CHAMPS! BARNEGAT HIGH SCHOOL - BARNEGAT, NJ Issue IV ROAR
M eet the Magazine Or neglected agreeable of discovery concluded oh it sportsman. Week to time in john. Son elegance use weddings separate. Ask too matter formed county wicket oppose talent. The first issue of the 2023-2024 school year looks to examine some of the most recent happenings in the school - two very succesful sports teams, an impactful meeting with vets, the strong attendance of BHS students, and a look at our new staff. Roar is created by students in the Newspaper / Journalism club and is done during the “free time” of the students. We welcome new additions to the club at any time - just reach out to Mr. Bill Thorne, adviser. ([email protected]) Thanks for taking the time out to read the newsmagazine - look for more issues coming out as the year continues. The Staff of Roar Meet The Magazine JORDON FORD Staff Writer JASMINE ORTIZ Staff Writer SOPHIA LISZEWSKI Staff Writer CATEY RYAN Staff Writer MARQUEISHA PHILIPPE Staff Writer AMANDA ERCOLINO Staff Writer THELMA AMILCAR Staff Writer RAF HERNANDEZ Staff Writer MARINA LOPES Staff Writer BILL THORNE Adviser Roar is committed to fair, accurate and ethical reporting while embracing and promoting the voice of the students. It serves as a champion of First Amendment rights fostering public discourse essential to democracy. Roar will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades the rights to privacy. Roar reserves the right to refuse advertisements. MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 2
page 4 page 10 page 14 page 14 contents 4 VETERANS VISIT US Military vets speak to BHS students as part of their social studies classes 8 BENGALS ON TIME BHS Studens are showing up to school, and on time, at high percentages. 10 ACES WILD Girls Tennis has record setting season filled with competitive seniors 14 COVER STORY: CHAMPS! Girls Volleyball capture SJGII State Title Bonus: Meet the new staff, page 18 Back Cover: BHS Students taking part in the Fall Pep Rally. Photo Eric Villanueva & Nate Diaz Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 3
Students from grades 9-12 heard stories, advice, and life lessons from the veterans in attendence. Veterans spoke to the students as whole and in smaller sections throughout the day.The media center served as a perfect location that allowed for smaller groups to hear personal stories from the veterans. Photos by: Staff MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 4 @ school
On Monday, October 2, BHS history students were treated to a special event in which they were able to meet, speak to, and interact with local veterans. “ I thought it was a very meaningul event. We heard stories and paid respect to these wonderful people,” Lily Sologuren, junior, said. The students were treated to messages of encouragement and advice on life, coupled with stories of service from the military. In attendance were 8 veterans from the Barnegat VFW. Their service spanned from WWII to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Mary Cammarata, supervisor of Language Arts / Social Studies & Fine and Performing Arts, was the lead organizer of the event. Students entered the media center and were introduced to the vets. Some sessions even included a video from Bob Roshak, a 22 year Air Force vet. Students “switched” from veteran to veteran throughout the 40 minute session. BHS history and social studies teachers accompanied the students at the event and helped to facilitate the busy day. “ It’s wonderful for students to have the opportunity to speak to these important members of our community. They shared stories of success, hardships, and overall life lessons that you truly can only learn through service to the country. I was happy to see so many students lisening carefully to the important messages and I’m thankful that the veterans made time out of their BHS History Students speak with Veterans from the Local VFW. Learning from Experience Story By: Raf Hernandez, Staff Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 5 @ school
