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The Patriot Press
First Edition 2023-2024
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The Patriot Press: First Edition September-December 2023
In this issue:
- Spirit Week
- Lip Sync
- Powderpuff
-Honor Society Induction
-The Holidays at Secaucus High School
- .. and more!
Welcome!
Welcome to the first edition of the Secaucus High School Patriot Press! We've had an exciting and eventful start of the school year. We look forward to reporting all school events going forward. If you have a tip or a story you'd like covered, please reach out to Ms. Taveras ( ttaveras@sboe.org) .
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
By Raahi Mehta
This year’s senior class of 2024 kick started the year with the senior sunrise on the first day of school. They gathered on the field at 6 in the morning and took photos together as the sun rose across the Meadowlands. The senior class advisor Mrs. McLaughlin notes, “It was a really great turnout and it ended up being a beautiful day which is great.”
In the following weeks, the senior breakfast also took place in the upper PAC. Students were having a great time filming Tik Toks and enjoying a breakfast buffet. Mrs. McLaughlin explains how this event was also a great way for the advisors and the slate to get things in order for the end of the year, such as cap and gown measurements, senior superlatives for the yearbook, and more. Class of 2024 President Mia Cruz also says, “I feel that everyone really enjoyed themselves and had fun spending time together and making memories.”
Mrs. McLaughlin outlined an exciting lineup of events for the seniors towards the end of the year, a much needed respite after the intensity and excitement from LipSync. “We have the second senior breakfast, pool day, Senior Prom, and project graduation, so there’s a lot of things going on the last few weeks of school after APs calm down and we get through the finals. There’s a lot that we get to do,” she says.
The senior class slate, in collaboration with students and advisors, has invested considerable time and effort to ensure a year filled with lasting memories. “Planning senior events can be a bit challenging but I enjoy doing it because I know it will be something that is enjoyable later on. A lot of work goes into it like planning everything both financial and making sure it is something that everyone can enjoy. I also like to hear everyone's opinions on what they want or think could be fun!” says Mia.
McLaughlin commends the efforts of the senior slate as she notes, “I think it’s really exciting to see all of you come together. They’ve been doing a really good job of reaching out to all of the students in the grade and getting everyone together to experience everything. The last time through, a lot of things were missed out on coming into high school because of COVID and they’ve been working really hard to make sure that communication is constant among everyone in the grade.”
Both Mrs. McLaughlin and Mr. Mejia expresses their sadness at the prospect of the class of 2024 graduating. Mrs. McLaughlin shares more about the planning process, “There’s a lot of things that we have going on. It’s always a lot that needs to be thought through and there are so many different aspects to all of the different events. But it’s exciting because we’ve known you all since you were freshmen and to see all come into culmination now. It’s just we’re here and doing it for you all. That’s what makes it worth it for us.”
When asked if she will miss the class of 2024 after they graduate she says, “I’m sad. I’m going to be really really sad to see everyone go. I’ve been thinking a lot about having to give a speech at graduation and the things I’m going to say having known a lot of the students since the time they came in in 6th grade. I’m going to be really sad. It’s been a lot of work and I’m happy to do it for this group of students, but I'm really looking forward to seeing what you all go on and do when you leave here. This is the next big step. You’ve kind of run your course through high school and the big things come next and that I’m excited for. Even though I’m going to miss seeing you all the time, I can’t wait to see what you do next."
She says some of her favorite memories in the past four years have been Spirit Week and Jr. Prom and she is “really looking forward to seeing how we can step it up to senior prom.” She also mentions how successful this particular group has been in raising money in fundraisers and planning larger events such as the Tricky Tray which was a booming success. “We’ve done a lot of things as a class which is amazing so all of those are big highlights because it all leads to what we can do at the end of senior year,” she says.
Looking forward, Mrs. McLaughlin and Mr. Mejia does not plan to advise another class after the class of 2024 graduates, emphasizing the unique connection they share with this group. “I think I had a bond with this group coming in because I had a lot of them through middle school so that was a big motivator for me. I don’t have that same bond with some of the other grades and I don’t know the middle schoolers now. It’s a lot of work and Mr. Mejia and I are happy to see some kind of rest in our immediate future once you all leave,” says Mrs. McLaughlin.
The senior class, however, has a host of activities and shared moments to anticipate as they navigate their final year together. As the year progresses, the collective excitement and camaraderie among the seniors promise a memorable culmination to their high school journey.
Spirit Week 2023: Through The Ages
Spirit Week 2023
Spirit Week at Secaucus High School is one of the most popular weeks of the year! This year, Ms. Kim and the SGO held a variety of spirit days to increase school spirit.
