The Kangaroo Voice Issue 3

As summer approaches, the sun

is shining brighter and the flowers are

also blooming on the school grounds.

Although the school’s garden has been

under production for about three years,

it is currently in full bloom and serves as

a way of teaching students the im-

portance of growing and nurturing their

own food and plants.

Mr. Porter, community partner

and owner of Bread-Stuy in Brooklyn,

believes that the garden is a good way to

make Bedford Stuyvesant greener. “This

is a great way for students to learn

where food comes from and to eat

healthier,” Porter said. “So far the gar-

den is doing well and we are just building as we

go,” said Matt Mill, community partner from

the Grow to Learn NYC Citywide school Gar-

den Initiative. “So far the garden has planted

tomatoes, peppermint, green cabbage and much

more.” Since the garden’s renovation, some stu-

dents and staff have lent a hand in its produc-

tion. Ms. Wright, a science teacher in the

EnVide Tech Academy, has become greatly

involved in the progression of the garden.

Aside from being a science teacher, Wright also

believes that it is important for students to

learn more about food and what’s good for their

health. “Students can learn how to live basical-

ly off of the earth and explore new ideas,’’ she

said. Wright’s science classes also played a role

in the growth and development of the garden.

Kayla Shannon, a student from one of the

Environmental Science classes, believes that

the garden will not only benefit the school but

will also aid the community. “This is definitely

a learning process because we can see how

plants are being grown,” she said. “I also

foresee the future of the BGHS garden ex-

panding and the garden benefiting the school

surroundings.”

5 TIPS ON HOW TO GROW HEALTHY FOOD

OR PLANTS AT HOME

1. Water plants daily.

2. Make sure the plants get enough sun-

light.

3. Grow crops that will grow well in your

environment.

4. Research or ask experts if you need any

help of additional information.

5. Space out each plant so each plant has

its own space to grow.

BGHS Garden In Full Bloom

THE KANGAROO VOICE

March/April 2013 Volume 1, Issue 3

The Official News Source of Boys and Girls High School...Making News Worthwhile

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PG

3

Prom

Check-List

PG

4,5

BGHS on the

Scene

PG

7

Adapting to

the Big Apple

PG

11

Profile Me:

Rudolph

Bastien

By: Rashana Jackman

Student Reporter

Advisor: Amelia Rawlins

Senior Kayla Shannon helps plant flowers in

the front garden of the school

Senior Giergie Pierre

Louis prepares to water

the flowers in the garden

On Wednesday, March 20th

the school’s library was filled with

snaps and claps as Principal Bernard

Gassaway opened the floor to singers,

poets and rappers who wanted to

showcase their talent and creativity

during the first BGHS Open Mic.

Students and staff said the

event was a joy to attend and many

were excited about Open Mic becom-

ing a monthly affair. “I don’t think I

would change anything about the

day,” Ms. Buisson, Principal Secre-

tary said. “Everything flowed and it

was very natural, the reaction after

the performances was breath-

taking.”

“I learned that the ones who volun-

teered to present their work are

our ‘ear to the ground’,” said BGHS

senior Sandrine Appow. “It is your

[ the audience] caring that every-

one seeks.” The event was hosted

by student poets Gail Roman and

Chelsea Nicholas and featured

songs by Definition of Music, poet-

ry by Mr. Mapp’s Media Classes

and Parent Coordinator Mr. Ander-

son, among others.

Students Receive Recognition During the Last Honor

Roll Ceremony of the Year

Open Mic Night Meets “The High” Students and staff participate in BGHS 1st Open Mic Event

Page 2 Kangaroo Voice

What was evident was that

the event marked a special time for

students because although some were

nervous and hesitant about perform-

ing, as each person approached the

mic they realized they had the support

of their peers and the BGHS staff.

Towards the end of the event, Princi-

pal Gassaway surprised the crowd by

“spitting bars” and reciting poetry.

According to Gassaway the event was

a success and he hopes to continue

spreading the word. “I felt everyone

did a great job!”

Open Mic Night was a sensational

time and everyone had a blast.

So are you ready for the challenge to

present your talent?

By: Deanna King

Student Reporter

Definition of Music Advisor,

Mr. Lazarus and senior Leighton Ebanks

Parent Coordinator

Mr. Anderson reciting the poem

Lost in the Rain by Chris Slaugh-

ter. The poem was about losing a

close friend to the streets and sent

a message to the audience;

“Do the streets really have your

back?”

