Hoofprints
Fall 2008
A Time for Change
By Bob Mika
The American presidential election process has once again proven successful. The presidential nominees were confirmed, the campaign commercials ran, and the change of leadership is almost complete. There’s a new president in town.
Approximately half of Mainland’s seniors were able to participate in the voting process this year, and it seemed that many of them followed the race very carefully. Whether choosing Barack Obama or John McCain, it was a big decision with two very qualified nominees. It was a battle between John McCain, whose strength was foreign affairs, and Barack Obama, who specialized in the economy.
This was one of the most controversial and important elections in a very long time. The economy is struggling with the recent news of the economic bailouts, and the stock market is riding on a rollercoaster of emotions. On the other hand, foreign affairs are also very unsettled. Many believe we should stay in Iraq, while others think more troops in Afghanistan would be the way to proceed. Some believe we need to get out of both countries altogether. The presidential debates that outlined the hopeful’s plans were exciting and well-viewed.
Everyone should be paying attention to what president-elect Obama plans to do for America’s future.
If you’re of age, thanks for your contribution in the election. If not, in four years it will be your turn to contribute.
Congratulations to Barak Obama and all who voted for him.
Cabaret Takes A Bow; Weekend Performances Successful
By Lauren Colasurdo
Mrs. Cline, director of this year’s fall production, happily accepted congratulations for last weekend’s cabaret. The cabaret was preformed for the first time in ten years.
“I really wanted to involve more people,” Cline explains. While she admits that the fall play is nice, she explains that the plays have not been as well-attended as Drama Club wants them to be.
The cabaret, she clarifies, is a completely different atmosphere than the play. It was held in the cafeteria instead of the auditorium.
Also, the new format allows for more people to earn points towards their drama varsity letter because more people are involved. Besides the drama members who would usually audition for the play, the cabaret also incorporated the dance classes and New Jersey Drama and Forensic League (NJDFL) members.
Even the International Culture Club was involved as they dressed up and provided desserts fitting the theme, “Theatre around the World.”
The cabaret, as co-president Alana Milich explains, was a collection of scenes, poems, songs, and dances. Many pertained to the theme. Shows were performed Saturday, November 22nd at 7:30 pm. and Sunday, November 23rd at 2 pm. The price of admission was $10 with free refreshments.
In an unrelated change of events, Lip Sync, usually a fall event, has been moved to January in an attempt to give the students more time to prepare.
Cline says that in past years students wishing to participate simply couldn’t because of other extracurricular commitments. She felt that there was just too much happening in the fall and students were being rushed.
She hopes this will give students more time to plan. Milich agrees, adding that the extended winter break gives students more time to prepare this year. Also the extra time allows more fundraising for the spring musical.
But that’s not the only new news in drama. This year’s officers were recently elected, and many juniors have been chosen. Mrs. Sannino, director of this spring’s production, says that this is not out of the ordinary. In fact, “all classes are encouraged to run, though the upperclassmen usually win.”
And win they did. Seniors Veronica Chaffina and Alana Milich tied for co-president, CS won vice president, Dana Cosentino and Alex DeCasien were picked as secretaries, junior Molly Seneck won treasurer, and DG and Jeremy Sless are the new historians.
The latter two were actually one vote apart, but because there had been two historians before and only two ran, it was decided that they both should hold the position. Seniors JA and ZG and junior Robby Rodriguez are now New Jersey Drama and Forensic League (NJDFL) tri-captains.
When asked about her cabinet, Milich replied confidently, “Two of my best friends are in the cabinet [with me]. It’s a great team and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
It will definitely be a great year in Drama Club.
SCHOOL NEWS
Where Exactly
Is Mr. Russell?
By Rich Link
“Literature, writing and art are what connect us as human beings,” says Richard Russell, former Mainland English teacher. Russell only taught at Mainland for two years, but he influenced many students who sat in his classes.
Currently, Russell is busier than ever now that he is teaching classes at ACCC and writing many recommendations for his loyal and inspired former students who are heading to college next fall.
“I started out teaching high school because I hated high school as a student,” claims Richard Russell. “I enjoyed college much more than high school.”
He graduated from NYU class of 2001 with majors in both Literature and Creative Writing. He decided to become a high school teacher to, “make school more tolerable.” A former student says, “He made English much more bearable for me for two years.”
Russell’s career is hotter than ever since his departure from MRHS.
Rich Russell isn’t just an extraordinary English teacher; he is also a world traveler. He studied in the UK and lived for a long time in London.
