This year’s fall play, Peter Pan and Wendy, brought a magical experience to the children and adults in Williamstown with the phenomenal and seamless perfor-mance of the actors and stage crew. The show displayed a child’s dream coming true and was an enlightening event for both the audience and the actors por-traying the characters in the play.

Peter Pan was portrayed by Natalie Donisi with Wendy as Miranda Paine, and John was played by Nicholas Kirsch. “The show was really fun and turned out really great and magical. We thought it

would only be magical for the kids who came and saw it, but the adults also had a great experience.” - Ally Dua as Twin 2

“It was really fun. It was my third show here and I got really close with the cast and I’m going to miss having that family feeling everyday.” - Elise Carr as Liza

“It was super fun to be in… Drama Club is always a nice escape where you always feel welcomed and loved... It’s like a second family.” - Isabella Cristinziani as a Storyteller

Williamstown High SchoolNovember 2017 Issue

WHS Soars With Peter Pan & Wendyby Sopheap Huot

2 College Planning3 Mold/4 Brave Voices

6 Halloween at the High School7 Poetry Corner8 Entertainment

10 Sports12 Jobs14 Horoscopes

INSIDE

CLASSROOM news

Fall: the time for togetherness, the time for relaxation, the time for a bunch of days off! We, as students, often take this time away from classes and assignments to go to parties, spend time with our families, and relax. While these are all wonderful experiences for us to cherish, let us not forget to set aside some to get ready for our inevitable college applications.

Let’s be real, just about everything matters as we look at our past accomplishments and future endeavors. Many of you may be nervous about the applications themselves as well as how to choose the right universi-ty to attend, and that’s after having to visit the colleges themselves! Juniors, you should make sure to be keep up with your classes and making sure grades are the best they can be. Don’t forget to ask your teachers if they would recommend you for Honors or AP classes next year!

Seeing as colleges are definitely looking back at our records from our Freshman days, we need to make sure we are taking advantage of every opportunity to get ourselves to that level. Utilize your coun-selor. You may want to ask the following questions: “What are some college options I could look out for”, or “What can I do to prepare to be accepted into college?”, and don’t forget to ask about any complica-tions or special circumstances you may have to deal with.

Seniors, if you're really sure about where you'd like to go, early actions are always a great idea. You can typically submit these throughout the beginning and middle of the year, but don’t forget to check the deadlines! This way you can apply to schools you want and you'll be a step ahead of the general group of applicants later on. Additionally, early applications

sometimes qualify you for scholarships that aren’t offered to standard applications.

If you are writing college essays at this time, which you should, allow yourself extra time to review your work. You will be surprised by how different it looks once you have taken a few days off from reading it. Then, you can better concen-trate on refining and polishing what you are writing.

Last, but not least, start learning about Financial Aid. It is never to soon to do this. It is complicated and may seem foreign trying to understand all the legal jargon, but the more time you spend on it the more it will make sense. In light of this, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen, you can do all of this too! Good luck students, and good work on the fall clean up!

COLLEGEPLANNING

by Jadyn Beyer

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We all know that the mold throughout the schools in the Monroe Township school district has caused great concern and even anger at the school board for their response. Holly Glenn and Whitehall students have been moved because of potentially hazardous conditions in their schools. The entire district was shut down for a week for mold testing as the school officials began

to remediate the issues. Despite this, the mold issue is not all bad. Important changes are being made that will im-prove the health and safety of the students and teachers in the district. The air quality in our schools will now be tested far more frequently, to the point where a new adult committee was set up just for testing mold and air quality: The Air Quality Task Force. The

actions of the school district have set an example for schools in the South Jersey region and beyond, prompting other district to step up their sanitation standards. Thank you to everybody involved who was able to help the students of Monroe Township School District come back to a safe learning environment!

Monroe Mold Updateby Rasaaq Shittu

SNAPSHOTS at WHS

“Pictures speak one thousand words”, a quote I never really took seriously until this past year. Early this past summer while thinking of ideas to take pictures of, I began to think about the lack of unification in our society. I then began to brainstorm different looks and people that I would want in this picture. Although not everyone could partici-pate on the selected date for the shoot I decided to still move forward with the picture, and try to incorporate as much individuality possible. My fellow senior friends did a beautiful job going outside of their comfort zones to pose for a beautiful shot that I will cherish forever. - Nikolaus Koutsogiannis

Braves Football photo courtesy of Jake Drinkwater.

selected works from photography class

brave voicesby: Newspaper Staff

After a long summer that

seemed as if it would never

end, fall is here! There are

so many things to enjoy

during this time of year.