Shamiqua Coriolant performs a song about

expressing herself through the Definition of Music

program

Mr.Mapp shares the motive behind his short story

with the audience

Prom Check-List Page 3 Kangaroo Voice

By: : Kiana Dunn, Contributing Reporter

TICKET- Go to your activity coordinator as soon as possible to get your ticket. The tickets are $130.00

DRESS - Choose a color outside of your comfort zone. Who knows, for prom it might make you “pop.”

Don’t settle! It’s your last night in high school so you want to go out with a bang! You can choose from sweetheart,

tube top, halter, strapless for the neckline or beading, lace or embroidery for design, just name a few.

SHOES - For those girls who want their shoes to be the main attraction, choose colors that stand out such as red,

yellow, orange, baby blue or even metallic. For girls with a simpler style you may want to choose from gold, silver

and black, which are just right for any dress. Consider platform shoes, because they may be a little easier to walk in,

or pumps, chunky heels, open-toed or closed-toed.

HAIRSTYLES- If your dress is a halter style, it is best to do an up-do style like a bun or a ponytail. If the dress is heart

shaped at the neckline, it is best to wear your hair down. With a tube top style dress you can get away with pretty

much any style. Consider doing your hair early on the day of or the night before to make sure you like it and have

time to do a quick switcheroo if necessary.

MAKEUP- Remember less is more! No caked on makeup whatsoever. Sometimes it is best to show natural beauty, a

little bit of blush and go light on the eye shadow. For those girls who don’t know how to do your own makeup

watch a lot of You-Tube tutorials on how to do it or go to a professional make-up artist to get it done. You can visit

the MAC counter at Macy’s which may cost you about $50.00 for a full face.

PURSE- In your purse, you must have your prom ticket (can’t get in without it), lip gloss for the luscious lip look

(LLL), money, (you never know what can happen, so always be prepared because you might want to go out after

prom), a pocket mirror, compact makeup to freshen up and most importantly have breath mints or gum! Fresh

breath is the best breath!

DATE- Listen girls, sometimes it isn’t bad to go solo, but if you choose to have a date make sure he looks GREAT

on your arm. You can always just go with your friends which guarantees an awesome night!

CAR / LIMO- Plan ahead to avoid being stressed out. You will have no hair by the time you get to prom because

you will pull every strand out if you procrastinate. Make sure you search high and low for proper and reliable

transportation for the evening.

TICKET - Make sure you purchase your ticket and your date’s ticket (if you have one) as soon as possible.

DATE OR SOLO - Boys are way different from girls. You guys have it a little bit easier. For the guys who don’t

want to go alone, make sure your date is someone you would have a good time with. Another option would be to

go with the bros. If you go solo make sure you make a grand entrance.

OUTFIT (SUIT) - Make sure you look on point when it comes to your outfit. For the perfect look you can check out

Men’s Warehouse, K&G or Nordstrom. Make sure that your shoes match with at least one article of clothing on

your body.

HAIRCUT - Your barber has to be present. Never try a new person on such an important night as prom. If you do

happen to try a new barber there may a 25% chance you will come out with a Lebron James hairline.

PLAN AHEAD.

CAR/LIMO - For those gentlemen who pay for their dates just make sure you can handle the price. Don’t put

yourself in a situation where you can’t pay for everything. Plan ahead of time because limos are booked quickly

and cars are rented faster than you think.

LADIES

GENTLEMEN

It’s that time again when the hunt for the “perfect” dress begins and guys are fitted by the

best for their tuxes. Yes! You’ve guessed right. IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR PROM!

Here are some tips to make that night memorable.

RED SCARF GIRL

Author of The Red Scarf Girl, Ji-Li Jiang visited Ms. Ramos’ classes on Friday, April 5th. Jiang’s book tells the story of her experiences during the Cultural Revolution in China. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions based on reading the memoir. Jiang’s family and millions of other Chinese people were persecuted

under Mao Zedong’s communist regime. Read The Red Scarf Girl to find out more! Next year Boys and Girls hopes to have her visit again.


IT’S A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN!

On Thursday, March 21st The Business and Technology Academy hosted a Women’s Appreciation Celebration for all the female students within the academy. This celebration bought the young ladies

together to share goals and future plans with one another. They also learned that although they may walk different paths of life they are all still unified.