Russell looks forward to traveling the parts of the world he hasn’t seen yet.
“I haven’t been to Iceland, but I’d like to go there now before it goes totally bankrupt.”
Unfortunately, Russell may not be able to travel the world soon. He is currently writing the foundations for several new novels he has in mind. His first novel called, “Mr. Thackeray: A Study” has already been completed.
Mainland students will always miss their rather unique Mr. Russell.
A Call to Action
By Amy Carber
Brigantine Elementary School’s Student Council recently won a New Jersey Clean Communities Award for the third straight year. Their recycling program and community clean-ups earned them a visit from Congressman LoBiondo last fall. Last spring they toured the facilities at the ACUA and were invited to an awards ceremony in Princeton.
The students currently participate in a program called the ABC’s of Character, and they carry their values home and into their community in order to beautify their town and help the environment at the same time.
Mainland students have an opportunity to promote and participate in similar programs as well.
There are community and beach clean-ups throughout Atlantic County, and just like the Brigantine students. Mainland students can sponsor their own school and backyard clean-ups. Mustangs have a chance to promote their own projects within school-sponsored clubs. We also can make a difference in our community.
Cheerleading Uniforms
Banned in School
By Alyssa Kyle
After years of wearing uniforms to show school spirit, Mainland cheerleaders are no longer allowed to wear uniform skirts during school hours because of the new dress code.
Mrs. McDevitt and Mrs. Foreman, cheerleading coaches, forewarned the team so that they would not be written up for dress code violation.
Principal Dr. Blake compared school hours to a work environment and he believes everyone should dress accordingly.
“Consistency is an issue with our policies,” Blake stated about the school’s dress code. He believes that it is only fair to the rest of the student population for cheerleaders to follow dress code while attending school.
The cheerleaders’ reactions to the new guidelines were aggravated.
“Why should we have to do something different this year when they’ve been doing this for years?” Senior captain Dana Spatz explained. Co-captain Kayla Gillespie agreed. “For many years Mainland cheerleaders have worn their uniforms to school and it has not caused any problems.”
The team feels slighted because they can’t wear their uniforms in school.
SCHOOL NEWS
Behind the Scenes of Marching Madness;
Band Captures Regional Title
“Are the judges ready? Is the band ready? Mainland marching band, you take the field in exhibition!”
These words rang out across the football field on Saturday, September 21 - the date of the Mainland band’s first home competition. The Mainland marching band hosted three other bands back in September, as Buena, Absegami, and Eastern showed up to compete. Many of the other Mainland band students watched each band, judging their talent by their size, sounds, and marching ability. After each band prepared to compete, the Mainland marching band played the National Anthem for a half-filled stadium at seven p.m...
Soon after, Buena was the first to perform their field show. Next Absegami preformed then Eastern and finally Mainland. After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the scores were announced and trophies were given out; each band winning first place because there was only one band competing in their respective division.
Mainland was not competing because it was the host, but still the Mustangs did a very good job.
This year’s show, “Dream of the Return”, is directed by Ms. Katie Howarth and it carries the ideal that, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Indeed, all of the students in the band this year have tremendous perseverance and determination.
Marching band isn’t always easy. The season begins with a horrible band camp, highlighted by cold cabins and repulsive food. Marchers come home to the sounds of drill instructors yelling, they practice at all hours of the night and day and sit through cold football games.
Many people have admitted wanting to quit on more than one occasion, however, the students say it’s all worth it after their first show.
The feeling of coming together as a band is something amazing. This year’s field show was especially difficult because the marching band numbered only 39 students.
In the larger bands, mistakes often go unnoticed because of the sheer number of members. This is not the case with the Mustangs, however as everyone must know the entire drill. The Mainland band has worked as hard as they can to improve their field show and show everyone that they are in fact a first class band. So the next time you go to a football game, don’t just talk through the half time show. Sit down and listen.
(After press time, news of the Band’s Regional Championship was reported.)
Dear Abbey
Dear Abbey,
I was with a friend one morning at her house when I looked out the window and saw what looked like one of her pet rabbits. It turned out to be one. It took five people a half hour to catch it. Is there a better way to catch a rabbit in a shorter time period so that we won't be late going somewhere next time?
-Late Rabbit
Dear Late Rabbit,
You said there were five of you. Well it all depends on your rabbit- catching tactics. If you were smart, you guys should have formed a circle or semicircle to get ready to catch it so the rabbit can't get out. Then it's all about bending the knees in a 90 degrees angle like a chair so you can kind of lunge at it. Also, it’s very important to know not to put lotion on when you’re about the grab a rabbit. Sure it makes your skin soft but then it’s like butter when you go to get the rabbit. Slips right through your hands. Next time you’ll know better.
