment of lab ta-bles and shelving units.

“It!s invigorating. You want the periods tolast hours instead of forty minutes because youcan see how much more the students are intowhat they!re doing”, explains science teacher Ali-son Cook. “They look and feel like professionallabs”, adds science teacher Martin Mullarney.

Breakthroughs of all sorts are sure to hap-pen in these new labs, and with their recent open-ing every student has a chance to have their own.

HHOOMMEE IIMMPPRROOVVEEMMEENNTTSSThe main gymnasium!s playing surface and the redesigned science laboratories are turning heads at Shore Regional.

pictures: (above left, the new main gymnasium sparkles after the application of a final “clear” coat) (above right, a newly “redone” science lab in “C-Hall”)

Composed of enthusiastic graduates who!ve achieved great success since leaving Shore, it!s clear that Shore Regional!s Alumni Affairs are...

Resting Upon A Solid FoundationFor forty-five years, Shore Regional High School has

been a place that has given thousands of graduates lifetimememories and friendships. Oftentimes, we Shore alumni findourselves harkening back to the past wishing we could re-live those “glory days”.

With that premise in mind, I!d like to invite all graduates ofShore Regional to reconnect with their friends and classmatesthis November in the beautiful clubhouse at Monmouth ParkRacetrack. There will be wonderful food, music and dancingas well as the opportunity to visit in comfortable surroundingswith people from many different classes spanning over fourdecades.

This gathering is the first in what we at the Educational Foundation hope will be repeatedevery five years, so that the many classes can keep in touch. We!re hoping to take some of theplanning burden off the many classes so that they can continue to keep in touch.

I encourage everyone to register online right away at our website:www.shoreregionalfoundation.com

The registration process will end with RSVP!s of the first 500 registrants. We!re gettingsteadily closer to that number so don!t delay and reserve your place on the guestlist!

On behalf of the foundation, I look forward to seeing you join your classmates on November 28th.

Regards,

Thomas J Duffy, "83

Facts About the Foundation! The Educational Foundation is the sponsor of the Shore Regional Fall of Fame

! The Educational Foundation is the sponsor the annual Blue Devil Society which honorsShore students that are able to maintain good grades while also being involved in at leastto co-curricular or extra-curricular activities during their time at Shore

! The Educational Foundation is the administer a generous scholarship program funded byone of our alumni

! The Educational Foundation has partnered with Shore Players to raise funds

! The Educational Foundation has donated audio/visual equipment for use in the classroom

! The Educational Foundation has provided grants for teachers to learn new teaching methods

! The Educational Foundation has facilitated the donation of 45 computers to the school

The Educational Foundation sponsors a Hall of Fame where we honor grad-uates of Shore Regional that have made exceptional achievements in variousfields including business, the arts, education, government, military and entertain-ment.

We will be holding our next induction ceremony in the fall of 2009. We arecurrently accepting nominations from the public for the names and accomplish-ments of our classmates that have excelled in one of the fields listed above. Nom-ination forms are available from the high school website at www.shoreregional.orgunder the link Educational Foundation.

Help us celebrate those who have brought honor to themselves, their family,and the Shore Regional High School community by nominating them this year.

The Shore Regional Hall of Fame

4

Shoreline - Issue Three - Two Page Spread:Layout 1 10/24/08 12:34 AM Page 1

Composed of enthusiastic graduates who!ve achieved great success since leaving Shore, it!s clear that Shore Regional!s Alumni Affairs are...

Resting Upon A Solid FoundationFor forty-five years, Shore Regional High School has

been a place that has given thousands of graduates lifetimememories and friendships. Oftentimes, we Shore alumni findourselves harkening back to the past wishing we could re-live those “glory days”.

With that premise in mind, I!d like to invite all graduates ofShore Regional to reconnect with their friends and classmatesthis November in the beautiful clubhouse at Monmouth ParkRacetrack. There will be wonderful food, music and dancingas well as the opportunity to visit in comfortable surroundingswith people from many different classes spanning over fourdecades.

This gathering is the first in what we at the Educational Foundation hope will be repeatedevery five years, so that the many classes can keep in touch. We!re hoping to take some of theplanning burden off the many classes so that they can continue to keep in touch.

I encourage everyone to register online right away at our website:www.shoreregionalfoundation.com

The registration process will end with RSVP!s of the first 500 registrants. We!re gettingsteadily closer to that number so don!t delay and reserve your place on the guestlist!

