Photo By: Jessica Nesi
May 5th, the Cranford Teen Advisory Board and Cranford as a community broke the record for “biggest can pyramid” while donating thousands of cans to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Congratulations to everyone involved in the building of the pyramid!
Photo By: Natalie Salinardo
By: Charlotte Esteves
On Thursday, May 2nd 2013, the famous Harlem Wizards came to CHS to take on the teachers in a head to head basketball game. Hundreds of students and parents attended the game to cheer on the players. Elementary students came to watch the game as well, and were able to participate in games made up by the six players of the Harlem Wizards.
Each ticket purchased supported the Class of 2014. Music blasted throughout the game and the crowd went wild whenever a basket was made. Snacks and refreshments were available to the crowd and Harlem Wizards merchandise was handed out to lucky participants in interactive games. The night was fun for both the children and adults who attended the event.
After countless numbers of dunks both by the Wizards and the teachers, the ending score read 77 teachers – 90 Wizards. It was a great effort made by the CHS team, and in the end, everyone was ecstatic with the experience. It was a night that will definitely be remembered by the attendees.
By: Maria Alba
Physics students spent the last two weeks creating their own Rube Goldberg machines in class. On Friday the 3rd, groups presented their final projects.
On Thursday, the CHS concert band and jazz band, led by Mr. Chernosky, performed in the spring concert.
By: Angela Montague
Imagine: a store with unique styles, generous prices, and enjoyable people. What more could you ask for? Believe it or not the image of this perfect store is not a dream anymore. This can become reality by visiting Progress, an urban style resale store! Luckily, Progress is located in Garwood, which conveniently is Cranford’s backyard.
Progress was founded by Trisha Caminos, a loving wife, a mother of three, and a Cranford citizen. Impressively, Mrs. Caminos created this store entirely by herself. One might ask, “how could a single person tackle such a difficult challenge?” Mrs. Caminos explains that her reasoning for establishing her store was chiefly because of her obsession with thrift shops.
She explains, “I knew I wasn’t the only one who was interested in thrift stores. I was definitely scared at first, but I never doubted myself.”
I admire Mrs. Caminos’ determination and confidence. Her great style and creativity shows through the store’s beautiful set up and decorations.
Mrs.. Caminos describes Progress as, “very special because the store itself is done completely with reused things, which shows beauty in the old and recycled items.”
What was once an old, vacant gas station is now a lovely boutique with a sleek, New York City look.
Progress has a very easy to learn system when it comes to purchasing and receiving items. What I found most amazing about the structure is that the seller can choose which way they wish to benefit from selling their items. Yes, that means the seller profits from giving away their unwanted items! The seller can either receive thirty percent store credit or fifteen percent cash for what the amount the items are sold for.
It is important to note that Progress will only purchase new, barely worn, or slightly used clothing and jewelry from any individual. Mrs. Caminos hand picks her items from a variety of unique places and also depends on resellers to sell her more beautiful pieces. Progress’ flair can be described as trendy, vintage, and in-style.
One can often find Progress lit up and filled with excitement at late hours of the night. Mrs. Caminos has held events out of her shop like fashion shows and “Mom’s Night Out.” I was lucky enough to experience one of her fashion shows and it inspired me to pursue a career in the fashion industry. I had a great time admiring the beautiful models and trendy styles.
What makes Progress different from other small shops is the story behind it. Amazingly, one woman had a vision and took that image and made it a reality. Mrs. Caminos, a determined business woman with a sense of style, has inspired myself and many others to pursue dreams and to never doubt yourself. Progress is not only a trendy, stylish resale shop with impressive deals, but also a place where one can be inspired to pursue their dreams.
By: Emily Schindler
Tuesday April 30th- Many CHS students generously helped out or donated at the blood drive to save lives.
Photos By: Emily Schindler
By: Nicole Tarantino
Thursday, April 25th, Spanish teacher Senora Diaz and her friend, Ines Ferre delivered a presentation on journalism and language to CHS students. Ferre is a current CNN and CBS correspondent and Diaz used to work as a journalist behind the scenes.
Ferre has interviewed national and international newsmakers in business, entertainment, fashion, and music. She discussed how news is covered for Spanish and English speaking audiences and the benefits of speaking both languages fluently.
Sra. Diaz told the class that she had always been passionate about language and that she ended up becoming a UN translator. However, this job required objectivity and detachment from the events she covered.
Diaz explained how “you have to have no opinion, an empty mind” while translating. Because of her desire to be more involved in the work, she switched her career from translating to journalism.
Both Diaz and Ferre conveyed the importance of journalism in today’s world. Diaz said that in order to be a journalist you should love facts and knowledge and you should be a people person, since communication is the key to success in this industry.
Ferre added that you need to be well-rounded and you have to be versatile enough to cover a variety of topics. One day you may cover sports; the next day you may cover fashion. You need to be dynamic and open to new possibilities.