(Dear Abbey is actually AS, junior)
Pakistani Youth “Vote” for U.S. President
By Sultan Mehmood
Pakistan
“From Pearl World Youth News”
GILGIT, Pakistan – Young people in Pakistan can't vote for the next president of the United States. But like others around the world, they are watching the last days of the campaign closely. And young Pakistanis, particularly in Gilgit, the capital city of Pakistan's northern territories, have more reason than most inhabitants of this planet to care which candidate wins on Nov. 4.
While U.S Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee, has said he would seek talks with Pakistan’s new government, Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate, has pledged to pursue Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters across the border from Afghanistan into Pakistan’s northern tribal areas.
U.S.-led and Pakistani forces have already clashed in recent weeks over military incursions inside Pakistan’s borders, only deepening the concern over whether the next U.S. president would quell or accelerate those tensions.
Some young Gilgit residents said they were frightened, depending on the election's outcome, that the U.S. might attack Pakistan.
“I think McCain would be better for Pakistan because in the presidential debates he mentioned that he will not go against the will of the Pakistani people,” said Mehreen Ahmed, 17, a junior in Public School and Colleges.
However, given that Pakistanis view Obama as the front runner in the election, any support McCain has in Pakistan might be moot.
“I seriously want John McCain to be the [next] president, but I don’t see him making it to the White House," said Sajida Rehman, 21, a student at Karakurum International University. "The polls tell me that [he won't make it].”
Even young people who said they don't normally follow politics were vocal about Americans' choice for president because of their fears that U.S.-Pakistani relations could sour.
Shahzadi Malik Shah, 19, a high school senior at St. Joseph College in Karachi said, “I really don’t care, but I
Think Obama will start operations against the Taliban, and he will need Pakistan’s support. It is going to be hard for Pakistan to decide whether to go for it or not. America will be a tricky customer to deny, and Pakistani citizens will be rigid against the argument to fight for America. Pakistan is in a hitch either way.”
Although Mohsin Ahmed, 17, a senior at Islamia High School in Peshawar, said Obama's economic plan was strong, the Democratic candidate has also been called less experienced at foreign affairs.
“Obama has great capabilities to take his country to a higher level of prosperity," Ahmed said. "He can make good decisions, but may make wild ones too. He is dreadfully unpredictable. He can come out with lethal weapons anytime against Pakistan in the name of war against terror.”
Like Ahmed other teenagers said they feared an attack by the U.S. if Obama was elected.
“I think Pakistan will have to continue with its foreign policy if Obama wins," said Shoaib Mehmood, 19. Then, referring to the current U.S. president, George W. Bush, he added that Obama, "Seems to continue Bush’s policy of going against Muslims. I can see him attacking Pakistan.”
E D I T O R I A L
On November 3, 2008 millions of Americans chose to take a stand and vote for their president, the President of the United States of America. Unlike the elections of 2000 and 2004, no recount was needed and candidate John McCain conceded victory to Barack Obama.
President-elect Obama is set to take the oath of office in January 2009, but many Americans are still deeply divided over whether or not he is really the right man for the job. Many say that his inexperience could ruin the nation, and others believe his pro-abortion stance will breed destruction on the Christians of the nation; yet still others have faith in his ability to fix America’s economic crisis and to make the best choices in environmental conservation.
The pro and con argument can go on forever, but the point is that this election was one of the most intense elections in our history. Voters turned out in record numbers, and the common citizen feels that he or she is playing an active part in our democracy. Keep fighting for the issues you think matter. Write letters, send emails, get fundraisers together, take part in a peaceful protest, organize a drive for the military troops or write an opinion letter to your school newspaper. Whatever way you decide to take part it doesn’t matter. Americans just need to get out there and do it.
This nation was built on people who took a stand for what they believed in, regardless of the circumstances, and they made a difference. Don’t let the end of the presidential election be the end of your voice.
As a U.S. citizen, it’s your right to use that voice to its fullest and limitless potential.
HOOFPRINTS
TEACHER-ADVISOR
Mr. Masciulli
WRITERS
Bob Mika
Katelyn Davidson
Mary Byrne
Amanda Casale
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Megan Walsh
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Amber Cohen
Stephen Chan
James Sundra
EDITORS
S D
CK
Ian Cummings
L B
NK
AS
Technical Support
Mr. Semet
Photographers
Erin Hanlin
Alyssa Kyle
Crisis in China
By Stephen Chan
One of China’s largest producers of baby formula placed industrial adhesive chemicals into their products.
