The following high school students were involved with the planning of Snowflake and the
actual Snowflake. Brianne Bielecki, Catia Bolognini, Mike Dicillo, Carolyn Guth, Diane
Guth, Dana Jones, Kristen Karns, Anna Kritikakos, Fae Lumauag, Russ Moskal, Lisa Perna,
Dee Dee Rey, Johanna Collins, and Monika Malara. Ms. Divita-Geremia is coordinator of the
Anti-Drug Club.
The following students placed in individual events and will be competing at Nationals:
Peter Stanczak placed 1st in Technical Marketing, Kristen Keglovitz placed 2nd in Apparel
and Accessories, Supervisory level, Joanna Szyndlar placed 2nd in Food Marketing,
Supervisory Level, Beth Bundalo placed 2nd in Retail Merchandising, Supervisory Level,
Maggie Georgiou placed 3rd in Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan.
For team event competitions, the following students placed: 2nd place in Learn and Earn
Project- Beth Bundalo, Butch DeFelice, and Ralph Cantal. Civic Consciousness, team members
Margie Kucmierz, Joanna Szyndlar, and Joanna Wieczorek placed first. Team members Louie Mezzano, Dina Politis, and Marie Weeks placed 2nd in
their Civic Consciousness project. For International Marketing, team members Beth Bundalo,
Jay Shah, and Chris Soszynski placed first. For
Hospitality Research Event, Anna Moskal and Sabina Modelska placed 2nd. For Finance and
Credit, Bogdan Szeszko and Marie Weeks placed 3rd.
Of the nine written manuals submitted, eight placed first or second ,and one placed
fourth. Overall the following trophies were won: 7 first place trophies, 9 second place
trophies, 8 third place trophies and 4 fourth place trophies.
Additionally, many students received medals and certificates for individual testing
accomplishments.
Nationals be will held April 24-29th.
Internet is active
By: Kevin Szaflik
This month the Internet Club has been busy working on Think Quest. The Internet Club is
also responsible for every page on Ridgewood’s web site. Together with Webmaster
Kevin Szaflik, the Internet Club has posted over 600 pages on a variety of topics. Each
club, department, event, and sport has its own section. Every major school publication is
online as well. If you haven’t already visited, stop by http://www.ridgenet.org.
The Drama Club portion of the web site has won its second award recently from CAPA.
CAPA awards a variety of thespian sites. "Our traffic in the Drama club section is
way up," reports Mr. Szaflik. "We’ve added photographs, sound files, and
videos of the V Show. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback from people
looking at the V Show section." You can access the V Show directly at
http://www.ridgenet.org/drama/vshow98 .
The Internet Clubs hopes to add photos, sound and video files to the other plays as
well, starting with Aladdin McFaddin, the spring 1994 play. Why are they adding new
material to a page about a play that occurred almost four years ago? "It seems
strange," explains Mr. Szaflik, "but that play along with three other past
productions, receive the most hits." Hits are the number of times a page is accessed.
"In fact, we measured hundreds of hits on those pages coming from California and
Hawaii. One AOL member from California has logged into those pages nearly 50 times."
What is the top priority for the next two months? "That would be the sports
section. We’ve been having a hard time getting coaches to give us up to date
information." The sports section will be completely overhauled. The updated version
will be split into past and present teams and broken down by Varsity, JV, and Frosh-Soph
teams.
Why should you be interested in joining the Internet Club? "It’s the
perks," said club sponsor Kevin Szaflik. "After a club member completes three
assignments on time, they are eleigible for a personal email address and a dial up account
so they can surf the web at home with just a local call. They also get one personal home
page. Students who consistently work well also receive Rebel Respect cards. "While
our main job is to keep information up to date, we are also open to personal projects such
as the hot rod- auto section and the science fiction story section. Visit us."
FBLA Members Prepare for State!!
By: Dina Politis
On March 26-28, FBLA members will travel to Springfield, Illinois to compete in the
State Conference. Members have been preparing for months for their competitions. Some have
written manuals or are competing individually, but whatever they are competing in ,they
have been working hard. Members who place first or second in their competition will
advance to the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida this July.