On behalf of the foundation, I look forward to seeing you join your classmates on November 28th.

Regards,

Thomas J Duffy, "83

Facts About the Foundation! The Educational Foundation is the sponsor of the Shore Regional Fall of Fame

! The Educational Foundation is the sponsor the annual Blue Devil Society which honorsShore students that are able to maintain good grades while also being involved in at leastto co-curricular or extra-curricular activities during their time at Shore

! The Educational Foundation is the administer a generous scholarship program funded byone of our alumni

! The Educational Foundation has partnered with Shore Players to raise funds

! The Educational Foundation has donated audio/visual equipment for use in the classroom

! The Educational Foundation has provided grants for teachers to learn new teaching methods

! The Educational Foundation has facilitated the donation of 45 computers to the school

The Educational Foundation sponsors a Hall of Fame where we honor grad-uates of Shore Regional that have made exceptional achievements in variousfields including business, the arts, education, government, military and entertain-ment.

We will be holding our next induction ceremony in the fall of 2009. We arecurrently accepting nominations from the public for the names and accomplish-ments of our classmates that have excelled in one of the fields listed above. Nom-ination forms are available from the high school website at www.shoreregional.orgunder the link Educational Foundation.

Help us celebrate those who have brought honor to themselves, their family,and the Shore Regional High School community by nominating them this year.

The Shore Regional Hall of Fame

4

Shoreline - Issue Three - Two Page Spread:Layout 1 10/24/08 12:34 AM Page 1

There!s no mistaking Beth Garrigal!s ("84) enthusi-asm regarding the evolving Digital Art courses at ShoreRegional. Garrigal, co-founder of television and film pro-duction company “G Productions”, can!t help but beam op-timism. There!s good reason for her positive outlook: she!spaired up with new Digital Art teacher Scott Goldstein,whose Digital Photography course has become incrediblypopular at Shore. The two are hard at work designing anew elective course, Digital Video, for the spring of 2009.

“I get calls at home all the time from students whoare experimenting with film and video and need help”, saysGarrigal. “Working with Mr. Goldstein will enable me tomake a more direct and immediate impact on student art-work”, she adds. Come February 2009, students mightneed a lot of Garrigal!s insight as they tackle the course-work she and Goldstein are putting some finishing toucheson. “I!ve been tapping into some friends on the West Coastand in New York that are immersed in motion picture art”,proclaims Goldstein. “Between Beth!s expertise, the vibe Iget from within the art scene I think we!re going to have anamazingly informative, hands-on course”, says Goldstein.

According to Garrigal and Goldstein, the coursecurriculum will be aimed at teaching both the art and tech-nical facets of video production. “If you!re going to teachvideo, teach it right. That means taking time to teach notonly how the technology works but also about angles,lighting and editing”, Garrigal asserts. “I think one of ourmain goals is to help students appreciate film as an artform,” declares Goldstein. “There!s a creative and techni-cal aspect to everything: shooting, editing, producing. Wewant students to come away with real skills and refined un-derstanding”, he further adds.

Assessments in the course vary from simple “soft-ware quizzes” to projects that have specific rubrics. “Youcan!t just grade on creativity, but you can evaluate skill lev-els, preparatory elements and overall execution”, Gold-stein explains.

Garrigal, having worked for television productionand video editing companies in New York City, sees infinitepotential for the course. “A program like this would enablestudents to have projects where they could make DVDs oftheir athletic abilities, video yearbooks, or theatric produc-tions. The possibilities are endless and they would allserve to save money in the long run since it would all bedone "in-house! here at Shore”, Garrigal enthusiasticallyexplains.

Goldstein, a 2004 graduate of William PatersonUniversity, has been prepping his digital art lab since thesummer for the twenty “I-Macs” that students will be usingin the near future. “They!re awesome computers and thekids are going to love using them”, Goldstein says smil-ingly. “Students have really been passionate about theDigital Photography class, and I can!t wait to see that en-thusiasm spill over into Digital Video Production.”

The professional insight Garrigal brings to thetable along with the spirited artistic outlook Goldstein pos-sess confirm that Shore!s students will be ready for thelights, camera and action when this elective begins!