These chemicals are the same chemicals that are used in other factories to create plastics, paints, and bowls and many other household products.
The Chinese government knew for a while, but they did not announce it publicly. Because the products were not withdrawn from shelves, many kids in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan and Malaysia, have developed kidney stones.
It is roughly estimated that some fifty or sixty thousand children have this problem. Four children have already died from this chemical poisoning. The chemicals were mixed in with a protein substitute to appear like baby formula. The faulty products passed several inspections because they appeared to be identical to the baby formula. It was made with no normal products you would find in average baby formula; it had a minimal amount of milk, the toxic chemicals, some flour, and some bean paste.
The company just wanted to make a larger profit for their products. They even reduced the price a little for consumers so they would have more customers.
The factory name was Suam-Luok (roughly translated same-look, meaning three deer). If you go out to buy any Chinese products in the store, be sure not to buy any brands of foods that may have a milk substance in it.
Freshmen Fears
Calmed After Adjustment
By Katelyn Davidson
On the high school food-chain, freshmen are the lowest of the low. “Freshmen,” becomes a synonym for “prey” and they are prone to unexpected teasing from the upper-classmen.
Back in September, “Freshman Friday” passed without much incident. There were the usual shouts of “FREEEEEEEESHMAN!” in the hallways, and the inevitable harmless taunts. There was also the occasional elevator pass being sold for “real cheap,” and an array of yellow and pink maps being swatted down from the hands of lost students. Like I said nothing out of the ordinary.
Once the initial shock of the first week is over, freshmen start to adjust to the routine. There are tons of things for freshman to do, like clubs, sports, and the ever-popular Friday night football games. Mainland is one of the top high schools in the county, with excellent academics, and a note-worthy music program. No pun intended.
So freshmen have plenty of opportunities to assimilate into high school life.
Five freshmen, who asked to remain anonymous, had the following to say about their first few months in high school.
“Boring,” says one ninth grader from Linwood. “Because, well, compared to the always exciting Belhaven, this school needs some caffeine. Like a lot. Because I almost fell asleep 8th period. And 1st. And all the rest.”
“Evil”, says yet another freshman, because I ate my homework.”
“Great, says freshman number three. “There are many more students, more work and lots of activities to join.”
It’s okay,” says another freshman. “Not good, not bad. Just okay.”
“Dark,” says a (drum roll please) freshman, “There are no windows in some classrooms, so it’s kind of like a dungeon.”
Something New For
Production Crew
By SF
If anyone was ever concerned how channel 2 gathered its information from Somers Point, Linwood, and Northfield look no further.
Mainland Regional High School production crew is responsible for airing information on channel 2 from what’s going on in the community, school and local council meetings. This year, production crew has initiated something new to the programming schedule.
TV production will have a five-episode proposal that will be airing on channel 2 this year.
“Episodes do not have specific topics and they will be developed by the production crew,” said Mr. Smith, TV production advisor. Programming will be whatever the students want. We are in the developmental stage.”
The episodes will air 3 pm 6pm and 9pm. The shows will be every marking period. The last episode will be made in May.
Interested in getting into college?
Sign up for the school
newspaper.
Contact Mr. Masciulli or the Hoof prints
editors. All are welcome. Editors, writers, and technical supporters are needed.
Helpers can
FASHION&STYLE
Preppy Pro
By CK
The chic preppy style is what’s in this fall. Whether you love the look or hate it, preppy style is here to stay. The “preppy” style is generally characterized by people wearing polo shirts, khaki pants, corduroy pants, a dress shirt and patterned sundresses.
Preppy is the classic style of the upper crust of America. Preppy has made a statement in the fashion industry and many designers have picked this style up and added their own new spin to it. Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Lilly and Nautica are just a few of the runway fashion designers that embraced the preppy look.
There are many misconceptions about preppy wear. A lot of people think that preppy clothes are only for snobs and rich people. A simple polo shirt is inexpensive and looks great on everybody.
For some, “preppy-ness” can be a lifestyle, but for most it’s just an outfit that they buy that they like.
Preppy is a good look for everyday or special occasions. Slip on a nice polo shirt and a pair of khakis for a meeting with your boss, or someone important and you can make a great first impression. The preppy look is also great for daywear and in appropriate settings; it can be good for eveningwear.