“ It is incredibly important for us to bring veterans and students together during these types of events. Every history class assigns the Voice of Democracy essay and my hope is that the students are motivated to participate. My own grandfather would not share his WWII experiences so when he passed away his history left with him. I was enthralled with Walter's story. He just turned 99 and at the age of 16 had to decide if he would work in the coal mines or go to war. Many of the veterans talked about communication and how even in training in the US they had to write letters and would go months without hearing from their loved ones - Mary Cammarata, Supervisor of Language Arts/Social Studies/Fine & Performing Arts (5-12) ” Veterans shared different stories. While some flew planes, and test aircraft, others served in the infantry. Students were able to ask the veterans questions during the discussions. personal lives to join us at BHS. These men didn’t need to be there but they volunteered their time to hopefully help the next generation to be more well-rounded and educated, Bill Thorne, history teacher, said. Carissa Shearer, history teacher, helped to organize the event alongside Cammarata, supervisor. “Aside from the fact that I think it’s a great experience, history, from its very inception, is told through oral stories, and it is important to keep that piece of history alive. Not only for the veterans to be able to communicate with students, but also to give students a more one-on-one, individualized understanding of why this country is so important. I hope what stuck with them is that freedom is not free. It comes at a price, and regardless of how anyone feels about what’s going on politically in the world, our military, no matter what, is always the first to go into those situations and fight for us. I think it’s really important to understand what the military does, why they do what they do, and what the implications of that are, not just in the United States but around the world, and how that impacts us going forward,” Shearer, said. Shearer understood that military history may not be interesting to everyone, with that, she stressed the importance of learning, regardless of the subject. “I think that for the kids who are maybe a bit disengaged or have their prejudices, or their opinions, or what they think they know or don’t know… the best thing that I can say is that, not just in history, but in life, you learn more from other people than you learn from a textbook, or even from a teacher. Life is full of experiences and stories, and no matter whether or not you agree or disagree with those stories, it’s important for you to listen to them and take that information and use it to further your own knowledge and your own power. Knowledge is power. So whether you engage or don’t engage, it’s important to hear people out because that’s how we learn to compromise with one another– how to find common ground. Too often, people are quite “black or white” and it’s important even if you don’t necessarily agree, to always listen, because you can always take something away from what you’ve heard. Even if it’s not something you went into with that perception, you might come out of it with a totally different idea of how you think or feel. The veteran’s stories are invaluable– something you cannot put a price on,” Shearer, said. MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 6 @ SCHOOL
Students from grades 9-12 heard stories, advice, and life lessons from the veterans in attendence. Veterans spoke to the students as whole and in smaller sections throughout the day. The media center served as a perfect location that allowed for smaller groups to hear personal stories from the veterans. Left: McManus, Roshak, Hemmerle, Schroeck, seated - Augustyniak The VFW is an organization of U.S. war veterans, who, as military service members fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace. There are over 6,200 posts worldwide and more than 1.6 million members. The Barnegat VFW is located at 700 W. Bay Avenue. Jim Spataro, 30 yrs, Navy Jeff Miller, 24 yrs, USCG Walter Augustyniak, 4 yrs, USMC Ken Schroeck, 3 yrs, Army Post Commander Lenny Hemmerle, 3 yrs, Army Senior Vice Commander Bob Roshak, 22 yrs, Air Force Chaplain Michael McManus, 20 yrs, USCG and Coast Guard Trustee Ralph Howland, 30 yrs, USCG Statistics courtersy of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 2022. Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 7 WHERE THEY SERVED - OUR VETERAN VISITORS WWII WHERE: ALL OVER THE WORLD, INCLUDING: EUROPE, NORTHERN AFRICA, THE PACIFIC, ASIA. WHEN: 1939 - 1945 TOTAL LIVING VETERANS in NJ 9,000 VIETNAM WAR WHERE: VIETNAM, CAMBODIA, LAOS, CHINA, THAILAND WHEN: 1955 - 1975 TOTAL living veterans in nj: 109,000 GULF WAR WHERE: IRAQ, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA WHEN: 1990-1991 TOTAL living veterans in nj: 104,000 SOMALIA WHERE: somalia WHEN: 1992-1993 IRAQ WAR WHERE: Iraq WHEN: 2003-2011 Total Living veterans in NJ: 46,000 @ SCHOOL