An ongoing community service activity is collecting used eyeglasses for the Lions
Foundation. We hope to collect pairs of glasses to help less fortunate individuals see
better when they cannot afford to purchase a pair . The Lions Foundation collection boxes
will be in the Adult Center, the library, and Mrs. Maniez’s office located next to
room 122.
FBLA members have also begun collecting pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House. This
institution helps to house family members when a loved one needs assistance away from
their home. We have ordered over two hundred cardboard houses to collect the tops. Once
the house is full, the person should return it to Mrs. Maniez’s office where it will
then be sent to the Ronald McDonald House. Both of these community service activities will
continue till the end of the school year.
Removing A Bee Stinger
By School Nurse Joan Varanauski
According to the latest research it doesn’t matter HOW you remove a bee stinger,
but more importantly WHEN you remove it. On experiments done on humans it was noted that
the size of the welt was directly related to the time the stinger was in the skin. Whether
you "grab and pull" or "scrape" the factor remains the time element
(speed of removal of the stinger). It has been found that the bee’s stinger will
actually continue to pump venom into the skin even after the bee has left.
Various pain relievers were also tried, such as mud, ammonia, meat tenderizer and ice,
but none reduced the size of the welt. Ice and anesthetic applications helped ease the
pain.
Four stars to Will
By: Diane Guth
That is what a majority of the audience had to say about this play, written by
Ridgewood’s own, Mike Pauley. This play had various eccentric characters who really
came to life, thanks to the marvelous acting skills of the performers.
This was a unique play. Aside from the fact that a student wrote it, it had a different
ending each night. It was a comedy that always kept the audience on the edge of their
seats wondering- Who’s next? Mrs. Hansen was certainly right in saying to me,
"You have to go see the play, it is soooo good. It’s very funny. You’ll
love it!"
As this was Mrs. Lewandowski’s last major performance here at Ridgewood, she had
mixed feelings about this production. She felt happy and proud to have directed a play
written by one of her students, and yet she is sad that the curtain has just about fallen
on her time at Ridgewood.
For everyone who has worked with her, this was certainly a bittersweet success. They
will have to say goodbye to their director, fellow thespian, and friend, Mrs. Lewandowski.
Boys’ Basketball Team Are Back to Back Regional Champs
The Boys’ Basketball team scored 1535 points during the season and won the
Conference Championship with a 12-17 overall record, 6-4 in conference play. Rafael Lizak
was named to the All Conference team. Brian Rzewnicki was named all Conference for
Defense. Coach Ken Saam says, "He’s a player who can do everything." Renzo
Berardi was named team MVP. Tim Pabich was the most improved player. Matt Altschul won the
Don Nye Sportsmanship award. These are all seniors. Juniors on the team were Joe
Caringella, Vince Fanelli, Sebastian Grossman, Jason Kalandyk, Erick Kraus, Paul McCarthy,
Henry Mistarz, and Tony Santucci.
This was Mr. Saam’s first year coaching at Ridgewood. His highlights for the
season were their victories over Evergreen Park and Lemont and double victories over
Elmwood Park and Westmont. Rebel basketball was very exciting too, with six of thirteen
wins by seven points or less. Coach Saam also highlighted contributions by his assistant
coach Al Marks, who facilitated the team’s success. Mike Wuich coached the sophomores
to a 9-15 record and developed a good nucleus for next year’s team. Coaches Tom
Pagliaro and Ilija Milavonovich also had a lot of success at the freshman level.
Information provided by Rafael Lizak and Mr. Saam
Baseball Starts With a Chill
By Louis Mezzano
Due to horrible weather conditions, the Varsity team was confined to the gym until the
weather cleared up. They even played the Ridgewood Invitational indoors. Ridgewood beat
both guest teams.
Take a close look at this year’s team. It is a solid team. Almost every player on
the team has enough experience to take us to the state tournament. Players such as Mike
Batch, Renzo Berardi, and Vince Fanelli have many talents on the field. Mike plays first
base, catcher, and also is one of the top pitchers. Renzo is an outstanding pitcher and
also can and will play second base and shortstop. And last, but not least is Vince. Vince
pitches, plays the outfield and third base. With the talent I see, this team looks very
promising and will likely have a winning record.
