The Purple Chronicle

The best part of summer? Easy. Fresh caprese salads.

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:19:44 -0400

The best part of summer? Easy. Fresh caprese salads.

thepurplechronicle Update

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:16:01 -0400

Hello Readers,

The seniors are done with classes. Alas, that means that the thepurplechronicle is on hold until further notice. This online paper was a product of the journalism course senior elective. At this point, we don’t know of its destiny but we have appreciated your constructive feedback, interesting suggestions, and overall good cheer. One semester’s worth of submissions created 230 posts! We wish you all a happy and safe summer!

-thepurplechronicle staff and Mrs. Goff

Memories of a Classicalite!!!

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:16:00 -0400

By Jennifer Ventura

The locker room is a place that we all end up at the end of the day. The locker room has become the highlight of my time at Classical High School. It is where we meet up and share the laughs and the latest information of the day. To me, the locker room holds a lot of memories that I will always have in my heart. As a Classical student, you are forced to go to one locker room, where hordes of students are pushing and shoving trying to get to their destinations.

Although so simple, this is where my friends and I would come to share the day’s trouble and frustrations. It is where I met my friends, where I shared my first hello, and where I will probably give my last goodbyes. Most people would ask themselves why a locker room? And I say, that our locker room is most unique; it’s not the physical place that counts because by its appearance you would think that I was crazy but it’s what the place means. At our lockers, we see our homeroom colleagues and different students from every class. I used to see a different person every day and meet a new classmate. Although it is a simple place, it is very special to me. Here I learn the dislikes and the likes of a lot of my friends. Over the years, we’ve had silly moments where we have jumped around and acted as if we were the only ones on the planet. In the locker room, some of us complained about the busses, our schedules, and going home but not wanting to go just yet because it was not the place we wanted to be.

The old blue locker room has become a part of my everyday life. Now that I am leaving and opening a new chapter in my life, I notice that in college there are no locker rooms; there is no place to go after class to get what you need. As silly as it sounds, college is a place where I must learn to be independent and manage my time. Having a locker insures me that I am still a kid and that I will have somewhere to put my things, other than a dorm room. It’s not the same, because when given a dorm room, you become an adult, you have your own space and no one is telling you to go to class and hurrying you around. The memories that I take from the locker room are priceless; the different experiences that are in my brain could only happen at Classical, because we are very interesting people, no ordinary folks at this school.

The rows of lockers remind me of just how frustrated we got because we wanted to get in there and get our stuff. My friends and this locker room have made Classical what it is for me; the paintings make my head turn when I am walking down.

Knowing that I had time constraints is something that I’m going to miss, because when I move on I’m going to be faced with a lot of choices and they are going to mark my path. Here I have learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re not considered “normal” because here this is fine; we appreciate diversity and we celebrate difference. You will always have a blast here, and you will not understand Classicalites unless you spend a day with us and see why we love our school and why that blue, raggedy old locker room is such a huge part of us. Leaving today just reminds me that I am really going to miss this locker room. I look at it now and although it aggravated me every time I went to it, it reminds me that high school is over. Going forward, high school has been a great experience and now that I see it ending, I can’t wait to create more memories.

Look at All the People

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:41:54 -0400

The things that really matter

By Michael Ross

I open my eyes and see what appears to be an endless sea of green spread out before me. A breeze comes rumbling across the field, whipping my three year old eyes. Irritated, I close them to blink. Opening them again, I am eighteen, looking up at the front of Classical for the last time. Of course, there were a few events in between those two moments, but it all seems to have occurred in the blink of an eye. Just yesterday I was a freshman, walking through the purple gates for the first time. The day before that I was showing up for my first day of middle school. My, how time flies.

As I look back on it all, I have had a lot of good times and experiences. Thinking about what I left behind, what I will miss the most, I think of my friends and all the relationships I have formed, and how important they all were, and still are, to me. I have never been one to be too attached to a thing or a place. Monuments, seashores, buildings, are all nice and can capture lingering memories, but in the end they are just things, impossible to form any meaningful connection to, not for me anyways. It is with the people we meet that we leave our mark, that we share the moments that matter and form the important bonds.

I can’t say where I would be without my friends, and honestly, I don’t know where I will go without them. Driving around blasting fifties music, playing records on the street corners, and just walking around aimlessly like every other high school kid, may seem like foolish and childish activities, but they were pretty darn fun, and will be the things I will miss the most when I am gone.

Of course, my family is important too. I do know where I would be without them – nowhere. If not for my parents, there is a large possibility I never would have existed. Stressful, fun, loving, and a tad bit out of touch with the times, I owe a lot to them. Growing up with a crazy Irish family may not be the easiest experience, but it’s certainly character building and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

The most influential member of my family

It is easy for all of you reading to take these things for granted, and I don’t blame you for it. But, while you get caught up in the thrill of it all, don’t forget – it’s the people that matter the most.

