Express Yourself Through Art

by: Advait Suvarnakar ’16

            The Paramus Catholic art department has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. This year saw the implementation of the newest technology, of which included the revolutionary 3-D printer. With this simple, yet futuristic and innovative machine, students are able to literally bring their drawings to life. Together with an art room that would stimulate any one’s mind because of its aesthetic appeal, and the myriad pieces of hanging artwork, the room radiates an aura that lures any person with a sense of imagination. 

            With Ms. Taylor Henshaw at the hull, Paramus Catholic has been able to cultivate and inspire the young artistic minds of the student body. To do this, she used a gamut of techniques and styles to promote the boundless subject that is art. A few of the many techniques that she teaches to her classes, Basic Elements of Design and Drawing and Composition, seem to bring out the best in the young artists. 

 Image by: Kate Li

            In Drawing and Composition, the students were assigned projects to express themselves. In Zentangle Animal Tryptich, the students created intricate designs using repeating patterns, lines, colors, and symbols. For the class’s contour shoe drawing, the students practiced their art of drawing lines and applied them in their drawing of shoes at different angles. The students were also introduced to the Cubism movement which inspired the likes of Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. With a variety of shading, the students were able to create their own Cubism drawings using value.

Image by: Kelsey Hessman

            In the class of Basic Elements of Design, the students studied the works of M.C. Escher and the art of making tessellations, the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes, called tiles, with no overlaps and no gaps. Next, the students used Wassily Kandinsky and music as their inspirations to create their own artwork using various watercolors to enhance their color scheme. Finally, the students learned about the Pop Art Movement which inspired artists none other than Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. Using linoleum block, the students created self-portraits of themselves, and imprinted their outlines on various other textures to create a “pop art” feel in their artwork. 

Image by: Matt Buzziero

Online Schools

by: Vanessa Morin '15

According to Virtual Learning Connections, 51% of families have a child who does not learn well in a traditional school setting due to distractions and loud environments. It has been proven that a great number of children work and receive better grades with parental involvement. Therefore, many families have turned to online schooling as a solution to this problem. There are many factors that attract families and young adults to choose online schooling to receive their educational career.

Beth Werrell, a previous toy designer and enthusiastic crafter, has been currently researching and writing volumes on topics dealing with healthcare, family life, and education. From one of her surveys, she has gathered statistics such as: 43% of families want a change in the learning environment from their current school situation, 42% desire a more flexible schedule, 32% want a more controlled educational system, 16% reported that the child was bullied in his or her previous school, and 7% of students are pursuing arts or athletic careers.

Families want a change in educational environments for health and safety reasons, as well as to ensure their children are properly disciplined. Parents believe their children are less likely to catch germs and illnesses if they are schooled at home. Parents are extremely concerned with the well being of their child; therefore, discipline and safety is also a factor. A number of parents would rather enforce correct moral behavior and discipline to their child rather than a teacher’s influence.

Another big reason students choose online schooling is they may have medical needs, which consist of taking certain medicines or the requirement of specific exercises at odd times during the day.

Online schooling is a terrific option for students who do not work at the same pace as other students. In some instances, a student may find a specific topic more challenging than other students do. Therefore, in a personalized setting, they have the ability to work at their own pace. They can move quicker when learning things they find easy and spend more time on topics they find challenging.

Beth Werrell also supports the fact that many students want a “more flexible schedule.” With home-schooling, this flexible schedule is possible; students can socialize or run errands during the day and take classes at night.

Students dealing with bullying in schools is an unfortunate reality. In order to avoid the harsh cruelty of bullies, families turn to online schooling for their children. Here, these children, are able to regain the social skills and confidence they have once previously lost.

According to Franklin University, online schooling, specifically online college courses, require less money and offer more options in degrees. Online college courses can aid a student by saving them valuable money on their tuition. Some people may fear that an online college degree will not get them a “good enough job.” However, virtual degrees are just as honorable and valuable as university degrees.

If a person’s desired degree program is in another city, county, or state, that is not a problem when considering online schooling. Geography plays a major role in a student’s decision as to where they want to enroll. With online schooling, there is no need to worry about finding a perfect roommate or commuting to a school on a daily basis. Everything is available to a student right at their fingertips (Online Colleges Blog).

As Tom Snyder claims, commuting takes time out of a day for a young student or working parent. It eliminates the quality time that could be spent with family and friends at home.

Greg Botelho, a CNN blogger, has reported, “the movement has taken hold particularly in higher education, where 90 percent of four-year public schools and more than half of four-year private schools offer some form of online education, according to the United States Distance Learning Association.” The Peak Group, which is an education technology research group, also predicts that about one million students will take advantage of "virtual schools" in the upcoming years.

These are a few of the many reasons why online schooling has been a great success.

Christmas Candy Grams

by: Victoria Kobayashi '15 and Advait Suvarnakar '16

The Paramus Catholic Student Council has recently introduced the students and faculty to "Merry Grams."  Merry Grams at Paramus Catholic consisted of a candy cane and a little message from a special someone.  The Merry Grams were sold from Monday, December 15, 2014 through Monday, December 22, 2014.  They were a big hit.  Every morning during homeroom, Student Council members would walk around with nearly full boxes of candy grams for the student body.  