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pictures: (above left, Board Member Beth Garrigal and Digital Arts teacher Scott Goldstein take a break from writing the new Digital Video curriculum)

(above right, Garrigal and Goldstein discuss the use of software in the new elective)

6

This past summer, Shore Regional seniors Brian Aitkens, John Gigante, Dylan McBride, David Roslyn andLawrence Olivadotti were among those who attended the 2008 New Jersey Boys State Conference. Aimed at educatingyouth in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, Boys State endeavors to provide a foun-

dation for understanding self-government, a rational approach toward the solution of public questions, and a live faith in the ideals and processes of democracy. The program of training and instruction that Shore!s five scholars experienced consisted of extending their acquaintance with the background of American ideals, expandingknowledge of the underlying principles of government organization, and active participation in a “mock” government setting.

Entering the program, each of the five members of the Class of 2009 had their own thought and feelings about what to expect from this prestigious program. “I knew it might look good for college, but I was equally excited to meet new people who are bound to be future

leaders in our country”, recalls Aitkens. “I loved the idea of the free, open political debate that Boys State encourages”, re-marks Roslyn. “Boys State allows you to experience the fullness of what this democracy has to offer”, he adds.

The instructional program of Jersey Boys State has three phases: seminars, functional ac-tivities, and general assemblies. Seminars are held in general subjects such as government, lawenforcement, legislative and election procedures. The heart of the instructional program is func-tional activity of citizenship practice, such as the operation of the courts, legislative assemblies,administration of law enforcement, and public welfare. These activities take a considerable portionof the time allotted for instructional purposes and constitute the chief means through which citi-zens "learn to do by doing".

“It was definitely "hands-on! and I was able to get a real in-depth perspective about howour government functions” declares McBride. From the first day and extending throughout the program, general assem-blies of all citizens are held. The purpose of these assemblies is to hear lectures on subjects which are pertinent to thetraining program and to give leaders of the two political parties in Boys State an opportunity to present their platforms.

“Being able to express my views as "mayor! of my "town! during one of the general assemblies gave me a new confidence that I!ve benefited from immea-surably”, proclaims Roslyn.

Boys State is in no sense a disciplinary or recreational camp. Only boys with outstanding qualifications in character and leadership, who will have a seri-ous attitude toward an intensive citizenship training program are selected. Consequently, those boys accepted give their wholehearted cooperation to the program of instruction and functional citizenship made available to them.

“Being away from home seems challenging at first, but the new people you meet help you realize how important it is to work together for each other!s

mutual success”, states Olivadotti. “You have to work together or you just won!t make it”, adds Gigante. “Even though youmight think you don!t have anything in common with someone, you learn to makecompromises and broaden your horizons”, Gigante asserts.

“I know as a graduating Senior that I!m more mature and ready for col-lege”, says McBride. “The intensity of working on something from seven in themorning until midnight, helps you understand the importance of teamwork, puttingdifferences aside and making adjustments to a plan”, Aitkens declares.

With a successful experience at this year!s conference, there!s no doubtthat these five well-rounded Shore scholars are well on their way to live up toBoys State!s mission to develop good citizens in the United States of America.

For more information on Boys State and/or how to apply go to http://www.aljbs.org

THE STATE of SUCCESSTHE STATE of SUCCESS

pictures: (above left, Shore Boys State reps - l to r, Brian Aitkens, Dylan McBride, David Roslyn, Lawrence Olivadotti; middle right, Shore rep John Gigante models his Boys State T-Shirt) (middle left, delegates discuss political issues during a seminar; bottom right, the general membership convenes for one of the many functional assemblies )

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TS: Anything really standout?

KB: The Judicial Activities Meetings. Each day we wereable to meet in a group and actually hear from legal profes-sionals their thoughts on current judicial issues affectingour country. After that, we then were able to have our own“Mock Trial” and employ a lot of the logic, reason andthought processes we!d learned since the first day.

TS: As a Junior at Shore, do you feel the Forum helped youin your academic pursuits?

KB. Absolutely. I!m a different person. I feel and am moreeducated and I understand more of what!s going on aroundme. Just watching the news I find myself more capable ofcomprehending the significance of the nation!s happenings.

TS: Thanks Katherine. Good Luck!

KB: My pleasure. I hope more Shore students get nomi-nated and attend in 2009!