Barnegat Barnegat @ SCHOOL
Left: The Bengals arrive at school - on time and ready to learn. Illusration: Staff AI Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 9 T he Bengals are off to a great start this year with improved attendance through the first two months of school and rounded out the first marking period on a high note, showing commitment to their studies. Principal Patrick Magee, in an address to students and families, said the following in regards to September’s numbers, “These numbers are truly outstanding and reflect the commitment of our students and the support of their families. Regular attendance is a crucial component of academic success, and these statistics demonstrate the dedication and responsibility of our Barnegat High School community.Students, we commend you for understanding the importance of being present in the classroom. Your commitment to learning is inspiring, and I encourage you to maintain this excellent attendance record as we move forward in the academic year. Parents, thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Your role in building a culture of attendance and punctuality cannot be overstated. Your partnership is instrumental in ensuring the success of our students.” New iniatiives annouced to the school community at the outset of the year placed a focus on attendance; 3 lates are now equal to 1 absence from the class, students who are in credit withdrawl due to missed class time will not be able to participate in school events, 10 days absent from a full year course will result in credit withdrawl for that course (5 absences for a half year class), and finally, students will not be able to utilize credit recovery at Bengal Bootcamp. “It’s always important to show up especially if you want to succeed in the future. Even when you don’t want to do it, you need to do it, those days are sometimes your best...you got up, you did it, you’re going to be smarter than you were the day before, you’re 1% better, that ties into everything in life, not just school, “ Dylan Leonard, junior, said. @ SCHOOL Story By: Staff *information compiled from BHS emails
Aces Wi Girls Tennis has a record setting season ld Story by: Jordon Ford & Catey Ryan, Staff MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 1 0 SPORTS
Left: Sophia Vallderruten, first singles, practices her ground stroke. The senior members of this year’s girls tennis team, from left to right: Sophia Vallderruten, Marina Lopes, Natalie Ponikowski, Yasmeen Muhammad, Catey Ryan, Jenna Dellacroce vs. Southern 3-2 W vs. Toms River South 5-0 W vs. Toms River East 4-1 W vs. Manchester Township 4-1 W vs. Point Pleasant Boro 3-2 W vs. Lower Cape May 2-3 L vs. Donovan Catholic 1-4 L vs. Point Plesant Beach 5-0 W vs. Lakewood 5-0 W vs. Toms River North 2-3 L vs. Haddon Heights (NJSIAA 1st Round) 5-0 W vs. Pinelands 5-0 W vs. Howell 5-0 W vs. Delsea (NJSIAA Quarterfinals) 5-0 W vs. Haddonfield (NJSIAA Semifinals) 0-5 L vs. Lacey 5-0 W vs. Jackson Liberty 5-0 W * Tennis matches are played in a best of 5 style. 5-0 is the highest possible score - a shutout. T h e g i r l s tennis team has been s e r v i n g a c e s , b o t h metaphorically a n d l i te ra l l y, t h i s s e a s o n . From significant milestones to challenges, this season has seen it all as the girls set records, won matches, and had one of the most successful sports season for any BHS program with a 13-4 record and a state semifinal apperance. Roar looks back on the accomplishments of this season and the propsects for the team’s success moving forward. Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 11 SPORTS
Team’s Performance Overview: This season, the girls tennis team participated in 17 games, boasting a record of 13-4. One of the most remarkable matches was against Toms River South, where they won with a whopping 5-0. A challenge the team faced was the weather, but with determination, they overcame it by sticking it out and putting in their all despite the pouring rain. Spotlight on Key Players: Sophia Vallderuten: Known for her skillful technique and qualifying for top 120 girls’ tennis players in New Jersey, she has contributed immensely by placing second at Ocean County Tournaments. She attributes her success to Coach Rogers and is thankful that Rogers pushes her to improve and become better. Coach’s Perspective: Head Coach Susan Rogers said, “One of the specific