On and Off The Field: Where Did the Time Go?

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:24:00 -0400

By Jeronima Nix

The field is my life…

As I start to look back at the four years I’ve spent here at Classical, I can’t help but ask so many questions. Why didn’t I do that? Why did I do that? How did I get the friends I have? Have I really changed this much? Am I really a senior at last? But the biggest question would be, how did I make it through the four years?

Like other seniors, these last few days have meant the most to me. It’s my last chance to say my goodbyes and cherish the time I have left. With finals, prom, and the field trip, most of my time is spent worrying about the little things…ha just kidding! Of course I haven’t completely given up; something I learned this year was that colleges can take back their acceptances. I can’t afford my grades going down at this point, especially with the cost of college basically doubling in recent years.

The one major thing I’m glad I did was to join Classical’s soccer team. I’ve been playing since I was three; grant it, I’m not a superstar like many girls I know but hey it’s in my blood and it’s what I do. Every year I meet new people through soccer. Many of the friends I have share my love for soccer. The friends that didn’t love soccer sure do love it now after my constant raving about the sport. I owe these four years to soccer; if I didn’t play I’m pretty sure I’d be a different person right now. Soccer shaped who I am as a person, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Being at Classical has helped me find many new ways to deal with stress; the biggest way for me was to play sports, obviously more specifically soccer. Every game, I would always forget how bad school went and was able to play my stress away. No matter what, rain or shine, we played. I had my share of wins and losses but I never lost hope.

As do many sports, we had our senior night; the juniors had the idea of giving each player a name. To my surprise they named me “The Annayalator”; yes, that is how it is spelled and it always brings back many memories whenever I hear it. Now, throughout the season this year I made myself known for a certain “move” called slide tackling or trucking. Either way no one could believe (including myself) that someone as small as me could do it as much as I did. The one thing that I remember vividly is the day I got injured which was expected since few people slide tackled for good reason. I always gave every game I played my all and although sometimes it wasn’t enough I know it was the best I could do and that the only way to go from a loss was forward. Whenever an opposing player thought they could out play me, I showed them that no matter my size, no one brings me down. After that injury, I was out for about TWO weeks, but as soon as I got the OK to play, my mind was already on the field waiting for the ball to reach me.

Besides that, soccer really helped me to stay on track with school. As any high school athlete knows, we must keep steady grades; if not we’re off the team. Soccer really helped me organize my time and keep me healthy both physically and mentally. I’ve managed to keep my grades at an A standard, which admittedly I haven’t seen since my middle school years. I’ve made new friendships, rekindled old ones, and lost a few but that’s just how life is. You can’t gain if you haven’t lost.

What’s in store for me after I graduate? I’ll be, hopefully, studying journalism at Roger Williams University. At this point in time I’m going in undecided, but leaning towards either journalism or psychology. After almost FOURTEEN years in school and living at home, I’ll finally be on my own ready for whatever college life has in store for me. High school has really taught me a lot of things, but being at Classical has given me experiences I know I wouldn’t have had if I went somewhere else. The biggest transition I’ll be making is the fact that Classical is so diverse and Roger Williams isn’t as much. All in all I’ll miss Classical…and I’m not just saying. Once you’re a senior no matter how much you complained throughout the previous three years, once you’re at that “last week of high school ever” stage you feel different.

The one major piece of advice I have is to find a way to make a name for yourself, a good name. Don’t ever let anyone say you can’t. Someone once told me not to take Pre Calculus this year because I’d get Ds all year, but let me tell you that I’ve been getting all As proving that person wrong. Like in soccer the players don’t make your plays, you make your own plays.

…my team is composed of my friends and family, and the opposing team is comprised of the obstacles in my life…one slide tackle at a time.

By Yliana Perez Transferring from one school to another can bring great excitement, opportunities,...

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:04:05 -0400

By Yliana Perez

Transferring from one school to another can bring great excitement, opportunities, and uncertainties. But, transferring from Jorge Alvarez High to Classical High was much, much more. It was not just the excitement of attending a new school (Classical no less), it was also about a joyful hope of a new life that was emerging from within me.

To reflect back for a moment, I realize now that my freshman year at Alvarez was undisputedly my best academic year of high school. I was the only freshman taking geometry and one of a limited group chosen to take physics; I thought I was well on my way to college. No one ever talked about college, but I dreamt of college, of leaving home, of having a new beginning, going to a place of higher education, reaching something everyone else in my family had failed to do. It seemed surreal that within a couple of years it would all come true.

