The Rampage

Tiger’s Return Unsuccessful So Far

Mrs. Hoffman — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:41:43 +0000

Tiger Woods’ decision on when to compete again on the PGA Tour was set up to be a fairy tale. Woods planned to return on the week of the tour’s most historic tournament on the schedule, The Masters. The Masters is played at Augusta National Golf Club, a course that Tiger ripped apart earlier in his career, winning four green jackets, the prize for winning the championship. Tiger has finished near the top of the leader board over the past couple years, but after the controversy in his social life and his extended break from the game there was no telling where Woods would finish this year. Woods surprised all of his critics by finishing at a more than respectable eleven under par, and tied for fourth place.

Tiger took his usual month off before tournaments and again competed at the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte. However, Tiger played mediocre on Thursday, and had a horrific round on Friday. Tiger finished at an unexpected nine over par, his worst as a professional. It was only the sixth time in 241 tournaments that Woods had missed the cut in during his professional career. After the tournament, Tiger was unexpectedly light with reporters during his post-round interview. Tiger joked, saying, “Well at least I’ll have the weekend to watch and see how its really done,” which is an unheard of comment coming from his mouth.

Tiger looked to redeem himself a week later at another prominent tournament on the PGA Tour, the Players Championship. Tiger performed much better than he did in his previous outing, and played his way into the weekend, but did not once scare the top of the leader board. However, everything seemed to be going smoothly until Sunday morning. After bogeying his first two holes, Tiger pulled out of the tournament with what was originally diagnosed as a neck injury. However, after running a few tests it was discovered that Tiger had a bulging disk in his neck. After this, many questions arose on what Tiger’s already small schedule would look like. He pulled out of many of the tournaments he was originally scheduled to play in, and once again the golf world was left Tigerless.

After a week of keeping the media and his fans in the dark, Woods released information on when the next Tiger sighting would occur. Woods will be competing in this year’s British Open, which will be played at St. Andrews, a course Tiger has had previous success at. St. Andrews is known around the world as the ”Home of Golf”, so once again Tiger’s return will have drama involved.

NBA Playoffs Near Halfway Mark

Mrs. Hoffman — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:59:06 +0000

With the two conference finals almost set in the NBA Playoffs, they have not disappointed. With the quality of all the first round match ups; including two seven game series, the second round of play has provided three sweeps performed by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Orlando Magic. However, the excitement and energy surrounding the games has not dipped. Also, the last team in the semifinals will include either the Cleveland Cavaliers, or their rival the Boston Celtics. This series is knotted up at two a piece, and Game 5 will go a long way in deciding the winner of the series is.

In this year’s playoffs, a few players are competing at their full potential, and some are even exceeding expectations. Of course, the league’s two best players are off to a hot start, with LeBron James and Kobe Bryant each averaging over 20 points a game. They have provided jump out of your seat moments in the first two rounds, and a match up between the two best players and the two best teams seems likely. For point guard play Phoenix star Steve Nash has lived up to his hype and steered the Phoenix Suns into a Western Conference Finals match up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Not to be outdone, Celtics point man Rajon Rondo has exceeded all expectations with his key performances in the second round including a triple-double that consisted of 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 13 assists in a 97-87 win on Mother’s Day.

With that in mind, some key players have not stepped up, and their teams have faced the consequences. Atlanta Hawk’s Joe Johnson did not show up to play in their second round match up against the Orlando Magic. Johnson who averaged almost twenty two points a game during the season, but did not even manage to average fifteen points a game in the second round. Also, usually consistent guard Tony Parker, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs was ineffective in the two rounds the Spurs survived in this year’s playoffs. Also, the Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony had a less than desirable first round, losing in six to the Utah Jazz.

