Twilight "A Blood Sucking Love Story"

Twilight is not only sweeping the nation but sweeping Vanguard School. Seventy-two students and several staff members endured two hours and one minute of the latest fad on opening day on Friday, November 21. Students earned their ticket to the show by each finishing a book and doing a book talk with a staff member.


The movie Twilight is the new teen craze this year. Based on the book Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer it is a modern day love story with a twist:

a young human girl risks everything to be with her vampire boyfriend Edward.

The series of four books has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. The movie generated an estimated 70.5 million dollars for its opening weekend, according to imdb.com.

With all this buzz about how extraordinary the movie is, some people think otherwise. Becky Leffelman, a Vanguard student, said, “The way the director portrayed the movie was nothing like the book and the acting was horrible!”

To add on Kelby Pruchnick, a fellow Vanguard student, said, “I read all four books. I think the movie was a real big disappointment.”

Ms. O'Neill, a teacher at Vanguard, read two of the books in the series and was also disappointed. "I thought it was real funny. Like really bad funny. Kinda like Leprechaun."

Many say the book is always better than the movie. Contrary to this belief, some people disagree. Chris Carter said, “I liked the movie so much better than the book.”

The majority of students that didn’t read the book really seemed to enjoy the movie. Sarah Jackson said, “The movie was “fabtabulous.”

To add on Thomas Vamvakos said, “ The character Alice is hot and it had a good storyline.”

Some students liked the movie so much they actually want to read the book. Izzy Pasillas said, “The movie was great, I can’t wait to read the book.”

I think that a lot of people that read the book (including myself) had too high of expectations. A wise person once told me that when you read a book and then go see the movie, you have to go in with an open mind. Go see Twilight in theaters now and see what you decide.

By: Jaclyn Cimarusti

Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com...we're thieves

Team Koz supports grad into the next chapter

Kristine Verdico came to Vanguard High School from Hersey High School on December 5, 2005. She describes herself a girl who desperately needed guidance in her past. Today, she is now a driven young woman striving for greatness.

Verdico is always up to a challenge such as camping and Upward Bound . There is always something new and exciting she wants to accomplish.

“In Kristine I see a sense of curiosity, a desire to learn. And I respect that. It will serve her well throughout her life,” said teacher Robert Koralik.

Verdico is appreciated and will be missed by her peers. “Kristine always tells you it straight up, she doesn’t hold things back. We have gone through a lot of issues that we have overcome. She has only been my friend for a short time but in that short time, she has had my back,” said Becky Leffelman.

With Verdico’s graduation day only a few short weeks away, she said, “I am going to miss everything. Vanguard has become my second home. Vanguard has taught me a lot about myself.”

Verdico hasn’t wasted anytime as for the future ahead of her, she said, “After I graduate, I’m starting second semester at Harper. Maybe after Community College I can go to a University to pursue a career in sign language.”

Before Verdico came to Vanguard she was a different person, she said. “I didn’t care about school but when I came to Vanguard that changed.”

Teachers make Vanguard what it is. Verdico said, “All the teachers have had a lot of influence on me in one way or another.”

She added on “Dr. Koralik has had life experiences and has so much insight. He has taught me so much.”

Class discussion is something Verdico will take with her in her life after high school. “Ms. DeMeo taught me to look at things from a different perspective.”

“My team leader “Koz” has always been very supportive of me.” At Vanguard a Team is like a family. Verdico said, “My team is Team Koz. Some of the students and teachers have said we are very close. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful team. I am going to miss them all.” Kristine is described as the team mom by fellow team members.

On behalf of Team “Koz” whatever road Kristine decides to take we will support her.

We will miss you Kristine.

By Jaclyn Cimarusti

“Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life”.

Dr. David M. Burns

Cooking Club 101

Food, and eating, is very much only second nature to all people around the globe. 9 times out 10, opening the fridge and splurging is only a habit, not a privilege. Let's say that you like eating, and think that its necessary. Let's also say that you just happen to be bored on Tuesday, 2:00-3:30. You also think having points would be nice.