This past summer,while presidential candidates de-parted the nation!s capital to campaign for votes, JuniorKatherine Bazley arrived in Washington D.C. to take part inthe prestigious National Youth Leadership Forum on Law.The program, which introduces high school sophomores,juniors and seniors from across the nation to the fields oflaw, forensics and crime scene investigation gave Bazley

the opportunity to personally meet and interact with profes-sionals from some of the nation!stop law firms, observe the legal process in action and meet fac-ulty from renowned law schools.

Throughout the week long Forum, Bazley and her col-leagues tested the fundamentals of law through simulations and directly engaged in debate over some of the most important legal issues facing our country today.

The Shoreline recently caught up with Katherine toask her questions about the experience and see how it hadshaped her educational development.

The Shoreline (TS): What interested you most about at-tending the Forum?

Katherine Bazley (KB): Well, I!ve always been interested inlearning about different parts of our country. I felt that thisforum would allow me to learn about the diversity of theUnited States through firsthand interaction with other stu-dents my age.

TS: And did it?

KB: Definitely. I was really able to connect with different cul-tural elements of the United States and appreciate howthey perceive the nation.

TS: So did you have a lot of “downtime” to just hang out?

KB: Not really. This program had a certain rigidity to it thathelped you understand how serious it was. We dressed inprofessional attire, sat-in on real collegiate level classesand interacted with legal professionals. Everyone dis-cussed their thoughts and feelings on what we were ex-posed to; there was such a sincerity to it all that everyonetook it very seriously.

TS: What were the highlights of your experience?

KB: Without a doubt, just being in Washington was a high-light. Touring the National Mall, the various monuments,being in the Supreme Court chamber: all of those experi-ences were just amazing!

8

Miss Samantha Sipler Medicine (Summer 2007)

Miss Charlotte GoldfineMedicine (Summer 2005)

Miss Francesca PietriMedicine (Summer 2005)

Miss Morgan SmiglerTechnology (Summer 2005)

Mr. Nick MillerTechnology (Summer 2005)

Mr. Michael SheehanTechnology (Summer 2005)

Mr. Max GemmaDefense, Intelligence and Diplomacy (Spring 2005)

Mr. Kyle JarmonDefense, Intelligence and Diplomacy (Spring 2005)

Miss Joanna PagonesLaw (Spring 2005)

Miss Patrice HabermannMedicine (Summer 2004)

Miss Ashley JordanMedicine (Summer 2004)

Mr. Frank PobutkiewiczTechnology (Summer 2004)

Mr. Patrick KingLaw (Fall 2003)

Mr. Matthew BurkeLaw (Fall 2003)

Mr. James RuaneDefense, Intelligence and Diplomacy (Spring 2003)

Distinguished Alumni from Shore Regional High School

pictures: (above left, Katherine poses with lady liberty)(above right, Katherine and her NYLF group during some well deserved “down time”)

This Fall, Shore Regional High School IB students joined the global recognition ofOctober 2008 as “World Hunger Awareness” month. Led by the ten seniors in the pro-gram, more than twenty-five Shore Regional students participated in the Red Bank AreaCROP Walk on October 19, 2008. These young people walked or ran 10 kilometers insupport of local and international relief efforts.

In addition to monetary donations, walkers col-lected rice, beans, and peanut butter for local foodbanks. Approximately $150,000 was raised this year,and 25% of the total was donated to local partners,such as St. Mark's Kitchen and the Monmouth-OceanFood Bank.

To heighten awareness of the extent of globalpoverty, seniors designated November 13th as thedate for a “World Hunger” dinner. The “menu” included of a selection of one of threemeals: a bowl of rice, a sandwich and salad, or a three-course meal. Since most of the

world eats one meal daily, the goal of having 75% of the attendees eat just a bowl of rice, 20% the lightdinner, and 5% a full meal carried much meaning. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Red Bank Area CROP Walk.

Several IB students have also adopted local charita-ble organizations to support their work with commu-nity relief efforts.

Plans for programs include ongoing food drives, cloth-ing drives, and tutoring programs.