"On Wednesday, we wear pink" so it was only fitting that we kick off Spirit Week with "Pretty in Pink" where all students were encouraged to wear pink. On Thursday November 16th, the Secaucus Community has Surfers vs Bikers from the Teen Beach Movie. On Friday, November 17th, we had "Dress your Age" where each class was assigned an age group. The freshmen were "babies". Sophomores were "elementary students". Juniors were adults & careers. Seniors were seniors citizens. But there was also a surprise twist to the day where the teachers/staff dressed like the students! Monday, November 20th was Jersey vs Jersey Shore. The next day was dress like a holiday where Freshmen were New Years Eve, Sophomores were Valentines Day, Juniors were 4th of July and Seniors were Christmas. The themed week concluded with Color Day and Senior Takeover day where students were encouraged to wear their class colors.
Other events of the week included the infamous Lip Sync Competition with a "Through the Ages" theme. Freshmen had teen movies through the ages. Sophomores had toys through the ages, Juniors had innovations through the ages and Seniors had love through the ages. There was also the Battle of the classes, banner decorating, Penny Wars, a food drive, and Volleyball Tournament.
You could feel the buzz of excitement in the hallways all week and school spirit was at an all-time high! Great job to all those who participated and thank you to Ms. Kim, Class Advisors and the SGO for all of their hard work and planning!
Powderpuff - Divas Through the Ages
By: Raahi Mehta
This year’s Powderpuff performance, themed “Divas Through the Ages” captivates the audience with a dazzling array of dances set to iconic tunes ranging from Whitney Houston’s hit song “Higher Love” to “Karma” by Taylor Swift. The performance was a show-stopper and according to longtime Powderpuff coach Dr. Leite, “After several years of stellar and energetic performances, there was nothing more appropriate for the Powderpuff team to choose ‘Divas’.”
The performance kicked off with a lively opening solo starring senior student Aidan Del Rosario to the song “All I Want for Christmas,” who was later joined by other dancers, making a memorable start. “My opening solo in the performance sure was nerve wracking but I am glad I committed to it. It was very fun to dance with everyone in that solo and I’m sure I’ll treasure these past 3 years with that moment being the highlight of it all,” says Aidan.
Under the guidance of Dr. Leite, Powderpuff has grown to be an inclusive and encouraging environment which encourages the students to be creative and step out of their comfort zone to achieve their full potential as a dancer and put on a memorable show. Students from all grades come together to participate and put on a performance together regardless of their dancing experience.
Freshmen student Emma Chan who danced and choreographed for Powderpuff this year shares her excitement, noting, “Being a part of Powerpuff during my first year of high school was probably one of the most exciting experiences ever. During this experience, I unlocked my love for dancing and performing and met some of the most amazing and sweetest people. Everyone in this group was so kind and accepting. Although learning a dance can be stressful sometimes, especially choreographing it, the result is worth it.”
Powderpuff has given so many memories to the students who participate and those in the audience who get to watch the show. “ I enjoyed the performance and the whole preparation process of Powerpuff, as practices were just as fun as the performance,” says Emma.
Dr. Leite has been the Powderpuff coach since the Fall of 2014. This year was the largest group of students to have joined as Powderpuff has continued to grow over the years. “Due to Covid, Powderpuff disappeared. I wanted to bring it back so students who didn’t want to participate in other Spirit Week events would have something to look forward to. So when I brought it back, it started with 10 students. It exponentially grew from there and this past year we had 64 students participating. While it was a lot of fun watching students come out of their shell and participate in an activity that they usually wouldn’t, the number of students provided some challenges, especially when choreographing whole group numbers,” he shares. However, it’s safe to say that the large number of students that participate in Powderpuff simply goes to show that it is a special experience that the students truly enjoy.
Unfortunately, Dr. Leite will be stepping down as coach for Powderpuff, this being his last year. “Powderpuff coaching is a volunteer position and I don’t receive anything for coaching aside from the amazing time I have while choreographing and practicing with the team. Nevertheless, due to other obligations, I can no longer dedicate the time volunteering to coach,” he explains. It is not yet determined who will take over the role of coaching Powderpuff the following year, but Dr. Leite is confident that the remarkable talent and energy of the students will be the key to ensuring Powderpuff’s continued success.
Senior student Aidan Del Rosario says, “My last year as a Powderpuff performer was certainly a spectacular one, and it was a great way to end both my senior year and the last year doing Powderpuff under Dr. Leite. I hope to still see the Powderpuff performing next year and possibly create a fun tradition for the Lip Sync when Dr. Leite steps down. Certainly it will be different without Leite and the seniors but I'm sure it’ll be a good kind of difference. I am truly grateful to have been a part of such a great program.”