During my time at Jorge Alvarez High School, I continually found the work easy, inadequate, and insufficient. I excelled without much effort, and many times I scratched my head wondering why high school was so undemanding. I had expected so much more. It was during these moments of dissatisfaction that I made my decision and sent my transcripts to Classical High School. I was accepted my sophomore year.

Making friends or checking out the cutest boys was not on my priority list upon entering Classical. I knew that the game plan here was distinct. When I walked through the purple double doors and saw the words “college preparatory” hanging on a banner, I realized that I was in a serious place. Almost immediately, I began receiving books in my classes. At first I marveled at all my books, but then I became annoyed reminding myself of how painless I had it in Alvarez. Soon my routine began. Homework on an everyday basis, outlining, compositions, and reading, caused me to become overwhelmed. I spent about two weeks pleading to my mother to have pity on me and transfer me back to Alvarez. I was no longer the smart girl; there were freshmen taking algebra two and students taking Advanced Placement classes; this was all new to me.

To combat my angst, I became ambitious. My grades were no longer straight As; I fought to get a B and propelled over Mount Everest to receive an A in regular classes!!! It was a struggle, a fight within myself to be the best, to improve and show that I was also worthy, that I would also reach for a successful future. As time passed, I could not tell if the stars from heaven began to descend or I began to rise but every time I reached up they seemed closer. Maybe it was the all nighters I pulled during mid-terms, or the endless hours of studying, or the massive amounts of homework that began to stack up and lift me closer to my dreams.

Now I am a senior; as I reflect back on my high school career, I come to realize that all my efforts have not been in vain or worthless. Moreover, by making the decision to transfer I was making the decision to succeed, to step up to home plate and be the star I am destined to be. I am determined and will not give up. My outlook on college has altered dramatically; it is not just strategy to get away from home or to gain a new experience. My struggle through Advance Placement classes has offered me a sneak peek into college life, the work load, and I know that I am up for the fight. I plan to make a difference wherever I go encouraging students and staff to truly embrace the gift of education in our lives. The stars no longer seem far way, actually their right above my head now.

UEFA Champions League Champion: FC Barcelona

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:23:30 -0400

By Jeronima Nix

As expected the match between FC Barcelona and Manchester United was epic. Both teams came in with one goal: win the match and become champions.

The big surprise in the starting lineups was the absence of captain Puyol. Barcelona’s starting players; Victor Valdes(1), Gerard Pique(3),Javier Mascherano(14), Eric Abidal(22), Dani Alves(2), Sergio Busquets(16), Andres Iniesta(8), Xavi(6), David Villa(7), Lionel Messi(10), and Pedro(17). Barcelona’s Subs; Seydou Keita(15), Carles Puyol(5), Adriano(21), Ibrahim Afellay(20), Bojan Krkic(9), Olazábal(38), and Thiago(30).

Manchester’s starting players; Edwin van der Sar(1), Nemanja Vidic(15), Rio Ferdinand(5), Patrice Evra(3), Fabio(20), Ryan Giggs(11), Michael Carrick(16), Park Ji-Sung(13), Antonio Valencia(25), Wayne Rooney(10), and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández(14). Manchester’s Subs; Michael Owen(7), Paul Scholes(18), Darren Fletcher(24), Tomasz Kuszczak(29), Nani(17), Anderson(8), and Chris Smalling(12).

The match started out slow as both teams gained a feel for how each would play the rest of the game. As time went by, Barca got a feel for how Manchester was going to play. Scoring the first goal at 27’ (minutes), Pedro gave Barca the advantage in the first half with a pass from Xavi.

Manchester quickly realized Barca’s strategy and fought back. Rooney scored Manchester’s first goal at 34’, with a pass from Chicharito. Running to open space in front of the net, Rooney glided into the middle with no one around to block his shot.

With the first half ending at a score of 1-1, both teams knew that the second half was do or die. After fifteen minutes of recovering and strategic talk, both teams came back with force.

Starting the second half, both teams tried their best to score and defend. With Barca making more shots than Manchester and having a 66% ball possession, it was only a matter of time before another goal was scored. Scoring Barca’s second goal Messi, assisted by Iniesta, gave Barca the advantage once more at 54’ changing the game to 2-1. Barca kept the advantage throughout the game as both teams grew more apprehensive about the time.

As the minutes ticked away, no one left Manchester out of the count, until the referee whistled the game wasn’t over. Sadly, Manchester’s chances of winning were crushed as Villa scored another goal at 69’ with a pass from Busquets.

As time was winding down, the reality of Barcelona becoming champions was inevitable. With three minutes added to the final time, neither team scored but the title was sealed. As the last whistle blew, Barca players ran to each other and celebrated their victory. Of course, no soccer game is completely clean as the following players received yellow cards; Alves(59’), Valdes(54’), Carrick(60’), and Valencia(79’).