As always, I welcome your questions concerningthis uniquely exciting program. Shore Regional is proudto be a “World School” and seeks to continue enlight-ening student minds to the ever evolving global societyin which we live.

updateby Linda Ensor, International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator

(pictures: top right, IB Creatiity, Activity and Service Advisor Alice Ennis-Simonson leads the charge with the IB Juniors at Red Bank!s CROP walk.middle and bottom right, images taken at the CROP walk, courtesy of http://www.geocities.com/redbankcropwalk/)

September 2008 gave Shore students the unique opportunity to get up close and personalwith some dynamic computer software engineers. Picking their brains came a bit easier than youmight think, seeing as these talented senior tech students were all teenagers as well. Hailing fromAustria, these twelve, eighteen year old exchange students answered questions that ranged frompersonal music preferences to their preferred candidate in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.

“As an IB World School, we really wanted to provide our students with opportunities to interact with other cultures, and this totally fit the bill”, explains IB Programme Coordina-tor Linda Ensor. Interaction became possible when history teacher Patricia May established a connection with the Austrian students! teacher Reinhold Mayer early on in the school year.

After confirming their in-tended visit, Miss May created an entire ten-period school day for Mayer!s class to expe-rience. The classes Austrian students were able to partici-

pate in ranged from “Technical Drawing” with Mr.Malfa to a “name that tune” contest in Mr. Osis! his-tory class that concluded with students from bothsides of the Atlantic doing a hilarious rendition ofthe Village People!s hit “YMCA”.

According to Mayer, in order to graduate, hisstudents have to visit an English-speaking nation intheir senior year and compose a paper about theexperience. “The host families we stayed with wereincredibly hospitable and the schools we!ve visitedhave taken great care of us”, Mayer recounted.“We!ve seen New York City and Washington, D.C.,and have been very happy with the opportunity tolearn about American culture firsthand”, he added.

“Our students were really curious and askeda lot of questions. They were blown away by howwell each of the Austrian students spoke English and how mature they were”, explains May. “I think itmight have intimidated our students at first, but they came away from it seeing just how cool it iswhen multiple cultures can seamlessly interact”, May added.

At the end of the eleven-day stay in the United States, Mayer and his class headed back toAustria to prepare for their final exams in 2009. Each of his students must take their exams in Englishin order to achieve the degree they seek in their advanced engineering program. “The trip to Americahas been a true success for our students, and Shore Regional was a great stop on our tour”, saidMayer. Shore!s newly cultured student-body couldn!t agree more!

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10

(pictures: top left, Austrian exchange teacher Reinhold Mayer poses for the camera.top right, Shore IB and Austrian Engineering students come together bottom right, a map of Europe showing Austria!s geographic location)

Fear, sadness, uncertainty: the uttering of the word cancer can evoke all of these negative emotions. But not forthe Juliano family. For them, the word instead pertains to resilience, determination and love.

Over the past two decades the Juliano!s, Thomas and Susan (Faccone, "77) and their three children, Tommy,Todd and Jenni, have stared the disease down and won.

Not long after the joyous birth of their first son in 1989, Thomas was diagnosed with apure seminoma. After successful radiation treatment, Thomas and Susan were told by doctorsthat there was “virtually no chance of conception”. But that was soon to be proven wrong with thebirths of Todd (1991) and Jenni (1993).

As the fear of recurrence dissipated over the course of a decade, the family got a rudereacquaintaceship with the scourge of cancer in May of 2001 when Susan!s mother was diag-nosed with Ovarian cancer. Three years later, it was Tommy who found himself in treatment forthe same ailment that had threatened his father!s health. Then, in the spring of 2008, Susanfound herself fighting breast cancer at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

“We!re the cancer cluster!”, jokes Susan. “We!re extremely loving and supportive of one another. The secret toeach one of us beating this terrible disease comes from the open discussions we!ve had as a family, constant positivityand our determination to survive despite all odds”, she adds.

Susan begain working at Shore Regional twenty years after graduating from the high school and immediately recalls why she had loved the school in the first place. “West Long Branch has been my family!s home for over fifty years, and Shore has been the nucleus of the community for most of that time”, she explains. “I wanted my children to go to the place that so many of my fondest memories had been created”.

Susan!s fond memories of Shore have grown in the past five years. During her eldest son!s bout with cancer, she and her children marveled at how much the

school community came together to support her ailing child. “Dealing with your brother having cancer could!ve been reallyhard, but the teachers and friends that I had at Shore helped me deal with it better than I ever thought I could”, professesTodd. “Everyday you had teachers like Mr. Kampf and Mr. Labush checking in with you just to see how things are going.The whole school just seemed to come together for my brother and my family”, he adds.