Freshman Emma Chan also shares, “I honestly have no idea what to expect from next year's Powderpuff. Dr. Leite is such an essential part of Powderpuff. It sucks that I was only able to squeeze one year of the fantastic Powderpuff group with him, as it definitely won't be the same for the next remaining years of my high school journey.”
Dr. Leite has undoubtedly been a major part of Powderpuff as he made the experience for the students and the audience an extremely special one. Powderpuff has become more than just a dance group at Secaucus High School. It has become a family. The performance had the crowd applauding and cheering throughout each and every dance as everyone showed their support for their friends who were dancing up on stage. Though it won’t be the same without Dr. Leite going forward, the memories that were made on that stage will be cherished for a long time to come.
In a heartfelt message, Dr. Leite thanked his Powderpuff kids for making this year yet another success: “I want to thank each of them for all the amazing memories and to let them know that I am so proud of their dedication, school spirit, and talent. It was an amazing performance and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my time as the Powderpuff Coach.” On that note, until next year.
Lip Sync - Through the Ages
By: Raahi Mehta
One of the biggest events of the year is always Lip Sync and this year was the class of 2024’s final year performing and participating in the week long event. The selected theme was “Through the Ages” and the senior class was assigned the theme “Love Through the Ages.” They picked iconic couples and performed dances showcasing each one, making the crowd go wild with each one. Class of 2024 President Mia Cruz, who is responsible for a majority of the hard work that goes into planning the LipSync event for the senior class says, “Lip sync is always challenging when it comes to planning but it has to be one of my favorite events here at SHS. It is so fun doing it with your class (especially our class). I love how you can be creative and funny with it all at the same time. Being it was my last year doing it, I was upset but happy that I had the opportunity to plan it out and be a part of it. Something that I will definitely miss is planning things out and definitely being a main part of spirit week. I loved making sure everyone was always happy and putting them in a school spirit mood for everything.”
The class advisor Mrs. McLaughlin also shares how LipSync is one of her favorite and most memorable events of the year, “We had a lot of fun during Lip Sync. It was great to do it one last time. We learned a lot from it and I think we all had a really good time. We were bummed to not win a second year in a row but I think that we’re all really happy with the way we did place. It wasn’t exactly what we wanted but the performance was still exactly how we imagined it.”
Though the senior class was unable to be a part of LipSync for all 4 years because of COVID, they always come together and work hard to put on a stellar performance. “Seeing everyone come together was one thing I was always really proud of. Our grade always gets a lot of kids to participate and come out and support in many different ways, so that’s always a memorable part,” says Mrs. McLaughlin. All their hard work paid off when they came second place in the LipSync performance and 1st overall for Spirit Week. The senior class was able to celebrate their win with a pajama day and there was nothing but smiles all around. It was a great way to end their last year being a part of spirit week at Secaucus High School.
Lip Sync: Through the Ages photos
Haunted High School: Class of 2025 fundraiser
By: Hadia Durrani
The Haunted High School event is a fundraiser for the junior class of Secaucus High School, taking place every year during Halloween. It never fails to bring students together and create cherished memories for everyone. This fundraiser is hosted and organized by the junior class and by their class advisors of the year. This year, it was successfully planned and executed by the class of 2025 and their class advisors Ms. Sara Duca and Ms. Kimberly Linder who explains how “The Haunted High School was planned in 2 sections: the Haunted Hallway and the activities which included trick or treating, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, face painting, and crafts for the younger kids all managed by the class of 2025.” Two months of hard work and preparation paid off for this fundraiser as they raised a total of $4,000 which will go towards a successful junior prom. “It was definitely a big accomplishment,” says Ms. Linder.
Interview with Ms. Kimberly Linder:
1) How did the haunted high school go, how was the experience?
Overall haunted High School went very well! We had a very successful haunted hallway, the costumes and decorations all looked great, and the kids had a good time scaring people as they walked through. We also had great success with the other half of haunted high school; trick or treating, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, face painting, and crafts for the younger kids.
2) How much did the haunted high school collect over the time?
Overall the event collected around 4,000 dollars, which will all go towards throwing a successful junior prom.
3) Was it a big accomplishment in your opinion?
Yes it was definitely a big accomplishment. There are months of planning and preparation that goes into an event like this. Seeing it all come together proved that all of the hard work was worth it.
4) How did everyone collaborate in this project, how much time did it need to get done?
It took about 2 months to prepare. Students and parents made donations of candy, black plastic to cover the walls, and decorations. The students in the hallway had to create groups to come up with the decor and ideas for their hallway. Students that wanted to participate in the trick or treating section of the hallway were assigned doors, and decorated them. We collaborated with the mayor to get donations of pumpkins for pumpkin painting with the kids.