challenges that we overcame was the weather. It rained several days which hindered our practicing but our team were troopers and played in the rain which helped us win B South” Coach Sajdah Muhammad shared some insights on her team. “I couldn’t have had a better first coaching experience at Barnegat. This was the best way to start my coaching at BHS. The team was absolutely fantastic, these girls are leaders. The best experience so far.” she said. According to the coach, what makes this team special is “their leadership” Team Dynamics & Chemistry: One of the secrets behind the success of the tennis team is their impeccable chemistry. “I feel like we have enough teamwork,” said first doubles, Yasmmen Muhammad. Especially in doubles matches, understanding between partners like Catey Ryan and Yasmeen Muhammad becomes crucial, and this team seems to have mastered that art. MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 1 2 SPORTS
Left: Senior Catey Ryan practices her serve. Right: Senior Yasmine “Yazzy” Muhammad works on her forehand Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 13 Comparative Analysis: Compared to the previous season, where the team had a record of 8-11, this season has seen improvement. The team attributes this to better players and players adjusting to positions they play better in. Future Prospects: The team graduates 6 seniors, leaving a lot of spaces to be filled for the next season. Although that is a big loss, it also gives opportunities for new and younger players to step up next year. Ivy Lu, sophomore, and Hannah Manlulu, sophomore, second doubles, placed third at the Ocean County tournament and will return next year. “The team was absolutely fantastic, these girls are leaders. The best experience so far,” - Assitant Coach Sajdah Muhammad SPORTS
CHA mps Girls Volleyball claims South Jersey Group II Crown Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 14 T he Barnegat HS girls volleyball team did it again - the team captured the South Jersey Group II Championship for the second time in three years in a record setting year that continued to show the tremendous growth and potential of theprogram. Led by newh ead Coach Emily Dancisin, this group of young athletes has not only elevated the standard of play but has also become a beacon of excellence in the Barnegat high school sports scene. “This has been one of the most epic years our team has ever had. They went 22-5, its the best record we’ve ever had since 2015. The year started off with a bang when we won the Moorsetown Tournament which set the season off to a great start. We were ranked 18th in the state for most of the season. We were B South Public School champs, we made it to the semifinals of the Shore Conferece Tournament, we lost to Southern, the eventual champion. We earned the top seed for South Jersey Group II and we won the South Jersey Group II sectional title. By far one of the most pleasant seasons we’ve ever had. We had new coaches, Emily Dancisin, and coach Arianna (Colonnello), and both of them far exceeded expectations in climate and culture and really got our girls bonded - I couldn’t be more proud,” John Germano, Athletics Director, said. Germano wasn’t exaggerating. The season’s highlights include a 22-5 record, champions of the Moorsetown Kickoff Invitational Tournament, a #18 statewide ranking for most of the season, B-South public schools champions, the top seed in the group for the state championship, and a South Jersey Group II title. “It’s awesome to see the girls do so well with a new Story By: Jordon Ford & Staff “This has been one of the most epic years that our team has ever had...” - john germano, athletic director MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 1 4
“We worked really hard this season to fulfill our personal goals and bring success to our school. This is the second title in three years - it shows that we as a program are strong with great ambition and a good coaching staff” - Raf hernandez, senior The champs, from left to right: Coach Emily Dancisin, Jessica Harrer, Annabella Fraim, Allison Haggerty, Ashley Berger, Hailey Trimarco, Ashlee Kuhl, Isabella Pavan, Taralynn Charland, Addison Filman, Brooke DeGrazio, Lily Belardo, Shelby Randolph, Arianna Colonnello. @ SCHOOL