Many people believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will repeat as champs in this years playoffs. They have had strong play from both of their star players in Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Plus, their bench stepped it up in the second round as they cruised in a four game series against the Jazz. However, I believe the team who will make the run at the championship is the Orlando Magic. Each player on the team has stepped into their role beautifully, and the Magic have not lost a game in the playoffs yet. Four of their five starters are averaging double figures, and their star Center, Dwight Howard is looking unstoppable. The league’s best three-point shooting team is not disappointing in the playoffs. They are scorching the nets from beyond the arc, shooting over 38%. Also, they have a spark plug off the bench in Mickael Pietrus, who is averaging 10.3 points a game, as well as having shot over 50% on his three-pointers thus far. The Magic have a complete, well-rounded team that is poised to make a strong run at the NBA Championship. Enjoy the show.

Wheelock Reaches Milestone

Mrs. Hoffman — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:58:31 +0000

May 10th, 2010 is a date that will go down in history for Rockville Athletics. Coach Wheelock reached a milestone that only few coaches can say they have accomplished, 400 wins. Wheelock also has a winning record during his 34 season tenure as head coach of the Rockville High School baseball team. Wheelock attributes his success to his great players throughout the years, and when asked how it feels to reach the milestone, Wheelock simply stated, “It feels great.”

However, Wheelock has immediately switched his focus to the remainder of the season. The Rams are off to a blazing 12-5 start, and the squad looks as if it can make a strong run in the state tournament. He hopes that they do not become distracted from this monumental win, and feels they should not. The main goal for
Wheelock now is to wake up, and make the most out of his day. His next goal as coach of the baseball team is to have the Rams win the CCC East Championship this season.

Wheelock feels his success is due to three main factors. His longevity has been a key over his 34 years. “Being able to coach at Rockville for as long as I have, and support from my family have allowed me to coach for as long as I have,” Wheelock says. Although, being the humble man that he is, Wheelock believes that his players are the biggest factor to his success, and having “players dedicate to the program,” was the recipe for success.

Surprisingly, even though Wheelock led his team to a state title in 2000, the memory that sticks out the most for him is a loss. Back in 1981, the Rams were contending for a state title. With a one-run lead in the last inning, it looked like Rockville would be able to hold on. However, a runner on third for the opposing team was able to steal home to tie up the score. The game ended up being a memorable one, but one Rockville would want to soon forget. In the 13th inning, Andrew Warde High School, now Fairfield Warde High, came away with the state title.

The toughest part about getting to the milestone for Wheelock has been nothing. “There is nothing tough about playing a game every day,” Wheelock says. However, the toughest part for the coach will always be saying goodbye every year to the seniors who dedicated their time and hard work for the team.

The biggest supporters for Wheelock throughout his journey have been his family. Baseball was and still is a big part of their family, as his son played and coached for Wheelock. Also, his daughter was the manager for the baseball team for a four-year stretch. He also has had the unbridled emotional support of his wife throughout his coaching career.

Wheelock is in a light mood after his 400th win, and justly so. When asked when we can expect Wheelock’s 500th win as coach of the Rockville High School baseball team, he jokingly answered, “In my next life.” Through Wheelock’s drive and dedication, he has earned everything that has come his way, and will continue to be successful for the rest of his life, and in the next.

Lots of Fun at Junior Prom

Mrs. Hoffman — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:02:40 +0000

     The class of 2011 came together on Saturday, May 1, for junior prom. The prom was held at La Renaissance in East Windsor from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Appetizers and dinner were served shortly after the students began arriving at the banquet hall all dressed up. The meal choices were chicken cordon bleu, baked manicotti, eggplant parmesan or a rib eye steak. A chocolate mousse dessert was also served. Before everyone hit the dance floor; guest break-dancers performed. With the crowd ready to enjoy the party, the floor was opened up for the students to dance to music provided by DJ Ray Owens.
     There were also professional pictures being offered. Students could pick a pose and a package deal, and get photographed for a small fee.
     In the weeks prior to the event, RHS conducted a prom dress donation, in which people could donate gently-used prom dresses to assist students with their upcoming proms.
     “It was nice to see the junior class put aside their differences and have a good time. Everyone looked classy. I personally enjoyed it,” said junior Megan Donohue.

“I went with lower expectations and I was proud to see the class laughing and socializing and how well everyone danced. It just makes me look forward to next year’s [senior] prom.” said junior Chantelle Moodie.