Preppy is a good style for any occasion and it is a style that can look good on anyone. “Preppy” is timeless, and for a good reason. So pull on a polo shirt or a nice knitted sweater and embrace the preppy look. Go preppy this fall!
Preppy Negative
By: TM
“They are confident and unafraid to express their own styles and be daring in their fashions. They are unique, not designs you would see in the mainstream and the mall” (urbandictionary.com). This is the modern day definition of preppy. They are confident and unafraid to express their own style but, their style is everyone wearing the same thing.
They are daring in their fashions but, it’s not fashion when there are 10 clones walking down the hallway.
They are unique …yeah right, about as unique as people in uniforms.
The modern day prep outfits are as about as different as penguins in their coats. All penguins wearing the same coat all preps wearing the same clothes. This is the preppy negative
FEATURES
The Physics Club: A Mystery at Mainland
By Gregg Riffel
The physics club expects to go to Rutgers and compete in the “Physics Olympics” in March. The new advisor, Mr. Crane, states, “the club is open to anyone who wants to learn about physics.”
Mr. Crane explains that, “the objective of the club is to introduce students to a wide variety of topics in physics.” It is a fairly hidden secret in Mainland that Mr. Crane recently took over as club advisor.
The “Physics Olympics” is held every March at the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University in North Jersey. The competition is a series of different challenges that pertain to physics.
“This competition allows students from all over the state to see how important physics is,” Crane elaborated. The physics club also hopes to compete in the Panasonic Challenge, an event similar to the Physics Olympics, which is held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
The physics club is attempting to hold fundraisers throughout the school year, which will offset the skyrocketing costs of AP science exams.
More students than ever are signing up to take the exams. The club hopes money raised will give students an incentive to sign up for AP classes.
Mr. Crane smiled and amusingly said, “the only thing needed to join the club is a love of physics and ‘cool stuff.’”
The club meets on the first Monday of every month.
Ecology Club Expands Membership Recruitment Drive
By Kaleen Kern
Mrs. McAfee has been advising ecology club for five years and she plans to meet her students every other Tuesday in S11 to discuss the program for this year.
This year, Mrs. McAfee is hoping to see more faces come out and join ecology club. She explains, “ecology club is about the services you do for the environment rather then the number of meetings you attend.”
She also says, “the more people in the club the more they are likely to accomplish.”
Last year, ecology club held the pet-drive, beach clean up, and implemented the recycling program. They were successful in all of these activities.
Holly Pimpinelli, a member of the club said, “The beach clean up was the most successful because it encouraged student volunteers to come out and get involved with the environment.”
Mrs. McAfee also plans on implementing a bottle recycling program and a National Walk to School Day.
Mrs. McAfee is very committed to the environment and her students, and she explains,” I want to help kids to focus on the environment as much as I can.”
Large Crowds Mark First Political Science Meeting
By Ian Cummings
On the seventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the Mainland political science club gathered for its first meeting of the year. The club had conducted an aggressive member-recruitment campaign at the freshman orientation; consequently, a large percentage of the audience was new and curious freshmen.
The club’s president, Jacob Reses, quickly brought the club to order. “Hello,” Reses said, “And welcome to the first political science meeting of the year. I’m glad many chose to come and check the club out.”
“This year, because of the presidential election, we are going to have a mock election. Basically, it will consist of several weeks in the last part of October when both sides will put up posters, launch TV ads, and give public speeches.”
The political science club officers, their teacher-advisor, Mr. Nathan Lichtenwalner, and Assistant Principal Mr. Mark Marrone, all were important to the success of the mock election.
During the summer, the club officers and Mr. Lichtenwalner had convened and planned details of the mock election. Reses announced the club leadership’s intention to split the club up into pro-McCain and pro-Obama camps; they would act as campaign teams, designing posters, coordinating with TV production to make ads for morning announcements, putting-up flyers and giving speeches.
The club began to separate into the two camps. Obama’s camp had a small advantage in the number of supporters. Vice-President Ian Cummings volunteered to lead the McCain team, while club officer L C and several seniors took active leadership roles on behalf of the Obama crowd.
Several people were undecided and planned to wait and see if they wanted to actively participate in either of the mock election’s two campaign teams.
Club members continued to discuss topics involving the credibility of Sarah Palin and Obama’s readiness to lead, foreign policy.
All the political science club officers were appointed by Mr. Lichtenwalner at the end of last year.
The club holds a consistent schedule of meetings every week on Thursdays in B-12 immediately after school.