Right: Ashlee Kuhl, junior, winds up for a serve. head coach. It’s exciting to see Barnegat do so well. I wish there was more recognition for the team,” Mikayla Klein, senior, said. Head Coach Emily Dancisin reflects on the season. “We started as a brand new team with a new staff and the reason we were successful is because the girls bought in to our new program/mindset right on day one. Our goal was not explicitly to win a championship, it was to establish a positive, inclusive, fun environment and our 22 awesome wins were simply a by-product. We are stoked for next season to pick up right where we left off with the culture/tone already set this time,” Dancisin said. The team’s success was due largely to their chemistry and the team’s culture of positivity but individual skill also played a huge role. Izzy Pavan, junior, earned 2nd team All-Group II honors while Ashley Berger, senior, earled 3rd team All-Group II honors. This places the girls in the top of all Group II players in the entire state. Annabela Fraim was awarded 2nd team All-Shore honors with Ashley Berger claiming 3rd team All-Shore. Brooke DeGrazio and Isabella Pavan recieved honorable mentions. Berger even broke the school’s record with 483 career kills. Parents, students, and fans rallied behind the team, creating an atmosphere of unwavering support. The team’s accomplishments have become a source of immense pride for the school, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. Students even returned to school over the November break to help cheer the team on. Mike Palmieri, Barnegat high school coach, reflect on the great crowd that cheered the team on during its playoff run in a tweet that read: “I just want to give a shoutout to Blackout and all the athletes I saw at yesterdays VB match. The girls deserve every ounce of support. Hopefully I’ll see you all tomorrow for the state-wide Group II semifinal. Let’s pack the house again!!!” With the conclusion of the season, the Barnegat girls’ volleyball team has their sights set on another great year ahead. With the culture that was built and a commitment to excellence, the team is poised to navigate the challenges that lie ahead. “our goal waexplicitly tochampsionwas to establpositive, inclusivenvironment and oawesome wins were a by-pro- emily dancisinc
Left: The champs, Coach Emily Dancisin, Jessica Harrer, Annabella Fraim, Allison Haggerty, Ashley Berger, Hailey Trimarco, Ashlee Kuhl, Isabella Pavan, Taralynn Charland, Addison Filman, Brooke DeGrazio, Lily Belardo, Shelby Randolph, Arianna Colonnello. Below Left: the South Jersey, Group II Sectional Title Trophy Season Recap: vs. Pinelands: W vs. Rumson - Fair Haven: W vs Cinnaminson: W vs. Donovan Catholic: L vs. Lower Cape May: W vs. Manchester Township: W vs. Jackson Liberty: W vs. Lacey: W vs. Trinity Hall: W vs. Lakewood: W vs. Toms River East: W vs. Pinelands: L vs. Egg Harbor: W vs. Middle Township: W vs. Manchester Township: W vs. Jackson Liberty: W vs. Lacey: W vs. Lakewood: W vs. Atlantic Tech: W vs. Toms River East (Shore Confernce Tournament): W vs. Marlboro (Shore Conference Tournament): W vs. Southern (Shore Conference Tournament): L vs. Lower Cape May (NJSIAA): W vs. Collingswood (NJSIAA): W vs. Pleasantville (NJSIAA): W vs. Gov. Livingston (NJSIAA): L Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 16 SPORTS 22-5 Record Moorsetown Kickoff Invitational Tournament Champions Ranked 18th in the state B-South Public School Champions Shore Conference Semi-Finals #1 Seed in state group tournament Group II South Sectional Champions Highlights as not o win a ship, it blish a ve, fun our 22 simply oduct” n, head coach
Meet the New Staff chris brown - rotc brittany kurinsky - science noah manno - music This is Brown’s 13th year as an ROTC instructor / teacher. He spent 28 years in the US Navy on active duty and 40 years in the service. He was drawn to Barnegat by its “small town feel” and sees the school as “very clean”. He is very patriotic and competitive and belives that competition breeds success. This is Kurinsky’s 12th year as a teacher. She previously taught at Jackson Liberty Middle School. She was a student teacher of Mrs. Connors in 2010 and saw how Mrs. Connors taught - she wanted to do the same. She likes the “beautiful mini college campus” of BHS and enjoys being outside, kayaking, hiking, and gardening. This is Mr. Manno’s first year as a teacher. He likes the BHS community and his colleagues. He belives that the students are very talented in the arts department and loves the passion from the teachers and administrators here at BHS. He was an acapella singer in college. Roar, Barnegat HS, Winter Issue, 12 BHS welcomes new staff to our school community. This year, we see new science, ELA, music, and business teachers, as well as members of our school support staff. Interviews by: Catey Ryan & Marina Lopes Roar, Barnegat HS, Fall Issue, 18 SECTION NAME MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 1 8