The following substitutions were made in the second half for Barca; Seydou Keita for David Villa (86’), Carles Puyol for Dani Alves (88’), and Ibrahim Afellay for Pedro (90’). The following substitutions were for Manchester United; Nani for Fabio (69’), and Paul Scholes for Michael Carrick (77’).

Who else but Messi won Player Of The Match. Minutes after the game ended Messi was announced player of the match and received it with a very humble smile to the crowd.

Alves kissed the trophy as he went across the row to get his medal. As each player passed by the trophy to get their medals cheers and smiles were seen all around the stadium. Lifting the trophy was Abidal instead of Puyol. Puyol being the captain decided to let Abidal lift up the trophy due to his absence for most of the season because of surgery. Iniesta put the trophy on his head while other players cut a net as a souvenier.

Like little kids in a candy store, every player ran around taking pictures, chanting, and waving to the crowd. As they circled around the half field circle, they all ran to Guardiola(coach), picked him up and threw him into the air.

FC Barcelona now own FOUR European Cups and are a team to be feared. To see the goals and celebration you can visit http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/matches/season=2011/round=2000122/match=2003352/postmatch/report/index.html.

My Reflection of the End

Fri, 27 May 2011 13:50:00 -0400

by Mayker Duran

It’s ending faster than I could have imagined; my life at Classical High School is coming to an end. I can still vividly and clearly look back to my first day here. I remember being at gym, Period One and sitting in the bleachers surrounded by hundreds of echoing voices from my soon to be friends. My heart was feeling lonely and hopeful to see old friends and form new friendships. Today, four years later, I’M A SENIOR, a prideful Classicalite and a much older person than who I used to be.

In the end, I reflect on the most precious and memorable moments that forges my life. My mind is a swirling storm of memories from the past. My dearest friends here at Classical High School will forever hold a very precious place in my heart.

What I will miss the most of the Classical experience is the expectation of waking up as I do five days a week and picking up my backpack to go to school, this school, my high school. I will miss walking between Central and our gymnatorium the most because from there I could see Classical ahead, almost as if it was my future and I was walking on the straight path towards it. I will miss every aspect of this school: the concrete walls and falling ceilings, the purple doors and dusty air, the dimly lit and freezing staircases. The many faces and names of those I dare call more than my teachers but my friends will remain with me for many years to come and can only humbly say to them Thank You.

Though I must embark on a new path, I have hope that it will be just as enjoyable as this one. In the end, I am happy I can say I am part of an utmost elite group of people, THE CLASS OF 2011.

What the Future Holds

Thu, 26 May 2011 21:06:03 -0400

By Brandi Caron

The end is near, only a few days left remaining of this four year journey each and every senior has made, an academic journey with some high and low stepping stones in between. Friendships made and broken, athletic tournaments with wins and losses failed and passed exams, all leading up to now, and our future. We all have our college acceptance letters in our hands and we’re all ready to take the next big step in our life. This chapter of our lives is closing and a new one is beginning; the independence in each and every senior is about to get a lot bigger.

It feels like just yesterday that I was a scared little freshman walking through these purple doors, only knowing a few people, lots of new faces; some are now my friends. We came along way from thirteen and fourteen year old freshmen to seventeen and eighteen year old SENIORS! It’s so exciting. All our hard work is finally going to pay off. We’re all taking a huge step in our life and we’re in for quite the paradigm shift.

Right now I am seventeen years old, a few short days away from being eighteen- a legal adult, a high school senior, and a few short days away from being a college freshman. Both huge changes in the world are making me into a grown, independent woman. So here’s where I am.

Friends and Family. Without my friends, family, and my boyfriend, there is no way I’d be where I am today. My friends get me through everything; they’re like a family to me. And my boyfriend, he’s perfect. He’s truly my other half. These people are all people I can be myself around, and be my crazy self without being judged. I look forward to continuing my life with my boyfriend, my friends, and my family. They have gotten me through this far, and they have a whole lot more to get me through in the future.

School. Clearly, I am a senior at Classical High School. This school has taught me a lot. Academically, mentally, athletically, and personally. I have learned so much, but mostly I learned that you cannot procrastinate and slack off because everything counts. Remember that underclassmen, because you may think that your sophomore and junior year do not mean anything until that D- in Algebra 2 keeps you from getting into college. No one told me, and it was hard to get into the colleges I want to attend. Luckily, I was a accepted into the University of Rhode Island Talent Development program; I will be attending in the fall studying psychology.