5) Can you share your thoughts on the haunted high school overall?
My thoughts are that it is a fun fundraiser for the students that helps bring the kids in the grade together.
A Trip to the MET
By: Raahi Mehta
The AP Literature and Composition classes and several of the students who performed in last year’s play, The Prom, were invited to attend the field trip to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. On Monday November 13, they got the chance to watch the Florencia en el Amazonas Opera, a story inspired by the magical realism of Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez. It showcases the emotional and physical journey of a Brazilian opera diva who returns to her homeland to perform at the legendary opera house of Manaus and to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle. This opera was composed by Daniel Catán, one of the most established composers of his time and a significant figure in Latin-American culture and representation. He is known for creating the first opera to be staged by the Met and the first Spanish-language opera to be performed in over a century.
The trip chaperones Dr. Leite and Mrs. Preis came upon this idea for the trip during one of their outings to the opera where they learned “that the Metropolitan Opera House has a program that enables schools to bring their students,” shares Dr. Leite, “While Mrs. Preis contacted the Met Access Opera, I filed all the necessary paperwork in order to make this field trip possible.”
Dr. Leite, an admirer of the opera also explains how “the opera is music and theater, dance, poetry, architecture, painting, sculpture, video, lighting, history and a night at the opera embodies all forms of expression invented by humans to enhance reality in all its beauty. Unfortunately, most people have not had the privilege of attending an opera performance despite the fact that opera is part of our culture, of our history, and our daily lives. We listen to opera arias and overtures in advertising, movies, TV series, and pop songs’ melodies. We listen to them without even noticing. As two admirers of the opera and all the art forms involved in creating each unique and alive performance, Mrs. Preis and I wanted to provide our students with the opportunity to attend the Metropolitan Opera House. We are both committed to increasing students’ access and engagement with the arts and all different forms of expression.”
AP Lit student Aminata Niang describes the opera as “a great and exciting experience. I personally loved the emotion the opera singers brought to the stage and the outfits were all so stunning and creative!”
Another student, Jake Salvatore also shares the impact of the opera and its many connections to the curriculum of his English classes, “Throughout high school, we have explored various themes as well as partaking in close comprehension in order to further understand the material we were reading. Much of this focus, of course, has been on symbolism and how it’s used to drive a story forward. While viewing this particular opera, understanding the symbolism helped me break apart the story in my mind.” Jake, being a singer and Spanish speaker himself, emphasized how he “found the performance to be very moving. The singers all possessed tremendous talent from the Lead Soprano to the Supporting Basses. The storyline was dynamic and kept each and every audience member at the edge of their seat.
From the bus ride over to the city to enjoying the elaborate musical performance, the trip to the Metropolitan Opera House was a raging success as both Dr. Leite and Mrs. Preis share their excitement in planning another trip to the Opera in the upcoming years. “Overall, the opera was a lot of fun because I was able to experience such an exciting event surrounded by my peers. Even the bus ride was exhilarating because I could sense the anticipation that everyone was feeling. I left the show still pondering the storyline as well as the symbolism so heavily used throughout the show,” shares Jake. This field trip allowed students to explore the concept of magical realism, music, fashion, and many other artistic aspects that were brought to life by the magic of the opera and it was the start of a new tradition for the AP Lit class and theater department at Secaucus High School.
SGO Charities
By: Lola Acevedo & Saniya Pharel
With inflation at an all time high, charities are more valuable than ever, and as always the students of Secaucus High School knocked it out of the ballpark with their fundraiser. Raising a whopping amount of food, but I know I couldn't thank the students enough without giving thanks to our teachers.They helped greatly with setting up and organizing the food pantry, and placing it in a perfect spot in the cafeteria. With all the non-perishable foods donated it's such a good event to participate in, and it's all going to the Secaucus food pantry. And hopefully we'll crush this year's record next year!
Honor Society Inductions at Secaucus High School
By: Hadia Durrani
The Honor Society Induction Ceremony is when the members of each respective Honor societies welcome the new inductees they celebrate the great achievements of their new members and help them take the oath of excelling even more in or out of the school. In the ceremony, the seniors of Class of 2024 received their Honor society stools that will be worn in the graduation ceremony.
These are the Honor Societies that were present in the Induction Ceremony
National Honor Society
National English Honor Society
American Technology Honor Society
Foreign Language Honor Society
Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society
Science National Honor Society
This year's Induction Ceremony took place on November 29, 2023. The Honor Societies had a total of 99 new Inductees this year.