The boys won their first game 15-1 against Lakeview on March 23. Bill Peterhansen got a
home run, and Mike Batch got a triple. Fanelli, Mike Laino and Eric Hjelm each got
doubles. The team plays at home every day during Spring Break, with a double header on
Saturday, March 28.
Girls’ Basketball evens their scores
Information provided by Kristin Keglovitz
The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team finished the season with equal numbers of wins
and losses, both overall and in conference. Their overall record was 13-13. Their
conference record was 5-5. Key players were Kristin Keglovitz, who averaged 19.5 points
per game, and Beth Bundalo, with an average of 13 rebounds per game.
Season highlights were winning the Christmas Tourney against Addison Trail, beating
conference champs Lemont at home, and their second win against Elmwood Park during Pack
the Place. The team motto was "Practice hard, play hard, win easy."
Seven players are graduating this year: Beth Bundalo, Jackie Fields, Kristin Keglovitz,
Becky Nielsen, Megan Norton, Tina Stevens, and Marie Weeks. Next year’s team will be
young, but they have a lot of talent and will do well if they work hard. Two juniors will
return: Erin Connelly and Nicole Scollard. The sophomores are coming off a great season
and will contribute a lot to next year’s team. The Varsity Girls were coached by RHS
alum Margaret Steele.
"Daughter to Work Day" is unfair
An editorial by Louie Mezzano
Men! All of our lives we have been hearing words such as "Racism" and
"Sexual Bias" in our community, in our schools, and in our homes. Well men, we
finally have our chance to use one of these words. "Take Your Daughter to Work
Day," which is on April 23, is a day that has been going on since 1993. Every year on
that day young ladies are able to take a day away from school and go to work with one of
their parents.
According to the American Heritage College Dictionary, bias is an "inclination for
or against someone or something that inhabits impartial judgment; prejudice." So, if
one were to look at "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," and apply the above
definition of bias, it is obvious that this is a discrimination against men. Why
isn’t there a day where young men are able to set aside time to be able to learn the
tricks of the trade from one of their parents? Think about it! If we all truly want to be
able to live in a world of total equality, we must first touch on the smaller issues and
work our way to the top. Instead of having a day that is focused on one gender, the title
should be changed to "Take Your Children to Work Day."
US lacks high-tech workers
By High School News & Graphics
WASHINGTON — The poor showing of high school students on international math and
science scores is one reason computer companies lack confidence in home-grown talent and
are desperately trying to lure employees from foreign nations.
A recent study by the Information Technology Association of America estimated that more
than 340,000 highly skilled jobs in the computer industry were currently unfilled
nationwide. Despite the sellers’ market, American youth appeared to be unimpressed
with computer science or engineering as careers.
Texas Instruments’ Stephen Leven added another theory — high-tech workers are
simply not "cool’’ enough for image-conscious American kids.
"Recently, I was shown a series of drawings by children asked to envision someone in
the high technology industry,’’ he said. "Their images of the folks who
work in our companies are unflattering ... pictures of men with pocket protectors, crooked
glasses and rumpled clothing were the norm.’’
Track season jump starts
By: Lora Grabowski
So far the ’97-’98 track season has been great. We’ve had a great number
of kids come out with about 32 kids on the team. There are a lot of new freshmen faces
this year including B. Brutto, K. Bundalo, L. Grabowski, J. Pagano, L. Weeks, K. Zaleska,
C. Harczak, L. Scaletta, B. Hunter and T. Furundzic. We’ll be losing eight excellent
runners at the end of this year. Our outstanding seniors are B. Bundalo, B. Collado, E.
DelValle, M, Monson, T. Raimondi, S. Shulda, D. Swibel and M. Weeks. The seven coaches are
really helping out and encouraging us to work hard and achieve our goals.
"We’ve had an excellent turnout so far and I’m really impressed with the
numbers. It’s going to be a lot easier to put together meets now ,and it’ll be a
lot more fun. With all of the new runners we should have no trouble building excellent
teams for the next few years," said girls’ coach Art Slowinski
One of our boys’ Varsity coaches, Greg Hauptmann. hopes to develop a distance
relay with D. Swibel, T. Raimondi and K. Trieu. "I’d like to get our numbers up
a bit and get some more runners. One of our main priorities and goals is to move up from
last place in conference. We’re hoping to send Tony Raimondi to state. I saw a lot of
talent in our first Boys’ meet last Thursday, even with five missing members."