Softball. I have played softball since I was seven years old, and believe me I have come a long way. Last night, May 24^th was Classical High Schools Softball Senior Night. Playing that game showed me how much I love my team. We really came a long way, and we’re all so close now; I can’t imagine playing softball with out them. I wish the Classical Softball Team the best of luck in the future. Last night I realized how much I love softball and it made me second think whether or not I will play for college; so right now, I’m thinking I will at least try out as a walk-on freshman next year, and see where it takes me.

So underclassmen reading this, make high school the best time of your life. But remember to give it your all because it’s going to count in the end and it will all be worth it. Have your laughs and your fun. Try out for a team even if you don’t think you’re going to make it, because what if you do? Take each day one step at a time, and make them all worth while, because before you know it, it’ll be over.

Reflection: A New Way to Dance

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:43:00 -0400

by Jenna Tramonti

It’s the gentle clack of the wooden box of a pointe shoe hitting hardwood, guided by movements to an ever-humming rhythm. It’s the feeling that there’s nothing in the world but you and the music. It’s dancing, and it has been part of me for almost ten years now.

I still remember being the age of eight, stepping tentatively into the vast ballet room donning my tiny ballet shoes and leotard. The wall-length mirror seemed to tower over my timid reflection, and every step I took was accompanied by a wide-eyed stare and nervously wrung hands. There seemed to be a buzz of energy that infiltrated my every pore, and it’s a feeling I’ll always remember. Ten years later, those walls have been painted over and the floorboards replaced, but the feeling of unadulterated enthusiasm remains, and it translates into energy pumping through me whenever I walk through the doors. Through dancing I’ve learned how to be at peace with myself in mind and body as well as work successfully in a group. Though I’m not always so confident in every move to every passing count, when the lights shine down on the RIC Auditorium stage and an audience is watching me, I try my best to give it my all. I’ve made friendships that will stick with me long after I exit the studio’s doors for the last time, and had experiences that will stick with me forever.

Ironically enough, ballet isn’t my strong suit—when people ask what my favorite type of dance is, I always say tap. Tap allows me to express whatever I’m feeling—excitement, anger, and everything in between—with flaps and slaps and shuffles that reverberate against the studio walls. It is a constant, loud, thrumming energy that has the ability to emphasize the beats of a song or create entirely new ones. Pointe, though, is in a category of its own. It’s ballet, but when you’re up on that wooden box you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything else.

The week of June 5^th marks many endings for me. It begins with my last dance recital, followed by Senior Prom which will be the last time I live the essence of the high school experience with people I’ve grown close to for the past four years … and then graduation. A part of me is sad and a little bit afraid that I have to leave so much behind. I’ve made so many lasting friendships at Classical, and have transformed into a person I am proud of, without ever feeling judged for it. I’ve learned many valuable lessons from teachers and peers that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The experiences I’ve had in the past four years, both good and bad, have helped to shape me into who I am, and will continue to guide me in the future. For many years I’ve been surrounded by supportive family and friends and a positive environment in which I have been able to truly thrive.

I like to think of my moving on to college as the ending of a dance routine—striking an ending pose and making a final bow. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from dance, it’s that whenever there’s a new melody, there’s a new dance that’s meant to begin. The music of my life is going to change, and I’m not sure just what it will sound like yet—but all I have to do is remember it’s a new opportunity. A new way to dance.

Sarah Palin

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:24:00 -0400

BY Michael Cooney

Sarah Palin is most widely known for her vice presidential campaign in 2008 with fellow republican John McCain. McCain picked her as a running mate for a few reasons, although some seemed contradictory. For example, even though he criticized Obama for lack of experience and said that he wouldn’t be able to handle being a president, he chose Palin because she was relatively unknown to the nation and she served as a clean slate; however, the media casted a shadow on her by highlighting her private life and exposing her shortcomings. In a national poll taken after her acceptance speech as a vice presidental candidate, 51% concluded that the media was “trying to hurt” Palin by negative press.

There is a book forthcoming titled, Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin: A Memoir of Our Tumultuous Years. This is a compilation of thousands and thousands of emails and a couple stories that show the true Palin. The book casts a bad light on Palin, saying that she is self-serving and only in politics for lucrative purposes. It cites specific examples because it was written by her former aide in Alaska while she was governor. In the book, it explains various incriminating stories. For example, Palin wanted an officer fired because he divorced her sister. Also, she was eager to leave her post as Alaska’s governor months before she resigned because a more lucrative opportunity came along, with Palin saying in February 2009 she would “quit tomorrow.”

Sarah Palin is thinking about going into the 2012 race to become President of the United States. She says she has a “fire in my belly.” Palin is captivated by the “free enterprise system” that America has in place. This is the system by which new businesses can grow based on how good they are and the quality of their products coupled with the demand of the public. “I want to make sure America is put back on the right track and we will do that by defeating Obama in 2012. I have that fire in my belly.”