Dr. Leite explained the process of how students are invited to join these prestigious honor societies:
“Every year the combined six honor societies hold the Secaucus High School Honor Society Induction Night at the end of November. Secaucus High School is home to chapters of six honor societies. The American Technology Honor Society is a local organization. Mu Alpha Theta, the Foreign Language Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, and the National Honor Society are nationally recognized honor societies. Finally, the National English Honor Society is an international organization. Once students meet strict eligibility criteria, they are invited to apply to each honor society they qualify for. These students not only meet the 3.8 GPA requirement, but they also display characteristics of Scholarship, Character, Service, and Leadership. Once students apply to be inducted, each application is carefully reviewed and voted on by the Honor Society Council. This year the honor societies inducted 99 students into their respective honor societies and we honored 58 seniors, who received the Honor Stoles that will be worn at graduation”.
All Honor Society eligibility requirements can be found here: https://shs.sboe.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1919003&type=d&pREC_ID=2256545
Congratulations to all!
Advisor Dr. Leite with members of National English Honor Society
Ms. Bacigalupo with members of the National Honor Society
Ms. DeGennaro with members of the Foreign Language Honor Society
The Holidays at Secaucus High School
By: Lola Acevedo & Saniya Pharel
One of the holidays Secaucus High celebrated in honor of its diverse group of students would be Diwali, a celebration consisting of 5 days with November 12 having the main celebration. It's typically observed during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. It's also known as the festival of lights and for so many people it is associated with the Hindu goddess of wealth Lakshmi. In Secaucus we truly embrace different cultures and want all of our students to feel welcome here, no matter what they celebrate. And that's why our staff take action to make sure we are as inclusive as can be. One of the more interesting things about this holiday is the difference in where it's celebrated. In northern India they celebrate the story of King Rama's return, and in South India they celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. It's truly beautiful how widely celebrated this is.
Also celebrated by our students includes Hanukka. Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication,” and is thus named because it celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple. ( https://www.chabad.org/)
Another popular holiday is Christmas. Mahi Ghosh, a fellow student here at Secaucus High School, explains the all infamous Christmas as "A holiday which involves sharing gifts, spending time with family and friends, decorating the house, and waiting for the all famous Santa to arrive. It's a widely celebrated holiday which brings joy to children and adults of all ages. What a truly wonderful time!".
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.
Meet our Staff
Raahi Mehta-- Editor in Chief
Hi, my name is Raahi Mehta and I am a senior student at Secaucus High School. I have been a devoted member of the Patriot Press and have been editor since my sophomore year. This has been an exciting experience coupled with substantial responsibility reporting on various school events and activities. From conducting interviews with students and staff to overseeing newspaper publication and editing the work of other writers, my role has provided a firsthand taste of the dynamic world of journalism, a field I aspire to pursue a career in. Beyond my commitments to the paper, I took the initiative to establish the Dance Club here at SHS, proudly assuming the position of club president. The opportunity to share my passion for dance with other fellow dancers has been immensely rewarding as I have also cultivated many friendships along the way. Upon my graduation, I know that my time with the dance community at SHS and the Patriot Press are two of the highlights I will miss deeply, but I hope to see them thrive and continue in my absence and give other students the same opportunities and memories that it did for me throughout my high school career.
Hadia Durrani
Hi, My name is Hadia Durrani, currently a junior in Secaucus High School. Being a part of the newspaper club is an exhilarating experience for me. It allows me to explore my passion for writing. I enjoy the collaborative nature of the newspaper club, as we work together as a team to gather information, conduct interviews and write articles. Moreover, seeing my work getting published and read by others is incredibly rewarding. Overall being a part of the newspaper club provides me with a platform to express myself, develop valuable skills and to contribute meaningfully to the club.
Lola Acevedo
Lola Acevedo, 14 year old freshman. A social person who enjoys laughing with friends and teachers. Don’t hesitate to say hi and chat!
Saniya Pharel
Saniya is a new freshman writer to the Patriot Press. Snaiya looks forward to contributing the reporting all SHS news and events.
Tara Taveras, Patriot Press Advisor
Ms. Taveras is the new Patriot Press advisor this school year. She has been a Guidance Counselor since 2011 and is excited to start this new endeavor. Writing and photography have also been passions of mine and I'm so happy that I was given this opportunity to work in the realm. Aside from writing and photography, my other loves are my daughter Olivia, Corgi Hunter, iced coffee, traveling, the beach and Disney. If anyone has any stories or wants to submit any stories, please reach out to me at ttaveras@sboe.org or come to the Guidance Office.
ADDRESS:
Secaucus High School11 Mill Ridge Road
Secaucus, NJ 07094
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