Another one of our girls’ coaches, Dave Mack, would like to send Beth Bundalo to
state and have Michelle Monson and Emily DelValle qualify for the 400m, 600m, or the mile.
"I’m expecting to see some great things from our girls this year. Sara Shulda,
Vince Ho and Antonette Nardulli are turning out great. Our new senior, Bridgette Collado,
is really trying her best at the shotput and discus throw. I’m very proud and excited
for our girls."
The freshmen are looking good at the high jump and triple jump. We’ve got a lot of
speed and that means more sprinters!!!
The boys had their first meet at Maine East on March 12. There were some excellent
scores here. F. Yuen came in 3rd place for his time of 14:19 on the 3200. T. Raimondi came
in 2nd on the 800m with a time of 2:16.4. T. Raimondi, D. Sica, T. Guagenti and T.
Kaczprzinski came in 2nd for the 1600m relay with a time of 4:03. Our best event of the
meet was won by T. Guagenti who came in 1st place. He reached a height of 5’6 for the
high jump.
Horoscopes
By: Iris Giannakis
THESE HOROSCOPES ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!!!!!!
For those born this month: This is a wonderful year for you and next year should
be more magnificent. Warning: A new favorite you have will make your world go round
soon(Very soon). Sit back and enjoy the entertainment while it lasts.
Aries- Has everybody been against you lately? (Looks like Xena is causing
trouble again!) You need to slow down and figure out what you did. Everybody will be
themselves again soon. (Thats if Xena doesn’t bring more trouble your way)
Taurus- You’re feeling restless this month. So is your favorite. (Chill
out! There’s nothing wrong with feeling restless. I feel restless once in a while
too!) Instead of making changes in your life (Which is not a good idea at this point), try
to appreciate what you already have.
Gemini- Somebody that you know is irritating you really really bad this month.
Is that somebody your favorite by any chance? (Who are you gonna call? Xena Warrior
Princess-to your rescue!) Don’t worry. It won’t last. (Nothing ever lasts these
days)
Cancer- Is your favorite playin’ hard to get this month? (Xena had nothing
to do with this) If that’s the case it might be your attitude. (Of course if you act
crazy your favorite will run away.) Don’t worry about it. Your favorite will be
coming around the bush soon. (Thats if Xena doesn’t get involved in your love life)
Leo- Your friends are changing this month. (Looks like Xena is at it again!)
Leave them be for awhile. Take time to relax. Your friends will be themselves again soon.
(Thats if Xena doesn’t make them turn against you, which she did to me)
Virgo- Is your favorite making you lovesick this month. (Control yourself, will
you?) You better think twice or your emotions will be making the decisions for you. Maybe
Xena to be exact. (Uh Oh! Uh Oh!)
Libra- So far in 1998, you’ve been too busy to stop and think. (What was
Xena thinking?) Warning: Your favorite’s declaration of love will rock your world.
(Yummy) S/He is attracted to you like moths to a flame.
Scorpio- Your friends have been grumbling that you’ve haven’t been a
good pal lately. Are you lonely? (Is Xena making your life a living hell?) Are you looking
for a favorite? For those of you looking for love, spend more time outdoors. (That’s
where the action is)
Sagittarius- Your soul says ‘it’s time to make some changes.’
(Xena says ‘get a grip already’) Your heart says ‘my life is fine as it
is.’ Wait till next month. (You’re in for a big surprise!)
Capricorn- You are eager to change many things in your life. (Xena says ‘I
don’t think so’) Keep dreaming, and those changes may come sooner than you
think. (Be prepared to face this alone!)
Aquarius- You are trying to get an old flame back this month. (Xena says
‘you’re a fool’ and I say it’s not worth it!) Get over it already!
(Will you? You see one old flame you’ve seen them all) Your loved one had moved on.
You’ll find someone much better. (Like Xena for example) Just be patient.
Pisces- Responsibility comes before friends and any parties you think
you’re going to. (Don’t listen to what Xena says, she’s trying to tempt
you. Naive beware!) Don’t commit to more duties than you can handle. (Xena says bring
it down)
The