Since last year, Palin seemed to have slipped from the national spotlight a little, but she is still talked about on radio talk shows and the news. So even though there is less volume of coverage about her these days, she is still a very important political figure in the U.S. right now. So, stay tuned for the Palin buzz; she is bound to return again once the media starts covering the 2012 presidential race.

Journey To Caesar's

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:09:00 -0400

By Michael Cooney

Kevin , the senior class president said, “The talent show was a great success! We raised over $1600 through this event. It was great to see the talent that Classical High School has to give.” Truly, this is a great step forward in funding both the Senior Prom and the Class Gift. “With this sum of money added into our funds, we have raised just short of $7,000. It is great to have our class unite for one common goal, and I am proud of this class.” Another one of the school government’s goals was to bring the class together and have fewer cliques. Kevin said, “I am proud to say that I believe this unity was achieved.”

The last act of the talent show was Journey to Caesar’s. This is an innovative progressive band formed by lead singer Tre Matos, Henry Aquino on the drums, Kevin Rodriguez and Amaurys Fernandez. They cover a variety of genres including instrumental, rap, and rock. After the talent show, they were offered a gig at a local club. Later, they were offered a record deal to sign with HF records. This will allow them to record tracks, produce music videos, create more albums, and sell them in stores and on iTunes rather than from the back of a car. Kevin is extremely grateful and hopeful for the opportunity. “This is a big step for us. This is the type of thing that happens to bands before they get big. We have a growing fan base and after the talent show, likes on our bands’ Facebook page skyrocketed.” If you would like to hear some of their music, you can do a simple Google Search KEYWORD: “Journey to Caesar’s.” The band’s links to Facebook and YouTube will come up as the first seven results. If you would like to buy a CD, just ask one of the band members.

“This school is such a diverse place, and I am glad to be part of the Classical community!” said Kevin at a class meeting last month. This school is so different from many other public schools in that everyone has a place to fill and is always accepted by others, no matter what their background may be.” Everyone is so positive and has such great school spirit!”

Japan Update: Nuclear Reactors

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:04:07 -0400

By Jeronima Nix

According to the facility’s owner, the nuclear reactors at Fukushima are filled with holes all over them. Tokyo Electric Power Co. said in a 225-page document, submitted to Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, that the holes may be as big as seven to ten centimeters (2.8- 3.9 inches). In the report, Tokyo Electric says the containment vessel of reactor No. 1 may have developed a hole as big as three centimeters in diameter eighteen hours after the quake. In reactor No. 2, the containment vessel may have developed a hole as wide as ten centimeters. The hydrogen explosion, four days after the disaster began, may have led to the formation of a second hole in reactor No. 2, as wide as ten centimeters in diameter. A hole in the reactor’s containment vessel means there is a high probability of the leakage of radioactive material into the reactor building.

The only casualty so far was of a sixty year old man who passed away after working at the nuclear plant. It was confirmed that although he was handling the radiation, his death was not caused by the radiation he came in contact.

What Matters Now By Sharon Weissburg It’s strange now,...

Thu, 26 May 2011 12:57:16 -0400

What Matters Now

By Sharon Weissburg

It’s strange now, thinking of who I am at this point in my life. When I think of what matters to me on a day-to-day basis, I feel so petty; what work I have left to do, what I will wear to prom, whether I will be able to snag a summer job. But now that high school is really and truly coming to an end, I am forced to think of what I am and who I will be from now on. Of course, I will always be myself—no one can change that—but what will I choose to do? How will I contribute to this world?

That’s why it’s important right now for me to focus on being a kid, for the very last time. I’ve worked myself into the ground these past four years, and have sacrificed opportunities to revel in my own youth. I remember going to the playground when I was little, how I always used to rush right for the swings and thinking, ”How far up can I go?” “How tight can I twist the chains?” and ”If I jump, how far will I fly?” Thinking about these questions now, they sound like broad philosophical inquries, but on that swing it was just about exploring my narrow section of the world and losing myself to the intoxicating thrill of swinging back and forth, up and down, unencumbered by responsibility or age. I took this photograph at the playground of my childhood in the dead of winter; it sat, empty, swinging back and forth in the wind. It was only appropiate to snap a photo. The memories of shining days spent swinging flashed before my eyes— the smell of mulch, the ache in my sides from laughing too hard, the sound of my mother singing. Pure, crystallized joy.

I want to get back to that, if only a little bit. What matters to me now is the simplification and invigoration of my life. I have a few golden months before I set off to college, a future that is at once exciting and terrifying. This ephemeral time should be spent as though on a swing, blissfully, weightlessly, beautifully, and with friends.

Before it’s gone.