Violence in Video Games

Mrs. Hoffman — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:47:57 +0000

    Video gaming is becoming an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. Both children and adults are spending large amounts of their time playing them. This is one of the main reasons why the video gaming industry is bring in more of a profit then both movies and DVDs. Another factor that contributes to the recent popularity of video gaming is that they are becoming more sophisticated and realistic. Although they do make video games with educational content, many of the well-liked games include negative content like the following:
     the killing of people or animals
     the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol
     criminal behavior, disrespect for authority and the law
     sexual exploitation and violence toward women
     racial, sexual, and gender stereotypes
     foul language, obscenities, and obscene gestures

For example, recently released video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, an extremely violent game centered around current day wars, sold approximately 4.7 million games in the first 24 hours of its release. The total revenue from the first day sales was 310 million making Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 the biggest entertainment launch in history, surpassing Grand Theft Auto 4, also an extremely violent video game. Both games are rated “M” for blood, drug reference, intense violence, and language. Their intended audience is for people of the ages 17 and up. But many children are playing these games, some as young as elementary school. Though it is not the manufactures and creators fault that young children are playing their games. It clearly states on each video game case that the game is rated M and then it proceeds to explain the reasons why. The problem is the parents who ignore these warnings and are curious later as to where their child is getting all of their bad language and aggressive actions from.

We all know that children are impressionable and we have to be careful of our actions around them. What people need to realize is that children do not have to see these action in person to imitate them. All it takes is seeing it on TV or in a video game. What people need to begin worrying about is the effects that violent video games are having on children who play them excessively. Studies have shown that children can become “immune” or “numb” to the horror of violence. They will begin to view it as a naturally occruing event in their lives. Also studies show that children show more aggressive behavior with greater exposure to violence. Young children will accept violence as a reasonable way to handle their problems. Another problem with children playing video games when they are so young is that some become obsessed with them which will lead to even more problems.

To prevent the effects of violent video games parents need to become more aware of what the child is playing. Some precautions they could take are checking the ratings on the video game case or setting clear rules for your child as to what games they can play and how long they can play them.

Softball: New Season, New Coach

Mrs. Hoffman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:09:57 +0000

A new softball season has started and with it a new coach. Mr. Frank Levick will be taking over the RHS softball teams head coaching position this season. Levick was been coaching baseball and softball in Vernon for twelve years and has concentrated on softball exclusively for the last five. Levick is currently not only Rockville’s head softball coach but also the assistant coach for the CT Eliminators 16u travel softball team.

This year’s team captains are seniors Erin Selavka and Allison Burg, and junior Brianna Levick. These girls have been chosen for exhibiting strengths in academics, leadership, and sportsmanship. But these girls are not the only ones who are working hard. Everyday the whole team starts of practice with a half hour of strengthening and conditioning. The effect that these exercises have is clear.

“The results of these core exercises can be seen in the way the girl’s stamina has changed, to the point they ask to be pushed further each day.” Says Levick

After the team is done conditioning they break the girls up by infield and outfield positions and perform numerous drills pertaining to each position. To finish practice off Levick brings the team together and execute what they have been working on throughout the practice.

“I believe hard work is the key to success.” Explains Levick. “As coaches it is our responsibility to teach that with hard work not only in softball but in life hard work and maximum effort is the key to their success.”

The season has already faced some challenges. But Levick is optimistic.

“This season has already started hard with the number of girls trying out way down. But with the returning players and the younger players that have come out we should still be a very competitive team.” Says Levick.

The opening game against Bristol Eastern will set the tone for the upcoming season. Our rivals this year will still be Manchester and South Windsor.

“They battle hard and push to win every game.” Says Levick.

Even though facing some of the opposing teams this year may pose a challenge Levick is positive that Rockville can take it and has high expectations for our team this year.

“My goal this season is to finish above .500 and to win RHS another CCC conference championship. I would also like to go as far as possible in the state tournament.” Says Levick.

The start of a new season comes with its own set of new challenges and Levick is ready to take them all on.