If you meet the criteria, you should definitely check out Cooking Club.

No one is better qualified with the honor of leading then food-obsessed Ms. McCann. With fond memories of learning to cook at home and school, she seems to be the silver lining that arrived just in time.
"Food has always been part of my life." It's hard to put into words that kind of fervor and passion she so proudly radiated."My sister and I would bicker about what food we would bring on family trips. OH! Miss Hazelbaker, the nicest teacher ever, played a big part in cooking," she explained.

"Cooking over eating? Cooking, defnitely," Lisa Loeffler said.

But what if you don't cook?

Josh Vazquez simply said, " I sometimes cook, but I'm mainly here for the food." Regardless of whether or not you cook, the fact is that EVERYONE eats.

Going to Cooking Club can beat up your senses. It's hard not to reel in horror/awe when you first enter. Being assaulted by the smell of vanilla, the taste of peanut butter cookies, watching people inhumanely sing and dance, listening to Van Halen's Panama, and just the overall sight of craziness is enough to drive anyone bonkers.

Be it points or a cheap thrill, the people that make cooking club what it is have their reasons for going. Think, though; you'd be a chump not to get points for eating.

Bahhh. :]


Bon Appetit!

By: Kevin Bazarek!

Pepon, Pompon, Pompeon, Pumpkin!

From the Greek Pepon, to the French Pompon, and the British Pompeon; What DO they all have in common? All of these are different terms for George Washington’s favorite fruit, the incredible edible…

Pumpkin!

Ranging anywhere from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds, this piece of produce can be boiled, baked, steamed, roasted, and most importantly, carved. Also, Pumpkins have three different color stages; first it would be green, and then it’s yellow, and finally orange signals the opportune time to carve. Pumpkin carving took place on the 28th and 29th of October for those that signed up ahead of time, via sign up sheet or Ms. DeMeo.

“Kos was actually relating the pumpkin price rise to a way of exemplifying supply and demand,” said Ms. Meister started off with a visual running start; apparently she wanted to get the worst of the pumpkin news off her chest first. “It was quite expensive, ever since the price of pumpkins doubled virtually everywhere,” she stated.

And while last year one group of students got 2 days of carving, this year it branched out to TWO groups of students getting two separate days. This means that student carvers have about 4 and a half hours of putting an image on the face of this pumpkin.

“Any image that won’t be deeper then 2 inches, anyways,” said self-proclaimed virtuoso Derek Hoying. When found, he was beating the squash like it owed him him money or something, and yet he was still able to explain his finesse with the small knives.

Jackie Cimarusti added, “It’s a great way to get stress out.”

While it may seem tiring, Ms. DeMeo explained that on the whole, it was a lot more time consuming then it actually was tiring. “I’ve only been going at this pumpkin for… 4 hours?” she told me.

Pumpkin carving IS an art, like it or not. If you’re a newbie learning the ropes or a veteran looking for another round, remember the three simple words Amber Wren used to talk about the pumpkins.

“Dirty, itchy, fun,” Wren said.

By: Kevin Bazarek

Students cast their ballots

Vanguard students cast their votes for political leaders today in homemade booths. An overwhelming victory for Obama shook the halls at school this afternoon. Amy O’Neill and Tom Heldmann, two staff members, put together this outlet so that the students voices could be heard. “It’s always fun to see what the kids think,” said Heldmann.

The War on Terror affects many. Students and staff alike took it into consideration as they cast their votes. “Our troops are dying. If Obama wins the election, he will bring an end to this war,” said Izzy Pasillas.
Kelsey Costello added that she voted for Obama because “Obama wants to end the war and McCain wants to keep it going.”
Some students have friends and family currently serving in the military. Sarah Jackson said "I miss my boyfriend and want him to come home safely.”
The economy plays a major part in voting. Some say that the economy has not been this bad since the Great Depression. Among some of those who have suffered financial loss are participants in the stock market, the housing market, and businesses that have gone bankrupt. Unemployment has risen and manufacturing is down, which has discouraged many.
“I come from a middle class family and I feel its time for the government to help the people who actually need help. I am a single mom and I want my son to grow up in a good economy,” said Liz Ojeda.