“We are all still beautiful women!” – Kiana Dunn, Business and Technology Student President

Picture This

BGHS ON THE SCENE


BGHS ON THE SCENE

BGHS Seniors and Ms. Buisson pose for a picture

during the 2013 senior trip at Honors Haven Resort

The ladies of Petals and Belles prepare to visit

Essence Magazine

Members of the BGHS volleyball team pose with their

advisor Mr. White The BGHS Drama Club after their winter performance

Music teacher Mr. Lebron greets the

Cake Man Raven during

EnVide Tech’s Career Day Students enjoy Rep Your Culture Day during

Spirit Week

Student athlete Zhane Landeu

prepares for the race

Our View, Our Voice


STRONG FINISH

After running with an organization called

“Black Girls Run,” I was changed. They embraced

me as a new runner, spoke into my life positively,

surrounded me with individuals who were experts

at running and provided me with the tools that I

needed to run the “loop” in Prospect Park. Yet, in

my mind, I had many excuses as to why I couldn’t

run—I had shin splints, gained too much weight,

didn’t have the correct form, and it would take all

night for me to finish 3.4 miles. Nevertheless, I

tried.

The first time I ran, it took me about an hour to

finish. But, I finished the race. It was the great-

est feeling to finish the race. When I came down

the hill, there was a group of women there waiting

for me and cheering me on! I was on top of the

world. But, when I crossed the finish line and calmed down and stretched, I remembered the girl that

crossed the finish line with me. She had been running for years, but she stayed with me and let me

know that I wasn’t alone. She kept pushing me and telling me “Don’t give up.” There was one time

that I stopped and she told me to keep moving. I did. And I finished.

After reading what so many have said about Boys and Girls High School, I remembered pre-

paring for the race. I remembered wanting to drop out. I remembered being frustrated and worried

about what people who passed me were saying. My knees were hurting...I was sweating...I was hav-

ing trouble breathing. But, I focused on completing the task and on what I wanted the end to look

like. I focused and I finished.

Earlier this year, I decided not to read another negative blog about Boys and Girls High

School. I planned not to surround myself with negative people and I decided to play to win. Some-

times to win, you have to make sacrifices. You sacrifice your old habits for new habits. You give up

“friends” because they are not “who you want to be” (Remember, YOU are the sum of your community

of friends.) You give your time to things that matter. Frustration builds, things are not happening the

way that “they are supposed to”—but I remember that everything is working together for THE

GOOD. I remembered that it wasn’t how I started, but how I finished the race. I began with doubt

and ended with faith in myself. I have faith in Boys and Girls High School—the staff, the students

and the legacy. Like any race, we started slow, with aches and pains. But, there is no doubt that we

will have a Strong Finish!

Written By: Ms. C. Williams, Assistant Principal, Science

Op-Ed & Editorials

Adapting To The Big Apple

As it is, the world is filled with different cultures and ethnicities,

each trying to uphold their values to the highest esteem, and some are not

bothered with the fluctuation of their value. As we differ, so does our think-

ing, attitudes, character, way of life and morals. Being an immigrant from a

different culture and coming to a land I know not, can be a very stressful

and tough change, as we try to adapt to a different environment, food, lan-

guage and way of life.

My journey dates back to some months ago when I first came to the

United States. It all felt like an illusion and for days I kept pondering if it

was real. Each time I sat back and thought about home in Africa and home

in the U.S., my imagination runs wild. From my childhood days, my parents

were always strict with the responsibilities of a child and the absolute obe-

dience that was expected of us. In my family, each morning was devoted to

the offerings of praise and prayer to God, the one we called our supreme

master. Following this, my sister and I rushed off to school, which was a se-

cond home. Classes usually began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. The

teachers and staff had the will power to beat students who were out of con-

duct or found violating the school’s rules and regulation. Teachers wasted no time reprimanding a student

when necessary, referring to it as putting the child in his or her rightful place or by inferring from a pas-

sage in the bible which says “spare the rod and spoil the child.” Students had to report to an early assem-

bly in an open space called the playground. A student led us in worship before the classes began. Each

class session lasted for about two hours with a break that came after sitting in nine or 10 classes. The

day’s scheduled included 13 classes. By the end of the day, returning home almost seemed like a night-

mare because I had to do chores before my parents returned from work. I was warned by parents never to

mingle with the kids or play with them. I never socialized with anyone and I was left to study, as I was

reminded that it was my sole aim in life and I wasn't going anywhere without my studies.

Life as an immigrant at first never seems to get better but with time it sure does. My experience

has affected my life greatly. I now know how to be socially conscious of my surroundings. It has been in-

stilled in me to always give respect to whom it is deserved. Also coming to a different environment where

no one tells me what to do and how to do it, I began to understand what my mother meant when she told

me to manage my time and set realistic goals. The advice I have received so far and the beatings I got

during my days back home are seen to me now as nothing, I believe it has given me the discipline I need to

function in today’s society. My teacher once said “It is only when you let school pass through you and not

you through school that one understands the true meaning of school.” In my everyday activities, I try to

keep this at the back of my mind and it has made me a better student.