“New kids, exiting seniors, and new captains you sometimes need to step back and see how things will pan out. Let the kids’ just play ball and hopefully you have trained them for whatever may occur that includes winning or losing.” Says Levick.

Respect Each Other’s Differences

Mrs. Hoffman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:05:38 +0000

Unfortunately, not all schools show respect for others. Here at RHS, in most classrooms you’ll find a poster that reminds students to respect each other’s differences. We also have programs like the Gay-Straight Alliance where students advocate for respect.

Recently, at a Mississippi high school, the prom was canceled due to the fact that a lesbian teen wanted to bring her girlfriend as her date.

According to CNN, “when school officials told 18 year old, Constance McMillen, she could neither take her girlfriend to the prom nor wear a tuxedo to the event, like she was planning to, the senior went to the American Civil Liberties Union, which demanded the school change its policy. In response, the school district canceled the prom altogether.”

The school officials said that they decided to cancel prom because McMillen’s had caused a disruption. Because this violated her constitutional rights, the district was sued and was forced to re-schedule the prom. They will allow McMillen to bring her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo, but the superintendent warned that if other students complian, she and her date will be asked to leave.

In my opinion, people are people. Whether they are gay, straight or bisexual, they all have feelings. They also have rights. I believe that Constance McMillen should have been able to bring her girlfriend to prom without any problems from the school, and especially from the district. McMillen should’nt have had to go to court to defend her rights and the prom should not have been called off. Isn’t that a little dramatic? Why can’t people just respect differences?

Catching Up With Some Familiar Faces

Mrs. Hoffman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:39:13 +0000

While looking through past-published RHS Rampage newspapers, we found a segment that needed updated. 1997’s, “Welcome Aboard New Teachers” article featured Jonathan Graham, Kimberly Marinan, Anthony Bianca, Steven Augustus and Christopher Lewis, all who are still with RHS today.

The social studies department is thankful to have Jon Graham. Mr. Graham admits he is becoming more stubborn and his expectations have increased. He is also more comfortable assessing on the strengths and weaknesses of his students and is able to apply the best strategies. He has noticed the changing needs of students and how technology has changed student interaction in school since his first year. Mr. Graham, now having three children of his own, still lives by his motto, Motivation is key in life.

“I think that anyone can accomplish their goals if they are motivated and ready to work hard. Lacking motivation is a major cause of failure,” said Graham.

According to Mr. Graham, RHS has been a really great place to teach. “I couldn’t imagine being some place else. The faculty, staff, and students are wonderful,” stated Graham.

Former RHS health teacher and athletic trainer, Kimberly Marinan, is now the director of the school counseling department. In 1999, Ms. Marinan began working as a guidance counselor in the Vernon Regional Adult Education program, which was held here at RHS. In 2005, she took on her current role, where she could “work with students on achieving success on a smaller scale.” With her love of sports, competitive nature, and desire to work with students outside the classroom, she became the JV volleyball coach in 1999. Now, she is the head coach of girls and boys volleyball.

“I continue to love where I work, who I work for and with, and what I do,” said Marinan.

The last time the Rampage checked up on Anthony Bianca, he was planning for his wedding in December of ‘97. Now he has two children, Sofia and Alexander. Mr. Bianca still teaches English classes but in 2000 he wrote the curriculum for a new fine arts course, American Film, which is still running today. In addition to the American Film class, Mr. Bianca has written a few television pilots for a friend recently. He also loves to cook. Unlike before, he does not play deck hockey anymore. Outside of RHS, his time is spent watching his children play sports and he finds time to watch films with his wife. When asked about the changes in the English department, Mr. Bianca replied, “It is always nice to have young teachers and fresh ideas join the department.”

During Steven Augustus’ first year at RHS, there was no block scheduling, just eight blocks a day. He says he couldn’t imagine returning to the old schedule. Now just down to four tech-ed teachers, Mr. Augustus sticks to “old tried and true methods” which he learnt 30 years ago, when it comes to teaching. In 1997, he discussed how he would like to do “special projects” with his advanced students.

“Every year there are things presented that I would never imagined,” said Augustus.