"Family: Home Is Where the Heart Is"

Wed, 25 May 2011 21:37:00 -0400

by Torie Morro

Throughout not only high school, but my entire life, as you can obviously conclude – my family has always been there for me. No matter how loud the fights, the love between us never fades. My immediate family is the main focus of this reflection.

My mother is quite possibly the most incredible woman in the world. She is selfless, and beyond caring. She is astoundingly intelligent, both in common sense and book smarts. My mother is wise beyond her years, and is the friendliest and open-minded soul you will ever encounter. She is positively hilarious and understands my odd quirks and sense of humor, because she is just as zany as I am. I would be nothing without her, and strive every single day of my life to become greater than even her highest expectations of me- yet knowing that no matter how disappointing a situation or how far I fall, she will love me and be behind me, unconditionally, and I her.

Oh the little pest, that is, my younger brother. His imagination is frightening yet remarkable, and he views the world in fascinating ways. He is brilliant as well, and I appreciate his opinions and although he is only ten years of age, he is empathetic beyond compare and is always a shoulder to cry on. Always up for a good laugh, and ingeniously funny, he never fails to bring a smile to my face. He is a pure tender heart, and I love him more than life.

My step-father has been more of a father to me than anyone, and has been a part of my life since age three/four, and helped me grow up as a tomboy . He is always there to aggravate mom and little brother with me, and I love him dearly.

My family has pulled me through tough times, tougher than most would presume, and I will never sever the ties between us. I believe that the bond between myself and my family is cast iron and unflinching, and is important above all else. I will miss having their advice and help along the way as I stumble into adulthood, and will most likely perpetually be on the brink of tears early on weaning into college life. We are very tight knit, and while I was raised to very independent..truth be told…I would be lost without them. They are my driving force and inspiration, infallible in their understanding and motivation. I only hope that someday when I start my own, new family, that I can cultivate the caliber of love and character between us now. Never take your family for granted, and cherish them without hesitancy.

Shakespeare in the City: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:08:00 -0400

Above: Nita Mukand, Michael Ross, Maggy Metnick, D’Joy Falaye, Darius Ovallus, Fatima Farias perform at Monday’s dress rehearsal.

By Michael Ross

The curtain opens, and out into the spotlight steps two actors in their iconic yellow and purple tee shirts and blue jeans. From the aisles enter three more. They preform a scene from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to thunderous applause. Sounds like some modern broadway rendition of an English classic? Almost, but not quite. It is Providence’s own Shakespeare in the City, starring students from our very own Classical High School (including the magnificient moi) and other local schools across the city.

Shakespeare in the City is a program sponsored by Lincoln School (East Side) where high schools across Providence get together to put on one of Shakespeare’s classic pieces. The program began three years ago with the production of Hamlet, and has been a smash hit ever since. Last year’s production was Romeo and Juliet; this year it was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, preformed just last night. Some of the schools that came together for the preformance include: Classical, Mount Pleasant, Lincoln, Wheeler, Moses Brown, Nathaniel Greene, Nathan Bishop, Roger Williams Middle School, French-American Academy, Gordon, and Community Prep.

Naturally, it was Classical that stole the show. Who were the talented youths chosen to represent us? They were Michael Ross (who, in my humble and objective opinion, was the brightest star that night) as Oberon, Nita Mukand as Titania, D’Joy as Puck, Maggy Metnick as a Fairy, Darius Ovalles as Demetrius and Fatima

Farias as Helena.

I can proudly say that I have been a part of Shakespeare in the City since its inception three years ago (and I am quite likely the reason it became so popular). It has been a fantastic run, and I wish I could be back next year to carry on, but alas, myself and the other seniors gave our last curtain at the preformance last night. A big thanks to Steve Kidd for his tweaking magic!

That, dear readers, is where you come in. Though we of the original cast depart, Shakespeare in the City lives on, and it needs more talented actors from Classical to light the way to its future success! If you are interested in being a part of Shakespeare in the City next year, be sure to speak to Mrs Goff, and join our community!

Go Green at Prom

Tue, 24 May 2011 13:46:00 -0400

Karissa Arias wore the dress she made to the Met School senior prom held at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. The dress has a bustier composed of eight hundred pink, blue, and yellow bus passes and a skirt made up of tan plastic bags with floral details. She said the project grew out of her interest in all things environmental.

- The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson

Tornado Destroys 20-35 Percent of City

Mon, 23 May 2011 20:05:01 -0400

By Jeronima Nix

Last night a half mile long tornado hit the city of Joplin, Missouri. The town had about a twenty minute warning before the tornado struck said Mitch Randles from the Joplin Fire Department during a news conference. Whole blocks were cleared of any houses and any houses left were left crushed by trees. Eighty-nine people were confirmed dead, with hundreds injured. As rescue teams are deployed, the total of casualties is said to rise. A Red Cross worker says that the tornado hurled debris as far as seventy miles away. The high school, the hospital, a couple of fire stations, and a strip mall were all left in pieces.