Are Cell Phones Detrimental?

          by: Charly Oscanoa

There are 6.8 billion cell phone subscriptions currently activated, almost covering the total global population of 7 billion. The effects of the cell phone’s emergence have been proven to be ambiguous, thus rendering a society to believe that the impression of the cell phone is beneficial and overlooking its negative consequences. Problems that rise from the use of cellphones range from those that affect health as well as the health of society. The dependence of this telecommunication device has become part of the average modern human being. Without cell phones in our pockets, the feeling of being “naked” emerges into our lives due to its deep integration into today’s society.

According to numerous medical studies, the population of cell-phone users is subjected to health risks related to the usage of cellphones. In fact, a distressing correlation between cancer and cell phones has been discovered indicating that the cause is the radio frequencies that are transmitted from the device. Other drawbacks from cell phone usage are increased stress levels and eye vision deficiency. The latter is caused by the small screens phones have, which lead users to squint and strain their eyes. Stress levels are heightened due to constant notifications, messages and ringing that distracts the cell phone user.

Cell phones through various means evidently affect productivity from their work, thus, decreasing the job efficiency of society.  According to a study conducted by Bill Thornton, a psychologist at the University of Southern Maine, the very sight of a cell phone leads to a weakening of intuitive processes. In this study, students who took a test away from their phones scored superiorly compared to the ones who had their phones in their sight. The cell phone has a negative impact on the social life of a worker because it provides no separation between work and home. Through the devices, the issues of work follow the person at all times. Ironically, the use of cell phones appeared to have benefited the economy by promoting GDP growth. This is caused by the increase in “e-commerce”, the selling and advertising of items online.

Cell phones’ negative effects are not only visible through numbers and psychological studies but also through its contemptible manifestations of its power. They have taken part in many acts of terrorism, often serving as detonators of explosives as well as allowing hackers to breach confidential accounts. Another familiar yet despicable practice is cyber bullying, which is facilitated by the usage of cell phones. Undoubtedly, cell phones have made society “closer” at an enormous scale, however, they have also caused deterioration of people psychologically and physically. The meaning of the word “international” has been diminished by the integration of everything into a small device but this new sense of closeness can only be expressed through materialistic viewpoints.  

PC Faculty Cares: Operation Goody Bag

by: Victoria Kobayashi '15 and Advait Suvarnakar '16

          On December 15, 2014, the Paramus Catholic faculty sent a myriad of non perishable "care packages" to American troops overseas. The packages, which included toothpaste, shaving cream, candy, and other necessities were sent over to troops in Afghanistan and Germany.  To find American troops that were in need of such supplies the Paramus Catholic faculty logged onto the adopt a platoon website and did so, also finding a list of items acceptable to ship to the troops overseas.
          Among the Paramus Catholic faculty are many military veterans.  They include Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Friemuth, Mr. Powers, and Mr. Mulligan.  The Paramus Catholic family values their service as well as all past, present, and future members of the United States military.

Where Do the Kids Hangout?

by: Jonathan Ribarro '15

            In a survey recently conducted amongst ten students, 70% reported that they spend the majority of their time in the mall.  Of that 70%, 40% said they socialized, and 60% said that they watched movies together.  Only 10% said that they most frequently hung out in their local park and socialized with their friends.  The remaining 20% reported that they frequently hung out at their friend’s house to socialize and/or eat. 

            Out of the 10 people surveyed, 80% reported that they spent the most time with their friends, whereas the remaining 20% said that they either go out by themselves or with family.

            When asked what activities they actually do while out, 60% said they socialize, 10% reported they shop, another 10% said they watch movies, and the final 20% said that they ate.

            When investigating how they got there, 40% reported that they drove themselves, while 40% said that they were driven.  The last 20% said that they typically walked to their destination. 

            Finally, when asked how often they hung out at this place, 70% said that it was on the weekends, 10% said it was during the summer, and 20% said that they hung out during the weekdays.    

            Judging by the statistics, an overwhelming population of teenagers hangout in malls.  This undeniably shows that modern teenagers, despite all of the technology at their disposal, will be more likely to choose the mall and face-to-face interactions over something like online chatting.  

“My Dog Ate My Homework”

by: Olivia Geer ‘15

Excuses are life’s passes. Fabricating an excuse uses more time and energy than just saying one didn't do it. Don’t forget, there’s a difference between excuses and reasons. Almost everyone has heard the famous “my dog ate my homework” excuse, one of the first excuses known. Although, if used today most people probably wouldn't believe it, it must be awful if your dog has a sweet tooth for homework papers. Students along with many other people use excuses on a daily basis. Whether it’s because they forgot homework or were out of dress code the different types of excuses are incredible. In order to find out just how many unbelievable and bizarre excuses there are out there some teachers and students shared their favorite excuses they've heard and used.