SPORTS
Girls’ Tennis Doubles Win Championship
By Erin Hanlon
This year’s promising tennis team came out with a first doubles victory in the CAL championship with the teamwork of Erin Hanlon and Lillian Stellitano.
“My goal for the season was to be CAL champs. We have a team of first doubles who have the potential,” stated Mrs. Kathy Yohe, the head coach of the team.
Coach Yohe’s dream became a reality. Hanlon and Stellitano beat Holy Spirit’s KF and N R by an incredible score of 6-1, 6-2.
This is the first year the two girls have played together as a double team. Erin Hanlon, a sophomore, played third singles last season, with a 15-7 record, and was honored as a conference all-star.
The Will To Play
By: Nick Filauro
Some players talk about having a “will to win”. At Mainland, the ice hockey team has a will to play.
Mr. Mike McGraff, with the help of others, lobbied for the creation of the team. Even after getting permission, they received no funding from the school. All assets come from fund-raisers. While equipment company Cascade gives out helmets, most players shell out over $700 just to play.
There is no set-in-stone schedule; the team just plays opponents they find. They enter tournaments and compete against teams from all over New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. There is no such thing as home-ice advantage because the team plays at the Flyers Skate Zone in Atlantic City.
“Everyone buys their own equipment,” JS, a sophomore who plays wing on the team said. “We have many fund-raisers and we get some sponsors.”
“To join you must go to team meetings at the beginning of the year,” he continued. Before that, however, the only events are a short training camp before the season starts and off-ice practice in the summer months.
The team is part of the New Jersey Hockey League, which is an organization of teams. “The best teams are probably Catholic schools,” he said “And the worst is Lower Cape May,” S said.
There is no lack of sprit or commitment on this squad. You need to have a one of a kind drive to play hockey here at Mainland….and a healthy bank account.
While some may consider breaking the bank to play hockey idiotic or a waste, these players are proud of their investments.
Mustangs Continue Winning Ways;
Football Squad Advances in Playoffs
By LM and staff
After losing the state championship game to Toms River North in a close three-point battle last year, the football team has bounced back with an awesome season this year.
As of press time, the undefeated Mustangs are preparing for the Group IV semi-final game against Washington Township.
Under coach Coffey, the Mustangs are currently undefeated as they have smashed through every CAL opponent, winning each game by at least three touchdowns.
Coffey said, “The most exciting part of the season is the big games. Everybody is excited and there’s nothing like playing Friday nights against good teams.”
And the good teams just keep on coming. Last week, Mainland easily manhandled Eastern, a perennial powerhouse in the Group IV standings.
Cradle Rock Trip No Longer Up in Air
By: Lauren Colasurdo
Has the Cradle Rock field trip been cancelled?
No. Thanks to the persistent efforts of the students.
The cradle rock field trip is a visit to Vertical Reality, an indoor rock climbing facility in Mt. Laurel. There are 30 different climbing stations, which allow half of the students to climb simultaneously. After a couple hours of climbing, they have lunch and the owner performs a special climbing exhibition especially for Mainland.
The facility isn’t usually open on weekdays so the students have the facility to themselves.
How has Cradle Rock field trip gone in the past years?
“Awesome!” according to physical education teacher, Mrs. Hodgson.
Why then did it come so close to cancelation?
Dr. Dever believed that the students on the trip would miss valuable instruction for the entire day.
However, after further consideration and much persuasion by students, he has agreed to sign the paperwork.
Only those students who have attempted all nine elements in class are eligible to go, but still before Dr. Dever would consider allowing the trip during school he wanted to see the students make “a sincere attempt to mesh everyone’s schedules.” Such selectivity, as Hodgson points out, encourages the students to trust one another and build teamwork and confidence.
She was very upset that the field trip was cancelled because this is the only physical education field trip and it has been very successful in the past eight years.
Hodgson applied for the field trip the second day of school to make sure it was approved early.
Mr. Evinski, athletic director, and Dr. Blake approved the trip before Dr. Dever rejected it. Hodge is now delighted at Dever’s change of heart. He wanted the students to exhaust all non-school day option before approving it.
Dr. Dever even contacted the owner of Vertical Challenge to explore such possibilities.
When this fell short, he finally agreed to the school day field trip, so all that’s left to be done is to sign on the dotted line and the Cradle Rock field trip will officially be approved.
Correction: In the picture on page 2 it was stated that Hanlon and Stellitano were smiling with second place trophies, but they were in fact first place trophies. Hoofprints apologizes for the misprint. Good job girls!