I don’t know what the future holds for me, but what I do believe is that it is an awesome and bright

one. With discipline, I will be able to prioritize. With manner, I will know how to deal with different

personalities. Patience is the key to winning because in life, so many things will get us down, but with

patience, we can see through it all.


By: Precious Ofodile

Student Reporter

Fun and Games Corner

Video Game Review: Far Cry 3

Jason Brody and his friends skydive into Rook Islands with the intent of having fun and

enjoying their vacation together, but this is one island where fun has a different mean-

ing and sanity is not allowed. “Far Cry 3” is a sequel only in name because none of the

previous games ever share the same story or universe, so prior knowledge of its prede-

cessors are not necessary. This entry in the franchise stars Brody - a young man in his early 20’s vacationing with his two

brothers and friends in Rook Island. Immediately, you are thrust into the insanity that this world has to offer when you all

get kidnapped by the insane pirate leader Vaas. He intends to ransom you all off and destroy you after collecting the money.

In an attempt to escape, Brody’s brother Grant is killed by Vaas, but Brody escapes. He passes out and wakes up to a man

named Dennis tattooing his arm and this is where the game opens up to the player

and you begin your hunt to rescue your friends and family.

Brody’s transformation from a carefree guy to a remorseless destroyer may not be

the most believable thing out there, but it’s handled with enough care for you to

appreciate it. Brody and everyone else in the cast are voiced great. The game’s

presentation is astounding from various animals to the environment, but the one

aspect that stands out is Vaas. He takes you on a trip through the realm of insanity

that you will not soon forget, though soon enough you learn that a man named Hoyt

is the real boss of the operation, but he never has the same impact on the story as

Vaas does.

This is one of the few immersive first-person shooters that truly immerse you in its world and does very few things

wrong. From MP5’s to a flame thrower, this game has the artilleries you want. They all fire with their own weight and can

all be upgraded with attachments and paintjobs. If you ignore side quests the campaign will run for about 10-15 hours. “Far

Cry 3” also comes with an online and offline Co-Op mode and an online multiplayer. The Co-op struggles because it strips

away all the things that make the single player great. It’s very linear, has a cliché story, poorly voice acted, and is not that

fun. The multiplayer doesn’t do anything insanely special, but it attempts to separate itself from others. The success of that

is hit or miss. “Far Cry 3” allows you to approach objectives the way you want to and experiment in multiple ways. The story

missions have broad, but linear focus. I highly recommend that “Far Cry 3” makes it into your collection. Come for the single

player, stay a while for the multiplayer, and leave with insanity in your heart.


By: Raymond I. Mota

Contributing Writer

ADAPTATION

AGAINST THE ROPES

ALIEN, ALONG CAME

POLLY

AMADEUS

ANNIE HALL

BABE

BASIC INSTINCT

BEN HUR

BIG FISH

BRAVEHEART

CABARET

CASABLANCA

CHICAGO

CONFIDENCE

DAREDEVIL

DIE HARD

DR ZHIVAGO

EVITA

GHANDI

GHOSTBUSTERS

WORD SEARCH: LETS GO TO THE MOVIES!

GLADIATOR

GOLDFINGER

INSOMNIA

IRIS

JAWS

LANTANA

LOST IN

TRANSLATION

MAD MAX

MIRACLE

MR DEEDS

NETWORK

PEARL HARBOR

PLATOON

PSYCHO

ROCKY

SIGN STAR WARS

THE LORD OF THE

RINGS

THE STING

Advertisements PREPARATION IS KEY

GET READY FOR THE REGENTS!

PREPARE TO GRADUATE!

VISIT YOUR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

TO FIND OUT YOUR STATUS!

Ms. Williams – Science - Room 420

Mr. Harris - Foreign Language - Room 430

Ms. Williams Gray - Math - Room - 333

Ms. Toussaint - English - Room - 370

Ms. Farrington - Social Studies - Room 318

ENVIDE TECH PRESENTS

THE 2ND ANNUAL YOUNG WOMEN’S HEALTH SUMMIT

BUILDING A BETTER YOU, FINDING YOUR CONFIDENCE

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013


WANT TO PLACE AN AD WITH US?

CONTACT US AT [email protected] OR VISIT US IN OUR NEWSROOM LOCATED IN ROOM 460 B

Do you like to sing? Join SWV Choir here at BGHS

Tuesdays & Thursdays

3:15pm –5: 15pm Room 408

NEED ELECTIVE CREDITS? ENJOY PERFORMING? LOVE LITERATURE?