Students excuses aren't all that wild and creative. It is almost as if they don’t really try to make them unique. “My edline wasn't working;” while the edline accounts of all of the other students in the class were working properly. “My locker wouldn't open;” but it opened when you needed your lunch. Maybe even, “You didn't tell me that there was homework.” There are so many different, believable, excuses students could use, yet they go with the same old excuses that every other student uses. Maybe students should just stick with, “My dog ate my homework.”

National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

                      by: Victoria Kobayashi '15 and Advait Suvarnakar '16

Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.  Each of these qualities was prevalent in each member inducted into the Paramus Catholic chapter of the National Honor Society on December 3, 2014.  To date, it was the largest number of students inducted into the Paramus Catholic chapter of the prestigious National Honor Society concluding with 136 inductees.  

The ceremony began with a beautiful introductory prayer led by our pastor, Father Donald Hummel.  Followed by the pledge of allegiance and a standard welcoming, the candle lighting ceremony began.  This ceremony included brief speeches by present officers of the Paladin chapter of the National Honor Society and the lighting of a specific candle.  The four candles represented the light in each inductee that burns in the fields of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  

Following the candle lighting, the induction ceremony took place.  Called one by one, each student was presented with an honorary stole and the National Honor Society pin. As Mr. James P. Vail and Dr. Albert Del Principio presented the stoles; Mr. Ralph Manno, Ms. Stella Scarano, and Mr. Scott Langan presented the inductees with their pins.  

At the conclusion of the induction ceremony, the inductees took their pledge to uphold their exquisite characteristics and academic perseverance.  After a few closing speeches, the recently inducted National Honor Society members processed out of the auditorium to the gymnasium for refreshments with a musical accompaniment from Aleksander Piatek, DeAndre Tomlinson, and Han Bin Baik.  

Paramus Catholic's Gift of Christmas

                           by: Victoria Kobayashi '15 and Advait Suvarnakar '16                  

          Paramus Catholic has adopted a number of families for the holiday season who, without our help, would not be able to celebrate the holidays like most families. The Paramus Catholic family has dedicated their time and service to aid these families by donating non-perishable foods, grocery store gift cards, and Christmas presents. The first phase of this project was the collection in each homeroom of non-perishable foods. This phase was successfully completed. Pictured below is some of the collected food students have donated for phase 1 of the Annual Adopt a Family Christmas Project for the 2014 holiday season.

Most Dangerous Year of a Teen's Life

by: Sydney Lee '15

The first year a teen starts driving is claimed to be the most dangerous year of his life, but can this be proven true? Car accidents are the leading cause of death in America.In 2010, an estimated 5.5 million car accidents occurred, and it is claimed that in the United States, 65 tickets are handed out per minute.             

Ten people were surveyed, all between the ages of seventeen to fifty-six. Eight of the respondents surveyed have gotten into accidents within the first two years of having their license. Of the eight, half admit it was their fault. And of those eight, five were females. Of the five respondents who were between the ages of eighteen and thirty, three got into accidents and two did not. Three out of the five males surveyed got into accidents. When asked about moving violations and tickets, three out of five males and females received them at least once.

Seventeen year olds were asked if they have ever been in a car accident within the first year of driving. Recent surveys suggest that one hundred percent admitted they have.  Can the claim that the first year a teen begins driving is their most dangerous be claimed true? The surveys prove that it is.

Credit Card Responsibility

                                                                 by: Charly Oscanoa '16

             Credit cards are heavily valued by young adults; but based solely on statistics; can they be proven to be beneficial or detrimental? Can a piece of plastic hold potential in influencing basic human character and behavior? Credit cards have long appeared to be indicators of economic freedom and superiority, but their image has quickly become tainted by the abuse they receive. According to a recent survey, 30% of the participants received their first credit card while in high school. This occurs typically as a result of their parents’ belief in teaching responsibility and independence while delivering a taste of the outside world. Ironically, those who received one during high school felt that they were prepared, whereas those who were not handed such responsibility believed that they were unprepared. This poses a question; does a credit card carry an effect on basic human behavior in socioeconomic terms?

            Culled from a recent survey is the fact that the majority, about 70%, of the respondents had received their credit card after high school. However, 90% of the respondents reported that they focused their spending on wants or desires rather than on things that promoted productivity. This ironic but understandable trend can be explained by the basic human mindset of seeking to satisfy one’s desires. These desires can range from beauty products and accessories to swords, but all are just subjective opinions of how money could be spent.

80% of the respondents claim to be frugal or wise in their spending but 62.5% of these individuals also stated they focused on wants. Could this group of frugal individuals purchase items at a small degree but still buy what they want? No one can be quite sure since this is an interpretation of an objective piece of data drawn from unique subjective ideas. The remaining 20% of the respondents admitted being spenders and were, not surprisingly, the high school students who felt prepared of such a responsibility. As expected, this group also said that they focused more on wants rather that needs.

            Generally credit cards are regarded as a convenience because of the facilitation they create in financial affairs. Although credit cards may replace the wad of cash in your pocket, their potential of being overused is strikingly high. They do indeed symbolize independence but can only become exemplary if the cardholder behaves as one who can maintain oneself.