Dawn Garcia, a Vanguard teacher, said, “As far as the economy goes, I believe that I as well as my family and friends will fare better with Barack Obama in office."

Joe Impastato, instructional assistant, said, “I personally believe Obama is a better candidate. I believe if he wins, politics will be a better place when I have kids.”

Freedom of and from religion is important to so many people, and often in politics it influences leaders' decisions . “Religion has no place in government, I believe. Lately decisions have been made on the base of Christianity. I believe a woman has the right to choose. Obama is pro-choice so I support the lesser of two evils,” said a Vanguard teacher.
Many say that Barack Obama is young and inexperienced, but to so many he represents real change for our country. “I support Obama because he is a minority and so am I,” said Krystal Vargas. It is said Obama not only brings brilliance to the table but also his diversity. If he wins the election he will be the first black president in American History. The students of Vanguard have spoken and Barack Obama won the school election.

No matter the outcome of the real elections we hope for the best. As corny as it sounds, whether we like it or not, change is coming,” said Morgan Sedano.

Vanguard Election Results:

President: Barack Obama won with 80% of the vote.

State Senator: Susan Garrett won 100% of the vote.

U.S. Senator: Dick Durbin won with 50% of the vote.

State Representive: Elanie Kritz won with 60.8% of the vote.

Congress: Dan Seals won with 82% of the vote.

Photos: Pumpkins sculpted last week show the political spirit of Vipers.
Art Tarnowski and Brian Thompson cast their votes as election judges Sarah Jackson, Liz Ojeda and Scott Caruthers work to keep the election fair and secure.

Story By Jaclyn Cimarusti

Devil's Lake

On a cold stormy night three fine fellows played a round of cards. Keep in mind Egyptian War is most certainly not the game to play in hushed tones. Truth to tell the combination of crickets chirping, the rain drip dropping, and the constant fear of a raccoon break in is a hearty recipe for staying awake. And that’s not saying anything about the cold. You’re camping when you find your sleeping bag unable to zip and then simultaneously loose feeling in your fingers and toes.

The second camping trip of this school year went underway as of Wednesday October 24, 2008. There is a tradition of making a cohesive group effort to make the most random unthinkable sentence possible. Like, “Devils ladies split personality disorder ruins picnics whenever I eat the kangaroo babies rotten corpses”. If you put some thought into the concept though it’s a great way to check attendance. Since each camper put in one word if someone is missing you know.

As painful as it sounds the trip going there was a good three hours worth of boredom, to put it nicely. With about two and a half feet of breathing space between you and the next smelly dude the lack of technology made it all bittersweet.

The Vanguard camping trip is not just your average field trip to the local zoo. The lack of bathing, the raccoon’s that seemed to stalk the tents, and the food shortages didn’t seem to bother anyone. It’s safe to say that even at the beginning everyone felt like they were apart of something bigger.

The sleeping experience was interesting (that’s if you even want to call it sleeping.) Freezing accompanied by your tent mates snoring can bring about the admiration of Eskimo’s. Staying up can help you realize how pure camping is but I think everyone yearned for some shut-eye.

"Rock climbing was a major part of the camping trip," said Patrick Kain. If you’re thinking about your average amusement park rock-climbing wall you’re sadly mistaken. It’s definitely a thrill that’s impossible to duplicate. These rocks are formations of stone that will always shape the flow of tourism at Devil’s Lake. Devils Lake is one of the most visited national landmarks in America. Now that’s deep.

Waking up early marked the end of something unforgettable and signaled the long ride home was here at last. “With the music blasting, cards sprawled all over the floor, and everyone passed out it was a great ending to the trip," said Jackie Cimarusti.

Story By: Kevin Bazarek
Picture's Courtesy of Vanguard School