Here are some of our

favorite things about fall.

“Thanksgiving.”- Ben McCauslandJunior

“I like to dance and do gym-nastics during the fall.”- Adriana BattistelliFreshman

“The leaves changing, football season, and getting fat from Thanksgiving.”- Tim McBrideJunior

“Halloween is my favorite part about fall.” - Haley RizzoFreshman

“The crunchy leaves and the contrast in colors that I can use for my photography.”Senior

“I love the bonfires and the togetherness fall brings.”Freshman

“Fall decorations.”- Taylor MckennaSophomore

“Pumpkin flavored things and the weather.”- Emma ManelSophomore

“My birthday!”- Evan PeacockJunior

“I like the weather in the fall.”Freshman

“I love how fall brings football season.”Freshman

“The leaves, I don’t know, it’s nice.”- Jenna HoganJunior

Joey Berry, Alyssa Doughtery and Dillon Love4

“Wearing sweaters, and #FoodBabySeason.”- Abby HainsworthJunior

“ In the fall, I love how the leaves change color.”- Anthony SavageFreshman

“Sports season is pretty cool.”- Robert Wagnernosh Bruynell and Mike GillinghamJuniors

“No more insects to bite me”- Rylie BrownJunior

“I love pumpkin picking in the fall.” Freshman

“The leaves falling on the ground.”Junior

“The leaves, the sweaters, the hot chocolate.”- Emily HorcherSophomore

“Cool weather.”- Elijah RiveraSophomore

“School starts, so I get to see all my friends.”- David FriantJunior

“The trees losing their leaves and the football hustle.”- Bryan, Martin and Dylan BakerSeniors

Kenneth Hoskins and Derrick Tomas Jr.

“Spirit week and haunted hayrides.”- Morgan McNultySophomore

“I like Thanksgiving.”- Evan SchmidlinFreshman

“Watching the leaves change color and everything pumpkin.”- Sabrina SaberSophomore

“Cheerleading season and football season are cool things about fall.”- Dana Maden and Wade IngeJuniors

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CLUBS what's goin on?

6

Poe

tryHalloween at the High School, all in all was a great success. Hallways were decorated to the highest quality. Many kids were dressed in adorably spooky costumes. I got in a couple interviews with a couple of the clubs who had contributed to the Haunted High School, and the response was all positive and enthusiastic! The questions asked were: “Did you have fun making this hall/event?”, “Were there any complica-tions”, and then the obvious question of what club it was and what they were doing.

Leading into our first club, the ROTC program had made an Egyptian themed

haunted house that would chill even the strongest person alive. “Making the overall hallway was really fun, and the only complications that we really had were wrapping the mummies,” Lucy DeFilice had said in regards to her program’s preparation.

Next was the Science Club with their less spooky haunted house with severed fingers (fake of course), bottles and cauldrons of brews, and skeletons alike. “Yeah, it was fun. Mrs. Beach had created all of the props at home. The students had cut out all the pictures and the sign and it was all a great time,” Mrs.Tina had responded.

There were many clubs with great and beautiful displays such as the Senate who had made escape rooms. The Senate (year of 2020) had said, “It was super fun to make! Some of the clues were hard to create though and some stuff was harder to set up in one room than the other,” replied a couple students in the senate. Overall, Haunted High School was a success! Candy was given out. Many cute trick-or-treaters came out, costumes were worn and hallways were made to perfection!

Congratulations to everyone who participated. A special thanks should go out to Mr. Zane for organizing the event!

Halloween at the High School Recapby Jadyn Beyer

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Poe

try Corner

"Ode to a Smile"

Tethered roots rise above to their mother,Allocated uniformly, arrayed and fixated—Circling the ameliorated, yet open, crevicePerpetually dilated in my presence

Although the cavity has a resolution,Winds unfurl from its earthly lips— Forcing hairs of the ground to trembleWhile the animated souls gravitate

Outside eyes shutter and click pictures,Yet the masses’ clarity unfolds as molasses doesIn a spider’s seemingly gift for sight;Ignorance ignoring another’s ignorance

Their retinas and nerves discovering the apparentAnd unknowingly consigned to oblivion—Transforming the wind and crevice into gossipWhile the combination acts as an oasis to me

An opening, flowing with vitality and efficacy—Sightly and wonder-filled, my body refuses migration—Discovering a finite example of my dreams emulated;A sample of a biosphere; a living, breathing Elysium

- by Corey Gilbert

"Ode to Cypress Hymns (Springtime Winds)"

A soft melody carried through familiar wood,Traveling under amethyst skies and emerald trees,Reaches the golden field of daffodilsWhere we had spent the better half of springDaydreaming in immaculate sunlight.