Ferre also explained that you never know who is viewing your work and you may not even be aware of the positive impact you make. She told the class about her pleasant surprise when Hugo Chaves, former president of Venezuela, complimented her for her work.
It was apparent that there are many advantages gained by being a bilingual reporter in the journalism business. Besides being able to reach out to an international audience, Ferre is able to communicate well with Spanish speaking people in interviews. Diaz explained that when interviewing someone, a reporter should make the person comfortable so the person can open up slowly, like a flower.
“The things that happen in life and the way they are presented shape the world…the way society is run…it dictates the way you live, the way your children will live,” stated Diaz.
As a final statement to the class, Diaz advised the students to pay attention to what is going on in the world because it will have an impact later on.
We thank Sra Diaz and Ines Ferre for taking the time to give a valuable presentation!
By: Peter Strotz
On April 23, 2013, Cranford High School hosted its annual College Fair, entertaining representatives from over 80 colleges from around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The college fair was attended by many students from CHS, mainly sophomores and juniors who are looking to plan where they will attend college. There were colleges from New Jersey and other states with a wide variety of the types of schools, ranging from around one thousand students to upwards of thirty thousand students.
While there, I had the chance to talk to a couple of admissions counselors about their experiences at college fairs. I asked one councilor why he was willing to go to college fairs. He responded that it was “great to interact with the students and helping them find the right path for their future.” Another man representing a college said that he was a parent, representing his son’s university. He said that he wanted to represent the university because he believed that the university had truly made a difference with his son.
Both representatives felt that most students who they talked to were genuinely interested in their college, and if they seemed to be overwhelmed or confused, counselors would try to be as helpful as they possibly could.
The fair was a great way to learn about many of the colleges in the area. The representatives were very knowledgeable and were willing to give out any information possible. They had plenty of pamphlets and other souvenirs to give out and any questions that a student had could usually be answered.
The college fair is a great way for perspective college students to get acclimated to the many different colleges in the area, and to learn how to navigate through the new information and opportunities before you.
(Above: Vice President Jacob Gelber, Club Advisor Mr. Rafaniello, President Katie Gordon)
By: Marissa Salway
Do you love to sing or play an instrument? Are you tired of only playing school-related pieces of music? Do you love music but don’t have time to take a music class? Then Tri-M is the club for you!
Tri-M is a club that allows different types of musicians and vocalists to come together and share their love of music. The best part about it is that anyone can perform! Kim Siehl said “I really love Tri-M because it is so much more laid back than being in Concert Choir and Madrigals. Here I can try different songs and not be afraid of being judged!”
You don’t have to even be in a music class; the club welcomes anybody who is prepared and has a love for music. In order to be officially inducted, a student has to perform at least once, contribute to musical service, and attain academic achievement. If you are inducted, a pink tassel will be added to your graduation cap to symbolize your musical achievements.
Tri-M meets every Tuesday at 3:00, where various performances are held. In addition, the club holds several evening showcases where students perform for friends and family. Additionally, many juniors, who are preparing for college auditions, practice at Tri-M to get feedback from Mr. Raf (club Advisor) and fellow Tri-M members. Throughout the year, Tri-M takes various trips to the theater, opera, symphony, and other performing events.
This year President Katie Gordon and Vice President Jacob Gelber implemented a few changes to the club to make it even better. In addition to planning the usual end of the year showcase, the two want to introduce a Senior Tri-M showcase.
Gordon comments “Our choral, band, and orchestra Spring Concerts are always so much earlier than actual graduation and we want to give passionate musicians the chance to share the CHS stage with each other one last time before we graduate.”
Whether you sing or play the obo; Tri-M invites any musician to come out and share their passion for music.
Photo By: Maria Alba
By: Natalie Salinardo
Happy Earth Day!
Not to be confused with Arbor Day, a day created in 1872 which is dedicated to planting trees. (Actually we missed the ball on that one—it’s set for April 10th.)
While Arbor Day may be solely devoted to the planting of trees, Earth Day is sponsored by the whole planet.
Created in 1969 by Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin, Earth Day led to the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the Clear Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Even though such great environmental progress has been made since the dawn of Nixon, there are still huge ecological problems. Oil is still heavily depended on, pollution is always an issue, and chemicals are being pumped into the ground, the water, and our stomachs.
Some may argue that although there has not been consistent environmental progress, the economic and industrial advances far outweigh the need to take such delicate care of the environment. Renowned ecologist Barry Commoner understands that, “the proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it.”
Until man is able to concoct healthy food out of a test tube, nature wins. Until man is able to artificially provide oxygen for the planet, nature wins. Until man is able to create life, nature wins. Science and technology have not put us so far above the rest of the world, and it only seems to fair to respect the clear winner.
Earth Day is a day to celebrate the amazing planet we were lucky enough to find ourselves upon. Perhaps to commemorate Mother Earth, we can take extra care today to recycle, plant a shrub, or just take in the majesty.
We only have one Earth—it’s important to take care of it.