“It has definitely made me want to help others”, comments Jenni. “See-ing how a community can be so tremendously supportive, both when Tommywas sick and this past spring with my mother!s illness, makes you want to helpothers in need.”

Todd, the current homerun record holder for Shore baseball, and Jenni,the Student-Council President, recall the positive outlooks their family sharedduring each of their battles. “We were never really scared or nervous. We wouldalways just focus on how our loved ones were going to beat it”, mentions Jenni.“You might think it!s never going to be you, but when it is, it all comes down tohow positive you think and how determined you are to get better”, explains Todd.

“As a parent, there!s nothing worse than the feeling of helplessness you initially feel when your child is diag-nosed”, reveals Susan. “Overcoming this came from the fact that as a family we have always had dinner together everynight and stressed that we have an open dialogue about any subject.”

A subject like cancer can often leave one speechless and emotionally drained. But as the Juliano family attests,sticking together as a family amidst a community that lovingly rallies around it!s own can be just the thing to conquer eventhe darkest moments in life. (pictures: top, Tommy, Thomas and Susan celebrating a recently won award - photo © DigitalSports.com®

middle, Jenni, Susan and Tommy share a laugh together during an after-school “extra-help” sessionbottom, Todd smacks a hit during the Monmouth vs. Ocean American Legion Baseball All-Star Game

photo © Eric Sucar, The Hub®

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TheVolunteer Spirit

Ever since juniors Kelly Cosentino and AlejandraDevia (2008!s recipients of the Long Branch RotaryClub!s Rotary Youth Leadership Award [RYLA]), at-tended their local RYLA conference, leadership hascome naturally to them.

During their attendance at RYLA!s intense four-day leadership conference, both girls participated in thegoal of gaining the most powerful, enjoyable and memo-rable training available to high school age youth.

But it!s more thanjust leadership trainingaccording to Cosentino.“The moment my par-ents dropped me off atthe conference, a groupof RYLA leaders rushedme, hoisted me up inthe air and carried meoff to my dorm room. Itwas just an awesome feel-ing of being accepted andsupported.”

Adds Devia, “RYLA is allabout being friendly,breaking down barriersand lifting up people sothat they feel goodabout themselves.”

But learning how to uplift others takes a lot of work, andover the course of the weeklong conference Cosentino,Devia and dozens of other high school students learnedto refine their own leadership qualities. Character build-ing exercises helped each student learn how to helpthose in need and gain the ability to compromise.

“You learn to find a happy medium within diversegroups”, Devia recounts. “RYLA shows you how to staycomfortable with your own convictions while at the sametime learning to compromise to benefit others.”

RYLA also helps participants learn to set and achievegoals. Cosentino and Devia both recall how an exerciseknown as “board-breaking” helped them visualize impor-tant goals in their lives.

“You get awoodenboard and writeall the obstacles thatstand in your way on it. Yourwhole support team encircles you andfills the room with such an intense positive en-ergy that it wells up inside you to the point where youcan release it against the board”, Cosentino explains.

“For me it was getting a 2000 on my SAT!s”, adds Devia. “After I had broken my board I felt that I

knew I could get that score!”

Growing closer with the tenets of the program everyday,

the girls realized before the conference was over what

lie ahead for them. “We both were like, "we have to be

counselors next year!”, recalls Cosentino.

“To have an experience where you share things

that you would never even tell your best friend, be-

cause of how close you be-come with your group is

amazing”, says Devia. “To this day I hang out with my RYLA

friends because of how strong a connection we made”.

Just from being around Kelly Cosentino and Ale-jandra Devia, the enthusiasm for the program is conta-gious. Talk of who!ll be lucky enough to go next yearcontinues to be the buzz of the school!

For more information on RYLA, send an email toINTERACT@shoreregional.org

12

pictures: (top left, Alejandra and her group in a “team-building” exercise)(top right, Kelly and Alejandra are all smiles since their RYLA experience)(bottom left, a symbolic pose shows how RYLA teaches to support each other)(bottom right, Kelly poses with her new friends on “graduation” day)

Price Per Ticket # Of Tickets Total Savings of...

$75.00 1 $75.00 ***********$70.00 4 $280.00 $20.00$65.00 6 $390.00 $60.00$60.00 8 $480.00 $120.00$55.00 10 $550.00 $200.00

A L U M N ISPOTLIGHTDetails about November 2008!s 45th Grand Re-

union at Monmouth Park and how to RSVP!