Early morning ghosts calmly wanderWith a myriad of frigid fingertips outstretched,Gently caressing this lone, solitary meadowIn a profusion of sapphire dewdrops.

Once more, a harmonious zephyr singsUnheard by almost all the world,Save but two sunflowers, budding anew. - by Tyler Meyerhoff

Selected works from the WHS Poetry Club

Gathering every first Monday of the month in C208, Poetry Club was made for people who have a passion for reading and analyzing poetry. In this safe environment where everyone has the chance to present their poem and receive constructive criticism so as to expand one’s skill as a poet. Through Poetry Club, you might find a new passion if you just give it a try. It does not matter your skill level in poetry, everyone is welcome and no one is shamed. You can gain new experiences and have a lot of fun.

by Alexandra Bazikos

SPEAKWritten by Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak is a distinctive novel that delves deep into mental illness and the societal flaws that are linked to depression. It’s main character, Melinda, struggles through her freshman year of high school due to her introverted and reserved characteristics which are not widely accepted at her school as well as because of her depression. Throughout the year, she progressively sinks lower and lower as she loses

control of her own life. Her number of friends, her grades, and her happiness all begin to decline. Everywhere she goes, she is rejected, whether by the kids at school or even by her own parents to some extent. No one seems to do anything to help her. It is established that she is completely alone, but by the end, she begins to rise above her issues and confront her past.

This book accurately expresses the harsh truths of depression while also giving Melinda her voice. Even though she lacks copious amounts of dialogue, the book is one of the most personal novels I have ever read. When I read it the first time, it genuinely felt as if I were listening to someone’s thoughts. Through this, the reader learns about the reality of despair and mental illness. Unlike many other stories about depression and other forms of abuse, this one is not insulting and actually portrays Melinda as a strong person in a hard situation. Despite all odds, Melinda triumphs in the end through a satisfying climax. While it is likely a hard subject for many, this book is fantastic and educational, and I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

ENTERTAINMENTbooks

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by Abigail Twiford

STRANGER THINGS SEASON 2Warning: If you have not seen or finished season one, this article contains spoilers. The long awaited second season of Stranger Things is here! For over a year fans have been waiting for what was in store for season two, leading to lots of speculation and theories as to how Stranger Things 2 would play out. When the second season finally dropped on October 27 of this year, much binge watching took place, as people needed to know what would happen to the beloved characters.

This new season started off by introducing new characters that would later become very important parts of the story. We first meet another one of Brenner’s experiments, and we are able to see how the different people Brenner experimented on have different powers. Later in the episode, we are introduced to step- siblings Max and Billy. Dustin and Lucas quickly begin trying to get Max to join their group, drawn to her because of her video game and skateboarding skills. Will has a multitude of problems and signs of PTSD due to what he experienced in the first season. It is immediately evident that Mike has fallen into a funk and has since started breaking his rules after Eleven destroyed the Demogorgon in season one. Hopper has taken in Eleven to try to keep her safe from the government agencies and Hawkins lab workers who could be after her. However, that starts to become a challenge when El sets out to discover who she is and where she came from before Brenner.

As new threats and monsters emerge in Hawkins, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Max have to get over their differences and overcome their problems to save the town. Fans of the show will not be disappointed with all of the development and new relationships and struggles this new season brings for the characters.

television

by Rasaaq Shittu

LIL PUMPLil Pump is an upcoming and controversial artist leading the wave of SoundCloud rappers from Florida. Lil Pump is 17 years old, and has an estimated net worth exceeding $3 million dollars already. His songs are simple, consisting of “bar phrases” and booming bass. Some of his popular “bar phrases” include “Gucci Gang”,“Iced Out”, and “D Rose”, which also happen to be the name of the titles of some of his most popular songs. Most criticism of Pump stems from the fact that a majority of his songs recycle the same beat, and his lyrics have been described as lewd and lackluster.