therese weiner - ELA kaleigh wargo - guidance lauren mcauley - SAC karen mcbee - nurse Weiner has been teaching for 34 years (including substituting). At one point, she lived in Barnegat but has since moved away. She sees BHS as “like a family, with everyone helping each other, students and staff”. In addition to ELA, she teaches fitness classes outside of the school. She is a dancer and was on the school dance team. Weiner is also a dog trainer and does therapy dog work with her dogs. Wargo previously worked for two years in Asbury Park and has nine total years in education as a counselor. She belives that the BHS community is incomparable to any other district that she’s worked in and likes the “loving, welcoming, and family” feel. Prior to becomming a counselor, she was a main office and guidane secretary for 7 years. She attended MATES and dreamed of living on a boat and working with sharks. McAuley has worked in education for 15 years with previous jobs in New York and Upper Freehold and served as an academic advisor for college students. She likes the mission of BHS and the ability to support students. She belives that the BHS community is warm and welcoming. She has a 5 year old son that loves to go to the beach. McBee has worked for 17 years as a nurse with Atlantic Care and has subbed in the district for 7 years. She has lived here her whole life - one daughter graduated last year and one is currently in BHS. She loves the spirit at BHS but wishes the seniors were around longer during the day. She is a Rutgers University grad, worked in social work, and helped people with disabilties. She volunteers at her church and spends a lt of time there. BONUS
Krystle Alexander - Math Alexandra Holichork - Science Jennifer Maddalena - ELA Roar, Barnegat HS, Winter Issue, 20 Horlichork is a first year teacher. She sees BHS as a nice school and a nice first place to start and appreciates how it is big, cleant, and new. She was on a NJ state champion soccer team in high school. sajdah muhammad - business This is Muhammad’s 5th year teaching with four years of previous experience in Long Branch. She lives in the community and hopes to make an impact here. The sees the school as clean and one that offers a lot for the students. She worked at Verizon for 20 years in operations, finance, and engineering. She loves being active, either playing a sport, coaching, or being active in the community. Alexander has been teaching for 14 years, previously in Burlington Township. She likes the murals and feels that the school is innovative. She has worked at WaWa part time for 16 years and even met her husband at WaWa - it’s a big part of her life. Maddalena has been teaching for 20 years with previous jobs at the Donahue School, Alpha School, and in Bricktown. She was drawn to Barnegat because it is only 15 minutes from her house, and she loves the area - Ocean County, the beach - she’s a 50 year resident. She loved the staff during her first interview. She sees the staff as friendly and loves talking with Mrs. Rua. She loves motorcycles, rides one every day, and enjoys softball and weightlifting, she even taught piano in high school! SECTION NAME MARCH 2011 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE 2 0
Briella pulitano - ela kelly roma - ela michael cestare - business This is Pulitano’s first year as a teacher. She was drawn to BHS by Bengal Bootcamp and the extra support that the school gives to students. She sees the school community as helpful and feels that everyone “knows everyone”. She is a Stockton University graduate and loves to read. This is Roma’s first year as a teacher. She was drawn to BHS by the school spirit and sees that students are invovled and the teachers are welcoming. She is a Monmouth University grad and is fluent in Russian. Cestare has worked as a teacher for 8 years. He previously taught in Pinelands and Lakewood. He moved to Barnegat 6 years ago and fell in love with the town. He has two kids in the district (Dunfee & Collins). He likes the BHS building and sees lot of school spirit with people wearing Barnegat clothes outside of school. He is an expert shucker (clams, oysters, scallops) and grew up on the working on the Seaside Heights boardwalk. BONUS