(Or detach and mail this coupon!)

““SShhoorree RReegg iioonnaa ll HH iigghh SScchhoooo ll !!ss GGrraanndd RReeuunn iioonn”” (classes of 1964-2006)

Monmouth Park Racetrack ClubhouseFriday, November 28th, 7pm-12am

Business Casual Attire(must be an alumnus over 21)

OTHER EVENTS

Wednesday, November 26th Saturday, November 29th Thanksgiving Football Game, 6:30pm Brunch and Tour “under the lights” against Keyport at Shore Regional, 10:30am

To RSVP and Purchase Tickets to any of the weekend!s events, go to...www.ShoreRegionalFoundation.com www.ShoreRegionalFoundation.com

NAME:________________________________________

ADDRESS:_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Number of Tickets Requested:___________

Amount Enclosed:_____________________

Please remit payment to: The Shore Regional Education Foundation

Shore Regional High SchoolMonmouth Park Hwy 36

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Brunch Tickets = $15.00 (each)

This issue!s “Last Word” reflects on the impact a single teacher can make in the lives of students.

141 Berkman. Seth. "Journalism Teacher Made a Difference," Asbury Park Press 28 August 2008. http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080828/OPINION04/808280409&template2 Pickell, Lee. "Mr. Kevin Houtz, 56, Educator ." [Weblog I Am the Lee Element] 21 Aug 2008. MySpace.com Blogs. <http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=43300971&blogID=426187962>.

Every day thousands of American parents send their children to school hoping thatthey learn something. For those parents fortunate enough to have their children under the in-struction of English teacher Kevin Houtz, they were guaranteed that their student gained lifelessons of immense value.

A recent Asbury Park Press editorial attests to “Mr. Houtz!s” gift at bringing assurance to thedoubting teenager:

“When I was a junior, he noticed the rate at which another sports writer and I churned out arti-cles in our monthly publication, so he decided to print a special all-sports issue dedicated toour work. It was that kind of encouragement that made me believe I could pursue a journalismcareer and helped me attain my current position as an assistant editor at a national sportsmagazine1.”

Kevin began his teaching career at Lakewood High School in the mid-1980s after a fifteen-year stint as a professional musician touring the Midwest. He quickly caught the attention of the administration and found the educational spotlight fixed upon him. Not for his waist-length hair or irreverent quips, but instead for his uniquely dynamic ability to connect with students on all levels.

In his Advanced Placement course, he reached the most sophis-ticated students and dazzled them with deep intellectuality. In his reme-dial-skills classes, he opened the minds of the most disaffected youth and enchanted them to try harder and achieve more.

When he came to Shore Regional in 2000, he carried those incredible talents with him. For eight years, Kevinfilled Shore students with feelings of belonging and self-worth. Some jammed withhim in his internationally minded “drum-circle”. Many strummed guitar chords withhim to learn the “blues” that corresponded to a poem in their textbook. Others, includ-ing myself, just simply came to sit and chat about topics that ranged from the qualityof the cafeteria food to metaphysics.

Upon learning of his passing in August, another of Mr. Houtz!s former students per-haps put it best:

“He had a gift that some of the best teachers do not have; the ability to transcendteenage angst and turn it into something positive. He taught us how to question andhow to understand other perspectives. You learned in Mr. Houtz's class. The learn-ing weaved its way into your brain because you realized that Houtz had a mysticalenergy and a passion for what he was doing in the classroom. You respected him, so not only did his students listen, theyabsorbed.2”

Educators like Kevin Houtz reaffirm how important a teacher can be in the life of a young person. Kevin worked tirelesslyeveryday “to make a difference to all the honors kids, athletes and "outcasts! that entered his class”1 .

Although he is sorely missed, he has earned this rest. So, rest Houtz, rest. Your work here is done and because of it,there are many who are infinitely bettered.

In Memory of Kevin C. Houtz– September 28, 1951 - August 18, 2008 –

Shore Regional High SchoolMonmouth Park Highway 36West Long Branch, NJ 07764

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SHORE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL......Calendar at a Glance!

December 2 and December 47:00pm-9:00pm

Thanksgiving Recess:School Closed November 27 & 28

Winter Recess:School Closed

December 2 - January 4