The mention of Lil Pump in the classroom produces a large amount of sighs. Junior Abby Hainsworth says “His “talent” consists of him repeating the same words over and over for 80% of a song”. Despite the haters, Lil Pump doesn’t seem to be leaving the public eye, with his self-titled mixtape achieving wide success. Here are some of my personal favorites: “Youngest Flexer”, “Obama”, “Larry”, and “Flex Like Ouu”.

by Zac Castiglione

music

comic strip

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IT'S GO TIME FOR WINTER SPORTSby Rasaaq Shittu

A WENTZ IN A LIFETIME SEASONby Rasaaq Shittu

BOYS BASKETBALLLast Record: 20-8Returning Leaders: Nick Kenton (236 pts, 56 rebounds, 29 free-throws made)Mike Patterson (335 pts,50 rebounds, 44 assists)Omar Ramos (129 pts, 28 rebounds, 17 steals)

GIRLS BASKETBALLLast Years Record: 9-17Returning Leaders:Ta’Nayjah Pong (150 pts, 9 3-FG, 20 free-throws made)Abigail Sampona (101 pts, 12 free-throws made)Mackenzie Long (69 pts, 17 FG)

WRESTLINGLast Year’s Record: 9-13Returning Leaders:Brandon ButlerNick Cope Nick DeRosa

BOYS SWIMMING & DIVINGLast Year’s Record: 4-5Returning Leaders:Cole Nicolai (2:23:70 200m Freestyle)Justin Giardinelli (2:34:02 200 IM)

GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVINGLast Year’s Record: 1-5Returning Leaders:Edith Kreuzer (2:37:38 200m Freestyle)Kathryn McKinneyNatalia Giardinelli

BOYS WINTER TRACK & FIELDLast Year’s Record: N/AReturning Leaders:Quinn Hart (7.12s 55m)Skye Jarvis (56.63s 400m)Nate George (4:54:26s 1600m)

GIRLS WINTER TRACK & FIELDLast Year’s Record: N/AReturning Leaders:Gabbi Kirsch (2:19:99 800m)Daijah Littlejohn (56.63s 55m Hurdles)Nalah Abul-Qasim (7.77s 55m)

update

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Cause you gotta go to workby Adelena Kravitz and Anna McMahon

After another exciting fall sports season, it's time to bring the action indoors for the winter. Players and coaches alike are excited as the Braves get back on the courts, on the mat, around the track and in the pool. Winter cheer is back at it as well to bring spirt and support on the sidelines. Here's a quick recap of last year's results and a list of names you'll want to follow this season. Check out some of their games this year and support our school and your classmates. Go Braves!

If you told anyone a year ago that the Eagles would have the best record in the NFL(9-1), despite losing a slew of key players such as Alshon Jeffery, Jordan Hicks, Darren Sproles, etc., you probably would have got more than a few funny looks. Philadelphia fans have reason to celebrate, as Carson Wentz is emerging as the franchise quarterback the city has been dying for for years. Senior Justin Fortuna says “ Carson Wentz has progressed beyond anyone’s wildest dreams in year two, and this combined with continued stout play from the front seven on defense, a rejuvenated secondary, and a revamped skill group on offense are allowing the Eagles to have their most successful season in recent memory.” For everyone else in the NFC East, the season is looking pretty bleak. Coach Pederson’s Birds are on a 8-game win streak, remaining unbeaten against NFC opponents. This streak has included a recent thumping of the Cowboys 37-9, in which Wentz threw 2 TD, while Corey Clement and Kenjon Barner rushed for a TD a piece. While casual watchers may go head-over-heels for Wentz, real fans realize that credit should go to the Eagles’ stellar defense. The Eagles defense has a com-bined total over 226 pressures, which as of Week 9 was 53 more than any other defense. DT Fletcher Cox has 14 total tackles, and 5 sacks on the season, while DE Brandon Graham has 18 combined tackles, and 6 sacks. It may still be to early to call, but this may be the year that Philly ends its Super Bowl drought. Until then, Carson Wentz has the ever-so difficult task of carrying the hopes and dreams of a supportive fanbase on his shoulders. But so far, the Eagles only seem as if they will soar higher and higher.

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Available Jobs, Internships, and Community ServiceLooking for work? We're here to help you get started! Check out the opportunities below.

JOBSCause you gotta go to work

by Adelena Kravitz and Anna McMahon

Holiday Drives such as….

Local food, clothing, and toy drives

Local Holiday Events such as…

School Christmas parties

Aid Organizations such as…

Habitat for HumanityRed Cross Youth

JOBS Use the websites listed to find more!

INTERNSHIPSSearch on www.internships.com for more.

VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY SERVICESearch on www.volunteermatch.org for more.