For example, this year, Mr. Augustus and his students built a pitching mound, used for indoor baseball practices, for only two-hundred dollars instead of buying a new one for fourteen-hundred. Since 1997, he has accomplished two years of attending the Connecticut Fire Academy to get training for the Fire Technology course he is now teaching. To this day he is still a member of the Vernon Fire Department.

“This was a big accomplishment for me at my age,” said Augustus. “Most of the recruits were in their twenties and I was in my late forties.”

Still teaching German and French classes, Christopher Lewis is a great part of the world language department. He occasionally teaches Spanish, now having his Spanish certification, unlike in 1997. His ambition is to drive “coast to coast,” the same dream he had when he first started teaching. He has been with his family to California, Utah, and Washington State but he would still like to travel across country by car. According to Mr. Lewis, RHS is pretty much the same but is “a bit more aware of other cultures and the wider world.” Before RHS, Mr. Lewis was a teacher in Germany, France, England and Austria.

“High school students are pretty much the same,” says Lewis. “Perhaps [European high school students] take school a bit more seriously; knowing that they don’t get as many chances as students here.” Mr. Lewis manages great activities and trips. For the students taking German courses, there is a field trip to a German restaurant and a three week visit to Germany. For the kids who take French classes there is a three day visit to Quebec. “RHS students are pleasant to be with.” stated Lewis. Without Christopher Lewis, RHS World Language Department would not be the same.

RHS is greatly appreciative for those teachers who have spent so many years here. It is nice to see the changes and new achievements they have made from 1997 and now. Will someone new from The Rampage will catch up with us in the next 13 years

Foods Classes Raise Money for Chile

Mrs. Hoffman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:24:06 +0000

The students who take Foods classes here at RHS traditionally have a chili cook-off. It was Mrs. Rita Courtois’ suggestion to have a Chili for Chile fundraiser. The Foods students worked together to make and present Chili. According to Foods teacher Mrs. Gilmore, there were vegetarian dishes, chicken chili, white chili and chili with steak, pork, sausage, and even hot dogs! When experienced judges rated the students based on taste, presentation and paperwork, awards and prizes were given to the winners. The chili was available to RHS staff for a donation. “Carryout was a popular option,” says Gilmore. The fundraiser was successful but not as much as hoped for. “We hoped for a bigger staff turnout.” “We had plenty of chili and a lot of unique recipes,” said Gilmore. Mrs. Gilmore is looking forward to “tweaking” the event and trying again next year to help another cause.

Down the Rabbit Hole (Again)

Mrs. Hoffman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:47:28 +0000

Alice has returned to Wonderland but this time as a nineteen year old woman. Alice, once again, has stumbled down the rabbit hole. But this time she is leaving behind a life, that she feels, she does not belong in. Alice feels trapped in a world of etiquette and propriety that does not fit her. The day that Alice returns to Wonderland she is at a garden party where she is expected to accept a marriage proposal from a successful suitor. But when being asked for her hand in marriage, she is distracted by a white rabbit wearing a waistcoat that she sees near by, and rushes after it and then, as we all know, falls down a rabbit hole.

Much like the original Alice in Wonderland, Alice falls down the rabbit hole and finds herself in a room with a key as well as a drink that can make her smaller and a cake that can make her bigger. After retrieving the key and shirking down to the right size Alice unlocks the door and is in Wonderland.

Although Alice is years older, some parts of the movie do not defer from the original. Alice still finds the Drink Me potion, attends the Mad Hatters tea party, and confronts the Red Queen. Though the premise of the movie is the same Alice in Wonderland is still a movie worth the effort to go see. Director Tim Burton has added his own original take on Alice’s dream world, while still keeping the qualities that truly make it Alice in Wonderland, making it a whole other movie on its own.

With the success of 3D movies like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland we can expect more and more movies to be filmed in 3D or changed to 3D in post production, like in the case of Alice in Wonderland. But does 3D really enhance the audiences viewing experience? Everyone has their own opinions. Some feel that Alice in Wonderland did not need to be converted while others feel that the 3D effects fit this type of movie perfectly.