By: Charlotte Esteves
“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.”
- John F. Kennedy
“I feel that sometimes we do get lost in talking about action. The Day of Silence is a way for students to take action. Their silence represents power against bullying. The power of silence can be felt from the participators and to others that see their commitment throughout this day,” stated Mr. Vito.
Sophomore Katie Trapani added, “Everyone needs to understand that they [the victims of LGBT harassment] don’t deserve to be bullied.”
This great cause involves people all over the country and at Cranford High School it only costs five dollars to participate. Many students and teachers bought stickers and t-shirts, demonstrating their commitment to be silent all day in order to bring attention to anti-GLBT bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools. The 2013 Cranford High School Day of Silence was definitely a success this year with a huge number of participatants and supporters.
By: Manuel Garcia
Today, the city of Boston experienced excessive violence in possible connection to the internationally renowned Boston Marathon.
Reports indicate that two people were killed along with at least twenty-three others after two explosions set off near the finish line of the race.
Videos released to the press show people in excess of twenty feet away from the blast being sent to the ground, appearing as if hit by shrapnel.
“There are people who are really, really bloody,” said Laura McLean, a runner from Toronto who witnessed the victims at the scene. “They were pulling them into a medical tent.”
Reports later indicated that two other devices were found and dismantled by the Boston bomb squad near the initial explosion. Across the river at in Dorchester, another bomb exploded at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Reports are still developing concerning this story.
President Obama reacted to today’s events by declaring, “Those who dare act as perpetrators will feel the full weight of justice.”
By: Nicole Tarantino
Spotlight News recently sat down with CHS senior Sergio Amaral to discuss his position as a volunteer on the Cranford first aid squad.
Q: What is your volunteer/work schedule like?
A: I volunteer every Wednesday from 6:30 pm until 5:30 am. Every six weeks I do what’s called a “duty weekend.” A duty weekend is a 24 hour shift from 6:30 pm on Saturday to 6:30 pm on Sunday. This duty rotates between the crews. For example, if the Monday night crew’s duty weekend was this weekend, Tuesday night’s duty weekend would be the following weekend.
Q: What made you decide to be an EMT?
A: It was my family friend Jogn Sousa who was an EMT in North Arlington. I thought it was the coolest thing so I went for it.
Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?
A: There really is no difficult part. I love doing it so it doesn’t feel like work to me at all.
Q: How do you balance this with other jobs/school?
A: It’s tough sleeping there till 5:30 am and then getting up going home and showering and then going to school when there’s a possibility I can get a call or two in the middle of the night and not get any sleep. Other than that balancing it between work and school isn’t that bad.
Q: How does the experience help you grow as a person? What are your plans for the future?
A: This experience has helped me get my feet wet in the medical field. I believe it has helped me mature a lot since I am working in an adult environment at such a young age. I plan to be a physician’s assistant in the future.
By: Marissa Salway
Imagine touring the sunny and beautiful state of California: the rustling breeze, the glistening water, and the astounding sights. Now imagine going with your friends that are like your second family. This year’s CHS Concert Choir embarked on a five day journey, from May 20th to May 25th, to Southern California and enjoyed singing and touring in the sun with CHS choir director Mr. Rafaniello, Nurse Doty, and Ms. Savage.
Every single day was packed with fun, life-changing activities and performances. Some of the most memorable experiences included exploring the Getty Museum, where actual Van Gout and Monet paintings were being displayed. Throughout the tour, Mr. Rafaniello kept joking with his students that “we have to walk at ‘California speed’ and take a break from all of the stresses of our everyday busy lives.”
The choir also visited the Santa Monica Pier, the San Diego Zoo, and sang on the U.S.S. Midway. The choir was also surprised with a visit to the Disneyland workshop, where they worked and recorded in a professional Disney studio. They simulated what an actual recording process would be like and after they recorded a few songs, they saw the clip of the movie the song was from with their own singing playing in the background.
The choir also toured Pepperdine University, the school filmed for Zoey 101’s P.C.A., and worked with its choir director, Dr. Board. The day before they left they sang at the St. Andrew Episcopal Church on Palm Sunday and worked with San Diego State University’s Dr. Walders.
When asking students what they thought about the trip, senior Emily Grable said, “Traveling with the choir opened up my eyes to how much is out there in the world. Now I definitely have the travel bug; I can’t wait to see new places in the near future!”
Not only did the members grow individually, but the choir grew as a whole. One of the main ideas of the trip was: in order to make music with others we have to be able to become vulnerable to one another. Because they traveled such a distance for an extended period of time they became an even closer family.
By: Emily Schindler
The annual Mr. CHS competition took place last Thursday and was a success. There was a large turnout of students and teachers, who were eager to see the silly sides of their male classmates. After all contestants showed off their talents, school spirits, and personalities, Jimmy Sweeney (11) was ultimately voted “Mr. CHS” of the school. Thank you to the student council and all contestants for an entertaining show!
(Source: http)