Childcare www.care.com

CashierPanera Bread

(732) 652-5268Must be 16 or older.

Customer Service AssociateWalgreens

(856) 740-2509Must be 16 or older to apply.

Lifeguard St. Matthews

(856) 629-4614Must be a strong swimmer.

Team MemberDunkin Donuts, ARF Corp, Berlin, NJ

Must be 16 or older and be able to carry up to 40 lbs.

Seasonal Retail Sales Associate Kohl’s

(856) 228-8558Must be 17 or older.

Desk Attendant Brunswick Zone (856) 845-4241On weekends.

Editorial & Journalism Internship GoBelieve Culture Philadelphia, PA

Business Development Internship GoBelieve CulturePhiladelphia, PA

CHOP InternshipChildren’s Hospital of Philadephia

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University Summer Internships Drexel University Philadelphia, PA

G. John DiGregorio Summer Science Program Philadelphia, PA

The TRIP Initiative Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, PA

Summer Internships University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA *Offers many different programs.

Job Finding Websites www.glassdoor.com www.monster.com www.simplyhired.comwww.theladders.com www.careerbuilder.com www.job.com

Didn’t get your own copy of Smoke Signals? Get it on the school website!

CAPRICORNDec. 22–Jan. 19You made a deal with someone but they didn’t keep up their end of the

bargain. Don’t make it a reason to sacrifice your self-respect and end the friendship; they are going through something difficult and don’t know how to talk about it. Helping them through it will make your bond even stronger.

SAGITTARIUSNov. 23–Dec. 21Take a deep breath and think. Don’t let the small

mistakes you’ve made make you regret everything. Just take a step back, learn, and enjoy the future things to come your way.

SCORPIOOct. 23–Nov. 22Be wary of doing im-pulsive actions without thinking. Going to that

party instead of studying for that test may bite you in the behind later on. Stay concentrated and assert your attention to the task at hand.

LIBRASept. 23–Oct. 22Communicate to some-one you trust about the

things that have been troubling you, you will be surprised by how comforting their words are.

VIRGOAug. 23–Sept. 22Aquarius will be susceptible to your everlasting charm. Don’t

be shy and let your personality shine, and you’ll get that romantic encounter you have been dreaming of soon.

LEOJuly 23–Aug. 22You’ve always been re-garded as the class clown

while you are revered for your wit, don’t forget to let others see the softer side of you. Your emotions run deep and you don’t want to miss out on that special relationship because you made a joke about it.

CANCERJune 21–July 22 Don't try to fight someone just because

they stepped on your new white shoes, anything can be cleaned. Don't expect stuff to be handed to you without hard work and dedication. You will be in conflict with peers more than normal this month. Don't fret, reconciliation is on the horizon.

GEMINIMay 21–June 20You can tempt that special someone with your confidence and

sense of humor. Just be yourself, and the best of you will shine through.

TAURUSApr. 21–May 20Don’t speak falsehoods to impress your peers. Your true friends will

respect you for who you are and what you truly think. Keep an eye out for a friend in need.

ARIESMar. 21–Apr. 20Don’t let procrastination hurt your GPA, finish those assignments you’ve

been putting off so you can go into festive events with a sense of relief and accomplishment. Be kind to a family member this month, you may not know it but they may need the extra generosity.

PISCESFeb. 20–Mar. 20Things aren't as may seem. Don’t be discouraged by

others and don’t let them make your decision for you. Take some time this month to put yourself first on your list of priorities.

AQUARIUSJan. 20–Feb. 19Be wary of accidents. You could find yourself in an embarrassing situ-ation. Beware of uneasy

situations. Sometimes it's best just to remove yourself from the room.

NEWSPAPER STAFFAlexandra Bazikos

Jadyn Beyer

Zac Castiglione

Abby Hainsworth

Sopheap Huot

Adelena Kravitz

Anna McMahon

Rasaaq Shittu

Abigail Twiford

Ms. Ferranto ~ Advisor/Designer • Mr. Longo ~ Advisor/Editor

horoscopesby Jadyn Beyer

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

ARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCERARIES TAURUS LEO

SAGITARIUS

LIBRA

PISCESAQUARIUS

CAPRICORN

GEMINI SCORPIO VIRGO

CANCER

students monthof the

FRESHMANCJ Giardinelli

Mariana Avendano

SOPHOMORESMario Peppetti

Abigail Flanagan

JUNIORSRyan Olsen

Amanda Giordano

SENIORSArcangelo Vetrano

Madison RuskOctober

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