Hospitals and schools were completely destroyed. CNN stated that health records from one of the hospitals were found miles away. St. John’s Regional Medical Center was hit directly and suffered significant damage. The hospital was treating 183 people when the storm struck. It was unclear if any were injured in the storm. The patients were taken to hospitals as far away as Springfield, Missouri, and northwest Arkansas.

Zach Tusinger, twenty-six, an attorney in Joplin, lost his aunt and uncle in the tornado. They lived five blocks from St. John’s Hospital. “Everybody’s going to know people who are dead,” he says. “You could have probably dropped a nuclear bomb on the town and I don’t think it would have done near as much damage as it did.”

Governor Jay Nixon called in one hundred forty National Guard Troops and state officials to help assess and rescue people from the damage. The critical issue with rescuing is the fact that all electricity in Joplin is gone. There is barely any contact to and from the city. Although there is small hope for the city, one thousand law enforcement officers from forty different agencies in four states are aiding in the disaster response.

As the hours tick away officials are scrambling to assess the situation as quickly as possible to ensure no one is missed and lives are saved. More news on the city will be reported as Joplin continues to pick up the pieces left after the devastation. To see videos of people’s reactions at the time of the tornado you can go to http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/23/liveblog-tornado-destroys-most-of-joplin-missouri/?hpt=T1&iref=BN1.

Upcoming Event this Week May 23-27

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:58:00 -0400

By Brandi Caron

What’s going on at Classical High?

Sports:

Baseball:

Monday- Classical High School at Hope High School

Current Record: 6-11

Softball:

Monday- Classical High School at Moses Brown High School

Tuesday- Classical High School at St. Ray’s High School

Wednesday- Tiverton High School at Classical High School (SENIOR NIGHT)

Current Record: 6-7

Boys Volleyball:

Monday- Central High School at Classical High School (SENIOR NIGHT)

Friday- Classical High School at Scituate High School

Current Record: 10-4

Girls Lacrosse:

The Girls Lacrosse team went 12-3 keep reading to find out when their playoff games are taking place.

Current Record: 12-3

Boys Tennis:

The Boys Tennis team went 8-8 keep reading to find out what’s happening next with the Boys Tennis team.

Current Record: 8-8

Boys Track:

Monday- The Boys have a meet at Westerly High School

Saturday- The Boys have a meet at Bishop Hendricken High School

Girls Track:

There are no girl’s track meets this week.

Events:
Monday & Tuesday- Last days Junior Prom Tickets will be sold

Tuesday & Thursday- ACT’s for Seniors

Tuesday- Annual Sport’s Banquet

Thursday- Junior Prom

Friday- Last day of Senior Classes!

Check Brianna Rahill’s Countdown until the Last Days to see how many days are left until Senior and Junior Prom, Graduation, and the last day of school.

Keep reading to find out what’s going on next week here at Classical High!

Iceland Volcano Eruption

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:55:01 -0400

By Jeronima Nix

Over the weekend, Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority warned Monday, that the volcanic ash from an Icelandic eruption could reach British airspace Tuesday, sooner than previously predicted.

The ash forced the closure of Icelandic airspace over the weekend, raising the specter of the kind of disruption of trans-Atlantic and European air travel that took place last year. But the CAA said new arrangements have been put in place since last year’s eruption of another Icelandic volcano that should reduce the number of flights that have to be canceled if the ash cloud spreads.

The main international airport in Iceland is expected to reopen at 6 p.m. (2 p.m. EDT) Monday, following the eruption of Grimsvotn over the weekend, according to a statement from Iceland air. There were no international flights in or out of the country on Sunday after Europe’s most active volcano began to erupt on Saturday.

Icelandic officials will reassess the situation Monday and hope to be able to reopen airspace, Keflavik International Airport. Scotland’s Loganair announced that all flights will be canceled Tuesday due to forecasts that indicate “a high density of ash will be present in large parts of Scottish airspace.” British Airways and Dutch airline KLM also canceled dozens of scheduled flights on Tuesday to and from locations in Scotland.

Not only did these fumes of ash affect Britain and Scotland flights, but it also affected our U.S. President and FC Barcelona. The eruption forced President Obama, who was in Ireland on Monday, to move up the departure for his next stop on a six-day European tour. FC Barcelona was also considering flying early to London for its Saturday match-up against Manchester United in the Champions League Final. Neither plans will continue as planned.

More information to be announced on Britain’s, Scotland’s, President Obama’s, and FC Barcelona’s plans in the coming days.