NOW PLAYING: MOVING WORDS AT BGHS 2013

MONDAYS 3:30 PM—5:30 PM ROOM 361

BOYS & GIRLS H.S. PTCA PRESENTS

RELAY FOR LIFE

SATURDAY MAY 18TH, 2013

Let’s celebrate cancer patients, survivors and

remember those we have loss. Let’s encourage

everyone to fight back against cancer!

For more information, please contact

Lisa Dunn [email protected]

Eric Wilson [email protected]

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS 5/10/2013

THANK YOU!

On May 21, 2012 in the school library

The Job Training Program will be hosting a

recognition ceremony thanking the

worksites and celebrating the work of the

interns.

Sponsored By:

The Bedstuy Restoration &

Mr. J. Harris

ENVIDE TECH ACADEMY SPRING RECITAL

MAY 14, 2013

The Kangaroo Showcase

Untitled

By: Ms. Hall, Business & Technology Academy Coordinator

Being a woman means to have strength, the strength to take care of everything and everyone around

you.

Being a woman also means to be the best mother, daughter, or sister that you can be, because it’s

usually our responsibility to pass on life’s truths.

Women are precious beings with the ability to bring lives into this world every day and still able to

lend a helping hand to make a difference in others

We are the hard workers, the stay-at-home moms, the single parent and wives. We are women!

We may sometimes struggle, but we strive to do our very best!

So we celebrate all women and their achievements today and remember to put no one above the rest!

This day belongs to all of us!


The Great Debaters!

Congratulations to the Barack Obama

Leadership Academy Debate Team on

their win against Brooklyn Collegiate

High School on Thursday, March 14,

2013. Students debated on the topic of

“Health Care—A Right or A Privilege.”

Good job!

Hit ’Em With The One, Two!

The Business and Technology Academy would like to

highlight Jude Franklin for his outstanding skills in the

boxing ring. On March 12th Jude won his boxing fight

against Kevin Medina with a score of 3-2. According to

the Daily News, March 12th marked the second set of

Daily News Golding bouts at ST. Finbar Auditorium in

Brooklyn. That evening also marked the third round of

preliminary fights for the 132-pound novices which are

one of the tournaments deepest groups. Currently, he

is awaiting qualification for the Junior Olympics.

Keep up the great work Jude!

Words From The High

PROFILE ME! Get to know Rudolph Bastien, BGHS Technology Integrated Consultant & Illustrator

Q. How long have you been working at “The High”?

A. “I’ve been working here for about three months.”

Q. What are your three rules to life?

A. “Wow, I didn't know the question would be so deep… My rules are to live hon-

estly, optimistically and prayerfully.”

Q. Who is your role model and why?

A. “I have tons of role models but in terms of artistry, my role model is LeSean

Thomas, illustrator of The Boondocks. He is an illustrator and most importantly

he is an African American illustrator. He really encourages the youth to challenge

the culture of illustration.”

Q. What is something people may not know about you?

A. “I love music, I’ve written many short stories (mystery and fantasy) and poems.

I think I was born creative because even when I was younger I always created these

extreme characters and it was very natural for me to draw them and write about

them.”

Q. If you could be any Superhero, who would you be?

A. “I’d create my own character and define his power…

It would be telepathic powers!”

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

TEMPTATION CONFESSIONS OF A MARRIAGE

COUNSELOR

Rate: 7

“Although the movie was missing a lot of content

and was very slow paced, it portrayed a good

message about relationships, cheating and love.

“Sometimes you’re happy until someone else

comes and shows you something more exciting.”

-Dante Corbett, BGHS Computer Technician

BOOK OF THE MONTH AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

BY: AGATHA CHRISTIE

Rate: 8

“The book was about a group of people that

went on vacation and then discovered that

they were in a murder. They started dying one

by one. From this book I learned that you

should always watvh your surroundings.”

-Amaris Baker, BGHS Senior


All Photos Courtesy of :

The BGHS Yearbook Club

Ms. T. Wright

Ms. A. Rawlins

Ms. V. Bozeman

Mr. T. Paisley

Continental Studios

www. google.com

Production & Editing:

Ms. A. Rawlins

Mr. C. Cooper

Boys and Girls High School

1700 Fulton Street

Brooklyn, NY 11213

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

WANT TO SEE YOUR WORK IN THE SCHOOL’S NEWSLETTER?

CONTACT US AT [email protected]

OR VISIT US IN OUR NEWSROOM LOCATED IN

ROOM 460 B

Documents

The Kangaroo Voice Issue 3